The wrong pillow can ruin your night's sleep. Everyone who has tossed and turned on a flattened lump or woken up with a stiff neck knows this. However, finding the right pillow is not rocket science, even if the vast selection and unfamiliar materials can be confusing. The choice is ultimately simple – once you know where to start.
Choosing a pillow starts with your sleeping position
The most common mistake when buying a pillow is to choose the one that feels the softest to the touch. The pillow's most important task is not to be a cotton-like dream, but to support the head and neck so that the spine remains straight at night. That's why the choice always starts with your own sleeping position.
Side sleeper: You need a high and firm pillow. In a side-sleeping position, the gap between the shoulder and the head requires filling, which the pillow must provide. If the pillow is too low, your head will hang and stretch your neck all night – and this is where most neck problems originate. The broader your shoulders, the thicker the pillow you need.
Back sleeper: You need a medium-high or low pillow. Its purpose is to support the natural curve of the neck, but not to push the head too far forward. A good indicator: if your chin presses against your chest, the pillow is too high. Back sleepers can also use ergonomic pillows, which are raised at the front and decrease in height towards the back. This supports the natural shape of the neck and head.
Stomach sleeper: This is the most challenging position for the neck. Therefore, the pillow must be as low and soft as possible – many even manage completely without a pillow. A pillow that is too high will forcibly twist the neck into an unnatural angle and almost certainly cause stiffness. Opt for a low and soft-filled pillow.
The most popular pillow fillings: fiber, down, and silk
Once the correct height has been determined based on your sleeping position, it's time to explore the materials. The filling affects everything: support, conformability, breathability, and ease of care.
Fiber pillow – a practical and allergy-friendly choice
The fiber pillow is the most popular pillow model in Finland, both at home and in hotels, and for good reason. It is practical, allergy-friendly, and often affordable. Modern fiber pillows, such as our Hotel Luxus series, are made from synthetic microfibers that mimic the airiness of down but offer firmer support. The highest quality microfiber pillows offer the benefits of down pillows at a significantly lower price and without the drawbacks of down pillows.
The biggest advantage of a fiber pillow is its ease of care. Most can be machine washed at 60 degrees Celsius, which keeps them hygienic. High-quality fiber does not clump easily. Many of our fiber pillows, such as the popular Hoie Downfeel pillows, are Öko-Tex certified, meaning they contain no harmful chemicals. Fiber is therefore a safe choice, especially for children and allergy sufferers.
Down pillow – luxurious softness and breathability
When you desire luxurious softness, down and silk pillows are the right choice. A down pillow conforms softly yet supportively under the head. As a natural material, it breathes excellently and wicks moisture away from the skin, so it doesn't feel stuffy even in summer.
Quality is determined by the ratio of down to feather: the more down, the higher the quality of the pillow. For example, Quilts of Denmark pillows use high-quality European goose down. Often, better down pillows have an ingenious structure: a firmer feather core in the middle provides support, and the surface is pure soft down. When properly cared for, a high-quality down pillow is a long-lasting investment. These pillows are called 3-layer pillows. They are always more supportive than 100% down pillows.
Silk pillow – a natural aid for sensitive skin
Silk is a rarer, yet exceptionally functional filling material. The silk pillows from the Butterfly Silk of Copenhagen collection are naturally antibacterial and dust mite-free, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin.
Silk fibers are smooth and do not irritate the skin. Like down, silk is a highly breathable and temperature-regulating material: it feels cool when it's hot and warm when it's cool. If you suffer from night sweats or skin problems, a silk pillow can significantly improve your sleep quality. High-quality silk pillows use the finest Mulberry silk for both filling and fabric. Tussah is a more affordable silk material, whose properties do not compare to Mulberry silk.
Read the filling details together
Compare the filling composition, quantity and any distribution between separate chambers. Also record pillow size and care instructions. A shared filling name does not mean that pillows of different sizes or constructions will feel the same, so try the exact option you intend to order.
When should you consider an ergonomic pillow?
If neck and shoulder pain, morning headaches, or numb hands are familiar ailments, a regular pillow may not be enough. Then it's time to explore the range of ergonomic pillows.
An ergonomic pillow is designed to support the cervical spine and relax the neck muscles. They are often made from memory foam (viscoelastic foam), which reacts to body heat and pressure and molds completely to individual needs.
Our selection includes various solutions:
- Contoured pillows: For example, Symbio Ergonomic and Comfort Air pillows offer curved support for the neck, especially suitable for back and side sleepers.
- Pillows selected according to measurements: The Dutch Pillowise pillow is a good example of this. The correct pillow is chosen using an algorithm that calculates the appropriate height and shape for you based on your shoulder line and neck measurements. It's a precise solution when nothing else seems to fit. Pillowise is a product series developed by physiotherapists and recommended by over 5000 physiotherapists worldwide.
- Special pillows: The Silent Sleep pillow is designed to reduce snoring by positioning the windpipe in an optimal position. The Bodypillow, on the other hand, provides support for the entire body and is popular among pregnant women and those who need support in a side-sleeping position.
It is good to remember that getting used to an ergonomic pillow often takes a few nights. The body may have been in the wrong position for years, and new, proper support may initially feel unfamiliar.
Also remember: pillow size and the right pillowcase
In addition to the pillow's filling and shape, a couple of details complete the sleeping comfort.
Pillow size: In Finland, the most common pillow size is 50x60 cm, and it is sufficient for most. However, if you crave a more luxurious feel or have a wide bed, the Hotel Luxus series giant pillow (60x80 cm) may be worth considering.
Pillowcase and protector: A perfect pillow is completed with the right pillowcase. Cotton sateen feels smooth, linen is breathable, and a silky pillowcase is the gentlest on skin and hair. But even more important than the pillowcase is the pillow protector. It is placed under the pillowcase to protect the pillow from moisture, dirt, and oil. The protector significantly extends the pillow's lifespan and is an easy way to improve hygiene.
Finding the right pillow can improve your sleep quality more than you realize. It's a small investment that pays for itself in more refreshed mornings and improved well-being. Don't settle for a compromise; choose the support that is made just for you.
Explore our wide selection of pillows and find yours. If you want to upgrade your entire bed to hotel quality at once, also check out our pre-selected sleep product sets.
Frequently asked questions
1. How often should a pillow be changed?
You should replace your pillow every 1–3 years. Over time, the filling compresses and support weakens. In addition, moisture, skin flakes, and oil inevitably accumulate in the pillow, so changing it is important for hygiene reasons alone. A high-quality pillow protector extends the replacement interval. If a pillow protector has been used, the lifespan can increase by 50-100%.
2. Can a down pillow be used if one is allergic?
Yes, most often. Many people think they are allergic to down, when in reality the reaction is caused by dust mites. Modern, high-quality down products are cleaned so thoroughly that they are suitable for many. Our Öko-Tex certified pillows are safe, and regular airing and washing keep mites at bay. However, for those with severe allergies, a fiber pillow is the safest choice.
3. Why do I wake up with neck pain even though I have a new pillow?
There are two common reasons for this. Either the new pillow is still the wrong height or firmness for you. The second, and more common, reason is that your body has become accustomed to sleeping for years on an old, poor pillow in an incorrect position. New, proper support may initially feel unfamiliar as muscles and vertebrae align correctly. Give yourself time to adjust – this usually takes from a few nights to a week.
4. How do I wash my pillow correctly?
Always check the care label on your pillow – it is the most reliable guide. As a general rule: fiber pillows can often be machine washed at 60 degrees with regular detergent. Down pillows require a gentler program and a detergent intended for down. The most important thing is thorough drying so that the filling does not clump and remains airy.
5. Should I choose a low or high pillow?
The choice is not based on preference but on your sleeping position. This is the most important single decision when choosing a pillow. The rule of thumb is clear: stomach sleepers need a low pillow, back sleepers a medium-height pillow, and side sleepers a high pillow. This ensures that your neck and spine remain in a straight line throughout the night.
Explore our pillow options in person
Visit our Helsinki showroom to explore almost our entire product range. See showroom details and arrange your visit. Contact us using our form for help finding options that suit your needs.
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