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. Down pillowstend to be the fluffiest, but a combination of down and feathers may be firmer and less expensive. Another issue I encountered with testing other down pillows is a strong, musty smell that lingers long after first use. That didn’t apply to this one. I also noted that there is no sign of the feathers or down poking out through the tightly-woven cover. Who it's best for: Eco-conscious shoppers that prefer to buy organic bedding or anyone that wants a latex pillow with more resiliency than foam. It’s easy to assume this is irrelevant as you’ll have a pillowcase covering it. But it’s worth noting that natural cover fabrics such as cotton have much more breathability than polyester and other man-made fibres, which can make for a far more comfortable night’s sleep if you’re prone to getting hot at night. How we test pillows

Down alternative pillowscan still feel soft and offer good support, but they're usually made with synthetic fill so they're more affordable than down. I liked sleeping on this pillow far more than I thought I would based on first appearances alone, as it is flat and – to be frank – a bit odd looking. It is 60cm in length, so slightly shorter than the standard 70cm, which means it looks a little sad and small in my pillowcase. However, I rapidly changed my tune when I lay down on it. It is supremely supportive and comfortable once you lie down, and the hypoallergenic bamboo pillow cover is very soft to the touch. Another appealing feature is the amount of choice you get when it comes to size and feel. It’s available in soft, soft/medium and medium/firm variants, as well as standard (50 x 75cm), superking (50 x 90cm) and square (65 x 65cm) sizes. You can find out more about the different kinds of pillows available in our pillow buying guide. What is the best bed pillow?If you have sensitive skin, this could be the pillow for you, as it is OEKO-TEX certified free from irritants and chemicals, and the soft, smooth bamboo cover is naturally antimicrobial. Consider any recent health changes. Physical shifts (like weight fluctuation, new aches and pains or other changes in your body as you age) affect the type of support you need, according to Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., a former environmental scholar at the National Sleep Foundation. If your previously-loved pillow is no longer feeling great, consider trying something new. While your weight, the width of of shoulders and any allergies (eg to feathers) will affect your choice, the most important factor is your sleeping position:

Front sleepers, also called stomach sleepers, best suit a medium-firm or firm pillow with a low loft to ensure the spine is kept in alignment. Memory foam or hybrid pillows can provide that kind of support. If you have a single or double bed, choose a standard-size pillow. If you have a king or super-king bed, you may want to consider a super-king pillow. Square pillows are typically used for decoration.

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verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Who it's best for: The Coop Home Goods pillow is suitable for all sleep positions thanks to its adjustable fill that lets you create your perfect height. It's also great for people who aren't sure what type of pillow to choose because it's a hybrid that combines foam and fiberfill. UK based Aeyla has developed quite a clever concept here: a pillow within a pillow. The main reason is that the plumpness actually lasts. The filling is a vegan down-alternative made from microfibre. It’s encased in a cooling cotton cover.

It also has a slimmer profile so it won’t feel too high, though we found that it does fit pillowcases a bit awkwardly. Still, it held up to our pressure tests and it comes in small, medium and large sizes to properly fit different body types. We also confirmed the outer cover is removable and can be machine washed. First up, it's synthetic fillings. These pillows are filled with manmade fibres, like polyester and polymide that are made from petroleum-based plastics. Where relevant, we also take into account other aspects including trial periods, washable covers and extra features – such as adjustable and ergonomic designs – all of which can play a part in our recommendations.Who it's best for: Anyone who's looking to spend as little as possible on their pillows without sacrificing performance. The down alternative fill is also great for allergy sufferers because it's easy to wash on a regular basis. It's available in two firmness levels to support all sleep positions. Take a look at special features based on your preferences. You can browse for innovative specifications that come with some pillows, like cooling pillows with temperature-regulating properties if you tend to overheat, or adjustability if you want to personalize firmness level and height. Just like Nectar’s A Whole Night Sleep pillow, the loft (or height) of the Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow can be adjusted by adding or removing one of its layers. The difference with Emma’s pillow is that it’s made from microfibre rather than memory foam. We found it much more “squishy” than most of its foam counterparts, so we’d argue it’s best suited to sleepers who prefer a softer pillow. So, what kind of pillows should you use? Our handy guide will give you all the information you need so that you buy the right type of pillow - and the right number of them. How many pillows should side sleepers use?