Best Pillows in Canada

We have a full team of dedicated sleep professionals. Our Canadian testers take each pillow through extensive tests. This diverse group is focused on documenting the details. They sleep in all different positions and have different sleep needs. Throughout our evaluations, we collected data from each of them on key points. Then, we compared feedback and created a list of the sleep options that our testers liked.

Pillows are evaluated in a few different categories, but here are the ones you should see most often.

• Fill Type. The pillow’s fill can make all the difference. It can change how the pillow performs, how cool it feels, and how firm it is. Each type of fill (memory foam, microfibre, down, or down alternative) has its benefits and drawbacks, as we’ll discuss below.
• Temperature Regulation. Just like every other part of your sleep environment, temperature regulation is important in your pillow. You don’t want to constantly flip your pillow, searching for the ‘cool side’. Your pillow should help reduce heat overall, ensuring that you get a cooler sleep.
• Firmness and Loft. Firmness and loft are different things. However, you can have preferences for both based on your body type, sleeping position, and more. We’ll talk about the ideal firmness levels for each sleeping position below. We evaluated each pillow based on firmness and how well it would suit most sleepers.
• Adjustability. Can the pillow be adjusted? Some luxury pillows include a special type of shredded memory foam fill. This fill can be added or removed to change the firmness of the pillow. It’s great if a pillow is extremely adjustable because it will appeal to more sleepers.

How to Choose a Pillow for Canadians

You might think choosing a pillow is simple. However, some of the best pillows on the Canadian market have unique options, fills, and more. Knowing what these options mean can help you choose a pillow that will help you sleep better for years to come. Here are some of the basics you need to know to choose a luxury pillow in Canada.

Fill Type

The fill you choose will define how your pillow feels. Here are some of the most common fill types, as well as options available on our list of recommendations.

• Memory foam: Memory foam is a manufactured foam that contours to your body, reacting to your body heat. Memory foam gives you support where you need it. It also helps keep you supported and properly aligned, and springs back quickly after use. However, memory foam can retain heat.
• Down: Down is an expensive material made of goose or duck down. These feathers are smaller and softer than the water-resistant feathers on the outside of a duck or goose’s coat. It’s sustainably gathered from domestically-kept ducks and geese. While down is soft, you’ll often find your natural down pillows with quills poking through.
• Down alternatives: Down is expensive and may trigger common allergies. However, there are down alternatives that can give you the same feeling without the allergens. Popular down alternatives include microfibre, silk, and visco. These options can mimic the feel of down, especially when combined with memory foam.

Cover Materials

The cover of your pillow can make all the difference when it comes to feeling and breathability. Most pillow covers are 100% cotton or 100% cotton sateen, similar to bed sheets. However, there are a lot of pillows hitting the market with bamboo and silk covers, which can be cooler than cotton but just as breathable.

If you’re looking for a pillow that feels luxurious and doesn’t irritate your skin, make sure to steer clear of materials like polyester.

Firmness and Loft

Though firmness and loft are a bit different, they are connected when it comes to pillows. Some sleeping positions prefer a different firmness option for proper comfort and alignment, and the loft is an important factor to consider.

Simply put, the loft is the height of the pillow. Firmness refers to how soft or hard the pillow is and can be directly related to how comfortable and supportive a pillow feels.

• Back sleepers generally prefer low to medium loft, as it helps keep their neck aligned to the rest of their spine. They also prefer a medium firmness.
• Side sleepers need a high loft and a firm pillow to help support their necks. Keeping their neck and spine in one continuous line is one of the best ways to avoid pressure points and discomfort.
• Stomach sleepers need soft pillows and a low-to-medium loft, which can keep them supported without creating an uncomfortable position with their lower back.

Size

There are three basic pillow sizes. Standard is the most common, but queen-sized and king-sized pillows are available as well. Each company’s dimensions for these sizes are different, so make sure to take a closer look at each pillow’s size dimensions to make the proper choice.

In general, you should choose a standard pillow for a twin or full-sized bed. Queen-sized beds should choose queen-sized pillows, and king-sized beds should choose king-sized pillows. When choosing pillowcases, make sure to choose a size that fits your pillows. We’ve included the dimensions of each size available for these pillows so you can make an informed decision.

Temperature Regulation Features

You want your pillow to stay cool as you sleep. We all want to sleep on the coldest side of the pillow, so it makes sense to choose a luxury pillow with temperature regulation. Some of the pillows we recommended are always cool on both sides, which is a great option if you overheat during the night.

Look for aerated foams, mesh liners, breathable cotton covers, and better airflow. Some pillows may have ventilated sides or bamboo covers, which can also reduce temperature. Gel memory foams are standard, as well as certain proprietary cooling materials. Research your options and choose wisely.

Adjustable Pillows

Adjustable pillows allow you to customize your firmness level by adding or removing fill. The most popular type of fill for an adjustable pillow is shredded memory foam, though other options and blends are available for certain types of pillows.

By adding or removing fill, you can change the firmness and feel of the pillow. This might be better for some Canadians than the alternative. While pillows do exist with different basic firmness levels, an adjustable pillow helps you find the option that feels best for you. You don’t have to stick with whatever option the company determines best fits your sleeping style.

Look for adjustable pillows that include a travel pillow as well. This pillow can hold all of your extra filling. If you ever need to adjust your firmness or loft, you’ll be able to find your extra fill easily.  Otherwise, look for options with easy zippers or other access points.

Sleep Trials

A few years ago now, the first mattresses became available for purchase online in Canada. Since you couldn’t try the mattress before making your purchase, mattress companies started offering a risk-free sleep trial. During this trial, you could try the mattress at home for several days or months. If you decided not to keep it, your full purchase would be refunded.

Since those same companies are now making pillows, these online exclusives often include sleep trials as well. Though the sleep trial for pillows is generally a little shorter, this period can help you determine if you want to keep the pillow or try a different option. Usually, you will receive a refund of your purchase price if you don’t like the pillow. We recommend using a pillowcase (or pillow protector) during the trial so it remains in good condition. If you need to return it, everything will run smoothly.