Bed Pillow Buying Guide: How to Choose a Pillow
Whether your priority is comfort or style, explore our buying guide to learn how to identify the best type of pillow for your bed. Your sleep position and comfort preferences are just two of the variables to think about before buying a bed pillow. Learn more about pillow fill types, densities, and sizes, then find tips for caring for and protecting your pillows once you’ve found the perfect one.
Understand Your Pillow Fill Options
Do you like your pillow to feel soft and squishy? Or firm with some give? There are several types of pillow fills, and each has pros and cons depending on your needs and personal preferences. Consider the characteristics and benefits of each type of pillow fill—down, down and feathers, down alternative, and foam:
Down Pillows
Breathable down comes from the fluffy undercoat beneath the feathers of geese and ducks, and is one of the most luxurious pillow fills, conforming to your head and neck for optimum support. The ethically sourced, Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified down in our products goes through a rigorous cleaning process to ensure that it’s hypoallergenic. A premium-quality down pillow is more durable than a synthetic pillow and makes a worthwhile investment that lasts for years with proper care.
Down & Feather Mix Pillows
Down & feather mixes tend to be more affordable than all-down options. Feathers provide firmness and support that balance down’s loft. The more down in the mix, the loftier the pillow; the more feathers, the greater the support.
Did you know? Anything sold and labeled as “down” must have at least 75% whole down clusters and must be labeled as such. The remaining 25% can consist of whole down clusters, fibers, and some small feathers. A pillow with less than 75% down must be labeled as a down and feather mix.
Down Alternative Pillows
Down alternative fill is made of synthetic fibers that mimic down’s luxurious loft. For those with sensitivities or who simply prefer a down-free option, hypoallergenic down alternative pillows make an excellent choice. We offer classic down alternative pillows and options filled with premium LoftAIRE™ or PrimaLoft®.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam is a dense, sponge-like material that contours to your head and neck, providing ergonomic support for a better night's rest. Memory foam pillows are best for sleepers who prefer a firmer option.
Choose Bed Pillows By Your Sleeping Position
What’s your go-to sleeping position? It will determine the best pillow density for you. Whether you sleep on your stomach (like a little h), back, side, or in a combination of positions throughout the night the right pillow density will provide optimum comfort.
Sleep Comfortably With Support and Specialty Pillows
A support or speciality pillow provides additional comfort, thanks to features you won’t find in a regular bed pillow. Find the perfect options to promote proper alignment across your entire body:
- Support Pillows: With contoured designs or a specific mix of fill, support pillows are engineered to offer extra ergonomic comfort for specific sleeping positions.
- Cooling Pillows: These pillows draw heat away from the body to create a cooler sleeping surface, making them an ideal option for hot sleepers and warm climates or seasons.
- Hypoallergenic Pillows: Many of our pillows feature hypoallergenic fill options, so they’re suitable for allergy sufferers. For an extra layer of protection, add an allergy-proof pillow protector.
How Many Pillows Do You Need?
In our world, there’s no such thing as “too many” pillows. The size of your bed can help you determine an appropriate size and number of pillows for comfort and style. For example, you’d typically use one Standard bed pillow for a Twin bed, two Queen pillows for a Queen bed, and two King pillows for a King bed. But when it comes to expressing your personal style, there are no rules. You can add as many support, speciality, and decorative pillows as you like (no matter what anyone says).
The Company Store Bed Pillow Size and Fill Chart
Our bed pillows are available with three fill options and in four density levels for your sleeping comfort. Choose from feather and down, down alternative, and foam pillows in soft, medium, firm, and extra firm densities. The Company Store bed pillow sizes and available fill options for each are as follows:
| Pillow Size | Dimensions | Fill Options |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20 in. x 26 in. | Down, Down Alternative, Foam |
| Queen | 20 in. x 30 in. | Down, Down Alternative |
| King | 20 in. x 36 in. | Down, Down Alternative |
| Euro | 24 in. x 24 in. | Down, Down Alternative |
Add Interest With Decorative Pillow Inserts
Decorative pillow inserts and covers add dimension and interest to an aesthetically layered bed. Our decorative pillow inserts are available in feather-and-down and down alternative options and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pair our pillow inserts with fun and fashionable pillow covers to express your personal style on the bed, sofa, or a favorite chair.
| Pillow Insert | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Bolster | 8 in. x 20 in. |
| Boudoir | Small: 12 in. x 16 in. Medium: 16 ins. x 20 in. Large: 16 in. x 24 in. |
| Euro | 26 in. x 26 in. |
| Neckroll | 6 in. x 15 in. |
| Reading Wedge | Medium: 19 in. x 14 in. x 8 in. Large: 36 in. x 18 in. x 12 in. |
| Square | Small: 16 in. x 16 in. Medium: 18 in. x 18 in. Large: 20 in. x 20 in. |
Pillow Care Instructions
A pillow that provides optimum comfort is an investment, and proper care helps it last. There are three ways you can care for your pillows—machine wash, dry clean, or spot clean—and the best method varies by product. For best results, never use bleach and always follow the individual care instructions that came with your pillow.
Washing and Drying Your Pillow
Following your pillow’s care guidelines ensures it maintains its supportive and comforting qualities throughout the years. For detailed care instructions, check the label on your pillow or visit our individual product pages, as no two pillows are alike. Washing memory foam pillows requires a different approach than caring for a down or down alternative pillow.
How Often Should I Wash My Pillow?
Wash your bed pillows every three to six months. The pillows you sleep on every night or use without a protector should be washed more frequently; decorative pillow inserts will likely need to be washed less often.
- Expert Tip: If the care label indicates your pillow can be machine dried, add clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to to speed up the process and restore the fluffiness of the pillow.
Protecting Your Pillow
Use a pillow protector to extend the life of your pillow. It will provide an extra layer of defense against dust mites, moisture, stains, and bed bugs.
Storing Your Pillow
Just like bed sheets and comforters, pillows should be stored in a linen closet with sufficient airflow to prevent musty smells from developing. Make sure your pillow is clean and completely dry before storing it to avoid mold and mildew growth.
When Should I Replace My Pillow?
It may be time to replace your pillow if it no longer holds its shape and you have cared for it with regular cleanings. Fold your pillow in half: If it does not spring back into shape, start looking for a new one.
Whether you prefer down, down alternative, or memory foam, the right bed pillow should provide exactly the balance of support and comfort you need to achieve your best night’s rest. Add support, specialty, and decorative pillows to achieve a bed that looks and feels like your favorite five-star hotel. Explore our other Guides for more bedding tips and ideas.