Best Pillows in Canada

Our Reviews of the Best Pillows in Canada

Best Overall — Editor’s Pick - Douglas Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow

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.

Best for Adjustability - Polysleep Pillow

Best Breathable Pillow - Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

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 eel as it shifts inside the pillow. Another aspect to keep in mind is that while it is recommended to replace a pillow every six months (3), high-quality memory foam pillows tend to serve a bit longer. 

• 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.