A restful sleep at night is absolutely essential to ensure maximum productivity throughout the day. In the fast-paced urban lifestyle, where sleep and relaxation are elusive, taking extra steps to ensure good sleep has become very common. If you are not able to get proper sleep at night and are waking up tired, there might be various reasons behind it. One of them might be the use of the wrong type of pillow. Changing your pillow is a simple step you can take that will go a long way in improving your overall sleep quality. In this article, we will acquaint you with the various types of pillows and discuss the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best one for yourself.
See also: Choosing the right mattress: Spring vs Foam
Types of pillows
Pillows are generally categorised by the kind of material used to manufacture them. Following are the main types of pillows:
Memory foam pillow
These pillows are made from special viscoelastic foam that give them the ability to contour to the shape of your head and neck for personalised support. Moreover, they also respond to body heat by softening and moulding to any shape, thereby relieving pressure points and ensuring spinal alignment. They are available in different densities and firmness levels and sometimes also comprise cooling gel for temperature regulation.
Down pillow
Characterised by a soft undercoating of duck or goose feathers, these pillows are preferred for their luxurious and lightweight feel. With the ability to be easily fluffed and reshaped for personalised comfort, they provide a lofty and plush sleeping surface. Despite being exceptionally soft and moldable, these pillows do not compromise on superiors support, making them a top choice for those preferring softer pillows.
Latex pillow
The main component of these pillows, natural or synthetic latex foam, is derived from the sap of rubber trees. With ultra resilient support and bounce properties, they also have the ability to retain their shape and firmness over time. Moreover, they are hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites and mould and they provide a cooler sleep surface than memory foam.
Feather pillow
Unlike down pillows that use the undercoat feathers, these pillows are filled with the outer feathers of ducks or geese. They are softer than memory foam or latex but as supportive as its counterparts. Its loftiness can be easily retained by regular fluffing, which is an important measure to undertake periodically in order to prevent flattening.
Cotton pillow
Breathable, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly, cotton pillows are filled with 100% natural cotton fibres. While they are firmer to feel, they offer medium support. Being free from synthetic materials and chemical additives, these are most suitable for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin.
Buckwheat pillow
These pillows are filled with the outer shell of buckwheat kernels known as the hulls. They offer firm support by conforming to the shape of your head and neck for natural alignment and pressure relief. They are breathable and enhance airflow, making them ideal for hot sleepers. Moreover, they can even be customised in firmness by adding or removing hulls.
Gel pillow
A subcategory of memory foam pillows, these pillows comprise gel-infused foam or inserts specially formulated to regulate temperature and provide cooling relief. The contouring support of memory foam combined with the ability to dissipate heat can prevent overheating and provide maximum comfort.
Body pillow
These pillows have an elongated structure to provide support to the entire body from head to toe. Commonly used by side sleepers, pregnant women and individuals suffering from back pain, they are known for their ability to alleviate pressure on joints and ensure proper spinal alignment. Moreover, they are available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different preferences, ranging from straight to curved and U-shaped designs.
Contour pillow
These pillows are known for their ergonomic structure for extensive support of the curvature of the neck and spine. They are made from memory foam or latex and have a higher contour for neck support and a lower one to support the head. They reduce strain on neck muscles, making them ideal from individuals suffering from neck pain or stiffness.
Water pillow
These pillows have a water-filled chamber that can be adjusted to achieve optimal firmness and support. With superior customisation properties, they allow the user to control the amount of water required for the desired level of comfort. They are often prescribed to people with neck pain or headaches as they provide gentle support and can be tailored to suit personal preferences.
Pros and cons
Each type of pillow has its own set of pros and cons we need to be aware of before choosing the right one. Here is a comprehensive list of pros and cons you can consider:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Memory foam pillow | Provides personalised support by conforming to head and neck shape; alleviates pressure points, ensures spinal alignment; available in a range of densities and firmness | Heat retention might cause discomfort to hot sleepers; emits odour due to manufacturing process |
| Down pillow | Lightweight, mouldable, customised comfort; durable and long-lasting with maintenance | Prone to flattening, requires frequent fluffing; not suitable for people with feather allergies |
| Latex pillow | Provides resilient support and maintains shape; hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mould; cool and breathable | Relatively costlier; might have a noticeable latex smell |
| Feather pillow | Soft and supportive sleeping surface; moldable and can be fluffed to retain density; lightweight and breathable | May trigger allergies; requires regular fluffing |
| Cotton pillow | Breathable, hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive sleepers; eco-friendly materials, free from synthetics; medium support and firm feel | May flatten over time and lose shape; less mouldable |
| Buckwheat pillow | Offers firm support and conforms to head and neck shape; breathable and promotes airflow; adjustable and customisable firmness | Can be noisy due to buckwheat hull stuffing; initial adjustment period required for acquaintance with texture and firmness |
| Gel pillow | Has cooling properties; offers benefits of memory foam with temperature control | Gel layers may degrade with time and affect efficiency; bulkier than memory foam pillows |
| Body pillow | Provides full body support; versatile and suitable for various sleeping positions; enhances comfort during relaxation or reading in bed | Requires more space in bed; suitable pillowcase not easily available |
| Contour pillow | Ergonomically shaped; alleviates neck pain and stiffness, promotes proper alignment; available in different heights and contours | Bulky, might not be comfortable for everyone; initial adjustment period required |
| Water pillow | Offers customisable support; provides gentle support for neck pain and headaches; provides consistent support | Requires periodic refilling and maintenance; heavy and less portable |
FAQs
Which type of pillow is best for neck pain?
Memory foam and latex pillows have superior contouring abilities and are generally recommended for neck pain.
Which is the most breathable type of pillow?
Buckwheat pillows are known for their breathability and airflow making them ideal for hot sleepers.
Are down pillows suitable for people with allergies?
Down pillows may trigger allergies in individuals due to the presence of feathers.
Which type of pillow is best for side sleepers?
Body pillows are ideal for side sleepers as they provide excellent support and spine alignment, relieving pressure on the hips and shoulders.
Do gel pillows stay cool throughout the night?
Gel pillows offer better temperature regulation than memory foam pillows but the experience may vary in different people.
Are cotton pillows firm or soft?
Cotton pillows are firmer than most of its counterparts and offer medium support.
Can water pillows be adjusted for different firmness levels?
Water pillows have a water-filled chamber that can be customised to achieve desired firmness and support.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
