When it’s time to replace your pillow, why go with cheap, saggy options that will wear out every few months? Instead of making a trip to your local department store, you can find strong, comfortable pillow options online in Canada.
Each pillow on our list of recommendations went through rigorous testing. They were tried and examined by experts in the sleep field. Some testers took them home to try them over a sustained period of time. When we were finished with our lab tests, we identified the areas where we could compare these pillows, including temperature regulation, firmness, and more. The pillows listed below are our recommendations for the best pillows in Canada.
Best Pillows for Canadians
- Best Overall: The Silk & Snow Pillow
- Best Bamboo Cover: The Hush Hybrid Pillow
- Best Plush Design: The Endy Pillow
- Best Adjustable Pillow: The Polysleep Pillow
- Best Medium: QE Home Silk Surround Pillow
- Best Loft Options: Casper Original Pillow
- Best Firmness Options: Noa Down Alternative Pillow
- Best Natural: The Hush Eco-Pillow
- Best Temperature Regulation: Endy Luxe Foam Pillow
Why Did We Choose These Pillows in Canada?
Each pillow on our list stood out in a very specific way. Whether it’s because of the materials used to create the pillow, the way it helps support you as you sleep, or how cool it is, each pillow we recommended made our list for a reason. Here’s why we chose these pillows in Canada.
The Silk & Snow Pillow is the best pillow in Canada overall. This option is extremely adjustable, so it can be customized for every sleeper. This and the use of new, premium materials make it one of the best options we found.
The Hush Hybrid Pillow has a great 100% bamboo cover, which is soft, plush, and eco-conscious. Of all the pillows we looked at, this bamboo cover definitely stood out to us.
The Endy Pillow is completely adjustable, but it still has a softer, plush design right on the cover. The outer cover is filled with crushed microfibre, so the pillow feels like it’s made of down to start with.
If you want to adjust your pillow to find the perfect loft and height, look no further than the Polysleep Pillow. Instead of the standard shredded memory foam adjustment, this option features layers of memory foam that can be removed and adjusted for perfect customization.
The QE Home SilkSurround Pillow with Microgel core is the best pure medium pillow on our list. While other pillows we looked at or soft or firm, this pillow provides a true medium experience for those who sleep in any position.
The loft of your pillow can affect how it feels, and some sleepers may prefer a different loft depending on how they sleep. The Casper Original Pillow comes in two loft options, and each loft option comes in two different sizes.
The Noa Down Alternative Pillow is the only pillow on our list that offers three different firmness options. You can choose the one that works best for how you sleep.
The Hush Eco-Pillow is the best option for those who prefer a natural pillow. Made with 100% natural materials, this pillow is sustainably sourced and created with your health in mind.
Finally, the Endy Luxe Foam Pillow offers the best temperature regulation we’ve seen. The combination of ventilated sides, perforated foam, and a breathable bamboo cover keeps the pillow cool throughout the night.
Best Overall
The Silk & Snow Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Shredded Memory Foam and Microfibre
- Cover: 100% Cotton
- Size: Standard (20” x 27”), King (20” x 36”)
- Adjustable: Yes
It's Great For:
- Canadians in any sleeping positions
- Users who want to wash their pillowcases and shell
- Those who prefer a plush pillow
- Sleepers who aren’t sure about their ideal pillow loft
The Silk & Snow Pillow uses a blend of materials to create a pillow anyone can use. It’s fully adjustable, meaning you can add or remove fill to achieve the perfect loft and firmness for you. In addition, the interior of the pillow uses soft microfibre, a down-like construction that adds enough plushness to keep you comfortable.
This pillow has a 100% cotton cover, which is breathable and gentle on your skin. It comes in two different sizes, including the Standard size (for Standard pillowcases) and the King size for larger pillowcases and longer beds. Each size uses materials that are OEKO-TEK Standard 100 certified, meaning they don’t contain any harmful substances, synthetics, or chemicals. The memory foam is also CertiPUR-US certified, so you know it’s the best available quality.
The shredded memory foam core is simple to access and easy to change. Remove extra foam to create a pillow with a lower loft (for stomach sleepers) or add enough that a side sleeper can be comfortable. However you choose to fill your pillow, you’re sure to find the level that works best for you. This is especially helpful when you aren’t sure which loft or firmness you prefer overall.
This pillow was designed for all sleepers, using new memory foam and certified materials. While some mattresses use recycled foam to fill their pillows, Silk & Snow uses brand new foam, cut into perfect sizes for the ideal comfort level. Because of this and all the other features, this pillow is great for just about every sleeper.
The Highlights
The Silk & Snow Pillow offers an adjustable memory foam core, which can help you find the perfect loft and firmness for your sleeping position. There are two sides available, including options for different bed sizes and sheet sets (Standard and King). In addition to foam, the fill also uses a soft down-like fibre fill to create a comfortable sleeping surface. The foam fill itself is made with brand-new materials instead of the recycled scrap foam that some companies use.
- Adjustable memory foam core helps you find your perfect loft and firmness
- Two available sizes for different beds and sheet sets
- Soft down-like fibre fill helps create a comfortable surface
- Premium fill is made from brand-new materials instead of recycled scrap
From the Test Lab
“Our testers loved how adjustable this mattress was. The ability to customize the fill level was great for them.”
Best Bamboo Cover
The Hush Hybrid Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Hush Foam and Down Alternative
- Cover: Bamboo
- Size: 20" x 26"
- Adjustable: Yes
It's Great For:
- Canadians who wake with stiff necks
- Those who need a cooler pillow
- Sleepers who may have trouble getting comfortable
- Those who prefer a clean sleeping environment
The Hush Hybrid Pillow offers a surprising blend of materials. It’s fully adjustable, so it’s perfect for all sleepers. Finding the perfect firmness option is as easy as removing foam or adding it back in. When you aren’t using the extra foam, make sure to store it in the included travel pillow. This ensures that your fill doesn’t get damaged or lost, so you can always adjust your pillow later.
This pillow is a hybrid because of the fill. IT uses both shredded memory foam and a vegan down. This is shredded microfibre, which has the same soft, plush feel as real down. The memory foam offers the perfect level of support. At the same time, the microfibre offers the softest support you’ll find in any pillow.
Worried about the pillow getting hot? Hush has thought of that, too. Their ICED technology is infused on both sides. Both sides are ‘cool’ now, and they’ll stay that way. The cover is made of bamboo as well. It’s an antibacterial material, and each is coated to prevent wrinkling. Your face will thank you when you wake up.
Overall, this pillow features everything you could want. However, it shines when it comes to the antibacterial bamboo cover. This feature is great for those with sensitive skin. You can purchase the Hush Hybrid Pillow as a single pillow or in a 2-pack. It’s easy to wash and stays clean and fresh longer than you’d think. Try it for 100 nights and see what you think!
The Highlights
The Hush Hybrid Pillow is fully adjustable. Sleepers in any position will be able to get comfortable with this pillow, as the shredded Hush foam can be added or removed to change how the pillow fills. The cover is made of 100% bamboo, which is antibacterial and easy to care for. It stays fresh and clean longer than other options. The cover is made with organic and hypoallergenic fibres – it’s great for eco-conscious sleepers and those with allergies. The cover also features anti-face wrinkle technology, which means it offers a much softer touch than other covers might.
- Fully adjustable for sleepers in any position
- 100% bamboo cover is antibacterial and stays clean longer
- Made with organic and hypoallergenic fibres
- Made with anti-face wrinkle technology for a softer touch
From the Test Lab
“This hybrid pillow from Hush felt like nothing we’d ever tested before. It offers so many features and options – a true luxury pillow!”
Best Plush Design
The Endy Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Shredded Memory Foam and Crushed Microfibre
- Cover: Cotton
- Size: Standard (20" x 28"), King (20" x 35")
- Adjustable: Yes
It's Great For:
- Sleepers who want to customize their fill level
- Canadians in any sleeping position
- Those who want a plush but supportive pillow
- Sleepers who suffer from allergies
Endy’s motion isolation mattress is one of the best we tested in our labs. So how do their pillows stack up? We started by testing their Customizable Pillow, which can be tailored to your sleeping preferences in every way. To achieve this, it uses shredded memory foam as its support core. This shredded foam can be added to the pillow to make it firmer and taller for side sleepers. You can remove it to make a softer pillow for back sleepers, too.
This adjustable pillow also offers a plush design thanks to the cover. While it’s machine washable, it’s also made of 100% cotton. This cover is lined with crushed microfibre. This material gives the cover a softer, plush feel that may remind you of down. However, unlike down, it’s completely hypoallergenic. Those who want that same plush feel without irritating their allergies will love the way that the Endy Customizable Pillow feels.
Under the cover and its lining is shredded memory foam. The zippered cover allows you to easily access the memory foam inside the pillow. You can take as much as you need out of this centre, creating a flatter or more compact pillow if you sleep on your back. However, if you sleep on your side, you can pack as much shredded foam as you want inside. This gives you the spinal alignment you need.
This shredded memory foam isn’t the traditional foam, either. It’s made of bamboo-charcoal-infused foam, which makes it antibacterial and more likely to keep you cool. Every material used in the construction of this pillow is CertiPUR-US certified for quality, so you can sleep a little easier.
If you don’t know how well this pillow will work for you, you should take advantage of Endy’s 60-night risk-free trial. Endy’s Customizable Pillow also comes with a 3-year warranty.
The Highlights
Endy’s Customizable Pillow is a shredded memory foam pillow that can be adjusted to your needs. It’s completely hypoallergenic, so those that suffer from allergies can rest a little easier. The cover is made of 100% cotton, breathable, and machine washable. The cover is lined with crushed microfibre, which makes it plush and comfortable. Inside is a shredded memory foam fill. You can adjust the level of fill to control the firmness and loft of the pillow. Because of the customizable support, it’s perfect for any sleeping position.
- Hypoallergenic for those who routinely suffer from allergies
- 100% machine washable cotton cover, filled with plush microfibre
- Shredded memory foam filling offers customizable support
- The adjustable design makes it perfect for any sleeping position
From the Test Lab
“Each of our testers found the ideal comfort level with some adjustment. This pillow feels soft and comfortable, but it doesn’t skimp on support.”
Best Adjustable Pillow
The Polysleep Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Hybrid Memory Foam
- Cover: 100% Cotton
- Size: Standard (19" x 26"), King (19" x 34")
- Adjustable: Yes
It's Great For:
- Canadians who need multiple levels of adjustment
- Those who need better heat and neck support
- Standard or King-sized pillowcases
- Users with allergies
The Polysleep Pillow uses hybrid memory foam layers to provide a full range of adjustments. The four foam layers inside can be removed or replaced to help you find the perfect loft and height, so this pillow is ideal for sleepers in all sleeping positions. The layers are ventilated, so this pillow can keep you cool if you usually sleep hot. The ventilation throughout the layers and on the mesh cover allows for better airflow and reduced temperatures.
The cover of the pillow is made of 100% cotton. It’s soft and comfortable, so it will slide easily into your favourite pillowcases. It comes in two sizes: Standard (19″ x 26″) and King (19″ x 34″). You should choose the size that is best suited to your pillowcases, as we recommend using one with this pillow.
Even if you don’t, there’s no risk of damaging the pillow. You can remove the foam layers from the pillow to wash the cover with the rest of your sheets. Make sure to use a gentle cycle when machine washing this pillow. Overall, all parts of this pillow are extremely durable, down to the antimicrobial and hypoallergenic foam layers.
This pillow also features one of the longest pillow warranties we’ve seen. Most pillow warranties last about 1 year, but the Polysleep Pillow has a limited 3-year warranty that keeps you protected for longer. If you’re unsure about your preferred loft or height (or want to find a more comfortable option than your current pillow), the Polysleep pillow can help you find a comfort level that helps you sleep better.
The Highlights
The Polysleep Pillow uses four layers of hybrid foam to provide full customization. The hybrid foam offers better pressure relief and balance without any additional heat, making this pillow ideal for those who overheat easily. The foam layers are made with antimicrobial foam, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria or dust mites. The cotton cover is soft and breathable. It vents heat through the high-quality mesh panels.
- Fully customizable foam layers
- Hybrid foam provides better pressure relief and balance
- The antimicrobial foam prevents bacteria and dust mites
- The breathable cotton cover includes mesh for better heat reduction
From the Test Lab
“This pillow helped us find the perfect height and loft with much less hassle than traditional adjustable pillows.”
Best Medium
QE Home SilkSurround Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Microgel Fibre and Silk
- Cover: 100% Cotton
- Size: Standard (20" x 26"), Queen (20" x 30"), King (20" x 36")
- Adjustable: No
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep on their backs
- Those who need a cooler pillow
- Sleepers who suffer from allergies
- Users with queen, king, and twin-sized beds
When it comes to luxury pillows, it doesn’t get better than QE Home’s SilkSurround Pillow. This pillow is hand-layered and produced to be supportive, comforting, and perfect for back and stomach sleepers. While most of the other pillow options on our list were firmer or softer, this pillow is closest to a true medium than any other option we’ve seen. If you need a medium firmness pillow, this is the perfect option for you.
This pillow is completely hypoallergenic. The shell (or cover) is made with 100% cotton fibres. Silk threads are sewn into the cover to make it softer and more inviting. Sewing the fibres into place ensures that the pillow doesn’t shift as you sleep, which can cause uncomfortable bunching.
Under the silk fill layer is a microgel core. This supportive material is cool and works to maintain a comfortable temperature all night. It’s softer and lighter than gel memory foam, as the microgel fibres create a texture that more closely mirrors down than foam.
Together, these components work to create a luxurious pillow that is completely hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEX certified. This means it’s certified to be of the highest quality, from materials to construction. You can get this pillow in three sizes: Standard, Queen, and King. Some pillows don’t offer so many options, but you can choose the appropriate size here.
The Highlights
This pillow from QE Home features two types of fill. It features an outer layer of silk floss fill surrounding an inner core of microgel. This core keeps the pillow cool and helps it feel like luxurious down support. The medium firmness is great for back and stomach sleepers, and it’s hypoallergenic for those who suffer from allergies to dust. Plus, the entire pillow is sewn together in a way that keeps the fill from shifting around or bunching as you sleep.
- Layered silk and microgel fibre fill
- Medium firmness for back and stomach sleepers
- Hypoallergenic for those who suffer from allergies
- The quilting method reduces bunching and shifting
From the Test Lab
“This pillow was a hit with our back sleepers. It felt softer and more comfortable than some of the other foam pillows we tried.”
Best Loft Options
Casper Original Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Down Alternative
- Cover: 100% Cotton
- Size: Standard (18" x 26") or King (18" x 34")
- Adjustable: No
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep a little warm
- All sleeping positions
- Those who prefer a softer, plush pillow
- Stomach and back sleepers
The Casper Original Pillow uses a down alternative to create a breathable, airy pillow that is soft to rest your head on. You can choose between two different loft options for this pillow-in-pillow design. The mid loft option has a 2” gusset, perfect for those that need better neck support. Side sleeper and stomach sleepers will appreciate the med loft left. and The low loft has a 1.25” gusset, which works well for back sleepers.
Both loft options are available in standard and king-sized pillows. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be getting Casper’s pillow-in-pillow design. The cover of this pillow is filled with polyester lining. It creates a comfortable, soft surface for you to lay your head-on. Inside the zipped cover is another pillow, but it’s made entirely with polyester microfibre.
This fill is adaptive, but it’s also extremely comfortable. It moves with you throughout the night, creating the perfect level of support no matter how you sleep or how you turn. The cover is made of 100% cotton woven in a percale pattern, which adds to the breathability. It’s difficult to get warm in the middle of the night with this pillow.
Casper allows you to try the Casper Original pillow for 30 nights risk-free. If you keep the pillow, you’ll have a 1-year limited pillow warranty.
The Highlights
Casper’s Original pillow has two different loft options. You can choose between a mid-loft (with a 2” gusset) and a low-loft (with a 1.25” gusset). The pillow-in-pillow design features a filled cover and a pillow underneath, which allows you to adapt the pillow to your comfort level whenever you want. The cover is made with 100% breathable cotton, which helps keep you cool all night long. The fill inside the smaller pillow is clump-resistant, which ensures that it never goes flat. You can fluff it back up easily!
- Two different loft options for different sleepers
- Pillow-in-pillow design allows you to change your comfort level at will
- Breathable 100% cotton cover to keep you cool
- Clump-resistant filling never goes flat
From the Test Lab
“This pillow found a way to be customizable without the shredded memory foam fill.”
Best Firmness Options
Noa Down Alternative Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Microfibre
- Cover: Cotton Sateen
- Size: 50 cm x 75 cm
- Adjustable: No
It's Great For:
- Sleepers who want different firmness options
- Canadians with allergies
- Those who prefer plush pillows
- Eco-conscious Canadians
The Noa Down Alternative Pillow comes in three firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. If you already know the type of pillow you want, choosing one should be simple. With these options, they make the pillow accessible for most sleepers, as you can simply choose the option that works for you.
Each Noa pillow is manufactured in Portugal. The family-run textile mill that Noa partners with are the oldest in Portugal, and they are using older techniques and quality textiles to create the beautiful fabric on the outside of the pillow. In this case, the cover is made of 100% cotton sateen. It’s a soft, comfortable material that feels great on your skin. Plus, it’s made with high-quality OEKO-TEX certified materials.
Inside, you’ll find hypoallergenic microfibre. This material feels as soft as down, but without the expense, the allergens, or the quills poking you in the face. Overall, it creates a soft, comforting feeling that’s still breathable enough to avoid overheating. Since there’s a firmness available for everyone, each sleeper can enjoy the Noa Down Alternative Pillow.
The Highlights
The Noa Down Alternative Pillow is available in three firmness levels. You can choose soft, medium, or firm for your pillow, making it ideal for most sleepers. You can choose the option that works well for your sleeping style. The pillows are crafted in one of the oldest traditional Portuguese textile factories, known for their expertise in the business. The materials used to make the pillows are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 Certified, meaning it’s held at the highest quality standard in the world. It’s eco-conscious, too! The cover is made of a smooth, plush cotton sateen that feels comfortable against your face.
- Three firmness levels, perfect for most sleepers
- Crafted in a traditional Portugal textile factories
- OEKO-TEX Class I Certification
- The soft, cotton sateen shell is smooth and plush
From the Test Lab
“Some of our testers swore this was really down, and were surprised it was microfibre! The firmness options feel distinct and helpful for those who suffer from back and neck injuries.”
Best Natural
The Hush Eco-Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Eco-Conscious Memory Foam Core
- Cover: Bamboo
- Size: Queen (20" x 30") or King (20" x 36")
- Adjustable: No
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep in any position
- Those who need better neck alignment
- Users who are concerned about the growth of microbes and bacteria
- Those who often overheat
The Hush Eco-Pillow is an all-natural, eco-conscious pillow made from sustainably sourced materials. Every part of the pillow (including the bamboo cover) is anti-bacterial and anti-allergenic. This means that it’s gentle on your skin, making your pillow a clean and comfortable place to sleep. If you sleep hot, this pillow can help regulate the temperature as you sleep so that you don’t overheat. The memory foam core helps cradle your neck and head, reducing strain and increasing comfort at the same time.
Each of the materials used in The Hush Eco-Pillow is sustainably sourced and all-natural. Materials like soy and bio-essential oils help create the foam core, while natural bamboo keeps the cover breathable and fresh. All materials are naturally anti-bacterial and anti-allergenic. Canadians with allergies and those worried about keeping their pillow hygienic won’t have to worry when using this pillow.
The cover can be zipped off the pillow easily, allowing you to wash it when you need a fresher pillow. Even if you use a pillowcase with it (which we recommend), you can still wash the cover whenever you want. Even without frequently washing, this pillow is designed to stay comfortable for twice as long as the average pillow.
You can order the Hush Eco-Pillow in two sizes, Queen and King. Choose the size that matches your pillowcases and your bed for the best results.
The Highlights
The Hush Eco-Pillow features all-natural ingredients, which make this pillow eco-conscious and cleaner for your face. The breathable, temperature-regulating materials help keep you from overheating, while the supportive foam core helps mold your head and neck. This means you get support right where you need it. Each Hush Eco-Pillow is sustainably made in Spain, too.
- All-natural ingredients make this pillow eco-conscious and clean
- Breathable, temperature-regulating materials
- Supportive foam core molds to your head and neck, providing support where you need it
- Sustainably made in Spain
From the Test Lab
“This pillow was clean and breathable, perfect for our testers who preferred natural materials.”
Best Temperature Regulation
Endy Luxe Foam Pillow

Features:
- Fill Type: Bamboo Charcoal-Infused Memory Foam
- Cover: Bamboo and Polyester
- Size: Standard (26" x 17.7" x 5.1") and King (33" x 17.7" x 5.1")
- Adjustable: No
It's Great For:
- Canadians who hate a warm pillow
- Those who want their pillows to be clean
- Sleepers who suffer from allergies
- Those who need better neck and spine alignment in their pillows
The second Endy pillow on our list is the Endy Luxe Foam, which features some of the best temperature regulation out of all of the pillows we tested in Canada. This pillow is made with charcoal-infused aerated foam, as well as ventilated sides and a bamboo cover. Together, these features create a cool sleeping surface that keeps you cool throughout the night without any gimmicks.
Underneath the breathable bamboo cover of this pillow, you’ll find a layer of aerated, charcoal-infused memory foam. The charcoal makes the pillow antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, so those who suffer from allergies will love it. This foam also contours easily to your head and neck, providing great pressure relief and surprising cooling features.
This bed is extremely clean and cool, with a quick response memory foam that bounces back quickly. You can try it for 60 nights, and you’ll get a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects after your purchase.
The Highlights
The Endy Luxe Foam Pillow contours to your neck, helping provide the right alignment and support no matter how you sleep. Inside is charcoal-infused foam, which is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. If you have allergies, this pillow may help you sleep a little easier. The memory foam is vented, and the bamboo cover works with it to help keep you cooler throughout the night. Most sleepers can find comfort in this pillow due to the adaptive support created by the memory foam.
- Contours to your neck, providing the best support possible
- Charcoal-infused foam is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- Ventilated memory foam and bamboo cover keep you cooler while you sleep
- Adaptive memory foam support works best for most sleepers
From the Test Lab
“Our testers thought this pillow had it all – cooling, contouring, and more! Many of our testers want to buy them for themselves.”
Why Trust Us?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How firm should my pillow be?
How firm your pillow should depend on how you sleep. Stomach sleepers need soft pillows, whereas side sleepers usually prefer a firmer pillow. Above, we looked at some recommendations in Canada based on your sleeping position.
What size pillows do hotels use?
Do you like the pillows that hotels provide? Most hotels use standard-size pillows, which are about 51 cm x 66 cm. This is because this size is most common. They also tend to use firmer pillows.
Why should I choose a down alternative pillow?
Down pillows are a little pricier, but that’s because they are made with the goose or duck down, sourced ethically from animals. A down alternative is less expensive and can be hypoallergenic, ideal if you suffer from down allergies.