The cornerstone of any night of restful sleep is a good pillow. Finding the right one can unlock many nights of the restorative slumber you need and wake up with the energy to tackle the coming day. However, choosing the best one can be overwhelming, given how many kinds are available. Explore the 18 best pillows for sleeping to narrow down what you need. They're categorized by shape, features, materials, sleeping position, and specialty designs to find something that matches your specific lifestyle, situation, and requirements.
Find the Perfect MattressPillows by Sleeping Position
At City Mattress, we know that picking the best pillow for your sleeping position is crucial to achieving proper alignment so you can stay comfortable all night. Every sleep position requires a particular kind of support for proper spinal health and reducing pressure on sensitive areas, including the neck and shoulders. Side sleepers do best with firm, high-loft pillows, while stomach sleepers might do better with softer, low-profile options.
1. Side Sleeper Pillows
A side sleeper needs a pillow with firm support and a high loft to fill the gap between the shoulders and head. Properly supporting this position makes spinal alignment correct. It also reduces pressure on the shoulders and neck of the sleeper. Our collection of pillows designed for side sleepers includes options with contoured designs and adjustable fill to maintain effective comfort throughout the night. Alternatively, our latex and memory foam pillows often work well for side sleepers because they provide consistent support by holding their shape. Also, pillows that have cooling features can be helpful; side sleepers usually have more surface contact than others with their pillows.
2. Back Sleeper Pillows
A back sleeper will likely need a medium-loft pillow to support their neck's natural curve without pushing their head too far forward. Maintaining this position during their sleep can reduce spinal strain and promote better breathing through the night. Our back sleeper pillows feature cervical support or contoured shapes to cradle the head and maintain proper neck positioning. Latex and shredded memory foam are two materials that effectively combine stability and softness.
3. Stomach Sleeper Pillows
Stomach sleepers frequently benefit from soft, thin pillows that prevent neck strain. A pillow that is too thick can push the user's head into awkward angles, resulting in spinal misalignment and discomfort. Compressible or flat pillows that let you comfortably rest your head without getting lifted too high are usually preferred. Many of our stomach sleeper pillows feature breathable and lightweight materials like down or cotton alternatives.
Pillows by Material
A pillow's material serves an essential role in deciding its durability, support, and comfort. Every material has unique benefits for various sleep needs. Down has luxurious softness, latex possesses natural resilience, and memory foam provides contouring support. If you want cooling options, look for breathable fabrics and gel-infused designs for temperature regulation all night long. Eco-conscious sleepers can opt for sustainable natural materials like buckwheat or kapok fibers.
4. Memory Foam Pillows
The popularity of memory foam pillows is growing because they can contour to your shape, especially your neck and head. These pillows offer excellent pressure relief and support, which makes them suitable for sleepers susceptible to shoulder or neck pain. If you want an adjustable loft or firmer feel, our memory foam pillows are available in shredded or solid foam designs. Memory foam is also durable, keeping its shape over time, and many have cooling features to counteract heat retention.
5. Latex Pillows
Latex pillows have earned their reputation for natural bounce and firm support. They're resistant to dust mites and are hypoallergenic and durable. If you need consistent support free of the sinking sensation softer materials create, a latex pillow is a good choice. Our natural latex pillows are highly breathable and eco-friendly. These are fantastic options for back or side sleepers who want something responsive and resilient.
6. Down and Down Alternative Pillows
If you're like many other sleepers, you love a plush feel close to you all night. Down pillows are soft and luxurious. Made using the soft undercoatings of geese or ducks, down pillows are lightweight options you can easily mold into desired shapes. Down alternative pillows offer a similar feel but with synthetic materials to help those with allergies; they're also more affordable, hypoallergenic, and easier to maintain. Natural or artificial down can work for stomach and back sleepers who want softer pillows.
7. Gel and Cooling Pillows
Our cooling pillows are made for hot sleepers who might have difficulty with temperature regulation throughout the night. Many of these pillows have breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking covers, or gel-infused foam. These features help keep you cool while you sleep by dispersing heat. Cooling and gel pillows are made using various materials, including latex, memory foam, and polyester blends. They're ideal for all sleeping positions, providing comfort while avoiding overheating.
Pillows by Features and Functions
Pillows with specialized functions and features are designed to serve specific needs and improve sleep quality. They might address medical concerns like sleep apnea or neck pain or provide targeted support during pregnancy. In all use cases, these pillows surpass basic comfort. Incorporating innovative signs, including elevation angles and contoured shapes, they promote better pressure relief, airflow, and alignment. You can find functional benefits for many different preferences and situations, from wedge pillows to anti-snore pieces.
8. Orthopedic Pillows
Orthopedic pillows address specific physical or medical needs, including sleep apnea, back problems, and neck pain. Targeted support zones and contoured designs relieve pressure points and align the spine. Common types include lumbar pillows for back support and cervical pillows for neck pain. They're particularly useful for people with chronic discomfort or recovering from injuries.
9. Anti-Snore Pillows
Anti-snore pillows are designed to promote improved airflow. These pillows elevate your neck or encourage proper neck-jaw alignment. Reducing airway obstructions helps minimize a common cause of snoring. Many of these pillows incorporate ergonomic features or wedge-shaped designs to keep the sleeper's head in optimal positions at night. They're practical choices for side and back sleepers who experience snoring and mild cases of sleep apnea.
10. Pregnancy Pillows
Body pillows offer full-body support to expectant mothers who need support for their growing bellies. These pillows can also help reduce pressure on the hips and alleviate back pain. They come in a variety of shapes to cater to various comfort needs, and options include wedge designs, C-shapes, and U-shapes. These versatile pillows can also be used by postpartum women for general relaxation and nursing situations.
11. Wedge Pillows
A wedge pillow is shaped like a triangle and designed for elevation. Users frequently get these to relieve poor circulation, snoring, and acid reflux. Depending on the desired effect, you can place a wedge pillow under your legs or upper body. They're also popular for watching TV or reading in bed, making them multifunctional options for various needs.
Pillows by Shape
A pillow's shape can seriously influence your physical comfort and sleep quality. Varying shapes cater to certain needs, offering targeted functionality and support. Whether you want ergonomic contouring, classic designs, or specialty options, such as knee or body pillows, the right shape can improve alignment, engender relaxation, and reduce pressure points. From therapeutic and travel-friendly designs to traditional pillows that suit nearly all sleepers, you can find something perfect for any circumstance.
12. Traditional Pillows
Traditional pillows are standard square and rectangular shapes that most people have as their pillows. They come in a variety of firmness levels and materials to suit all different sleeping styles. Traditional pillows are widely available and versatile pieces, so they're an easy choice for most bedrooms.
13. Contour Pillows
Our contour pillows have ergonomic shapes to cradle your neck and head. This promotes proper alignment of the spine. These pillows can work well for side and back sleepers, especially those with shoulder or neck pain. Unique designs often feature a higher loft along the edges. This works in conjunction with a center dip for cumulative support of the neck's natural curve.
14. Body Pillows
Body pillows are usually long and cylindrical in design. Their intention is to provide full-body support. They're particularly helpful for side sleepers needing more knee and hip support. Pregnant women often prefer these, but they benefit anyone looking for additional alignment, support, and comfort while they sleep.
15. Knee Pillows
Knee pillows are small in size but of contoured shapes. Back sleepers can put them under their knees, and side sleepers can use them between their knees. In both cases, knee pillows improve spinal alignment. Reduced pressure on the lower back and hips can help many sleepers, and it's highly beneficial for anyone with joint pain or recovering from knee or hip surgery.
Specialty and Premium Pillows
If you've been scrolling through this list and still haven't seen what you know is right for you, then you might be looking for premium or specialty pillows.
16. Premium Pillows
Our PranaSleep pillows fall into this category, and they're premium choices for anyone looking for superior comfort and support in their sleep. Many of these pillows include ergonomic designs and advanced materials that enhance sleep quality. If you seek a luxurious sleep experience and customized support for your neck and head, these are the pillows to look at.
17. Organic Pillows
This category of pillows includes natural materials such as bamboo, wool, and cotton. These pillows are breathable and hypoallergenic. They're also sustainable and free of synthetic materials. Anyone sensitive to artificial materials can benefit from these pillows. They're also ideal for eco-conscious consumers looking for nightly comfort with minimal environmental impact.
18. Weighted Pillows
A weighted pillow is a unique choice that incorporates evenly distributed weight to produce a grounding, calming effect. These pillows are made to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those who use them. The effects of weighted pillows are supposed to provide similar benefits to what you would get from a weighted blanket, and many users like pairing them up for a cumulative effect. Weighted pillows frequently have glass beads or microbeads for their fill. Sleepers of any position who enjoy gentle pressure when they rest should consider these.
Shop All PillowsElevate Your Sleep With the Perfect Pillow
Finding the best pillow is essential to achieve restorative sleep each night. Whether you need gel-infused pillows for cooling benefits, the contoured support you get from memory foam, or the luxurious touch of PranaSleep pillows, an ideal match is waiting for you. Once you invest in upgrading your sleep, make sure you know how to wash pillows to keep them clean and supportive for many nights of sound slumber. Check out City Mattress for an exceptional selection of pillows that meld comfort and quality together.
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