How to Choose a Pillow

The short answer

A good fit starts with the height beneath your resting head. Choose that first, then the filling and feel you enjoy. Your sleeping position and mattress matter more than a “one pillow for everyone” label.

Find the height
Let your head and shoulder settle.
Compare the feel
Try a filling and shape you enjoy.
Test the whole setup
Use a mattress that feels like yours.

01 · The height

Find your starting height

Loft means height. What matters is how much remains once your head settles into the pillow. Use your usual sleeping position as a starting point, then try it on a mattress with a feel close to yours.

Side sleepers
Fill the space above your shoulder
Let your shoulder settle into the mattress. Compare pillows that keep your head comfortable without continually folding or bunching the filling.
Back sleepers
Leave room for your chin
Try a height that feels comfortable without pushing your head forward or crowding your chin toward your chest.
Stomach sleepers
Start with less height
Notice whether the pillow lifts your head more than feels comfortable. Compare lower profiles rather than choosing by softness alone.
Combination sleepers
Make room to turn
Test your two usual positions and the movement between them. An adjustable option can help you compare smaller changes.

Mostly sleep on your side? Use our side-sleeper pillow guide for a closer comparison.

02 · The filling

Choose how you want the pillow to feel

Begin with a simple choice: a consistent shape, or filling you can rearrange and adjust. Neither is automatically better; choose the behavior you prefer.

Consistent shape
Molded foam
Compare the contour and how it responds as you turn. Choose the right profile; a molded insert may not allow fill removal.
Adjustable height
Loose filling
Remove or redistribute filling only when the product is designed for it. Make a small change, let it settle, then compare again.

These foam and adjustable-wool options offer a useful material comparison. Check the filling and cover separately, and follow the care instructions for the exact model.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow — Compare adaptive foamTempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow
Compare a conventional foam pillow with the adjustable wool option. Check the product page for the exact dimensions, materials and care instructions.
See options & current price

Sleep & Beyond myWoolly Adjustable Wool Pillow — Explore adjustable woolSleep & Beyond myWoolly® Adjustable Wool Pillow
Compare a different filling and feel with the myWoolly. Check the adjustment and care instructions for the exact option you choose.
See options & current price

A useful distinction

Height and firmness are different decisions

A tall pillow that compresses easily can feel lower than a shorter, firmer one. Compare the height under your head first, then the resistance and surface feel. Keep the same pillowcase on both candidates so the comparison is useful.

03 · The fitting

Try two. Change one thing at a time.

Use the same short routine on each pillow. Take your time; squeezing one in your hands will not show how it feels beneath your head.

Recreate your bed
Start on a mattress close to the feel of yours at home.
Settle into your position
Rest your head and let the filling compress before judging the height.
Notice the adjustments
Are you folding it, putting a hand underneath or pushing it away? Compare a neighboring profile.
Change one thing
Try a different shape or a small fill adjustment, rather than changing everything at once.
Turn, then compare again
Try your other usual position. Return to your first choice before deciding.

Prefer a pillow with a defined shape? Compare these two approaches after you have a starting height in mind.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow — Try two shapesTempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Symphony® Pillow
Compare the Symphony’s dual-sided design with a conventional pillow. Try both intended surfaces and the positions you usually use.
See options & current price

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pro + Cooling Pillow — Compare defined profilesTempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt® Pro + Cooling Pillow
Explore the available profile choices and cooling cover feel. Select the actual profile on the product page, then check its dimensions.
See options & current price

Before you choose

Know what you can wash

A washable cover does not mean a washable insert. Check each part’s instructions before cleaning, especially with foam or wool.

Reassess damaged filling, lasting unevenness or a pillow that stays uncomfortable after appropriate care. A different mattress can change the fit even when the pillow itself is sound.

The finishing detail

Check the case as well as the pillow

Read the actual length, width and profile. Standard, Queen and King names can vary by brand; a King bed does not require a King pillow.

Use a case that fits without crowding the filling. If you share a bed, each person can choose a different height, feel and pillow size.

Pillow buying, explained

A few good questions

Useful details before you choose. For help with a particular model, ask our team.

Should my pillow match my mattress brand?

A matching brand is not a fit guarantee. Start with your sleeping position, mattress feel and the side-sleeper pillow guide.

Is a higher pillow better for side sleepers?

Not always. The useful height depends on how far your shoulder settles and how much the pillow compresses. Start with the height guide, then try neighboring profiles.

What should I look for in a cooling pillow?

Compare the cover, filling and your usual pillowcase. A cool initial surface does not establish overnight performance. Check the current materials and profiles in our pillow collection.

Can a pillow cure neck pain?

A pillow is not a diagnosis or treatment. Seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms. For product dimensions or materials, ask our team.

Does the mattress trial include pillows?

Check accessory return terms before opening or using a pillow. The mattress comfort-exchange policy does not establish a pillow return right.

Try it in Los Angeles

Find a pillow that fits your bed—and you.

Bring your usual sleep positions, mattress feel and what you want to change about your current pillow. Our team can help you compare a short list. Call ahead to check which models you can try.

Explore all pillows Find your showroom

How to choose a pillow

Find your starting height

Fill the space above your shoulder

Leave room for your chin

Start with less height

Make room to turn

Choose how you want the pillow to feel

Molded foam

Loose filling