Pillow Guide: 7 Types of Pillows for Better Sleep

Pillows are not one-size-fits-all. Below are some different types of pillows by material and pillow fill:

1. 1. Down: Down is the fluff undercoat beneath a goose’s feathers. Down-stuffed pillows are fluffy, light, and warm, as well as breathable—which means they are cooling pillows. Down can be a type of allergen for some people and may trigger a reaction. Other disadvantages include the difficulty to clean, the need to fluff the pillow to maintain shape, and the tendency for down to clump when exposed to moisture.
2. 2. Down-alternative: Down-alternative pillows, also called microfiber fill or polyfill (short for polyester-filled pillows), are synthetic pillows that are machine washable and typically hypoallergenic. These pillows are soft but not as breathable as down.
3. 3. Feather: Feather pillows typically feature duck and geese feathers. Similar to down, these pillows are plushy, comfortable, and breathable. Keep in mind that these pillows are difficult to clean and that the feathers can sometimes poke through the fabric.
4. 4. Memory foam: These polyurethane pillows are moldable. Different types of memory foam pillows offer varying cushioning levels: A block memory foam pillow is one solid block of foam, while a shredded memory foam pillow contains pieces of moldable foam. The downside of a shredded memory foam pillow is that the material tends to clump. Keep in mind that some versions retain heat while others feature cooling gels to help dissipate the heat. Memory foam pillows also come in natural foam, which is cooler than traditional memory foam and is hypoallergenic.
5. 5. Latex: These pillows are made of latex foam and are antimicrobial. Similar to memory foam pillows, latex pillows mold to the sleeper’s body. Latex pillows may be made of either natural latex, from the rubber tree, or synthetic latex.
6. 6. Innerspring: These pillows have a core of steel spring covered with a layer of memory foam or polyester. A type of ergonomic pillow, innerspring pillows support the head and neck. They don't retain heat, and the springs allow for airflow, which cools the sleeper throughout the night. They also work for multiple sleep positions.
7. 7. Water: A water pillow’s firmness is adjustable and depends on how much water you add to the pillow. Water pillows conform to the neck and head, are hypoallergenic, and are cooling for the sleeper. One con is that the pillows can be messy if they leak.

Most pillows come in a standard size, but there are various widths and lengths available on the market to fit different-sized beds.

1. 1. Standard pillow: This pillow measures 20 inches by 26 inches. One standard pillow fits on a twin bed, two pillows fit on a full and queen bed, and three standard pillows fit on a king bed.
2. 2. Super standard pillow: This pillow measures 20 inches by 28 inches. It is similar to a standard pillow in that one will fit on a twin bed, two on a full and queen bed, and three on a king bed.
3. 3. Queen pillow: These pillows are 20 inches by 30 inches and will fit well on a queen or king-size bed. Queen pillows fit best in a queen-size pillowcase but also fit in a standard-sized pillowcase if you want the pillow to feel firmer.
4. 4. King pillow: These pillows are large, measuring 20 inches by 36 inches. Two of them will fill the width of a king-size bed. King pillows also work as small body pillows. These pillows fit in a king-sized pillowcase or in a queen-size pillowcase for a more firm pillow.
5. 5. Body pillow: These long pillows are 54 inches in length, making them double the standard pillow size. Body pillows conform to the body and support the entire body.
6. 6. European pillow: These square pillows measure 26 inches by 26 inches. European pillows are mainly decorative, though you can place them under your knees while you’re sleeping or behind your back when sitting for extra lumbar support.
7. 7. Travel pillow: Travel pillows, measuring 12 inches by 16 inches, are small and easily portable. Travel pillows are filled with microbeads and provide neck support when you’re sleeping on a moving vehicle.
8. 8. Wedge pillow: This orthopedic pillow is suitable for back sleepers. The triangle shape can support the lower back. A wedge pillow can support pregnant sleepers and ease acid reflux, back pain, and sleep apnea.

A good pillow will help maintain spinal alignment to ensure a restful sleep. Your default sleeping position can help determine how firm your pillow should be:

1. 1. Side sleepers benefit from firm pillows. The firm pillow should contour the neck and contain enough filling to cover the distance between a side sleeper’s head and neck to the edge of their shoulder on the mattress. Body pillows also provide good support for side sleepers.
2. 2. Back sleepers need a pillow with medium to medium-soft firmness. The pillow should be thick enough to support the head and upper spinal region.
3. 3. Stomach sleepers should use a soft pillow. Soft pillows allow the head to sink in while keeping the rest of the body horizontal.
4. 4. Multi position sleepers need a medium to medium-firm pillow. For people who switch positions throughout the night, a pillow that’s medium to medium-firm works best. The pillow should be firm enough to support a side sleeper and soft enough for a back or stomach sleeper.

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