How to choose the right pillow for better sleep

When we think about improving the bed, the mattress usually receives almost all the attention.

Although the pillow is in direct contact with the head and neck for several hours, it tends to be chosen much more quickly.

But there is no single ideal pillow for everyone.

People who sleep on their side may prefer a different feel from those who sleep on their back. Those who change position several times may also value different features.

The best choice is the one that suits your preferences and creates a comfortable position when you are lying down.

This article is part of Gato Preto's Bedroom & Sleep cluster, dedicated to creating a bedroom designed for rest, comfort, and well-being at home.

1. Why should you pay attention to your sleeping pillow?

The purpose of a pillow is not merely to make the bed look comfortable.

It should provide a suitable feel for the position in which you usually rest your head and neck.

A pillow that is too high, too low, or has a feel that does not match your preferences can become uncomfortable throughout the night.

That is why it should be chosen together with the other elements of the bed.

The mattress influences how the body is positioned. The pillow completes this experience in the upper area.

2. The position in which you sleep influences your choice of pillow

Your usual sleeping position is one of the first criteria to consider.

It does not determine the ideal pillow on its own, but it helps you understand what type of height and support you might find more comfortable.

If you usually sleep on your side

There is generally a greater distance between the head and the mattress due to shoulder width.

For this reason, many side sleepers prefer a pillow with greater height and presence.

Your build and the firmness of the mattress also influence this feeling.

If you usually sleep on your back

A medium-height pillow can help create a comfortable position without excessively raising your head.

Once again, individual preference remains decisive.

If you usually sleep on your stomach

In this position, some people feel more comfortable with a lower pillow.

Others prefer to use little volume beneath their heads.

If this position regularly causes you discomfort, seek appropriate advice instead of trying to resolve a persistent issue solely through your pillow.

These references are general guidelines and do not replace individual experience.

3. How do you choose the right pillow height?

Height should not be considered in isolation.

It also depends on your sleeping position, your build, and how the mattress supports your body.

On a mattress where the body sinks in more, the distance between the head and the surface may differ from that of a bed with a firmer feel.

A higher pillow may make sense when

• You usually sleep on your side.
• You have broader shoulders.
• You prefer to feel more volume beneath your head.
• The mattress keeps your body in a higher position.

A lower pillow may make sense when

• You sleep on your stomach.
• You prefer less elevation.
• You have a smaller build.
• The mattress allows the body to adapt more.

The goal is not to meet a universal measurement.

It means finding a height that feels comfortable in the position in which you actually sleep.

4. The filling changes how the pillow feels

Two pillows with similar dimensions can provide completely different experiences due to the type and amount of filling.

Some fillings create a lighter, more moldable feel. Others offer greater resilience or structure.

There are also differences in breathability, maintenance, and shape recovery.

Before choosing, ask yourself

• Do you prefer a pillow that molds easily to your shape?
• Do you like to feel greater resistance?
• Do you usually adjust your pillow during the night?
• Do you value a lighter feel?
• What maintenance are you prepared to carry out?

What about pillows filled with recycled PET?

When reading a pillow's composition, you may find references to recycled polyester or fibers derived from recycled PET. It is natural to wonder: does this mean we are sleeping directly on recycled plastic?

No. PET plastic bottles are not used directly inside the pillow. The material is collected, processed and transformed into recycled polyester fibers suitable for textile use.

These fibers can then be used in pillow filling, giving existing materials a new use and reducing the need to use virgin raw materials.

As with any textile product, it is important to check the composition, specific characteristics and certifications of each product. When applicable independent certifications exist, they may provide relevant additional information about the materials and substances tested.

Always read the composition and the product's specific instructions.

Avoid choosing based solely on the outer appearance, because the interior determines much of the feel during use.

5. Firm or soft pillow: which is better?

As with mattresses, firmer does not automatically mean better.

A firmer pillow may provide a greater sense of support.

A softer solution may feel more enveloping and adaptable.

The choice depends on the comfort you are looking for.

Think about feel, not quality

Instead of asking “what is the best firmness?”, ask:

“What feeling allows me to stay comfortable for longer?”

This change in perspective helps avoid choices based solely on generic ratings.

6. What if you change position frequently during the night?

Many people do not remain in the same position throughout the night.

You may start on your side, move onto your back, and change position again a few hours later.

In these cases, a pillow designed too specifically for a single position may not be the preferred option.

It may make sense to look for a balanced solution that can provide comfort in more than one position.

Consider

• A medium height.
• Filling that can be adjusted slightly.
• A comfortable surface in different positions.
• A size that allows you to move your head without easily slipping off the pillow.

Once again, trying them out is the simplest way to find out whether the balance works for you.

7. Two people may need completely different pillows

A double bed does not require using two identical pillows.

In fact, people with different builds, sleeping positions and preferences may feel better with different solutions.

One person may prefer a higher, more structured pillow. The other may feel more comfortable with a lower profile.

There is no practical advantage to choosing identical models just to keep the bed symmetrical.

What about the decoration?

If you want a balanced visual arrangement, you can keep coordinated covers or pillowcases even when the inner pillows have different characteristics.

This way, you can combine individual comfort with a visually harmonious bed.

8. Gato Preto DREAM sleeping pillows

The Gato Preto DREAM range was created specifically for the bed, unlike the decorative pillows used to style the bedroom.

The collection includes Made in Portugal options and different shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose according to the desired dimensions and feel.

This difference between a sleeping pillow and a decorative pillow is important.

The first should be chosen for comfort during use. The second can be used to add colour, pattern and volume to the bed arrangement.

9. DREAM 50x65 Pillow: one of the most sought-after

Among the range's products, the 50x65 DREAM Sleeping Pillow stands out.

Currently marked as Best Seller and Made in Portugal, it has become one of the leading options in Gato Preto's sleep category.

The 50x65 format is also easy to integrate into a double or single bed and can be combined with bed linen and decorative pillows without creating an excessive arrangement.

How to integrate a 50x65 pillow into the bed?

First use the number of pillows needed by those sleeping in the bed.

On a double bed, two sleeping pillows can create the first line of the arrangement.

Then, if you want to add visual dimension, introduce just one or two decorative pillows in different shapes.

There is no need to fill the entire headboard.

The balance between comfort and simplicity makes the bed easier to use every day.

10. A sleeping pillow and a decorative pillow are not the same thing

In a carefully styled bedroom, it is natural to want a bed with volume and different layers.

But you should always distinguish the function of each pillow.

The two can coexist.

The important thing is never to compromise comfort simply to create a visually fuller bed.

If you want to work with different layers in your decor, see How to transform your home decor with textiles alone.

11. How to care for your sleeping pillow?

Care always depends on the materials and composition of the model.

Therefore, check the specific instructions before washing or drying a pillow.

Use a pillowcase

A pillowcase provides the first layer of protection between your skin and the pillow and can be washed more frequently.

Air the bed

When you get up, you can let the bed air for a while before making it completely.

Restore its shape when appropriate

Some fillings may benefit from being gently adjusted to redistribute the volume.

Only do so when appropriate for the pillow’s construction.

Always follow the washing instructions

Not all pillows can be washed in the same way.

Temperature, drying, and care should follow the specific information for each product.

12. When should you consider replacing your pillow?

As with a mattress, it is not useful to define a single rule for all pillows.

Materials, use, and maintenance influence how it develops.

It is best to assess the product's condition and the experience it provides.

When it is worth reviewing your pillow

• It has lost its original shape significantly.
• The filling is no longer distributed evenly.
• It no longer provides the comfort you were looking for.
• It shows wear that does not disappear with proper care.
• Your sleeping position or preferences have changed.

A change in the way you sleep may also justify trying a different alternative, even when the previous pillow is still usable.

13. Common mistakes when choosing a pillow for sleeping

Choosing based on appearance alone

The outer cover alone does not reveal how the pillow will perform during use.

Buying two identical pillows for a couple without considering individual preferences

Each person may need different heights or feels.

Assuming that a firmer pillow is always better

Firmness should be chosen for comfort, not as a universal indicator of quality.

Ignoring the mattress

The way your body sinks into the mattress influences the height you may find comfortable in a pillow.

Using decorative pillows for sleeping

Decorative pillows are designed primarily for styling and should not automatically replace a solution developed for sleeping.

Choosing based on someone else's recommendation

A pillow that is very comfortable for a family member or friend may not provide the same experience for you.

Not checking the care instructions

Inadequate care can compromise materials, shape, and durability.

14. Checklist for choosing the right pillow

Frequently asked questions about pillows for sleeping

What is the best pillow for sleeping?

There is no universally best model.

The choice depends on your usual sleeping position, body type, mattress, and preference for height, firmness, and filling type.

Which pillow should you choose for sleeping on your side?

Many side sleepers prefer a higher pillow because of the distance between the head and the mattress.

However, shoulder width and mattress firmness should also be taken into consideration.

Which pillow should you choose for sleeping on your back?

A medium height can be a good starting point, provided it feels comfortable on your bed.

Should a couple use matching pillows?

No. Each person can use a different model and keep coordinated pillowcases to preserve the bed's visual harmony.

Is it safe to sleep on a pillow with fibres made from recycled PET?

Recycled PET bottles are not used directly in the pillow. The material undergoes a recycling and transformation process until it becomes recycled polyester fibres intended for textile use.

These fibres can be used to fill the pillow, helping to reuse existing materials and reduce the use of virgin raw materials. Always check the composition, features and any specific certifications for each product.

How many pillows should a bed have?

Start with the pillows needed for sleeping.

Then, add only the decorative elements that do not make everyday use impractical.

Are DREAM pillows Made in Portugal?

The range includes Made in Portugal products, including the DREAM 50x65 Sleeping Pillow, currently highlighted as a Best Seller at Gato Preto.

Continue creating a bedroom designed for rest

The pillow is just one part of the bed experience.

Mattress, mattress topper, bed linen, duvet, lighting and ambience work together to create a more comfortable bedroom.

Discover Gato Preto's sleeping pillows

Before choosing, first think about how you like to sleep and the feeling you are looking for.

Then, compare shapes and features instead of choosing based solely on the bed's appearance.

Explore Gato Preto's sleeping pillow collection and discover the different options in the DREAM range.

Because a comfortable bed is built with more than what you can see. It is also built with the choices you feel every night.