How To Match Your Pillow to Your Sleep Style

Everyone’s sleep style is different. You’ve got the people who like to sleep on their tummy, the side sleepers, those who sleep on their back (HOW?!) and every angle in between. Sadly, there aren’t many great sleep positions that are good for your posture, so it’s essential that you find the right pillow to avoid waking up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.

These days, pillows are also made of a range of fibres and materials, so it’s also essential to find a comfortable one. Then you’ve got other things to consider, like allergies, restlessness and temperature.

First, let’s look at the main pillow types on the market and how your current or upcoming purchase is suited to your needs.

Pillow Types

Feather and down

If you prefer a feather and down pillow, you’ll need to be prepared to spend a bit more cash. These pillows are usually made from a combination of the two materials, and the more down in them, the more expensive they become. They’re super soft, and they can be moulded and fluffed into a comfortable shape for any sleeper. However, they also have the potential to be allergenic, so if you suffer from allergies, be wary of that before purchasing.

Polyester

A good-quality (and more expensive) polyester pillow will provide comfort and support, but as they tend to form lumps quickly, you’ll need to replace them more frequently. If you prefer a flat pillow (ahem, tummy sleepers, but more on that below), polyester can be easily flattened into a low, comfortable shape so that it might be your best bet.

Foam

Foam pillows are great for those who suffer from allergies or asthma because they’re hypoallergenic. A memory foam pillow, which is basically the more expensive sibling that will cater to more of your needs, is a great option as it moulds to your body shape and relieves pressure (however, if you’re a restless sleeper, it might not be the best choice). Foam pillows usually last anywhere from 5-10 years.

Alternatively, try a cotton and wool combo for night sweats. Both fibres are soft and breathable, and they usually last between 3-5 years.

What’s your sleeping style?

So you sleep on your stomach…

A soft, flat pillow is recommended for stomach sleepers as it gives support without lifting your head and neck too far. 

The best soft, flat pillows: 

• Emma Foam Pillow, usually $150, now $75
• Hilton Health Latex Soft Pillow $89
• puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Pillows, $78.36

You’re a side sleeper…

A firm-to-extra-firm side sleeper pillow is recommended if you sleep on your side, as it ensures your spine and neck is supported correctly and at a consistent height. (Read: No cramped neck.) 

The best firm to extra firm pillows: 

• The Eva Pillow, usually $150, now $120
• Save&Soft Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Gel $62.90
• Anko by Kmart Memory Foam Contour Side Sleeper Pillow $25

You sleep flat on your back…

A medium-to-firm pillow is recommended for those who sleep on your back as it ensures your head and neck are appropriately supported while you sleep and doesn’t sag backwards.

The best medium to firm pillows: 

• The Sleep Republic Pillow, $130
• Tontine T2890 Good Night Pillow Duo Pack, $27.97
• Macoda Pillow, $150

You’re all over the shop… (hi, me)

If you find yourself falling asleep in one position and waking up in another, you’re probably more of a combination sleeper. It would help if you had a soft to medium pillow that offers both firmer and softer parts.  

The best combination pillows: 

• • • The Koala Pillow, $170
    • Clowii Ventilated Gel Cooling Memory Foam Pillow, $90.47
    • Hidetex Contour Memory Foam Pillow, $23.68