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This article was updated on 03.12.24 to fact-check and remove any out-of-date information.
Finding the best pillow for your sleep style is key to a good night's sleep. That's because – as you may already have realised if you’re tossing and turning at night squishing your current pillow into all kinds of shapes to try and get comfy – when it comes to pillows, one size doesn't fit all.
Just like shopping for the best mattress, finding the best pillow for your best night’s sleep depends on several factors, including your preferred sleeping position – i.e. whether you’re a back, stomach, or side sleeper – how firm a pillow you like, whether you sleep hot, if you have any neck pain and your preferred choice of filling.
For instance, side sleepers need a high and firm pillow to keep the head lifted in alignment with the spine. Back sleepers need a lower pillow so the head isn't raised too high, and those of us who sleep on our fronts need an almost flat pillow to avoid putting excess pressure on the neck.
Then there are pillow fillings to consider. Natural materials like wool or feather and down offer the coolest sleep but are usually expensive and can't always be washed easily. They also aren't suitable for vegans. Synthetic fillings like polyester microfibre or hollowfibre are cheaper and can usually be machine-washed, whereas memory foam offers a firm feel. But, synthetic pillows lack breathability and can cause environmental problems.
So with all this to factor in, how do you find the right pillow for you? That's where I come in. I'm Ideal Home's Sleep Editor and alongside our wider review team I've spent the last four years putting well over 50 pillows through their paces. I've tested options from all the leading brand names and every loft, filling, and construction possible to bring you my top recommendations below.
I'm Amy, Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, and over the past four years I've slept on over 50 different pillows (and counting) to find the best-in-class. All in all, that's over 10,000 hours of at-home pillow testing! This guide includes only those pillows that performed the best. I've assessed each pillow for its firmness, comfort levels in all three sleeping positions, breathability and temperature regulation – after all, no one wants to wake up with a sweaty head! I've also assessed ease of care, researched third-party reviews, and considered value for money before creating this shortlist.
I regularly update this guide to reflect durability, removing any pillows that don't make the grade long-term, whether that's due to escaping feathers, not washing well, or flattening over time.
Best pillows – tried and tested
Why you can trust Ideal Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
To help you find the right pillow for your needs, I've broken my round-up into the best pillows for each sleep position, the best pillows for neck pain, the pillows to shop if you're on a tight budget, and the best for those who specifically want a firm, memory foam, or feather and down pillow.
Best pillow for side sleepers
If you're a side sleeper – and research shows this is by far the most popular sleep position – then the key to finding a comfortable pillow is to find an option that keeps your head and neck in alignment when you're laid on your side. You don't want your head to dip too low or to be raised too high as this will put pressure on the neck. Generally this means you'll want a pillow with more 'loft' (that means height in pillow talk) than a front or back sleeper, and the wider your shoulders, the more loft you'll need.
First a disclaimer, this isn't the pillow for me! But, several of the Ideal Home team and many of my side sleeping friends and family class this as the best pillow they've ever slept on, plus, it has nearly 30,000 very positive reviews, so I'm bowing down to the consensus on this one. I'm 5"9 tall, so for my wider shoulders this pillow isn't quite high enough for side sleeping. However, my smaller side-sleeping colleagues swear by it, and there's no denying its adjustable fill is a genius concept. That means you have the ability to add or remove the foam 'nanocubes' inside the pillow to make it the exact right height for you. It also offers almost the same softness and squish as a feather-and-down pillow, but with a vegan-friendly synthetic fill. You can buy extra nanocubes to increase the pillow's loft further, but if you're a taller side sleeper my height or above, I'd recommend moving on to my next choice. However, if you're a side sleeper under 5"9, there's every chance this could be the one for you.
Side sleepers with wider shoulders need a pillow with more height to keep our head and neck aligned when we're lying on our sides. A boxwall memory foam pillow, like this one, is a great option as it has more loft than your average pillow and will stay a consistent height overnight rather than becoming compacted. That means your head and neck should stay in alignment all night long. I can often find memory foam a little too firm, but I loved the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow. Its memory foam inner feels a little squishier than most, delivering height without sacrificing comfort, and its bamboo and microfibre top layer makes it feel much more luxurious than your average memory foam block. It's also a little cooler than other memory foam options, although I still found its synthetic construction warmer than a wool or feather-and-down fill. Plus, Panda offers a 30-night sleep trial on its pillows which is super useful for testing out whether the height suits you before you commit.
As mentioned, side sleepers are often best opting for a memory foam pillow as the denser fill keeps the head supported well when lying on your side. But what about those of us who change position in the night and swap from side to back, or those of us prone to overheating on synthetic fill? Enter the scooms Hungarian Goose Down pillow. After trying out a lot of options, this is the best feather and down pillow for side sleepers that I've found. Thanks to a denser goose feather inner core surrounded by a squashier goose down outer, it has a higher loft than most, making it a great height for side sleeping, and its tightly woven sateen cotton case not only makes it dust-mite and down-proof (so no escaping feathers) but keeps it super plump. It's much cooler to sleep on than synthetic fill, and because you can squish it about a bit it's also a great option for active side sleepers who may switch to their backs during the night. It also really delivers that 'luxury hotel' experience of a super squishy and plump pillow.
Best pillow for back sleepers
Back sleepers will generally need a lower loft pillow than a side sleeper so the head isn't raised too far from the bed. When you're laid flat on your back you want your head and neck to be in alignment so your airway isn't restricted, if your pillow is too high then it can cause the chin to tilt towards the neck which can contribute to snoring and a disturbed sleep. These are the three best options I've found.
Similar to the Simba Hybrid Pillow with its adjustable foam 'nanocubes', Woolroom's Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow has a quilted cover that you can unzip to adjust the amount of wool filling inside. You can buy more wool fill to increase the pillow height if needed, but I found the default medium loft to be a great height for back sleepers. Even better, the pillow is made from sustainable and naturally biodegradable materials. And, if you regularly wake up with a hot head, this pillow is perfect for hot sleepers. I tend to overheat on a synthetic-filled pillow, but thanks to wool's naturally breathable thermoregulating qualities this pillow left my head cool and comfortable, so there was never any need to flip it over looking for the cool side. The wool filling does feel quite dense though, so if you're a back sleeper who prefers a squashier feel option #2 could be a better choice.
In contrast to #1, this feather and down pillow is super squishy and plump, offering a great mix of comfort and support. I tested the 'soft' version of the pillow which felt as dreamy as a cloud to lay my head on, and it turned out to be the perfect feather and down pillow for back sleepers, as once the weight of my head had expelled some air from the pillow, it became just the right height to keep my neck and spine aligned nicely when laid on my back. The filling means it won't be suitable for vegans, but both the Hugnarian goose feathers and down are sourced from cruelty-free suppliers. Thanks to its natural fill, it's also a great option for hot sleepers like me as I found my head stayed cool all night long on this option.
However, if you're a back sleeper who enjoys a firm sleep surface then this high-density memory foam option is the one for you. The Kally Sleep Neck Pain Pillow is designed to help side and back sleepers with neck pain, but you don't have to have neck pain to enjoy sleeping on it. I hadn't slept on a pillow this firm before and at first I thought it would be far too firm to get comfortable on, but I was wrong. Once I'd adjusted to its firmness, I found this to be one of the most comfortable of all the pillows I tested for back sleeping. That's thanks to its ergonomic shape that cradles the neck to offer optimum support during the night. It's also a great buy if you tend to switch positions during the night, with slightly higher headrests on either side of the pillow to cater for comfortable side sleeping too. The downside? It doesn't look great in a pillowcase, but I found it worth it for a good night's sleep.
Best pillow for stomach sleepers
Whilst front sleeping generally isn't recommended due to the pressure it can put on the neck, there are plenty of us (like me) who can't get comfortable any other way. If this is you too, then you need a very soft and low loft pillow that will keep your head as close to the mattress surface as possible. These are my top three recommendations.
As someone who sleeps predominantly on my stomach, this is my go-to favourite pillow, and the one I return to sleeping on again and again. I've also been known to pack it up and take it on holiday to ensure a good night's sleep. As a lightly filled feather and down pillow it's ideal for front sleepers like me who need a super soft, low loft pillow that won't raise the head too far from the bed. And, as a hot sleeper, I've never overheated on this natural fill. Plus, it's a good value option. You'll only need one of the two-pack of Duck Feather & Down Medium pillows under your head at any one time, but it's always good to have a spare!
Of course, if you're vegan then my first choice feather and down choice won't be suitable for you, in which case I think the synthetic Simba' Hybrid pillow is the next best thing. You can't quite squash it into the right position for front sleeping as easily as a feather and down option, but it is still super soft and thanks to the squishy foam cubes inside it has some malleability. You can also remove as many of those foam 'nanocubes' as you need to make it as low as you require for front sleeping. Plus, there's a handy bag included for storing any excess foam filling in case you want to top it up again at a later date. The pillow's outer cover can also be removed and machine-washed which is great for anyone with allergies.
If you're a front sleeper who prefers a firmer feeling pillow then you might prefer this Woolroom option. I found it a little too firm for my tastes as I like a pillow I can squish up and arrange 'just so' under my head when I'm lying on my front, but I did love how cool it felt to sleep on. Similar to the Simba Hybrid Pillow with its adjustable foam 'nanocubes', Woolroom's Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow has a quilted cover that you can unzip to adjust the amount of wool filling inside meaning you can make it as low as you need. It's also one of the most eco-friendly pillows I've come across, made from renewable and biodegradable wool and unbleached cotton.
Best pillow for neck pain
Finding the best pillow for neck pain can be a particularly tricky task as there isn't always a one-size-fits-all solution. However, based on my tests, I think it's best avoiding a soft or squishy pillow that can lead to a lot of neck movement in the night. Instead, opt for a firm pillow that's specifically designed to cradle and support the head and neck in optimal alignment.
For me, the Kally Sleep neck pain pillow is by far the best pillow for neck pain of all the options I've tested. The ergonomic butterfly shape is specifically designed to support the cervical spine (the upper section that connects the head and back), to keep the head in alignment with the spine when back sleeping, and to support the natural curve of the neck and head whilst side sleeping. I initially found the slow-rebound memory foam quite firm, but soon realised that was its winning formula after I pulled a muscle in my neck. That firmness meant that my neck stayed in optimal alignment all night, which was far more comfortable than sleeping on a squishy pillow that offered no support. A 14-night sleep trial allows you to test out if it helps your neck pain too before you commit.
Whilst Kally Sleep's butterfly pillow scored highly with me, a couple of friends I roped in to test it found it too low for their comfort, which is when this Zamat pillow came into its own. Offering ergonomic support that cradles the head and allows the cervical spine to rest in alignment, this is a slightly higher loft pillow, but it does the same job of keeping the neck steady to prevent neck pain. It also comes with a removable pillow insert that gives you greater control over the pillow's height. The downside is it's not the most attractive, and you're unlikely to find a pillowcase to fit, although the outer cover is washable. Still, if it helps relieve neck pain, that's a small price to pay.
If your neck pain is caused by the wrong height pillow and you're struggling to find just the right depth to keep your neck and spine in alignment, then Simba's Hybrid adjustable fill pillow could be the solution. This boxwall pillow unzips so you can add or remove the foam 'nanocubes' that form the pillow's fill, enabling you to make it just the right height for you, whether you're a front, back, or side sleeper. And whilst synthetic pillow fill can sometimes lead to overheating, Simba has addressed this with its 'astronaut-inspired temperature regulation' (that's coating the cotton pillow outer in a formula that absorbs, stores, and releases heat when you need it). I still found it warmer to sleep on than the first two options, but if your neck pain requires a softer pillow, this is definitely a more squishy option.
Best firm pillows
Some people like a soft and snuggly pillow, some people prefer a firm pillow. If you're the latter then this section is for you. Generally speaking, firm pillows are best for side sleepers as their dense structure does a great job of keeping the head lifted and in alignment with the neck when you're laid on your side. But I've also included options for back sleepers.
I'm not the biggest fan of a firm pillow – I actually found this pillow made my ear ache! – so to make testing fairer I roped in our reviewer Richard, a certified firm pillow fan. As you'll see in our Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review, he was impressed. This pillow is unusual as it has three adjustable layers, one of which contains springs (!) which is what gives this pillow its firmness. As a 6ft side sleeper, Richard liked the height the pillow offered, and reckoned its firmness levels were 'just right'. He says 'I prefer a firm pillow, so for me this pillow is about as comfortable as it gets. It isn't rock hard – I found it had enough softness to relax into – but the micro spring layer meant my head didn't slowly sink lower during the night'.
As I mentioned, although Richard loved the Simba Hybrid Pillow I found it a little too akin to 'sleeping on a brick' for my tastes. But, the Kally Sleep Neck Pain Pillow is a whole different story, which just goes to show how subjective pillow choosing can be. The Kally pillow is lower in height than the Simba Hybrid Firm, and although it's very firm its dense construction never gave me earache! Its lower height means it's best for side sleepers with narrower shoulders, but it's perfect for back sleepers of any build. And, cleverly, it works extremely well for active sleepers, like me, who change position in the night with its higher sides for side sleeping and ergonomically shaped centre to support back sleeping.
Confusingly, Dunelm call this a pillow for back sleepers, but I think it's much too high for that and far better as a side sleeping pillow. The brand also describes it as being 'medium' rather than 'firm', but myself and plenty of other reviewers on the Dunelm website would disagree. It offers more height and more firmness than most memory foam pillows I've tested – it's both higher and firmer feeling than the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow and Panda Memory Foam Pillow for instance. I found it a bit too high, but if you have wider shoulders than my 5"9 frame and prefer a firm feel, that could make it just right for you. At £45 it isn't cheap, but that is relatively affordable compared to similar memory foam options.
Budget buys
Sadly, despite lots of testing, I'm yet to find a really good pillow that isn't upwards of £20-30, although the hunt continues! Budget pillows tend to feature synthetic hollowfibre or microfibre fill that can flatten over time and is more likely to reflect head heat back toward the sleeper, leading to a lot of pillow flipping in search of the cool side! However, sometimes you need a budget option, and these pillows are bestsellers for just that reason.
As already mentioned, this two-pack of duck feather and down pillows from Marks & Spencer is the best set of budget feather and down pillows I've tested. Whereas cheap feather and down pillows can tend to be lumpy or allow feathers to escape after just a little use, this option has kept going strong years after I first popped it onto my bed. As a front sleeper, this is my favourite pillow by far, with the low loft design not lifting my head and neck too far from the mattress. All in all, these pillows are a great way to add a little luxury to your bed without breaking the bank.
This Slumberdown pillow set offers two higher loft pillows, specifically designed for side sleeping, at a very low price. Machine washable, they feature a supportive core block centre that's wrapped in squishier synthetic microfibres. They have over 30,000 reviews on Amazon, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, although the verdict is mixed on how well the microfibre fill holds up over time, with some reviewers finding they flattened sooner than expected. If you sleep warm then you may also find yourself regularly flipping the pillow over in search of the cool side.
Similarly, Silentnight's two-pack of Ultrabounce pillows is an affordable option for back sleepers. Like the Slumberdown Super Support pillows, the Silentnight Ultrabounce get over 30,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.5 out of 5 star rating, but with a softer mid-loft design that's a better height for back sleeping. However, as another synthetic option, they will reflect more heat towards the sleeper than a natural fill, and again some reviewers have noted that this affordable option can tend to flatten over time meaning they may not be the most durable investment.
Best memory foam pillow
Memory foam pillows can take a little getting used to as their inners are dense and much firmer than a 'normal' pillow. However, that firmer fill means they keep their height during the night making them especially popular with side sleepers. The downside is that memory foam's dense structure can mean limited airflow and therefore a hot head. To avoid overheating, look for options that are made from breathable 'open-cell' memory foam or offer cooling innovations to increase air circulation.
Memory foam pillows often divide opinion, with some loving the adaptive sleep surface and others less keen on the firmer feel. However, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow converted even those who were the most memory foam-averse when I asked them to try it. It feels softer to sink into than most memory foam pillows, which in my experience can often feel a bit 'blocky' to sleep on, and the silky bamboo rayon top layer gives the pillow a far more luxurious feel. As a hot sleeper I also found it cooler to sleep on than alternative memory foam pillows, but I still found my head got warmer than when I slept on a wool or feather and down fill. It's a fairly high loft pillow, so best for side sleepers, but that added squish and malleability mean it might suit back sleepers too. A 30-night sleep trial means it's easy to find out.
The Tempur Comfort Cloud Pillow is a memory foam pillow like no other I've tested, and I instantly loved how it felt under my head. Unlike most memory foam pillows which tend to be shaped like a rectangle, this one-of-kind pillow has a much more 'traditional' pillow shape and loft, which means it looks great in a pillowcase and its dreamy sink-in sleep surface is like no other pillow I've tried. It has a very high loft, but when you rest your head on it you gradually sink into the memory foam, which means it does a great job of moulding around your contours to support the head so it works well whether you're a side or back sleeper. It's just worth bearing in mind that this memory foam pillow is far heavier than its name suggests – you'd have an unfair advantage in a pillow fight!
Another entry from Panda, the brand's original memory foam pillow is a design that's amassed many positive reviews online, and when I tested it I could see why. It's one of the most comfortable memory foam pillows I've tested and one of the most breathable. The pillow is higher than the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow which makes it a great option for side sleepers who will appreciate its extra loft. However, without the quilted bamboo rayon upper layer, it doesn't feel as luxurious as Panda's Hybrid pillow. That said, it is nearly half the price, which makes it a great value memory foam option. Plus, its unzippable, washable cover is a bonus, as is Panda's 30-night sleep trial.
Best feather and down pillow
Feather and down creates the plump, squishy and super soft feel that we perhaps all associate with the classic pillow. This natural fill is also far more breathable than a synthetic option, making for a cooler sleep. Goose feather and down tends to be the most luxurious mix, with duck feather and down the more affordable (yet often a little lumpier) alternative. Generally speaking, the more you spend on a feather and down pillow the better the quality, with cheaper options tending to result in escaped down and feathers that stick through the casing.
Hungarian goose down is generally considered to be the highest quality money can buy, and this option from The White Company delivers everything you might expect from a best-in-class feather and down pillow. I tested the 'soft' version of the pillow which felt as dreamy as a cloud to lay my head on, and I thought it was the perfect feather and down pillow for back sleepers, but there's also the option of 'medium' firmness if you prefer a higher loft and a bit more support.
I think this is the best feather and down pillow for side sleepers due to its higher loft. It delivers that 'just right' mix of comfort and support thanks to the combination of a goose feather inner core surrounded by a softer, squashier layer of goose down. Plus, it's encased in a dust-mite proof high thread-count cotton cover that stops any filling from escaping. The result is a super plumptious pillow that looks great styled on the bed and delivers a real sense of hotel-style luxury at night.
Offering the luxe 'flumph' of down at a far more affordable price point, this two-pack of duck feather and down pillows from M&S is the best budget feather-and-down buy I've found. During testing I found other feather pillows at this price point tended to clump or have uncomfortable feathers that stuck through the casing, but not this option. Whilst the pillows are lower loft and not the same quality as The White Company or Scooms pillows, this is a great value set that still delivers good squish factor for the price.
Where to buy the best pillows
- Amazon: affordable synthetic pillows
- Argos: affordable pillows of all types
- Dunelm: affordable pillows of all types
- John Lewis: high-quality pillows of all types
- Kally Sleep: pillows for neck pain
- M&S: high-quality pillows of all types
- Panda: Shop high-quality memory foam pillows
- scooms: high-quality feather and down pillows
- Simba: height-adjustable synthetic pillows
- Soak & Sleep: high-quality pillows of all types
- The White Company: high-quality feather and down pillows
- Woolroom: high-quality wool pillows
How to choose the best pillow for your needs
It's easy to think that there isn't much to choosing a pillow, which is probably why most of us grab the cheapest two-pack of pillows we can find on the shelves. However, once neck pain, overheating, or general discomfort enter the equation it soon becomes clear there's more to finding a good pillow than meets the eye.
Finding the best pillows – or best pillow, as if you're wondering how many pillows you should sleep with then most experts advise against sleeping with two – for your best night’s sleep depends on a variety of different factors. That includes your regular sleep position – i.e. whether you’re a front, back or side sleeper – whether you suffer from any aches and pains, like neck pain, and whether you’re someone who tends to overheat at night.
There’s also your preference for natural materials – like cotton, down, feather, or wool – or synthetic materials – like memory foam or polyester – to factor in. Plus there’s washability to consider, and of course, the necessity to find the best pillows for your budget. So what should you consider before splashing your cash in search of a better night's sleep? We explain all below.
Are you a front, back or side sleeper?
Your usual sleeping position is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing the best pillow for you. That's because the ideal pillow should keep your neck and spine in good alignment when you sleep.
As Dave Gibson registered Osteopath, sleep expert, and founder of The Sleep Site explains, 'your pillow should hold your head in the same position as it would be if you were standing upright with good posture. Too low and your head falls back creating pressure in the neck. Too high and it tends to leave the neck muscles stiff'.
I like to imagine a thin pipe or tube running from the base of the spine to the top of the head, and whether you sleep on your side, back or front, you want that tube to be as straight as possible with no significant kinks around the neck area.
So what type of pillow should you look for to ensure your head is well supported? I asked Dave to help explain the best pillows for each sleep position below.
What type of pillow is best for side sleepers?
Side sleeping is by far the most popular sleep position, which is why I've done extensive testing to find the very best pillow for side sleepers. And, if you sleep on your side then as Osteopath Dave Gibson explains, you'll want a high pillow that lifts your head far enough from the mattress to 'ensure it supports your neck in neutral alignment with the rest of your spine'.
Finding the best pillow if you're a side sleeper can be a challenge as everyone’s shoulders are different widths – wider shoulders mean you'll need more pillow height to keep your neck straight once you're laid on your side – so sometimes it can take a little trial and error to find the correct height. Dave advises it can be useful to 'have a partner take a photo when you're lying down to check if your alignment is correct'.
A medium-firm boxwall or memory foam pillow can be a good bet for a side sleeper as they both provide a more structured pillow that offers height and prevents your head from sinking too much.
What type of pillow is best for back sleepers?
If you sleep on your back you’ll be best suited to a low or mid-height pillow. As Osteopath Dave Gibson says, 'a medium-thin pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck works well for back sleepers'.
For added comfort, Dave suggests back sleepers should also 'place a small pillow under your knees to reduce pressure on your lower back'.
What type of pillow is best for front sleepers?
Osteopath Dave Gibson recommends that 'front sleepers should use a very thin pillow or none under their head to avoid neck strain, plus a small pillow under the abdomen for lower back support'.
However, he also has a warning for those of us who prefer this sleeping position. 'I recommend that you learn to sleep in another position if this is your preferred sleep position as it twists the neck and can cause long-term strain'.
What pillow is best for neck pain?
If you suffer from neck pain then finding the right pillow for you is even more important. Osteopath Dave Gibson has the following advice, 'I have found in general a medium firm pillow tends to work best for neck pain as it allows better support than too soft or too hard'.
He continues, 'if you suffer neck pain avoid lying on your stomach to sleep which can aggravate neck pain. For side or back sleepers, contoured pillows with grooves for head placement can also help if you don’t shift positions often'.
What pillow is best for hot sleepers?
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for disrupted sleep or night-time waking. If you regularly flip your pillow over at night looking for the cooler side, it’s likely you need a ‘cooler’ more breathable option.
Synthetic pillow casing and fill is usually the biggest culprit if you find your pillow gets too hot in the night. Made of plastic polymers, synthetics aren’t breathable – although manufacturers try to combat this by adding in ‘spaces’ between fibres to enable airflow – so the natural heat of your head is reflected back to you, leading to overheating or a sweaty head.
Opting for natural materials for the pillow casing and fill is the best bet for staying cool at night. Look for cotton, wool, feather, or down which are all far more breathable and so make the best pillows for those prone to overheating at night, delivering a far cooler sleep.
Which filling is best for pillows?
Spend some time looking for a new pillow and you'll soon realise there are a whole host of pillow fillings available. From hollowfibre to goose down, synthetic to natural, the array of terms and materials can quickly become a little overwhelming. To help you get to grips with the basics, I've broken down the pros and cons of the most common pillow fillings below.
First up, it's synthetic fillings. These pillows are filled with manmade fibres, like polyester and polymide that are made from petroleum-based plastics. Confusingly many manufacturers 'invent' their own terminology to dress things up to sound a bit more fancy, but the basic synthetic options are hollowfibre, microfibre, and memory foam.
Hollowfibre – the cheapest pillows you can buy tend to be made of hollowfibre. Made of polyester wadding, a hollowfibre pillow is dense but lightweight. A hollowfibre pillow is affordable, easy to care for as it can generally be washed at high temperatures, and anti-allergenic, which makes it a popular choice for kid's bedding. However, over time, this pillow is most likely to flatten and become lumpy. Synthetics can also cause overheating and night sweats as the plastic polymer fibres aren't breathable and reflect body heat towards the sleeper, and neither production or disposal at the end of the pillow's life span (plastic is non-biodegradable) is good news from an environmental point of view.
Microfibre – the 'luxury' version of hollowfibre, a microfibre fill is made of much finer strands of polyester resulting in a very lightweight pillow with a, yes, more luxurious feel. Some compare microfibre to the feel of down, but it has the upside of not running the risk of animal cruelty. However, again, being made of synthetics, the environmental impact of production and disposal is a concern. Like hollow fibre, microfibre can also cause overheating.
Memory foam – synthetic, yet a very different beast to hollow fibre or microfibre, memory foam is a dense material that offers a much firmer sleep surface. Activated by body heat, memory foam has elastic qualities that help it to mould to your contours as you sleep. This can make it a good choice for back sleepers and those who suffer from neck pain as it ensures good support of the head and neck. However it tends to be expensive, and some can find it too hot. Like with all synthetics, there are also environmental concerns.
Then there are the more traditional, natural fillings to consider. These range from all types of feathers and down to wool filling.
Down – long thought of as the Holy Grail filling of all the best pillows, down creates the plump, squishy and super soft feel that we perhaps all associate with the classic pillow. This natural fill is also far more breathable than a synthetic option, making for a cooler sleep. However, sourced from either duck or goose on an industrial scale, the fill can raise concerns about animal cruelty. Down pillows also can't be washed, will need more plumping, and that luxury feel comes with a luxury price tag to match.
Feather and down – a more affordable alternative to pure down, a feather and down fill bulks out down's fine softness by adding some larger feathers into the mix. Goose feather and down tends to be the most luxurious mix, with duck feather and down the more affordable (yet often a little lumpier) alternative. Generally speaking, the more you spend on a feather and down pillow the better the quality, with some cheaper options resulting in escaped down and feathers that stick through the casing.
Wool – in my opinion, wool is a bit of a wonder fibre in terms of bedding fill. Insulating, breathable, temperature regulating, hypoallergenic, durable, a sustainable and renewable resource, and bio-degradable at the end of the product's lifespan, it ticks a whole lot of boxes when it comes to the best pillow fill choice. However, it is currently quite hard to come by except from at specialist retailers, and not all wool pillows can be washed, so it pays to double-check the manufacturer's care instructions.
Is washability important to you?
Lastly, there's the ease of washing to consider. This can be particularly important if you suffer from allergies and want to be able to quickly and easily remove pollens or allergens from your pillow.
Plus, as Chris Tattersall, managing director of wool bedding brand Woolroom explains, 'being able to easily machine wash your pillow will help to ensure it stays in good condition for longer. Roughly 70% of the heat from your body comes through your head, meaning over time, your pillow will accumulate sweat, body oils and dirt, so being able to wash your pillow instead of replacing it will benefit both you and the planet'.
However, not all pillows can be washed. In this case, you might want to consider a pillow protector in addition to your regular pillowcase for better protection.
FAQs
What is better a firm or a soft pillow?
According to Osteopath Dave Gibson, the answer to whether a firm or a soft pillow is best for you 'depends on your sleeping position'.
'For back and side sleepers, a firmer pillow offers better neck support. If sleeping face down, a thin, soft pillow (or none) is recommended. Side sleepers may also benefit from a pillow between the knees, while back sleepers can add one under the knees to reduce back strain'.
What pillows do most hotels use?
As Emma Beck, buying and merchandising manager at Bensons for Beds reveals, 'the most popular filling used in hotel pillows is feather and down'.
Emma says that feather and down pillows are favoured by hotels as 'these types of pillows are good for front, back and side sleepers as the fillings are very malleable, so they are a great all-rounder suitable for a variety of hotel guests'.
Chris from Woolroom confirms, agreeing that 'hotel pillows are usually made from down and/or feathers, creating that plush, luxurious feel that many guests love'.
However, Chris also warns that there are some downsides to a feather and down filled pillow, explaining that 'whilst these pillows can feel exceptionally soft and cosy, they compress quickly and can build up allergens'.
As Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of feather and down bedding brand scooms, go on to explain, these factors can mean that some hotels prefer to opt for alternatives to down, such as 'hypoallergenic synthetic pillows, which can provide excellent support while reducing allergens'.
Why are hotel pillows so comfortable?
As our industry insiders revealed above, many hotels use feather and down pillows as this filling is renowned for its comfort. Emma from Bensons for Beds explains that 'this is largely due to the medium soft support feather and down pillows offer, coupled with the luxurious ‘sinking’ comfort they provide'.
However, Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of feather and down bedding brand scooms, suggest that the comfort of a hotel pillow is also partly down to its care regime, saying that good hotels 'maintain their pillows meticulously, with regular cleaning and timely replacement to keep pillows fresh, fluffy, and free from wear'.
'Also, luxury hotels often provide a ‘pillow menu’ with multiple options—soft, medium, and firm—to cater to various guest preferences, so everyone can find a pillow that feels just right. This attention to quality and variety is why hotel pillows often feel far more comfortable than standard home pillows'.
What should a good pillow cost?
What should a good pillow cost? Based in my research and testing I'd say you need to spend upwards of £50 for a good quality option. And it is a case of the more you spend the better the quality.
'It’s possible to get high-quality pillows starting at £50' agrees Chris from Woolroom, 'but for more luxurious options I’d expect to pay around £150'.
Emily and Jonathan Attwood of scooms concur, saying, 'A good quality pillow will cost somewhere in the region of £100, though prices can vary widely based on the materials used and craftsmanship. A basic, well-made synthetic pillow will cost a lot less, whilst high-end options like luxury down or organic latex can range from £100 plus'.
They conclude, 'the important thing to remember is that investing in a good quality pillow can significantly enhance sleep quality and longevity, as luxury pillows often last longer and provide better comfort and support. While budget options are available, it’s important to do your research to find something that will bring you comfort for longer, making it a worthwhile investment in your sleep and wellbeing'.
How often should you replace your pillows?
To ensure continued support and hygiene, experts generally recommend replacing your pillows every one to two years. You can find out more detail in our guide to how often you should replace your pillow.
However, since you'll get up close and personal with your pillow every night, a regular wash can also be a good idea to ensure longevity. Our top tips for how to wash a pillow will make sure you don't damage it in the process.
If you have a feather and down pillow, this can be a little more difficult, but, our guide to can you wash a feather pillow explains all. And if you're wondering how often you should wash your pillows, experts say every three to six months.
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