The RiseUp Sleep Lab guide
Orthopedic pillows: how to choose the one that fits you
RiseUp Sleep Lab is the specialist centre for orthopedic health products in Israel — over 30 years of expertise in orthopedic pillows and ergonomic sleep products.
This guide covers everything worth knowing before you buy: matching a pillow to your sleeping position, getting the height and firmness right, what the materials actually do, how to look after memory foam, and straight answers to the questions we are asked on the phone almost every day. No medical promises — just the information that helps you choose well.
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How do you choose an orthopedic pillow?
You choose an orthopedic pillow on four things: your sleeping position, the height needed to fill the gap between the mattress and your head, the firmness, and the material. The working rule is simple — your neck should stay in line with your spine, with the head neither propped upwards nor allowed to drop. If you wake with a stiff neck, fold the pillow in half or push it around in the middle of the night, it is almost always the height or the firmness that does not suit you, rather than the model name on the label.
A pillow — orthopedic or orthopaedic, whichever spelling you use — is a support and comfort product. It can help you hold a comfortable position and relieve pressure points, but it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have persistent pain or disturbed breathing during sleep, please speak to a qualified professional.
1. Sleeping position
The single biggest factor. Sleeping on your side opens a wide gap between the shoulder and the head and calls for more height; sleeping on your front usually calls for the opposite.
2. Height
Height is measured against you, not in absolute numbers. It has to fill exactly the distance between the mattress and your neck, which depends on shoulder width and how soft your mattress is.
3. Firmness
Too soft and the pillow compresses and loses support by the middle of the night; too firm and it creates pressure points. What you want is support that is still there in the morning.
4. Material
Memory foam moulds to the shape of your head; a visco gel layer and 360° ventilation help if you sleep hot; hypoallergenic materials suit anyone sensitive to dust.
Which orthopedic pillow suits your sleeping position?
Side sleepers need a relatively high, stable pillow that fills the gap opened up by the width of the shoulder; back sleepers need a medium height that supports the natural curve of the nape; front sleepers are usually more comfortable on a low, softer pillow. Sleeping position is the first thing to settle, because it sets the height — and every other decision follows from there.
Sleeping on your side
The shoulder opens a wide gap between the mattress and the head. A pillow that is too low lets the neck sag downwards, so you need full height and support that is still holding at six in the morning.
Sleeping on your back
The gap is smaller, so moderate support works best: enough to cradle the nape without pushing your chin towards your chest. A contoured shape helps fill the hollow under the neck.
Sleeping on your front
Your head is already turned to one side, and a high pillow only increases that rotation. A low, relatively soft pillow reduces the twist — and some people prefer nothing more than a thin pad under the cheek.
Comparison table: orthopedic pillow by sleeping position
| Sleeping position | Recommended height | Recommended firmness | What the pillow has to do | What suits at RiseUp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On your side | High — fills the width of the shoulder | Medium to firm | Keep ear, shoulder and hip on one line and stop the head sinking | Butterfly orthopedic pillow together with the knee pillow for sleeping |
| On your back | Medium | Medium | Support the natural curve of the nape without tipping the head forward | Butterfly orthopedic pillow |
| On your front | Low | Relatively soft | Reduce neck rotation and pressure on the jaw and shoulder | A low profile only — talk to us before you buy |
| You change position at night | Medium, with two usable support zones | Medium | Let you move between side and back without losing support or folding the pillow | Butterfly orthopedic pillow — a contoured shape for every sleeping position |
| You sleep hot | As your position requires | As your position requires | Disperse heat and moisture and keep the surface cool through the night | Cooling visco gel pillow |
Scroll sideways to see all the columns.
Treat the table as a rule of thumb. Shoulder width, how soft your mattress is and plain personal preference all matter just as much, which is why a new pillow deserves a few nights of adjustment before you judge it. Product pages open in our Hebrew shop; if you are weighing up two models, send us a message in English with your sleeping position and mattress type and we will help you decide.
Materials and technology
What is an orthopedic pillow made of, and what does that change in practice?
Four elements decide how an orthopedic pillow feels: memory foam that moulds to the shape of your head, a visco gel layer that helps disperse heat, a 360° ventilation structure that lets air move through the pillow, and hypoallergenic materials for sensitive sleepers. The difference between them is not marketing language. You notice it in the small hours, once the pillow has warmed up and settled under you.
Advanced memory foam
The foam responds to warmth and weight and gradually takes the shape of your head and neck. Instead of one contact point carrying all the load, pressure spreads across a wider area — which is why the feel is enveloping and steady at the same time.
Cooling visco gel
A gel layer built into the foam draws heat away from the contact area and slows the temperature rise under your cheek. It suits anyone who wakes up sweating or sleeps in a warm room. The cooling visco gel pillow combines a cooling gel layer with memory foam.
360° ventilation
A ventilated structure lets air move through the body of the pillow in every direction rather than being trapped between the mattress and the pillow. That airflow helps disperse moisture and warmth, and keeps the pillow feeling fresher for longer.
Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly
The materials resist dust and mites, suit sleepers with allergies, and are chosen against high standards of quality and safety. A removable, washable cover completes the picture and keeps the pillow clean over the long run.
So which one should you pick?
- You wake up warm or sleep in a hot room: go for a visco gel layer and a ventilated build — the cooling visco gel pillow.
- You want an enveloping feel with steady support: memory foam with a contoured shape — the butterfly orthopedic pillow.
- You are sensitive to dust and allergens: hypoallergenic material plus an antibacterial pillow protector and case you can swap and wash often.
- You sit for hours at a desk or behind the wheel: ergonomic support while seated too — the high-tech seat cushion.
How do you know which height and firmness are right for you?
The right height is the one that fills the gap between the mattress and your neck in your usual sleeping position, and the right firmness is the one that keeps that height until morning. There is no single number that works for everyone: shoulder width, how soft your mattress is and your own sleeping habits all shift the equation. The three home tests below will tell you within minutes whether your current pillow fits.
Height, in plain terms
- Low pillow
- Barely lifts the head. Mainly for front sleepers, for anyone on a soft mattress that lets the shoulder sink in, and for people who feel their chin pressing down with an ordinary pillow.
- Medium pillow
- The most common height. It suits back sleepers and anyone who changes position through the night, because it gives reasonable support in both.
- High pillow
- Fills the wide gap created when you sleep on your side, particularly if you have broad shoulders. On your back the same pillow may push your chin towards your chest.
Firmness, in plain terms
- Soft
- Compresses easily and feels enveloping, but can lose height as the night goes on. Mainly for front sleepers and anyone who likes the sensation of sinking in.
- Medium
- The safe starting point for most people: yielding enough to feel comfortable immediately, stable enough not to collapse two hours later.
- Firm
- Holds its height under sustained load. Best for side sleepers and for anyone who feels the pillow quietly disappearing from under them at three in the morning.
Three simple tests you can do at home
- The photo test Lie down the way you normally sleep and ask someone to photograph you from the side. The line running through ear, shoulder and hip should look straight. A chin tipping towards the chest means the pillow is too high; a head dropping backwards means it is too low.
- The hand test Slide your palm into the gap between your neck and the pillow. If your hand goes in easily and a hollow remains, the pillow is not filling the gap. If you cannot get your hand in at all, it is lifting you more than it should.
- The morning test Watch yourself for a week. A stiff neck on waking, a sore shoulder, or the habit of folding the pillow and tucking a hand underneath are all clear signs that the height or the firmness is wrong for you.
Do not forget the mattress. A soft mattress that lets your shoulder sink narrows the gap and usually calls for a lower pillow; a firm mattress holds the shoulder higher and calls for more height. If you have recently changed your mattress, it is worth re-checking your pillow too.
How do you look after an orthopedic pillow?
The golden rule with a memory foam pillow is simple: never put it in the washing machine. Use a removable case that is washed separately, spot-clean marks with a damp cloth and a mild soap, air the pillow in a shaded spot every few weeks — and always follow the care instructions supplied with the product. Good maintenance is what preserves the ergonomic shape and the level of support over years of use.
Five habits worth adopting
- The case does most of the work Your pillowcase is the first line of defence against perspiration, natural oils and dust. Wash it every week or two according to its care label, and use a size that fits the pillow exactly — a case that is too small distorts the ergonomic shape. An antibacterial pillow protector and case adds a further layer of protection.
- Spot cleaning only Got a mark? A damp cloth with a little mild soap, dabbed rather than scrubbed. Then let the area dry fully in the air before the pillow goes back into use. Never soak the pillow, wring it out or put it in a tumble dryer.
- Air it regularly Every few weeks, leave the pillow for an hour or two somewhere airy and shaded. Airing releases the moisture absorbed over many nights. Long direct sun exposure can damage the foam, so choose shade rather than sunshine.
- No folding, no weight on top Storing the pillow folded, or resting heavy objects on it, can damage its structure. If your pillow arrived compressed in its packaging, give it time to breathe and return to full volume before the first night.
- When to consider a replacement If the pillow no longer springs back to shape after you get up, or you find yourself folding it to gain height, it is time to look at a replacement. Our product warranty covers manufacturing defects for three years.
Do
- Keep a clean, removable case and wash it regularly
- Air the pillow in the shade every few weeks
- Spot-clean marks and let them dry completely
- Re-check the fit after you change your mattress
Avoid
- Washing machines, tumble dryers or soaking in water
- Hours of direct sun, or drying next to a heat source
- Ironing, chemical dry cleaning or bleach
- Storing it folded or under heavy objects
And how long does it take to get used to a new pillow?
Moving to an orthopedic pillow can take a few nights of adjustment, especially if you have spent years on something flat or very soft. Rest your head in the middle of the support zone, give your body several consecutive nights to settle, and do not judge the pillow after one night.
That is exactly what the 60-night trial is for — real time to test the fit at home, on your own mattress. If something is not working, we are here on 077-644-1888, Sunday to Thursday, 09:00-17:30.
Frequently asked questions about orthopedic pillows
These are the questions that come up on the phone and on WhatsApp almost every day — with the answers we give our own customers.
How long does it take to get used to an orthopedic pillow?
Most people settle within a few nights; some need a week or two, particularly when moving from a very flat pillow. At first the support may feel unfamiliar. Rest your head in the centre of the support zone, keep to the same position for several consecutive nights, and do not decide after one. The 60-night trial exists for exactly this period.
Is a memory foam pillow suitable for side sleepers?
Yes, provided the height is right. Sleeping on your side opens a wide gap between mattress and head, so you need a relatively high, stable pillow that will not compress by the middle of the night. Memory foam moulds to the shoulder and neck and spreads the pressure. Many side sleepers also add a knee pillow to help keep the pelvis aligned.
Is an orthopedic pillow right for everyone?
Not necessarily. Comfort and fit vary from person to person and depend on build, sleeping position, mattress type and personal preference. A pillow that one person finds perfect can feel too high or too firm to somebody else. Start from your sleeping position, test the height at home on your own mattress, and talk to us if you are torn between two models.
Is the pillow intended to treat pain or snoring?
No. A pillow is a comfort and support product: it can help you hold a comfortable position and relieve pressure points, but it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment and is not intended to treat any medical condition. For persistent pain, disturbed breathing during sleep or any other medical concern, please consult a qualified professional.
How do you know if a pillow is too high or too low?
The simplest sign is the morning after: a stiff neck or a sore shoulder. You can also check in real time — if your chin tips towards your chest the pillow is probably too high; if your head drops back and a hollow stays under the neck, it is too low. Folding the pillow or slipping a hand underneath is a clear sign of a poor fit.
Can you wash a memory foam pillow?
The body of the pillow should never go into a washing machine or tumble dryer — water and wringing damage the structure of the foam. Wash the case separately according to its care label, spot-clean the pillow itself with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let it dry in the air in a shaded spot. Always follow the care instructions supplied with the product.
What is the difference between a memory foam pillow and a cooling visco gel pillow?
Both are built on memory foam that moulds to the head and neck; the difference is heat management. The cooling visco gel pillow adds a gel layer that helps draw warmth away from the contact area. If you wake up sweating or sleep in a warm room, the cooling model will suit you better; otherwise classic memory foam is enough.
What does the warranty cover and how do I order?
The warranty covers manufacturing defects for three years, and home delivery anywhere in Israel costs ₪39. You order directly through the shop on the site with SSL-secured payment, and free self-collection from 9 HaSivim St., Petah Tikva can be arranged in advance. For questions about fit, delivery or returns we are available Sunday to Thursday, 09:00-17:30.
Ready to choose? These are our leading models
The four products we recommend most often — chosen by sleeping position, by how much heat you build up at night, and by how many hours a day you spend sitting. Product pages open in our Hebrew shop; we are glad to answer in English by phone, WhatsApp or email.
Butterfly orthopedic pillow
Contoured memory foam — support for every sleeping position.
● In stock
Cooling visco gel pillow
A cooling gel layer over memory foam — for anyone who sleeps hot.
● In stock
Knee pillow for sleeping
Support for the knees and pelvis — the natural partner to side sleeping.
● In stock
High-tech seat cushion
Memory foam for the office chair and the car — for long hours seated.
● In stockStill weighing up two models?
Tell us how you sleep and we will help you choose. You can also get to know us on the about page, or keep reading in our articles on sleep and ergonomic support.
- Home delivery ₪39
- 3-year warranty
- 60-night trial
- Secure SSL payment