The Pillow Buying Guide
Last updated: June 2026
Your pillow choice comes down to three factors: how you sleep, what fills it, and what problems you're trying to solve. Side sleepers need thick, firm support to fill the gap between neck and shoulder. Back sleepers want a medium height to cradle the natural curve. Stomach sleepers need something soft and flat to stop their head from arching backwards. The average UK pillow is 3.6 years old, and most should be replaced every 1 to 2 years.
The filling matters too. Memory foam moulds your shape. Feather and down let you sink in softly. Latex bounces back with firm support. Each offers different levels of comfort, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties. Below, we'll walk you through exactly how to match your sleeping position, address any specific issues, and select your preferred fill to create your perfect pillow.
VIEW ALL PILLOWSHow many pillows should you sleep with?
Firstly, knowing how many pillows you need to be comfortable is important so you can easily assess how your pillow performs. Although there is an element of personal preference, most experts recommend only using one pillow as stacking them can lead to alignment issues and discomfort during the night if they move around. Whether you choose a super soft pillow or extra firm, you should only need one for proper support.
Types of pillow fillings explained
Pillow fills are split into two types: natural or synthetic. Natural options avoid irritation, while synthetic fills bring temperature control and support innovations. Here's what each does.
Memory foam pillows
Visco-elastic material moulds to your head and neck contours, holding that shape through the night. Perfect for side sleepers and those with neck pain, as it keeps everything aligned. Many now include cooling gel to stop heat buildup. Shop memory foam pillows
Feather and down pillows
Soft enough to sink into, light enough to stay cool. Down (the fluffy underlayer) gives you that luxury hotel feel. Feathers add weight and structure. Brilliant for front sleepers who require minimal height, and the natural fill regulates temperature exceptionally well. Mix ratios vary: more down means softer, more feather means firmer. Shop feather & down pillows
Latex pillows
Bouncy, responsive, naturally cooling. Latex (from rubber tree sap or synthetic) springs back when you move, providing consistent support without the sinking feeling associated with memory foam. Hypoallergenic by nature and lasts years longer than most fills. Side and back sleepers love the firm support.
Hollowfibre pillows
Polyester blended with springy hollow fibres creates that plump, bouncy feel. The 50:50 mix gives proper support without going flat overnight. Back sleepers and anyone with neck pain benefit from the medium-firm structure. Budget-friendly and machine washable. Shop hollowfibre pillows
Down alternative and microfibre pillows
Synthetic fibres mimic down's softness without triggering allergies. Lighter on the wallet, too. The fill clusters resemble real down but resist dust mites and wash easily—a great option if you prefer plush comfort but are sensitive to natural materials.
Wool and cotton pillows
Firmer natural options that breathe exceptionally well. Wool wicks moisture away (goodbye night sweats) while staying supportive. Cotton gives similar breathability with a slightly softer feel. Both suits back sleepers and anyone prioritising natural, organic materials.
Specialist pillow fillings
Gel-infused: Cooling layers or gel beads dissipate heat for hot sleepers.
Buckwheat hulls: Firm, adjustable, ultra-breathable and you can add or remove hulls.
Microbeads: Tiny polystyrene beads that mould firmly, popular for travel pillows.
Best pillow for your sleep position
Pillows for side sleepers
Side sleeping creates a gap between your neck and the mattress, sometimes as much as 10cm or more, depending on your shoulder width. Without proper fill, your head drops and your spine curves to one side all night. Memory foam or orthopaedic pillows bridge that space, keeping your head, neck and spine in one straight line. Go for firm or medium-firm with high loft (thickness). Broader shoulders need even more height. Shop side sleeper pillows
Pillows for front sleepers
Sleeping face-down already strains your neck (you're twisted to breathe). A thick pillow makes it worse by forcing your head backwards and arching your spine. Stick to soft, thin pillows – or none at all. Feather, down and soft microfibre let your head rest nearly flat with minimal lift. Your neck will thank you. Shop front sleeper pillows
Pillows for back sleepers
Back sleeping keeps your spine naturally aligned, so you need just enough height to support the curve of your neck without pushing your chin toward your chest. Medium comfort grade works best – not so soft your head sinks, not so firm it tilts forward. Hollowfibre and wool provide that bouncy middle ground. Shop back sleeper pillows
Pillows for combination sleepers
Moving between positions through the night means you need adaptable support. Medium loft pillows work well across various positions, or choose adjustable-fill options that allow you to add or remove material to adjust the height. Shredded memory foam pillows let you redistribute fill, while dual-sided designs offer different firmness on each face.
The best type of pillow for sleep problems
Sleep position matters first, but specific conditions need targeted solutions. Here's what works for common issues:
Best pillows for neck pain
Neck pain usually means your pillow isn't supporting the natural curve of your cervical spine. Memory foam contours precisely to your neck shape, cushioning without collapsing. Look for medium-firm with proper loft for your sleeping position. Avoid pillows that are too soft (your head sinks, neck bends) or too flat (no support for the curve). Shop pillows for neck pain
Best pillows for night sweats and overheating
Waking up hot and sticky, flipping to find the cool side? Standard polyester traps heat. Cooling pillows use gel infusions, breathable latex, or phase-change materials that actively absorb warmth. Natural wool also regulates temperature brilliantly by wicking moisture away from your skin. Shop cooling pillows
Best pillows for shoulder and back pain
Shoulder pain often comes from side sleeping without enough support – your shoulder compresses and your spine twists. Posturepedic pillows with springy hollowfibre filling relieve pressure points while maintaining height. The bounce prevents the gradual sinking that throws alignment off through the night. Shop pillows for shoulder and back pain
Best pillows for asthma and allergies
Dust mites and allergens accumulate in pillow fills and can trigger respiratory problems. Anti-allergy pillows use microfibres that resist dust mite colonisation while maintaining breathability. The tightly woven covers create a barrier against irritants without sacrificing comfort. Latex is naturally hypoallergenic too. Shop anti-allergy pillows
Best pillows for sensitive skin
Synthetic materials can harbour dust mites that irritate skin and cause breakouts. Anti-allergy pillow fills use special microfibres that prevent buildup of irritants. Natural latex and wool options also resist allergens naturally. Pair with breathable cotton covers to reduce moisture and bacterial growth. Shop pillows for sensitive skin
Best pillows for pregnancy
Full-body pregnancy pillows support your bump, back and legs but eat up mattress space. A temperature-regulating pillow for your head works better for shared beds. Cooling pillows prevent the overheating common in pregnancy, while medium-firm options support the neck as your sleeping position changes through trimesters. Side sleeping (recommended after 28 weeks) needs proper loft.
Caring for your pillows
Proper care extends pillow life and keeps them hygienic. Here's what actually works:
How often should you replace pillows?
Replace pillows every two years minimum. Over time, fillers compress and lose their elasticity, which causes them to stop supporting your neck properly. Replace sooner if you wake with neck stiffness frequently or notice yellowing (that's sweat and skin oils penetrating the fill). Pillow protectors shield against moisture and stains, adding 6-12 months to lifespan. Shop pillow protectors
How to wash pillows
Most synthetic pillows (hollowfibre, microfibre) wash in the machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Wash in pairs to balance the load. Memory foam and latex should be spot cleaned only and air-dried completely. Check manufacturer labels always. Wash pillows monthly, if possible, protectors weekly with your sheets. Learn more about caring for memory foam
How to dispose of pillows responsibly
Don't bin old pillows with household rubbish as they'll sit in landfill for years. Instead, take them to textile recycling banks at supermarkets, check if your local council collects bedding for recycling (many do), or donate clean and usable pillows to charity shops or homeless shelters.
Breaking in new pillows
New memory foam pillows feel stiff initially – the fibres haven't softened yet. Sleep on them for 3-5 nights; your body heat will break them in. Speed up the process by gently compressing the pillow with your hands before bed. Wash new pillows before first use to soften fills and remove manufacturing dust.