Finding the perfect pillow may be hard, but we doubt it is as hard as ancient pillows (literally). The original pillow was created for various reasons across different cultures, but they all had one main similarity. 

In 7000BC Mesopotamia, pillows were made with stone and carved into a cradle shape to help elevate the head so that insects would not crawl into a sleeper’s mouth, nose or ears. 

In ancient Egypt, pillows were made of marble, ivory, ceramic, wood or stone as the head was seen as a seat of spiritual life and hence should be preserved. 

The ancient Chinese civilisation also had a similar idea where they thought soft pillows were a luxury that would sap the body of energy and body, and were ineffective at keeping demons away.

Whereas the Japanese Geisha raised their neck off the ground at night to ensure that their hair remained perfectly coiffed for days on end. 

The bedding that you lay your head on is undoubtedly important in affecting the quality of your sleep. Our pillow buying guide will discuss the various types of pillows available and guide you through the process of purchasing the perfect one for you to help you achieve the best sleep ever.

Don’t sleep on the benefits of pillows. 

The human spine is naturally curved and without having support for your head and neck for a prolonged period of time could cause serious damage to your body and overall health. Resting your head on a comfortable pillow helps to maintain the proper alignment of these areas of the spine and get you the proper rest you need. 

This is especially important for those suffering from chronic neck pain or spinal issues.  

Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is certain: the way we work and live has forever changed. Thanks to technology, people are able to stay connected with the outside world in the comfort and safety of their own homes. However, it is not always rainbows and butterflies when screen time increases. 

When we spend a prolonged period of time sitting at our desks, we put our body in an uncomfortable position, inflicting postural strain on our bodies. This strain can be worsened with an uncomfortable or inadequate sleep environment. Hence, providing support for your neck and upper back for good sleeping is important in relieving pressure at night and helping us achieve a ballerina posture in the day 

However, the benefits of sleeping on a pillow doesn’t just stop there. Sleeping elevated has shown to have many health benefits - from alleviating symptoms of common issues, and helping you get the great sleep that your body needs and deserves. Some examples include reduced snoring, improved blood circulation and migraine relief, among others.

A simple Google search about “the benefits of sleeping with pillows" would have shown you the benefits of sleeping without a pillow. However, Weavve believes that the benefits of sleeping with a pillow triumph over those without and here is why.

Sleeping without a pillow may put pressure on your neck, not only ruining your quality of sleep but also lead to neck and back pains. 

Perhaps, ditching the pillow could help a stomach sleeper stay in a more natural position. However, this does not eliminate the need to turn your head which can in turn strain your neck joints and muscles, especially if you are sleeping on a hard mattress. 

Whereas, skipping the pillow for other sleeping positions would most likely either cause or worsen neck pain. This is because sleeping on your back or side flat on the mattress overextends your neck, causing uneven pressure on your neck muscles.

Actually, stomach sleepers may find that sleeping without a pillow under your head could better align your spine but since most of your weight is in the center of your body, it would not completely offset this unnatural position. However, a solution could be to place a pillow underneath your stomach and pelvis to decrease the pressure on your spine - under your head or not, a pillow is still beneficial!

However, it is definitely not ideal for back and side sleepers to be sleeping without a pillow as it will put your spine in an unnatural posture and it will stay that way all night long. This extended period of unnatural sleep position will not only negatively affect your posture during the day, but also your mood and energy level if the quality of your sleep was diminished.

Albeit the array of benefits pillows can provide, sleeping with a mismatched pillow could ultimately do more harm than good. 

The human neck curves slightly forward and it is very important to maintain this curve when in a resting position. If the height of the pillow is too high when sleeping sideways or on the back, the neck will bend in an abnormal way which could cause muscle strains on the back of the neck and/or shoulders. This unusual position may also cause narrowing of the air pipe and hence hinder your sleep quality due to obstructed breathing, and sometimes snoring. 

Similarly, if the height of the pillow is too low, the neck muscles can also be strained.

That being said, having the wrong pillow is one of the more common postural mistakes and a poorly fitting pillow can affect the neck in the same way that being on an iPad or laptop for too long.  

If a pillow applies excessive pressure to the neck in the back sleeping position, it can irritate the nerve sheaths, sensitive muscles, and facet joints in the neck. Similarly, if the joints are not resting easy, the inflammatory process may be sustained and any neck recovery will be much more difficult. Moreover, shoulder problems are also often caused by referred pain from the neck. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to choose a good pillow!

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the sleeper’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts. This potentially dangerous condition, if untreated, could lead to serious health problems ranging from day time fatigue to high blood pressure or diabetes. One of the treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to increase the air pressure through a mask during sleep. However, the incorrect pillow can be interior with CPAP treatment as the pillow could knock the mask off.

The shape and contents of pillows have varied little over time. However, the quality of them has been refined over time to increase the comfort for sleepers, no matter their sleeping type.

The star of a pillow is undoubtedly its filling. It determines a pillow’s loft, density and support - the 3 main qualities of a pillow that will affect the quality of your sleep. 

However, we understand that with the wide array of pillows available, it might be difficult to choose the perfect one. Hence, we break down the difference so you will never have to lose sleep over buying a Ritz Carlton-quality pillow again.

Down and feathers come from exactly the same place - a goose or a duck. However, feathers are taken from their backs and wings, which leaves them with quills. As compared to their softer counterparts, feathers are typically used as decorative pillows as a pure feather pillow may be too firm for sleeping and the sharp quills can poke through the protective covers. 

Down comes from a goose or a duck. The down fibers lay beneath the protective feather covering the bird. They typically come from the soft underside of their belly to provide insulation and keep them warm. Since they come without quills, they are considered to be one of the best fillings for your pillows as they are light, airy and durable..

However, it is precisely because of its softness that Down Pillows will require constant fluffing to keep its desired shape since it flexes out of shape easily. Moreover, it may trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to down or feathers.

Another substitute for Down or Feather Pillows would be Down Alternative. Unlike the former, it is man-made from polyester microfibers. It provides the same (if not more) feel of luxury at a lower price and greater breathability. However, as it is synthetic, the quality of the pillow will vary based on the manufacturer. 

The main component of memory foam is a polymer known as polyurethane. It is a material that is commonly found in most sofas, mattresses and car seats. Different manufacturers have their respective recipes and processes to create the foam, but the general idea remains the same. Memory foam responds to their users depending on how much pressure is applied and will change their shape slowly to adapt to the user’s preference. Memory foam pillows are known for providing good support and excellent pressure relief. 

However, since this is a chemically manufactured product, off-gassing of chemicals may occur. This is when the chemical smells used to create this material can get trapped in the packaging, releasing a pungent odour of chemicals when unwrapping the pillow. This could be uncomfortable for those who are sensitive to smells. Additionally, memory foam is sensitive to temperatures (contradictory, the very property that allows it to contour) which may not be ideal for use in Singapore’s tropical climate as high temperature may reduce the material’s breathability.

Cooling gel may then be used especially in memory foam pillows to help regulate temperature, dissipate heat, and promote increased airflow on the surface of the pillow. It may be engineered differently to achieve this, such as laminated gel layers, gel pods or gel infusions in the pillow material. 

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is commonly found in apparels such as raincoats, swimsuits and workout attires due to its wrinkle-free-like and budget-friendly element. 

Modern polyester was first invented in 1941 by two British chemists named John Whinfield and James Dickson, but only started gaining popularity in the 1970s due to its cost-friendly and durable characteristics.

Polyester fiber is created through a chemical reaction involving coal, petroleum by-products, alcohol and carboxylic acid, These components are then processed through a vacuum at extremely high temperatures to produce long polymer strands that are stretched while hot to create the extremely durable, wind- and water-resistant material that we all know and love. However, the qualities that make a polyester jacket desirable are what makes polyester sheets less breathable and moisture wicking, which could be considerably uncomfortable to sleep in. 

Oftentimes Latex pillows may be in comparison with Memory foam pillows. However, they differ significantly from each other in terms of manufacturing and experience. 

Natural Latex is extracted from Hevea Brasiliensis trees, more commonly known as rubber trees. The milky latex sap from the tree is tapped, processed and made into varying latex and rubber commodities. However, there have been an increasing number of synthetic forms of latex, made mostly from styrene-butadiene rubber. Although both versions of Latex may feel similar, the latter may not always have the same durability and quality as the former.

Unlike memory foam, Latex pillows will be able to have its bounce-back spring from the first day of use. They are also naturally hypoallergenic and anti-fungal, making them not only comfortable but also safe for users. Lastly, they are body temperature regulating - keeping you cool through Singapore’s warm nights. 

Latex pillows can be manufactured in two different ways. The first, and more common method, is the Dunlop method where Latex is poured into a mold after being whipped by a centrifuge. The second is the Talalay process where Latex is poured in layers. 

A study done by Physiotherapy Canada has shown that feather-pillow users were most likely to report both poor sleep quality and poor pillow comfort, while latex-pillow users consistently reported high pillow comfort and high sleep quality. 

Silk fabrics were first produced in Neolithic China and as weaving techniques improved, the demand for Chinese silk increased exponentially across the dynasties. It was even seen as a valuable commodity where bolts of silk were often used as a form of currency, hence silk bed sheets have always been seen as a luxury bedding material.

As silkworms transform into silkmoths, they spin themselves into cocoons. Ultra-soft and smooth fibers are then harvested from these cocoons in their raw state by boiling them in hot water and finally spinning them into fabrics. This time-consuming and intricate process is reflected in the steep cost of silk fabrics.

From reduced wrinkles to smooth hair, Silk pillows and silk pillowcases have also been popularised for being the key to having the ultimate beauty sleep. 

Some may mistake Microfiber and Polyester to be the same material. While both of them are synthetic and Microfiber is mostly made from polyester, Microfiber is approximately 2 times thinner than Polyester. They also have significant differences in breathability, softness and durability.

Microfiber pillows are a popular choice for the hospitality industry as it is breathable, easy to clean, lightweight and inexpensive. However, they are less durable because of finer fibers - it is recommended that you replace them every few years. That said, they are a great entry piece when shopping on for a pillow.

With a myriad of pillow designs and materials currently available, you may well be confused about which pillow to choose and what waking symptoms should be expected from a night’s sleep on it. However, once you’ve found the one for you, it can greatly improve your quality of sleep. The right pillow will help to keep your spine in alignment while you sleep and leave you waking up pain-free, ready for the day.

Never lose sleep over buying a pillow again as we’ve broken this process down into 6 simple steps.

As we keep in mind that the most important function of a pillow is to keep your spine aligned, it is no wonder that your personal sleeping position is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pillow. 

There are 4 main types of sleepers - Side Sleeper, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers and Combination Sleepers. A study has shown that the most popular sleeping position is in the side position (54.1%), followed by the back (37.5%) and finally the front (7.3%). Your personal preference for sleeping positions will then have an impact on the type of support you need. 

Fun fact, did you know that children tend to sleep on their side, back and front equally but tend to show an increasing preference for this lateral sleeping position as they approach adulthood!

When sleeping on your side, your shoulder will bear most of the pressure when you sleep. Hence you should have a firmer pillow on the thicker side so that your head will be in line with your neck, keeping your spin in a neutral position. Consumer Reports suggested that a pillow height of approximately 4 inches is the most comfortable height for side sleepers. However, a general rule of thumb would be to find a pillow which is the distance between your ear and outside shoulder. 

It may come as a surprise to many but this least popular sleeping position is actually a double edged sword. On one hand, this supine position can help to promote better spinal alignment and reduce pressure on injured limbs. On the other, it can worsen sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea, and even health conditions like heartburn or GERD.

For back sleepers, your pillow should support your neck and head, but not too much that your neck is propper up at an unnatural angle. A medium loft and support will be sufficient as it will support the natural curvature of the cervical spine to allow enough support for your shoulders, neck and head, and also ensure that your pillow won’t flatten over the course of the night.

Did you know that lying on your belly can help your lungs work better? As your lung tissue sits closer to your back than your front and laying on your stomach can help your lungs to work better with less stress. This phenomenon started gaining traction in the medical industry when a COVID-19 patient at Long Island Jewish was placed on his stomach and his oxygen saturation rate jumped from 85% to 98%.

However, for those of us lucky enough to stay safe from the virus, this prone position may not be ideal. When sleeping in the front position, spinal problems may arise and the respiratory movements of your rib cage require more energy as it is working against gravity. It is also known to increase infants’ vulnerability to sudden infant death syndrome.

At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preferences and if you feel the most comfortable sleeping on your stomach, you do you! But in order to avoid facing potential health issues, experts recommend using a low loft and support pillow in order to keep your body in a neutral alignment. A pro tip would be to pull your pillow closer towards your chest to reduce neck bend and back pains.

If you fall in none of the aforementioned categories of sleepers, you may just be a combination sleeper.

For those who enjoy all sleep positions, you may want to opt for multiple pillows to switch from, or a pillow that has both firmer and softer sections. The latter could be a pillow that is lower in the center (for back and stomach sleeping) and higher on the sides (for side sleeping).

It is important to note that your preferred sleeping position is not a one-solution-fits-all. The loft of your pillow also depends on the width of your shoulder, weight and the firmness of your mattress - all in efforts to ensure that your spine is aligned with your neck as well as possible. 

The next step to choosing your pillow is understanding what type of mattress you have. After all, it is much easier to adjust your pillow needs to your mattress than vice versa. 

If you have a firmer mattress, you may want a fuller and loftier pillow. If you have a softer mattress, you should consider a lower pillow as your body will sink further into the bed as the night progresses.

When we fall asleep, our bodies create a warm and humid sleep environment for ourselves. We actually perspire approximately 1 full cup every night - and even more if our bedding is not temperature regulated. However, the optimal temperature for sleep is around 18.3°C. 

Being breathable gives the pillow a cooling property. Hence, a breathable pillow is important for allowing the air around our head to circulate better, wick away excess moisture to keep you feeling comfortable and rested through the night. 

Allergens such as dirt, oils, dust mites and mold can be lurking in your pillows unbeknownst to yourself. They can cause your nose to be runny, irritate your skin and even cause infections. Hence it is important for you to choose your pillows wisely, especially when you are going to lay your head on them for (hopefully) 8 hours a night. The best pillows to opt for are those that are dust mite resistant or hypoallergenic as these properties will help reduce and minimise the chances of triggering an allergic reaction.

However, it is not a foolproof solution to keeping your pillow clean and safe. Be sure to wash your pillowcases every 2 weeks and your pillow itself every 6 months to keep all pests and dirt at bay.

Unfortunately, some pillows contain toxic chemicals that aren’t necessarily important for their comfort or durability. These harmful toxins can not only cause allergic reactions and disrupt hormones, but also cause cancer. Hence, we recommend checking for recognised certification to ensure that your pillows are safe for use.

Certification provides a greater degree of reassurance for not only the quality of textile but also for environmental and ethical standards such as safe and non-toxic manufacturing processes, fair working conditions and overall social and environmental impact overall. There are approximately 100 international standards and eco-labels for textiles, which can make it hard to decify which are actually helpful when buying pillows in Singapore. Hence, we will break down the key logos you should look out for.

Additional pillows are a great option for many groups of people, from stomach sleepers to pregnant moms, it may be good to explore your options to achieve the best sleep environment for yourself. 

A body pillow is a long, narrow bolster/pillow that is multi purposeful as it tends to curve to the shape of your body, providing appropriate support whenever needed. If you are a side sleeper, the body pillow can be hugged to ease the pressure off your shoulders. If you are a pregnant mom, back sleeping can be quite uncomfortable at times due to the higher concentration of weight in the midsection. Hence a body pillow may help to make sleeping on your side easier and more comfortable.

Bed wedge pillows are special triangle-shaped pillows that raise the top half of your body while you sleep. Not only can it help you rest easier, but also ease some health issues such as acid reflux, sinus problems and sleep apnea.

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Before you start running off to buy a new pillow, assess your pillow height requirement by using a towel and increasing its thickness, one layer at a time. Once you reach your optimum height, take down the inches from the surface of your mattress to the top of the towel. 

This technique will mainly work well for side and back sleepers.

If you are looking to buy pillows online in Singapore, and are on the search for the best hotel pillows, Weavve has a variety for you to choose from. 

The secret to a good night’s beauty sleep starts with owning one of these. 

Rest your head on our luxurious silk pillow filled with natural long stranded silk floss that ensures fluffiness and volume. Natural hypoallergenic and thermal regulating, Weavve’s Silk Pillow is suitable for all weather and temperature.

Weavve’s Even Loft Pillow will keep both your head and neck supported without bottoming out against the mattress. 2.5 inch gusset and unique quilted pockets design maintains a consistent loft which allows for maximum comfort in any position. 

Featuring a wide range of benefits - Hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and easy to care for. Our even loft pillow does not flatten after use and is best used with a second pillow for that added support.

Pair your Silk or Even Loft Pillow with our Lyocell or Cotton Pillowcase Pair to elevate your overall comfort.

Sofzsleep® latex components and fabric are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified. This is the strictest certification and ensures that they comply with health standards and are safe even for babies. 

The natural elasticity of latex makes this material an extremely ideal one for use in making pillows. It is highly resilient and maintains its shape and consistency for many, many years. Latex has an open cell structure made up of millions of tiny interconnecting microscopic cells. Our movement ventilates the pillow and gets rid of moisture providing an optimal sleep environment. This ensures a safe, cool and healthy sleep environment.

Ergonomic support for neck pain relief.

Sofzsleep’s Design Pillow features numerous upstanding knobs which help to relax tense neck and shoulder muscles. The pillow features a dual-sided design where the dimpled-side is softer and the other is slightly firmer, catering to different sleeping preferences and neck support levels. The natural bamboo cover is ergonomically designed to keep your head cool throughout the night.

• Customised support for different sleeping positions.
• Delivers consistent relief and comfort to neck and shoulders.
• Highly breathable material keeps sweaty pillows at bay.

Optimal orthopaedic support for any sleeping position.

Sofzsleep Arc Pillow is a unique latex headrest that offers optimal orthopedic support, ideal for side sleepers. The unique N-shape design of this pillow helps to promote a less-restricted sleeping posture, improving blood circulation during sleep. This latex pillow also lessens the effect of rotary cuff (shoulder) aches and injury by helping the body maintain an optimal sleeping position.

• Prevents awkward shoulder sleeping positions.
• Boosts head, neck, and shoulder injury recovery.
• Cleverly designed for side sleepers.

Perfect balance of softness and firmness.

The Sofzsleep Classic Pillow is the ideal choice for you if you tend to sleep on your stomach or for young children. Made with pure natural latex, the Classic Pillow offers balanced firmness and constant airflow, ensuring that you stay cool throughout your sleep. With the perfect combination of pure natural latex and bamboo yarn, users are promised a comfortable sleep.

• Each latex layer is well-protected with an inner cotton cover.
• Made with natural anti-bacterial, antifungal and odour resistant fibre.
• Ideal for back and stomach sleepers

Accommodates your sleeping position and pattern.

The Sofzsleep Contour Pillow is ergonomically designed with dual lobes to support the head and neck, maintaining a straight and natural posture. The unique wave-design of this pillow allows you to achieve an optimal sleeping position, reducing stress on the neck, shoulders, and spine. The pillow excels at airflow as it is made from pure natural latex and bamboo yarn.

• Unique design suits the natural form of the body.
• Distributes pressure on the head and relieves pain on the spine.
• Natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and odour resistant fibre.

If you need further assistance on how to choose a pillow, feel free to reach out to us and we will guide you with our pillow recommendations. 

Are your pillows machine washable and dryer safe? When it comes to caring for your pillow, it is important to note which material you’re caring for.

• Keep away from touch of pets/sharp objects.
• Spot-clean silk as needed using a gentle detergent.
• Hand wash and line dry out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid soaking it in water over-time.
• Do not use any kind of bleaching agent as bleach damages the silk fibre.

• Spot-clean as needed using a gentle detergent.
• Hand wash with cold water and line or flat dry.
• Avoid soaking it in water over-time.
• Do not use any kind of bleaching agent as bleach damages the cotton fibre.

• Sometimes the pillow has a noticeable smell when you open the packaging. The smell isn’t harmful or toxic and disappears over time.
• Airing and vacuuming the pillow helps to eliminate the smell faster. Keep latex pillow away from direct sunlight.
• Care instructions for Bamboo cover: Do not tumble dry. Do not soak. Do not bleach. Do not iron Dry Clean. Machine wash below 30℃ on a delicate setting; shrinkage may occur

Read our handy care guide for more information on how to care for not only your pillows, but also the rest of your beddings.

This ultimate guide should provide you with useful insights to how you can invest in the best pillow for yourself to ensure you achieve healthy sleep hygiene. However, it is important to note that your pillows are not the end-all-be-all to having great sleep. 

A study has shown that external factors such as the presence of a medical condition, past history of injury to the spine and nocturnal bruxism may all contribute to low sleep quality. Other solutions to promote better sleep would include regular exercise, a healthy diet and reduced UV exposure at night. To find out more ways you can induce a great night’s sleep, click here.

Hence, if you are ever unsure about purchasing a suitable pillow for yourself, please consult your general practitioner or occupational therapist for further recommendations.