The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Your Pillow
There are many options when it comes to purchasing new pillows and finding the right place to rest your head at night. From dreamy feather and down filled pillows to microfibre and memory foam, every pillow is different and when it comes to sleep quality, they play an important part.
Choosing the perfect bedding for your sleep style is essential in order to enjoy a good night’s sleep. So, if you’re currently sleeping on a worn-out pillow that leaves you waking up feeling uncomfortable, then you may need an upgrade.
In this guide, we share expert knowledge to make your pillow shopping experience that little bit easier. From choosing the best filling and weight right through to ensuring you select the best pillow to suit your sleeping position, this guide will help you find the perfect pillow.
Considering The Size Of Your Pillows
Choose the right size pillow dimensions to create a luxuriously comfortable and stylish bed. The size of pillow you select should mostly come down to personal preference, what best fits your sleeping style and, of course, the size of your bed.
What is a standard size pillow?
Standard pillow size measurements are 50cm x 75cm and are designed to fit standard size beds, such as single and double beds. If you are looking for something a little larger, a super king size pillow is the direction to go, otherwise it’s likely that it will take around three standard pillows to cover the span of a king to super king size mattress.
What is a super king size pillow?
Super king size pillows are the perfect size to upgrade your bedding, especially if you have a larger bed. Super king size pillows are the best fit for a king or super king bed as they measure at 50cm x 90cm. They are luxuriously oversized in look, meaning there won’t be a gap between them when you make your bed.
How your pillow size can help you sleep
We may find ourselves blaming a bad night’s sleep solely on the mattress, but there are other factors that could be causing issues with your slumber. Pillows can often enhance problems that may cause neck and back pain, as well as headaches. This is due to the alignment of your spine in bed, which is often down to your choice of pillow. Therefore choosing the right pillow is just one way to help you achieve a better quality of sleep.
Choosing the right pillows for your bed
It’s important to consider how you sleep as the position you sleep in or how frequently you toss and turn during the night could affect your pillow choice. For example, a larger pillow may offer you a more blissful night’s sleep.
That said, the size of your bed’s mattress should always be the ultimate guide as to which pillow size you should be choosing for your bed. If you are also looking for the perfect mattress to go alongside your pillows, our sleep experts have put together a guide to choosing your new mattress.
Considering The Materials Of Your Pillows
Do you want to transform your bed and create the perfect centrepiece for your bedroom? Having a deeper understanding about different pillow materials and fillings will help you to dress your bed just like a designer. The pillowcase fabric is one of the most important elements to consider when looking to upgrade your bed to ensure a restful slumber.
Cotton
Some of the most luxurious pillows are made from cotton. In fact, Egyption cotton has been deemed one of the world’s finest materials and it’s easy to see why - supremely soft, strong, lightweight and breathable, cotton is the perfect pillowcase fabric when you are upgrading your bedding.
Cotton sateen is also great for adding a luxe feel to your bed. Woven like silk to help give it a soft sheen that is adored by many, cotton sateen is a breathable and lightweight pillow material for year-round comfort.
Farah Arshad, one of our expert buyers, explains a little more about cotton weaves: “We sell two types of cotton weaves: percale which is more crisp and what you would traditionally associate with the feel of cotton; and sateen, which is luxuriously silky soft and feels really smooth on the skin. Our customers do usually have a preference and our most popular ranges sell in sateen!”
Goose feather and down pillows
Goose down pillows are a popular, luxurious item of bedding. They offer a sophisticated combination of softness from the down and the gentle but firm support from the goose feathers. Our goose down pillows are not just filled with down but goose feathers too - 80% of the filling is down while the remaining 20% is made up of feathers.
Duck down pillows
Our duck down pillows are crafted and filled with 10% down and 90% duck feathers. This gorgeous combination provides a strong weight of support which is helpful for people who want to ensure their neck is supported correctly as they snooze. In some cases, this can prevent waking up with a stiff neck or back.
Feels Like Down pillows
Many choose to opt for synthetic luxury pillows which are crafted from 100% microfibre. Our Feels Like Down pillows are an ideal option if you do not want a natural fibre filling and can be a great alternative for those with an allergy or a propensity for skin irritations. Encased in a soft microfibre to complement the flawlessly fluffy filling, our plump synthetic pillows offer the perfect night’s sleep for those looking for a Feels Like Down option.
Memory foam pillows
Memory foam pillows have become more popular in recent years due to the fact that they adjust to your individual shape. With the ability to soften to the contours of your head and neck, they have become a go-to for people with back and neck pain.
These pillows offer firm, strong support. However, due to the density of the material, they’re not quite as breathable as other fillings, making them a much warmer choice. We recommend keeping a spare pair of pillows filled with a more lightweight material for the summer months.
Your Pillowcase Material
When choosing your supreme cotton pillowcase, opt for quality Egyptian cotton for breathability or select sumptuous 100% cotton sateen for ultimate comfort.
Discover our beautiful collection of pillowcases, available in a range of chic colours and stunning styles. Choosing a pillowcase that reflects your bedroom's aesthetic will be sure to add an elegant touch. Whether you want to introduce a design feature with stylish navy or grey pillowcases, or prefer crisp and classic white, you can cocoon your plush pillows in our super soft pillowcases to create a relaxed and luxuriously cosy bedroom.
Are you looking for more tips on how to add a touch of luxury with your pillowcases? Take a look at our guide to choosing the best pillowcase.
Think About The Thread Count Of Your Pillowcase
When it comes to finding the perfect pillowcase for your pillow, the thread count is always something you should consider. Thread count refers to the number of threads that are woven together and this is calculated by measuring threads per square inch of material. A higher thread count often means a higher quality, but this is not always the case. The quality is also determined by the type and lengths of the threads used to create the cotton.
To create the ultimate dreamy night’s sleep, your plush pillow should always be encased in a sumptuous soft cotton pillowcase with a 200-800 thread count.
The Best Pillow Type For Your Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position should help to decipher which pillow will be best for you, as the way you sleep has a huge impact on your spine’s natural alignment. An incorrect pillow can lead to uncomfortable spine alignment, so you may wake up with back and neck pain if you don’t choose a pillow that suits your usual sleeping position.
Pillows for front sleepers
It is advised to avoid sleeping on your front, as it can put your body into an unnatural sleeping position for a long period of time. If you struggle to sleep in any position other than your front, a pillow with less filling is ideal. Make sure the pillow is made from a light, breathable material which will repel the heat and prevent you from becoming too hot. Feather pillows and pillows with a comfort grade from soft to soft-medium are recommended for sleepers that gravitate towards this position.
Pillow for back sleepers
Sleeping on your back is highly recommended by experts as it helps create a more healthy posture. Thinner pillows are often best for back sleepers, as if your pillow is too thick then it can elevate your head too much which could then lead to muscle strain. We recommend a medium comfort grade pillow as this will provide the best level of support for your head.
Pillows for side sleepers
Sleeping on your side is the most popular kind of sleeping position, and thick and firm pillows are best for side sleepers. Those who sleep on their side can damage their spine if their head is positioned too high or too low so, to achieve the correct height and ultimate comfort, we would recommend opting for a firm or medium-firm pillow.
Essential Questions To Consider When Choosing a Pillow
If you are looking for a set of perfect luxury pillows, then it’s worthwhile considering how your personal preferences will impact your choice. Find your ideal pillow match by asking yourself these questions:
Will my pillow suit my sleeping position?
Luxurious pillows are there to help improve your sleeping position and provide you with the most comfortable night’s sleep by supporting the curve in your neck. We all have our own sleeping positions, falling into three main categories; side sleeper, back sleeper and front sleep, which are detailed above. Choosing the wrong pillow, such as one that is too high or two low, can result in aches and pains and a less restful night’s sleep.
Do I have any allergies?
The type of pillow filling you choose could impact your allergies. Feather-filled pillows contain natural materials and can sometimes trigger irritations for people who are prone to allergies. If that is the case, we recommend opting for a synthetic filling, such as our Feels Like Down collection.
What pillow size do I need?
As stated, pillow size is largely determined by the size of the bed you are sleeping in. Be careful not to overwhelm a small bed with a pillow that is too large as it may look uninviting. Similarly, a pillow that is too small for your bed could look lost and won’t give the desired bedroom aesthetics.
Should I choose a heavier or lightweight pillow?
For a lightweight pillow, choosing feather and down or microfibre that you can reshape as you sleep is the best option. If you like the feel of a heavier pillow, memory foam may be the best option for you as it benefits from providing additional support.
How firm is your pillow?
No matter what size or pillow filling you choose, you will be able to select your desired firmness. The amount of support provided by your pillow all depends on the way the pillow is packed and the ratio of filling that’s used. For example, if there is a larger percentage of feather to down, your pillow will be firmer, whilst a softer microfibre pillow will be less densely packed to make it more pliable. Choosing the perfect firmness for your pillow often depends on the position you sleep in.
Our DUSK Top Pillows For A Good Night’s Sleep
When it comes to selecting the perfect bedding collection for a blissful night’s sleep, choosing the right type of pillow to suit your sleep style should never be overlooked. Here are our top four favourite pillows to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed each morning.
- Duck feather and down pillows are a popular filling combination because down provides softness, whilst the pillow still gives firm support thanks to the feathers which are stronger and larger than down clusters. Duck feather and down pillows are great if you are looking for a pillow that gives you a medium level of support. They’re often the best choice for people who sleep on their backs.
- Goose feather and down pillows are often considered the most supreme kind of filling for a pillow. Although there is little difference between duck down and goose down filling, goose feathers are slightly fluffier than duck feathers and geese have larger down clusters too. Goose feather pillows are usually made with down as part of the filling and are great for maintaining their shape. Our range at DUSK is made from 80% down and 20% feather and, when covered in a cotton percale outer material, offers a premium combination of a supportive filling and a cool and comfortable fabric to sleep on.
- Feels Like Down pillows. When it comes to luxury pillows, it’s difficult to beat the softness of a natural filling like feathers or down. But not everyone is best suited to these fibres which can sometimes trigger allergies or irritations. That’s why we offer our Feels Like Down range of pillows filled with 100% synthetic microfibre that’s as soft as a natural filling whilst also being kind to allergy sufferers.
- Hypoallergenic pillows are searched for regularly, as many often mistake their pillow’s filling to be the cause of their allergies. Usually, it is not the filling, but the dust mites that are inside your pillow that cause reactions, so it's important to take good care of your pillows to ensure they're always kept clean. Again, our synthetic Feels Like Down pillow range can help those who are susceptible to irritations or have allergies.
How To Care For Your Pillows
How to clean your pillows
Small stains on your pillows or duvet can be spot cleaned. Farah advises: “Move the filling down and away from the area you need to spot clean, and then dab it with cool water. Try to avoid using warm or hot water as this can set stains and don’t use bleach.
Drying thoroughly is very important even when spot cleaning. Always make sure the area is completely dry, even when it feels dry to touch the filling can hold moisture which can lead to mould if not dried thoroughly. We would recommend tumble drying on a low heat.”
How to keep your pillows feeling plump
You should start the day by fluffing up your pillows to get them plumped up and ready for another night’s sleep. You can also try putting your pillow outside for a few hours when the weather is warm and sunny – this will get air to it and help kill any bacteria that may be lurking in your pillows.
How to dispose of your pillows
There's more to disposing of your pillows than simply throwing them away. Bed linen, duvets and pillows that go into general waste often end up in landfill, which is bad for our planet. The best way to dispose of your pillows is to take them to recycling banks or see if your local council will collect them.
How often to replace your pillows
You should look to replace your pillows every two years. Over time there will be a build up of dust and dirt, plus your pillow is likely to have lost a lot of support. You can usually tell when it’s time to replace your pillow if…
- It’s stained or discoloured
- You wake up with aches or pains — particularly in your neck and shoulders
- You have started to get tension headaches
- Your pillow feels lumpy and uneven
- If you fold your pillow in half, it doesn’t spring back
How To Protect Your Pillows
Introduce an extra layer of protection and extend the life of your pillow with a luxurious cotton pillow protector. They will shield pillows from wear and tear, provide a healthier sleeping environment, and will repel dust or stains from getting through to your pillow. Pillow protectors mainly vary by their fabrics and different styles offer different benefits – whether that be anti-allergy properties or breathable material to help keep you cool.
Pillow FAQs
How many pillows should you sleep with?
This is largely down to personal preference. However, experts advise that you only sleep with one pillow to maintain the spine’s natural alignment and avoid positioning your head at an angle that is too high. If one pillow isn't enough for a truly restful slumber, opt for two softer pillows to avoid too much height beneath your head.
Why do I need to have a luxury pillow?
Pillows are a critical element of any sleeping routine. They help to keep your body aligned whilst you are lying asleep and, with the wrong pillow, you could wake up with a stiff neck or sore muscles in your back that can stop you from doing some day-to-day activities. Worst of all, if you’ve slept awkwardly on a pillow, you could end up with poor quality sleep that will leave you tired the whole day after. Make your sleeping experience luxurious with luxury bedding products like a plump pillow encased in a plush pillowcase.
Which pillows are good for posture?
Goose feather and down pillows are the two most popular pillow fillings at DUSK. Duck down pillows and goose down pillows both contain soft and light under plumage and are often considered the highest quality. They are extremely soft and provide that cloud-like effect you may already know and love.
What material is best for a pillow?
We would recommend a pillow that is made with a cotton casing, as the breathable quality of cotton helps keep you cool and comfortable at night.
How do you break in new pillows?
Does your new pillow feel too stiff to sleep on comfortably? This could be due to the fibres not having softened yet but rest assured these pillows can simply be broken into by sleeping on them. After a few days your pillow should have softened, providing the heavenly night’s sleep you’ve been searching for.
What is the best pillow for asthma?
If you suffer from asthma, the best pillows for you are ones that deter dust or any other elements that may affect your breathing. Our range of Feels Like Down pillows are filled with 100% microfibre, an anti-allergy material that’s ideal for those who suffer from allergies.
What is the best pillow for neck pain?
It's important to choose a pillow that will provide the right level of support if you suffer from neck and back pain. Goose feather and down pillows are a popular option as they will protect your neck and spine alignment as well as giving a snug overall feel.
What is the best pillow when pregnant?
You might find yourself tossing and turning more than usual when pregnant, trying to find that optimum sleeping position. A great option is a soft pillow that can help to regulate your temperature.
What is the best pillow to avoid overheating?
Temperature is often a key factor of a disturbed sleep. It can leave you tossing and turning and trying to find the cooler side of your pillow. Our cooling pillow is a great choice if you are prone to overheating, as it will help combat the rising temperatures and absorb the heat, ensuring a truly restful sleep.
If you struggle with overheating, especially in summer, check out our summer sleep guide for advice on how to stay cool whilst sleeping.
Which type of pillow do you prefer? Will you be choosing a natural or microfibre filling? We’d love to hear - let us know on Facebook or Instagram.
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