As you know, getting a good night’s sleep starts with quality bedding. That’s why it’s important to choose the right mattress, box spring, comforter, and pillows.
In stores, you'll be spoiled for choice. Pillows come in a variety of sizes to suit all sleepers, regardless of their body type or preferred sleeping position.
But then, which pillow should you choose? What are the important factors to consider when making the right choice? Should you choose a square pillow or a rectangular one? What about a bolster pillow?
We invite you to keep reading to learn more.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a good pillow?
To choose the pillow that best suits your needs and preferences, there are several factors you should consider before making a purchase, such as:
- the firmness of the pillow;
- the pillow filling;
- your favorite sleeping position;
- your health issues (back pain, neck pain, etc.);
- hygiene (hypoallergenic, dust-mite resistant, etc.).
Just like a mattress, a pillow can offer varying degrees of firmness. When it comes to this factor, it’s a matter of personal preference: some sleepers prefer a soft pillow, while others look for a firmer one. The pillow’s thickness also depends on its firmness: some people prefer a flat pillow, while others prefer to sleep with their head elevated.
The type of pillow filling (feathers, foam, latex, polyester, etc.) affects not only the pillow’s thickness but also its hygiene. People with allergies should therefore opt for natural fillings and pillows treated to repel dust mites. Latex filling is ideal for people looking for a firm pillow.
Your sleeping position is also a factor. A firm pillow is particularly recommended for people who prefer to sleep on their side, to ensure proper neck support. A soft pillow, on the other hand, is ideal for people who like to sleep flat, whether on their back or stomach.
Our tip: Choose an extra-flat pillow if you usually sleep on your stomach.
Finally, if you suffer from neck pain, you might want to consider a memory foam pillow that conforms to your movements throughout the night.
Choose the Right Pillow Size Based on Its Shape
In addition to the criteria we just mentioned, it’s also a good idea to choose a pillow based on your height so that it fits your head perfectly.
Pillows come in various sizes and shapes. The shape of a pillow can also add aesthetic appeal, helping to create a cozy atmosphere in your bedroom. The two main pillow shapes available on the market are square and rectangular. You can also add a few round throw pillows to mix up the shapes, but they are not considered pillows.
Choosing a square pillow: perfect for relaxation and style
The square pillow is the most common size on the market and is also found in most French households. This shape supports not only the sleeper’s head but also their upper body when they are sitting. There’s no need for multiple pillows to sit comfortably.
Since square pillows are very common in France, it is also easy to find pillowcases that fit this size.
When it comes to the size of square pillows for adults, there are two standard sizes: 60 x 60 cm and 65 x 65 cm. We recommend choosing between these two sizes based on your body type as well as the dimensions of your bed. In particular, a heavier person will be more comfortable sitting on a 65 x 65 cm square pillow than on a 60 x 60 cm pillow.
However, it’s important to note that this pillow shape is better suited for relaxation and unwinding (such as reading, checking your phone, watching TV, etc.) than for sleeping. The square pillow actually takes up a lot of space.
Perhaps you've already folded your square pillow because it tends to raise your head too high? This position can prevent you from sleeping, but it can also disrupt the alignment of your spine and cause back or neck pain. Therefore, the square pillow is better suited for sitting than for lying down.
When it comes to sleeping, it might be betterto choose a rectangular pillow.
Choosing a Rectangular Pillow: Ideal for a Comfortable Night's Sleep
Rectangular pillows (also known as American-style pillows) are much less popular among sleepers in France. Perhaps you’ve already tried them at a hotel while on vacation? They are, in fact, much more common in the hotel industry, since rectangular pillows are better suited to sleepers.
The rectangular pillow actually takes up less space in bed and is suitable for everyone, whether they prefer to sleep on their side, on their back, or even on their stomach. There’s no need to reposition the pillow: its shape is ideal for sleeping comfortably without experiencing neck or back pain.
The rectangular pillow is also wider, which prevents you from ending up flat on your back if you roll over during the night. This pillow shape is therefore ideal if you tend to move around a lot while you sleep. They are also highly recommended for children.
Although rectangular pillows are less common in France, they are still easy to find in stores or online.
In terms of sizes, you'll find two standard sizes of rectangular pillows for adults: 45 x 70 cm and 50 x 70 cm. For children, you can buy rectangular pillows in the 30 x 40 cm size for younger children and 40 x 60 cm for children around ten years old and older.
Good to know: To avoid the risk of suffocation, it is not recommended to use a pillow for babies and young children under 2 years of age.
And what about the bolster?
As far back as ancient times, people used bolsters for sleeping. In the Middle Ages, they were essential because people slept while sitting (since lying down was considered the position of the dead). The bolster’s purpose was therefore to hold the pillows in place so that people could sleep comfortably while sitting.
Bolster pillows have long been accused of causing neck pain, but today, doctors have disproved this claim. Bolster pillows do not cause pain as long as you choose the right firmness and design. Furthermore, they can improve blood circulation when placed under the spine. As a result, they help you relax more deeply and enjoy more restful nights.
The bolster pillow also has another advantage: it allows two people to sleep together. Therefore, you should choose its size based on the width of your bed.
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
- Should you choose a firm pillow?
- How to Choose a Flat Pillow?
- When should you choose a feather pillow?