@KrillinM Thanks so much for choosing DLX. It truly means a lot to our whole family. We’re a small, family-owned and operated business, and every customer who puts their trust in us helps keep us going. We’re really grateful.
Pillows are an important part of overall mattress comfort, though they’re often overlooked. While we don’t make or sell pillows and we don’t have an official go-to list, we’re happy to share what we’ve learned from experience.
When it comes to neck pain, the pillow is almost always the culprit. Even if a pillow worked with your old mattress, switching to a new one can throw things off. What worked before might no longer be the right fit.
For shoulder pain in side sleepers, it’s typically a combination of two things: a mattress that has enough cushioning for your shoulder and a pillow that’s thick and firm enough to keep your head in a neutral position. If your pillow is too thin or too soft, your head will tilt downward toward the mattress, which puts more pressure on your shoulder.
So, what’s the solution? Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal one and we wish there were. It usually comes down to trial and error, and everyone is different.
That said, here’s what we’ve personally found success with solid latex pillows (not shredded or contoured). For side sleepers, we recommend pillows that are 6" thick or more, depending on the distance from your neck to your shoulder. Medium or firm tends to work best. This type of pillow does take some getting used to and it may take up to three months to fully adjust and for the pillow to break in, but once it does, many find it hard to go back to anything else.
Adjustable fill pillows: These are usually made with shredded foam and fiber or shredded latex and natural fibers. They allow you to add or remove filling to adjust both the height and firmness to your liking.
High-end down pillows, like the ones you’d find in a luxury hotel, are also very popular. They’re soft and plush, though not always ideal for side sleepers unless they’re extra lofty and/or firm.
Millet and buckwheat pillows are more of an acquired taste. They mold well to your shape and are adjustable, but they tend to feel firmer than most are used to. That said, some people absolutely swear by them. But, if you are looking for adjustability, pillows that blend shredded foam or latex with fiber (natural or polyester) seem to have the broadest appeal. They offer a nice balance of support, adjustability, and comfort.
We’re definitely not pillow experts and maybe @Maverick has a few favorite styles or brands in the categories above that he could share.
Hope this helps and thanks again for choosing DLX!