11 best pillows

A poor mattress or lacklustre duvet can result in a restless night and set you up badly for the day – but how often do you take into consideration the quality and comfort of your pillows? Whether you’re a side, back or front sleeper, the right pillow can make a real difference to the quality of your sleep and comfort – after all, they’re there to support one of the most important and busiest parts of your body. Did you know the human head weighs between 4.5 and 5.5kgs? If ever you were under the impression a pillow was just a pillow, think again.

According to the Sleep Council, a good pillow should hold your head in the correct alignment – that is, in the same position as it would be if you were standing upright with good posture. The degree of support needed is different for everyone. One that is too soft will allow your head to fall back, placing pressure on your neck, while a pillow that is too hard will leave you stiff. 

There’s also the question of hygiene – how old are those spare pillows lounging around in your cupboard or spare room, really? An adult can lose up to a litre of sweat in one night. Like all bedding, pillows should be washed from time to time, but it’s often a chore that gets put to one side. They’ll still retain bacteria and naturally occurring dirt and grime, so it’s recommended that you replace your pillows after two or three years.

With all these things considered, shopping for the correct pillow to suit your individual needs can seem a bit of a minefield. Luckily, here are some of our top picks to help you decide.