The Pillow Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pillow for You

A good night’s sleep is paramount for having good mental and physical health – choosing the right pillow for you is one of the best ways to improve that. Below you’ll find a comprehensive pillow-buying guide to help you make an informed choice.

What are the different pillow types?

There are several different types of pillows to choose from, each designed to cater to different sleeping preferences and needs. Common pillow types include memory foam, bamboo, and down pillows.

Memory foam pillows

Memory foam pillows are made from polyurethane foam, designed to contour to your head shape and position when pressure is applied. This means your head and neck are supported, and it also ensures your spine is aligned, resulting in a comfortable night’s sleep.

These pillows are generally best for people who sleep on their back, as this complements the alignment benefits. However, they are comfortable for most sleepers, no matter which way you lie!

Bamboo pillow

There are so many benefits to choosing a bamboo pillow; bamboo is moisture-wicking and highly breathable, meaning you’ll stay cool as you sleep and wake up fresh. Also containing memory foam, you’ll benefit from those incredible body-aligning properties too! Bamboo is super soft, meaning a very comfortable night’s sleep.

Bamboo is the perfect choice for those with allergies – naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, and it’s inhospitable to bed bugs and dust mites. You’ll know you’re getting a safe night’s sleep and protecting your skin in the process.

What factors to consider when choosing a pillow?

When choosing a new pillow, there are a few different things to consider. Picking the perfect pillows for the whole family is an important task!

Sleep position

What position do you sleep in? This impacts what type of pillow you should choose. A bamboo pillow is great for all sleepers. People who sleep on their back need a really supportive pillow, so you can keep your spine straight, supported, and aligned. If you find it more comfortable to sleep on your side, a thicker pillow is best. And for stomach sleepers, you ideally want to be as close to the mattress as possible. Bamboo memory foam pillows perfectly adjust to the position you sleep in. And, for side and stomach sleepers in particular, the breathability helps you take in all the oxygen you need at night.

Pillow loft and firmness

The term ‘pillow loft’ relates to how high your pillow is – or how thick. Pillows generally come in three lofts:

Material and fill

Another factor in choosing where to lay your head at night is the material and fill used. If you have allergies or sensitivities, take this into account – remember that bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s great for those with difficulties. Feathers can be too itchy, and cotton might be too abrasive; bamboo is the perfect option.

We all love the cool side of the pillow, so finding one which is temperature-regulating is a good idea. Bamboo does just that with its thermoregulating properties, and it’s breathable meaning there is a good oxygen flow.

Pillow cover and maintenance

Accidents happen, and finding pillows with removable covers is a great way to ensure their longevity: being able to wash the cover means the pillow itself won’t incur any stains! Bamboo gets softer with every wash, which doesn’t take away from the hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties.

Additional considerations

Budget and value for money can be big things to consider when making purchases for your home and family; bamboo pillows are great value for money as they are so long lasting. You can also look for handy trial periods and longer warranties offered by brands for extra peace of mind!

Like many things, buying new pillows often comes down to personal preference. This is where it might be handy to shop in-store and get a feel for the type of pillow you want to buy – and it’s also where those trials come in handy.

Tips for pillow care and maintenance

You don’t want to make life difficult, so choosing a pillow with easy cleaning instructions is a great way to go. Traditional pillows without a removable cover are much harder to clean and can get lumpy when you do try, whereas bamboo covers can go straight in a cool wash and come out softer than ever!

Panda London Bamboo Pillows are guaranteed for 10 years, meaning you won’t need to replace them for a decade; traditional pillows often need to be replaced much faster, meaning you’re spending more and also adding to landfill.

Buying a new pillow

Choosing which pillow to buy is all down to guaranteeing yourself a comfortable night’s sleep – what’s best for the position you snooze in and what will help you wake up feeling rested. It’s also worth considering any allergies you may have and what’s best for your price point. A quality pillow is a worthwhile investment for optimal sleep, and it’s always a good time to treat yourself!