Anyone who’s woken up with a stiff neck won’t underestimate the importance of a good quality pillow. As the place you rest your head night after night, your pillow doesn’t just affect your sleep, but often how you feel the next day as well.
It’s for this reason that selecting the right pillow — and knowing when to replace it — is so important.
How to choose the right pillow for you
Pillow preferences are a very personal thing, and while there might not be one ‘right’ pillow, there are definitely a few wrong ones.
While it’s important that your pillow is comfortable to sleep on, it should also be supporting your neck and back alignment throughout the night. Generally, pillows that are too stiff and flat are more likely to cause pain and stiffness upon waking.
In a 2010 study of the different types of pillows, memory pillows came out on top for reducing headaches and pain. This is likely because the pillows are designed to fit with the natural curve of your neck and shoulders.
However, it’s important that you choose a pillow based on your own body and sleeping habits. While side sleepers will find pillows with a higher contour more comfortable, a flatter pillow will likely be more comfortable for those who sleep on their backs.
How often should you replace your pillow?
There’s no exact length of time that’s correct for changing your pillows. It really depends on the specific pillow and the environment that it’s been exposed to.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to check your pillow’s quality every couple of years. While pillows made with high-quality materials are likely to last more than five years, low-quality pillows will need to be replaced sooner.
How to tell if your pillow needs replacing
- Waking up with pain in your neck or shoulders
- Experiencing allergy symptoms, such as a headache, scratchy throat, rash or runny nose, when using the pillow
- Yellow spots or stains are visible
- It feels lumpy
- You can fold the pillow in half
How to make your pillow last longer
While pillows aren’t made to last forever, taking care of them is guaranteed to make them last longer.
To do this, it’s importance to minimise your pillow’s exposure to moisture and mould by avoiding going to bed with your hair wet and keeping a flow of fresh air throughout your bedroom.
Regularly changing your pillow case and using pillow protectors will also help.
Our favourite pillows to buy in 2024
01
Morgan & Finch memory foam medium profile pillow
$69.95 (usually $99.99), Bed Bath N’ Table
Best for: back sleepers
Being naturally hypoallergenic, memory foam pillows are the automatic choice for anyone sensitive to allergens. With a medium profile, this memory foam pillow is also an ideal choice for back sleepers who prefer a firm pillow.
Key features:
- Memory foam
- Removable cotton sateen cover
- Naturally hypoallergenic
02
Ecosa cooling pillow
$200, Ecosa
Best for: hot sleepers
With a cool-to-touch fabric and cooling gel layer, the Ecosa cooling pillow will help to lower your body temperature and keep you cooler during the night.
Key features:
- Contoured ergonomic design
- Adjustable height
- Cool-to-touch fabric
03
The Koala pillow
$155, Koala
Best for: all sleepers
The Koala pillow gives you the choice of using its firmer or softer sides, making it the perfect choice for all types of sleepers and nights.
Key features:
- Polyurethane gel foam
- Washable outer cover
- Firm and soft side
04
Comfort science medium memory foam contour pillow
$55 (usually $79), Pillow Talk
Best for: side sleepers
By contouring to the natural shape of your head, neck and shoulders, this memory foam pillow supports the alignment of your spine throughout the night.
Key features:
- Anti dust mite
- Washable outer cover
- Memory foam pillow
05
Emma Cloud hybrid pillow
$278, Emma Sleep
Best for: balance of plush and firm
With a plush microfibre pocket and supportive memory foam core, the Emma Cloud hybrid pillow offers the best of both worlds. If you remove the memory foam core, you also have a comfortable pocket to nestle your arm in.
Key features:
- Memory foam core
- Machine-washable microfibre pocket
- Suitable for all sleepers
Related stories
5 home cleaning tips to save you time and energy
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
