Buying Guide
Do You Need a New Pillow When You Buy a Mattress?
Buying a new mattress is a great opportunity to evaluate your entire sleep setup, including your pillow. While purchasing a new mattress does not automatically mean you need a new pillow, changes in mattress firmness, materials, and comfort can affect the way your pillow feels.
Your pillow should complement your mattress and provide the right height and comfort for your sleeping position. If your current pillow is still comfortable and supportive, there may be no reason to replace it. But if it is worn out, uncomfortable, or no longer feels right with your new mattress, it may be time for an upgrade.
Quick Answer:
Not necessarily. When shopping for a new bed, your mattress should be the primary focus, while your pillow is an important part of completing your sleep setup.
At BedMart, our approach is often 70% mattress, 30% pillow. Your mattress provides the primary support for your body, while your pillow helps complement that support by providing the right height and comfort for your head and neck.
If your current pillow is comfortable, supportive, and in good condition, you may be able to continue using it with your new mattress. However, if your pillow is worn out, uncomfortable, or no longer feels right with your new mattress, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Start with the mattress. Then make sure your pillow complements it.
Why Your Mattress and Pillow Work Together
Your mattress and pillow function as parts of the same sleep system. While they have different jobs, they work together to create a comfortable sleeping position.
Your Mattress:
A mattress provides the primary support for your body, including your:
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Back
- Legs
- Overall body
Your Pillow:
Aillow provides support and comfort for your:
- Head
- Neck
- Upper spine
Changing your mattress can change your body’s position on the bed. Because of this, the pillow that worked well with your previous mattress may not feel the same on your new mattress.
“Think 70% Mattress, 30% Pillow”
Your mattress is the foundation of your sleep setup. Once you’ve found the right mattress, your pillow can help complement the feel of that mattress by providing the height and comfort you prefer.
The goal isn’t necessarily to buy a new pillow every time you buy a mattress. The goal is to make sure the pillow you’re using works well with the mattress you choose.
How a New Mattress Can Change Your Pillow Needs
Changing your mattress construction or firmness can affect the way your body sits on the bed, which may also change your preferred pillow height and feel.
Moving to a Softer Mattress
- Your shoulders and hips may sink farther into the mattress.
- This can change the position of your head relative to the mattress.
- You may prefer a different pillow height or loft.
Moving to a Firmer Mattress
- Your body may remain closer to the mattress surface.
- Your preferred pillow height may change.
- A pillow that previously felt comfortable may now feel too low.
Switching Mattress Types
Changing from one type of mattress to another can also change the way your pillow feels. For example:
- Innerspring to memory foam
- Innerspring to hybrid
- Firm to plush
- Plush to firm
- Traditional mattress to adjustable mattress
Not sure what kind of mattress is right for you? Try our smartMATCH Quiz to find the best option for you and the way you sleep!
Pillow Height Matters
Pillow height, sometimes referred to as loft, can play an important role in how your pillow feels with your mattress. BedMart offers a variety of pillow heights and styles, making it easier to find an option that fits your preferences.
Common pillow profiles include:
- Low-profile pillows
- Medium-profile pillows
- High-profile pillows
- Surround pillows
There is no single pillow height that works for everyone. Your sleeping position, body shape, shoulder width, mattress firmness, and personal comfort preferences can all influence which pillow feels right.
Low-Profile Pillow Options
Bio Aloe Memory Foam Low PillowA lower-profile memory foam option for sleepers who prefer less pillow height. |
Ice Gel Low PillowA low-profile option for sleepers who prefer a cooler-feeling pillow. |
TEMPUR-Adapt® ProLo PillowA lower-profile TEMPUR-PEDIC® option for sleepers who prefer a lower pillow height. |
Medium-Profile Pillow Options
SHOP ALL MEDIUM-PROFILE PILLOWS
Bio Aloe Memory Foam Medium PillowA medium-loft option for sleepers looking for a balance between height and cushioning. |
Ice Gel Medium PillowA medium-loft option for sleepers who prefer a balanced pillow height with a cooling-oriented design. |
High-Profile Pillow Options
Bio Aloe Memory Foam High PillowA higher-profile memory foam option for sleepers who prefer more pillow height and support. |
Ice Gel High PillowA higher-profile option for sleepers who prefer additional loft and a cooler-feeling pillow. |
TEMPUR-Adapt® ProHi PillowA higher-profile TEMPUR-PEDIC® option for sleepers who prefer additional pillow height. |
What Is a Surround Pillow?
Surround pillows offer a different shape and feel than traditional rectangular pillows. Their design can provide a different support experience for sleepers who prefer additional surrounding support.
Recommended Surround Pillows
Aspen LatexCore Surround Pillow
Shop Aspen LatexCore Surround Pillow
Bio Aloe Memory Foam Surround Pillow
Shop Bio Aloe Memory Foam Surround Pillow
Signs You May Need a New Pillow
You don’t necessarily need to replace your pillow simply because you purchased a new mattress. However, there are several signs that your current pillow may be ready for an upgrade.
Your Pillow Has Lost Its Shape
Look for signs such as:
- Flattening
- Lumps
- Permanent indentations
- Loss of loft
You Constantly Fluff or Fold Your Pillow
If you have to constantly adjust your pillow to get comfortable, it may no longer be providing the feel or support you want.
Your Pillow No Longer Feels Comfortable
Personal comfort can change over time, and a pillow that once felt great may no longer be the right fit.
Your Pillow Shows Significant Wear
Look for:
- Flattening
- Lumps
- Misshapen filling
- Worn cover
- Permanent compression
- Stains
You Bought a New Mattress
Buying a new mattress is not automatically a reason to replace your pillow.
However, it is a good opportunity to determine whether your pillow still feels right with your new mattress.
Upgrading your mattress? Take a look at your pillow, too.
Choosing a Pillow Based on Your Sleep Position
Your sleeping position can influence which pillow height and feel you prefer. However, there is no single pillow that is right for every sleeper. Body shape, mattress firmness, personal preference, and comfort all play a role.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers often prefer enough pillow loft to fill the space between their head and the mattress. Pillow height can also be affected by shoulder width and mattress firmness.
Consider options such as:
- Aspen LatexCore Pillow
- Bio Aloe Memory Foam High Pillow
- Ice Gel High Pillow
- TEMPUR-Adapt® ProHi Pillow
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers often prefer a balanced amount of loft. Extremely high pillows may not be comfortable for everyone, while contoured pillows provide another option to consider.
Consider options such as:
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers often prefer thinner, lower-profile pillows. A lower pillow may provide a different feel than a high-loft option.
Consider options such as:
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers change positions throughout the night and may prefer a versatile pillow that works across multiple sleeping positions.
Options to consider include:
Pillow Materials: Which Feel Is Right for You?
Along with pillow height, the material and construction of a pillow can influence how it feels. BedMart offers several different pillow materials and designs to fit different preferences.
Latex Pillows
Aspen LatexCore Pillow
Aspen LatexCore Surround Pillow
Shop Aspen LatexCore Surround Pillow
Latex provides a different feel than memory foam and traditional pillow materials. The Aspen LatexCore collection offers both traditional and surround pillow designs.
Memory Foam Pillows
Bio Aloe Memory Foam Collection
The Bio Aloe Memory Foam collection includes multiple pillow heights and a surround option:
- Bio Aloe Memory Foam Low Pillow
- Bio Aloe Memory Foam Medium Pillow
- Bio Aloe Memory Foam High Pillow
- Bio Aloe Memory Foam Surround Pillow
Memory foam provides a more contouring feel and offers different options for sleepers with different preferences and sleeping positions.
Cooling / Gel Pillows
Ice Gel Collection
The Ice Gel collection offers several pillow heights and a surround option:
These options are designed for sleepers who prefer a cooler-feeling sleep surface and want different pillow height choices.
TEMPUR-PEDIC® Pillows
TEMPUR-Adapt® ProLo Pillow
TEMPUR-Adapt® ProHi Pillow
The TEMPUR-Adapt ProLo and ProHi provide two different loft options within the TEMPUR-Adapt® collection. Pillow height, sleeping position, personal preference, and desired support can all play a role in choosing between them.
Contoured Pillows
Technogel Contour Pillow
Contoured pillows have a shaped construction that differs from traditional rectangular pillows and offer a different support experience for sleepers interested in a contoured design.
Does Mattress Firmness Affect Pillow Height?
Mattress firmness can influence how your body sits on the mattress, which may affect the pillow height you prefer.
| Mattress Feel | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Plush / Soft | Your body may sink farther into the mattress. |
| Medium | A balanced pillow height may be a good starting point. |
| Firm | You may prefer more pillow loft. |
| New Mattress Type | Reassess whether your current pillow still feels comfortable. |
There Is No Universal Pillow Height.
There is no universal pillow height that works for everyone. Pillow preference can depend on:
- Sleeping position
- Body shape
- Shoulder width
- Mattress firmness
- Mattress construction
- Personal comfort preference
Should You Replace Your Pillow Every Time You Buy a Mattress?
The Short Answer: No.
You do not need to automatically purchase a new pillow whenever you purchase a mattress.
Remember the BedMart approach: 70% mattress, 30% pillow. Focus first on finding the mattress that fits your comfort preferences and sleep style. Then, evaluate whether your current pillow still works well with it.
You May Be Able to Keep Your Existing Pillow If:
- It is comfortable.
- It still holds its shape.
- You like the height.
- It feels good with your new mattress.
- It is not showing significant wear.
Consider Replacing Your Pillow If:
- It is flattened.
- It has become lumpy.
- It no longer feels comfortable.
- You constantly adjust it.
- You want a different pillow height.
- You changed sleeping positions.
- Your new mattress makes your current pillow feel different.
The Bottom Line
The question isn’t simply, “Did I buy a new mattress?”
The better question is:
“Does my current pillow still feel right with my new mattress?”
Should You Buy Your Mattress and Pillow Together?
Your mattress and pillow work together as part of your overall sleep setup. Shopping for both at the same time can give you an opportunity to evaluate how they work together, but you do not necessarily need to replace both products.
When purchasing a new mattress, focus first on finding the right mattress. Once you’ve found it, evaluate whether your current pillow still provides the height, comfort, and feel you prefer.
Complete Your Sleep Setup
Once you’ve found the right mattress and pillow, consider the other products that can help complete your bed.
Don’t Forget Your Mattress Protector
A mattress is an investment, and a mattress protector can add an additional layer between your mattress and everyday spills, moisture, and wear.
Purchasing a new mattress is a good opportunity to consider adding a mattress protector to your sleep setup.
Complete Your New Bed With the Right Pillow
A new mattress doesn’t automatically mean you need a new pillow, but it is the perfect time to make sure your pillow is still working with your sleep setup.
Whether you prefer latex, memory foam, cooling gel, TEMPUR-PEDIC® material, a contoured design, or simply need a different pillow height, BedMart offers a variety of options to help you find a pillow that fits your preferences.
Not necessarily. If your current pillow is comfortable and still provides the feel and support you prefer, you may not need to replace it.
Yes. A different mattress firmness or construction can change how your body sits on the mattress and may affect your preferred pillow height.
It depends on your sleeping position, body shape, mattress, and personal preference.
Many side sleepers prefer enough loft to comfortably fill the space between their head and the mattress, although individual preferences vary.
Stomach sleepers often prefer lower-profile pillows.
Memory foam is one option for shoppers who prefer a more contouring pillow feel. BedMart offers multiple Bio Aloe Memory Foam and TEMPUR pillow options.
If you prefer a cooler-feeling sleep surface, gel and cooling-oriented options such as the Ice Gel collection may be worth considering.
If your pillow feels excessively high or uncomfortable, you may want to try a lower-profile option.
If your pillow feels like it isn’t providing the height or support you prefer, you may want to try a higher-profile option.
Absolutely. If you like your pillow and it continues to feel comfortable with your new mattress, there is no requirement to replace it.
Find the Mattress Right for YOU
Don’t guess which is right for you. Get it right the first time. Take our virtual smartMATCH quiz to find mattress recommendations designed for your body’s unique needs.