We've all experienced the consequences of poor sleep—that lingering mental fog, a stiff neck, and a sore lower back. Surprisingly, your pillow might be the culprit. The right pillow is crucial for sleep quality, posture, and even the health of your skin and hair. In this guide, we'll help you discover how to choose the perfect pillow for your sleep style and maintain it for lasting comfort and support.
Why Choosing the Right Pillow Matters
A pillow isn’t just an accessory; it’s an essential tool for maintaining spinal alignment, supporting your head, and promoting better sleep. A poor pillow choice can lead to discomfort, disrupted sleep, and even chronic pain. By understanding your sleep type and matching it with the right pillow, you can achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.
What's Your Sleep Type?
Choosing a pillow tailored to your sleep position is the best way to ensure proper support. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine your sleep type and find the pillow that will enhance your sleep.
1. Side Sleepers
Side sleeping is the most common position but requires careful pillow selection to ensure proper support. Because this position creates a larger gap between your head and the mattress, a firm pillow is essential to fill this space and maintain alignment.
Our Recommendation: The Au Lit Firm Goose Down Pillow, made with 100% goose down, offers excellent support that gently softens over time. For those who prefer a pillow that maintains its firm shape longer, the Summit Firm Pillow is ideal. It has a supportive feather core surrounded by soft white goose down for balanced firmness (for more details, see our blog post: "Feather vs. Down: What's the Difference?")
2. Back Sleepers
Sleeping on your back is often considered the most beneficial for overall alignment, and it can prevent facial lines and dry skin from overnight contact with the pillow. Back sleepers require medium support to ensure that their neck isn’t arched awkwardly.
Our Recommendation: Opt for our Au Lit Medium Goose Down Pillow or the Lausanne European Goose Down Pillow, both designed to cradle your head while maintaining gentle support for the neck.
3. Stomach Sleepers
This is the least common and often least recommended sleeping position due to the strain it places on the neck. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you’ll want a soft pillow, with the least possible support to avoid unnecessary neck tension.
Our Recommendation: Choose a super soft, low-loft option like our Au Lit Soft Support Pillow or the Summit Feather & Down Soft Pillow, which offer a plush, cloud-like experience with minimal lift.
So You've Found the Right Pillow... Now What?
Pillow care is as important as selecting the right pillow. Because your pillow is in direct contact with your face every night, it can accumulate oils, bacteria, and even allergens, which can impact your skin and sleep quality.
1. Always Use a Pillow Protector
Pillow protectors are an essential piece for every pillow. Not only do they act as a barrier against dust mites, allergens, and daily wear, but using one can significantly extend the lifespan and shape of your pillow for years to come.
Our Top Pick: Our bestselling Pillow Protector is made from high-quality 300 thread count cotton sateen and will keep your pillow fresh and clean during daily use.
2. Clean Regularly
Just as you wouldn’t skip washing your face, washing your pillowcases regularly should become a part of your routine. We recommend washing them every 5-7 days to prevent the buildup of oil and bacteria. Clean cases can help keep your skin clear and your pillow feeling fresh (for more info and our top skincare tips, read "The Link Between Bedding and Breakouts").
3. Use Gentle Cleaning Products
Consider what products you use to wash your pillowcases and linens. Harsh detergents can irritate your skin and damage the fabric. We love Le Blanc Linen Wash for its gentle, effective formula that preserves fabric quality and is free of harsh chemicals. On a budget? Sunlight or Ivory Snow are good alternatives that are still gentle and effective.
Pro Tip: Try the Lavender Lady Linen Wash for a calming scent that promotes relaxation.
The Final Word: Invest in Your Sleep
Investing in high-quality pillows and maintaining them properly is an investment in the quality of your sleep—and your overall well-being. A well-chosen, well-maintained pillow will help you wake up refreshed, comfortable, and ready to take on the day.
