Types of Pillows

Pillow shopping? It’s a surprisingly daunting task these days. Sure, there are plenty of options, and if one doesn’t work, another probably will… right? Maybe. Because in this article alone, we’ve listed 43 different types of pillows. That’s a lot, and chances are, even more are out there somewhere. So, if you're going by pure probability right now, your odds of picking the perfect pillow are about 1 in 43. About a 2.3% chance of getting it right on the first try. But don’t worry. We’ll help you beat those odds by breaking down what each pillow type offers and matching you with the one that fits your head, neck, and shoulders the best.

How Many Types of Pillows Are There?

Many. There are many types of pillows out there today. Back then, you'd walk into a store and choose from maybe one or two classic options. Today, variety has become a commodity, especially with online bedding stores popping up left and right. We've been able to count up to 43 types of pillows so far. They are differentiated based on size, material, shape, and firmness/loft. There's a pillow for everyone. So, let's find out which pillow is for you. We'll start with size first.

Types of Pillows - Based on Size & Dimension

Based on size, pillows range from small, travel-friendly sizes to large, mattress-friendly sizes. Take a look at the table below for the dimensions of the most popular pillow sizes available:

1. Travel Pillow

• Size: 12" x 16"
  
• Best For: Airplane, car, train travel
  
• Notes: Compact and portable; ideal for kids and on-the-go naps

2. Mini Pillow

• Size: 15" x 20"
  
• Best For: Toddlers, compact sleeping spaces
  
• Notes: Slightly larger than travel pillows; good for cribs, naps, and decorative use

3. Standard Pillow

• Size: 20" x 26"
  
• Best For: Twin mattress, twin XL mattress, full-size mattress
  
• Notes: Most common size; fits in standard pillowcases; ideal for single sleepers

4. Super Standard Pillow

• Size: 20" x 28"
  
• Best For: Twin mattress, twin XL mattress, full-size mattress
  
• Notes: Slightly longer than a standard; offers a bit more surface area

5. Queen Pillow

• Size: 20" x 30"
  
• Best For: Queen mattress, split queen mattress
  
• Notes: Designed to fit across a queen bed with two pillows side by side

6. King Pillow

• Size: 20" x 36"
  
• Best For: King-size mattress, split king mattress, California king mattress
  
• Notes: Provides extra width; also works as a backrest for sitting up in bed

7. Euro Pillow

• Size: 26" x 26"
  
• Best For: Decorations, support use
  
• Notes: Commonly used as a backrest or decorative sham on beds, sofas

Types of Pillows - Based on Material & Fill

Based on the material, pillows vary greatly. There are solid foam pillows like latex, memory foam, and gel. There are shredded variations of these solid foam pillows. And there are pillows with fillings like cotton, wool, bamboo, and kapok fibers. This table will give you a good idea of which material is best for whom and what:

1. Latex Pillow

• Material: Solid natural or synthetic latex
• Feel: Responsive, bouncy, supportive
• Pros: Durable, hypoallergenic, sleeps cooler than memory foam
• Cons: Heavier, less moldable, may have a vanilla-like smell at first
• Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers who want firm support with cushioning

2. Shredded Latex Pillow

• Material: Torn pieces of latex foam
• Feel: Softer and more adjustable than solid latex
• Pros: More breathable, conforms better, adjustable loft
• Cons: Less supportive than solid latex
• Best For: Combination sleepers and those who want a balance of structure and softness

3. Memory Foam Pillow

• Material: Solid block of viscoelastic memory foam
• Feel: Slow-response, contouring, pressure-relieving
• Pros: Great neck cushioning, reduces pressure points
• Cons: Retains heat, can off-gas chemicals (VOCs), less supportive than latex
• Best For: Back and side sleepers needing neck contouring

4. Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

• Material: Small pieces of memory foam
• Feel: Softer, adjustable, more breathable than solid foam
• Pros: Adjustable loft, better airflow, less heat retention
• Cons: May clump over time, some off-gassing
• Best For: Sleepers wanting contour with a lighter feel

5. Cotton Pillow

• Material: Natural cotton fiber
• Feel: Soft and breathable, but compresses over time
• Pros: Hypoallergenic, natural, moisture-wicking
• Cons: Flattens quickly, less moldable
• Best For: Stomach sleepers and those seeking natural materials

6. Feather Pillow

• Material: Outer feathers from geese or ducks
• Feel: Soft, moldable, with a bit of support
• Pros: Adjustable shape, breathable
• Cons: Prone to flattening, may poke through fabric, not vegan
• Best For: Back sleepers who like a plush feel

7. Down Pillow

• Material: Under-feathers (down) of ducks or geese
• Feel: Extremely soft, cloud-like
• Pros: Lightweight, insulating, luxurious
• Cons: Expensive, less support, not vegan-friendly
• Best For: Stomach and back sleepers who prefer softness

8. Down Alternative Pillow

• Material: Synthetic polyester designed to mimic down
• Feel: Soft and lightweight, but not as lofty as real down
• Pros: Affordable, hypoallergenic, easy to clean
• Cons: Less durable, may flatten quickly
• Best For: Allergy sufferers and budget-conscious shoppers

9. Wool Pillow

• Material: Natural sheep wool
• Feel: Firm, slightly springy
• Pros: Moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, antimicrobial
• Cons: Heavier, can feel lumpy over time
• Best For: Hot sleepers and people with allergies

10. Buckwheat Pillow

• Material: Buckwheat hulls
• Feel: Contouring, supportive, moldable
• Pros: Excellent neck support, pressure relieving, breathable, natural
• Cons: Slightly noisy, heavy
• Best For: Back and side sleepers needing strong support

11. Gel Pillow

• Material: Cooling gel-infused foam
• Feel: Cool to the touch, with varying support levels
• Pros: Cooling, cushioning, good for hot sleepers
• Cons: Can feel heavy, cooling effect may fade over time, off-gassing
• Best For: People who sleep hot and want better temperature control

12. Fiberfill Pillow

• Material: Polyester fibers
• Feel: Soft to medium, fluffy
• Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, hypoallergenic
• Cons: Flattens quickly, lacks long-term support
• Best For: Guest beds and temporary use

13. Microbead Pillow

• Material: Tiny polystyrene beads
• Feel: Moldable, squishy, supportive in small areas
• Pros: Lightweight, breathable
• Cons: Not environmentally friendly, beads can shift unevenly
• Best For: Travel, neck support, specialty uses (like body pillows)

14. Bamboo Pillow

• Material: Shredded memory foam with a bamboo-derived fabric cover
• Feel: Medium-firm, breathable, and adjustable
• Pros: Cooling, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly cover
• Cons: Can be bulky, some off-gassing from foam within
• Best For: Hot sleepers and those with allergies wanting a breathable option

15. Kapok Pillow

• Material: Natural kapok fiber from the kapok tree
• Feel: Soft, fluffy, down-like
• Pros: Eco-friendly, lightweight, breathable, hypoallergenic
• Cons: Can compress over time, less supportive than foam
• Best For: Back and stomach sleepers who want a natural, soft-fill alternative to down

Types of Pillows - Based on Shape & Design

We’ve come a long way from the classic ol' rectangular pillows - the kind of pillow that came to your mind when someone said "pillow". The different pillow shapes of today are far more specialized. Some cradle your neck's curves, others lift your legs at a certain angle, and a few even support your entire body. Some designs blend multiple materials for the best of both worlds.

From ergonomic curves to supportive wedges, here are all the pillow shapes and designs you can find in the bedding market:

1. Classic Pillow

• Shape: Standard rectangular
• Design: Flat, even surface with uniform fill
• Best For: General use; works for all sleep positions

2. Contour Pillow

• Shape: Ergonomic with a raised ridge and lower center dip
• Design: Follows the curve of the neck and head
• Best For: Back and side sleepers needing neck alignment and cervical support

3. Wedge Pillow

• Shape: Triangular wedge
• Design: Elevates the upper body or legs
• Best For: Acid reflux, snoring, circulation issues, and upright reading in bed

4. Donut Pillow

• Shape: Circular with a hole in the center
• Design: Reduces pressure on the tailbone / perineal area
• Best For: Post-surgery recovery, hemorrhoids, and coccyx pain

5. Travel Neck Pillow

• Shape: U-shaped
• Design: Wraps around the neck to support the head upright
• Best For: Airplane, car, and train travel to prevent neck strain

6. Hybrid Pillow

• Shape: Usually rectangular, same as a classic pillow
• Design: Combines two materials (e.g., wool + buckwheat hulls)
• Best For: Sleepers who want the benefits of multiple materials (e.g., soft + supportive)

7. Side Sleeper Pillow

• Shape: Cuboid or with a U-shaped cutout
• Design: Extra thickness and/or contouring for better neck-spine alignment
• Best For: Side sleepers needing firm support and space for the shoulder gap

8. Egg Crate Pillow

• Shape: Textured, bumpy surface
• Design: Egg crate-like foam for increased airflow and pressure relief
• Best For: People seeking a light massage feel and better cooling

9. Half Body Pillow (Half Moon Bolster Pillow)

• Shape: Semi-circular (half-moon) shape, with a flat bottom and a curved top
• Design: Designed to fit under knees, ankles, neck, or lower back for targeted support
• Best For: Lower back support, elevating knees/ankles, light neck/cervical support

10. Body Pillow

• Shape: Long and narrow (usually 20 inches wide by 48-54 inches long)
• Design: Hugged or placed along the body for full-body support
• Best For: Side sleepers, pregnant people, and those with joint/back pain

11. Cervical Pillow (Orthopedic Pillow)

• Shape: Commonly contoured (may also be rolled, wave-shaped, or butterfly-shaped)
• Design: Supports the natural curve of the cervical spine
• Best For: Neck pain, cervical spine issues, neck injuries, and therapeutic support

12. Seating Pillow

• Shape: Square, round, or wedge
• Design: Provides cushioning and support for sitting surfaces
• Best For: Office chairs, wheelchairs, meditation, and tailbone pressure relief

13. Lumbar Pillow

• Shape: Ergonomic, convex-like shape
• Design: Supports the lower back curve
• Best For: Lumbar support while sitting and lounging

14. Neckroll Pillow

• Shape: Cylindrical
• Design: Cradles the neck or supports under the knees
  
• Best For: Cervical support, traveling, and lower back alignment

Types of Pillows - Based on Firmness & Loft

Pillow firmness and pillow loft (height) are two aspects that most brands allow you to customize nowadays. They can greatly influence sleep quality based on your sleeping position and shoulder type (broad vs narrow), so here are all the ones you can expect to find today:

1. Soft Pillow

• Feel: Plush, compresses easily under pressure
• Support Level: Low
• Best For: Stomach sleepers and those who prefer a flatter, cushiony feel
• Common Fills: Down, down alternative, feather, cotton, kapok, soft fiberfill, microbeads

2. Medium Pillow

• Feel: Balanced - soft enough for comfort, firm enough for support
• Support Level: Moderate
• Best For: Back sleepers and combo sleepers needing support without excess lift
• Common Fills: Solid latex, solid memory foam, shredded latex, shredded memory foam, bamboo (shredded foam), wool, gel-infused foam, buckwheat hulls

3. Firm Pillow

• Feel: Dense, supportive, holds its shape
• Support Level: High
• Best For: Side sleepers and heavier individuals who need elevated support for neck alignment
• Common Fills: Solid memory foam, solid latex, buckwheat hulls, firm fiberfill, dense wool

4. Extra Firm Pillow

• Feel: Very dense, minimally compressible
• Support Level: Very high
• Best For: Heavier individuals and side sleepers who need maximum neck and head support
• Common Fills: Solid latex, buckwheat hulls, high-density memory foam, dense wool

5. Low Loft Pillow (Less than 3 inches tall)

• Support Height: Minimal lift
• Best For: Stomach sleepers and sleepers with petite frames to prevent neck strain
• Pairing Tip: Combine with soft firmness for extra comfort

6. Medium Loft Pillow (3 to 5 inches tall)

• Support Height: Moderate elevation
• Best For: Back sleepers and people who change positions often
• Pairing Tip: Often paired with medium firmness for balanced support

7. High Loft Pillow (Over 5 inches tall)

• Support Height: Maximum height
• Best For: Side sleepers and broad-shouldered individuals needing gap-filling support
• Pairing Tip: Works best with firm materials to avoid collapsing under pressure

How Do You Choose the Right Pillow Type for You?

By taking a few factors into consideration. Sleep position is an important one. Then there's body weight, head and neck shape, and health conditions (if any). Personal preference also matters.

Let's take a deeper look at each:

Sleeping Position

Body Weight

Head and Neck Shape

Health Conditions

Personal Preferences

Conclusion

With so many types of pillows out there—43 and counting—it’s no wonder shopping for one can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, you don’t need to guess your way to the right one. Once you understand how size, material, shape, firmness, and loft affect comfort and support, you’re in a much better position to find a pillow that actually works for how you sleep. Whether you’re a side sleeper with broad shoulders, a stomach sleeper who needs something flatter, or someone who just wants a cooler, more breathable option, there’s a pillow designed for you. Now that you know the landscape, it’s just a matter of matching the right one to your needs.

Related blog posts:

1. How to Choose the Right Pillow

2. Is It Bad to Sleep Without a Pillow?

3. How to Make a Pillow: A Step-by-Step Guide

4. Latex vs. Memory Foam Pillow

5. Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Pillow Case Sizes

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.