Expert guide to pillows

Our extensive range of over 40 pillow types includes specialist items like memory foam pillows for responsive comfort, orthopaedic V-shaped pillows for support when sitting, and anti-allergy pillows to actively combat dust mites.

With top name bedding brands like Dorma and Fogarty as well as our own Dunelm Mill label bedding, quality and value is guaranteed.

How do you sleep?

The position you nod off in will help you narrow down your ideal pillow, with soft support pillows for front sleepers, medium support pillows for back sleepers and firm support if you snooze on your side.

Support recommendation
Front

We recommend white duck or goose down & softer polyester fillings
View soft pillows
Back

We recommend a feather & down mix, and medium polyester fillings
View medium pillows
Side

Firm pillow for spine alignment
View firm pillows
Upright

We recommend white goose or duck feather, and memory foam fillings

Pillow fillings

Pillow firmness is determined by the type of filling. The aim is to get the correct support for sleep that will
leave you refreshed, and while care levels might be a consideration it all comes down to what is most comfortable for you.

Are natural fibre pillows better than synthetic fibre pillows?

There are great benefits for both kinds of pillow, so it all depends on how you like to sleep. Generally speaking, natural filled pillows offer specialised support, where synthetic fibre pillows can be used to create any level of firmness. If you sleep on your side you’ll benefit from the full head and shoulder support of a memory foam pillow or down pillow to keep your spine aligned.

Front sleepers need to minimise neck strain so down or super soft synthetic fibres will be all you need for undisturbed slumber. Back sleepers are most comfortable with shoulder support, so the medium firmness given by mixed feather and down or medium synthetic pillows are ideal.

Pillow sizes & shapes

From an aesthetic perspective the size of your bed is likely to have some bearing on the pillow size you choose. Kingsize pillows are longer so they provide edge to edge coverage for king size beds, while bolster pillows (also known as body pillows) can be used to offer body length support.

One pillow at the perfect height is ideal for most people as it will stay in place all night and provide consistent support, where two pillows can slip beneath the weight and movement of your head.

We have bed linen to fit all the sizes of bedding we sell including more unusual shaped items, like our v-shaped pillows and bolster cushions.

Pillow size chart
Standard pillow
48x74cm (19"x29")

The most common pillow size, fits inside any standard pillowcase
King size pillow
91x48cm (36"x19")

Longer for the added width of king size beds, need larger pillowcases
Body or bolster pillow
137x48cm (54"x19")

Body length support, great for back pain sufferers & pregnant women
V shaped pillow
168x33cm (66"x13")

Orthopaedic support for sitting up in bed or sleeping upright in a chair

Caring for your bedding

We recommend you use duvet protectors and pillow protectors on all of your bedding for an economical way to preserve the quality of your bedding.

Made from anti-allergenic hollowfibre our bedding protectors are suitable for the whole family, helping to reduce the need for washing and defend against dust mites.

We also offer a wide range of waterproof bedding protection to defend against accidents.

  • Always follow the care instructions found on a label sewn into a seam or on the original packaging.
  • Dry and air your bedding thoroughly before returning it to your bed.
  • Please note, natural fibre bedding cannot be dry cleaned as chemicals will damage the fillings.