Pillows are an important part of your sleep routine — the right pillow can improve both your sleep and your wellbeing. So, how do you know which pillow is right for you? Once you find the perfect pillow, how should you care for it? Our bedding experts at Sleep Number weigh in.

WHICH PILLOW IS BEST FOR YOU?

When it comes to pillows, choosing the most comfortable option is easier said than done. It's more than a firm vs. fluffy debate; picking the perfect pillow is a personal decision based on the way you sleep and which gives you the best support. Simply put, a pillow provides optimal support to a sleeper from the shoulders up, while a mattress supports a sleeper from the shoulders down.

Find your perfect pillow by taking the Sleep Number^® PillowFit^® Quiz.

Ultimately, how comfortable a pillow feels has a lot to do with the shape, the fill and the way you sleep:

• For side sleepers: a slightly thicker, firmer pillow is best. Shape: Contour, Curved or Ultimate with 2-3 inserts.

• For stomach sleepers: a nearly flat, soft pillow is best. Shape: Classic or Ultimate with 1-2 inserts.

• For back sleepers: a medium-thick pillow is best. Shape: Contour, Curved or Ultimate.

"Pillows are not one size fits all," says Sleep Number bedding expert, Christina Smida. "People don't realize that your sleeping position impacts the type of pillow you buy.”

Sleep Number^® offers a variety of pillows to help you sleep your very best:

WHY YOU MAY NEED TO REPLACE YOUR PILLOW

 Here are a few reasons to say goodbye to older pillows:

• Yellowing. Experts say pillows yellow because of sweat. You may think you don't sweat at night, but chances are you do. Do you really want to be sleeping on a  sweaty pillow year after year?

• Floppiness. Try folding your pillow in half, squeezing all the air out. If the pillow doesn't spring back into shape quickly, it means the pillow is no longer supportive and it's time to find a new one.

• Sneezing or suffering breakouts. You might be reacting to dust mites or mildew. Or both.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T WASH YOUR PILLOW

You might think that washing your pillow would take care of most of these problems. Not really, says Smida, who explains that every time a pillow is washed, the fill inside further deteriorates, leading to bunching and just plain feeling uncomfortable.

 That's where pillow protectors can save the day, or at least the life of your pillows, just as a mattress protector and sheets ensure the health and longevity of your mattress.

 Pillow protectors from Sleep Number^® can keep dust mites and other allergens from making your symptoms worse and disrupting your sleep.

Experts recommend washing both pillow protectors and pillowcases weekly, or twice a week for allergy sufferers. Follow manufacturer washing instructions for all your pillowcases, pillow protectors and sheets.

When it's time to buy a new pillow, here's what you should keep in mind to select the pillow of your dreams:

• Determine if you prefer a softer or firmer feel. Sleep Number^® pillows come in foam, fiber or a combination of foam and fiber.

• Consider your sleep style. Do you sleep on your back, stomach or side? Choose a shape that best supports the way you sleep.

• Consult a pillow expert. Take our online PillowFit^® Quiz, or visit a Sleep Number^® store you can get a PillowFit^® experience. Our sleep experts will fit you for a pillow and let you test options while lying on a Sleep Number^® smart bed. If you’re shopping online or aren’t near a Sleep Number^® store, the Ultimate shape pillow is a great way to find the right fit since it’s so adjustable.

Resting your head on a good pillow is vital for quality sleep. With these tips, you can find a pillow that’s just right for you, prolong the life of your pillow and find the best fit when it's time to replace it.

Check out the Sleep Number^® Pillow Guide to find more information on choosing a pillow that’s best for you.

Like diet and exercise, quality sleep is essential for optimal wellbeing and performance. Because everyone's sleep needs are different, Sleep Number^® smart beds, with SleepIQ^® technology inside, sense your movements and automatically adjust firmness, comfort and support to keep you both sleeping comfortably. Find your Sleep Number^® setting for your best possible night's sleep.

*37.5 Technology is a trademark of Cocona, Inc.