A good night's sleep starts with the right mattress, but it's also just as important to find your perfect pillows. Firm, soft, deco, queen, standard: not all are created equal, which is why it's important to be knowledgeable about the different types available. Before you begin your search, here's some useful information.

Shopping for Pillows: Things to Consider

There's a few key things to take into consideration when it comes to shopping for pillows. Not only do bedroom pillows come in different fills, materials, densities and sizes, the firmness of your pillow can vary too. Choosing a pillow that's right for you can not only create a bedding set you'll love, but it'll also help you get a great, comfortable night's sleep.

• Pillow Types: Fill Materials
• Pillow Types: Sizes
• Pillow Types: Comfort Level
• Extra Features

Pillow Types: Fill Materials

Before you buy a new pillow, it’s extremely important to consider the different types of fill materials. There are both synthetic and natural materials available with each bringing its own set of benefits. Synthetic pillows tend to be more affordable and range in firmness from soft polyester fibrefill pillows to extremely firm memory-foam pillows. Natural pillows however tend to be on the more expensive side but can make up for price with longevity, dust mite and bed bug resistance, as well as environmental friendliness.

Natural Fills

Down & Feather

Down and feather pillows are a step up from polyester fibrefill. Down pillows are high quality, biodegradable and will retain fullness for 5–10 years or more with proper care. Feathers are a more affordable alternative to down but will not retain fullness as effectively. Feather pillows are likely to last about 7 years before they lose their shape. Both of these pillows are extremely lightweight, malleable and machine-washable. Some may find these pillows – particularly down – too soft and unsupported.

Cotton

If you like a lofty and supportive pillow, cotton may be the material for you. This material is very breathable, keeping the pillow cool to the touch. Cotton is hypoallergenic, biodegradable and machine-washable.

Latex

Natural latex pillows tend to be soft but supportive; some like to think of them as a softer version of memory foam. These pillows are ideal for those who like the support of a memory-foam pillow but would prefer less firmness. These pillows are biodegradable, hypoallergenic and can last 5–10 years.

Tip: Some pillows are filled with synthetic latex, which is a blend of latex and synthetic fillers. Make sure to double-check your pillow’s material if you’re seeking the biodegradable and hypoallergenic qualities of a natural latex pillow.

Wool

Wool pillows are extremely breathable and will keep you cooler than a down or feather pillow. They provide medium to firm support, are resistant to bed bugs and dust mites, and last for 1–3 years. These pillows have a springy support that is similar to polyester fibrefill pillows, but they are less likely to clump.

Synthetic Fills

Polyester Fibrefill

The term polyester fibrefill describes a synthetic fibre pillow filling that is lightweight and inexpensive. These pillows are soft but sometimes can be difficult to mould to a preferred shape for sleep. They're affordable but may not last as long as other pillow materials in the long term – their shelf life is about 18–36 months. Get polyester fibrefill pillows when you won’t be using them frequently (perhaps for use on a guest room bed or as a decorative pillow).

Hollowfibre

Hollowfibre derives its name from the hollow strands of polyester that it's made from. Another synthetic pillow fill type, its hollow centre traps air which then provides a lofty filling. Hollowfibre is therefore lightweight and machine-washable. On average, hollowfibre pillows tend to last for 3 years before a replacement is needed.

Memory Foam

For those who find down and feather pillows to be too soft, memory-foam pillows are a great alternative. Memory foam moulds to the pressure from your head, cradling it firmly. This can help keep your spine aligned, reducing back and neck pain. Memory-foam pillows last about 2–3 years before they need to be replaced.

Tip: To check if your memory-foam pillow needs to be replaced, fold your pillow in half for a few minutes, then place a hardcover book in the center. After a minute of letting the book rest on the pillow, remove it and observe how quickly your pillow returns to its original shape. If it never does, or takes a few hours, you should replace your pillow.

Pillow Types: Sizes

Standard Pillows (51 x 56cm): The standard pillow is typically used on small single, single and double beds. These pillows fit two across on a double bed.

Queen Size Pillows (51 x 76cm): Queen size pillows are usually used on queen beds and fit perfectly two across.

King Size Pillows (51 x 92cm): King size pillows are for use on king and super king size beds. These pillows fit perfectly two across a super king bed and with a couple extra centimetres of space on a king bed.

European Square Pillows (66 x 66cm): These square pillows are meant to sit behind your usual pillows for an extra layer of decor. Use two Euro pillows on a small single, single, double or queen bed and three on a king or super king bed.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match pillow sizes. Stacking pillows can be a fun way to dress up your bed.

Pillow Types: Comfort Level

Plush: Plush pillows are extremely soft and allow your head to sink for fluffy comfort. Some common plush materials include down, feather, polyester, wool and cotton. Plush pillows are best suited for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers force their head to curve up on their pillow at an unnatural angle. A plush pillow allows the head to sink toward the mattress, improving the alignment of the head and the spine.

Medium: Medium pillows are soft but firm and provide more support for the head than a plush pillow. Medium pillows can be made out of any pillow material and are ideal for back sleepers – the pillow provides a cushion for the head and support for the spine.

Firm: Firm pillows provide lots of support for the head while fitting the shape of the head and neck. Firm pillows can be made with most materials but are commonly made from memory foam, feathers or down and latex. These pillows are ideal for side sleepers because they provide firm head support. A side sleeper’s head can easily droop below their spine with a soft pillow, causing neck pain. A firm pillow keeps the head aligned with the spine.

Extra Features

Machine-Washable: If you want to be able to throw your pillow in the washing machine for easy cleaning, make sure you're getting a machine-washable pillow. Cotton, feather and polyester fibrefill are common types of machine-washable materials.

Tip: When washing your pillows you should put two in the washing machine at once to balance each other out and minimise misshaping. Use warm water and a mild detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent is out of your pillow. For more information about washing pillows, check out our guide: How to Wash Pillows

Hypoallergenic: Hypoallergenic pillows discourage dust mites and bed bugs, both of which can aggravate allergies and asthma. Many natural-material pillows are hypoallergenic.

Cooling Technology: When your head becomes too hot it can cause the rest of your body to overheat and sweat. If your pillow is making your head overheat, then this could cause uncomfortable night sweats that can even wake you from your sleep. Try a pillow with cooling technology to keep night sweats at bay. Cooling technology can include pillows with high breathability or with cooling gel material. These pillows will give your head a cool place to rest, lessening the chance of night sweats throughout the rest of the body.

Tip: What's a pillow with the complementing bedding? Read our guides:

• It Fits! Finding the Perfect Pillowcase Size for Your Pillows
• 7 Things to Keep in Mind When Styling a Bed
• Crisp & Cosy Bedding Ideas to try This Autumn