We spend a third of our lives sleeping. A good pillow can mean the difference between a restful sleeping experience and a long sleepless night.
When people are trying to improve sleep, they often tend to spend a lot of time finding the perfect mattress. The reality is that choosing the perfect pillow is as—if not more—important.
If you constantly wake with stiff neck muscles or sharp pains down your spine, your worn pillow may be to blame. Here is how you can choose the best pillow for you
Is It Time to Replace Your Pillow?
Health experts recommend that pillows are replaced every 18-24 months. How long has it been since you replaced yours?
The material also plays a big role when determining a pillows life: Synthetic pillows tend to wear faster than natural pillows, for example. If you’ve had the same pillow for more than five years now, chances are you’re not sleeping as comfortably as you can.
18 months may seem like a short life, but if you think about it, it really isn’t: you use your pillow about 7-8 hours a night—that’s about 2,500 hours a year! Investing in a high-quality pillow translated to better quality sleep, the effects of which are evident across your waking life.
If you’re still not sure, perform the following tests:
- Check for visible stains or signs of wear. Does the pillow smell? Unwelcome organisms can trigger allergies and interfere with breathing during sleep. You probably need to replace your pillow ASAP!
- Do the fold test. First, fold your pillow in half. If it doesn’t return to its original shape in a few seconds, then rest assured you have a dead pillow in your hands.
- With larger pillows, you might want to try folding into thirds.
The Selection Process
Finding the best pillow is largely an individual process. Yes, quality is of utmost importance, but other than that, there isn’t really one pillow-size, shape or material that fits all. That being said, certain criteria that can help you make an informed decision.
- Consider your sleeping position.
- Choose your pillow profile.
- Decide on your pillow size.
- Choose your pillow fill/fibre.
1. Sleeping position
The best pillow for you really depends on your sleeping position. Sleeping positions vary from person to person as it’s a personal choice. The three main sleeping positions are side, back and stomach. If you’re a stomach sleeper, then you’d most likely prefer a lower profile pillow. Whereas if you’re sleeping on your side, you’d want something with a little more support. Those who prefer to sleep on their back would benefit from a pillow with a natural curvature like our Moodmaker Memory Foam Pillow which assists with spinal alignment.
Three Main Sleeping Positions;
- Stomach or belly sleeper
- Back sleeper
- Side sleeper
2. What is the best pillow profile for you?
Pillows come in many different profiles. Your sleeping position should affect your decision, but it shouldn’t be a defining factor. That is because although most of us classify ourselves as back, stomach or side sleepers, we shift and change positions more often than we think.
1 – Best Low Profile pillow: If you consider yourself a tummy sleeper, then a low profile pillow will keep your spine aligned and provide your head and neck with all the necessary support. Soft pillows that can also be adjusted are ideal for stomach sleepers who tend to embrace the underside of the pillow—rather than lie with their arms at their side. Bambi’s Adjustable 2 in 1 Feather and Down is a perfect choice at this range.
2 – Best Medium Profile Pillow: If you’re a back sleeper, a medium profile pillow is probably the best choice for you. A medium profile pillow will keep your head comfortably raised without hurting your neck or shoulders. You’ll be applying a moderate amount of pressure, which means that your pillow should be relatively firm. Bambi’s Cool Touch Flip pillow is a great example of a low-medium profile pillow that’s also asthma and allergy-friendly.
3 – Best High Profile Pillow: If you belong in the majority of people that sleep on their side, you probably need a high profile pillow with firmer support. High profile pillows relieve pressure in your shoulder and keep your head up so that it is in neutral alignment with your spine. Shapeable pillows are ideal for side sleepers. Prevent stiffness by getting your own Bambi CoolTouch Memory Foam Pillow today.
4 – Best Adjustable Profile Pillow: If you find yourself switching positions often during the night or if you just want to have full control over your pillow’s profile, you will definitely be more comfortable with an adjustable profile pillow. Bambi’s Ovation Memory Foam 3-in-1 Adjustable Pillow allows to sleep exactly the way you want to sleep. With its foldable inner core of memory foam, this innovate pillow can be adjusted to have a low, medium or high profile—just the way you want it.
You should also consider your body size and shoulder width. People with smaller frames and narrow shoulders would feel more comfortable with a low profile pillow in most situations, while people with average frames would find medium profile pillows ideal. High profile pillows are great for people with larger frames and wide shoulders.
3. How to choose the best pillow size
Pillows also come in many different sizes. A standard pillow size in Australia is 38cm x 56cm and is considered by many the best type of pillow for sleeping. A standard pillow will help you make the most of your bed space while also providing you with necessary neck support.
European pillows are usually square at 65cm x 65 cm. These large pillows are often used as decorative pillows and can be propped behind your standard pillows.
Other—usually larger—pillow sizes are also relatively common. Queen pillows resemble standard pillows but are considerably bigger in size at 51cm x 76cm (but are still not as big as king pillows). If you’re looking for the largest pillows around, you’ll probably find body pillows interesting. These are usually over a metre long.
For most people, a standard-size pillow is sufficiently large. A larger pillow will enable you to sleep better by aligning your head, neck and shoulders with your spine. Bambi’s pillows come in many different sizes so that you can pick the size that’s right for you.
4. Best pillow fibre/fill
Another thing to consider is your pillow’s fill/fibre. Materials vary from pillow to pillow. Depending on your sleeping behaviour and personal preference, there are a couple of pillow types that you can choose from.
The best pillows in Australia
Down Pillow
If you prefer light and soft pillows, you may want to consider a down pillow. These are traditionally made from either goose or duck fibres. Many people are allergic or have skin extremely sensitive to down. That, combined with the fact that pure-down pillows tend to be a bit too soft is why most people prefer pillows that combine down with other types of fill.
Downpass Certification
All of Bambi’s down and feather pillows carry the Downpass Down and Feathers Traceability and Quality seal. The Downpass label guarantees that the Bambi pillow you buy is made from materials that are both ethically sourced and easily traceable. It’s difficult to enjoy a great night’s sleep when you’re not sure exactly how your pillow’s materials were sourced. Bambi is serious about animal welfare. Sleep better knowing that no animals had to suffer to create your high-quality down and feather pillow.
What’s the best Down Pillow?
Now, imagine if you could own a part-down, part-feather pillow that can be adjusted to suit your needs. That’s exactly what the Bambi Adjustable Feather and Down Pillow is all about. This high-quality pillow consists of a luxurious quilted, feather and down-filled cover, a low profile inner pillow and a medium profile inner pillow. For an ideal sleeping experience, simply add or remove the inner pillows to your preference.
Wool Pillow
Wool pillows are naturally hypo-allergenic and resistant to both mould and dust mites. They also do a great job at wicking away moisture from your head and neck and regulating your temperature during sleep. They tend to be firmer and last longer than other types of pillows.
What’s the best Wool Pillow?
If you’re looking for a top-quality wool pillow proudly made in Australia, the Bambi Moodmaker Wool Rich Luxury Pillow may be exactly what you need. Carefully designed to help you sleep better naturally, this wool-rich pillow comes with a high-quality cotton sateen cover.
Cotton Pillow
Cotton pillows are much like wool pillows in many ways. They too are naturally hypo-allergenic and resistant to dust mites and mould. However, they tend to be somewhat flatter and firmer than wool pillows. If you’re suffering from allergies or have chemical sensitivities, a cotton pillow may be the best pillow for you.
What’s the best Cotton Pillow?
If you love your down pillow but require a little more interior support, the Bambi Superior Down & Latex Pillow will probably the best pillow for you. The soft, luxurious goose-down outer shell provides ultimate comfort and is complemented by a latex core that gives extra neck support.
Tencel Pillow
The new-age fabric known as Tencel that is made from the pulp of Eucalyptus trees has largely replaced cotton as a filling material in most high-quality pillows. Tencel is silky-smooth, antibacterial and can wick 50% more moisture than cotton.
What’s the best Tencel pillow?
If you’re looking for the ultimate natural pillow that’s soft on your skin and gentle on the planet, the Bambi Ecorenew Tencel Pillow is the one for you. Bambi’s Tencel pillows carry the Sensitive Choice seal of approval from the National Asthma Council Australia.
Ingeo Pillow
What’s the best Ingeo Pillow?
These pillows are made from natural materials that are better for the environment. The Bambi Ecorenew Ingeo Pillow is a prime example of an eco-friendly pillow. It’s 100% biodegradable, made from fabric that requires half the amount of energy needed to make polyester and emits 50% fewer greenhouse gases.
Cooltouch Pillow
What’s the best Cooltouch Pillow?
Bambi’s Cooltouch Pillow series ensure you have a wonderful night’s sleep even during summer’s hottest days. With their innovative design and moisture-wicking fabric, Cooltouch Pillows come in many different sizes and profiles.
Polyester Pillow
What’s the best Polyester Pillow?
Microfibre is a new-age synthetic fibre that can wick moisture extremely well, making it very absorbent and quick-drying. Bambi’s Superior Microfibre pillows are soft, lightweight and can easily retain their shape for many years.
Alpaca Pillow
What’s the best Alpaca Pillow?
If you want all the benefits of a wool pillow, minus the extra firmness, you may want to opt for alpaca wool. Alpaca pillows combine the best of both worlds: they’re naturally comfortable and conveniently soft. Bambi’s Moodmaker Superior Australian Alpaca Pillow is the perfect example of an alpaca pillow that has it all. It’s proudly made in Australia form the finest Australian Alpaca fleece with a pure sateen cotton cover.
Latex Pillow
Latex is a bit firmer than down but still very comfortable. One thing that distinguishes latex pillows from other types of pillows is their ability to hold their shape. Because they can’t be squished, when combined with a good sleeping position, these pillows deliver extra support to the head and neck.
What’s the best Latex Pillow?
The Bambi Talalay Latex Pillow – Cooltouch Dual Surface is a high-profile latex pillow with a fully removable Tencel cover that is asthma and allergy-friendly—perfect for those who need a little bit of extra support. For more profile options, check out the versatile Belize Latex Pillow.
Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam pillows have become tremendously popular in recent years—and for a good reason. Aside from being able to conform to your individual shape, memory foam pillows can respond to your weight and body heat while offering extra support to your head, neck and shoulders. Heat retention is an issue, but high-quality memory foam pillows tend to do a better job at regulating temperature.
What’s the best Memory Foam Pillow?
Bambi offers a range of top-quality memory foam pillows that will help you make the most out of every minute of sleep. With its foldable inner core, the Ovation Memory Foam 3-in-1 Adjustable Pillow offers innovative design and maximum versatility.
Alpaca & Memory Foam Pillow
Looking for a pillow that’s made with pure alpaca fleece but also contains high-quality memory foam for maximum comfort? The Moodmaker Superior Alpaca Memory Foam Pillow is definitely the right choice for you. The shell inner is made with pure Australian alpaca fleece while the pillow inner is a soft, high-quality, gel-infused, pinhole memory foam. The pillow is covered in sensationally soft Tencel fabric.
This high-profile pillow will provide you with all the comfort you need to make the most of every night.
Waterproof Pillow
For those messy sleepers that tend to produce a lot of saliva during sleep, waterproof pillows offer the ideal solution. All you really have to do to keep the pillow clean after a messy night is to simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Waterproof pillows offer maximum freshness and protection.
What’s the best Waterproof Pillow?
Hot sleepers as well as Those with allergies and sensitive skin will greatly benefit from a top-quality waterproof pillow. Bambi’s Stay Clean Waterproof Pillow offers extra freshness and comfort with added ventilation at each pillow end. It’s soft, comfortable and very easy to care for.
Best Body Pillow
Full-length pillows offer maximum comfort and versatility for a better night’s sleep.
What’s the best Body Pillow?
The Bambi Sensitiva Full Length Body Pillow is the perfect example of a body pillow done right. It offers extra support and helps ease aches and pains, making it the ultimate pregnancy/breastfeeding pillow in the market.
Best Breastfeeding Pillow
Breastfeeding pillows help you sit upright so that you can comfortably breastfeed your baby in the comfort of your bed.
What’s the best Breastfeeding Pillow?
Bambi’s Boomerang Pillow comes complete with a full encased 100% Australian cotton cover, high-performance fill and excellent lofting properties. It will help you ease persistent aches and help support growing bumps. Comfortably read your book or breastfeed your baby with the market’s best breastfeeding pillow.
The Choice Is Yours
Ultimately, the best pillow for you will be the one that better suits your needs and preferences. Different fills come with different pros and cons so the choice really is yours. That being said, remember that pillows made from high-quality materials will last longer and offer better results.
Learn more about how Bambi’s products are made:
Sleep better naturally with Bambi. Check our full range of luxury pillows today!
