How to choose the right pillow for you
The perfect pillow is a personal thing, and there are literally hundreds out there to choose from. So how do you decide? Ultimately, you want the pillow that feels right for you. Your sleep position, your material preference, your body shape, and even your mattress all play a role in determining your perfect pillow. Here’s how it all works.
Why pillow choice matters for sleep quality
Your pillow’s job is to keep your head, neck and spine aligned while you sleep. Choose wrong, and you’ll know all about it: a stiff neck, aching shoulders, or that pins-and-needles feeling in your arms when you wake up. That’s because a poor pillow forces your muscles and joints into awkward positions during the night, while the right pillow supports proper alignment and lets your body fully relax and drift into deep, restorative sleep. Think of your pillow as the foundation for a good night and a better tomorrow.
Your mattress and sleep position affect your pillow needs
Our pillow experts agree that how you sleep is the number one predictor of your perfect pillow match. So, let’s start with what your favourite sleep position says about the support you need.
Match your pillow to your sleep position
Your dominant sleeping position tells you exactly what gap your pillow needs to fill between your head and the mattress. Identifying yours is the fastest way to cut through the clutter and find a pillow that actually works for you.
Best pillows for tummy sleepers
If you like to sleep on your stomach, you make up around 7% of the population. Tummy sleepers need a low or mid-profile pillow because you don’t need extra height: using a high pillow in this position is a surefire way to wake up with a crick in your neck. You need something thin and soft that keeps your spine as neutral as possible. A low-profile pillow from SleepMaker’s range will do just that, giving you comfort without the craning.
Best pillows for side sleepers
Side sleeping is the most common sleep position. Our sleep experts often recommend it because it helps maintain a nice straight line from your tailbone to the base of your skull. The trick is filling the wide gap between your head and the mattress with a high-profile, firmer pillow. If your pillow is too soft or flat, your head will tilt down and your spine will curve. SleepMaker offers high-profile pillow options that provide the substantial, cooling support your side sleeper neck craves.
Best pillows for back sleepers
The goal for back sleepers is to support the natural curve of your neck without pushing your head forward. You need a medium-height pillow with a bit of firmness to cradle that curve. A common mistake is using too many pillows, which pushes your chin towards your chest and strains your neck. A mid-profile pillow from SleepMaker can offer that ideal balance of plush comfort and structured support to keep your airways open and your spine aligned.
Combination sleeper
When you move around a lot during the night, you need a pillow that can keep up. The best pillow for a combination sleeper is a versatile all-rounder, perhaps with a contoured design, medium loft and a responsive material that can adapt as you roll from your back to your side. Look for pillows that offer a balance of support and give, so you get consistent comfort without having to reshape and readjust it every time you move.
Pillow materials & fill types explained
What’s inside your pillow defines how it feels, how it supports you, and how cool it feels at night. From moulding memory foam to lofty down, here’s what each type brings to your bed.
Memory foam pillows
Memory foam is famous for contouring to your shape, offering personalised pressure relief for your head and neck. The downside can be heat, but modern versions like SleepMaker’s Fusion:Gel™ or Next Generation Memory Foam™ are designed to be cooler and more breathable. They’re a top pick for side and back sleepers who want that contouring feeling and need solid, customised support.
Latex pillows
Latex is the naturally bouncy and responsive alternative to memory foam. It gives you a gentle push-back, is naturally cool and breathable, and is hypoallergenic so great for allergy sufferers. Its buoyant, eco-friendly support makes it a fantastic choice for back, side, and combination sleepers who don’t like to sink in too deep.
Down alternative pillows
For that luxurious hotel feel without the hotel price tag, down alternative pillows are super soft, mouldable, and breathable. You can easily shape them to fit under your neck, and they’re usually hypoallergenic so good for sensitive sleepers. However, they offer less inherent support than foam and can flatten over time. They are best for back sleepers who prioritise supreme softness and a classic feel over firm, structural support.
Wool & natural fibre pillows
Australian wool naturally regulates temperature, wicking moisture to keep you comfortable all night. Wool pillows provide resilient, medium support and are naturally hypoallergenic. They are a brilliant choice for hot sleepers, allergy sufferers, or anyone who loves breathable, natural materials in their bedroom.
Pillow loft, firmness and support
There are three parts to a perfect pillow:
Loft is the height. Typically, High is good for side sleepers, Mid for back sleepers, Low for stomach sleepers.
Firmness is the feel. Firm suits side sleepers, Medium for back sleepers, Soft for stomach sleepers.
Support is the magic that holds it all together. It’s the pillow’s ability to keep its shape and your spine aligned from lights out to morning.
Getting these three things right for your body and sleep style means you wake up refreshed, not achy. Your perfect combination is out there.
Perhaps it’s time to think about shopping for a new mattress?
SleepMaker mattresses are made in Australia to suit our unique sleep conditions, and meet the preferences of Australian sleepers. Remember, your pillow and mattress are a team: the world’s best pillow will struggle if your mattress is old and unsupportive. At SleepMaker, we’ve made finding a new mattress simple so you can easily find the support your whole body needs. Check out our full range and find the one that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a low profile pillow?
A low profile pillow is the thinnest pillow available, with a height of 7.6cm or lower. It’s perfect for front sleepers as it provides comfort without lifting your head too much and straining your neck.
What is a medium profile pillow?
The mid/medium profile pillow is between 7.7cm and 12.7cm. It’s the perfect in-between size, thick enough for small-framed side sleepers yet not too thick for most back sleepers. It’s a great, versatile pillow profile.
What is a high profile pillow?
A high profile pillow is the thickest option, starting at 12.8cm. It’s essential for side sleepers but must fit perfectly between your shoulder and ear to avoid neck pain. SleepMaker makes pillows in a high profile for this exact purpose.
Discover the ideal pillow for your sleep style at SleepMaker
Choosing the right pillow is a simple, smart way to upgrade your sleep. The sleep experts at SleepMaker have designed a full range of Australian-made pillows to give every type of sleeper the support they deserve. Stop putting up with morning aches and start waking up refreshed.
Browse the range of premium pillows by SleepMaker and get the best night’s sleep possible with tips and guides on the SleepMaker Sleep Guide.
See recommended articles below:
· How your pillow can affect back pain
· Is a spring mattress or a foam mattress better for me?
