How to pick the perfect pillow

Today, we’re going to talk about a small bedroom item, often seen and treated more like a decoration than a functional piece. The problem is that its purpose should be our top priority. So, before we explain everything there is to know about the pillow and how to pick the perfect one, let’s also think about why this decision is so important.

What is the recipe for a perfect and restful night of sleep? The kind that gives you the energy, drive and motivation to capture and absolutely dominate your day? A single answer to that question doesn’t exist. Just like a tasty dish, it needs the right proportions and quality ingredients.

Believe it or not, it’s actually much harder than it looks. And it’s not just about the curse of abundance. A few minutes’ worth of online research, and you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. Firm pillows, soft pillows, GSM weight, goose down, memory foam, gusset, loft, fill power… If you're confused – fret not, we’re here to help you navigate through this labyrinth of new terminology, nuances and things to consider to make the right call.

Sleeping Position

Before we answer the big question, we have one for you – what is your preferred sleeping position? Try to figure it out because that’s what’s going to determine the best pillow option for you. Why? It circles back to the whole point of having a pillow – to sleep better.

There are several factors that can make or break this goal, like neck and spine support, which depends on firmness and various design elements like height, shape and size.

Don’t worry, we’ll make it a bit easier for you; there are three main groups – back sleepers, side sleepers and stomach sleepers. Let’s take a closer look at each of them to better understand the unique needs and requirements of these positions since they obviously differ quite a bit.

Sleeping on the Back

In this case, the most important thing is to provide the right amount of support for the natural curve of the neck. There are specialised pillows out there with memory foam technology that adjust to the position of your head, however, it’s not made of natural materials, which are obviously the best choice. A good alternative is a medium to thin model as it makes it easier to find the right position without straining your neck and spine. Medium firmness is the best bet for the very same reason. The fact of the matter is that anyone with neck pain or similar issues might want to consider the specialised memory foam we mentioned, even though the materials are not of the highest order – for anyone else, it’s best to stick to natural fabrics and fill.

Sleeping on the Side

This is hands down the most popular sleeping position, and it requires more height (or loft), ideally 4 to 6 inches, and firmness compared to the pillow for a back sleeper. Everyone is built a little differently, but a pillow like that helps keep the nose aligned with the sternum, which prevents neck strain and promotes a healthy position (or posture) during sleep. To do that, we also need more support, so firmness is a big deal here as well – ideally moderate to heavy. Some side sleepers might want to consider body pillows.

Sleeping on the Stomach

This is the trickiest position since it’s pretty hard to tell which body part needs the most support. Sleeping on your stomach may put quite a strain on your spine, neck or shoulders. So, depending on what’s your weak point, or simply a body part that’s more prone to pain or injury, you just focus on that part. One thing is quite clear – you should avoid elevation. What does that mean? It’s simple – use soft pillows with lower loft, and perhaps bigger in size so that you can easily change your position and still keep your head sitting comfortably on your pillow. Down is the perfect choice in this scenario – it’s shapeable, quite fluffy and easily compressible to a low loft.

The Right Ingredients

Let’s start with the basics. You can’t have a good meal without quality ingredients - just like you can’t have a good pillow without quality materials.

So, what is the best pillow? Synthetics have their merit, no doubt, just like in the world of fashion and clothing, but nothing beats natural fabrics, like high-quality cotton with down feather.

What we often fail to consider is that this term encompasses a wide range of materials – especially in terms of quality. So, how do we make sure it’s actually worth our time and money? It’s quite simple, provided you have the right information. Pay attention to GSM (grams per square meter), which measures the weight of the fabric. The higher it is, the better since that’s what makes the fabric richer and denser. For anyone with sensitive skin, this kind of luxurious natural material is the best choice possible.

But let’s not forget - it’s not what is on the outside, but what is on the inside, that counts. And there are quite a few options here – from synthetics like latex and polyester to buckwheat, cotton or feather and down, the most luxurious one of them all. The last option is very popular thanks to the fluffiness, great feel, comfort and perfect insulation, especially if made with duck or goose down and feathers. It’s widely regarded as the very best filling and a go-to choice in many high-class resorts and hotels around the world.

It’s now time to introduce another term known as the fill power, which measures the amount of space that one ounce of down occupies – and does so in cubic inches. Just like with GSM, the higher it is the better. It means the down is of superior quality with increased loft and is going to retain its firmness for much longer. The higher fill power also indicates one more thing – the down has the capacity to trap more air, which, in turn, improves insulation.

Allergies

Just like with food, it’s important to bear in mind certain things can trigger an allergic reaction or simply not be a particularly good match for our bodies and systems. Pillows are no different. While some natural materials are hypoallergenic like organic cotton, silk or bamboo, when it comes to filling, most bird feather types might not be 100% safe for people with allergies, so if you’re in this category – it’s something to think about. Synthetic materials might be the better choice in this case. Same goes for anyone with sensitive or easily irritable skin.

Our range

Ever wondered what makes a hotel experience so special? Why do you always sleep better? It's because of the bedding, mattress and pillows. You may not be able to get everything exactly right, but you can get the same set of pillows.

But what pillows do InterContinental hotels use? It's the proprietary InterContinental king and queen pillow range available in our store. High-quality cotton and natural down feather fill. They provide next-level comfort and that special touch of luxury and sophistication to your space – a piece of high-end hotel to your home setting.

You can find amazing 5 star hotel pillows in Australia. As a matter of fact, we have some top-notch recommendations right here in our online store available in two sizes.

But what's the difference? Are king pillows bigger than queen? Yes, that's exactly the case – king pillow  is 50 cm x 90 cm whereas queen pillow measures 50 x 66 cm.

Soft models come with natural 1200g filling made of goose down and goose feather in a perfectly balanced 50/50 split, wrapped up in a luxurious 100% cotton with the special 230TC down-proof pillow case, with a double-stitching and the exceptional Airy DuPont Teflon treatment. That’s what makes them oil and water-repellent as well as stain-resistant.

Firmer models utilise the very same durable and high-quality fabric but they feature a richer filling, with a heftier 1700g split of goose down and goose feathers to offer better support for your neck, spine and shoulders.

Quick Care Tips

Caring for natural down feather pillows with cotton covers is straightforward but requires gentle handling.

The big question is - should you wash feather pillows? Yes, you can wash them, but it's best to do so sparingly - about twice a year - to keep them clean without damaging the feathers. Use a mild detergent and a gentle cycle, ensuring thorough rinsing and drying to prevent clumping. Fluffing and airing out your pillows regularly between washes helps maintain their fluffiness and freshness.

Using pillow protectors can also extend their cleanliness and lifespan as they provide effective protection against oils, dust, and allergens. With these simple tips, your feather pillows will stay cosy and supportive for years.

Don’t Forget the Spice

Picking your perfect pillow is a crucial step – one that can be the difference between a restful night of sleep and a restless night of tossing and turning. And the quality of sleep equals the quality of life. Consider all your needs, go out there and make the right choice. But don’t forget it’s just a part of the recipe for sweet dreams, as big as it is. There are other integral pieces, and the good news is – you can get them right here in our online store! Check out our hotel linen collection and pick the perfect sheets to go along with your perfect pillows.