Your pillow fills the gap between your head and the mattress. The right one depends mostly on how you sleep.
Side sleepers
The gap between your ear and shoulder is the largest, so side sleepers usually prefer a higher, firmer pillow. Contoured shapes with a raised edge and shoulder cut-out are popular.
Back sleepers
A medium-height pillow with a gentle curve under the neck suits most back sleepers. Too high a pillow pushes the chin toward the chest.
Stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers generally need the lowest, softest option, or a pillow with a low partition, so the head isn't tilted upward.
If you change position
Dual-height or partitioned pillows, with a high side and a low side, let you switch through the night.
Run hot at night?
Memory foam can hold heat. Look for a cooling gel layer, ventilated foam or a breathable mesh cover.
Care tips
- Use a removable, washable cover and wash it regularly.
- Don't machine-wash the foam core unless the label says so.
- Let a new pillow air out for a day after unpacking.
Comfort is personal. If you have ongoing neck or back pain, ask a health professional for advice.