{"id":26872,"date":"2023-02-15T09:39:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-15T09:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=26872"},"modified":"2024-08-16T19:15:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T19:15:07","slug":"firm-vs-soft-pillow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/firm-vs-soft-pillow\/","title":{"rendered":"Firm vs. Soft Pillow: Which One Is Best?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve ever experienced neck pain or shoulder stiffness<\/a>, you’ve probably heard all kinds of advice about what type of pillow<\/a> is best for your situation. Some will say a firm pillow will cure all your aches and others swear by soft pillows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s true that the right pillow can make a huge difference in your sleep quality and help alleviate neck pain. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pillow firmness. The ideal pillow must properly support your neck in your preferred sleep position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what are some differences between firm vs. soft pillows, and how do you know which one is best for you? Allow us to explain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firm vs. soft pillow: What\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, a firm pillow is a pillow that doesn\u2019t have much give when you press it with your hand, while a soft pillow is much cushier and more moldable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft vs. firm pillows differ in the type of support they provide to your head and neck. A firm pillow generally provides more stable and consistent support and doesn\u2019t allow too much moving around as you sleep. The softer the pillow, the more squishy it is and the more easily it conforms to the shape of your head and neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like with mattress firmness<\/a>, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pillow firmness. The right choice for you will depend on your sleeping position, any existing health issues, and your personal preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros and cons of a firm pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A firm pillow provides more consistent and stable support and improves spinal alignment, so it’s generally great at preventing neck and shoulder stiffness (unless you\u2019re a stomach sleeper<\/a>\u2014in which case, keep reading).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the flip side, because a firm pillow doesn\u2019t conform to the shape of your head and neck as much as a soft pillow does, it isn’t as good at providing pressure relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A firm pillow is a must for side sleepers<\/a>. According to Thomas Tozer, a chiropractor with Imperium Chiropractic<\/a> in Wisconsin, a firm pillow will help ensure optimal spinal alignment while you sleep on your side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A firmer pillow may also benefit some back sleepers<\/a>, as this position also requires stable neck support and head and neck alignment. A firm pillow, however, isn’t suitable for stomach sleepers as it will make their neck crane backward, pushing it out of alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros and cons of a soft pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Soft pillows provide more gentle support and conform to the shape of your head and neck. They’re moldable and can be a fit for a variety of sleeping positions. Soft pillows don’t provide the same level of stable support as firm pillows, but their cushioning and moldability may be the perfect sleep solution for some sleepers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, soft pillows are ideal for stomach sleepers who don\u2019t need support for their neck but instead need something plump and thin under their face. Lauri Leadley, president and clinical sleep educator at Valley Sleep Center<\/a>, says a softer pillow is a must for stomach sleepers as it ensures that their neck doesn\u2019t stay resting at odd angles during their sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side sleepers and back sleepers should avoid soft pillows as they don\u2019t provide enough support and may cause neck pain, shoulder stiffness, or even headaches. Keep in mind that a soft pillow may also lose shape faster than a firmer one and get lumpy over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium-firm pillows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re still undecided, a medium-firm pillow may be what you need. Medium-firm pillows offer a good blend of comfort and support and are ideal for people who need something firmer but crave the feeling of something plusher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They’re also great for combination sleepers who need something versatile enough to support them throughout the night as they shift from one position to the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Get a comfortable, supportive pillow from Saatva<\/p>\n \n \n \n

\n \n \"saatva\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n Latex Pillow<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n

A core of shredded natural latex, wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover. Plush and responsive for the perfect head and neck support.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n \"saatva\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n Graphite Memory Foam Pillow<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n

Breathable shredded memory foam and latex core provides contouring support, while advanced graphite technology draws heat away.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n \"saatva\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n Down Alternative Pillow<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n

Made from two types of hypoallergenic down alternative fibers, wrapped in 100% organic cotton. Soft, plush, and breathable for cool, comfortable sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is it better to have a soft or firm pillow?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There’s no one right answer when it comes to firm vs. soft pillows. Your ideal level of pillow firmness will depend on your sleeping position and your personal preferences. Here are our best tips for choosing a pillow firmness for your sleep position:<\/p>\n\n\n\n