What are the different types of pillows?

You can choose from a wide range of pillows at Soak&Sleep which can be classified as either ‘natural pillows’ or ‘synthetic pillows’.

Natural pillows are those which have a natural fill such as wool, silk or feather & down. Natural fill pillows are breathable, helping prevent overheating while you sleep. Many natural fills, such as wool and silk are hypoallergenic or naturally antibacterial so they deter allergens such as dust mites or bacteria from your pillow. 

Synthetic pillows are those which have a synthetic fill such as microfibre, hollowfibre and memory foam. Microfibre and hollowfibre pillows have been developed to feel very similar to pillows filled with natural fills such as feather and down, but are typically more affordable. Some synthetic pillows are treated to resist the build-up of dust mites and bacteria, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Memory foam pillows are made of a synthetic foam which feels denser than a ‘normal’ pillow. The foam softens in response to the heat and weight of your head, creating a cradling sensation that supports your head as you sleep.

You can find out more about the different kinds of pillows available in our pillow buying guide.

What is the best bed pillow?

The best pillow really depends on what position you sleep in and what you want when you sleep on a pillow. Our range includes light-as-air goose down pillows, supportive memory foam pillows, and even a full-body pillow that supports tired bodies during pregnancy, or pre and post-surgery. 

The main thing to consider when choosing a new pillow is your sleeping position.  If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll benefit from a pillow that’s slightly firmer and deeper, while front and back sleepers will sleep more comfortably on a thinner, softer pillow. 

There are pillows to help with people who get too hot at night, such as our cooling chamber pillows and wool fill pillows. You can also find anti-allergy pillows, filled with hypoallergenic natural fills such as cotton, silk or wool. And with pillows to support your neck while you’re sleeping, you may find choosing the right pillow helps reduce snoring, headaches and ongoing aches and pains.

 How do I know what size pillow to buy? 

There are a few different pillow sizes available which can make choosing the right pillow feel confusing. Here’s a brief run-down of the pillow sizes available:

• Junior – a small, shallow pillow suitable for toddlers and young children. A junior pillow measures 40cm x 60cm / 16" x 24". Remember, babies should never sleep with a pillow.
• Standard – the ‘regular’ pillow size that you’ll typically see in most homes, hotels and B&Bs. A standard pillow measures 50cm x 75cm / 20" x 30" and is ideal for single, double and king size beds.
• Superking – a larger pillow designed to suit the dimensions of wider beds such as super king or emperor size beds. They measure 50cm x 90cm / 20" x 35".
• Square – a decorative pillow that’s designed to sit behind standard pillows for a beautifully styled bed. Their extra height makes them perfect for leaning against if reading or watching TV in bed. They measure 65cm x 65cm / 26" x 26".

Can you wash pillows?

You can wash synthetic, wool and feather & down pillows if you do so carefully. Follow the details in our pillow care guide for more information. Memory foam, latex and silk fill pillows should not be washed.

The best way to keep your pillow at its best is to use a pillow protector. This will protect it from a build up of oils, hair product and moisture to keep it looking good for longer. If your pillow has been washed and still feels or looks less useful than you’d like, it’s probably time for a new pillow. Depending on the kind of pillow you have and how well it’s been cared for, your pillow will need to be replaced any time between 6 months to 5 years after purchase. As a rule, natural fill pillows last longer than synthetic fill pillows. Once you’ve bought a new pillow, don’t put your old one in the bin. Instead, read our blog to learn how you can recycle your old pillow.