Pillows were designed specifically to provide support to our heads and bodies when sleeping, exercising, or doing other activities that require comfort. They are equally important as mattresses and come in different designs, sizes, etc.
If you find yourself waking up each morning with aches and pains, the chances that you’re using the wrong pillow are high. However, pillows were not only designed for humans, animals too have their own types of pillows. Some types are specially used for decorating purposes only.
The most common types of pillows are down pillows, feather pillows, down alternative pillows, memory foam pillows, shredded memory foam pillows, latex pillows, cotton pillows, innerspring pillows, gel pillows, wool pillows, microbeads pillows, buckwheat pillows, kapok pillows, water pillows, bamboo pillow, polyester pillows.
When choosing the right pillow for yourself, make sure you go for one that will promote a healthy spine, support your head and neck as you sleep, and relieve any pressure or discomfort when sleeping.
Below we have listed the 16 types of pillows available on the market today, and hopefully, after reading this article, you will be able to make a better choice when choosing a pillow.
1. Down Pillow
These are the most common types of pillows, and that’s why they are on top of our list today. These types of pillows are known to provide great comfort, the material used is ultra-soft and is from duck and goose underbellies, so you can imagine the softness and comfort.
Make sure you look for their fill power when making a purchase. Fill powers of over 6000 are known to be durable and of good quality. If you are a side, back, and stomach sleeper, then these down pillows are a great choice for you because of their cushion and softness.
However, before you make a purchase, make sure to take a look at the down-to-feather ratio also, if you’re allergic to feathers from geese and ducks, then these types of pillows are not suitable for you.
Pros
- They offer great support to the head and neck
- The material is durable and will last for years if taken care of properly
- They are lightweight
- Very soft and insulating
Cons
- Not good for those who are allergic
- They are difficult to clean once dirty
- It’s easy to overheat when lying on them because they retain body heat
- To maintain loft, they require consistent fluffing
2. Down Alternative Pillows
As the name states, these types of pillows are alternative down pillows. The difference is that these are made from hypoallergenic material from synthetic fibers such as polyester or polyfill.
Polyester is used to mimic the feeling of down pillows, and they are awesome if you’re in search of a soft pillow without real feathers being involved.
While they are not as soft, warm, plush, or durable as down pillows, they are an inexpensive alternative, and the best part is that they are easy to maintain too. These pillows are also great for back and side sleepers.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- No animal is used to make them
- They are hypoallergenic
- They are easy to clean
Cons
- Have weak insulation when compared to down pillows
- Tend to develop lumps
- They are not moldable
3. Feather pillows
Feather pillows are great for back and side sleepers. They are a lot similar to down pillows in that they are made from feathers and feel soft and fluffy. The feather used to make these are from the topcoats of geese and ducks.
However, on their own, they don’t offer softness like the down pillows, which is why a lot of brands mix them with down. Feather pillows are great for individuals who are looking for something inexpensive but comfortable.
However, if you are allergic to feathers, these types are not good for you since they are also filled with small amounts of down.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Keeps its shape
- Moldable
Cons
- A bit difficult to clean
- Not great for those allergic to down
- Needs fluffing to maintain the loft
- Retains body heat
4. Memory Foam pillows
These types of pillows are known to offer great support to the head and neck. They are soft and the material used responds to moving fast and cradles curves. These types of pillows are great for side, back, and stomach sleepers.
The foam of these pillows has polyurethane blended with polyfill, and this makes them comfortable. If you’re looking for something affordable and soft, these memory foam pillows are just what you’re looking for.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- They don’t clump
- They’re moldable
- Offers customizable support
Cons
- They wear out over time
- Not as soft when compared to the above-listed pillows
5. Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
These types of pillows are becoming a common alternative to traditional memory foam. They are also known to be an excellent fit for every sleeping position because the foam filling can be added or removed depending on what you prefer.
They are excellent for back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers may also like these, but the firm material they are made from can be a downside.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- They are easy to clean
- They don’t clump
- They are moldable
Cons
- The pillows sometimes arrive overstuffed
- They can wear out over time
6. Latex Pillows
These types of pillows are becoming incredibly popular, and it’s all because of the great support they provide to the head and neck. They’re super soft as well and provide that awesome cozy feeling.
The latex foam is breathable and super soft, and the other great thing about them is that they are resistant to dust, so you can rest assured you’re sleeping on a clean pillow. However, for those allergic to latex, this is not a good choice for you.
These pillows are great for side and back sleepers. Because of their higher-than-average loft, they’re not exactly suitable for back sleepers. Here are some pros and cons of these pillows
Pros
- They will last long
- They are moldable
- They are breathable and offer great comfort,
- They are biodegradable
Cons
- They are expensive
- Have an odor
- May lead to an allergic reaction
7. Cotton Pillows
Cotton pillows are very common. Their cotton fill is also common in bedding and fabrics because they’re inexpensive and easy to clean. The best part about cotton pillows is that they are suitable for all types of sleepers, be they side, back, or stomach sleepers.
Cotton pillows are great for individuals who are allergic to synthetic materials as well. However, cotton is not flexible, so it won’t mold to the shape of your head as memory or feather pillows do.
They are easy to clean, though, and you can wash them regularly. Here are some pros and cons to consider before choosing them:
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Breathable fabric
- Odorless
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not moldable
- Requires regular cleaning for dust mites and mold
8. Innerspring Pillows
Innerspring pillows are similar to innerspring mattresses. They have a steel spring inner layer and memory foam. This type of foam aims to provide extra support to the head and neck.
They have great airflow and can help you stay cool as you sleep. Innerspring pillows are great for side and back sleeping and absolutely not for stomach sleepers. Also, their complex construction makes them expensive.
Another downside of these types of pillows is that they are hard to clean because of their innerspring. Keep reading for more pros and cons of innerspring pillows:
Pros
- Offers great support to the head and neck
- Durable
- Odorless
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Expensive
9. Gel Pillows
Gel pillows are an excellent choice for stomach and back sleeping, and they are praised for their ability to keep people cool at night as they sleep. Gel pillows are infused with other materials, including memory form, and they are mostly known for reducing pressure and neck pain.
Gel materials are similar to memory foam in the sense that they can be molded to fit the contours of you as you sleep. They are not good for side sleepers as they may be too firm for side sleeping positions.
Pros
- They’re comfortable
- Are hypoallergenic
- Have a cooling effect
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Too firm for side sleepers
- Expensive
10. Wool Pillows
Wool pillows are best known for being breathable, soft, and comfortable. They are made with 100-percent cotton wool but sometimes blended with other fills for extra fluffiness. They are great for all sleeping positions, and this is what makes them stand out.
The other awesome thing about them is that they are easy to clean and do not require too much washing. However, wool comes from sheep, those who are allergic may not feel comfortable with them, and also vegans might not appreciate wool pillows since they are made from sheep’s fur.
Wool pillows are expensive, and they can only be dry-cleaned, which makes them less popular than other options.
Pros
- Breathable
- Soft and comfortable
- Great for all sleeping positions
Cons
- Expensive
- Can only be dry-cleaned
- Not good for allergic individuals
11. Microbead Pillows
Microbead pillows are great for back sleepers, some stomach sleepers may find them comfortable too, but their level of firmness is ideal for back sleepers. These are made with synthetic material known as uniform polyester particles; because of this, they are breathable and offer great comfortability to the back.
However, they tend to lose their shape after some time. However, the risk of the pillow reaping and spilling the microbeads everywhere is common. The microbeads take time to biodegrade, making these a turn-off for consumers looking for an eco-friendly option.
Pros
- Breathable and comfortable
- Inexpensive
- Malleable
- Firm and supportive
Cons
- Not durable
- Retains heat
12. Buckwheat
These types of pillows are very popular in Asian countries and have started gaining popularity in North America too. They are similar to microbeads in terms of softness and fill, but they biodegrade faster and are eco-friendly.
They are firm but breathable, making them suitable for back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers find them too firm. The buckwheat shells sometimes make noise when sleeping, and this can be annoying to some people.
Pros
- Malleable
- Breathable and cooling
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Makes noise when sleeping and moving
- The pillows are too heavy for some
- Too firm for side sleepers
13. Water
Water pillows are not so common. However, they are comfortable and offer great support to the head and neck. They are also suitable for stomach and back sleeping. Most side sleepers find them to be a bit uncomfortable.
The pillows have water inside, and they are adjustable since you get to choose how much water you want on the inside. Water pillows are not vulnerable to sagging as you can just add more water to get the size and shape you desire.
Pros
- Affordable
- Offers support to the head and neck
- Adjustable to the size you prefer
- Will not sag
Cons
- Some sleepers find them uncomfortable
14. Bamboo Pillows
Bamboo pillows have been popular in the sleep industry for a couple of years because they absorb moisture and have antimicrobial properties. Bamboo pillows are mostly made from shredded foam with bamboo viscose shells.
They have cooling properties and are mostly suitable for back sleepers. Side and stomach sleepers find them too firm since they are made of dense shredded memory foam.
Overall, bamboo pillows continue to be great, and they are inexpensive too. If you’re looking for something affordable and comfortable for your back and neck, then these pillows are for you.
Pros
- Affordable
- Have antimicrobial properties
- Are hypoallergenic
- Have cooling properties
Cons
- They are not cleaned easily
- Are Heavy
15. Polyester Pillows
If you’re searching for budget-friendly pillows, then this is exactly what you are looking for. These polyester pillows are great for all types of sleepers and are durable as well. However, they tend to wear out as time passes, and this is a turn-off for many customers.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight material
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Can develop lumps
- Not breathable
- Not durable
Types Pillow Sizes
There are several sizes for pillows, with the most common one being the standard pillow size. However, most people find these to be too small for larger beds. We will take a look at different pillow sizes in detail below.
Standard
Standard pillows can fit a double bed, and they mostly measure 20 inches wide and 26 inches long.
Super Standard
These are a bit larger than the standard pillows measuring 20 by 28 inches. They are suitable for a twin bed and a single bed.
Queen
The queen-size pillows measure 20 by 30 inches, and they are suitable for queen and king-size beds.
King
King-size pillows measure 20 inches wide and 36 inches long. They are perfect for king-size beds but can also be used in queen-sized beds.
FAQs
When should I replace my pillow?
A good pillow should be replaced every one to two years.
Is it bad to sleep with an arm under your pillow?
Yes, it’s bed because it can lead to the shoulder and back neck when you pinch yourself. It also limits blood flow, which is not a good thing
Is it better to sleep with your head flat or elevated?
Sleeping with your head flat is the recommended sleeping position by many experts.
Why does my ear hurt when I sleep on my side?
The ear gets folded when sleeping on your side, and this is the reason you may experience intense pain.
Related: Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine
