As you’ll see when you consult our comprehensive guide to mattresses and bedding, choosing a pillow should not be left to chance and requires the same care as selecting a mattress or box spring. Although some people view pillows as everyday, interchangeable items with no real impact on sleep quality, they are actually key to ensuring sleepers enjoy restful nights free from neck pain.
In fact, just like a mattress, a pillow plays an active role in supporting and allowing the spine to relax during the night. We invite you to learn more about the main categories of pillows, along with tips and information for each one to help you find the pillow that best meets your needs, based on your preferences and sleeping position.
What is an ergonomic pillow?
Originally designed for medical purposes,the ergonomic pillow has been available to everyone for many years and is characterized by its wave-like shape. This distinctive and easily recognizable shape ensures perfect alignment of the neck, nape, and spine during sleep, particularly for people who habitually sleep on their side—which is the case for 68% of sleepers.
Ergonomic pillows are designed for all adults who want to improve their sleep comfort and, as we'll see later on this page, for those looking for a solution to neck pain.
In terms of composition, there are two main types of ergonomic pillows: synthetic memory foam and natural latex.
Memory foam pillows
Memory foam has the advantage of quickly returning to its original shape, which provides firm support for the neck and nape—even when the sleeper frequently changes positions during the night—because the pillow does not flatten or develop a dent.
Although many people often find them too firm, it’s important to know that memory foam pillows come in a variety of densities and thicknesses, which—in theory—makes it possible to find a model suited to all body types and sleeping positions.
Since synthetic foam reacts to body heat and room temperature, it can cause discomfort for sleepers who already get too hot at night and sweat heavily; in such cases, experts recommend choosing an ergonomic pillow made of natural latex.
A latex pillow to help relieve neck pain
In addition to providing better ventilation, which helps prevent excessive heat buildup, natural latex is also known for its superior hygiene, which significantly limits the proliferation of dust mites. Furthermore, unlike synthetic foam, latex contains no chemicals and therefore does not emit fumes or odors.
Choosing a natural latex neck pillow is therefore the ideal solution for any sleeper who suffers fromallergies or night sweats, while also enjoying the features and benefits of an ergonomic pillow to alleviate pain in the neck and upper back that can interfere with the comfort needed for restful sleep.
Recommended Pillows for Children
How do you choose a pillow for a child? To answer this question, it’s essential to take into account the specific physiological characteristics of children. In fact, children tend to sweat a lot from their heads and frequently change their sleeping positions.
That is why it is best to choose a pillow filled with a synthetic, hypoallergenic material, such as polyester or microfiber, and to avoid feathers or down, which can trigger asthma. Synthetic materials are also easier to care for and clean effectively.
When it comes to shape, choose a rectangular pillow—one wide enough to effectively support the neck despite frequent movements and changes in sleeping position. The thickness of a child’s pillow is also important to consider, since their bodies—and especially their cervical spine—are still developing and changing. Pediatricians recommend choosing a flat or even extra-flat pillow to provide maximum comfort.
What kind of pillow is best for a baby, and at what age should a baby start using one?
First and foremost, it is essential to remember that the contents of a crib must be limited to items that pose no risk of suffocation if the baby rolls onto his or her stomach. This is whybaby pillows are prohibited before the age of 24 months, and after that age, they must be very flat and not too firm.
As with pillows designed for children, choose a filling made of hypoallergenic and dust-mite-resistant materials, and be sure to change the pillowcase very frequently— —which, ideally, should be made of cotton and fit the pillow exactly to prevent wrinkles. A rectangular shape is recommended, always with the goal of providing support for the head across the widest possible area.
The Benefits of Orthopedic Pillows
The category of orthopedic pillows, which includes the ergonomic pillows already discussed, also includes some very unique pillows designed for people suffering from sciatica: leg pillows and knee pillows.
This very specific pillow is placed between the legs, at knee level, to improve spinal alignment and promote blood circulation in the legs. Most often made of synthetic memory foam, this pillow is effective only if you sleep on your side. Its price is comparable to that of other ergonomic memory foam pillows.
Which should you choose: a firm pillow or a soft pillow?
The choice of pillow firmness often comes down to personal preference and one's own idea of comfort. However, there are guidelines that can help you better understand how a pillow's density affects sleep quality.
As a general rule, it’s best for side sleepers to choose a firm pillow. If you sleep on your back, opt for a medium-firm pillow (between firm and soft). Finally, if—like 8% of sleepers—you prefer to sleep on your stomach, choose a pillow that’s as soft and thin as possible.
For so-called " versatile" sleepers who don't have a fixed sleeping position, a pillow that is neither too firm nor too soft is recommended.
When should you choose a flat pillow?
Flat pillows aren't just for children ages 3 and up; they can also be suitable for people who sleep on their stomachs. In fact, choosing a flat pillow helps maintain proper alignment between the spine and the neck.
Other types of pillows can cause tension and pain for people who can't sleep any other way than on their stomachs and tend to have their heads positioned much too high relative to the rest of their bodies—which is never recommended.
Natural pillow fillings
If you're looking for a pillow filled with natural materials, down or feather pillows are the right choice for you. The softness and comfort of these pillows—whose filling adapts to the movements of your head—are well established, as is their excellent ability to wick away heat and moisture.
A pillow made up of more than 70% down will be very soft and very fluffy, while a pillow with less than 50% down will be firmer and better suited for side sleepers.
When it comes to feather pillows, it’s important to keep in mind that lower-priced models may have a cover that’s too thin, allowing the sharp tips of the feathers to poke through. This has given feather pillows a somewhat negative reputation among younger people, who aren’t used to that prickly sensation on their faces.
Finally, while no scientific study has established a direct link between feather or down pillows and the onset of asthma, you should opt for a synthetic material if you have breathing difficulties or allergies.
What size and shape should you choose?
With the exception of certain ergonomic pillows, which can come in their own unique shapes and sizes, the vast majority of pillows are either square or rectangular.
The square shape is the most popular, mainly because it matches the most common bedding sets; however, the rectangular shape is gaining ground, driven by the hospitality industry, which is using it more and more. This rectangular shape is particularly well-suited for tall people, who are less likely to slide down to the foot of the bed and have their feet hang off the edge.
You'll generally find square pillows in sizes such as 60 x 60 cm or 65 x 65 cm, and rectangular pillows in sizes such as 40 x 60 cm or 50 x 70 cm; it's easy to find a pillowcase or a complete bedding set that matches these dimensions.
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