Size:  

Most pillows come in 2 sizes: Standard and King.  King size 
pillows can be too long and unyielding, so you may want to 
consider using 3 standard pillows instead of 2 King Size for a 
King Size mattress. Some companies offer a Queen Size pillow 
which is often a happy medium between the other 2 sizes.

Sleep Position:

The position you normally sleep in is a major factor when 
deciding what pillow you want to purchase for yourself. Back 
sleepers normally need thinner pillows, while a side sleeper 
could use some extra support to keep their neck properly aligned. 
Contour type pillows work well for either situation. Stomach 
sleepers need to be careful not to get a pillow that is too 
thick, so they don't suffocate on the pillow.

Filling:

If you prefer a very thin Pillow, Down or synthetic Down would 
work fairly well for you. If you prefer a supportive pillow, 
memory foam or latex would suit you well. Memory foam will react 
to your heat and the weight of your head and slowly conform 
around your head and neck to provide great support. Latex pillows 
are more bouncy than memory foam and bounce back faster. If you 
move around a lot, a latex pillow would be better for you than 
memory foam. Memory foam normally takes 30 to 60 seconds to go 
back to its natural shape and moving during that period could 
force you to wake up.

Firmness:

Pillows offer different levels of firmness. With a Down pillow 
you can get one that is very thick or very thin. Which you would 
choose is based on your preference and how you sleep. Memory Foam 
Pillows come in different shapes, firmnesses, and densities.  For 
a pillow, 3 lb. density seems to work best. It is soft, yet 
supportive.  Remember that we are talking about pillows and not a 
mattress. What is good enough to support your head is not 
necessarily best for your entire body. A contour pillow can be 
arranged to suit you no matter how you sleep. A comfort or 
standard shaped memory foam pillow is normally a memory foam 
shell with small clusters of memory foam inside. This is our 
favorite pillow due to its level of softness and conformity. A 
latex pillow is very supportive and conforms without a memory. 
That means that it will bounce back to its original shape 
immediately and works well for someone that moves around a lot.

Covers:

The cover you would use for your pillow depends on the pillow 
itself. Memory foam pillows normally come with a removable, 
washable cover. A pillow case is not necessary when these covers 
are included and honestly the memory foam will react to a person 
faster if one is not used. Latex and standard type pillows should 
be covered by a pillow case to keep it from becoming stained. 
Make sure you keep the manufacturer's cleaning instructions in 
case your pillow gets dirty.

The Bottom Line:

With any type of bedding purchase, the bottom line is preference. 
You would be best off testing every pillow you can think of and 
deciding for yourself what you like. This guide should help to 
steer you in the right direction.
 

Ross Goldberg is a disabled veteran of the Desert Storm Era. 
After being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and 
Permanent Nerve Damage, he purchased an expensive memory 
foam mattress for himself. Upon using it he became obsessed 
with understanding why it cost so much. What you are reading 
is the result of years of research and comes from a true 
expert in the bedding industry.
http://www.memoryfoamfurniture.com
http://www.memoryfoamuniversity.org