A pillow that provides adequate support for the head and neck is crucial to sleep quality. With the wide array of pillow options on the market featuring different materials and designs, the Consumer Council tested 13 models and found that, whether for users with larger or smaller physiques, most models recorded satisfactory side support. However, when sleeping on the back, most models provided better back support for users with a larger body size, with 12 models scoring 4 points or above, while the back support performance for smaller users was generally average, with only 2 models scoring 4 points. In terms of comfort, most models performed well overall, with 12 models scoring 4 points or above. Only 1 polyester pillow model scored 3 points, due to its relatively small contact area with the head and less satisfactory compression speed and depth.
For durability performance, memory foam and latex models generally performed satisfactorily, with overall scores of 4 points or above, while most polyester models showed relatively inferior performance, meaning consumers might need to replace these pillows more frequently. As for quality, most models performed reasonably well overall, with 9 models scoring 4 points or above. All models passed the flammability and flame retardant content tests, with satisfactory performance.
The 13 pillow models were purchased from department stores, bedding shops and homeware shops, comprising 7 memory foam, 3 latex and 3 polyester pillows, with prices ranging from $79.9 to $1,688. 7 models were dual-height contour pillows providing 2 heights (hereafter referred to as the higher side and the lower side). All models claimed to be suitable for both sleeping on the back and on the side, or did not claim suitability for only a specific sleeping posture. The Council commissioned a European laboratory experienced in ergonomics testing to assess the support performance of each model for users of larger and smaller physiques in both the back-sleeping and side-sleeping positions (with 1 adult male representing a larger user and 1 adult female representing a smaller user). The laboratory also tested the comfort and durability performance of the models, and examined the quality of models before and after washing (where applicable). Flammability performance and flame retardant content tests were conducted in another laboratory.
Most Models Offered Good Side Support for Users of Different Physiques
Different sleeping positions and body sizes require different levels of pillow support. Using an unsuitable pillow may cause neck and shoulder discomfort, or even waking up from pain. When side-sleeping on a pillow with an appropriate support height and angle, the alignment from the coccyx to the cervical spine slightly elevates. The closer the model matched the optimal height and angle, the higher the score it received. Test results showed that, regardless of user size, most models recorded good side support performance, with 8 models scoring 4 points or above for both the higher and lower sides (where applicable). However, 3 models performed slightly subpar, of which 2 models only scored 3.5 points or below for both users of larger and smaller physiques; for the remaining 1 model, the support performance for users of larger physiques on both the higher and lower sides also scored only 3.5 points or below.
Most Models Had Mediocre Back Support for Users of Smaller Physique
In the back-sleeping position, when the pillow provides an appropriate support height and angle, the cervical spine maintains its natural curvature and the chin remains roughly parallel to the horizontal plane. Test results showed that, across memory foam, latex and polyester pillows, most models provided better support for users of larger physique in the back-sleeping position. Apart from 1 latex model which scored 3 points, all other models scored 4 points or above on both the higher and lower sides (where applicable). However, most models generally showed average back support for users of smaller physique, with only 1 memory foam model’s higher side and 1 polyester model scoring 4 points.
1 Model Recorded Slightly Poorer Comfort Performance Due to Smaller Contact Area
Apart from support performance, the comfort of a pillow is influenced by various factors. The laboratory arranged for 1 tester to lie on each model in the back-sleeping position to measure the contact area with the head, pressure distribution and moisture permeability, and applied pressure to new models to examine their compression speed and depth. Test results showed that most models recorded relatively good overall comfort performance, with 12 models scoring 4 points or above. 1 polyester model scored 3 points — although it performed well in moisture permeability and pressure distribution, its relatively small contact area with the tester’s head and subpar compression speed and depth resulted in scores of only 2 points and 2.5 points respectively in these 2 aspects.
When the compression depth is too small under pressure (i.e. the pillow is relatively firm) or the compression speed is too fast (i.e. a noticeable change in firmness), users would generally feel less comfortable. Test results for this aspect vastly varied among the models, with 9 models scoring 4 points or above; 1 latex model, which showed a faster compression speed and smaller compression depth indicating firmer support, scored 3 points; while 1 polyester model, which showed an extremely fast compression speed and large compression depth indicating insufficient support, scored 2.5 points.
Models Generally Recorded Good Pressure Distribution
2 Memory Foam Models Showed Inferior Moisture Permeability
Contact area also affects comfort. The closer the head contact area is to 100%, the higher the perceived comfort. All 3 latex models performed well, scoring 4.5 points or above. Memory foam and polyester models had more varied performance: 1 memory foam model recorded an average head contact area of around 73% on both the higher and lower sides, scoring 3 points, while 2 polyester models recorded contact areas of 74% and 66%, scoring 3 points and 2 points respectively. All models recorded fairly good pressure distribution performance, with each scoring 4 points or above, indicating that the support at different positions on the pillows was relatively even.
If a pillow has poor moisture permeability, the user will feel dampness on the surface. The measured relative humidity of the tested models ranged from 48.5% to 66.9%, among which 2 memory foam models recorded comparatively higher relative humidity values of 59.1% and 66.9%, reflecting poorer moisture permeability performance, thus scored 3 points and 2 points respectively.
The laboratory also collected evaluations from 10 testers (5 men and 5 women) on the softness, height, design, smell and other aspects of the models through a questionnaire. 4 memory foam models and 1 latex model received higher scores of 4 points.
Memory Foam and Latex Models Were More Durable
Polyester Models May Need More Frequent Replacement
Most models were found to have satisfactory quality, with 9 models scoring 4 points or above overall. However, 1 memory foam model was found to have loose corners on its pillowcase, resulting in an overall quality score of 3 points, while another memory foam model had a damaged pillowcase zip after washing, resulting in an overall quality score of 2.5 points. In addition, loose threads and filling leakage at zips or seams were observed in most pillows, indicating room for improvement.
For durability performance, memory foam and latex models generally performed well, with overall scores of 4 points or above. 2 polyester models delivered weaker performance, showing more noticeable changes in firmness and height before and after testing, with overall durability scores of 3.5 points . This indicated that consumers might need to replace this type of pillow more frequently. However, as polyester pillows are generally cheaper, consumers may select these pillows according to their personal needs, and replace them where necessary.
Flammability and flame retardant content tests were conducted in another laboratory. None of the models ignited when in contact with a smouldering cigarette, and none contained the 11 flame retardants that may affect human health or cause environmental pollution. The results were satisfactory.
Recommendations for selecting and using pillows:
- When using a suitable pillow in the back-sleeping position, the head, neck and chest should be aligned horizontally when viewed from the side of the body; when side-sleeping, the face, neck and chest should form a straight line when viewed from the front of the body;
- Do not continue to use a pillow that is too high. If a pillow feels too low, place towels underneath and gradually increase the height until it is suitable;
- Try out the pillow in-store before purchasing;
- Avoid choosing pillows that are too firm, as a smaller contact area means certain parts of the head bear greater pressure. When selecting softer pillows, ensure they can still provide sufficient support;
- Replace pillows when they become deformed;
- Follow the care instructions on the product label for washing and maintenance;
- Use a pillowcase and wash it every 1 to 2 weeks to maintain hygiene;
- If shoulder and neck discomfort persists with no improvement after replacing a pillow, seek advice from healthcare professionals.
Download the article (Chinese only): https://ccchoice.org/593-pillows
Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE.