[Pillow Firmness Guide] Soft Pillow vs Firm Pillow, Which to Choose?

JUN 20, 2025

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When it comes to the ideal pillow height and firmness for cervical spine health, there's no universal answer. What works for one person may not work for another; some prefer a high and firm pillow, while others find a low firm pillow more suitable. However, most people tend to do best with a medium-firm pillow.

Ultimately, the best choice often comes down to individual preference and sleep position. So, how do you know if a firm or soft pillow is right for you? This guide will help you find the answer.

In this article

1. Firmness of Pillows Chart 2. Firm Vs Soft Pillow: Which One Should You Choose? 3. Newentor Adjustable Firmness Pillow: Your Perfect Pillow for a Better Night's Sleep 4. FAQs about Pillows

Firmness of Pillows Chart

Before you choose, it helps to understand the different levels of pillow firmness available on the market:

Firmness Level	Feel	Best For	Common Materials
Soft	Plush and compressible	Stomach sleepers, petite body types	Down, down alternative, soft memory foam
Medium-Soft	Slightly supportive, still plush	Combination sleepers	Gel-infused memory foam, latex, down alternative
Medium	Balanced comfort & support	Side & back sleepers	Contour memory foam, shredded foam
Medium-Firm	Firmer support with comfort	Back sleepers, heavier individuals	Latex, adjustable memory foam pillows
Firm	Dense, supportive	Side sleepers, neck pain sufferers	Buckwheat, high-density memory foam

Tips

Firmness refers to how well a pillow maintains its shape under pressure, while loft describes its height and thickness.

A low-loft pillow generally helps keep your neck in a neutral alignment with the rest of your spine.

Conversely, a high-loft pillow is often designed to conform to the natural curve of your cervical spine.

Key Features of Pillow Materials

Another key element that influences pillow firmness is the filling material. Different materials naturally feel softer or firmer, so understanding them can help you make a more informed choice. Here’s a general ranking from softest to firmest among five common types:

Down – Made from the fine under-feathers of ducks or geese, down pillows typically offer a plush, soft to medium level of firmness.
Down Alternative – These pillows mimic the softness of down using synthetic polyester fibers. They tend to range from soft to medium-firm and are a great animal-free option.
Memory Foam – Designed to mould to the shape of your head and neck, memory foam pillows provide contouring support and usually fall between medium-soft and medium-firm. For example, the Newentor memory foam pillow offers a thoughtful balance—firm enough for alignment, yet soft enough for comfort.
Buckwheat – Filled with natural buckwheat hulls, these pillows are among the firmest available. They’re dense, supportive, and often classified as firm to extra-firm.

While everyone has different comfort preferences, understanding how each material affects firmness is one of the most reliable ways to gauge how a pillow will feel before you try it out.

Firm Vs Soft Pillow: Which One Should You Choose?

Now that you have a basic understanding of pillow firmness levels and materials, you might be wondering—which is better for you, a soft or a firm pillow? Let’s take a closer look.

Firm Pillow:

Pros

Better Neck Support: Firm pillows help maintain neck and spine alignment, ideal for side sleepers and those with neck pain.
Durability: A firm pillow typically lasts longer than a soft pillow because it holds its shape and support over time, providing consistent comfort for extended periods.
Helps With Snoring : For people who snore, a firm pillow can help keep the head elevated, reducing airway obstruction and improving breathing during sleep.
Ideal for Heavier Individuals : Heavier individuals or those with more muscular frames may find that firm pillows offer better support and comfort, preventing their pillow from flattening under weight.

Cons

Less Comfort for Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers may find firm pillows uncomfortable, as they can push the neck into an unnatural position, causing strain.
Can Feel Too Hard: If you prefer a pillow that provides a plush, cloud-like feeling, a firm pillow may feel too hard, leading to discomfort, particularly if you’re not used to the added resistance.
May Take Time to Adjust: If you’re used to sleeping on a soft pillow, switching to a firm one can feel awkward at first. It may take some time to get used to the extra support.

Soft Pillows:

Pros

Cloud-Like Comfort: Soft pillows provide a luxurious, plush feel that many people find extremely comfortable, especially those who enjoy sinking into their pillows as they sleep.
Ideal for Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers benefit from soft pillows because they don’t push the neck too far back. This reduces the risk of strain and discomfort.
Flexible and Moldable: Soft pillows easily fold, hug, and adapt to your shape. They move with you as you sleep, offering a cloud-like, breathable comfort that's perfect for those who love a plush, sink-in feel.

Cons

Less Neck Support: Soft pillows can fail to provide adequate support for the neck and spine, leading to misalignment and potential pain, particularly for side and back sleepers.
Flattens Quickly: Over time, soft pillows tend to lose their loft and flatten out, requiring more frequent replacement compared to firmer pillows.

Now that you know the pros and cons of firm and soft pillows, how do you determine which one is right for you? The answer depends on several factors. Choosing a pillow that truly suits your needs is the key to enjoying a restful night’s sleep.

Consider Your Sleep Position

Side sleepers typically need a higher loft and more support. A firm or medium-firm pillow helps fill the space between the shoulder and head, keeping the spine properly aligned.
Back sleepers usually rest with their neck in a neutral position. A medium-firm pillow offers just the right amount of support without pushing the head too far forward.
Stomach sleepers do best with a soft, low-loft pillow to prevent the neck from bending upward at an awkward angle.

Body Type and Shoulder Width

Your body build also plays a role in choosing the right pillow.

If you have broader shoulders or a larger frame, a firm or medium-firm pillow may offer better support by filling the extra space between your head and the mattress.
Those with a smaller body frame often find soft or medium-loft pillows more comfortable, as they require less height to maintain proper alignment.

Your Personal Comfort Preferences

To be honest, comfort is highly personal. Some people prefer a soft, squishy pillow that gently hugs their face, while others need more support or like to alternate between firm and soft pillows.
That’s where the Newentor adjustable memory foam pillow comes in—offering customizable height and firmness to suit your changing needs.

Newentor Adjustable Firmness Pillow: Your Perfect Pillow for a Better Night's Sleep

The Newentor Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow features two memory foam pads—one 2cm and one 3cm in height—allowing you to adjust the pillow’s loft to your ideal level easily. With four possible height combinations, it offers personalised support, whether you’re a side sleeper needing extra lift or a back sleeper preferring moderate support.

Perfect for individuals with neck pain, people who frequently change sleep positions, or couples with different preferences. Whether you're looking to alleviate pressure points, improve spinal alignment, or enjoy cloud-like comfort, this pillow adapts to suit your needs for a restful, rejuvenating sleep every night.

What Our Pillows Compare to Others

FAQs about Pillows

How Often Should I Wash My Pillows?

Pillows should ideally be washed every 3 to 6 months to keep them fresh and free of dust, bacteria, and allergens.
However, if you have allergies or if you sweat heavily at night, you might want to wash them more often.

Can pillows be washed in a washing machine?

It depends on the pillow material. Many synthetic-filled pillows (like polyester) can be machine washed.
Memory foam, down, or latex pillows should generally not be machine washed, as it can damage the material.
Always check the care instructions on the label for specific guidelines. If machine washing is safe, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and dry thoroughly to avoid mould growth.

How often do pillows need replacing?

Pillows generally need replacing every 1 to 2 years. Over time, they lose their support and shape, which can lead to neck pain and poor sleep quality.
If your pillow has become lumpy, flattened, or misshapen, it’s time to replace it.

Botton Lines

When it comes to the firm vs soft pillow and firmness of pillows debate , there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal pillow depends on your sleep habits, preferences, and health needs.

But you don’t have to be stuck with a guess.

The Newentor Adjustable Firmness Pillow eliminates the guesswork by offering customizable firmness and ergonomic support tailored to your needs. Whether you sleep on your side, back, or switch positions, you can adjust it to feel just right.

Investing in the right pillow isn’t just about comfort—it’s about better sleep, better health, and better mornings.

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