16 Types of Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper

Depending on the type of pillow stuffing there are different types of pillows.

• Down Pillow

Down pillows are composed of the fluffy fibres of birds such as ducks or swans. Down fillings are popularly known as the best pillow filling. Some down pillows come with feathers and hence are also known as feather down pillows. Down pillows are one of the best pillows for stomach sleepers due to their soft nature.

Pros

• High moldability 
• It easily conforms to the shape of the head
• High durability
• Refill option of down to prevent sagging

Cons

• Heating issues in summer
• Allergic reaction for some sleepers
• Difficult to clean and maintain

Best For- Stomach sleepers because of their softness

• Down Alternative Pillow

Down alternative pillows are almost similar to down pillows, and the only difference is that polyester is used in place of the soft and fibrous down. Down alternative pillow is one of the best types of pillow for side sleepers

Pros

• High durability 
• Easy to clean
• No allergic reactions

Cons

• Poor insulation
• Can develop lumps
• Less moldability

Best For- Back and side sleepers, thanks to the down alternative pillows’ soft and fluffy nature.

• Feather Pillow

Feather pillows are composed of soft feathers from the wings of birds. They are readily available in the market. They are good at holding shape and are an affordable option. 

Pros

• Cheaper than other pillows
• Holds shape
• Easily moldable
• Lightweight

Cons

• Difficult to clean
• May lose loft 

Best For- Back and side sleepers, thanks to the high loft nature of feather pillows.

• Cotton Pillow

Cotton pillows are made of the most popular fabric, viz cotton. These pillows are the best pillow material for people who are prone to allergies to synthetic fabrics or materials.

Pros

• Light fabric
• No allergic reactions
• No foul smell

Cons

• Continue cleaning, and maintenance is required
• Can develop lumps
• Do not conform to the shape of the head

Best For- All types of sleepers, thanks to the versatility of cotton pillows.

• Latex Pillow

Latex pillows are made up of natural latex extracted from rubber trees. They provide excellent support to the head and neck. They also offer a soft and comfortable feeling to the sleeper.

Pros

• High durability
• High moldability
• Biodegradable

Cons

• Foul smell
• Expensive
• Hyperallergic

Best For- Sleepers who prefer back and side sleeping, thanks to the back support they provide.

• Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam pillows are the best type of pillows and are made up of polyurethane and other chemicals. They conform easily to the shape of the head and neck and are suitable for all types of sleepers. Memory foam is one of the best pillows for side sleepers as they provide good pressure relief.

Pros

• Conforms to the body easily
• Excellent pressure relief
• Doesn’t develop clumps

Cons

• Retains body heat in some cases
• Poor breathability in few cases

Best For- All types of sleepers, thanks to the body contouring nature of memory foam pillows.

• Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

A shredded memory foam pillow allows the sleepers to add or remove the foam according to their preferences. It is a good pillow for all types of sleepers.

Pros

• Easy to clean and maintain
• Doesn’t develop clumps
• High moldability

Cons

• Off-gassing issues in some cases
• Wears out with ageing

Best For- All types of sleepers, particularly for back and side sleepers.

• Gel Infused Pillow

A gel-infused pillow consists of a material infused with the gel, typically a memory foam.

Pros

• Provides cooling sensation
• Consistent firmness
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

• Much heavier
• Expensive compared to other pillows

Best For- Stomach sleepers, thanks to the extra firmness in a gel-infused pillow.

• Innerspring Pillow

The underlying layers of innerspring pillows are steel springs, and the outer layers are polyester or memory foam. They provide extra head and neck support to sleepers.

Pros

• Good airflow
• Provides cooling sensation

Cons

• Challenging to move due to inner steel structure
• Expensive

Best For- Back sleepers, sleepers with side and stomach sleeping positions may find it too hard to sleep on.

• Bamboo Pillow

The underlying layers of bamboo pillows are shredded foam, and the outer layers are made up of bamboo viscose shells. They show excellent moisture-absorbing properties.

Pros

• Antimicrobial properties
• Provides cooling sensation
• Less prone to allergic reactions

Cons

• Difficult to clean and maintain
• May lead to chemical off-gassing

Best For- Back sleepers, sleepers with side and stomach sleeping positions may find it too hard to sleep on.

• Polyester Pillow

The polyester fiberfill pillows are synthetic pillows made of polyester fillings. They absorb the heat quite quickly.

Pros

• Affordable option
• Lighter than other pillows
• Less prone to allergic reactions

Cons

• Poor breathability
• Poor durability

Best For- All types of sleepers, thanks to the versatile nature of polyester pillows.

• Buckwheat Pillow

Buckwheat pillows are made from fillings of buckwheat shells. These pillows show excellent breathability but may produce noise when you move while sleeping.

Pros

• High moldability
• High  durability
• Provides cooling 

Cons

• Extra firmness may not be comfortable for some sleepers
• Produces sound when the sleeper moves

Best For- Sleepers who prefer back and side sleeping positions.

• Microbead Pillow

Microbead pillows are composed of uniform polymer particles. These pillows are an artificial alternative to buckwheat pillows.

Pros

• Conforms easily to the head shape
• High  moldability
• High breathability

Cons

• Retains heat
• Chemical off-gassing
• Poor longevity

Best For- Back sleepers, thanks to the firm support that microbead pillows offer.

• Wool Pillow

Wool pillows are warm, soft, and comfortable. They are completely natural and hypoallergenic. Wool pillows are suitable for both the winter and summer seasons.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Environment friendly
• Good heat resistant properties

Cons

• May develop lumps
• It doesn’t hold shape

Best For- All types of sleepers, especially those who love to sleep warm.

• Kapok Pillow

Kapok pillows are made from flowers from a tree in Mexico. These pillows are completely natural and suitable for people prone to allergies. 

Pros

• Completely non-toxic
• Lightweight
• Environmentally friendly

Cons

• Flammable
• Less moldable

Best For-  All types of sleepers, especially for people who want a natural pillow option.

• Water Pillow

A water pillow is not a standard pillow option. These pillows are filled with water depending on the sleeper’s preference. These pillows do not face sagging and lumping issues.

Pros

• Doesn’t develop lumps
• Hypoallergenic
• No requirement of fluffing

Cons

• May leak at times
• It doesn’t contour to the shape of the head

Best For-  People who are looking for an adjustable pillow and have no other option