If you consistently wake up with neck pain, it may be time to get rid of your old pillow.
But knowing you need a new pillow and knowing what type of pillow you need are two very different things. With so many options, it can be hard to know how to choose a pillow.
This article will walk you through everything that goes into choosing a pillow, from material to sleeping position, so you can find the best pillow for you.
Finding your dream pillow is a personalized journey influenced by your unique sleep needs, preferences, and physical considerations. Your sleeping position may also determine how much support you may need in a pillow to achieve proper spinal alignment.
Other factors like allergies, if you’re a hot sleeper, or if you move a lot throughout the night may also play into the decision. At the end of the day, the best type of pillow is highly personalized to your needs and ideal pillow position, but here are a few factors to consider to help figure out what those needs look like.
The first decision to make is the feel –– whether you need a firm or soft pillow –– and what kind of filling material you want in a pillow. Each pillow type will have a different firmness level that personal preferences and sleeping positions will play into (more on this later).
Here are the different types of filling materials you can choose from and their corresponding feel:
The cost of a pillow varies based on materials and craftsmanship. While you may be tempted to opt for the most budget-friendly option, think of pillows as an investment in your sleep quality and overall wellness.
High-quality pillows may be pricier, but they may also offer better durability, support, and comfort. They still come in a range of cost options, with Purple pillows ranging from $69 to $199.
Finding your ideal pillow height is crucial for achieving the best quality of sleep and minimizing neck pain. Research shows that the shape and height of your pillow affect spinal alignment while you sleep. The goal is for your head and neck to align with your spine for optimal support.
“The spine plays a crucial role in supporting the body's structure and facilitating nerve communication. Choosing the right pillow loft is essential for spinal alignment and can alleviate neck, shoulder, and back pain,” explains Steven Fiore, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. “The correct loft helps keep the head and neck in a neutral position, reducing strain on muscles and minimizing the risk of pain and discomfort.”
The standard pillow height is usually between 4 and 7 inches, but it will depend on personal preference, sleeping position, fill material, and body type. It’s important to note that different types of fill materials will also compress more or less than other types. For instance, down and down alternative pillows will compress more than a memory foam or latex pillow.
When it comes to body type, someone with broader shoulders, for example, might need a higher loft pillow to fill the gap between their neck and the mattress. On the other hand, someone with a smaller frame may prefer a lower loft pillow to avoid elevating their head too much.
There are also different features to consider depending on your sleep needs. For instance, if you sleep hot, you may prefer a more breathable pillow. Or if you have bedroom allergies, you’ll be best off with a hypoallergenic pillow.
Additionally, there are different shapes of pillows to consider:
Finally, you need to consider pillow size. Think about your mattress dimensions, sleep habits, and how you want your bed to look before choosing from the following sizes:
Make sure you have the right pillowcase size to protect your pillow from dust, dirt, and sweat.
Everyone’s preferences are different, so any pillow type could work for back sleepers. But when shopping for a new pillow, here are some general guidelines that tend to work well when learning how to sleep on your back:
Consider the Purple Harmony™ Pillow, a cooling pillow in a low or medium loft if you’re a back sleeper. You’ll have just enough support without your pillow falling flat throughout the night.
The best pillows for side sleepers range from medium to tall lofts and are ultimately whatever you find comfortable, but in general, you should opt for a higher loft pillow.
Sleeping on your side creates a gap between your head and the mattress, and a taller loft helps fill this space, preventing your head from tilting downward or being uncomfortably elevated. It will also help make sure your shoulder isn’t bearing all of your weight, which can cause shoulder pain from sleeping on your side.
The Purple Harmony™ Pillow in a medium loft caters perfectly to the needs of side sleepers with a supportive yet soft feel that contours every curve. Its honeycomb-patterned GelFlex® Grid surrounds a ventilated latex core, ensuring it won’t fall flat throughout the night. It comes in three different lofts, but we generally recommend a medium or tall loft for side sleepers.
The Purple Freeform Pillow™ is also a great option for side sleepers. With removable, adaptable MicroFlex™ Moon Foam, you can adjust the pillow to suit your exact support needs.
If you sleep on your stomach, you may find that different types of pillows work for you. But if you want some extra guidance for your sleep position, here are some pointers for stomach sleepers:
The Purple Freeform Pillow™ works well for stomach sleepers as you can remove MicroFlex™ Moon Foam to your liking. You can achieve a lower loft if you prefer or build up extra support if needed to keep your neck supported all night long.
The process for how to choose a pillow will be unique for everyone, guided by your individual needs. Understanding factors like loft, firmness, fill materials, and more can help you find your ideal match.
Once you know what you’re looking for in a pillow, you can compare Purple pillows and find the right one for you. No matter which Purple pillow you choose, each is designed to stand the test of time and help you get the best quality of sleep possible.
FAQ
You should replace your pillow every one to two years for the best support and sleep quality. Pillows wear down and dust and bacteria build up over time, so they need to be replaced to be fully effective and hygienic.
The best kind of pillow to sleep on depends on each person’s unique needs and preferences. Take into account your sleeping position, how much support you need, how many pillows you sleep with, and the pillow loft you find comfortable when choosing the right pillow for you.
Latex and memory foam pillows may be best for neck pain, as they offer more support than other pillow types and don’t compress as much as a down or down alternative pillow throughout the night.
Ergonomic pillows may help provide additional support to cut down on neck fatigue. An adjustable shredded foam pillow can also offer relief from neck pain as you can add or remove filling to achieve the perfect amount of support.