How to Choose a Pillow

A pillow has one job: keep your head and neck comfortable while you sleep. It's also one of the most personal pieces of bedding for better sleep.

Simple enough. Until you start shopping.

Down, down alternative, memory foam, latex, cooling, firm, soft, high loft, low loft. Suddenly choosing something to put under your head feels like a major purchasing decision.

It doesn't have to be.

The right pillow depends primarily on your sleeping position, the support you prefer, the pillow's fill and how much loft you need.

Start With How You Sleep

Your sleeping position is the best place to start because it determines how much support your head and neck need.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping creates a larger gap between your head and the mattress. A pillow with more loft and support can help fill that space and keep your neck in a more neutral position.

Look for a medium-firm to firm pillow with moderate to high loft.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers generally need enough support to keep the head from tipping too far forward or backward.

A medium-loft pillow with moderate support is often a good starting point.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers typically need less loft because the head is already relatively close to the mattress.

A soft, low-loft pillow can be a better fit.

Combination Sleepers

If you move between positions during the night, flexibility matters.

A medium-loft pillow with adaptable fill can give you a useful middle ground.

There is no prize for staying in one sleeping position all night. Your pillow should accommodate how you actually sleep.

What Does Loft Mean?

Loft is simply the height or thickness of a pillow.

It matters because your pillow needs to fill the space between your head and the mattress without pushing your head too far forward or letting it fall too far back.

Your sleeping position, shoulder width, mattress firmness and personal preference all affect the loft that feels right.

Think of loft as how much pillow you need, not how luxurious the pillow sounds.

Choose Your Pillow Fill

The fill inside a pillow has a major effect on its feel, support, durability and care requirements.

Down

Down comes from the soft, fluffy clusters found beneath the feathers of ducks or geese.

Down pillows are known for being:

• Soft and lightweight
• Moldable
• Breathable
• Naturally insulating
• Exceptionally comfortable when properly filled

They can also be compressed and reshaped easily, which is part of their appeal.

If you like a pillow you can fluff, fold and adjust throughout the night, down is worth considering.

Down Alternative

Down alternative pillows are designed to provide some of the softness and loft associated with down without using animal-derived down.

They can be made with a variety of synthetic or other fiber fills.

They're often a practical choice for shoppers who prefer:

• Easy care
• Consistent loft
• A non-down option
• Lower price points

Quality varies, so don't assume every down alternative pillow will feel the same.

Memory Foam

Memory foam conforms to the shape of your head and neck and provides a more structured feel than traditional fiber-filled pillows.

It can be a good choice if you prefer:

• Contoured support
• Less movement within the pillow
• A more substantial feel
• Consistent support

Memory foam can feel warmer than some other pillow materials, although many products are designed specifically to improve airflow and temperature management.

Latex

Latex pillows offer responsive support and tend to hold their shape well.

They generally feel more resilient than memory foam and can provide a balance between cushioning and support.

Latex is worth considering if you want a pillow that feels supportive without feeling like your head has disappeared into it.

Polyester and Synthetic Fiber

Synthetic fiber fills can offer softness and affordability in a wide range of pillow styles.

They can also be easier to wash and maintain than some natural fills.

They're a practical option when price, easy care or a familiar traditional pillow feel are priorities.

Soft, Medium or Firm?

Pillow firmness and pillow loft are related, but they're not the same thing.

A tall pillow can be soft. A low pillow can be firm.

When shopping, consider both.

Soft: Compresses easily and generally feels plush and flexible.

Medium: Provides a balance between cushioning and support.

Firm: Resists compression and provides more structured support.

Your ideal firmness comes down to sleeping position and personal preference.

One Pillow Does Not Fit Everyone

This is where pillow shopping gets interesting.

Two people can sleep in the same position and prefer completely different pillows.

A broad-shouldered side sleeper may need more loft than someone with narrower shoulders. A person on a very firm mattress may need something different from someone sleeping on a plush mattress.

Your pillow and mattress work together.

That's why recommendations based solely on sleeping position are useful starting points, not universal rules.

How Many Pillows Do You Need?

For sleeping, one good pillow may be all you need.

Some people prefer two. Others use additional pillows for reading, watching television or simply making the bed look like a five-star hotel has taken over the bedroom.

Those decorative pillows are another conversation.

For your actual sleeping pillow, prioritize comfort and support over quantity.

Pillow Sizes

Common pillow sizes include:

Dimensions can vary by manufacturer, so always check the product specifications.

Standard vs. Queen vs. King

Your bed size can help guide your choice, but it doesn't dictate it.

Standard pillows work well on many beds and are easy to accommodate.

Queen pillows provide additional width without the full size of a king.

King pillows are longer and can make a larger bed feel more proportionate.

Choose based on both how you sleep and how you want your bed to look.

Don't Forget the Pillowcase

Your pillow and pillowcase need to work together.

Check that the pillowcase corresponds to the pillow size you're buying. A pillow that is too large for its case can feel compressed, while an oversized case can leave a smaller pillow swimming around inside it.

And yes, the pillowcase matters to the feel of the pillow against your skin.

For bedding that sits directly against your face for eight hours, that's not exactly a minor detail.

Pillow Protectors Are Worth Considering

A pillow protector adds another washable layer between your pillow and your pillowcase.

It can help protect the pillow from everyday moisture, oils and other buildup.

For higher-quality pillows, a protector is a relatively inexpensive way to help keep your investment in better condition.

How to Care for Your Pillow

Care depends heavily on the fill.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Some general rules:

Check the label first. Different fills have very different care requirements.

Use a pillow protector. It adds protection and is much easier to wash regularly.

Fluff appropriately. Fiber and down pillows may benefit from regular fluffing to redistribute the fill.

Don't assume every pillow belongs in the washing machine. Memory foam and some other materials require different care.

Replace pillows when they no longer provide adequate support. A pillow doesn't become better simply because you've owned it for a long time.

When Should You Replace Your Pillow?

There is no universal expiration date.

Instead, look for signs that the pillow is no longer doing its job.

It may be time for a new pillow if:

• It stays flattened after you fluff it.
• It has permanent lumps or uneven areas.
• It no longer provides the support it once did.
• You routinely wake up uncomfortable.
• The pillow has become difficult to keep clean.
• The fill or cover has visibly deteriorated.

If folding your pillow in half is the only way to make it comfortable, it may be trying to tell you something.

Which Pillow Should You Buy?

Start with four questions:

1. How do I sleep?
2. How much loft do I need?
3. What type of fill do I prefer?
4. How much support and maintenance am I comfortable with?

Then consider size, pillowcase compatibility, care requirements and price.

Don't buy the pillow with the longest list of features.

Buy the one that feels right for your sleep habits and your bed.

Shop Pillows

Explore our selection of pillows from trusted home brands, with options across different fills, feels and levels of support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pillow for side sleepers?

Side sleepers generally benefit from a pillow with enough loft and support to fill the space between the head and mattress. Medium-firm to firm pillows with moderate to high loft are a useful starting point.

What is the best pillow for back sleepers?

Back sleepers often prefer a medium-loft pillow with moderate support. The goal is to support the head and neck without pushing the head too far forward.

What is the best pillow for stomach sleepers?

Stomach sleepers generally need less loft. A softer, low-loft pillow can help prevent the head from being pushed too far upward.

Is down or down alternative better?

Neither is universally better. Down is lightweight, moldable and naturally soft. Down alternative can provide consistent loft, easy care and a non-down option. The right choice depends on your preferences.

Is memory foam better than a traditional pillow?

Not necessarily. Memory foam provides more structured, conforming support, while traditional fiber and down pillows tend to be softer and more moldable. Choose based on the feel and support you prefer.

How often should you replace a pillow?

Replace a pillow when it no longer provides adequate support, has become permanently flattened or lumpy, or has deteriorated significantly. The useful life varies by fill and construction.

What pillow size should I buy?

Standard, queen and king pillows correspond to different dimensions. Your bed size can help guide the choice, but sleeping preferences and available pillowcases should also be considered.

Do I need a pillow protector?

A pillow protector is not required, but it adds a washable layer that can help protect the pillow from everyday moisture and buildup.

Should I sleep with one pillow or two?

One good pillow is enough for many sleepers. Additional pillows can be useful for comfort or other activities, but more pillows do not automatically mean better support.