Pillow Types

April 14, 2017

Make Sure Your Head Hits the Right Pillow

Getting a good night’s sleep depends on a lot of factors, but you’re not going to drift off to dreamland easily if your head isn’t resting on the best possible pillow. The good news? There are plenty of different pillow types to choose from. This list can help you get started and understand some of the many possibilities when you start shopping for your next pillow.

Mattress Accessories

Feather pillows

Think feathers are all fluff? Feather and down pillows offer conformability, softness and support. The feathers used in a quality pillow are very small and highly curled. Did you know that one of these feathers is as strong as carbon fiber? They are nature’s natural spring.

Down pillows

If you want the softest, gentlest pillow, go for down. Down comes from a bird’s fluffy undercoat – think feathers without quills. Down pillows are soft, puffy and supple, and known for ultimate luxury. A popular type of down pillow is European goose down with a fill power of 600 and up. Down pillows are fluffy, light and cozy, but are not meant to provide support.

Memory foam pillows

Memory foam pillows are great because they remember you all night long. You stay comfortable because the pillow adjusts to your individual shape, which allows your shoulders, neck and head to rest in a natural position. Memory foam pillows self-adjust as you move during the night. Pillows made with memory foam come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to bounce back to their original shape at different speeds.

Microbead pillows

Microbead pillows are made up of tiny beads called unexpanded polystyrene (EPS). These beads provide hard support. Travel neck pillows are usually made of microbeads.

Buckwheat pillows

Looking for something all-natural and plant-based? Buckwheat pillows are filled with husks from buckwheat seeds. They offer hard support.

Sleep apnea pillows

Are you sleeping with a CPAP machine? Sleep apnea pillows are designed to accommodate the octopus tubes and cords of the CPAP machine. This kind of pillow is made with polyester fiber fill or foam. It’s important to try out a sleep apnea pillow with your machine to make sure it is the right feel and height for your needs.

Neck pillows

Neck pillows are constructed with a baffle that’s designed to support your spine so your head and neck are positioned correctly for comfortable sleep.

Body pillows

Cuddle up to a body pillow. These long pillows (typically 54 inches) can be placed in between your legs for hip and lower back support. They’re great for snuggling up to and hugging in the night. This kind of pillow can be a life-saver during pregnancy.

Lumbar pillows

If you have lower back pain, a lumbar pillow may be just what you need. These pillows provide support just above the lumbar area, allowing the lower back to relax naturally. Ahh!

Wedge pillows

Wedge pillows have a triangular shape you can use to support different areas of your body. These pillows are made of foam, polyester fiber fill or a combination of both. They’re great for reading in bed or for propping your upper body up to help ease acid reflux. A wedge pillow can also elevate your legs and feet to help relieve the discomfort of varicose veins. Wedge pillows are perfect for pregnancy and can help prop up the belly during the second or third trimesters.