Firmness

There are three typical measures for pillow firmness: soft, medium and firm. What level of firmness is right for you will depend on a number of factors including whether you are a side, back or stomach sleeper. Firmness is based on density of the pillow filling be it water, foam or feathers.

Soft pillows are the least dense and are therefore either thinnest (if filled) or offer the most “give”. These pillows are ideal for those who sleep on their stomachs. Relative to fuller and firmer pillows a soft pillow is easier on the face, keeps the neck and spine in a neutral posture and makes it is easier to breathe. Soft pillows are also the choice of those with sensitive necks.

Medium pillows are denser or more filled and are often chosen by back sleepers. A medium pillow provides more support for the neck and head and also is higher, which allows the shoulders to butt up against the pillow and the head to rest comfortably on top.

Firm pillows are an excellent choice for side sleepers who don’t have sensitive necks. The firm pillows being the highest or fullest mean that those lying on their sides will also have their heads at the right height to be comfortably supported. Moreover a firm pillow can support side sleepers in not rolling off their sides onto their backs or stomachs.