What Are the Different Types of Pillows?
When you’re choosing a pillow, there is a range of pillow types and options to consider, and factors including fill, shape, and firmness influence which is best for you. Like other types of bedding, pillows aren’t one-size-fits-all: Each person’s ideal pillow depends on their typical sleeping position, fill preferences, and individual comfort needs. Explore our guide to learn more about the most popular pillow types and what makes each uniquely comfortable.
5 Common Pillow Types
One way to categorize pillows is by fill, or the material that gives the pillow its support, shape, and loft. There are several options to choose from, and each offers its own set of benefits. The most common pillow types by fill include:
- Down: A natural pillow fill material, its original use dates to ancient Greek and Roman times. Down is hypoallergenic, lofty, and supportive—perfect for restful nights.
- Down Alternative: Often filled with polyester fiber, or polyfill, down alternative pillows provide a down-free option for those who prefer synthetic fill. Down alternative pillows are just as comfortable and lofty as down.
- Memory Foam: For personalized support, memory foam pillows have become a popular option. This type of pillow insert conforms to your shape when pressure is applied, which allows it to satisfy your specific comfort needs.
- Shredded or Cut Foam: The moldable fill inside shredded or cut foam pillows is similar to memory foam in that it provides customized comfort, but the fill compresses for more softness and support.
- Gel-Infused: A foam or synthetic pillow fill infused with a specialty gel helps regulate body temperature, which provides a cooling effect for warm sleepers. While the level of support depends on the specific fill material, gel is a welcome addition for those seeking temperature regulation.
Narrowing Your Options: Choosing Pillow Firmness
While you may think of softness as one of the main features of a pillow, the density of a pillow depends on fill—and “soft” isn’t the only option. Whether you opt for down, down alternative, or foam, the best pillow density depends on your preferred sleeping position. Options include:
- Soft: Stomach sleepers often prefer soft-density pillows, or pillows that are thinner and less firm, allowing the head and neck to sink into comfort.
- Medium: Back sleepers need pillows that offer extra spine support, and medium-density pillows are a good choice to achieve it.
- Firm and Extra-Firm: Side sleepers do well with the added support of a firm-density pillow, which helps align the neck and spine for better comfort.
What Type of Pillow Should Your Sleep On?
People often use one or two bed pillows to support their head and properly align the neck and spine while sleeping, providing better comfort and more restful nights. Bed pillows are often rectangular in shape and come in toddler, standard, queen, and king sizes. When it comes to choosing a pillow for sleep, the shape you choose can affect your comfort: Too small, and you’re not getting the support you need; too thick, and you may wake up sore.
Beyond the Bed: Other Popular Pillow Shapes
In addition to supportive options for sleep, common types of pillows include decorative pillow inserts and specialty positioning pillows. The differences between a standard pillow versus a Euro pillow, support pillow, or decorative pillow are easy to spot. Mainly, pillow shape often correlates with pillow use, and some of the options include:
- Support Pillow: Each type of support pillow features a special shape to suit a specific purpose. Reading wedge pillows encourage good posture while you relax with a good book; neck, shoulder, or arm positioning pillows help relieve pressure for more comfort; knee and leg positioning pillows align your hips and spine; and body pillows are often preferred by side-sleepers or those with back pain for more comfortable sleep.
- Decorative Pillow: Create a cohesive look in your bedroom or living space with pillow inserts in a range of shapes and styles, including square Euro pillows, tube-shaped neckroll pillows, long lumbar pillows, and throw pillows in various sizes.
Pairing Pillows With the Best Cover Types
Once you’ve chosen a pillow, you need a pillowcase or cover, too. There are a variety of covers meant for pillows, for both decorative and protective purposes. While you could technically use a pillow without a cover, we don’t recommend it! Our pillows are crafted with soft cotton shells, but they are meant to be used with a pillowcase rather than “bare.”
These are the most common pillow cover types:
- Pillowcases: Slip pillowcases over your pillows to coordinate with your bedding, and also to act as a washable barrier between the pillow and your face. You can choose pillowcases that match your sheet set, mix prints and colors, or get creative with solid colors that suit your decor scheme.
- Sham: When it comes to choosing between a pillow sham versus pillowcase, remember that these items don’t serve the same purpose. A pillowcase is meant to sleep on, while a pillow sham is mainly to use for decoration—and pillows covered with shams are often set aside when it’s time to go to sleep.
- Protective Covers: What is the difference between a pillowcase and a pillow protector? Both pillowcases and protective covers slide over the pillow, but protective covers block allergens, dirt, debris, and oils from getting into your pillow, extending its life and making it easier to keep clean between washings. A pillowcase goes over the protective cover.
- Decorative Pillow Cover: Throw pillow inserts can be paired with colorful covers, allowing you to change the look of your space with the season or as you wish. Choose the pillow cover type to suit your throw pillow insert’s size and shape.
Pillows come in a range of types and styles for everything from decoration and relaxation to providing just-right positioning for a restful night’s sleep. When you’re looking for a new pillow, consider these differences to find the option that best suits your needs. Explore our Product Guides for more inspiration.