Expert Guide for How to Choose a Pillow

As Mattress Experts™, we understand that quality sleep can only be achieved with the right tools: a mattress made for you, a calming sleep environment, and a supportive pillow. However, you would be shocked at how many sleepers invest good money in a good mattress (as they should) but cheap out on a quality pillow.

Your entire sleep system works together to ensure you get the quality rest your body needs, and that includes your pillow. That squishy rectangle does a lot more than just prop up your head; it supports your neck and keeps your spine aligned as you sleep to prevent pain when you wake up. Stop sleeping on buying a quality pillow because it matters. And finding the best option for you shouldn’t be as difficult as some retailers make it.
The Mattress Experts™ at Texas Mattress Makers share expert tips for how to choose a pillow. With us, finding your perfect pillow is simple and stress-free, the way it should be.

Tip #1: Skip the internet, try in-store

After you establish that you need a new pillow, you’ll likely start researching online. But here’s where this gets dicey: Googling “best type of pillow” or “pillows near me” will bury you in results, and you’ll spend precious time sorting through an overwhelming amount of information.

The best type of pillow is one that suits your needs. And the best way to find the right pillow is to try it at a mattress store. Similar to mattress shopping, you can’t feel a pillow through the screen. A website may tell you its features and dimensions, but you won’t be able to tell if it’s comfortable, supportive enough, or the appropriate height for how you sleep.

This is why visiting our Houston showrooms makes such a difference. Our Mattress Experts™ understand what your body needs for better sleep and can guide you to exactly the right choice. Your needs are unique, so why waste your time playing guessing games when you could find the best answer instantly?

Tip #2: Consider your sleeping position

The answer to “What type of pillow do I need?” depends on how you sleep. Your sleep positioning is one of the most important factors to consider when learning how to pick a pillow. Similar to choosing a mattress that supports how your body lies on it, you want to choose a pillow that supports your head and neck in whatever position you sleep. 

Recommended	Back Sleepers	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Combination Sleepers
Pillow height	4–6 inches	2–5 inches	5–7 inches	3–6 inches
Firmness level	Medium, Medium-Firm	Soft, Medium	Medium-Firm, Firm	Medium, Medium-Firm
Type	Memory foam, shredded foam, high-density foam, latex	Latex, bamboo	Memory foam, shredded foam, latex	Hybrid combinations, latex

For full guides and infographics, check out our other pillow guides:

• The best pillow for back sleeping 
• The best pillow for stomach sleepers
• The best side sleeper pillow  

The importance of height

Most retailers focus on selling you a pillow size rather than the height. Knowing how to choose a pillow that fits your needs involves figuring out how high your pillow should be (also known as the loft), and this all depends on (say it with us) your sleeping position. 

Each pillow that we carry at Texas Mattress Makers comes in three heights: 5”, 6”, and 7”.

Height	5 in (12.7 cm)	6 in (15.24 cm)	7 in (17.78 cm)
Profile	Low profile	Medium Profile (Expert Recommended)	High Profile
Best For	Stomach sleepers	All sleepers and combination sleepers	Side sleepers, those with larger frames
Benefits	Won’t tilt neck upward, so spine remains neutral	Ideal balance of support and cushioning that can accommodate all positions	No gaps between your shoulders and the mattress to reduce pain

Tip #3: Focus on materials

The best pillow filling depends on whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, whether you sleep hot or cold, and what kind of neck support you need. Different materials offer distinct benefits, so knowing what’s inside your pillow helps you make an informed choice.

• Memory foam: Conforms to your head and neck for personalized support. Great for side sleepers who need consistent pressure relief. Can sleep hot unless specifically designed with cooling features.
• Latex: Naturally breathable and responsive with a slight bounce. Provides firm support without the sinking feeling of memory foam. Ideal for back and side sleepers who want support with airflow.
• Down and feather: Soft, moldable, and luxurious. Best for stomach sleepers or those who prefer a softer, fluffier pillow. Requires regular fluffing to maintain loft.
• Shredded foam: Adjustable and breathable. You can add or remove fill to customize height and firmness. Works well for combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night.
• Polyester fill: Budget-friendly and hypoallergenic. Typically less durable than other materials, but a good option for guest rooms or temporary use.

Tip #4: Consider features

Aside from the right support, some sleepers need a little extra something from their pillows to be as comfortable as possible throughout the night. Here are the pillows we sell at Texas Mattress Makers and their many featured benefits. Each pillow is designed to accommodate a wide array of sleepers through innovative materials and three different height options for low, medium, and high profiles.

Relief Pillow 

The Relief Pillow is built for sleepers who want cooling comfort without compromising on support or sustainability. Heat-wicking fabrics work with REPREVE® recycled cooling fibers to keep you cool and dry throughout the night, offering superior breathability and a refreshing feel that hot sleepers will appreciate. 

The inside is made with blended foam that prevents clumping so your pillow provides consistent support night after night. The brand, Lyla, has engineered their Lyla Relief Core, which alleviates pressure points and supports proper sleep posture. This pillow also comes with a removable cover for easy maintenance. The Relief Pillow offers plush comfort without feeling high-maintenance. 

Recover Pillow

The Recover Pillow takes cooling comfort to the next level with advanced temperature-regulating technology designed for hot sleepers. This pillow combines a specialized Celsius coating to maximize cooling performance with eco-friendly REPREVE® recycled cooling fibers for breathability. Featuring a fully ventilated memory foam core, the Recover Pillow provides optimal airflow, superior support, and targeted pressure relief.

For those with allergies, this pillow is perfect for you. Made with hypoallergenic materials, it’s ideal for sensitive sleepers, resisting allergens to ensure a clean, healthy sleep environment. The washable cover keeps maintenance simple so your pillow stays fresh night after night. If you run hot or wake up drenched, the Recover Pillow is engineered to keep you cool, comfortable, and supported. No flipping to the cold side required.

Renew Pillow

If you’re on the hunt for a luxurious pillow to upgrade your sleep experience, let us introduce you to the Renew Pillow. This pillow’s cooling features go a step further by being infused with Everlast Graphite for continuous, consistent cooling. We can stand behind the cooling technology of graphite as our Hybrid Plus Natural mattress features graphite-infused latex for cleaner sleep.

The fully ventilated memory foam core provides adaptive support while maximizing airflow, and the engineered Lyla Sleep™ Core ensures long-lasting performance that doesn’t break down over time. 

What sets the Renew apart is the dual-sided design with two unique textures that let you customize your comfort based on how you’re sleeping that night. The washable cover makes maintenance effortless. This pillow is a complete sleep solution engineered for people who want the best cooling, support, and versatility.

Get Your Perfect Pillow Today at Texas Mattress Makers

Figuring out how to choose a pillow doesn’t need to be complicated when you have experts who understand materials, sleep positions, and body support. Our Mattress Experts™ will ask about your sleep style, any neck or shoulder pain you’re experiencing, and whether you tend to sleep hot or cold to help you make the best decision. 

We’ll walk you through our pillow options — from the Relief Pillow for everyday cooling comfort to the premium Renew Pillow with dual-sided luxury — and help you find the right filling and firmness for how you actually sleep. 

Visit any of our Houston mattress stores today or shop online to get your entire sleep system all in one place. We make choosing the best mattress, pillow, base, adjustables, and bed frames as simple and budget-friendly as possible.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Bad Pillow Symptoms: When to Upgrade Your Pillow
• How to Sleep to Reduce Neck Pain
• Experts Answer: What is the Healthiest Sleeping Position?
• 5 Things You Need to Get Better Sleep
• Best Pressure Relieving Mattresses for Back, Hip, and Shoulder Pain