15 best pillows for every sleep style and support level
The average person spends 26-years of their lives in bed — so why are so many of us still slumming it with sub-par pillows? If it feels like there’s nothing but air between your head and the mattress, then this guide on the best pillows on the market should elevate your next night’s sleep.
The best pillows are comfortable, supportive, and have the ability to improve the quality of your kip tenfold. But with so many different styles on the market, picking the perfect pillow can understandably feel like quite a daunting task.
So, to help you out, we’ve covered all the bases in this selection. Whether you’re after something that’s cooling, suitable for side sleepers or suitable for tackling neck pain, you’re bound to find the right pillow in this list for you. Happy snoozing.
Meet the experts:
- James Higgins, Sleep Expert & CEO of Ethical Bedding.
Which materials are pillows typically made from? | How often should you change your pillows? | What is the best pillow for my sleep position? | How we tested | Our full reviews.
Best pillows at a glance:
- Best Pillow for Side Sleepers: The Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159, Simba
- Best Hypoallergenic Pillow: Emma Microfibre Pillow, £70, Emma
- Best Adjustable Pillow: The FOAMO Pillow, £89, Aeyla
- Best Budget Pillow: Dorma Full Forever Medium Support Pillow Pair, £18, Dunelm
- Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: Aotoze Thin pillow For Adults, £41.99, Amazon
Which materials are pillows typically made from?
Pillows can be made from loads of different materials — but these are a few of the most common:
- Cotton pillows are the most basic, affordable and popular choice. They’re not the most durable, and can flatten out quite quickly in comparison to other pillow types — but they’re still pretty comfy, and work well in a spare room or for use on your sofa bed.
- Feather pillows are far more luxurious than cotton ones, and typically feel really squashy, plush, and expensive. If you're wondering what pillows hotels use, this is probably your answer. The most high-end ones are typically made with a mix of goose or duck feathers, as well as down feathers — which come from the fluffiest layer on the underneath of a bird’s coat. Their downside? You have to plump your pillows everyday to help them keep their shape, and they’re definitely not the vegan or sustainable option.
- Wool pillows are resistant to dust mites and bacteria, and naturally hypoallergenic. They’re temperature-regulating — so will keep you cool in the summer months — and are also completely biodegradable.
- Bamboo is also a naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial material, and it makes great, moisture-wicking pillows.
- Memory foam pillows are typically the best pillows for neck pain, because they're supportive and firm. With their foam filling, they're designed to mould to the shape of your head — but, they’re also unfortunately a little too firm for some people, and also aren’t massively breathable.
- Microfibre is the latest addition to the pillow world, and combines many of the benefits of all the other materials. Soft, fluffy, and able to keep you cool throughout the night, they’re typically the most expensive kind of pillow.
How often should you change your pillows?
The short answer: far more frequently than you probably do. Sleeping on an old pillow that’s lost its form and shape can really put unnecessary strain on your neck and back.
But how regularly will you need to hit the shops? "Pillows should generally be replaced every 1 to 2 years, depending on several factors such as the type of pillow, its quality, and your personal preferences,” answers James Higgins, Sleep Expert & CEO of Ethical Bedding.
What is the best pillow for my sleep position?
It’s really important that you take your preferred sleep position into consideration when picking a pillow, as this will help you determine just how much height and support you’ll need.
According to James, if you’re a side sleeper, then keeping your neck in-line with the rest of your body has to be your pillow’s main objective. “Side sleepers will need firm pillows with loft to maintain spinal alignment, so options like memory foam, latex, or shredded memory foam will work well,” he adds.
“Back sleepers will benefit most from medium to medium-firm pillows that support the neck’s natural curve and spinal alignment,” he explains. “So they will generally be best suited to bamboo, memory foam, latex, or contoured pillows.”
But what about the special few who like to sleep straight on their stomachs? Making up just 7-10% of the UK population, James says that front sleepers should apparently avoid excessive loft at all cost. “Those who sleep on their stomachs require thin, soft pillows to prevent neck strain. Down or low-loft memory foam pillows will likely be best,” he adds.
How we tested:
To pull together this selection of the best pillows you can buy in 2023, we’ve taken into account customer reviews, search data, and the types of materials used for each product.
We've rifled through the good and bad comments, so you don't have to, not to mention we - as a team of fashion, interiors and beauty experts - happen to know a thing or two about which brands have earned their respective places as the best in the business.
Plus, with a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, it should come as no surprise that we’ve tried our fair share of pillows — from anti-allergy buys, to luxurious goose down options.
Our aim is to find you pieces which will last and, should anything about a product signal that that's not the case, you'll be the first to know.
After more sleep content? Shop the best mattresses for back pain, the best mattress topper, best cooling pillow, the best silk pillowcases and the best duvet.
Ahead, our reviews of the best pillows to buy in 2023:
Hybrid® Firm Pillow
Best pillow for side sleepers
Specifications:
- Type: Memory foam + Aerocoil springs.
- Support level: Adjustable to your liking.
- Cover material: Cotton with body temperature-regulating Stratos technology.
- Machine washable? Yes.
- Sleep trial period? No, Simba's sleep trial doesn't apply to the brand's pillows.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
Side sleepers, assemble! This is a really good pillow: a high-quality, firmer take on the classic original Simba Hybrid Pillow and the perfect choice for side sleepers. Inside the pillow cover, you’ll find two super-soft Simba Renew cushions, a breathable mesh layer that ensures proper air circulation, and — most importantly — A Hybrid layer of Simba Pure® foam and tiny, titanium Aerocoil® springs that are designed to keep your head and neck perfectly supported. The most adjustable pillow that Simba have launched to date, it can also be configured in five different ways to become a firmer pillow.
Pros: It’s got the classic temperature-regulating 100% cotton cover that Simba are famous for, so is super breathable.
Cons: If you’re a side sleeper who still likes quite a bit of softness, this pillow might feel a little too firm. And let’s face it — it’s also crazy expensive!
Customers are saying: It has seemed to completely eliminate back and shoulder pain for many customers.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Save money on pillows with great airflow with these Simba Sleep discount codes.
Emma Microfibre Pillow
Best hypoallergenic pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Microfibre.
- Support level: Adjustable support and shape pillow - taller for side sleepers, shorter for stomach sleepers etc.
- Cover material: 100% cotton.
- Machine washable? Yes.
- Sleep trial? Yes — 30 nights.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
With a double inner layer that you can easily add to, this Emma pillow is fully adjustable, and therefore perfect for families and couples with different sleeping preferences. If you’re all about a bit of bounce, then this pillow is ideal, as it’s filled with special fibres that look like little 3D spirals, and ensure that the pillow bounces back into shape the second that any weight is removed.
Pros: Compared to the Emma Original pillow, this one is 100% washable — as opposed to just the cover on the previous model.
Cons: While it may cocoon your head for sleep apnoea sufferers, it can be a tad much for non-snorers.
Customers are saying: “Amazing” results, comfortable and even helps to improve their neck pain.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
The FOAMO Pillow
Best adjustable pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Memory foam and microfibre.
- Support level: Adjustable.
- Cover material: Bamboo viscose.
- Suitable for the washing machine? Only the cover.
- Sleep trial? Yes — 30 nights.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
This is one of the very few fully adjustable pillows currently on the market, and is filled with shredded memory foam that you can stuff and unstuff as you please. The shredded memory foam is gel-infused — so it’s designed to mould to the shape of your head and neck, soothe pressure point pain, and keep you cool throughout the night. Plus, the bamboo viscose outer-shell also helps circulate airflow! Oh, and it’s also hypoallergenic, and repels common household allergens. I mean, is there anything it doesn’t do?
Pros: There’s currently a great deal on, so buying a pair of pillows is only £99. It’s a massive saving!
Cons: They only come in a standard size, so might look a little small on King or Super King beds.
Customers are saying: Customers can’t seem to get over the great customer service, and how quickly Aeyla delivers. And the pillows have saved lots of sore necks!GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
2pk Duck Feather & Down Medium Pillows
Best down pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Feather and down.
- Support level: Your choice of a medium or firm pillow set.
- Cover material: 100% cotton.
- Suitable for the washing machine? Yes.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? No.
When it comes to softness, it’s tricky to beat duck feathers and down. This pair of pillows feel extra luxurious with their filling of 85% new white duck feather, and come in both medium and firm support options. Plus, if you’re worried about ethics, then you’ll be pleased to know that M&S ensure that all the feather and down in their clothing is either recycled, or certified to recognised animal welfare standards.
Pros: It’s got a breathable cotton case, and is also machine washable and suitable for the tumble dryer.
Cons: Cushioning is slightly lighter than traditional medium pillows — though feather pillows do tend to fluff back to a more plump structure relatively easily.
Customers are saying: Comfy, looks great and both feel very expensive.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Save when you shop for the best pillows with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
Dorma Full Forever Medium Support Pillow Pair
Best budget pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Synthetic polyester.
- Support level: Medium.
- Cover material: 100% cotton.
- Suitable for the washing machine? Yes.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Even better - non-allergenic.
After the best budget pillows? You can't go wrong with these Dorma full-forever pillows that don't go flat thanks to their luxurious spiral fibre polyester filling. For added luxury, the cover is made from 100% cotton with a 223 thread count — so it’s super soft to the touch — and the piped edges have been double stitched to ensure maximum durability. Basically, they’re so plump and bouncy that if they brought out a collagen skincare range, we’d be the first in line to shop. Seriously!
Pros: You get two pillows in a pack, so they’re great value for money.
Cons: No guarantee, though you can return them if you don't like them.
Customers are saying: Very bouncy and soften nicely with frequent use.GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Save when you shop for the best pillows with these Dunelm discount codes.
Technogel Pixel Deluxe Regular Profile Gel Support Pillow, Medium/Firm
Best gel support pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Memory foam and non-toxic gel.
- Support level: Medium/firm.
- Cover material: 98% polyester, 2% Polyamide.
- Suitable for the washing machine? Outer cover only.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
Designed with back and side sleepers in mind, this pillow has been ergonomically built to keep your head, neck, and spine aligned at all times. It provides medium-firm support, and reacts to your exact movements — so it won't slip out from underneath you while you snooze, and is therefore great if you’re prone to wriggle about a bit.
Although it’s undeniably expensive, it’s worth noting that the unique gel formula has been designed to withstand years of daily use. But perhaps its biggest selling point is the patent-pending air-tunnel design that makes this pillow rival even the very best breathable ones on the market. It comes with a soft and snuggly cover that’s perfect for the winter months, but when the temperature amps up, it’s well worth taking it off so you can reap maximum benefit from the innovative gel cubes.
Pros: Technogel® is the only polyurethane gel made without plasticiser oils that’s currently on the market — so it’s virtually odourless, and completely non-toxic.
Cons: We genuinely can’t fault it!
Customers are saying: Helps with neck tension and keeps you cool and comfortable.
GLAMOUR star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Save money on the best cooling gel pillows with these John Lewis & Partners discount codes.
WOOLROOM Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow
Best wool pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Wool.
- Support level: Adjustable - just rearrange the wool fibres to your liking.
- Cover material: Organic cotton.
- Machine washable? Yes, on a wool cycle.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
These pillows of medium-hard firmness are made of wool: a surprisingly good middle ground between soft down pillows, and slightly firmer microfibre pillows. Easy to customise, you can adjust how firm and dense they are by reaching inside and tearing apart the wool fibres with your hands — but they're also soft and supportive. Super easy to care for, you can even chuck the whole thing in the washing machine.
Pros: Rumour has it, this is the only pillow to hold the Allergy UK Seal of Approval.
Cons: Does have a faint odour to begin with.Customers are saying: As comfortable as feather pillows, and helps with overheating.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Save money on hypoallergenic pillows with these Amazon discount codes.
Kally Sleep Anti Snore Medium Pillow
Best pillow for sleep apnoea
Specifications:
- Type: Hybrid polyester/hollowfibre + foam.
- Support level: Medium.
- Cover material: Polycotton.
- Machine washable? No, hand wash only.
- Sleep trial? Yes — 14-nights via Kally Sleep.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
With an internal S-shaped core that helps elevate the head and neck, and open up the airways, the Anti-Snore pillow from Kally has been proven to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnoea by 60%, according to the Sleep Apnoea Assocation. With anti-allergy fibres and a soft breathable cover, it really does put your respiration first, and could be a worthwhile gift for your partner if you’re prone to snoring.
Pros: It’s a suitable solution for snorers who sleep on their back or side.
Cons: It does require hand washing, but for such an affordable price, we can't really complain.
Customers are saying: It may not stop snoring altogether, but most reviews claim it certainly made a difference.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.25/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️
The Fine Bedding Company Breathe Pillow
Best pillow for hot sleepers
Specifications:
- Type: Microfibre.
- Support level: Soft/medium.
- Cover material: 100% sustainably sourced cotton.
- Machine washable? Yes.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
Soft, squishy and with free delivery via. Amazon, this pillow is the perfect choice if you’re after a hotel-worthy feel at a relatively reasonable price. The filling is made from a blend of recycled microfibre and a breathable material called modal, which is derived from natural wood pulp, and helps to wick moisture away from the body. So, this pillow is a great choice if you always find yourself overheating in bed.
Pros: With its sustainable cotton cover, and recycled PET bottle filling, it’s a top pick for the environment.
Cons: Although The Fine Bedding Co have a wide range of pillows, these specific Breathe pillows only come in soft/medium support level.
Customers are saying: One buyer remarked that they loved them so much in their holiday rental that they came home and ordered them new in for their bedroom, too.
GLAMOUR star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Save money on the best durable pillows with a long lifespan by using these Fenwick discount codes.
Tempur Original Pillow Medium
Best pillow for neck pain
Specifications:
- Type: Memory foam.
- Support level: Medium.
- Cover material: Organic cotton.
- Machine washable? Yes, cover only.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes, hypoallergenic cover.
If you wake up with a cricked neck more often than not, your pillow is probably to blame. One of the best memory foam pillows, this contoured pillow moulds to your exact shape, and relieves pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles by ergonomically aligning your spine. It’s a great pillow for back and side sleeping, and it comes in three different heights and sizes so as to accommodate all body shapes. If you’re after something with a different level of support, check out our specialised guide to the best pillows for neck pain. A good night’s sleep is incoming.
Pros: It’s got a removable cover that can be put in the washing machine.
Cons: The memory foam isn't as breathable as other fillings in high heat.
Customers are saying: Helps with spinal alignment and, despite its appearance, is comfortable.
GLAMOUR star rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Hungarian Goose Down Pillows
Best hotel pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Feather and down.
- Support level: Your choice of soft-medium or medium-firm.
- Cover material: 280 thread count cotton.
- Machine washable? Yes.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? ‘Allergy friendly’ - a rare find for down pillows.
Light and lofty, this bestselling Hungarian pillow is generously filled with 90% large, lofty Goose Down pillow filling— so you can be sure of luxurious softness. It comes in two different firmness levels, and is wrapped in a breathable 280 thread count cotton case that’s been double stitched and piped for maximum durability and comfort. It’s one of the most comfortable pillows around which offers the perfect combination of soft and supportive. It also comes with a warranty.
Pros: Its special blend of down and duck feathers ensures that it stays springy, and doesn’t clump.
Cons: The brand recommends you air the pillows each day without the cover on top of them to prevent any unpleasant odours.
Customers are saying: This pillow feels super comfortable and luxurious!
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Save money on your new pillows with these Soak & Sleep discount codes.
Casper Pillow
Best plump pillow
Specifications:
- Type: Polyester/hollowfibre.
- Support level: Medium/firm.
- Cover material: 100% cotton percale.
- Machine washable? Yes.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Not disclosed.
One of the best pillows for keeping its shape over time, the hugely popular Casper pillow is crafted from multiple layers. Hence the incredible quality. The inner pillow gives you all the support you need for your upper body; it's slightly chunkier and made from countless fibres to adapt to your movements. Outside of that, there's an outer pillow which is soft and fluffy, to make you believe (kinda) you're sleeping on a cloud.
Pros: It’s snuggly, soft, and has a 100% cotton percale weave cover keeps you cool and fresh.
Cons: Perhaps too chunky for side sleepers with a smaller frame.
Customers are saying: Great distribution of filling and equal parts soft and firm for the ultimate support.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.25/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️
Bamboo Pillow (Eucalyptus & Bamboo)
Best pillow for cloud-like softness
Specifications:
- Type: Memory foam and non-toxic gel.
- Support level: Medium/firm.
- Cover material: 98% polyester, 2% Polyamide.
- Suitable for the washing machine? Outer cover only.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
Designed by sleep scientists, this sumptuous pillow is recommended by osteopaths, and has over 400 glowing testimonials. It’s sold in singles, pairs, and fours, and comes in three different sizes, and two different firmness levels — so it’s a suitable pillow choice for 99% of sleepers and sleeping positions. Filled with a blend of 50% air blown fibre made from recycled plastic bottles, and 50% Oeko-Tex certified bamboo, it’s definitely the most sustainable choice — and even has a luxuriously soft and indulgent cover made from naturally moisture-wicking eucalyptus silk.
Pros: It’s naturally resistant to dust, dust-mites and mould.
Cons: We really can’t find any flaws!
Customers are saying: Gives support while also softening.
GLAMOUR star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AOTOZE Thin Pillow for Adults
Best pillow for stomach sleepers
Specifications:
- Type: Gel memory foam.
- Support level: Medium.
- Cover material: Polyester blend.
- Machine washable? Yes — but only the cover.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
If you like to sleep on your tummy, then sleeping on a low-loft pillow will help you avoid any uncomfortable neck strain. At just 6cm tall, this bestselling gel memory foam one is perfect — and is the perfect combination of both flat and solid. It’s also been designed to absorb any excess heat, and comes with a soft yet breathable cover that can be removed for easy machine washing.
Pros: The gel memory foam absorbs excess heat, so you’ll stay cool throughout the night.
Cons: It’s quite expensive, and will definitely feel too flat for anyone who sleeps on their back or side.
Customers are saying: People who sleep on their stomachs say it’s the perfect low-loft pillow.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Save money on stomach sleeper pillows by using these Amazon discounts when you checkout.
Slumberdown Feels Like Down Medium Support Back Sleeper Machine Washable Pillow
Best pillow for back sleepers
Specifications:
- Type: Microfibre + polyester/hollowfibre.
- Support level: Medium.
- Cover material: Polyester microfibre.
- Machine washable? Yes.
- Sleep trial? No.
- Hypoallergenic? Non-allergenic (that's even better!).
With its plump and snuggly hollowfibre filling, this pair of pillows are a great choice if you’re looking for a vegan alternative to feathers and down. They offer medium support, and will keep your back and neck supported while you sleep — making them perfect for back sleepers. Still not sold? Just take a look at the many reviews — most of which give a 5* rating!
Pros: It also provides enough neck support to serve as a side sleeper pillow, making it ideal for two types of sleeper among couples.
Cons: They're not quilted, so the filling won’t necessarily always be evenly distributed. Basically, be prepared to do some pillow punching and plumping!
Customers are saying: Not too warm for hot sleepers, with testers saying they still bounce back after a month or so.
GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Save money on wishlist neck pillows for sleeping by using these Amazon discounts when you checkout.
