Since you’re replacing your box spring and mattress anyway, you figure it’s also time to replace your pillow to maximize your chances of improving the quality of your sleep. You’re absolutely right! Your pillow is an integral part of your bedding that affects the quality of your sleep.
In fact, even if you have a very good mattress, you wake up every morning with aches and pains in your neck and/or back. It’s a safe bet that your pillow is to blame.
Too firm, too soft, too thick, or not thick enough—there are many reasons. That’s why it’s essential to choose the model that’s right for you, but to do that, you still need to know which pillow to choose.
Known for providing the best neck support, firm pillows offer many benefits—but that's not all! So, should you choose a firm pillow? We'll answer that question below.
What are some good reasons to choose a firm pillow?
First and foremost, let us point out the obvious: whether we’re talking about a box spring, a mattress, or a pillow, firmness is, above all, a subjective concept. Indeed, the quality of support depends on each person’s body type as well as their individual perception.
Therefore, we will focus here on pillows marketed by manufacturers as “firm,” with firmness measured based on the filling material used and its density.
Thus, a firm pillow is considered the best solution for providing proper support for the neck and head while maintaining the spine's natural alignment. The pillow's firmness is what allows it to support the weight of the head without the head sinking into it, as would be the case with a pillow that is too soft.
Some good reasons to use a firm pillow include:
- relief from neck tension and pain, as the neck is not subjected to any strain;
- reduction of back pain, as the spine is aligned from the head to the pelvis;
- improved breathing, which reduces snoring or sleep apnea, since the head is not tilted backward;
- the relaxation of the body, which is no longer forced to compensate for the lack of support for the head;
- etc.
But be careful not to confuse firm with too firm. A pillow that is too firm for the user can cause neck pain and discomfort, because the head would be elevated too high, which would "strain" the neck.
Finally, while some people swear by firm pillows, others can only stand soft, plush ones. Our advice is to choose a pillow based on your preferences, as long as it ensures your comfort and the quality of your sleep. In addition, the position in which you sleep influences the level of firmness you need.
In what situations is a firm pillow more recommended?
Although this is primarily a matter of personal preference, there are certain situations in which it is recommended to choose a firm pillow, including:
- for people suffering from chronic neck pain or conditions, such as neck osteoarthritis;
- for people who are heavier or taller and therefore require firmer support;
- depending on the body's sleeping position, as certain positions require a different level of firmness.
We would like to clarify this last point, as this factor does affect the choice of pillow.
Various sleep studies (polysomnography) have shown that most of us have a preferred sleeping position. This is the position you instinctively assume when falling asleep: on your side (usually one side more than the other), on your back, or on your stomach. This is actually the position your body prefers and in which it feels most comfortable, allowing it to relax better and release tension. Even if you move around while you sleep, this position remains the dominant one throughout the night.
- When sleeping on your side, you should choose a firm pillow that is thick enough. The right thickness should fill the gap between your head and shoulder and therefore varies depending on the sleeper’s body type. For example, someone with narrow shoulders has different needs than a rugby player.
- When sleeping on your back, you can choose a firm or medium-firm pillow; the main consideration is that no pressure is placed on the neck (causing it to tilt too far forward or backward).
- Sleeping on your stomach, on the other hand, generally calls for a soft pillow. If you prefer a firm pillow nonetheless, be sure not to choose one that’s too thick (5 to 9 cm maximum) so that it doesn’t raise your head too high.
However, some people don't have a "preferred sleeping position." In such cases, it's best to choose a firm, malleable pillow so that it can adapt to the needs of any sleeping position. A firm memory foam pillow can be a good compromise.
What kind of filling should you choose for a firm pillow?
The composition—also known as the filling—of a pillow determines the density required for a given level of firmness. This is because certain materials are naturally softer or firmer.
The foam pillow
Foam filling is made from petroleum-based products (which may be harmful to health). Depending on the manufacturing process, the foam can be produced in various densities to achieve the desired firmness. A firm foam pillow should have a density of approximately 80 to 85 kg/m³.
However, not everyone likes this level of firmness (it may feel “too hard,” cause ear pain, or lead to a numb sensation). That’s why we recommend choosing a model with memory foam. It features a top layer made of viscoelastic foam, which softens the way your head is supported. In addition, this technology reacts to body heat to adjust its shape, allowing it to conform to the contours of the head or face.
The Natural Latex Pillow
The natural latex pillow is unique in that it offers firm (or medium-firm) yet springy support. As a result, this type of pillow combines firmness with a soft, welcoming feel for optimal comfort.
Much healthier than a foam pillow—since it contains no substances harmful to your health or the environment— natural latex filling also has antibacterial, anti-dust mite, and thermoregulatory properties. However, make sure it is actually natural latex and not a synthetic product (look for a certification label, such as Eurolatex) and that the cover is also organic or eco-friendly.
Choosing a firm pillow therefore meets certain physiological needs, but since comfort is also essential for a good night's sleep, it's best to choose the firmness level you prefer.
We recommend these other pages:
- How to Choose an Ergonomic Pillow
- Should I choose a memory foam pillow?
- How to Choose a Neck Pillow
- How do you choose a pillow for a child?
- How do you choose a pillow for a baby?
- How to Choose an Orthopedic Pillow
- How to Choose a Flat Pillow?
- When should you choose a feather pillow?
- What size pillow should you choose?