The Best Pillows for a Good Night's Sleep
The top 6 best pillows
Trust us when we tell you that we have not lightly chosen the following 6 pillows, which we consider the best pillows on the market. We have considered many different features like craftsmanship, material quality, durability, breathability and manufacturers. In front of you are the best pillows that the sleep industry has to offer.
Pillows
1
Best Overall
Pillows
2
Best for All Sleeping Positions
Pillows
3
Best Latex
Pillows
4
Best Adjustable
Pillows
5
Best Synthetic
Pillows
6
Most Sustainable
Best Overall: Panda Memory Foam Bamboo pillow
Panda has been consistently making some of our favourite bedding products, and the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo pillow is no exception!
Best Overall
Panda is one of our favorite sleeping brands and it’s not because we’re biased. We’re really glad to see many new companies grow with sustainable resources, including new and different materials in the sleep market.
As for this pillow, it is made of 3rd generation memory foam that is also infused with bamboo to up its breathability. The bounce is great, so there is no danger of flattening either.
The bamboo cover is gentle to the skin, breathable, durable, naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. And the stitched pillow protector is there to prolong the service life of your pillow. Panda is so confident in the quality of its product, that the Panda pillow comes with a 10 year warranty.
Make sure to check out their other eco-friendly products on the Panda website, and if you want to learn more about the Panda pillow, read our review!
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: 60 x 12 x 40 cm
- Cover: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo fibre
- Filling: 3rd generation memory foam
- Weight: 1.5 kg
Advantages
Warranty
You get a 10-year warranty.
Hypoallergenic
Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial.
Eco-friendly
Made from sustainably grown bamboo.
Disadvantages
Off-gassing
A bit of off gassing is present due to the memory foam.
Best for All Sleeping Positions: Emma Original
Not every pillow is going to suit every sleeping position. At least unless we're talking about the Emma Original pillow – then it might just be possible!
Best for All Sleeping Positions
This luxurious pillow is designed to give you the maximum support possible, while at the same time being comfortable and pressure relieving. There are three layers plus a cover. Pressure-relieving viscoelastic memory foam evenly distributes the weight, followed by a layer of HRX hyper-soft cold foam designed to keep your spine evenly aligned.
We also have a layer of highly breathable memory foam so as not to wake up sweaty, which is not uncommon when you sleep on a memory foam pillow.
The whole pillow is encased in a vegan, non-toxic, machine washable and hypoallergenic cover. According to Emma, it is suitable for all three sleep positions because you can remove layers as needed.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: 40 x 70 cm
- Cover: 98% polyester, 2% elastane
- Filling: 3 layers of foam
- Weight: 1.3 kg
Advantages
Removable cover
Removable cover makes maintenance easy.
Durable & long lasting
The high quality materials ensure durability.
Adjustable loft
You can sleep on just one layer, two, or all three, to best suit your sleeping position.
Disadvantages
One size only
Only one size is available (40 x 70 cm)
Best Latex: Relyon Superior Comfort Deep Latex Pillow
While latex pillows aren't that common, that doesn't mean they're not among the best. And the Relyon Superior Comfort Deep Latex Pillow is a prime example of just that!
Best Latex
If you're in the market for a new pillow, the Superior Comfort Deep Latex Pillow from Relyon might be just what you're looking for.
This pillow is made of 100% natural latex, which makes it both comfortable and breathable – perfect for hot sleepers. Its core is thick and solid, offering excellent support as well as bounce and airflow.
The cotton cover is machine-washable and absorbent, keeping the pillow feeling fresh. The pillow also features instant pressure relief and optimal airflow thanks to the micro air bubbles in the latex.
We went with the Deep version of this pillow, since it will suit the vast majority of people – AKA side sleepers. But to note that if you're a stomach or back sleeper, you're better off going for the Slim version.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Relyon Superior Comfort Deep Latex Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: 68 x 40 x 17 cm
- Cover: Cotton
- Filling: Natural latex
- Weight: 1.9 kg
Advantages
Neck support
Fantastic neck, shoulder & head support.
Removable cover
Simply remove the cover and wash it.
Hypoallergenic
Latex is naturally a hypoallergenic material.
Disadvantages
Not for stomach sleepers
Some stomach sleepers might find it too tall.
Best Adjustable: Simba Hybrid Pillow
If you're not 100% sure which kind of pillow is going to keep your neck ache-free and your sleep peaceful, there's no better choice than a high-quality adjustable pillow like the Simba Hybrid!
Best Adjustable
The beauty of an adjustable pillow is that you can't get the wrong loft. And, unlike most adjustable pillows that just feature two or three smaller pillows, the Simba Hybrid Pillow is very precise in this manner!
This is because the pillow's filling is made up of small, breathable Nanocubes. And basically, you can take out or put in as many as you need to sleep in perfect comfort!
So, you can really hone in on the perfect loft and firmness. In other words, a front sleeper can be just as comfortable as a side sleeper, which is rarey the case!
And the rest of the pillow is somehow even more impressive. Adapting the science that was originally intended for actual astrounauts, the Simba Hybrid draws away heat as needed – keeping you at an optimal sleeping temperature.
This only covers two of the many selling points of this pillow. So, read our review of the Simba Hybrid Pillow to see the full picture.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: 45 x 70
- Cover: Cotton
- Filling: Simba Renew Fibres and Nanocubes
- Weight: N/A
Advantages
Thermo regulating
Stratos technology keeps you cool/warm all the time.
Eco-friendly
Manufactured from certified & renewable sources.
Suitable for everyone
Since the pillow is adjustable, anyone can use it and have proper sleep.
Disadvantages
One size only
The pillow is available in one size only (45 x 70 cm)
Best Synthetic: Aeyla Dual Pillow
While a synthetic filling might not sound as fancy as memory foam or down, it's by no means any lower in quality – just look at this pillow for proof!
Best Synthetic
The Aeyla Dual Pillow got its name because it uses a pillow-in-pillow design. That means that there's a firmer pillow in the centre, wrapped by a thinner, softer pillow from the outside.
And this adds a bit of adjustability to the pillow, as you can always choose to sleep on a single layer. However, it's not as precise as some other adjustable pillows.
The filling is a down-alternative and we have to say it's just as soft and fluffy as you'd wish it to be! It also comes with an outer cotton shell that ensures you won't overheat during the night. Plus, it's pretty nice to the touch as well.
Lastly, the pillow is a lot more supportive and durable than you'd think. It keeps its shape for quite a while and doesn't clump up as some other down pillows might.
To learn more, read our full review of the Aeyla Dual Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: 70 x 50 x 15 cm
- Cover: 100% cotton
- Filling: Microfibre
- Weight: 1 – 1.2 kg
Advantages
Breathable cotton shell
Added breathability and nice to the touch.
Will suit most people
The pillow is somewhat adjustable.
Eco friendly
Down alternative fill. OEKO-TEX certificate.
Disadvantages
Higher price tag
The pillow is a bit expensive, especially when compared to similar pillows.
Most Sustainable: OTTY Deluxe Pure Pillow
A clear conscious is ought to lead to better sleep. So, a truly sustainable and eco-friendly pillow like the OTTY Deluxe Pure Pillow can help you rest in more ways than one!
Most Sustainable
If you’re looking for a comfortable memory foam pillow for neck pain treatment, OTTY has always been a solid choice. But if you want a memory foam pillow that’s green and sustainable, OTTY is one of the very best. Their Deluxe Pure pillow is nothing short of amazing.
They took a sustainable material, bamboo, and one of the best temperature regulators, charcoal, and just combined the two. With this one move, they made a pillow that will not only protect you from overheating but also protect the environment from unnecessary pollution.
Not to mention that it’s also as comfortable as they come and a fantastic pick for neck pain. So, if you’re looking for a sustainable pillow that will better your sleep and fight the good fight at the same time, check out the OTTY Deluxe Pure pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: 60 x 40 x 10 cm
- Cover: Polyester (97%) & spandex(3%)
- Filling: Open-cell memory foam; bamboo & charcoal infused
- Weight: 1.5 kg
Advantages
Great for neck pain
The adjustable height allows you treat your neck pain.
Removable cover
Easy maintenance due to removable cover.
Sustainable
Bamboo & charcoal combination is not only breathable, but also sustainable & eco-friendly.
Disadvantages
Not for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers found it too tall & too firm in most cases.
A bit of off-gassing
Due to the memory foam, it is possible to experience some off gassing in the beginning.
Features to look for in the best pillows
While we've all had pillows for our entire lives, very few people stop and think about what makes pillows so great. Luckily for you, we've done nothing but think about this very question!
Is a down pillow better than a memory foam pillow? Can a side sleeper use a pillow meant for front sleepers? Are expensive pillows any different than cheap pillows? We're going to answer all of these questions, and more, as we break down which features you should be looking at when trying to find the best pillow on the market!
The filling
The first thing we need to discuss is the filling, as it has the biggest impact of the way the pillow feels and performs. Sure, not all memory foam pillows are going to feel the same. However, they will share more than a few features in common that will allow you to pick out the best match for what you're looking for.
Plus, picking out a filling first is going to make finding your perfect pillow a lot less complicated, as you won't have as many products to consider. So, let's go over the most popular pillow fillings and see what they have to offer.
Memory foam
Memory foam pillows are likely the most popular pillow type and for good reason. For one, in terms of pressure relief, they are among the best. This is because memory foam can cradle your neck and take off a lot of pressure while you're sleeping.
They're also typically not too expensive and are very easy to find. In fact, there's a tremendous level of variety when it comes to memory foam pillows. After all, if you look at the Simba Hybrid pillow and then the Panda Pillow, you can see they are from two different worlds!f
However, memory foam pillows tend to have a lot of issues when it comes to overheating, unless you go for higher-end memory foam pillows. Plus, memory foam tends to off-gass during the first night or two, which some may find rather annoying.
So, they're not the best at everything but they definitely deserve some praise.
Feather and down
In some ways, feather and down pillows are the opposite of memory foam pillows. For one, they hardly ever have issues with overheating. So, if you're a hot sleeper, feather and down pillows might be a safe choice.
However, feather and down pillows are also a lot softer than memory foam pillows. This means that they will compress quite a bit during the night, making it a bit more difficult to gauge the ideal loft (which we will talk about later). This compression is very useful for back and stomach sleepers. However, side sleepers might have an easier time with a memory foam pillow.
So, for hot sleepers who sleep on their back or stomach, feather and down pillows are very decent options. However, for side sleepers who don't tend to overheat, there might be better options. They can also be a bit pricey, especially if you want the best-of-the-best, like goose down pillows. That being said, feather and down pillows are the best for pillow fights – that's an undisputable fact.
Latex
Latex is like memory foam but with a few key differences. Just like memory foam, latex pillows offer amazing pressure relief. So, they're an excellent pillow for people with neck pain. And in terms of comfort, latex pillows offer a similar hugging sensation as their more popular counterparts.
However, latex pillows are a bit better is some regards as well. For example, they're usually more breathable than memory foam pillows. Maybe not to the same extent as down pillows but a nice step-up, nevertheless.
Latex pillows are also a bit firmer, on average, and have a bit more bounce. This makes picking the perfect loft a bit simpler and is especially useful if you sleep on your side. However, just like memory foam pillows, latex pillows to have a distinct odour for the first night or two.
Plus, they're more rare. So, you have fewer choices and they tend to be a bit more expensive, especially if you're looking for a natural latex pillow.
Synthetics
While the word “synthetic” usually comes with a negative connotation, synthetic pillows aren't bad at all! After all, a microfibre filling offers a decent amount of comfort, doesn't trap heat as much as memory foam, and doesn't produce any off-gassing.
Plus, synthetic fillings come in all shapes and sizes. For example, for people who love down pillows but might not want to pay a premium price, down-alternative pillows are an excellent choice! Plus, since there are so many different pillows with a synthetic filling, it's a lot easier to find your perfect match.
For example, stomach sleepers might be hard-pressed to find a thin, firm memory foam pillow. However, there are probably a dozen synthetic pillows with those exact features! So, in terms of being budget-friendly and offering multiple solutions, a synthetic filling is pretty great.
The cover
While it might not seem like much, a proper pillowcase is essential if you want a good night's sleep. This is because of a few reasons. For one, the pillowcase is in direct contact with your skin. And trust us, you're going to notice a difference between a silk pillowcase and a cheap synthetic blend.
Secondly, the pillow cover directly impacts the breathability of your pillow. So, even if you have a proper feather and down pillow, a bad pillow cover is still going to feel hot and stuffy to the touch.
Lastly, if the pillow doesn't have a removable cover, keeping the pillow clean is a lot more complicated. After all, cleaning memory foam by hand is a lot more time-consuming than throwing a pillowcase into a washing machine.
So, try to pair your excellent pillow with an equally excellent pillowcase that's nice to the touch, breathable, and easy to clean.
The loft
The loft of a pillow is basically how “tall” it is. And it's a lot more important than some people realise. That's because if the pillow is too small or too big, your neck will be at an angle during the night. And this is a very common cause of a sensation we all hate – neck pain!
So, while this is the third entry, don't underestimate its importance!
It's also important to note that different sleeping styles require a different loft. So, a pillow that's perfect for a side sleeper is likely going to be terrible for a stomach sleeper. That's why we've decided to split this section up based on the three main sleeping positions: side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers.
The perfect loft for side sleepers
For side sleepers, bigger is usually better! This is because the pillow needs to cover the distance between your shoulder and your cheek for your spine and neck to remain straight.
However, pillows for side sleepers can be a bit deceiving in some cases. That's because the pillow can compress, especially if it's a down pillow. So, while it might seem like the perfect pillow while on the shelf, it might compress to far down and leave your neck in an awkward position.
Likewise, it's also important to account for other factors. For example, if you sleep like the lady in the picture and have your arm under the pillow, take that bit of added height into account!
And if all of this seems a bit overwhelming, we advise either getting a pillow with a sleep trial or opting for an adjustable pillow (as you can't get the loft wrong).
The perfect loft for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers basically want the opposite of what side sleepers are looking for. This is because when you're sleeping on your stomach, your spine is already more or less in a straight line. So, if you put a giant pillow under your head, your neck will have to bend to the left or the right.
In other words, the best pillow for front sleepers should be almost completely flat! And this time around, compression is your friend, as even a larger down pillow can compress down enough to keep your neck healthy.
Also, just like with side sleepers, you should take into account where your arm is going to be. In other words, if you put your arm underneath your pillow while sleeping, the pillow has to be even flatter.
Lastly, we will note that finding a good pillow for stomach sleepers can be a bit difficult. This is why it's usually easier to just get an adjustable pillow instead.
The perfect loft for back sleepers
For back sleepers, the margin of error is the most forgiving of the three. This is because back sleepers generally want something in the middle. Plus, we find that it's a lot easier to notice when a pillow isn't suitable for back sleepers.
After all, if you try to rest the back of your head on a very large pillow, your chin will end up tucked into your chest and it's going to feel odd.
However, there is one thing that makes for a great pillow for back sleepers, and that's neck support. While it's not mandatory, getting a pillow that's curved at the bottom so that it can support your neck will likely make you feel a lot more comfortable.
This feature is most common in good orthopaedic pillows. So, give them a look if you suffer from neck pain and/or sleep on your back.
Extra features
If you get the right filling, the right cover, and the right pillow loft, you're 99% done with picking out your perfect pillow! After all, these are the features that make a pillow either a great pick or a waste of money.
However, there are quite a few extra features that aren't essential but can make your life a bit better. In other words, if you have two or three pillows that have all passed the previous tests, these are the features to look for to narrow your choices down to just the perfect pillow.
Hypoallergenic properties
When it comes to allergies, the UK is among the most affected, with around 20% of the population having some type of reaction. So, for a lot of people, hypoallergenic bedding is going to be a must! Luckily, most good bedding is hypoallergenic by default.
However, if you suffer from allergies, you might want to take the extra step and look for anti-dust mite covers, an anti-bacterial cover layer, or at least a certification from Allergy UK.
Temperature regulation
While the filling and the cover control the breathability of the pillow, temperature regulation is a bit different. Most commonly seen with pillows that utilise a wool layer, temperature regulation describes the pillow's ability to keep your body at an optimal sleeping temperature.
In other words, its ability to be a cooling pillow during the summer and a nice, stuffy pillow during the winter. The target audience here is rather simple – anyone who tends to overheat during the summer or becomes half popsicle during the winter.
Adjustability
As we've briefly mentioned, adjustable pillows are the safest pick when searching for a new pillow. After all, you can't really get the loft or firmness rating wrong, as you can always adjust those features. Plus, adjustable pillows can be a game-changer for people that tend to switch their sleeping positions from night to night.
With that being said, they can also be a bit more expensive. But we'd say that's a small price to pay for not having neck pain anymore!
Orthopaedic pillows
Speaking of neck pain, you will also run into orthopaedic pillows. These are basically just pillows that were made to be as ergonomic as possible. They're usually made out of foam and are a bit firmer.
And, as you can imagine, they're an excellent choice for people who really struggle with neck pain.
Support pillows
While not directly related, we would like to point out that pillows can do a lot more than just sit under your head! In fact, knee pillows, V-shaped pillows, U-shaped pillows, and the rest of the alphabet-pillows can all be very useful.
And if you're pregnant or have serious back issues, a pregnancy pillow is also going to make falling asleep a lot easier. So, if you have serious body aches, don't be afraid to look into other pillow types as well.
Not to mention that certain body pillows can even be your main pillow for sleeping. So, if you've noticed that a regular pillow simply doesn't have enough support for you, try out some other options.
Sustainability
While having an eco-friendly pillow won't necessarily affect your comfort, it should still be considered. After all, if it costs noting to do so, why not keep things green?
You can look for eco-friendly fibres, recyclable fillings, sustainable delivery and practices, and so on. After all, we bet it's going to be a lot easier to fall asleep if you have a clean conscious!
Tips for buying and using the best pillows
Now that we've gone over our favourites and all the techical know-how of pillow-picking, let's break it all down into a few easy-to-remember tips!
Firstly, if you're going for a higher-end pillow, make sure it comes with a trial. Then, lie down in bed as you normally would and take a picture. Take a look at how your head is positioned and whether your spine is in a healthy, straight line.
Secondly, if the pillow isn't as breathable as you had hoped, try using a different pillowcase. Even higher-end pillows sometimes use a polyester pillowcase and that could be the cause of your night sweats.
Thirdly, use more than one pillow! Support and V-shaped pillows can keep you extra comfortable and ensure that your entire body is in an optimal position, not just your neck.
- Check to see whether your neck is in a healthy position at night
- Try using a different pillowcase
- Consider support pillows
The advantages of owning the best pillow
We wouldn't blame you for thinking that we've made a simple process sound complicated. And sure, you could just get the first pillow you see and hope for the best. However, we'd say this is a purchasing decision that warrants a bit more thought.
After all, getting the proper loft means no more neck pain first thing in the morning. Getting breathable covers means no more waking up with your face covered in sweat. And getting a comfortable pillow with adequate support means falling asleep more easily.
And at the end of the day, all of these benefits will make your sleep quality better, which in turn makes all aspects of life better! So, while it can be a bit tedious, we'd say that the pros heavily outnumber the cons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, picking out the ideal pillow can be trickier than one would think. You have to take into account the cover, the filling, your sleeping position and many other small factors. However, we hope that we've made it a bit easier to understand!
So, whether you're getting one of the pillows we've featured or you plan on finding the perfect pillow for yourself, let us know about your experience down in the comments!
FAQs about getting the best pillows
Finally, we thought we’d end things off by answering some of the most commonly asked questions about pillows. We firmly believe that sometimes, a simple answer to a simple question could be the difference between someone buying a product or not. Here are some FAQs about pillows we thought you might like to know the answer to!
How do I wash my pillow?
How you wash your pillow depends on the type of pillow. Your best bet would be to read the label and instructions for the particular pillow you own.
How often do I need to wash my pillow?
This also varies from type to type, but in general, you should wash your pillow at least two times per year. Ideally, you’d wash your pillow once every three months and the pillowcase ever more frequently than that.
What is the right size of pillow for me?
There is no perfect pillow size for everyone. You’ll need to choose your pillow’s size based on your sleeping position and other sleeping preferences.
What is the best type of pillow for me?
To choose the perfect pillow you first need to know which type suits your needs the best. Your needs and preferences range from sleeping position, head or neck issues and even allergies. Factor in all of those before you choose a pillow.
What is the best pillow material for people suffering from allergies?
There are several different hypoallergenic materials that are suitable for people suffering from allergies, but in general, a latex pillow is the safest, hypoallergenic option.
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