The Ultimate Guide for Choosing Pillows
Thai Latex Pillow Editorial Team - 23/07/25
Let’s be honest: most of us spend more time choosing a phone case than we do choosing a pillow.
But here’s a thought: your pillow cradles your neck and head every single night, for about 8 hours a day, for 3 to 5 years—even longer. That’s over 10,000 hours of direct contact with your spine, your skin, your dreams.
Yet so many of us sleep on flat, tired, saggy pillows that should’ve been retired ages ago. Don't let mattresses get all the glory—choosing the right pillow, one that suits your body, sleep style, and personal needs, can dramatically improve how you sleep, wake up, and even how your day feels. Ready to give your neck the love it deserves?
What Pillow Materials Are Out There? (And Why Latex is a Standout)
When it comes to choosing a pillow, materials matter more than you think. Not just for comfort, but for how you sleep, how hot you get, how long it lasts, and how your skin (and sinuses) react over time.So, let’s break down the common pillow materials, no jargon, no fluff (well, maybe a little fluff), just honest pros and cons.
Memory foam. That slow, sinking feel that “moulds” to your head? That’s memory foam doing its thing.
Pros: Contours to your shape, good for pressure relief
Cons: Can get hot, not very breathable, often synthetic
You might like it if… you want a deep cradling feel and don’t mind a bit of heat
Down or feather. Ah yes — the fluffy hotel pillow fantasy. Light, squishy, and totally… deflatable.
Pros: Soft, luxurious feel
Cons: Not supportive enough for many; can trigger allergies; flattens fast
You might like it if… you sleep on your stomach or love a super soft pillow (and don’t mind fluffing it every morning)
Cotton fill. Natural and breathable, cotton stuffed pillows sound wholesome, but they often come up short on support.
Pros: Hypoallergenic, plant-based
Cons: Lacks structure, gets lumpy over time
You might like it if… you’re a minimalist or prefer something very gentle and light
Microfibre. Synthetic, cheap, and often the “default” in department stores.
Pros: Affordable, machine-washable
Cons: Flattens quickly, holds heat, not eco-friendly
You might like it if… you need a backup pillow or something for short-term use
So Why Latex? (Here’s Where It Gets Exciting)
Latex isn’t just a trendy new material, it’s a naturally derived, high-performance sleep surface that quietly solves a lot of the problems the others create.
They Breathe. Literally
Latex is made using an airy foaming process that creates thousands of tiny open cells — like natural air tunnels.
They Support Without Sinking. Latex responds instantly to your movement and gently pushes back, giving you that perfect “floating support” without swallowing your head.
They’re Naturally Clean.
Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites, mould, and bacteria — no chemical sprays needed. It’s made from real rubber tree sap, which means it stays fresher and healthier, especially for allergy-prone sleepers.
They Actually Last.
Thanks to its dense yet flexible structure, a high-quality latex pillow can hold its shape and bounce for 5–7 years — that’s 2–3x longer than most other pillows on the market.
They’re Good for the Planet Too.
Harvested from rubber trees in a sustainable process, natural l
From Tree to Pillow: The Craft Behind Thai Latex Pillow
Did you know? A single rubber tree takes 7 years to mature, and each tree can be tapped for latex for about 20–25 years.
Latex harvesting isn’t done by machines, it’s an art. In Thailand, over 1 million rubber farmers wake up before sunrise to hand-cut the bark in a way that doesn’t hurt the tree, allowing the sap to flow naturally overnight.
A skilled tapper may return to each tree every 2–3 days, walking through thousands of trees by foot, rain or shine. This slow, careful process means each pillow you rest on is the result of decades of care and tradition, passed down through generations.
🌱 Sustainable. 🌏 Natural. 👐Rooted in Craftsmanship.
This photo shows a rubber tapper harvesting natural latex from a rubber tree.
2 Simple Tips to Choose the Right Pillow (You’ll Actually do)
Too thick, and you might wake with tension. Too thin, and your head falls back. The key? A happy medium.
Use the Fist Test for Height. Sit upright or lie down comfortably on your side. Relax your shoulders and gently place your closed fist between your ear and the top of your shoulder.The height of your fist roughly equals the ideal thickness of your pillow. Your pillow should comfortably fill this space—no more, no less—to keep your spine naturally aligned during sleep.
Check Your Shoulder Width. If you have broad shoulders (hello, gym lovers & tall frames):
Look for high-profile pillows (around 11–13cm tall when uncompressed) — especially if you’re a side sleeper.
If you have a smaller or petite frame:
A lower loft pillow (9–10cm) usually offers better support without pushing your head too high.
Does Sleep Position Affect Pillow Height?
Short answer? Absolutely. Your sleeping position plays a big role in choosing the right pillow height, because it changes the space between your head and the mattress.
Back Sleepers
Best match - Medium height + Gentle Contour
When you lie on your back, your neck needs subtle support to keep it aligned with your spine — not too high to push your head forward, and not too flat to let it sag. A medium-height latex pillow with a soft curve cradles your neck while letting your head relax.
Side Sleepers
Best match - High loft + Supportive Contour
Side sleepers need the most support — there's a wider gap between your ear and the mattress. A higher pillow fills that space and keeps your neck, shoulders, and spine aligned all night. Contoured designs are especially helpful here.
Stomach Sleepers
Best match - Low height + Soft Support (or no pillow at all)
Sleeping on your stomach naturally twists your neck. A thick pillow only makes that worse. Choose a soft, flat pillow — or skip it entirely — to keep your spine from arching awkwardly.
Combo Sleepers (Mixed Position)
Best match: Adjustable or contoured pillowIf you toss and turn or change positions throughout the night, flexibility is key.
A high-low contour pillow lets you rotate between sides, back, or semi-stomach without waking up sore.
Not Sure What You Are?
That’s okay. Most people aren’t just one type. If you’re unsure, a high-low contour latex pillow is your safest bet — it adapts naturally to how you sleep and gives your neck the support it deserves.
Don’t Ignore the Latex Pillow's Shape
3 most popular shapes of latex pillow
Why our latex pillow designed in the above shape - it’s science.
High-Low Countour With Massage Nodules Latex Pillow
This one’s like a pillow and a massage therapist had a baby.
Best for: Side sleepers / muscle tension / blood flow stimulation
Size: 61*37*13/11(cm)
Feel: Gently bumpy surface stimulates circulation and supports the neck curve
Bonus: Natural latex spring-back means you won’t sink | One side higher than the other for flexibility
High-Low Contour with Air Holes Latex Pillow
Cool, breathable, and ergonomic — your neck will love it.
Best for: Side + back sleepers / hot sleepers
Size: 60*40*12/10(cm)
Feel: Airflow holes allow ventilation; curved design supports neck and spine
Bonus: Natural latex spring-back means you won’t sink | One side higher than the other for flexibility
Peanut-Shaped with Massage Nodules Pillow
We call this the "relax anywhere" pillow.
Best for: Back sleepers, petite frames, deep relaxation
Size: 58*35*10(cm)
Feel: Soft yet supportive, with ergonomic curves that cradle the neck and head
Bonus: Compact, pressure-relieving, and naturally contouring — perfect for easing tension after a long day
Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Pillow. It’s Your Sleep Partner.
You’re not just buying a block of foam. You’re investing in something that holds your head, supports your spine, and sets the tone for your tomorrow. So yes, this pillow decision actually matters. And lucky for you, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We're right here, cheering for your best sleep yet. 💛