We Tested 48 Pillows and these are the Best for a Good Night's Sleep

With so many pillows on the market, it can be hard to decipher which designs will work for you. Here’s our expert guide to the different styles you can buy. Microfibre: These lightweight man-made styles, also known as synthetic or polyester pillows, tend to be the cheapest type. They come in a range of heights and firmness levels, making them suitable for all sleeping styles, and are usually hypoallergenic. However, they’re not very breathable and can retain moisture and heat, meaning you could wake up in a hot sweat. They’re also known to flatten quickly and have the shortest life span, with some lasting less than a year. Feather and down: This premium pillow type is unrivalled in the comfort stakes. To be classed as down, a pillow needs to be compiled of at least 70% down feathers, with the rest being made up of regular feathers. Down feathers are softer, retain heat better, and are not as sharp if they poke out of the pillow.

They're expensive as they’re naturally soft, mouldable, airy and long-lasting. They’re not the best choice for those who require height (side sleepers) and they’ll flatten over time, needing occasional fluffing to regain shape. They’re not typically suitable for those with allergies, but anti-allergy options do exist. Memory foam: Memory foam is like Marmite, so expect to love or hate it. It offers strong support by moulding to the shape of your neck and shoulders, making it a smart choice for anyone struggling with neck pain. These pillows are durable, long-lasting and easy to care for, but the height is rarely adjustable, meaning they’re best suited to either back or side sleeper relief sleepers. They can feel quite rigid, so are better for still sleepers than active ones. This limited airflow means they can get very hot, particularly in the summer. Wool: Eco-friendly and naturally hypoallergenic, wool pillows are a good choice for those who suffer from allergies as they keep dust mites at bay.

They help regulate your temperature, keeping you cosy in winter and cool in summer while absorbing any moisture in the process. Front sleepers benefit the most from this type of pillow, as they are normally firm and supportive without giving much height. They are heavy, though, Best Pillow for Neck Pain and they flatten quickly. They can also smell a little sheepy! Latex: They're firm, durable and supportive, making them helpful for neck ache, and they're naturally hypoallergenic too. Though much more breathable than memory foam, they are pricey, often heavy and can have a distinct smell when new. There are a few other factors to consider before investing in a pillow, ranging from allergies to cooling properties. It’s worth investing in one that meets as many of your requirements as possible. Adjustability: Some pillows feature fillings or layers that can be removed or added to adjust the thickness. Examples on our roundup include the Next Cluster Fill Memory Foam Pillow and Buy Derila Online the Simba Hybrid Pillow.

Hypoallergenic or anti-allergy: Most synthetic pillows are hypoallergenic, which means they’re unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, either from feathers or dust mites. If a pillow is described as anti-allergy, this usually means it has been treated with chemicals to help keep your sniffles at bay. Cooling: Some pillows are designed to regulate your temperature using a cooling gel or an innovative breathable liner. Anti-snore: These pillows are designed to support your head and neck better to help open up your airways and improve breathing. They can help reduce or even stop snoring. You should aim to wash or clean your pillows at least every six months (and your pillowcases every two months), according to our household advice editor. How you wash them depends on the type of filling - head to our handy guide to how often you should wash your pillows to get all the tips and tricks.