Let’s just say, until we started working on this post, I had no idea that there were different bamboo pillows for different sleep positions. I figured it was a one-size best pillows for sleep on fits all approach, maybe just a preference of firm or soft! Well, needless to say, I was way off. I also learned that over 70% of people sleep on their side! This is the post of sleep knowledge, friends!
After realizing there were unique pillows for each sleep position, and getting requests for our favorite pillow, we realized there was really only one thing we could do: lay our heads down and get some sleep. It’s a hard job, but someone’s gotta do it, and the LIY Team didn’t hesitate to step up to the plate 😉
- If you’re looking for a full bed refresh, be sure to check out our Bed Sheet best pillow brands and Silk Pillowcase comparisons.
HOW WE TESTED BEST PILLOWS FOR SLEEP:
As you can imagine, the true test of a good pillow is sleeping on it for a night or three. We divided up our assigned pillows, took them home, and went to bed. We took notes on firmness/softness, ample support of our head and neck, and the most important question – would you buy this pillow? After a few weeks of testing and narrowing it down to the finalists, we have our results, and are excited to share with you the best pillows by sleep position! Drum roll, please!
SIDE SLEEPER HONORABLE MENTION: EXTRA-FIRM DENSITY SIDE SLEEPER BEST PILLOWS FOR SLEEP
I love that The Coop pillow is adjustable and that you can add or remove stuffing to make it as firm [or not firm] as you need. For side sleepers it recommended not removing any of the stuffing, however, the more I have slept on it I am feeling like it may be too thick for my preference! I love knowing that I can adjust it to make it perfect for me! In regards to the best pillows in the world, I slept very well using this pillow and didn’t wake up with any stiffness or knots which was so nice! I can’t believe it’s only $15! I am very impressed at this price point and would recommend for any side sleeper to try! I should also mention, I’m a BIG fan of our Brooklinen sheets and their products and quality. But I was just really on the fence about whether or not I liked their pillow, so it wasn’t a clear “yes”!
There are several factors that go into choosing a pillow—so let’s do some pillow talk.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR BEST PILLOWS FOR SLEEP?
As a general rule, bed pillows need to be replaced after 18 months. Memory foam the best pillows typically last longer, up to three years. Natural pillows tend to last longer than synthetic pillows. And higher quality pillows will last longer than inexpensive ones. If you’re using pillow that’s five or six years old, you’re not getting the support you need—and you’re not sleeping as comfortably as you could.
It may seem like a short life, but think about it: your pillow gets used about 7-8 hours a night—that’s more than 2,500 hours a year! Like your mattress, your pillow is an investment in high-quality sleep, which pays dividends across your waking life.
IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHETHER YOUR BEST PILLOWS FOR SLEEP HAS LIFE LEFT IN IT OR NOT, YOU CAN DO SOME SIMPLE TESTS:
First, take off the pillowcase and over, and examine your pillow. Does it have stains from sweat? Is it torn? Does it smell? These are all signs of a pillow that needs replacing. Pillows collect dead skin cells, mildew, mold, fungus, and dust mites (as well as their feces). Over time, as much as half the weight of a pillow can be attributed to these unwelcome organisms, which can trigger allergies, interfere with breathing during sleep, and put out odors that make it harder to sleep well.
IF YOUR BEST PILLOWS FOR SLEEP PASSES THE SIGHT AND SMELL TEST, IT’S TIME TO DO THE FOLD TEST:
Fold your pillow in half. If it just lies there folded, rather than springing back to its good pillows to buy original shape, that is a dead pillow. With natural fill pillows, you can do this test over your arm. Does your pillow drape and hang down over your extended arm? That’s a pillow that’s exhausted its useful life.
With synthetic pillows, fold in half and add some weight to the top—a sneaker or shoe works well. Take the weight away, and if your pillow doesn’t spring back to its original shape, it’s time for a replacement.
With large, king-size pillows—whether natural or synthetic—you’ll want to fold into thirds, rather than in half.
