What is the best pillow for me?

Sleeping position

Are you a back or side sleeper? Or do you mainly sleep on your stomach? The extent to which your shoulder sinks into your mattress is an important factor to take into account. A side sleeper pillow is therefore often a thicker and firmer pillow than the pillow for a back or stomach sleeper. Simply because when lying on your side, there is a larger space between the head, neck, and the mattress to fill. Stomach sleepers and back sleepers are therefore advised to choose a thinner pillow. For stomach sleepers, we recommend a pillow that is very supple and softly filled, so that it does not put counter-pressure on the neck. The filling of a stomach sleeper pillow must also be highly breathable, so that you get enough air even when lying on your stomach.

Tip! Choose a pillow with a zipper. This allows you to easily adjust the height and firmness of the pillow yourself at any time.

The mattress

If your mattress is quite firm and you are not too heavy yourself, your shoulder will sink less deeply into the mattress and you will need a higher and firmer pillow than someone with a soft mattress. After all, this person's shoulders sink deeper into the mattress and they have a smaller space between the head and mattress to fill.

What types of pillows are there?

• Point pillows are the most versatile choice for people who like to 'knead' or fold their pillow during sleep.
• Box pillows are ideal if you are a side sleeper, because the raised edge perfectly fills the hollow between your neck and shoulder.
• Shape-retaining pillows have a raised edge and do not shift during the night, making them highly suitable for people with neck complaints.

Point and box pillows

Point and box pillows essentially consist of a cover with loose filling inside. A traditional point pillow looks like the standard pillow everyone knows. The point pillow tapers to a point on all sides. Thus, the point pillow does not have raised edges like a box pillow does. A traditional point pillow is highly suitable for stomach sleepers, but just as suitable for back and side sleepers.

A box pillow distinguishes itself from a point pillow by its high raised edges (gussets). These high raised edges ensure that the space between the neck and the head is well filled. A box pillow is therefore extremely suitable for people who are looking for a well-filled and firm pillow, which also provides good support to the neck.

A box pillow is also a perfect alternative if you do not immediately want to switch to a special neck support pillow. Especially when you frequently sleep on your back. In that case, you are better off with a box pillow. Special neck support pillows are generally too hard for the neck, unless you choose a low model.

Both the point pillow and the box pillow can usually be shaped (fluffed up) to your own needs. Shaping will work better with one filling material than the other. Every type of filling has its own specific characteristics.

Point, Box or Shape-retaining: Which shape suits you?

Besides the filling, the shape of the pillow is decisive for the support of your neck and shoulders. A traditional point pillow offers flexibility, while a box pillow provides extra height for side sleepers. Are you looking for the most stable support? Then a shape-retaining pillow is often the best choice. Below is an overview of the main differences.

Shape-retaining pillows

Shape-retaining pillows consist of a foam core with a fixed shape. One of the main advantages of a shape-retaining pillow is the stability during the night. The filling stays in place better, ensuring good support.

Latex pillow, shape-retaining

A latex pillow is a shape-retaining pillow, ideal for those who desire stable support. Latex is a 100% natural material (sap of the rubber tree). Due to its fixed shape, a latex pillow provides excellent support to the head and neck. By pouring latex into a special mold, the latex pillow perfectly shapes itself to the contours of your head and neck.

A latex pillow is available in different heights and models and is particularly suitable for side and back sleepers. A stomach sleeper is well-advised to choose a low model.

Memory foam pillow

A memory foam pillow, also called Tempur, supports the pressure points of the head like no other, keeping your head and spine in a straight, natural position.

With a memory foam pillow, the filling, the memory foam, completely conforms to the contours of the head and neck under the influence of heat and pressure. This allows your muscles to relax and stimulates blood circulation.

A memory foam pillow is suitable for both back and side sleepers. We advise stomach sleepers to choose a low model.

Neck support pillow

A neck support pillow is mostly made of a shape-retaining material (usually latex) which provides the extra (neck) support. The part where the head rests is often filled with a somewhat softer filling. A neck support pillow is available in various thicknesses and firmnesses.

A neck support pillow is particularly suitable for side sleepers. However, a low model is also suitable for back sleepers. We do not recommend a neck support pillow for stomach sleepers.

Tip! The Silvana Support pillow is pre-eminently the best-selling neck support pillow in the Netherlands. Available in 6 different firmnesses and recommended by therapists.

Which pillow is the best for me?

A pillow is the key to an ergonomic night's sleep. The right filling ensures that your neck and spine are in a straight line, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. From the excellent moisture absorption of wool to the pressure-relieving properties of memory foam: every material has unique characteristics. In this overview, we compare the most popular fillings:

What is the best size for my pillow?

In the Netherlands, the standard pillow size is 60 x 70 cm for non-shape-retaining pillows. This is also the size of the pillowcase that is usually supplied with the duvet cover. In recent years, we have seen an increasing demand for the 50 x 70 cm size. This is a very pleasant size, especially for tall people. By choosing the 50 x 70 size, you immediately make your mattress 10 cm longer.

In Belgium, the standard size is 60 x 70. For Germany, it is 40 x 80 and 80 x 80 cm.

Shape-retaining pillows usually have a slightly different, smaller size. This is, of course, because they take up more space due to their shape retention. It is important here to check whether they fit in your existing pillowcases or whether suitable covers are available for your preferred pillow.

How do you determine the right size of your pillow?

The easiest way is to buy a pillow that you can easily fill yourself to make it firmer/higher, or empty to make the pillow somewhat softer/flatter. Almost all of our 'filling' pillows are equipped with a zipper and are therefore self-adjustable. This is also always stated separately in the specifications of the relevant pillow. Down pillows are the exception here. This is because down filling blows around enormously when opened, which is not practical...

With shape-retaining pillows, it takes a bit more effort to determine the right height. Since these pillows are not moldable (after all, they already have their own shape), it is very important to determine the correct height before purchasing. Take into account whether you are a stomach, back, or side sleeper.

It is good to know that a memory foam pillow conforms to your shape a little better than a latex pillow. If you are a back or stomach sleeper, a flatter/thinner pillow will suffice. If you are primarily a side sleeper, measure the width of your shoulder from your neck to the end of your shoulder blade. If you can't figure it out or are in great doubt, don't worry! Of course, you can easily exchange a pillow with us. You can also order multiple heights/firmnesses at the same time and then return the pillow that is not right to us.

Pillow lifespan

A well-supporting pillow contributes to a good night's sleep and prevents neck and shoulder complaints. The loss of comfort and support over the years happens gradually, which makes it difficult to determine when your pillow needs replacing. It is even our experience that when facing clear neck or shoulder complaints, customers schedule a visit to the physiotherapist sooner than asking themselves whether their pillow (still) provides the right support.

The average lifespan of a pillow is approx. 5 years. This is, of course, highly dependent on the use and maintenance of the pillow. Also from a hygienic point of view, it is wise to replace your pillow regularly. With a molton pillowcase, you extend the lifespan of your pillow significantly. A molton pillowcase protects your pillow against moisture stains and keeps your pillow nice, fresh, and clean.

Frequently asked questions about a pillow

Which pillow fits my sleeping position?

This is the most important factor for a good night's sleep. Your pillow must support the natural curve of your neck:

• Side sleepers: Usually need a higher and firmer pillow to fill the space between the ear and the shoulder.
• Back sleepers: Often choose a medium high pillow that supports the neck without pushing the head too far forward.
• Stomach sleepers: Need a very low and soft pillow (or even no pillow at all) to prevent the neck from being bent at an unnatural angle.

How do I determine the right height (thickness) of the pillow?

The ideal height depends on the width of your shoulders and the firmness of your mattress:

• Do you have broad shoulders and a firm mattress? Then a higher pillow is necessary.
• Do you have a soft mattress where your shoulders sink deeply into? Then a lower pillow is often better, because the distance to the mattress is smaller.

Which filling is most suitable for me?

Every material has specific properties:

• Wool: Super resilient, good support, and excellent ventilation.
• Down and feathers: Very moldable and soft, but offers less solid support.
• Kapok: Excellently moldable.
• Synthetic fibers: Often anti-allergenic and easily washable.
• Memory foam (Traagschuim): Molds to the contours of your head and neck, ideal for neck complaints.
• Latex: Retains its shape well, provides constant support, and is naturally resilient and well-ventilated.

I suffer from neck pain, what should I pay attention to?

In the case of neck complaints, an ergonomic pillow with a fixed neck support (such as the Silvana Support line or the Gilder Support Zen pillows) is recommended. This prevents the filling from shifting during the night, ensuring your spine always remains in a straight line.

How often should I replace my pillow?

On average, a pillow lasts 3 to 5 years. You will notice that the pillow needs replacing if:

• The resilience has disappeared.
• You wake up in the morning with a stiff neck or headache.
• Yellow rings (perspiration) remain visible despite washing.

Is a pillow suitable for people with allergies?

If you suffer from a dust mite allergy, choose pillows with a Nomite label (for down) or synthetic pillows that are washable at 60°C. Materials like latex are naturally also less attractive to dust mites.