12 Different Types of Pillows for Every Sleeping Position

February 17, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

No matter how you like to hit the hay, understanding the different pillow types that are right for your preferred sleeping position can help make sure you don’t wake up with a stiff neck. 

For example, side sleepers should look for softer pillows with a higher loft to ensure their neck isn’t strained at night. Meanwhile, stomach sleepers should look for medium to medium-firm pillows with a lower loft to ensure their neck is propped up at a comfortable angle. Back sleepers need to find that sweet spot where the support is firm without pushing their neck too far forward.

Keep reading to learn about different types of pillows and which one is best for your preferred sleep position.

1. Down Pillow

Down pillows are made from the soft fibers close to the skin of a goose, duck, or swan. Since these pillows are sometimes blended with feathers, be sure to look at the down to feather ratio when purchasing a down pillow. 

It’s also important to find an ethically sourced down pillow. Since down is taken from animals, it’s important to make sure down pillows are certified by the Responsible Down Standard which guides the ethical treatment of ducks and geese. 

Pros: 

  • Moldable, good head and neck support
  • Durable, can last several years
  • Light pillow weight
  • Soft and cushiony
  • Insulating

Cons: 

  • Can retain body heat, so it can be easy to overheat
  • Potential allergic reactions
  • Requires fluffing to maintain loft
  • Can be difficult to clean
  • Need to find ethically sourced down

Who this pillow is best for: Side, back, and stomach sleepers. Down pillow material is one of the best pillows for stomach sleepers due to its cushion and pillow softness.

Down pillows range from soft to firm, making them superb for all sleepers. There’s also a variety to choose from, including:

  • Goose down
  • Duck down
  • All down
  • Mixed down
  • Synthetic down

If you’re seeking the luxury sleep that a down pillow affords, you’ll want to start by identifying which type is right for you.

Goose vs. Duck Down

Typically, down pillows will be filled exclusively with either goose or duck down. In general, these two materials have a lot in common. Both are super comfy and have excellent thermal retention, but may require refluffing occasionally. In addition, both materials tend to be:1

  • Natural, soft, and lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Great at thermal retention

When you’re trying to decide between the two, one factor to note is that goose down pillows can be considerably more expensive than duck-down. If you want luxurious comfort without the luxurious price tag, then a duck down pillow could be the sweet spot.

All Down vs. Mixed Down

When you’re shopping for a down pillow, an additional factor to consider is whether it’s an all-down pillow or a mixture of down and feathers. While both can offer benefits, the best option for you depends on what type of sleeper you are. 

If you tend to become cold easily while sleeping and prefer a soft, plush pillow, then consider all-down pillows for their ability to retain heat. That said, a little breathability can go a long way toward your sleep comfort—and a mixed feather-and-down pillow offers this advantage. Feathers are lighter than down and can thus offer more airflow throughout the night. This combination of breathability and softness can be the perfect medium for sweet dreams.

2. Down Alternative Pillow (Synthetic Down)

Down alternative pillows are a synthetic version of the classic down pillow. Most down alternative pillows are filled with polyester that is used to mimic the feeling of down. Polyester makes down alternative pillows hypoallergenic and much more affordable. If you’re looking for a soft down feel without wanting to use actual feathers, a down alternative pillow is a great option. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to clean
  • Hypoallergenic
  • No ethical sourcing issues

Cons:

  • Can develop lumps
  • Not moldable
  • Weaker insulation than true down

Who this pillow is best for: Back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers can also use down alternative, but the soft and fluffy nature of down alternative pillows makes it one of the best pillows for back and side sleepers. 

3. Feather Pillow

Feather pillows are made of a traditional filling that’s great for providing support without losing shape. Feather filling is an excellent option if you’re looking for a comfortable, supportive option. However, it’s important to note that many feather pillows are also filled with a small amount of down, so people allergic to down should be sure to look at the makeup of a feather pillow before purchasing. 

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Light pillow weight
  • Holds shape
  • Moldable

Cons:

  • Needs fluffing to maintain loft
  • Difficult to clean
  • Retains body heat

Who this pillow is best for: Back and side sleepers. Feather pillows are similar to real down in that they are soft and fluffy, but the higher loft makes it one of the best pillows for side sleepers and back sleepers.

4. Cotton Pillow

Cotton pillows have been on a downward trend in popularity in favor of newer synthetic materials like memory foam. But cotton pillows are made of classic pillow material that does have specific advantages, particularly for people who are allergic to synthetic materials. Additionally, since cotton pillows are simple to clean, it’s easy to wash your cotton pillow regularly. 

Pros:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Light, breathable fabric
  • Odorless

Cons:

  • Needs regular cleaning for dust mites and mold
  • Doesn’t contour to head
  • Can become lumpy

Who this pillow is best for: Side, back, and stomach sleepers. Cotton pillows are very versatile and work for almost all sleepers, but it’s important to note that this material won’t mold to the shape of your head like memory foam or feather pillows. 

5. Latex Pillow

Latex pillows are gaining popularity because of the high level of support they provide for your head and neck, while still maintaining a soft and cozy feel. Latex pillows are sold both in solid and shredded material. However, be sure to watch out for latex-blend pillows, which are commonly blended with polyurethane foam, which can potentially be toxic. 

Pros: 

  • Durability
  • Moldable
  • Breathable and cooling
  • Biodegradable

Cons: 

  • Odor
  • High cost
  • Potential for allergic reactions

Who this pillow is best for: Side and back sleepers. This pillow is not recommended for stomach sleepers because of its higher than average loft. 

6. Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam pillows are becoming extremely popular because it contours to your body, meaning that it can be a good fit for all sleeping positions. This allows your head and neck to mold the memory foam pillow into a position that’s most comfortable for you. 

Pros:

  • Pain relief support
  • No clumping
  • Contours to your body

Cons:

  • Need to find foam density that doesn’t inhibit breathability
  • Some memory foams retain body heat

Who this pillow is best for: Side, back, and stomach sleepers. However, memory foam pillows may be too firm for some side sleepers. 

With so many options to choose from, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of memory foam pillows:

  • Traditional single block 
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Wedge-shaped
  • Cooling

Traditional Single Block

This single block of memory foam comes in the shape of a traditional pillow. It easily adapts to the natural shape of your head and neck. This classic memory foam pillow provides personalized support, reduces pain, and improves sleep quality.

That said, there are other iterations of a single-block memory foam pillow, too. Some come with perforated foam for better airflow. Others come in either low loft or medium loft so that you can choose the ideal height for your preferred sleeping position. 

Hypoallergenic

Most memory foam pillows are anti-allergy due to their synthetic nature and the manufacturing process they undergo. Still, specific hypoallergenic varieties are much more resistant to mold, bacteria, and dust mites. Whether you suffer from allergies or sensitive skin, this may be your option if you’re sensitive to certain materials.

Wedge-shaped

This triangular-shaped pillow offers an ergonomic design, perfect for people with specific health issues or who require a slightly elevated sleeping position. Wedge pillows can offer plenty of health benefits, especially for the following:2

  • Acid reflux
  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea
  • Respiratory issues
  • Neck and back pain

In addition, wedge-shaped memory foam pillows are multipurpose: they can also help ensure proper posture when sitting in a chair, or add some extra elevation beneath your knees.

Cooling

Cooling memory foam pillows can be an excellent option for those who are looking for a supportive and plush pillow but want to keep things cool. But when it comes to knowing which one, you’ll need to choose between a few different types of cooling technology. Two of the most popular options are gel-infused pillows and pillows with multiple layers of perforated foam

Gel-infused memory foam pillows are a nice option for sleepers looking for a pillow that feels cool to the touch without constant flipping, as the gel inserts can help to dissipate heat. That said, if you’re looking for a cooler pillow plus the benefit of increased airflow, a perforated foam pillow is the way to go. Multiple layers of perforated foam throughout the pillow allow for continuous air circulation throughout the night.

7. Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Shredded memory foam pillows are a rising alternative to traditional memory foam. Since shredded memory foam pillow filling can be added or removed depending on the individual’s preference, shredded memory foam is a good fit for nearly every sleeping preference. 

Pros: 

  • Doesn’t clump 
  • Moldable
  • Customizable support
  • Easy to clean

Cons: 

  • Chemical off-gassing
  • May arrive overstuffed
  • Can wear out over time

Who this pillow is best for: back and side sleepers. Some stomach sleepers may like shredded memory foam, but others report finding this pillow uncomfortable due to the more firm material. 

8. Bamboo Pillow

Bamboo pillows have been a rising trend in the sleep industry for a while, likely because of their antimicrobial properties and moisture-absorbing abilities. Most bamboo pillows are actually made of a shredded foam interior with a bamboo viscose shell, meaning you get the benefits of a shredded memory foam pillow with the cooling properties of bamboo. 

Pros:

  • Antimicrobial
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Cooling and moisture-wicking

Cons:

  • Chemical off-gassing
  • Heavy pillow weight
  • Difficult to clean

Who this pillow is best for: Back sleepers. Since bamboo pillows are made of dense shredded memory foam, stomach and side sleepers may find these pillows too firm. 

9. Gel Pillow

Gel pillows are touted for their ability to keep people cool at night. Many gel pillows are actually made of gel combined with another material, like foam or latex, to give the cooling benefits of gel with the softness of another material. The gel material is firm and holds its shape well, but can be molded to fit the contours of the sleeper, similar to memory foam. 

Pros:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Cooling
  • Easy to care for

Cons:

  • Too firm for some sleepers
  • Expensive

Who this pillow is best for: Stomach and back sleepers. Side sleepers may find gel pillows to be too firm to find a comfortable sleeping position. 

10. Polyester Pillow

Polyester fiberfill pillows, sometimes referred to as poly-fill, are a popular budget-conscious pillow choice. However, due to the cheaper material that poly-fill pillows are made with, they tend to absorb heat and become lumpy fairly quickly.  

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • Can develop lumps
  • Not breathable
  • Not long-lasting

Who this pillow is best for: Back, stomach, and side sleepers. Since poly-fill can be produced with varying levels of firmness, it works for all sleeping positions. 

11. Buckwheat Pillow

Buckwheat pillows have been popular in Asia for a while, and are just starting to make their way over to North America. These pillows are filled with buckwheat shells, which are firm yet still breathable. However, it’s important to note that the buckwheat shells can be noisy if you move around in your sleep.

Pros:

  • Malleable
  • Breathable and cooling
  • Long-lasting

Cons:

  • Makes noise when moving around
  • Heavy pillow weight
  • Too firm for some sleepers

Who this pillow is best for: Back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers may find buckwheat pillows to be too firm.

12. Microbead Pillow

Microbead pillows are similar to buckwheat pillows in feeling, but are made with a synthetic material called uniform polymer particles. As a synthetic alternative, microbead offers lots of similar advantages like breathability and conforming to your head shape, but they may also lose their shape faster than true buckwheat pillows. 

Pros:

  • Breathable
  • Malleable
  • Firm and supportive

Cons:

  • Chemical off-gassing
  • Not long-lasting
  • Retain heat

Who this pillow is best for: Back sleepers. Some stomach sleepers may also like microbead pillows, but the high level of firmness is ideal for back sleepers. 

13. Orthopedic Pillow

Orthopedic pillows are designed to correct body positioning in bed or while lying on any other surface. Their design conforms to orthopedic guidelines to ensure the right placement and support of one or more specific parts of the body to provide safe and healthy rest to the sleeper. They are also crafted to alleviate specific types of strain or to provide soothing for certain types of injuries. 

Pros: 

  • Improves body alignment 
  • Reduces pain associated with poor sleeping positions
  • Can aid in recovering from neck, back, or shoulder injuries 
  • Variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs

Cons: 

  • May take time to get used to
  • Can be expensive 
  • Might not be suitable for everyone’s personal comfort preference

Who this pillow is best for: Back, side, and stomach sleepers with specific needs. Orthopedic pillows are often recommended for individuals who experience neck, back, or shoulder pain during sleep, or those recovering from injuries. 

14. Body Pillow

Body pillows are unique due to their oversized length, typically designed to provide support to the entire body, especially for side sleepers and pregnant women. A body pillow can be filled with various materials, like down, memory foam, or microbeads, depending on the firmness and support you prefer.

Pros:

  • Full body support
  • Promotes proper spinal alignment
  • Great for side sleepers and pregnant women
  • Many filling options to cater to individual preferences
  • Provides emotional comfort, akin to a hug

Cons:

  • Takes up more bed space
  • Can be challenging to find pillowcases for due to their size
  • May be too bulky or firm for some users
  • Not all are machine washable

Who this pillow is best for: Side sleepers and pregnant women. Body pillows can provide the needed support for the neck, back, hips, and knees, helping to align the spine and relieve pressure points. It is an excellent option for people who enjoy hugging a pillow while they sleep.

The Right Pillow For You

Understanding different pillow shapes and fills can mean the difference between a restful snooze and a frustrating night spent counting sheep. Whether you’re looking for hypoallergenic bedding or something designed to ease back pain, you can find different types of pillows that fit your needs. That way, you’ll never feel the need to sleep without a pillow again.

Ready for some sweet dreams? Pile on the comfort with a soft and supportive Casper pillow today.

Sources:

1. Appalachian Mountain Club. Duck vs Goose Down: Which Is Superior? https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/goose-down-vs-duck-down-which-is/ 

2. Sleep Advisor. How to Sleep on a Wedge Pillow – A Guide Through the Specifics. https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-use-a-wedge-pillow/