Pillow Buying Guide

How to choose the right pillow — from our showroom in Hamilton, Ontario.

Many of our customers are surprised to learn that the wrong pillow is often the cause of neck and shoulder pain — not their mattress. At Bed & Bath Home Decor, we help customers find the right pillow every day. Here are the most important questions, answered from experience.

Why does my sleep position matter when choosing a pillow?

Your pillow needs to keep your spine in a neutral alignment while you sleep. The right loft (height) and firmness depends entirely on how you sleep:

• Side sleepers need a higher, firmer pillow to fill the gap between their head and shoulder
• Back sleepers need a medium loft pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck
• Stomach sleepers need a very soft, low pillow — or no pillow at all

One of the most common things we hear in our showroom: “I’ve been using the wrong pillow for years.” A simple change makes a huge difference.

What’s the best pillow for side sleepers?

Side sleepers need a high-loft, firm pillow that keeps the head level with the spine. Look for:

• Down or down alternative with a high fill power (600+)
• A gusseted pillow (extra fabric on the sides for more height)
• Memory foam if you prefer consistent support that doesn’t compress

Our Highland Feather goose down pillows are a favourite among side sleepers in our store.

What’s the best pillow for back sleepers?

Back sleepers need a medium loft pillow — not too high, not too flat. The goal is to support the natural curve of your neck without pushing your head forward.

• A medium-fill down pillow works beautifully for most back sleepers
• Avoid very thick or very firm pillows — they push the chin toward the chest

What’s the best pillow for stomach sleepers?

Stomach sleepers put the most strain on their neck. A very soft, low-loft pillow is essential — or sleeping without a pillow under the head and placing one under the stomach instead to reduce lower back strain.

What’s the difference between a down pillow and a memory foam pillow?

Are down pillows good for people with neck pain?

It depends on the cause of the pain. Down pillows are excellent for people who need a softer, more moldable surface. However, if you need consistent firm support — for example, after an injury — a memory foam or latex pillow may be better.

When in doubt, come into our showroom and we’ll help you find the right option for your specific situation.

What pillow fill is best for hot sleepers?

Down and wool pillows are the most breathable natural options. Avoid memory foam if you sleep hot — it tends to trap heat. Look for pillows with a cotton or bamboo cover for extra breathability.

How often should I replace my pillows?

A general guide:

• Down pillows: every 5–10 years with proper care
• Synthetic/microfiber pillows: every 1–2 years
• Memory foam pillows: every 3–5 years

Quick test: Fold your pillow in half. If it doesn’t spring back, it’s time to replace it.

How do I wash and dry a down pillow properly?

• Wash two pillows at a time in a large front-load washer on a gentle, warm cycle
• Use a small amount of mild detergent
• Dry on low heat with two tennis balls to prevent clumping
• Run two or three drying cycles until completely dry — damp down can mildew
• Fluff by hand after drying and air out before putting pillowcases back on

How many pillows do I need?

For sleeping, most people use one or two pillows. For a fully dressed bed, the standard is:

• Queen bed: 2 sleeping pillows + 2–4 decorative pillows
• King bed: 2–3 sleeping pillows + 4–6 decorative pillows

Many of our customers are surprised how much a well-dressed bed changes the feel of the whole bedroom.

Ready to shop? Browse our pillow collection →

Related guides: Duvet Buying Guide | Sheet Buying Guide

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