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Bedding

How to Choose a Pillow for Your Sleeping Position

By Alex Wong Updated 1 min read
How to Choose a Pillow for Your Sleeping Position
Photo: PattayaPatrol / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The right pillow fills the gap between your head and the mattress so your neck stays level with your spine.

Loft by position

  • Side sleepers: high loft (5–7 inches) to fill the space above your shoulder.
  • Back sleepers: medium loft (3–5 inches).
  • Stomach sleepers: low loft (under 3 inches), or none.

Fill types

  • Shredded foam: adjustable and breathable.
  • Memory foam: consistent contour, can run warm.
  • Down: soft and moldable, needs fluffing.
  • Latex: bouncy, cool and durable.

See our best pillows.

FAQs

How often should I replace my pillow?

Typically every 1–2 years, or sooner if it’s lumpy, flat or doesn’t spring back.

AW
Alex Wong β€” Senior Product Tester
Alex has slept on and measured hundreds of mattresses, pillows and toppers, focusing on how different body types experience firmness and pressure relief.