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:

Pillow Type	Size / Dimensions (W x L)
Travel Pillow	12 x 16 inches
Mini Pillow	15 x 20 inches
Standard Pillow	20 x 26 inches
Super Standard Pillow	20 x 28 inches
Queen Pillow	20 x 30 inches
King Pillow	20 x 36 inches
Euro Pillow	26 x 26 inches

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:

Pillow Type	Material / Fill
Latex Pillow	Made from natural or synthetic latex (rubber)
Shredded Latex Pillow	Filled with small, shredded bits of latex (rubber)
Memory Foam Pillow	Made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam that softens with heat
Shredded Memory Foam Pillow	Chopped-up memory foam pieces
Cotton Pillow	Stuffed with soft, natural cotton fibers
Feather Pillow	Filled with the outer feathers of ducks or geese
Down Pillow	Stuffed with the fluffy under-feathers (down clusters) of birds
Down Alternative Pillow	Filled with synthetic fibers like polyester
Wool Pillow	Packed with natural sheep's wool
Buckwheat Pillow	Filled with the outer shells of buckwheat seeds
Gel Pillow	Contains cooling gel-infused foam
Fiberfill Pillow	Stuffed with polyester fibers
Microbead Pillow	Filled with tiny polystyrene beads
Bamboo Pillow	Bamboo-derived rayon cover and shredded memory foam fill
Kapok Pillow	Filled with silky fibers from the kapok tree pod

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:

Pillow Type	Shape / Design
Classic Pillow	Simple rectangular shape - the everyday pillow
Contour Pillow	Curved, wave-like shape with a dip in the center
Wedge Pillow	Triangular, sloped wedge design
Donut Pillow	Round with a hole in the middle
Travel Neck Pillow	U-shaped to wrap around the neck
Hybrid Pillow	Two or more materials in one pillow, usually rectangular-shaped
Side Sleeper Pillow	Thick cuboid or curved to fit the shoulder gap
Egg Crate Pillow	Bumpy, textured surface (like an egg carton)
Half Body Pillow	Elongated cylinder cut in half, semi-circular shape
Body Pillow	Extra-long and narrow, usually cylindrical
Cervical (Orthopedic) Pillow	Ergonomic shape with neck support curves - often looks contoured or raised at edges
Seating Pillow	Flat and square or round, sometimes with a cut-out section
Lumbar Pillow	Ergonomic, convex-like shape
Neckroll Pillow	Cylindrical, like a small bolster

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:

Pillow Type	Firmness / Loft
Soft Pillow	2-3 on the firmness scale
Medium Pillow	4-6 on the firmness scale
Firm Pillow	7-8 on the firmness scale
Extra Firm Pillow	9-10 on the firmness scale
Low Loft Pillow	Below 3 inches in height
Medium Loft Pillow	Between 3-5 inches in height
High Loft Pillow	Above 5 inches in height

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

Position	Loft	Firmness	Recommended Materials/Designs
Side Sleepers	High (4-6 inches)	Medium to firm	Buckwheat hulls (adjustable, breathable) Solid or shredded latex (bouncy, supportive) Contour/side-sleeper pillows (ergonomic shape)
Back Sleepers	Medium (3-5 inches)	Medium	Solid latex or memory foam (contours to neck curve) Hybrid (foam + fiber) for balance Wedge (for occasional reflux/snoring relief)
Stomach Sleepers	Low (< 3 inches)	Soft	Down or down alternative (plush, compressible) Kapok or cotton (natural, soft) Microbead (moldable, low profile)
Combo Sleepers	Medium (3-5 inches)	Medium	Shredded memory foam or latex (tweakable height) Solid memory foam or latex (classic comfort) Bamboo pillows (breathable, supportive) Hybrid (layered materials for different feels)

Body Weight

Weight Range	Best Pillow Type
Under 130 lbs	Softer foam/fill and lower loft often feel most comfortable
130–230 lbs	A balanced medium-firm pillow with medium loft tends to work best
Over 230 lbs	You’ll need firmer, high-loft pillows (latex, buckwheat) to avoid bottoming out

Head and Neck Shape

Body Type	Recommendation
Narrow Shoulders / Petite Frame	Lower to medium loft, so the neck isn’t overextended
Broad Shoulders / Larger Frame	Higher loft and firmer pillows to maintain neck alignment
Long Neck	Medium loft with ergonomic contour—cervical/contoured pillows support the curve well

Health Conditions

Condition	Pillow Needs	Recommended Types
Acid Reflux / GERD	Keeps the upper body elevated to prevent acid flow	Wedge pillows Adjustable foam pillows
Snoring / Sleep Apnea	Encourages side sleeping or elevates the head to open airways	Contour pillows Wedge pillows CPAP-compatible pillows (usually with cutouts for masks)
Neck Pain / Stiffness	Supports natural neck curve and limits awkward angles	Cervical pillows,  Contour memory foam,  Water pillows for dynamic support
Shoulder Pain	Reduces pressure on shoulders, supports head without misalignment	Cutout pillows Latex or memory foam side-sleeper pillows
Allergies / Asthma	Hypoallergenic, dust-mite resistant, breathable	Latex Cotton Wool Synthetic down alternative (with zippered washable covers)
Hot Flashes / Night Sweats	Promotes airflow, moisture-wicking	Latex Buckwheat Wool Gel-infused foam Bamboo or Tencel-covered pillows
Migraines / Headaches	Gentle, consistent support to reduce neck tension	Soft to medium memory foam Buckwheat Cooling pillows (like gel) Low-profile contoured options

Personal Preferences

Preference	Ideal Options
Temperature Control	Gel-infused foam, wool, natural latex, or buckwheat for better airflow
Adjustability	Buckwheat, wool, and kapok fill pillows allow easy loft customization
Feel	Plush: Down, down alt, kapok Responsive: Latex, hybrid, gel foam Supportive: Memory foam, buckwheat
Eco-Friendliness	Natural/organic latex, buckwheat, wool, cotton, feather, down, kapok

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.

FAQs

1. What are the different types of pillows?

Pillows can vary by size (like standard, queen, king), material (such as down, memory foam, latex, polyester), shape (traditional, contoured, wedge, etc.), firmness, and loft (height). Each type serves a different purpose and suits a different sleeping style.

2. What type of pillows are best?

The best pillow usually depends on how you sleep. Side sleepers do well with firmer, higher-loft pillows. Back sleepers need medium support, and stomach sleepers often prefer something soft and low-profile. Material preferences (cooling, hypoallergenic, supportive) can also play a big role.

3. What kind of pillows do 5-star hotels use?

Luxury hotels often use a mix of down and down alternative pillows to appeal to different guests. These pillows tend to be soft but supportive, with a plush feel that suits a wide range of sleepers. High thread count cotton covers and premium fills are standard.

4. What pillow is best to sleep with?

Based on our experience, latex, buckwheat, and wool pillows are best. They offer great support, keep their shape, and stay breathable throughout the night. Each has its own feel—latex is bouncy and pressure-relieving, buckwheat is adjustable and firm, and wool is soft yet supportive with natural temperature regulation.

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. Best Organic Pillows

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.