Best Pillows in Canada: Top 5 Picks for Comfortable and Healthy Sleep

How to Pick a Suitable Loft When Searching for the Best Pillow

When browsing through Canadian pillows, you will come across different parameters and descriptions, but the loft (or the height) is probably the most important one.

Let me explain:  your pillow’s loft matters because it will have a direct influence on your sleeping posture. Which, in its turn, can affect your back health (1). If you pick an inappropriate height, your pillow will cause your neck to fall into misalignment with the rest of the spine. This can lead to tension build-up in certain areas of the spine, back pain, headaches, pinched nerves, stiffness, neck pain (2), and so on.

That’s why a suitable loft is crucial. And you should pick it according to your preferred sleeping position. Here are the general recommendations:

• Back sleepers. In this sleeping position, you don’t want your head to be raised too much. At the same time, it shouldn’t tilt back. Therefore, the most optimal solution would be a low to medium loft. Your pillow needs to nicely fill in the neck curve, so flatter or softer models won’t work. You can also consider cervical pillows that have a special raised neck section to guarantee proper support.
• Side sleepers. For side sleepers, a good pillow has to fill in that extra space between the neck and the mattress surface. That’s why side sleepers are often advised to choose loftier pillows that have a firmer feel. It would also come in handy if you get a model that allows for height adjustments (zippered). You can either add or remove some of the filling to achieve the ideal loft for your body type and height.
• Stomach sleepers. In this case, you need to be extra careful and avoid tall pillows. Stomach sleepers don’t require any loft, so thinner and softer pillows usually work great for this sleeping position. Many experts note that stomach sleepers don’t really require a pillow at all as there’s not that much space between their head and the mattress surface (which means they don’t need that extra support a pillow can offer). 
• Combination sleepers. If you often switch positions during the night, you probably need something in between – a medium loft. However, it might also depend on your preferred positions. For example, if you enjoy lying on your stomach and back, a thinner pillow might be more comfortable. If you are a side and back sleeper, a medium loft should do (a taller pillow suitable for side sleeping will be too lofty for lying on your back and may cause neck strain).

A quick note: the loft of your pillow may also depend on the mattress you are currently sleeping on. For instance, if your bed is soft, you are going to sink in deeper, and your head will be placed closer to the mattress surface. In this case, a thinner, softer pillow would be more suitable than a firm one (which may cause an uncomfortable neck curve). If your mattress is firm, it will make you remain on the surface (rather than sleep “in” it). The distance between the head and the bed will be bigger in this case, so you will need a loftier pillow to fill in all that extra space between the head and the mattress surface.

Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sleep-position-causing-back-pain/

What Is the Best Filling for Your New Pillow? Types and Materials

When it comes to pillow materials, we have a great deal of options. Natural, synthetic, breathable, contouring, the list goes on and on. Let’s take a closer look at each of them to find out what pillow type would be the most suitable for you:

• Solid memory foam. Such pillows are famous for their pressure-relieving properties. A foam pillow would gently envelop around your neck and cradle your head, distributing the weight evenly and reducing tension. The main concern with such pillows, however, is their ability to trap body heat. If you are a hot sleeper, you might want to look for a ventilated or a gel-infused model that can provide a slight cooling effect.  
• Shredded memory foam. It’s a great option for those who want superb pressure relief but worry that memory foam can make them wake up all sweaty. Shredded foam pillows are more breathable than the ones that use solid foam. Therefore, they usually sleep cooler. At the same time, shredded foam can deliver optimal support and pressure relief. If you get a zippered pillow, you will also be able to adjust the loft by removing or adding some of the foam.
• Latex. Latex pillows tend to be quite pricey, but many users note that they are worth every penny. Latex is a springy material that sleeps cool naturally. It can offer reliable support for your head and neck. At the same time, latex molds to the curves of one’s body and can aid pressure relief. Keep in mind that such pillows often require a break-in period (as many sleepers need to get used to the unique feel of latex).
• Down and feathers. Fluffy, airy, and soft – that’s what down/feather pillows are all about. Such pillows are breathable and might work for hot sleepers. However, they tend to flatten with time and may later start sleeping hot. Down pillows are quite pricey but have that luxurious cloud-like feel that so many users appreciate. At the same time, you need to remember that such pillows can be finicky to clean. Plus, many people are allergic to down, so these pillows don’t work for everyone.
• Fiberfill. Typically made of polyester, fiberfill pillows are often meant to be used as a down alternative. These pillows are springy and breathable. Plus, they are widely available and typically come with very attractive price tags. Such pillows don’t usually sleep hot and come in a variety of firmness options. However, keep in mind that polyester isn’t very durable, so fiberfill pillows often turn flat quite fast.
• Buckwheat. It’s a good option for those who want a cool, natural pillow that can deliver firm support. Buckwheat hulls are hypoallergenic and completely safe for all types of users. Such pillows are often adjustable, which means they allow sleepers to control the loft. The main downside of using a buckwheat pillow is noise. If you move or adjust the pillow, the shells inside make a noticeable sound, which may annoy some users (or even wake them up). Additionally, you can’t wash a buckwheat pillow. You need to either replace the filling or leave your pillow in the sun for a few hours to maintain a clean sleeping environment.
• Natural fibers. They include wool, silk, cotton, and kapok. These fibers are breathable, soft, and durable.  Natural pillows like that come with a higher price tag but they are typically quality made and deliver reliable performance. They don’t sleep hot and might even help with temperature regulation (ideal for sleepers who experience night sweats or hot flashes). 

Other Things to Consider: Buyer’s Guide

If you want to find the best pillow in Canada, you need to go beyond the filling and height. There are other aspects you should consider that may affect your shopping (and sleeping) experience. They include: 

• • Cover material. Your pillow’s cover is going to be the closest to your face, so the choice of fabric matters. Most users prefer natural covers such as cotton or bamboo, as those are safe and breathable. As for synthetic fabrics (polyester) and blends, they often feel soft and pleasant to the touch but might not allow for that much breathability. 
  • Size. Most pillows come in Standard, Queen, and King sizes. The Standard size is the most common one on the market. It’s quite compact and would work great for couples who share a smaller mattress. The Queen and King sizes offer more room on both sides of the head, which makes them an optimal solution for those sleepers who tend to toss and turn during the night.
  • Allergies. Hypoallergenic pillows make it easier for sleepers to breathe at night. Such pillows are specially treated and pre-washed to protect users from bacteria build-up, mold, and dust mites. 
  • Warranty and sleep trial. It might take you some time to get used to a new pillow, that’s why a sleep trial would be a nice bonus when shopping. Most companies offer a 30-day return window, which is enough to test your new pillow. However, if you are trying a new type of pillow you’ve never used before, you might require a bit more time. As for the warranty, those typically cover manufacturing defects. It’s always helpful to read about the coverage before you finalize your purchase to ensure your customer protection. 
  • Maintenance. Pillows can “host” a lot of bad stuff, including dust mites and other allergens. Therefore, machine-washable options are much safer in this case. They can help you maintain a fresh sleeping environment without making too much effort. And if you get yourself a pillow that can’t be washed, at least make sure that it has a removable cover and try to maintain that component clean.
  • Adjustability. Many modern pillows come with handy zippers that allow users to adjust the amount of filling. It’s a great option for those shoppers who appreciate customization or don’t really know what they need.
  • Filling Material. You should pay attention to the filling material of your pillow. It will contribute to the comfort and softness of your sleep. As mentioned before, commonly used filling materials are foam, feathers, and down feathers. They are all significantly different with regard to their firmness and loftiness.
  • Customizable Support. Having a pillow that gives you customized support is key. Some people will like a firm pillow while others will prefer something softer. You may also need it to match the pillow you use with your partner so that both of you have the same comfort level. 
    A soft inflatable pillow can be made for side sleepers who prefer a softer and more support-oriented pillow. It's also great for people who are overly sensitive to pressure points on their head or neck or suffer from allergies due to a reaction to the down used in pillows.
  • Cooling Qualities. If you sleep hot, you will need a pillow that keeps you cool. There are different materials that can be used for this purpose. Our top pick, the GhostPillow Memory Foam Pillow, can do the trick. It's made with a breathable material that is naturally cool and is also antimicrobial. 
    If you're in need of something that is more breathable than your current pillow, the GhostPillow Vapour Pillow with a cooling design can be your new best friend. It can keep you cool at night even if you are sleeping on it for a long period of time.

  F.A.Q.

  When should I replace my old pillow?

  You should replace your pillows every 1-2 years. You might also get rid of the old pillow sooner if it has lumps that make you feel uncomfortable when sleeping. Another bad sign is when you wake up with a stiff neck or in pain. That means it’s probably time to get a new pillow.

  Is it good to sleep without a pillow?

  It’s good to sleep without a pillow only if you are a stomach sleeper. Back and side sleepers require support for the head and neck, so sleeping without a pillow can lead to neck strain and spinal misalignment.

  Is it better to sleep on a firm or a soft pillow?

  It depends on your preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers typically benefit from firmer support, for example. Back and stomach sleepers are advised to choose softer pillows without much loft.

  Can a pillow cause back pain?

  Yes, a pillow can cause back pain if it’s not suitable for your body type and favorite sleeping position (for instance, if it’s too thin or lofty for you). In this case, a pillow would cause neck and back misalignment. It can put a strain on some parts of your spine which often results in pain and stiffness.

  What is a cervical pillow?

  A cervical pillow is the one that has a specially-designed raised section that is meant to provide extra neck support.

  Wrapping Up

  A proper pillow can do you a lot of good, and now you know how to find one.

  Just remember to consider your sleeping position and think about the feel you are trying to achieve. Don’t be in a rush to buy some famous “orthopedic” or “chiropractor-recommended” pillow. Instead, think about adjustability and the filling materials and choose according to your desires, not the loud marketing claims.

  Now, allow me to recommend my favorite pillow among all of them, which is the GhostPillow Flex memory foam pillow. This pillow is definitely unique in characteristics and performance. When it comes to memory foam, not all of them are so breathable like this one, with pores and cooling gel in them. If you’ve ever woken up all sweaty, you understand how bad it feels to use just normal memory foam. This is a cooling memory foam pillow like no other. In case some people are worried it might be too high due to not being adjustable, remember that it is going to adjust to your neck shape like a good memory foam does. I could not be more confident in this recommendation, because I haven’t seen many pillows as good as this one.

  How about you? Did anything manage to catch your eye? What is your favorite sleeping position and which pillow do you plan to pair it up with? Let us know in the comment section!

  References:

  1. University of Rochester, Health Encyclopedia (n.d.). Good Sleeping Posture Helps Your Back. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4460
  2. Kayla Blydenburgh (n.d.). Warning Signs Your Pillow Is Damaging Your Brain Power And Overall Health. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/450958/warning-signs-your-pillow-is-damaging-your-brain-power-and-overall-health