HUNTING for a new pillow? The options are endless these days, with each promising better sleep for different sleeping styles.

I’ve rounded up The Sun’s top pillow picks for 2025, covering everything from memory foam to cooling tech, side sleepers to back snoozers, and budget buys to luxury investments.

At this point in my life, quality sleep isn’t just nice to have—it’s absolutely essential.

Sleep science has come miles since 2023, and experts now confirm it’s even more crucial for overall wellness than we thought.

While mattresses often steal the spotlight (check out our best mattress round-up for our top recommendations), the right pillow can transform your sleep quality overnight.

Since testing dozens of pillows, I’ve become properly fussy about what cradles my head.

But does splashing more cash guarantee better sleep? Can budget options compete with premium pillows?

And as someone who tosses and turns all night, can one pillow really do the job?

How we tested

Testing pillows isn’t just a quick five-minute lie-down – I put each one through weeks of proper sleep testing.

I’m brutal when checking if those fancy marketing claims actually deliver.

Does that “perfect for side sleepers” pillow really support your spine? Is that “cooling tech” actually keeping your head from overheating?

I’ve tested options at all price points – from budget supermarket buys to luxury hotel-standard investments – to see if splashing more cash guarantees better kip.

Every material, support level and overall value was meticulously assessed during real sleep sessions.

My goal? Cut through the waffle and tell you exactly which pillows are worth your hard-earned cash in 2025.

Best pillows at a glance:

• Best overall – Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
• Best budget – Silentnight Copper-Infused Pillow
• Best for skin and hair – Opera Premium Lightweight Silk Pillow
• Best adjustable – Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow
• Best down alternative– Feather and Black Soft as Down
• Best for side sleepers – Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow
• Best for neck pain – Groove Pain Relief Pillow
• Best for pregnancy – Simba Body Pillow
• Best washable – Emma Premium Foam Pillow
• Best cooling – Simba Stratos Pillow

1. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow, £49.95

Pros: Incredibly supportive for all sleeping positions, temperature-regulating bamboo cover, substantially improves sleep quality

Cons: Higher price point than standard pillows, initial firmness might take 2-3 nights to adjust to

Rating: 5/5

I loved it so much I’ve not taken it off my bed!

I am not a pillow expert, but we all spend hours in the sack and know a good pillow when we try one – this pillow is incredibly comfortable, and I love it.

The Panda Hybrid Pillow is Orthopaedic grade, has bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam (not that I could tell what this would look like) and has been designed with sleep tech to regulate your body temperature while in the land of nod.

Spunky marketing lingo aside, since sleeping on this pillow, I haven’t woken up during the night feeling unsupported or uncomfortable.

Whether I am sleeping on my back, side or front, this pillow provides ample support.

It has made a considerable difference to the quality of my sleep, and I genuinely wake each morning feeling ready to start the day, having had good quality rest.

With the cute Panda logo embellishing the pillow and considerate and well-designed packaging – I really would say this is worth the cash.

Key specs: Orthopaedic-grade memory foam core, bamboo charcoal infusion, removable/washable bamboo cover, 10-year guarantee

2. Opera Premium Lightweight Silk Pillow

Lucy Gornall

Opera Beds Premium Lightweight Silk Pillow, £109

Pros: Thermo-regulating Mulberry silk prevents facial clamminess, gentle on skin and hair, luxurious silver piping finish 

Cons: Premium price point for a single pillow, requires special care to maintain quality

Rating: 5/5

If it’s luxury you’re after, then I’d recommend this one.

I love silk pillowcases; ever since I heard that they’re kinder to your facial skin and hair, I’ve enveloped my pillows in silk cases.

Yes, they undoubtedly cost more, but honestly, they do feel different when you’re sinking into a deep sleep. 

And, as someone who sweats in the night, I will do anything to ensure my facial skin doesn’t feel clammy. 

Opera Beds says this pillow is thermo-regulating and made with lightweight Mulberry silk.

Sensitive skin? This might be a good option as this pillow is naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-absorbent.

I like how my head sank into the pillow to the point where I was pretty flat against the bed, and my spine felt super-aligned.

This is important for posture and to avoid that awful pain you get after sleeping in a weird position.

The only thing that really stops this from being a full 10-out-of-10 product is that price. Plus, you only get one in a pack.

Key specs: 100% Mulberry silk filling, hypoallergenic, moisture-absorbent, enhanced spine alignment technology, washable protective case

3. Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Rose

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159

Pros: Incredible customisation with three removable layers, Stratos cooling tech, hotel-quality support for all sleep positions

Cons: Eye-watering price point, initial firmness takes adjustment time

Rating: 4.5/5

As a self-professed wriggler in my sleep: I didn’t realise how important a firm pillow is until I tried the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow.

Even though it has a hefty price tag, I genuinely couldn’t fault it.

Admittedly, I didn’t know I was a firm pillow fan – which now explains my previous need to have 3 or 4 crappy pillows on top of each other to feel supported. 

Testing it for a week, I was sceptical about only using a single pillow, but a night in, I was converted.

Firm yet adjustable, its three removable layers allowed me to customise the height and firmness of the pillow – I chose to keep it packed with Simba’s sleep tech, which felt perfect to me.

The Stratos cool-touch layer is beyond luxurious to sleep on, and the Aerocoil micro-springs provided delicious support – whether I was on my back, side, or stomach.

It has definitely replaced my usual ‘princess-and-the-pea’ setup of multiple subpar pillows.

Admittedly, the £159 price tag is eye-watering, but if my girl’s math is correct, it works out at just 29p a night for a year – which feels more justifiable.

Plus, the pillow’s sustainable packaging and luxurious storage bag are nice touches, and the novelty was not lost on me.

While I docked half a point for the cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious sleep improvement.

If you can afford it, I’d struggle to find fault in this Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, but are all Simba pillows worth the investment?

Read my in-depth Simba Hybrid Pillow review

Key specs: Three customisable inner pillows, Stratos cooling technology, Aerocoil micro-springs, sustainable packaging, luxury storage bag

4. Feather and Black Soft as Down

Lucy Gornall

Feather and Black Soft as Down Deluxe Pillow Pair, £65

Pros: Premium down-like comfort without actual feathers, excellent value sold as a pair, cotton cover adds luxury feel

Cons: May need occasional plumping to maintain shape, slightly warmer than natural down

Rating: 4.5/5

Want down but without the down? Well, this Feather and Black offering could be the one for you.

And as I lay my head on the pillow, it literally melted into the fake down filling, which really does feel like the real thing.

This pillow is filled with synthetic fillings that feel like natural fillings, so it’s great for allergy sufferers who might not cope well with animal-based pillow fillings.

Feather and Black says that the super-soft microfibre fillings are ‘wonderfully cushioning, with a medium comfort grade to ensure your neck and shoulders are well-supported’. 

Yes, they are cushioned wonderfully. They feel quite luxurious, a bit like hotel-style pillows. 

Oh, and another bonus is that the cover is a pure cotton 233 thread count cover. 

I love the fact that these pillows come as a pair; it just makes more sense, and it seems cheaper too. 

Key specs: 233 thread count pure cotton cover, hypoallergenic microfibre filling, medium comfort grade, machine washable

5. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow

Lisa Burn

Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow, £89.95

Pros: Large yet supportive, cooling bamboo technology, removable and washable cover

Cons: Premium price point, takes a week or two to fully adjust from standard pillows

Rating: 4.5/5

I love that this pillow seems so big – lots of space for moving around in my sleep – yet it’s the same size as my other pillows.

It’s soft to the touch and cool on my face, which has been lovely during the recent warm spell.

It’s made from a bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam core and a quilted hypoallergenic bamboo cover, which is removable for washing.

The foam is not solid but incorporates holes to help dissipate the heat that builds up while you sleep and, together with the mesh sections of the bamboo cover, help the air to circulate.

Whenever I’ve used memory foam pillows in the past, I’ve found them too hard and too high.

This one is more structured than my regular pillows, but it’s not so high it makes my neck ache.

It’s also soft – in a memory foam kind of way – and is comfortable whether I’m sleeping on my side or my back.  

However, I would say it does take a bit of getting used to if, like me, you’re used to squishy, synthetic pillows bought from the local supermarket.

It took a good one to two weeks for me to get used to it, and even now, at times, I still swap it out during the night for a flatter alternative.

It’s good to know, though, that while I’m sleeping on it, my spine and neck are in alignment and properly supported.

I think it’s because of that – and because of the Panda mattress I’ve been testing – that I’ve suffered from fewer aches and pains on getting up in the morning recently.

This pillow is pricey, but at the same time, it comes with a 10-year guarantee.

I have no doubt it will last ages, and when I think about how much money I’ve spent on cheap pillows over the years, I don’t think it works out to be that costly.

Key specs: Orthopaedic-grade bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam core, quilted hypoallergenic bamboo cover, breathable mesh sections, 10-year guarantee

6. Groove Pain Relief Pillow

lucy gornall

Groove Pain Relief Pillow, £29.95

Pros: Ergonomic head groove ensures perfect spinal alignment, raised sides with shoulder grooves eliminate neck pain, 100-night risk-free trial period

Cons: Unusual shape looks out of place among regular pillows, takes several nights to fully adjust to the different feel

Rating: 4.5/5

The Groove memory foam pillow came rolled up in a plastic wrapper inside a small box, which I liked as there was minimal packaging.

Upon opening the pillow, I didn’t really understand what the hype was; it just looked like a rectangular, memory foam pillow. 

But then I lay down on it and… oh wow.

Firstly I lay on my back. The special groove for the head meant that my neck, head and spine were totally aligned.

It actually felt really comfortable straight away. I also tried lying on my side.

For side sleepers, the slightly raised sides of the pillow have small grooves underneath for shoulders, again meaning that the entire spine is aligned.

Groove says that not only does this pillow help with posture, thanks to the well-placed ergonomic dips, but it also helps to reduce headaches and shoulder pain by properly supporting your spine.

Groove Pillow also does a 100-night free trial, so if it doesn’t work for you, simply return it and get your money back. 

I’m a big fan of this. However, my only bugbear is that it doesn’t look like other pillows…so when it’s sitting on my bed, it does look out of place.

But I guess I would rather have a good night’s sleep and a pain-free back than a bed of perfectly proportioned pillows.

This pillow is also well-priced, I reckon, considering how good it is.

Key specs: Memory foam construction, specialized head groove, ergonomic shoulder dips, 100-night trial, minimal packaging

READ MORE:

• Best mattress
• Best mattress for back pain
• Simba Hybrid Pillow review
• Simber slippers review

7. Simba Body Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

Simba Body Pillow, £109

Pros: Cooling technology, perfect support for pregnancy and side sleepers, premium quality that holds its shape

Cons: Takes up significant bed space for couples, premium price point compared to standard pillows

Rating: 4.5/5

I’ve been a Simba fan for a while, ever since I invested in one of their memory foam mattresses and realised what true comfort was. 

This long, slightly curved body pillow is often seen on the bed of pregnant women who need extra support; however, side sleepers can also benefit from this.

Simba says this pillow has been designed to provide ‘comfortable hip and spinal alignment’, as well as offering great back support if you sit up in bed. 

It’s also got a removable, washable cover which contains Stratos cool-touch technology, AKA tech that stops you from overheating.

In fact, I could definitely feel the cool touch on one side of this pillow. 

And the down-like clusters within the pillow of Simba Renew Bio fibres are breathable and so cushioned. 

Simba says that to use this pillow, it’s best to hug it with your arms and arrange your legs around the bottom with one leg on top, knee slightly bent, and the other underneath and a little straighter.

I got into position and really felt full support from this pillow.

It’s super soft to hold and very comfortable. The only real problem with one of these pillows is where to store it!

Key specs: Stratos cooling technology, Renew Bio fibre filling, ergonomic curved design, removable, washable cover, targeted hip and spine alignment

8. Silentnight Copper Infused Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Rose

Silentnight Copper Infused Pillow, £24

Pros: Antibacterial copper technology, excellent value for money, machine-washable with a 2-year guarantee

Cons: Too soft for those needing firm support, might flatten faster than premium options

Rating: 4/5

I didn’t try this pillow long enough to honestly comment on its positive health benefits advertised, but overall, it was a lovely pillow to sleep on, and I really liked the novelty of it.

Copper-infused pillows are new territory for me, but apparently, the copper is naturally anti-bacterial and can help prevent skin breakouts.

I no longer suffer in this department, but it did feel breathable and luxurious to sleep on.

Features I really like about this pillow are it is UK-made, it is completely machine washable, and if you’re not happy with it, Silentnight offers a 2-year manufacturer’s peace of mind guarantee.

Silentnight delivers affordable price points, overall comfort and an extensive product line to cater for a wide range of sleepers, and I would recommend this pillow for those reasons alone.

Key specs: UK-made, copper-infused antibacterial fabric, hypoallergenic filling, machine washable, 2-year manufacturer guarantee

9. Emma Premium Foam Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

Emma Premium Foam Pillow, £75

Pros: Fully customizable with three adjustable layers, enhanced cooling technology for hot nights, completely washable for freshness 

Cons: Premium price point, firmer feel takes adjustment if you’re used to fluffy pillows 

Rating: 4/5

So, the original price of this pillow is actually eye-watering.

But, in the sale, I guess it’s just about acceptable – but of course it depends on your budget. 

(Plus, my dad always used to tell me that it’s best to spend good money on your shoes and your bed: you’re always in one or the other.)

Anyway, this pillow certainly lives up to its premium name as it’s temperature-regulating, filled with removable layers, and stays fresh and clean.

The removable layers essentially mean you can adjust the pillow to suit you. 

I won’t lie, I did love this pillow.

Emma says that it’s best to keep all three of the layers for side sleepers, two to three layers for back sleepers, and just one layer for stomach sleepers.

A word on the layers: there’s a foam layer that regulates temperature.

I’d say this was great for women who are struggling with menopausal or general hormonal night sweats.

There’s a layer that gives extra support thanks to HRX (high Resiliency Extra) Foam.

Then there’s the softest foam later, which Emma says is ‘comfortable and breathable’. These layers were easy to remove and replace. 

I like that the knitted white fabric of the pillow is nice and breathable. There’s nothing worse than a hot, sweaty sleep. 

There’s also some serious memory foam action here – I felt so supported on my side with all three of the layers.

Because of the memory foam ,though, you may find this pillow a little harder than others, so whether you enjoy the pillow or not is really down to personal preference. 

Key specs: Three removable foam layers, moisture-resistant cover, targeted temperature regulation, hypoallergenic materials

10. Simba Stratos Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

Simba Stratos Pillow, £60

Pros: Award-winning cooling technology, cloud-like comfort with premium down-like feel, completely hypoallergenic

Cons: Requires regular re-plumping to maintain support, not firm enough for dedicated side sleepers

Rating: 4/5

Simba’s Stratos pillow does feel like a premium pillow and definitely could pass for one made from down.

This pillow is stuffed with Simba’s Renew Bio filling, a fancy-named breathable fibre that helps regulate your body temperature while you’re sleeping.

It’s also anti-allergenic, which could be a good choice for those who suffer from allergies caused by fillings of animal origin.

Admittedly, I don’t suffer from any allergies, but after sleeping on this pillow for a week, I can vouch that you wake feeling fresh, and it’s like sleeping on a cloud.

I also liked that, despite its fabrication, it doesn’t smell plasticky either.

I believe that in the long term, I will need to add another pillow, as this one doesn’t offer a tremendous amount of support.

As a side sleeper, I found myself actively re-plumping to give me a good height – something important to consider.

A novelty that isn’t lost on me – the Simba Stratos Pillow features a convenient removable cover that can be washed after extended periods of use.

It’s a nice pillow, but would I pay £60 for it? Probably not, because there are some great, cheaper alternatives included in this article.

Key specs: Renew Bio temperature-regulating filling, hypoallergenic materials, removable washable cover, Stratos cooling technology

11. Origin Coolmax Pillow

Kieran Ahuja

Origin Coolmax Pillow, £89

Pros: Genuinely impressive cooling technology for hot sleepers, substantial size gives plenty of head space, removable washable cover

Cons: Too firm for dedicated side sleepers, challenging to fit into standard pillowcases

Rating: 4/5

This pillow is a proper unit. It arrives compact in its box, but once unravelled, you realize you’re getting serious bang for your buck size-wise.

The cooling tech isn’t just marketing waffle—it actually delivers.

While not cool to the touch initially, the latex-gel combo keeps your head from overheating all night long, which is brilliant if you’re prone to getting stuffy during sleep.

Back sleepers will find this a dream, with that supportive latex providing perfect spinal alignment.

Side sleepers beware though—after testing it for several nights, I often woke with a stiff neck when sleeping on my side.

Unlike memory foam that you sink into, your head sits more on top of this pillow.

It’s noticeably firmer than my previous Simba pillow, but that firmness is exactly what makes it so supportive for back sleepers wanting proper alignment.

Read our full Origin Coolmax Pillow review

Key specs: Latex foam construction with cooling gel infusion, breathable design, removable Tencel fabric cover, geometric stitched pattern

12. Tielle Savoy Duck Feather and Down Pillow

Lucy Gornall

Tielle The original Standard, £64

Pros: Genuine luxury hotel experience at home, perfect balance of softness and support, premium dust-mite proof cover

Cons: Sold individually rather than pairs, premium price point for a single pillow

Rating: 4/5

Hotel pillows rock. So, for a taste of hotel life at home, you need to get your hands on this pillow, which is made with a blend of 70% duck feather and 30% duck down. These pillows are used by some of the most luxurious hotels, including Claridge’s and The Pig Hotels.

I was warned that as this is a natural product, it may have a slight odour, so 48 hours of airing was recommended. I didn’t notice an odour, however. What I did notice was how crisp and clean these felt; yes, I can definitely sense that hotel vibe from these pillows. 

I appreciate the fact that the cover is Dust Mite Proof with a 230-thread count; it really does feel luxurious. 

The pillows come in white cotton tie bags (again, useful bags for storage!), and the pillows themselves are just the right level of firmness. You can’t really feel the feathers inside, which is great, and the cover is super soft. 

The only pitfall is that, yet again, they’re sold individually, so expect to pay double for a pair. 

Key specs: 70% duck feather/30% duck down filling, dust-mite proof 230 thread count cotton cover, hotel-grade construction, premium cotton storage bag

13. Floks Wool Pillow

Lucy Gornall

Floks Wool Pillow, £65

Pros: Pure British wool delivers temperature regulation, completely sustainable materials and UK manufacturing, comes with multi-purpose canvas storage bag

Cons: Premium price for a single pillow, requires occasional airing to maintain freshness

Rating: 4/5

I opted for the regular size of this pillow in soft. FYI: There’s a choice of soft or medium. 

It’s hypoallergenic (ideal for individuals with asthma and allergies) and temperature-regulating (great for hot sleepers), according to Floks.

Plus, it’s crafted from soft British wool and organic cotton and is designed, manufactured, and finished in the UK. This means not only is it comfortable, but it’s also 100% sustainable.

The pillow is super-soft, and when I lay down, my head slowly sunk. It’s pretty blissful, to be honest, plus the pillow is nice and cooling. However, for £60, I should hope it’s incredibly comfy! 

The bag that this pillow comes in is one of the highlights of the overall product; it’s a vast, canvas-style bag with a pull cord and adjustable straps. It’s such a handy bag for storing this and that – I am super impressed. 

Key specs: British wool filling, organic cotton cover, hypoallergenic properties, temperature-regulating technology, choice of soft/medium firmness

14. Terry’s Simply Sleep Anti-Allergy Microfibre Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

Terry’s Simply Sleep Anti-Allergy Microfibre Pillow, £89.95

Pros: Premium down-like feel without causing allergies, clever antibacterial technology, comes in a practical storage bag

Cons: Eye-watering price for just one pillow, needs occasional fluffing to maintain loft

Rating: 4/5

Another ‘just like down’ pillow that mimics a down filling and, in my opinion, does a great job at it. Although I should hope so as the price of this single pillow made my eyes water slightly. 

Anyway, the fake down means that allergy sufferers can sleep peacefully but also have the same level of comfort as those sleeping on a real down pillow. 

Terry’s says that the filling fibres have also been coated with an antibacterial coating, making this even more comfortable for those with allergies. 

As I lay my head on this pillow, I really did feel like I could fall asleep. Honestly, it is incredibly soft; my head sunk, but my head and neck also felt supported.

I got that feeling you get after a long day at work, where you melt into bed and just drift off into a deep slumber.

This pillow maintains its high-quality feel with a 233-thread count and a piped case, which Terry’s rightly describes as ‘ultimate elegance’.

Key specs: Anti-allergy microfibre filling, antibacterial coating, 233 thread count cotton cover, elegant piped edging, zip storage bag

15. Terry’s Classic Duck Feather Pillows

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

Terry’s Classic Duck Feather pillows, £119.95

Pros: Premium pair packaging, perfectly balanced height prevents neck strain, luxuriously soft with proper hotel-quality feel

Cons: Pricey, feathers occasionally noticeable through pillowcase

Rating: 4/5

OK, so if you want some real fancy-pants pillows, then these duck feather-filled pillows might be your best bet. 

These come as a pair, which is something I really rate, especially for the cost. I’d be pretty peeved to pay this much for one pillow!

They also come in a lovely zippered bag, which is helpful for storage.

I noticed straight away that the pillows themselves are very soft, and my head really did sink down into them.

They’re also not too ‘big’, so my head wasn’t raised too high off the mattress when I lay down.

I find that having my head too lifted can lead to neck pain.

Plus, these pillows aren’t too firm, which I appreciate, and they have just the right amount of plumpness.

However, in saying this, I think I prefer pillows filled with down, as you can feel the feathers inside, which can be a little off-putting.

However, I am incredibly sensitive to everything, so this might just be my perception. 

This pillow set also features a high 233-thread count, providing a touch of bedtime luxury. 

Key specs: Duck feather filling, 233 thread count cotton cover, medium-soft firmness, storage bag included, sold as a pair

16. George Duck Feather Pillows

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

George Home Luxury Duck Feather Pillow 2-Pack, £25

Pros: Genuine duck feather comfort at a bargain price, come as a pair for brilliant value, smooth cotton covers feel premium

Cons: Too flat for those wanting height, not suitable for allergy sufferers

Rating: 3.5/5

OK, now we’re talking. These George Home pillows offer affordable luxury with their duck feather filling and super-soft cotton covers. 

My head sank into these, and I truly felt comfortable and at ease. 

I love the fact that these aren’t overly thick – I like flatter pillows, and these George Duck feather pillows are flatter than many of the others I have tried.

Although you can feel the duck feathers inside, it’s not too bad, and with a pillow cover on, so you’d never know about the feathers. George says these are made for back sleepers, which may explain why I was so comfortable resting on them as a side sleeper myself. 

Plus, there is no arguing that the price of these pillows is brilliant, especially when you get a two-pack. This might just prove that you don’t need to spend a total fortune on duck feather-filled pillows.

Key specs: Duck feather filling, soft cotton covers, medium-flat profile, sold as a pair, designed for back sleepers

17. Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow, £45

Pros: Competitively priced for the technology, impressive storage bag included, potentially great for those who need extreme firmness

Cons: Far too rigid for comfortable sleep, causes neck discomfort for most sleeping positions

Rating: 3/5

Look, don’t shoot the messenger, but I didn’t enjoy sleeping on this pillow.

Having discovered that I am a firm pillow girl, I was looking forward to trying this pillow – especially since the price point was more in line with the amount of money I would ordinarily spend on a pillow.

But I lasted one night on it.

The Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow is advertised as ideal for back and side sleepers due to its reactive Geltex inner lining; however, it feels too rigid.

It’s difficult to say, but this issue may ease with extended use. However, I wasn’t willing to commit to that because it disrupted my much-needed sleep.

After waking in the middle of the night in discomfort – which is something I hadn’t experienced with the other pillows tested – I slung this one onto the floor and went back to sleep.

Silentnight is a great brand – and I was disappointed not to like this pillow.

I had high hopes because unzipping its storage bag (a touch not lost on me) and giving the pillow a quick try before popping it in a pillowcase all got my seal of approval.

However, the proof is in the pudding, and as a mover and groover in my sleep, this didn’t offer me the comfort I would want.

However, its firmness could be considered supportive, which may be beneficial if you are looking for something firmer.

If you’re not a sleep wriggler and love firm pillows at a fair price point, don’t write off considering this option, as it could be the perfect pillow for you.

Key specs: Reactive Geltex inner layer, cooling technology, designed for back and side sleepers, storage bag included

How to pick the best pillow for you

“From cotton to latex, pillows can be made of various materials. However, some of the best known are probably down, feather, microfibre and memory foam,” says Theresa Schnorbach, an expert at Emma.

“Down pillows are filled with the soft fibres close to the skin of birds such as geese, ducks or swans.

“Similarly, feather pillows use feathers from the wings and backs of ducks and geese as filling.”

Theresa adds that, due to their animal origin, these types of pillows may not be suitable for everyone.

“Vegans, for example, may prefer another choice, and for some, these types of pillows could potentially cause allergic reactions.”

“There are synthetic alternatives to down, such as microfibre pillows, which offer the same level of comfort but can also be machine-washable.

“Memory foam is another popular choice thanks to its cushiony support.”

We recommend doing your research before buying and advise against purchasing a product solely because it is on offer.

It’s important to consider how you sleep, your budget and what the pillow is made from.

What is the best pillow for side sleepers?

“This position is at risk of spine misalignment and pain without the right support,” says Theresa Schnorback, sleep expert at Emma.

She recommends a pillow made from firm material to prevent sinking into it. 

“You need a firm and tall pillow, as thick as the distance between your shoulder and ear, so that your head, neck and spine are all held in the proper alignment.”

What is the best pillow for front sleepers?

Rarely sleeping on my front, this was news to me, but front sleepers may not even need a pillow, says Theresa Schnorbach, the sleep expert for sleep brand Emma.

“Anything too high will cause neck straining and extra pressure on the lower back and abdomen.”

She recommends a very soft pillow—or try placing a pillow under the stomach and pelvis instead of under your head.

What is the best pillow for back sleepers?

Theresa, Emma’s Sleep Expert, reveals: “Back sleepers need a pillow of medium height and softness.”

She goes on to suggest that back sleepers could benefit from memory foam pillows.

A great choice because the material conforms to the pressure of your neck and shoulders.

Memory foam is great for supporting your neck and shoulders so you don’t wake up with tight or knotted shoulders. Lovely jubbly!

How should you wash pillows?

Keeping your pillows clean is essential for maintaining a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment.

Why not consider choosing a brand that offers pillows with removable, washable covers or clearly states that their products are designed to be washed?

Keeping your pillows fresh does prolong their lifespan, which is a plus if you’re forking out for a premium one.

I would recommend visiting each manufacturer’s product FAQs to find the best washing instructions for your pillow.

Not all pillows are designed the same, and each brand has its unique guidelines.

How often should you replace pillows?

Online advice suggests looking out for physical signs such as discolouration, odour, rips and limp stuffing.

Another consideration is whether you wake feeling unsupported and uncomfortable.

“Your pillow helps to align your spine as you sleep, which is why a bad one can cause neck pain and tightness elsewhere in the body,” explains Theresa.

If your current pillow isn’t helping you drift off into the land of nod for a full 8 hours, then it’s probably time to buy a new pillow.