Choosing the right pillow is a very personal decision – what is perfect for one person may not suit the next. As well as having a supportive and comfortable bed, it is really important to have the right pillow, one suited to your size and sleeping style and which fully supports your head, neck and shoulders throughout the night. So what should you look out for when choosing a pillow for yourself?

A stomach sleeper needs a slim, soft pillow to create a flat sleeping surface. This will minimize arching of the back whilst ensuring the head and neck are not unnaturally turned to one side. If you are a stomach sleeper you should choose a low profile pillow with soft support.

If you tend to be a back sleeper, you will need adequate support under your head, neck and shoulders so that your neck and head are supported in a position that is level with the upper back and spine. Back sleepers should choose a pillow with a soft support and low or medium profile.

A side sleeper needs a pillow that conforms to the shape of the neck whilst at the same time supporting the head in a position high enough to keep the spine in a straight and natural horizontal line. Side Sleepers should choose a medium or firm support pillow depending upon their size. Larger people or those with broad shoulders should opt for a high profile pillow.

Now you know what profile to choose, let’s look at the different fills available and the benefits of each:

• Memory Foam; After it's development by NASA for space craft safety and comfort, Memory Foam was adopted into bedding as it was recognised to improve alignment and circulation in the body due to its unique moulding properties. Memory foam moulds to the body in response to heat and pressure, evenly distributing body weight, it then returns to the original shape once you remove the pressure. Memory foam pillows are known to reduce sleep apnea and snoring, promote normal curvature of the spine, and reduce pressure points, all ensuring a better night’s sleep. Memory Foam is the hardest of all fibres to sleep on, but it is very supportive.

• Latex; Latex is a sustainable and renewable resource, harvested from the Rubber tree. The resin is whipped and then baked (bit like making a cake haha) to form a long lasting, cushiony substance, which is moulded into a pin-core construction. Natural latex is inherently non-allergenic, anti-microbial, bacteria, moisture and dust mite resistant. Latex will stand many years use. Just make sure to use a good quality pillow protector to keep it looking like new!

• Down and Feather; probably the softest fibre you can purchase. A totally natural product, down and feather is harvested commonly from duck and geese. The feathers are from the wings and back of the birds and add loft and weight to the pillow. Down is the soft, fluffy plumage from the chest area and is a natural insulator. Down and feather pillows are soft, cuddly, mouldable, lightweight and durable. The filling moulds to your head and neck, providing support and comfort. Luxuriously light and plush. It is important to note here, queenb only sell pillows from reputable brands that do not use factories that live pluck (we love animals)!

• Microfibre; Microfibre is a modern synthetic fibre. The ultra-thin fibres create pillows that are super soft, lightweight, long lasting and easy care.The filling is air blown into the pillow casing, promoting good loft and softness. Microfibre is designed to emulate the characteristics and feel of down but with the added benefit of easy maintenance. Pillows made from microfiber quickly regain their shape making them supportive and long wearing. Often preferred by allergy sufferers and children as they are dust mite resistant and machine washable.

• Tencel; Tencel is a new-age fibre made from the pulp of the Eucalyptus tree, it is manufactured in Austria. Because of its moisture wicking properties, it is great for hot/sweaty sleepers! It is also machine washable and able to be tumble dried!

• Silk; Silk is a fibre that is the closest in makeup to the human skin. Your skin absorbs all the goodies from a silk pillow. Silk looks a bit like white candy floss and is from the Silk worm (so is totally natural). Silk is hypoallergenic and has great moisture absorption properties. Silk is usually Dryclean only.

• Polyester; Polyester is one of the most cost effective fibre to fill pillows with, you can get a variety of fill weights, which make them higher or lower so that you can get the right profile, Polyester pillows are not made from natural fibre, so do tend to keep in the heat more than natural fibres, but of course Polyester is great for those on a budget, or those who just want some nice pillows to fill their decorative pillow cases that come with duvet covers.

Hopefully the above information has cleared up a few “pillow” myths! Of course, to add to your comfort queenb sell a range of Pregnancy, Tri, Euro and Lodge/King Pillows too!