As a kid, did you once imagine the day you'd invent a ladder tall enough to pluck a piece of the sky? At Doze Bedding, we like to think the first pillow maker had that same dream. Unable to reach the clouds, they decided to bring them down instead.
Over time, many types of pillows have emerged, each promising a different kind of comfort. If you’ve ever wondered what sets one apart from the other, you’re not alone. The options can be dizzying. But by the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which type of pillow feels like your own little piece of the world above.
Pillow Terms You Should Know
There are two terms you’ll see pop up throughout this guide: loft and filling. Let's pause to explain them so you can follow along without feeling lost.
Pillow Loft
This refers to the height or thickness of a pillow when it’s lying flat without any weight on it. Basically, it’s how “tall” your pillow is.
Loft is generally grouped into three categories:
- Low (Less Than 3 Inches): Best for stomach sleepers or anyone who prefers flatter pillows.
- Medium (3 to 5 Inches): Back sleepers love this one. It offers enough lift to keep the head aligned with the spine without straining the neck.
- High (over 5 Inches): To a side sleeper, extra loft is gold. It helps them maintain proper spinal alignment by providing extra cushioning between the head and shoulder.
Pillow Filling
This is the material inside the pillow. That's what gives the pillow its shape, size, and loft. If a pillow is soft and sinkable, or firm and supportive, you have the filling to thank. There are lots of filling options: down, feather, memory foam, latex, polyester, and cotton are just a few.
Types of Pillows (Grouped By Filling)
At last, here’s our guide to types of pillows, grouped by filling material.
1. Down Pillow
Down pillows are filled with the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese. The higher the down content, the softer and more luxurious the pillow is. That kind of softness belongs in a sateen pillowcase.
How It Feels
A down pillow feels plush and cloudlike. It cushions your head gently, sinking under your weight. Whenever its loft shrinks, just give it a gentle fluff; it’ll rise right back.
Pros of Down Pillows:
- Down allows air to circulate easily, so it doesn’t trap heat
- Naturally repel moisture, staying dry and fresh
- Last for years when properly cared for (often 5–10+)
- Compress easily for travel or storage, but fluffs back up fast
- Make very little noise when you move during sleep
- Maintain a consistent temperature through the night, never too hot, never too cold
Cons of Down Pillows:
- Can flatten over time and often need daily fluffing to stay full
- Don’t support the neck that much
- Can cause allergies for people sensitive to bird feathers
- Flatten when damp
- Take longer to dry after washing
- Often cost more than other pillow types
- May retain heat if overfilled
2. Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam is a special kind of dense, flexible foam made from a material called viscoelastic polyurethane. What makes it different from other types of foam? It contours itself to match the shape of any object in contact with it.
Like the sound of that? So do we.
How It Feels
When you first place your head on a memory foam pillow, its surface may feel firm. But as the pillow reacts to your body temperature and pressure, it starts to mold itself around the curves of your head and neck. That gradual sink makes you feel like you’re being held in place by a soft, relaxing hug.
Pros of Foam Pillows:
- Help keep the head, neck, and spine aligned
- Reduce pressure on joints and muscles
- Retain their shape for a long time
- Fantastic for side and back sleepers
Cons of Foam Pillows:
- Might feel too firm or dense for some people
- May trap body heat unless they’re gel-infused or ventilated
- Have a slight chemical smell when new
- Heavier than traditional pillows
3. Latex Pillow
When the sap of rubber trees is processed into light, springy foam, the resulting product is a latex pillow. These pillows have a reputation for being naturally bouncy. They'll compress under the weight of your head but quickly spring back when you move.
How It Feels
A latex pillow feels buoyant and supportive. It doesn’t sink like memory foam does, but it can still provide support by adapting slightly to the shape of your head and neck.
Pros of Latex Pillows:
- Naturally cooling and breathable
- Resistant to dust mites and mold
- Keep their shape for years
- Supportive without feeling too firm
Cons of Latex Pillows:
- More expensive than other pillow types
- Can feel too bouncy for those who prefer a plush surface
- Some may notice a mild rubber scent at first
4. Feather Pillow
Never seen the outer feathers of ducks or geese? Unzip a feather pillow (if it comes with a zip), and look inside. Because of how tough those outer feathers can be, some brands mix them with down to make pillows that are soft yet supportive.
How It Feels
A feather pillow is firm but pliable, with an easily adjustable loft. You can scroll up to check what loft means if you’ve already forgotten.
Pros of Feather Pillows:
- Feel soft but not limp, there’s a bit of pushback under your head
- Hold their shape better than down because the feathers interlock slightly
- Give more neck support than pure down while still feeling comfortable
- Stay cool all night since the air moves easily between the feathers
- Usually last for years if aired out and fluffed regularly
- Cost noticeably less than high-quality down pillows
Cons of Feather Pillows:
- Quills can poke through the pillow fabric over time and graze your precious skin
- Need frequent fluffing or shaking to keep them from going flat
- Feathers tend to shift to one side, leaving empty spots under your head
- Can develop a slight odor if they get damp or aren’t aired out
- Can’t contour as well as foam or latex pillows
- May trigger allergies in people sensitive to bird materials
5. Polyester (Microfiber) Pillow
If animal-derived fills aren’t your thing but softness is, you’ll like a pillow stuffed with plastic fibers made from petroleum-based materials. It's lightweight, smooth, and easy to care for.
How It Feels
A polyester pillow feels soft and airy, though not as plush as real down. However, it still offers enough support.
Pros of Microfiber Pillows:
- Don’t hold on to dust or allergens the way natural fillers sometimes do
- Stay reasonably cool because air can move through the synthetic fibers
- Cost much less than down, latex, or memory foam pillows
- Dry fast after washing
- Don’t have any animal or natural odor when new
Cons of Microfiber Pillows:
- Flatten out fairly quickly, often within a few months of regular use
- Can get lumpy and uneven if the filling clumps inside
- They don’t contour to your head or neck
- Need frequent fluffing to keep feeling full
- They last for just one or two years before needing to be replaced
6. Buckwheat Pillow
Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hard outer shells (hulls) of buckwheat seeds. The hulls shift and settle to match the shape of your head and neck.
How It Feels
A buckwheat pillow is as firm and supportive as it sounds. The hulls form a solid base that molds to your shape without flattening like polyester.
Pros of Buckwheat Pillows:
- Hold shape all night long
- Stay cool, as air can pass freely between the hulls
- Remain dry since the hulls don’t absorb moisture
- Can last five to ten years if cared for properly
- Don’t trap body heat
Cons of Buckwheat Pillows:
- Weigh more than regular pillows
- Not ideal for people who like to hug or squish their pillow while sleeping
- Can feel too firm or uneven if the hulls aren’t evenly distributed
- Needs occasional refilling as the hulls break down over time
- Not machine-washable, you have to pour out the hulls before cleaning the cover
7. Gel Pillow
A gel pillow isn't a bag of gel. It’s a foam or fiber pillow with an added layer of gel to keep you cool while you sleep. The gel can be added in different ways. Some manufacturers like to place a solid gel pad or layer on top of the pillow. Others prefer blending gel beads or swirls into the foam filling.
How It Feels
Imagine resting your head on a layer of ice cream that never melts and isn’t icy; just cool, smooth, and firm enough. That’s what a gel pillow feels like.
Pros of Gel Pillows:
- Cool to the touch, especially when you first lie down
- Work well for hot sleepers or people in warmer climates
- Stay firm and stable over time
- Resist dust mites and common allergens
Cons of Gel Pillows:
- Heavier and less flexible than down or fiber pillows
- Cost more than regular foam or polyester pillows
- Not as easy to fluff or adjust once you’re in bed
8. Cotton Pillow
Don’t like the idea of sleeping on pillows stuffed with animal feathers or fur, but not keen on resting your head on synthetic fiber either? Cotton pillows are the middle ground you’ve been looking for. They're packed with pure, breathable, and natural fiber. Pair them with percale pillowcases, and you get the full effect. That cool, breathable feel cotton is known for, from dusk till dawn.
How It Feels
We’d say it’s slightly firm. It doesn’t mold around your head and neck like foam or down would. Instead, it stays even and flat, offering steady, reliable support, like the friend who's not big on hugs but always has your back.
Pros of Cotton Pillows:
- Don’t trap heat or moisture
- Don’t give off chemical smells or need time to “air out”
- Can be washed and dried without special care products
- Hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin
- Cotton breaks down naturally over time, so they’re better for the environment than synthetic pillows
- Cotton doesn’t give off any chemical smell or need off-gassing time
Cons of Cotton Pillows:
- They can feel a bit too firm or flat for people who like plush pillows
- Tend to lose loft over time as the cotton compresses
- Take longer to dry after washing
- May clump or feel uneven after repeated washes
- Absorb sweat and oils more easily, so they need frequent cleaning
- Not ideal for sleepers who need strong contouring or high loft support
[Image by tomgigabytes on Getty Images via Canva.]
9. Wool Pillow
Wool pillows are filled with soft, natural sheep’s wool, usually encased in a smooth cotton cover. The fibers breathe easily, keeping you cool when it’s hot and comfortably warm when the air turns cold.
How It Feels
A wool pillow feels gentle but supportive, not squishy like down or dense like foam. When you press your head into it, it gives a little, then quietly pushes back.
Pros of Wool Pillows:
- Absorb moisture like sweat without feeling damp or heavy
- Keep their shape through the night instead of collapsing under your head
- Wool naturally resists dust mites, mold, and mildew (but this doesn't mean you shouldn't wash your bedding often because it's made of wool)
- Stay fresh longer because wool naturally wicks away odor
- Made from renewable, biodegradable materials
- Last for years
Cons of Wool Pillows:
- Can feel firmer than expected, especially if you’re used to foam or down
- Don’t contour closely to the head or neck
- Lose loft over time as the wool fibers compress
- Need regular airing to remain fresh
- Take longer to dry if they get wet or are washed
- Can feel too warm for people who naturally sleep hot
- Usually cost more than synthetic or polyester pillows
10. Down Alternative Pillow
Made with durable synthetic microfibers, a down alternative pillow mimics the softness of real down. You’ll often find two or more tucked into Airbnb bedding since they’re really easy for hosts to wash.
How It Feels
Using a down-alternative pillow is like resting on a freshly fluffed but well-structured cloud. It gives easily when you lie down and then gently cushions your head through the night.
Pros of Down-Alternative Pillows:
- Don’t trigger allergies
- Can be tossed in the washing machine and dried at home
- Dry faster than natural down after washing
- Retain their original loft reasonably well without daily fluffing
- Cost far less than genuine down pillows
Cons of Down-Alternative Pillows:
- Flatten faster than real down
- Don’t have the same natural loft or bounce as genuine down
- Can trap a bit more heat than high-quality natural fills
- Tends to lose that “new pillow” fluff within a year or two
- Don’t give the kind of firm neck support some sleepers need
Other Types of Pillows (Grouped by Shape)
A pillow doesn’t have to be a neat rectangle. They come in all sorts of shapes, each made for a different kind of sleeper. Let’s take a look at a few.
Standard Pillow
The classic rectangle you see on most beds is the standard pillow. It works fine for any sleeping position since it supports the head and neck evenly.
Contour Pillow
This type of pillow has a curved shape with a dip in the middle and raised edges. The higher side supports the neck, while the dip holds your head in place. It keeps your spine straight, especially if you sleep on your back or side.
Body Pillow
Long and narrow, a body pillow is about the length of your body. You can hug it or place it between your knees to keep your hips and spine aligned. It's the perfect pillow for side sleepers or anyone who likes extra support while curling up.
Bolster Pillow
A bolster pillow is shaped like a cylinder. Usually firm, it’s meant to prop up your lower back or neck, or to be tucked under your knees to ease pressure on your legs.
Wedge Pillow
This is a triangular pillow with a sloped surface. You can use it to prop your upper body to reduce acid reflux or support your legs to improve circulation. It’s way firmer than the standard pillow.
Cervical Pillow
A cervical pillow is smaller and shaped to match the curve of your neck. It helps prevent neck pain by keeping your head from tilting at odd angles. Works best for back and side sleepers who need extra neck support.
Knee Pillow
Small and contoured to fit comfortably between your knees, a knee pillow stops your top leg from dropping forward. This helps your spine stay straight and takes pressure off your lower back.
How to Pick a Pillow
At this point, you speak pillow fluently. You know your fills, shapes, and lofts by heart. So how do you figure out which one is for you? We’ve pinned down the seven things that matter most when choosing a pillow
Sleeping Position
Side sleepers usually need something higher and firmer to fill the gap between the shoulder and neck. Back sleepers do best with a medium-height pillow that keeps the head from tilting. Stomach sleepers rest better on low-loft pillows, the kind that let the neck stay straight instead of bending upward toward the ceiling.
Pillow Firmness
A soft pillow feels cozy but may not support you for long. Firm pillows will hold their shape all night, though some find them too rigid. Pillows with medium firmness are neither too soft nor too stiff.
Filling Material
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we’ll say it again. Fill matters more than anything when it comes to finding the right pillow.
Temperature
If you get hot easily, go for latex, gel, or cotton options. Feel cold quickly? A wool or down pillow may be a better fit.
Maintenance
You need to fluff or air out some pillows so that they don't flatten. Once you realize that you can't provide the level of care that a pillow needs, start considering those made of other materials.
Allergies and Sensitivities
If feathers or dust trigger you, look for hypoallergenic options like latex, wool, or down alternative.
Lifespan
While the filling type heavily influences how long a pillow lasts, the quality of the material matters just as much. A well-made shredded memory foam pillow lasts long, but a low-density latex one may not.
FAQs
Which Type of Pillows Are the Best?
There isn’t one perfect pillow that suits everyone. What works best depends on how you sleep and what feels right for your neck and shoulders. Many sleepers prefer adjustable pillows because they can add or remove filling until it feels just right. If you often wake up with shoulder pain, go for something that supports your neck without forcing your head up too high. Latex, memory foam, or a firm down pillow can help. And if your pillow’s started to feel uncomfortable, that’s usually your sign to change the filling, adjust the loft, or replace it altogether.
What Is the 2-2-1 Pillow Rule?
The 2-2-1 rule is more of a decorating guide than a sleep one. It means that you should arrange pillows on your bed this way: two large ones first, two medium ones, and one small accent pillow in front. But when it comes to sleeping, the same idea applies in spirit: layer for comfort. Some people prefer placing a softer pillow on a supportive base (like a shredded foam pillow) to get the best deal.
What Is the Pillow Test?
The pillow test is a quick way to check if your pillow still does its job. Fold it in half and let go. If it stays folded instead of springing back, it’s done. It’s lost its shape and can no longer provide the support you need.
Final Thoughts
The clouds are no longer beyond your reach. Find the right pillow, and you’ll wake up closer to them than you expect.