Choosing the best bed pillow is about prioritizing your specific needs. Side sleepers and back sleepers may want a contour pillow to support the head, neck and shoulders properly. Memory foam pillows make good options because of their combination of firmness and cushioning. Alternatively, if you sleep on your stomach, choose a pillow without too much loft so that your head is not too raised.

Beyond shape and firmness, pillows can offer additional features that might be preferable or even necessary. For instance, you might need hypoallergenic pillows to ensure you don’t wake up stuffy from certain allergens. For comfort in hot weather, you might enjoy a cool gel pillow. You can also choose bed sheets designed to create a cooling effect.

If you have allergies or run hot while you sleep, you can improve your overnight symptoms and comfort by keeping an air purifier and fan in your bedroom.

Having the right pillow can help you keep your head and neck comfortably aligned in bed. The right support is important both for getting a good night’s sleep and for your overall health. Investing in a quality mattress, bed frame and pillow can mean the difference between restless nights with neck or shoulder pain and hours of sweet dreams.

Supplemental pillows can play important roles in your sleeping position. A wedge pillow will raise your head and shoulders for reading in bed or relieving sinus congestion. If you’re a side sleeper, you may benefit from having a pillow to place between your knees, which can keep your spine better aligned.

The best pillow for sleep is an individualized choice, but keeping pillows clean and dust-free has universal benefits. Use pillow and mattress covers to do just that. Investing in sleep solutions will improve your life around the clock.