Best Pillows in Canada
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A bad pillow can become your worst enemy.
It may cause pain, disrupt your sleep, and ruin your mood every morning.
So, when you know it’s time to ditch it, you probably want your next pillow to be your friend, not an enemy. That’s why I’ve reviewed the best pillows in Canada. Let’s see which one can help revolutionize your sleep.
A Quick Preview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall — Editor’s Pick | Best Overall — Editor’s Pick |
| Shop Now on GoodMorning.com | |
Best Value for Money | Best Value for Money |
| Shop Now on Amazon | |
Best for Adjustability | Best for Adjustability |
| Shop Now on Polysleep.ca | |
Best Orthopedic Pillow | Best Orthopedic Pillow |
| Shop Now on Amazon | |
Best Breathable Pillow | Best Breathable Pillow |
| Shop Now on Amazon |
Our Reviews of the Best Pillows in Canada
Best Overall — Editor’s Pick - Douglas Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
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Highlights
- shredded memory foam filling for improved breathability without sacrificing pressure relief;
- removable cover for effortless maintenance;
- adjustable filling, would work for any sleeping position;
- microfiber padding for that cloud-like sensation;
- 3-year warranty for your peace of mind.
The first item I want to mention in my review of the best pillows in Canada is, of course, the Douglas. Combining great value for money, quality, and comfort, this model is ideal for both a quick nap and a peaceful night’s slumber.
Now, what makes the Douglas stand out from the crowd is the filling it uses. First, we have shredded (popcorn-cut) memory foam. It provides supportive cushioning and moves inside to perfectly adjust to your head and neck.
It gets better:
Thanks to the shredded design, this memory foam pillow doesn’t sleep hot. Additionally, there’s an extra comfort layer made with microfiber. It adds a plushier, softer feel to balance out the thicker supportive layer of the pillow.
You can adjust the thickness by simply taking some of the filling out. This pillow is 6.5 inches tall, which gives users enough room to experiment with the amount of filling they need.
To sum up, the Douglas is worth trying out. This pillow will work for various types of sleepers and positions. It allows for customization and uses a smart combination of layers for increased comfort.
Pros:
- doesn’t sleep hot;
- offers close conforming and good pressure relief;
- easy to maintain;
- allows for customization;
- 2 cushioning layers for improved comfort;
- great value for money.
Cons:
- may feel too stiff to some users;
- might take time to break in.
Best Value for Money - Utopia Bedding Quilted Pillow
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Highlights
- microfiber filling for proper air circulation and cooler sleep;
- medium feel to satisfy a wide range of sleepers;
- double-stitched polyester cover for increased durability;
- comes in a set of 2 pillows and offers good value for money;
- machine-washable and super-easy to care for.
The next item I want to include in my review of the best pillows in Canada is this lovely pair by Utopia Bedding. Ideal for shoppers on a budget, these pillows come in a set of two and offer good value for money.
The first thing you should know is that the Utopia Bedding pillows are hypoallergenic. The filling uses polyester microfiber, which is breathable and free of potential allergens. These pillows have a medium feel and sufficient loft to effectively support your head and neck.
The cover is made of polyester too. It is pleasant to the touch and has double stitching that adds a more luxurious feel. It is also quite breathable, which means you will not sleep hot on this pillow.
Overall, the Utopia Bedding set is a great find for the money. These pillows are nicely made and can provide good support levels for different types of users. Even though they have a rather basic construction, these pillows are very likely to help you sleep better.
Pros:
- great value for money, good for shoppers on a budget;
- medium feel, suitable for various types of sleepers;
- hypoallergenic;
- don’t sleep hot;
- offer resilient support.
Cons:
- no zipper in the cover to adjust the filling;
- may flatten in a few months of use.
Best for Adjustability - Polysleep Pillow
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Highlights
- 100% cotton cover, breathable and gentle on skin;
- adjustable thickness, would work for all sleeper types;
- hybrid foam filling to deliver close conforming and fast pressure relief;
- ventilated foam to create a temperature-neutral sleeping environment;
- 30-night in-home trial to guarantee your comfort.
Pros:
- nicely made;
- multiple customization options;
- balanced support and cradling;
- breathable and cool to the touch;
- soft washable cover.
Cons:
- the zipper seems to feel rather weak and may break with time;
- may seem too stiff for some sleepers.
Best Orthopedic Pillow - Marnur Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow
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Highlights
- orthopedic shape to deliver optimal levels of support, pressure relief, and comfort;
- memory foam filling for close conforming;
- armrest extensions to offer more comfort options;
- smartly constructed to work for all sleeping positions;
- removable cover for easy maintenance.
Pros:
- orthopedic design, suitable for multiple types of users (including people with chronic pain);
- offers consistent support throughout the night;
- gently cradles to reduce pressure points;
- removable cover for easy cleaning;
- works for different sleeping positions.
Cons:
- may sleep hot;
- might seem too stiff to some users.
Best Breathable Pillow - Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
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Highlights
- gel-infused ventilated foam to provide a cooling effect;
- removable cover for effortless cleaning;
- medium loft, would work for a wide variety of users;
- 3 sizes available to satisfy more sleepers;
- 3-year warranty to protect you as a customer.
Pros:
- perfect for back sleepers;
- sleeps cool;
- cradling and pressure-relieving;
- good value for money;
- easy maintenance.
Cons:
- the thickness cannot be adjusted;
- may be too thick for some users.
How to Find the Right Pillow Based on Your Sleeping Position
Let’s face it: washing your pillow regularly and properly (1) is important, but it won’t save you from the need to get a new one at some point.
So, when the time comes to look for a quality pillow in Canada, answer the following questions to define which pillow will be right for you:
- Are you a side sleeper? Side sleepers need firmer and taller pillows. You see, to maintain a healthy, neutral position of the spine during sleep, your pillow needs to be thick enough to fill in the gap between your head and shoulder. Moreover, it has to be firm enough to keep your head supported and prevent it from tilting, thus creating an unnatural curve in your neck. Consider loftier models that come with lots of filling (and maybe even allow for customization). Also, a quick tip: the softer your mattress is, the thinner pillow you will need. Why? Because a soft mattress will allow more sinkage for your shoulders. This means there will be less space between your head and the surface of the mattress, which your pillow is supposed to fill.
- Are you a back sleeper? Back sleepers need a medium or a medium-soft pillow, but it shouldn’t be too thick. The best option is a moderate loft (around 3-5 inches) that will elevate the head a bit without creating a curve in the neck.
- Are you a stomach sleeper? Then you need a soft pillow. When lying on your stomach, there’s not much space between your head and the surface of your mattress. Therefore, a soft, thin pillow would be enough to fill it and support your head. A thinner pillow will help you maintain a flat position for your neck and upper torso, which is crucial for spine health when we’re talking about this sleeping position.
- Do you switch positions during the night? This makes you a combo sleeper. And in this case, you will most likely feel comfortable using a medium pillow — or a medium-firm one if you often tend to roll onto your side. Models with customizable layers or shredded filling would be ideal since they allow users to adjust the firmness and see which level works the best for them.
Sleeping on an unsuitable pillow may cause neck pain and regular headaches. If this continues, the issue can develop into muscle stiffness, nerve pain, and even herniated discs (2).
Filling Materials for Your Perfect Pillow
Figuring out the suitable thickness and firmness for your sleeping position is only the first step.
The filling of your pillow matters too. It will determine the overall feel and properties of the model you choose.
So, when looking at the top-rated pillows in Canada, you are likely to see the following filling types:
- Memory foam. Such pillows come in different styles, including solid foam, gel-infused, shredded, and multi-layered. This type of filling offers close conforming and gently contours the head while providing good support. They tend to feel stiffer than down or feather since memory foam is a rather dense material. However, shredded foam has a fluffier f
- Latex. Using either natural or synthetic latex, such pillows feel bouncier and squishier than foam, even though they are also quite cradling and adaptive. Just like foam, latex filling can be either solid or shredded. Latex tends to trap less heat, which is why many hot sleepers prefer this type of pillow. Keep in mind that latex models (especially those using natural latex) tend to be pricier.
- Down. Using duck or goose down, these pillows are typically soft and fluffy. They feel like a cloud and provide good airflow, even though down tends to trap heat. Down effectively conforms to the neck and head and generally feels very comfortable. However, such pillows can flatten quite fast. And that’s quite disappointing given how expensive they usually are.
- Feathers. Feather pillows are usually a bit firmer than down ones (4) and they don’t trap that much heat. The main drawback is that sometimes feathers may poke out through the cover and irritate sleepers during the night.
- Synthetic down. Since some people are allergic to natural down, there are synthetic alternatives. Such pillows typically use synthetic fibers that mimic the feel of down. They don’t sleep hot and offer that fluffy feel for a more reasonable price. However, some users note that the comfort level of these pillows still cannot reach what the real down offers.
- Buckwheat. This isn’t the most traditional type, yet many users love buckwheat filling. Such pillows feel firm and very supportive, but most of them allow users to regulate the thickness by simply opening the cover and taking some of the dry buckwheat seeds out. Keep in mind that such pillows make noise when you move, which may not be suitable for sensitive sleepers. At the same time, buckwheat pillows don’t sleep hot or cause allergies.
- Innerspring. Yes, just like mattresses, there are innerspring pillows, although they aren’t among the most popular ones. Such pillows use a spring core for support and foam or polyester layers on top for comfort. This type is considered to be great for neck pain since it can provide consistent support throughout the night. Additionally, spring pillows don’t sleep hot thanks to the improved airflow they provide. They belong to the pricier category and may not be suitable for shoppers on a budget.
- Fiber. Such pillows use tiny shreds of polyester (sometimes cotton) to create that cloud-like feel and cushioning. They usually provide gentle support and don’t feel stiff, unlike some other types. Many of these pillows are adjustable and inexpensive, which makes them a popular choice for many sleepers. Fiber pillows are also hypoallergenic and breathable. They do tend to flatten with time, but that’s not such a big issue considering their affordability.
Pillow Sizes: Which One Would Work for You?
While there are many different types of pillows (5), knowing the sizing may also come in handy. Depending on your personal preferences, sleeping position, and height, you will be able to enjoy different comfort levels sleeping on differently sized pillows.
Here are the options you will come across when shopping for the right pillow:
- Standard. Measuring 20 x 26 inches, standard pillows are the most common and popular on the market. To give you a rough idea, two standard pillows would stretch across a Queen bed, while you will need three to fill the width of a King mattress.
- Queen. Being another popular choice, Queen pillows measure 20 x 30 inches. With this size, you need to pay attention to your pillowcases. If you push a Queen pillow into a standard pillowcase (which is possible), you will achieve a fuller fill and a larger loft.
- King. This is the largest size you can come across. Measuring 20 x 36 inches, King pillows are usually chosen to be paired up with a King mattress.
- Body pillows. Now, body pillows may come in different sizes, but the most common one is 20 x 54 inches. They are especially loved by side sleepers since such pillows provide support for the head, neck, hips, and knees all at the same time when you’re lying on your side.
When picking the pillow size, you should take your mattress into consideration too. When your pillow complements your bed, you create a more pleasant sleeping environment for yourself.
Things You Can’t Miss When Looking for the Best Pillow in Canada
We have covered the most important factors, as it seems.
However, there are still some aspects you might want to consider when shopping for a new pillow in Canada. They can help you make the most informed (and well-thought-out) decision:
- Cover material. The fabric used for your pillow cover might also affect your sleep, so you need to choose wisely. Now, the most common options on the market include cotton, bamboo, Tencel, eucalyptus fiber, polyester, and blends. The first 4 are natural fabrics. They are moisture-wicking and breathable, which means such pillows are more likely to create a temperature-neutral environment. Plus, they are safe for kids and allergy-prone users. As for polyester, it tends to be less breathable and might not be ideal for hot sleepers. At the same time, polyester is cheaper and easier to care for (as this fabric is sturdy and can handle regular use easily). As for blends, they typically combine polyester with one of the natural fabrics. Such pillow covers offer a compromise between price and quality. Blended fabrics are relatively cheap but can be rather durable (especially if you care for them properly).
- Cover design. In this case, you have two main options: zippered and regular. A zippered cover could offer a ton of benefits (but such pillows can often be more costly). For instance, if your pillow uses loose filling, you can adjust the loft by simply unzipping the cover and removing (or adding) some amount of filling. Additionally, it’s easier to keep a pillow fresh if it has a zippered cover. You can wash it regularly and remove all the allergens that tend to build up in the fabric. Of course, if the pillow itself is washable (for instance, filled with poly fibers), you don’t necessarily need a removable cover and can wash everything together.
- Safety certifications. If you are prone to allergies or simply want to make sure that you sleep on a safe pillow, you might want to pay attention to the certifications. Look for such seals of approval as CertiPUR-US (if the pillow uses foam filling), Oeko-Tex Standard, GreenGuard, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) (if you are considering a latex pillow), Eco-INSTITUT, Responsible Down Standard, etc.
- Warranty and sleep trial. Not all pillows come with a warranty, but the ones that do certainly deserve your attention. It can be a good sign because when the manufacturer is ready to offer you customer protection, they are sure of the quality of their product. As for the sleep trial, it would come in handy if your pillow is not adjustable. It will give you a chance to test it for a few nights and decide whether your new pillow works for you or not. In case it doesn’t, the sleep trial conditions will allow you to return the pillow for a full refund. It’s also an excellent solution for those shoppers who aren’t exactly sure what they want.
- Durability. We all know how fast some pillows can lose their qualities. Some become flat, others develop lumps, and some simply fall apart due to bad stitching. To avoid that, read other users’ comments and reviews. It will give you a rough idea of how well- (or poorly) made the pillow is. To put it simply, see how long the pillow you are considering served other shoppers to estimate its durability.
- Cooling options. If you are a hot sleeper, you probably want something that would help create a neutral sleeping environment (or even provide a cooling effect by drawing the heat away from your body). In this case, consider models with loose filling that would allow for unobstructed air circulation. You might also check out latex pillows, as this material is naturally cooling. As for memory foam, some pillows have air channels for better ventilation. Others can have an open-cell structure or use gel beads for cooling.
F.A.Q.
How high should your pillow be?
Generally, a pillow should be around 3-5 inches tall. You may choose a thicker or a thinner one depending on your sleeping position.
What type of pillow should I use?
It depends on your personal preferences. If you want firmer support and cradling, memory foam would be ideal. For a cloud-like softness, try a down model (or a synthetic alternative if you’re allergic).
How big is a standard-size pillow?
The standard pillow measures 20 x 26 inches.
How do you pick a pillow for a side sleeper?
To pick a suitable pillow for a side sleeper, you need to make sure that it is thick enough to fill in the space between the head, the neck, and the mattress surface. Also, it shouldn't be too soft (otherwise it won’t support the head properly and may cause misalignment).
How do I choose a pillow for neck pain?
To find a good pillow for neck pain, consider models that are firm enough to keep your head supported and aligned with the neck and the spine. However, the pillow should not be overly firm either, as it might create pressure points. You might want to consider cervical pillows that have a special design with an elevated section to support the natural curve of the neck.
Conclusion
The world of sleep accessories is rich and gives us many chances to improve our sleep quality. And good pillows take a special part in that world as one pillow can either save or ruin your sleep. Luckily, now you know how to pick the right one. And if I have to recommend only one model, it would be the Douglas. This pillow can win you over with its smart design, great support, and adjustability. The combination of two comfort layers gives it a balanced feel, which is quite hard to achieve with memory foam filling. Add the pleasant cradling to the equation, and you will get a perfect solution for your restful sleep. So, are you ready to test it out yourself? Or have you selected your personal champion? Share your thoughts in the comments!
References:
- Emily DiNuzzo (August 02, 2019). You Should Be Washing Your Pillows—Not Just the Covers. Retrieved from https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-and-family/wash-pillows/
- The Huffington Post Canada (March 19, 2013). Spring Cleaning: 9 Ways To Make Your Home Healthier. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/03/19/spring-cleaning_n_2901949.html
- Kate from Sleep Clinic (January 19, 2018). Feather and Down: Which is Better? Retrieved from https://www.homescapesonline.com/blog/feather-and-down-which-is-better/
- Kimberly Sayers Bartosch (September 17, 2020). Types of Bed Pillows. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/types-of-bed-pillows-350491
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Pillows Considered
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