Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Style

What you need to know when picking out a pillow

Kathleen Ostrander
By
Claudio Scott/Pixabay

The bedroom is the correct temperature, the window coverings make the room dark, and you aren’t using electronic devices right before bed. You’ve purchased the perfect mattress, according to the experts. But you still wake up every morning feeling like you didn’t really get enough sleep.

It might be your pillow.

Related Videos

Correct support for proper sleeping means a good mattress and the right pillow. A flat, crunched-up pillow is not considered good support. Picking out the right pillow is probably a little more complicated than you thought.

Related

Picking a pillow

First, a pillow should be firm enough and thick enough to keep your neck level to your spine. A big, fluffy pillow may look great when the bed is made, but if that fluffy pillow keeps your head at an upward angle, don’t use it for sleeping.

It should be thick enough to fill the distance from your ear to the outside of your shoulder. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you may not need a pillow or just a very soft pillow.

If you sleep on your back, your pillow should be flat enough to keep your neck and head at the same level.

A pillow should give you sufficient support to keep your spine and body in alignment. If the pressure on your shoulders, neck, and head are uneven, you will be tossing and turning all night. You will wake up every morning feeling like your neck was tweaked at an awkward angle.

Most people find a standard-size pillow is just the right size for sleeping. If you use a larger pillow, it should still keep your posture in the correct alignment — neck-level with your spine.

If you have a softer mattress, you may need a firmer pillow.

A little pillow talk

Pillows are filled with different materials. There is down, which is goose or duck fibers. An “all down” pillow actually has feathers, and some may be allergic to down. However, usually it is lower-quality feathers and down that trigger an allergic reaction. Get the best and avoid the sneezes.

Synthetic down and poly fill are less-expensive pillows than down pillows but will need to be replaced more frequently, so that’s the tradeoff. The fill flattens over time. There should be a fill power number on pillows when you are looking at them. The higher the fill power, the better the pillow.

Wool pillows are usually pretty firm, and they resist mold and dust mites. They also draw moisture away from your head and neck to help regulate your temperature while you sleep.

Cotton pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and resist mold and dust mites. They are flatter and firmer than wool pillows.

Latex is firm but comfortable; most contoured pillows are often made of latex. Side sleepers who like to squish their pillows into different positions will not be happy with a latex pillow.

Memory foam conforms to your shape. Your weight and body heat mold the pillow to the shape and lines of your head, neck, and shoulders. But some people complain they retain heat and cause sweating.

Use a pillow case made of natural, breathable fabric to cover your pillow. The pillow cover helps protect the pillow filling, and the case helps extend the life of the pillow. Decorative pillows look great as a finishing touch on the bed, but you should use a regular pillow for sleeping.

When should your pillow be replaced

You should replace your pillows every 18 months or so. That may seem like a lot of new pillows, but you are using that pillow seven to eight hours a night — and that comes to about 2,500 hours a year. So when you think it that way, 18 months doesn’t seem too bad!

Let’s test to see if you need a new pillow. If you fold it in half, does it spring back or just sit there? Springing back is good; sitting flat means get a new pillow. If it’s a down pillow, fold it over your arm. There should be a little bit of “body” and it shouldn’t flop flat. If it does, get a new pillow. And, is it stained and perhaps have a bit of an odor? Also time for a new pillow.

Pillows are an important part of the sleep experience. If you’ve taken care of the atmosphere in your bedroom, you’ve got a great mattress, and you still aren’t sleeping well, change up your pillow.

Editors' Recommendations

If you need odd-shaped living room ideas, try these incredible tips
small living room

Living rooms come in all shapes and sizes. They can be long and narrow, have unusual bump-outs, or have unbalanced walls with windows, openings, or doors that pose a challenge when it comes to decorating. The key to making an odd-shaped space work is using its dimensions to bring in character. Before rushing out and buying typical pieces, take the time to plan and invest in ones that will enhance the room. Find ways to accentuate the charm and flow of the space rather than fighting the natural layout. Take a cue from the old saying that encourages you to work with what you got and use the space’s uniqueness to create surprising visual interest.

Below are some of our best  odd-shaped living room ideas to make your design look and feel intentional.

Read more
Know before you buy: These are the types of entryway ceiling lights you should buy
Woman welcoming friends at the front door

Your entryway lighting is a crucial part of creating a stunning foyer. This fixture helps set the scene, affecting how you and your guests feel when you walk through the door. From warm to cool lighting, to elegant or more modern effects, the lighting you choose for your space can enhance your entire design scheme. In fact, Bob Vila says, "The right lighting fixture adds drama, creates a focal point, establishes a cohesive style for your space." Fortunately, transforming this part of your home is quick and easy. Take a look at our favorite foyer lighting ideas inspired by designs both modern and classical. So, let's dig into the different types of lighting fixtures you can add to your entryway.

Add sophistication with classic chandeliers
When you think of entryway lighting, you might think: chandelier. Commercial foyers, like hotel and theater lobbies, often feature extravagant crystal structures sending glittering sparks of light in every direction. While you may have to edit this over-the-top vision, you can still evoke the same feel in your home.
For a dramatic look
Serve up a dramatic look with a tiered crystal chandelier. This style looks especially fitting in high-ceiling entryways or front areas with staircases. Remember, however, that these require a little more upkeep and are on the pricier side.
For a gothic look
If you want to lean more toward a Gothic, antique vibe, choose a candelabra chandelier with metal arms and exposed bulbs. Try candle light bulbs for a more on-brand look, and install dimmable styles for versatility.
For a modern look
Some modern chandeliers look like spiral structures with long, thin bulbs hanging from metal chains. Opt for a chrome finish if you’re aiming for a sleek look. Keep in mind that these are best for high-ceiling entryways. However, Pottery Barn says, "Smaller entryways look better with smaller chandeliers unless you want the fixture to serve as a focal point."

Read more
Are PVC kitchen cabinets a good buy? What to know before you spend any money
pros and cons of pvc shutterstock 1784492126 1

A quick remodeling project, particularly in the kitchen, gives the space an immediate facelift and could even make your daily life a bit more pleasant. Are your kitchen cabinets are looking dated or worn? Maybe you're just tired of the style or color and need a change. If so, you've probably been researching all the different materials that can be used for cabinets. We're going to dive into one option worth considering: PVC kitchen cabinets.
How are PVC kitchen cabinets different than other cabinet materials that are popular in kitchens - like cabinets made from wood?

You've probably heard of poly-vinyl chloride, or PVC, in connection to water and drain pipes. The material is used for pipes because of its durability and waterproof construction. What you may not know is that it's actually become a popular material for kitchen cabinet construction for these reasons as well. While you may know kitchen cabinets to be made from plywood or natural wood materials, PVC cabinets don't contain any wood. Instead, they're made from plastic composite.

Read more