There’s no firm science to finding the perfect pillow – you’ve got to try a few until you find one that suits. But let HealthSmart provide some support in your quest
POLYESTER
Synthetic pillows – “spun fibre”,“microfibre” or “hollowfibre” – are the most common type on offer in bedding stores. Dr Jeremy Goldin at Pillow Science stresses that polyester pillows need to be replaced every three to six months and recommends other fills when substantial support for the head and neck is required.
Advantages Inexpensive; good for “dressing” a bed; machine-washable.
Disadvantages Flattens easily; offers medium support at best; harbours dust mites; doesn’t last long.
Price range $10 to $90.
Bestsellers Dentons “Comforel” Deluxe, $36.95; Sleep Right 4-Zone Pillow, $89.95; Tontine Comfort, $23.95.
LATEX
Latex quality varies greatly, says Dick Harold of Dentons Pillows. While latex is firm and provides excellent support, not everyone likes the “bounciness”. The dense structure tends to draw in heat, so it can feel clammy.
Advantages Lasts 15-20 years; dust-mite resistant; offers significant support for heads and necks.
Disadvantages Relatively expensive; doesn’t breathe as well as other fills.
Price range $80 to $140.
Bestsellers Dunlopillo Classic, $94.95; Dentons “Talalay”, $94.95; Naturelle Latex, $79.
FEATHER AND DOWN
For those who like the plush factor, these pillows are hard to resist. They do need constant plumping but are good at regaining their shape. They generally last 5-8 years.
Advantages Lasts longer than polyester; luxurious; light to carry.
Disadvantages Less durable than latex or memory foam; poor support; relatively expensive.
Price range Feather, $60 to $80; down, $150 plus.
Bestsellers Downia 100% Goose Down, $165; Sheridan Ultradown, $169; Fjord Hungarian White Goose Down, $169.
NATURAL FIBRE
Pleasing to the eye and soft to the touch, a quality naturalfibre pillow with lots of filling will provide moderate support to the head and neck for those who like organic products.
Advantages Soft; environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages Relatively expensive, not recommended for allergy sufferers.
Price range $50 to $100.
Bestsellers Natural Goodness Wool & Corn Pillow, $89.95; Libby’s Aussie Wool Super Pillow, $65.
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MEMORY FOAMS
“If you’re looking for skeletal alignment, this is the one,” says Dentons’ Dick Harold. All a sleeper has to do is lie in the correct position from the start so that the heat-sensitive material (known as viscoelastic) can mould to the shape of the sleeper’s head and neck. Developed by NASA for use in space capsules, memory foam comes in “soft” and “firm” options, and allegedly lasts 15-20 years. As with latex, you’ll love it or hate it.
Advantages
Recommended for neck and back pains, allergies and pregnancy; ultra-durable.
Disadvantages Relatively expensive.
Price range Quality latex pillows range between $100 and $280.
Bestsellers Tempur Original, $249; Somna Medica, $129; Reliever Premium, $185.
FOAM
Foam pillows offer firmness and affordability and typically last 3-4 years. But if you like your pillows soft, these are probably not for you. Good for those who sleep on their side and who suffer back pain. Recommended, but not highly
so, for those with allergies.
Advantages Relatively durable; supportive; inexpensive.
Disadvantages No “soft” options.
Price range $20 to $90.
Bestsellers Dentons Medirest, $75.50; Target Ripple Foam Support Pillow, $19.99.
WATERFLOW PILLOW
The latest “buzz” in the sleep world, waterflow pillows get the thumbs up from chiropractors. With a soft, hypoallergenic fibre filling supported by a water pouch, users simply add water to adjust the support level. A recent Johns Hopkins school of Medicine study found waterflow pillows ranked best in all aspects of sleep quality and comfort.
Advantages Adjustable support level; good for neck pain.
Disadvantages Fiddly; need to keep checking water levels.
Bestsellers Mediflow Waterbase Pillow, $109.95.
To choose the right pillow, consider three important factors:
1/ Sleep position Sleeping on one’s back encourages snoring while sleeping on one’s stomach is bad for spine alignment. If you sleep on your stomach, that may be why you experience headaches and pains. The best position is on your side.
2/ Texture and comfort “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what the experts suggest – you are going to be the one lying on it,” advises Dr Simon Floreani of the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia. “Keep trying different types until you find one you are completely happy with.”
3/ Shoulders The wider your shoulders, the thicker and firmer your pillow should be and the more support you need, especially if you sleep on your side.
