5 Common Mistakes When Buying a Sleeping Pillow
Published by Leafsleep on 20th Aug 2025
Although mattresses are often the focus of attention when it comes to night-time comfort, sleeping pillows play an equally decisive role. The wrong choice can lead to neck pain, poor posture, sleepless nights and even impacts on respiratory health.
In this article, we look at the five most common mistakes made when buying a sleeping pillow and explore other essential aspects for those looking for a truly complete rest solution.
The importance of choosing the right cushion
The sleeping pillow is not just a support for the head: it is a functional extension of the rest system, responsible for keeping the cervical spine aligned, distributing the weight of the head, minimizing muscle tension and promoting unobstructed breathing throughout the night.
Unsuitable pillows directly affect the quality of sleep. Cervical discomfort, shoulder pain, morning headaches or even mild sleep apnea can be linked to an incorrect choice. So understanding the right criteria for choosing a sleeping pillow is not a luxury - it's a necessity.
5 Common Mistakes When Buying a Sleeping Pillow
1. ignoring the sleeping position
Each sleeping position requires a pillow with specific height and firmness characteristics:
- Sleeping on your side: requires a higher, firmer pillow to maintain the alignment between your head, neck and spine.
- Sleeping on your back: the ideal is a medium-height pillow that supports the natural curvature of the neck.
- Sleeping on your stomach: the best option is a low pillow to avoid twisting your neck.
2. Choosing the wrong cushion filler
The internal composition of the pillow determines its adaptability, breathability, durability and resistance to allergens. It is all too common to base a choice solely on the initial sensation of touch or apparent softness, without considering whether the filling provides the necessary support and adequately meets the hygiene and health needs of those who use it. A sleeping pillow should offer comfort, but above all it should respect the principles of ergonomics and respiratory health.
The most commonly used materials include:
- Viscoelastic: molds precisely to the curves of the neck and nape, reducing pressure points and offering stable support.
- Natural latex: a naturally ventilated, elastic and hypoallergenic option.
- Microfiber: they are hypoallergenic, provide an immediate feeling of softness and are easy to maintain.
- Feathers: although they offer a soft texture, they have less support capacity and can accumulate mites, so they are more suitable for decorative purposes or occasional use.
3. Don't Consider Allergies and Respiratory Sensitivities
People with allergies, asthma or sensitivity to dust should pay special attention to the cushion they choose. Some materials, such as feathers or low-quality fillings, can accumulate dust mites, fungi and bacteria, significantly worsening respiratory health.
4. Keeping worn sleeping pillows
Even the best cushion has a life cycle. Over time, it loses volume, firmness and support properties. It also accumulates sweat, dead cells, dust mites and odors. Using a pillow more than recommended can cause discomfort, neck pain and even allergic problems.
Practical recommendations:
- Replace the cushion every 1 to 2 years, depending on the type of material;
- Check for deformation, persistent stains and loss of support;
- Use washable protective covers to prolong durability.
5. Buying on impulse or just for the price
It's common for a sleeping pillow to be bought quickly, as an accessory and secondary item - often in a large department store, without any kind of advice. In this context, price and immediate availability become the only decision criteria. However, a poorly chosen pillow, even if it's cheap, can cause daily discomfort and seriously compromise the quality of sleep, which represents a much higher cost in the long run.
Leafsleep suggestions: Sleeping pillows
We offer a variety of carefully developed cushion options, designed to meet the specific needs of each type of use. Each model combines cutting-edge technology with breathability and ergonomic design - see which one best suits your profile:
The Visco Cervical Pillow is designed for those who need anatomical support and precise cervical alignment. It has an ergonomic shape with two different heights that make it adaptable to both side and back sleepers. It has a viscoelastic core for greater comfort.
The Visco Adapta Pillow is our most versatile solution, designed for total customization, including three viscoelastic cores - Fresh, Graphene and Carbon - which allow you to adjust the height and firmness as required. The perimeter zipper makes it easy to change and configure the cores, making it ideal for those who sleep in different positions or are looking for flexibility in comfort.
The Perforated Visco Fresh Pillow is the ideal choice for those who prefer a more delicate and adaptable support. It features low-firmness viscoelastic and extraordinary softness that allows a natural fit to the neck and nape of the neck, promoting lightness and continuous comfort. It also maintains good ventilation and freshness.
The Perforated Visco Pure Pillow is perfect for those who value ergonomic support combined with continuous freshness. It has a perforated viscoelastic core that adapts precisely to cervical morphology. Internal perforations ensure efficient ventilation.
At Leafsleep, we offer products designed to integrate perfectly with your mattress and lifestyle. Sleeping well begins with an informed choice.