To ensure a comfy night’s sleep, it’s important to have a pillow that gives you proper support – and we know that once you’ve found a special pillow that’s just right for you, it’s very hard to sleep on anything else.
What is the right height pillow for me?
Firstly, you need to find one that is the right height for the way you sleep. If you are a side sleeper then, ideally, you will need to look at a pillow that’s medium to firm and high enough to fill the gap between the mattress and your head. The pillow also needs to keep your spine as straight as possible, to avoid neck pain. If you are a back sleeper, then opt for a fairly firm pillow to support your neck but one that doesn’t push your head too far forward. If you are someone who likes to sleep on their stomachs, you’ll need a softer, lower pillow to avoid your head being pushed back and putting strain on your neck.
What is the best kind of filling for a pillow?
Fillings that are made of 100% natural materials are breathable, so are more hygienic than synthetic blends that tend not to be moisture-wicking whilst you sleep. There are many different kinds of pillow fillings out there but if you are after one that’s 100% natural, then wool is a terrific option. Wool is resistant to dust mites, so is perfect if you suffer from allergies such asthma or eczema. Wool is breathable and has moisture-wicking properties, so it is resistant to the build-up of micro bacteria. A good, regular, airing helps to keep the wool nice and fresh. Wool is naturally fire retardant too.
Is there more than one type of wool pillow?
Most wool pillows are made by enclosing loose wool inside a completely sealed and stitched casing. However, at Devon Duvets, we make two types of pillows – our Original wool pillow and our unique Folding wool pillows.
Our Original wool pillows are well stuffed with 1kg of springy, loose wool and we put a zip in the casing so that you can remove some of the wool if you want to make the pillow a bit lower and softer. This is a great option if you want a pillow that you can specifically adapt to your preference in terms of height and softness.
Our Folding pillows are crafted to a unique design and come in three choices. Each pillow is made of sections that you fold up to create a standard size pillow. You can see how they work, by watching our video. If you’re not sure which one to choose, then see our guide below:
- Our 2-fold pillow comes in two sections and is best for those who want a lower, softer pillow or who sleep on their front.
- The 3-fold option has three sections, is a medium pillow and is about the same height as a regular pillow. This is good for side sleepers or if you like to sleep on your back.
- The 4-fold pillow has four sections and is best for those who like a firm pillow with extra support. These are best for side sleepers.
If you like a bit of extra support for your neck, you can roll up one of the sections to create a ‘sausage’ shape that will tuck nicely into your neck. You can do this, irrespective of the folding pillow you end up choosing.
All of our wool pillows should be used with a pillowcase to ensure longevity. Check out our advice on bedlinen further down!
What makes a Devon Duvets pillow so special?
We only ever use certified 100% British wool, which is world famous for its quality and also means that we are supporting British farmers. Our wool is washed in British mills without the use of bleach or chemicals, so you’re getting a pillow that’s 100% natural and also good for the environment. We only use beautiful 260 thread count 100% natural cotton for our pillow casings.
Each of our pillows is lovingly and expertly individually handcrafted by our brilliant seamstresses in our Devon workshops. When we send your pillow, it will come with a note from the seamstress who made your pillow for you, plus a little bag filled with English lavender, for your linen cupboard.
So now I’ve got my pillow, what kind of bedlinen should I use?
Always opt for bedlinen made from natural materials wherever possible. Natural materials, such as 100% cotton are soft and breathable, unlike polycotton blends which don’t feel as soft and are also not breathable so can make you feel hotter in the warmer months. By combining a 100% natural cotton pillowcase and a 100% natural pillow, you’ll only have what nature intended next to your skin. We’ll just mention at this point, that if you buy one of our pillows, we have a special 50% off promotion on our luxurious 450 thread count, 100% natural Pima cotton pillowcases, when purchased at the same time.
You can find out more about our pillows by visiting our website but if you have any questions or need any further guidance, then just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!
There are lots of pillows to choose from - but as we all know, a pillow is a very personal thing and finding the right one isn't always easy! A good pillow is essential for ensuring a good night's sleep through supporting your head and keeping your neck aligned , whatever position you sleep in. A pillow's materials and filling is also important - choosing a a pillow made with 100% natural materials, such as British wool, is going to be breathable and temperature regulating, creating a more hygienic and healthy sleep environment.
Why Choosing the Right Pillow Matters
Firstly, finding a pillow that's the right height for the way you sleep is crucial. Side sleepers need a different kind of support from those who sleep on their front. A side sleeper will need a pillow that fills the gap between their shoulders and neck, whereas someone who sleeps on their front will need a flatter pillow to ensure their head is not pushed up and back. Either way you pillow should keep your spine as straight as possible, to avoid neck pain or strain. Conversely, if you sleep on your back, a pillow that is too high will push your neck forward and can exacerbate snoring or sleep apnoea.
How to pick a pillow based on sleeping position
- Side Sleepers: Opt for a medium pillow that fits nicely between their jawline and shoulders, filling the gap between the two. This provides support and also keeps the spine in alignment and helps to ease snoring.
- Back Sleepers: Need a firm, supportive pillow that's not too high. Avoid a pillow that tilts the head forward as this can inhibit airflow and result in snoring.
- Front Sleepers: It is best to choose a softer, lower pillow to avoid neck strain. A lower pillow should also be selected if you are looking for a suitable pillow for older children who are moving into a larger bed and now want an 'adult' size pillow that's not too high.
What is the best filling for your pillow?
We all lose moisture through our heads when we sleep and so sleeping on a pillow that can wick this moisture away is more hygienic. Synthetic fibres are not breathable, and they trap heat, creating a more humid enviornment for bacteria to develop. Feather or feather & down pillows, whilst made with a 'natural' filling, trap moisture thereby creating the perfect environment for dust mites to thrive - so are particularly unsuitable for those who experience asthma or eczema. In a nutshell both of these types of pillows do not create a healthy sleep environment and even more so if the pillow casing is not made with pure cotton but with a polycotton blend, which will also contain synthetic fibres..
Pillows made with a natural wool filling and a pure cotton casing are breathable, temperature regulating and moisture wicking. This means the wool stays dry by releasing moisture into the air and therefore does not create the damp, warm conditions that dust mites love. Instead, wool is perfect for a healthy, hygienic and hypoallergenic sleep environment.
The Devon Duvets Difference
Our wool pillows are made with traceable 100% British wool, from local farmers we know and who adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare. Our wool is sheared in spring and summer from live sheep, who regrow their fleeces each year, in time for winter. Our wool is natural and sustainable and we do not use any chemicals whilst washing and preparing our wool - so it remains as nature intended. Better for you - and the environment. Each pillow is individually handcrafted by our experienced seamstresses, in our Devon workshops on the edge of Dartmoor.
Our 100% cotton fabric is made with cotton fibres certified by Better Cotton and woven to our strict specifications to create a soft, luxurious feel.
Which Devon Duvets pillow is right for you?
We offer a choice of pillows, with something suitable for every sleep position.
Adjustable wool pillows
These pillows are made with hand fluffed 100% British wool, encased in a pure cotton casing. There is a zip in the casing, to allow for some wool to be removed, should you prefer your pillow to be a little lower or softer. The spare wool can be stored in a dry place for re-stuffing if required. The wool can also be removed, if the casing needs to be washed.
Our adjustable pillows come in two options: Our Original Wool Pillow (with its soft pure cotton zipped casing) or our luxurious Quilted Adjustable Wool Pillow (with its quilted cotton zipped casing and layer of wool inside the casing).
Folding wool pillows
Made in sections, filled with layers of 100% British wool encased in pure cotton. The sections that fold up on top of each other to create a standard size pillow in terms of width and length - but come in three heights allowing you to choose the right height for your sleeping position. They can also be unfolded for airing purposes. With all our folding pillows, there is the option of rolling up one section, to create additional neck support. You can see how these pillows work by watching the video on our pillow page.
- 2-Fold Wool Pillow: a flatter, medium soft pillow made in two sections, creating a lower, softer pillow that's ideal for front sleepers or children.
- 3-Fold Wool Pillow: a standard height, medium to medium firm pillow made in three sections that provides the right support for side or back sleepers.
- 4-Fold Wool Pillow: higher and firmer than a standard pillow and made in four sections, perfect for those with broader shoulders who are side sleepers and need more pillow to fill the gap between their chin and shoulders.
Alpaca and Specialist Pillows
Other pillows in our award-winning soft bedding range include our gorgeous Limited Edition Alpaca pillow (handfluffed alpaca inside a zipped pure cotton casing), our Wool V-Pillow (which provides the perfect support for reading or relaxing in bed) and our not-for-profit Heart Shaped Comfort Cushion, which has been designed specifically to help those recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Ready to find your perfect pillow? Explore our individually handcrafted British wool pillow collection - made for you in Devon and designed for better sleep. If you have any questions or need help in choosing a pillow, then please get in touch with the team and we'll be happy to help.