Finding the perfect pillow can be a challenge—too firm, too soft, or just not supportive enough. Not to worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we break down the best pillows for comfort, breathability, and affordability, ensuring you get a restful night’s sleep.

We spent over 40 hours testing and evaluating pillows based on support, durability, and sleep quality. After extensive testing, the Martian Dreams® Hybrid Pillow earned our Editor’s Pick for its balance of plush softness and firm support.

Its cooling gel-infused memory foam and adjustable loft allow for personalised comfort. For an eco-friendly alternative, the LuxBedCo Luxury Bamboo Pillow stood out with its breathable bamboo fabric, hypoallergenic properties, and moisture-wicking design, making it our Runner-Up choice.

If you’re after hotel-quality comfort on a budget, the Utopia Bedding Pillows (Queen Size, 2 Pack) offer plushness and support at an affordable price. Looking for what not to buy? The Casabella Luxury Goose Feather & Down Pillows disappointed us with durability issues, clumping, and feather leakage.

No matter your sleep style, we’ve found the best options for you. Read on to discover the top pillows to upgrade your sleep!

---

The Core Features of a Great Pillow

When shopping for the best pillow, there are key factors to consider. A high-quality pillow should provide comfort, support, and durability while catering to different sleep styles. Here are the features that should be a given and considered the norm when selecting a pillow:

• Comfort & Support: A good pillow should strike the right balance between softness and firmness, providing proper neck and head alignment.
• Breathability: Materials should allow for airflow, preventing heat buildup for a cooler sleep.
• Durability: High-quality pillows should maintain their shape and support over time without excessive flattening (no one likes a flat pillow).
• Hypoallergenic Properties: Ideal pillows resist allergens, dust mites, and bacteria, making them suitable for sensitive individuals.
• Easy Maintenance: A removable, machine-washable cover should be standard for hygiene and convenience.
• Size & Loft Options: Different thickness levels should be available to suit back, side, and stomach sleepers.
• Non-Toxic Materials: Certifications like OEKO-TEX or CertiPUR-US indicate the absence of harmful chemicals.

Design and Build Quality

The construction of a pillow plays a crucial role in its longevity and comfort. Here’s what to assess:

Filling Type

• Memory Foam: Provides contouring support, available in solid or shredded form.
• Down & Feather & Wool Pillow: Offers plush softness but may require frequent fluffing.
• Bamboo Fiber: Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, ideal for eco-conscious buyers.
• Microfiber & Polyester Blends & Synthetic Pillows: Affordable and lightweight but may lack long-term durability.

Outer Fabric

• Cotton: Soft, breathable, and durable.
• Bamboo Rayon: Moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating.
• Cooling Technology: Some covers feature gel-infused or phase-change materials for better heat dissipation.

Stitching & Seams

• Well-stitched edges and reinforced seams prevent filling leakage and improve durability.

The Little Extras That Make a Big Difference

Beyond the basics, premium pillows offer additional features that enhance comfort and convenience:

• Adjustable Loft: Allows customisation of pillow height by adding or removing filling.
• Cooling Gel Infusion: Helps regulate temperature for hot sleepers.
• Dual-Sided Design: Different firmness levels on each side for versatile comfort.
• Ergonomic Contouring: Provides targeted neck and head support, particularly beneficial for those with neck pain.
• Moisture-Wicking & Odor Control: Keeps the pillow fresh and dry throughout the night.
• Extended Warranty: Indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.

---

Editors Pick

Martian Dreams® Hybrid Pillow Microfibre & Shredded Memory Foam Fill

Finding the right pillow can be a challenge. Some are too firm, others too soft. We tested the Martian Dreams® Hybrid Pillow and found it offers the right balance of comfort and support.

Key Features

• Hybrid Filling: A mix of shredded memory foam and microfibre for a medium-firm feel. The foam is infused with cooling gel to prevent overheating.
• Adjustable Loft: You can add or remove filling using the inner zip. This allows for a customised height and firmness level.
• Honeycomb Vents: The bamboo rayon fabric is designed with micro-vented honeycomb patterns. This enhances breathability and airflow for a cooler night’s sleep.
• Hypoallergenic & Moisture-Wicking: Made from materials that resist dust mites, bacteria, and allergens. Helps prevent sneezing and keeps the pillow fresh.
• OEKO-TEX Certified: Independently tested for safety. Free from harmful chemicals and safe for long-term use.

The Martian Dreams® Hybrid Pillow delivers an exceptional sleep experience with its perfect balance of plush comfort and firm support. The adjustable loft is a standout feature, allowing us to customise the height and firmness to suit different sleeping positions.

The cooling gel-infused memory foam prevents overheating, while the honeycomb-vented bamboo cover enhances breathability for a fresher night’s rest.

We found the pillow maintains its shape well over time, requiring minimal fluffing (a rare find in adjustable pillows). The removable, washable cover is another plus, making upkeep simple.

A minor drawback is that it takes time to fully expand after unpacking (around 48 hours), and some may prefer more filling initially. However, the option to request extra filling for free solves this issue easily.

Overall, this is a premium-quality pillow that adapts to personal comfort needs. If you value customisation, cooling properties, and durability, it’s a fantastic choice.

Runner Up

LuxBedCo Luxury Bamboo Pillow Pack of 2

The LuxBedCo Luxury Bamboo Pillow is a premium sleep solution designed for those who value breathability, softness, and eco-conscious materials. With its bamboo fibre filling and durable bamboo cotton cover, it provides a cool, comfortable, and supportive sleep experience year-round.

Key Features

• Cooling Comfort: The naturally breathable bamboo fabric helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Soft Yet Supportive: Offers a medium-soft feel with enough support for head and neck alignment, ideal for side and back sleepers.
• Hypoallergenic & Eco-Friendly: Made from sustainable bamboo, this pillow is naturally antibacterial and resistant to allergens, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
• Moisture-Wicking Fabric: The bamboo cover absorbs moisture, helping to keep the pillow fresh and dry throughout the night.
• Durable & Long-Lasting: High-quality materials ensure long-term softness and shape retention with proper care.

The LuxBedCo Luxury Bamboo Pillow (Pack of 2) delivers an exceptionally comfortable and breathable sleep experience. From the moment we tested it, the cooling effect was noticeable, and the soft yet supportive design made for a restful night’s sleep.

We loved its eco-friendly materials and hypoallergenic properties—perfect for those with allergies or sensitive skin. The moisture-wicking fabric helped keep it fresh and dry (even on warmer nights), making it an excellent choice year-round.

There are a few things to consider. It has a medium-soft feel, so if you prefer a firmer pillow, this may not be ideal. There’s also a mild bamboo scent when first unpacked, but it fades quickly.

Overall, this pillow offers luxurious comfort, sustainability, and excellent breathability. If you’re looking for a high-quality, eco-conscious pillow that enhances your sleep, this is an outstanding choice.

Budget Pick

Utopia Bedding Pillows 2 Pack Queen Size

The Utopia Bedding Pillows offer a plush, hotel-quality sleeping experience at home. Designed with premium materials, these pillows provide excellent support while maintaining a soft and luxurious feel.

Key Features

• Comfort & Support: Filled with super plush hollow fibre, the pillows conform to the body’s natural curves, offering balanced support for the head, neck, and shoulders.
• Breathable Cover: The premium-quality fabric enhances airflow, keeping the pillow cool and comfortable throughout the night.
• No-Shift Construction: Maintains shape and support, ensuring the thin pillow does not go flat or slip during sleep.
• Versatile Sleeping Positions: Suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers, providing a restful night’s sleep regardless of preference.
• Easy Maintenance: Spot cleaning or hand washing is recommended to maintain durability and freshness.

The Utopia Bedding Pillows (Queen Size, 2 Pack) exceeded our expectations in both comfort and quality. The plush hollow fibre filling provides outstanding support while maintaining a luxuriously soft feel.

The breathable cover enhances airflow, keeping the pillow cool and comfortable throughout the night. We loved the no-shift construction, which prevented the pillows from flattening or losing their shape (a major plus for long-term use).

After weeks of testing, they still felt as fluffy and supportive as the first night. There was a slight odour upon opening, but it disappeared quickly after airing out. The thickness is generous, which may not suit those who prefer a lower-profile pillow, but for those needing extra support, it’s perfect.

Overall, these pillows deliver a hotel-like sleeping experience at a fraction of the price. If you're looking for affordable luxury and lasting comfort, we think these are a fantastic choice.

Best Pillow For All Sleepers

Regio Bedding Co Premier Comfort Pillows

Finding the right pillow can be a challenge, but the Regio Bedding Co Premier Comfort Pillows deliver on comfort, support, and durability. Designed for all sleep positions, they provide a well-balanced level of support without feeling too firm or too soft.

Key Features

• Medium Support: Suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
• Premium Hollowfibre Filling: Helps maintain shape and breathability for a restful sleep.
• Polycotton Soft-Touch Cover: Smooth, breathable, and gentle on the skin.
• Hypoallergenic & Dust-Mite Resistant: Ideal for allergy sufferers.
• Machine Washable & Tumble Dryer-Friendly: Easy to clean and maintain.
• Durable Construction: Stitched to keep fibres in place for long-lasting comfort.

We recently tested the Regio Bedding Co Premier Comfort Pillows, and they exceeded our expectations in both comfort and durability. The plush hollow-fibre filling provided a perfect balance of softness and support, making it ideal for all sleep positions.

The breathable polycotton cover kept us cool throughout the night, and the hypoallergenic design made it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Another standout feature was how effortless they were to maintain—after washing and tumble drying, they retained their shape beautifully.

While the medium support was perfect for us, some might find it slightly firmer than expected (though this softened with use). Made in Great Britain with over 50 years of expertise, these supportive pillows offer long-term quality and a 5-year guarantee for peace of mind.

Whether you need a single or a pair, these luxurious yet practical pillows are a fantastic addition to any bedroom.

Best Memory Foam Pillow

MULISOFT Memory Foam Pillow

The MULISOFT Memory Foam Pillow is designed to provide optimal neck support and spinal alignment for all sleep positions. With its ergonomic shape, dual-height options, and high-quality memory foam, it offers a balance of comfort and support to improve sleep quality.

Key Features

• Dual-Height Design: Two height options allow you to choose the most comfortable fit for your sleeping posture.
• Ergonomic Support: The pillow contours to the head and neck, maintaining natural spinal alignment.
• Pressure Relief: High-density memory foam reduces stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back.
• Breathable & Washable Cover: The soft, machine-washable cover enhances airflow for a cool and fresh sleeping experience.
• Versatile Sleeping Positions: Suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers.

The MULISOFT Memory Foam Pillow impressed us with its exceptional support and comfort. The dual-height design allowed us to find the perfect fit, and the 15-degree inclined surface kept our necks properly aligned, reducing stiffness in the morning.

We loved how the high-density memory foam adapted to our shape while maintaining its structure. Unlike other memory foam pillows, this one didn’t trap heat, so we stayed cool and comfortable all night.

The removable, machine-washable pillowcase was another plus—soft against the skin and easy to clean. The only downside? It’s on the firmer side, which might not suit those who prefer a softer pillow. However, for anyone needing proper neck support, this pillow is a game-changer.

Overall, the MULISOFT Memory Foam Pillow is a top-tier choice for better sleep. Well-made, supportive, and cooling—a fantastic investment in sleep quality!

One To Avoid

Casabella Luxury Goose Feather & Down Pillows

The Casabella Luxury Goose Feather & Down Pillows seemed promising at first, but they quickly turned into a disappointment. The initial comfort was decent, with a soft and somewhat supportive feel, and the 100% cotton cover helped keep dust mites at bay. However, that’s where the positives end.

Feathers constantly poke through the fabric, creating an uncomfortable sleeping experience and leaving a mess on the bed. Despite being marketed as hypoallergenic, the fine feather particles can cause irritation.

The biggest flaw is durability—within weeks, the filling clumps together, forming uneven, hard spots that are impossible to fix. The pillows also lose their loft quickly, becoming flat and requiring constant reshaping to maintain any level of comfort.

Even with pillow protectors, the feather leakage doesn’t stop, making it one of the messiest pillows we’ve ever tested. Over time, it becomes more of a hassle than a comfort item. If you're looking for long-lasting quality, this is not the right choice.

The performance deteriorates far too quickly to justify the purchase, and the inconvenience outweighs any initial softness. We wouldn’t recommend these pillows to anyone looking for a truly luxurious and reliable sleep experience.

How We Evaluated and Chose the Best Kettles on the Market

Choosing the best kettle requires more than just boiling water and calling it a day. We conducted extensive testing across multiple categories to ensure each model was evaluated on performance, efficiency, and user experience. Here’s how we did it.

Performance and Speed

Boiling time was a critical factor in our evaluation. We measured how long each kettle took to bring one litre of water to a rolling boil from room temperature, ensuring consistent testing conditions. Energy efficiency was also assessed using a power meter to track electricity consumption per boil.

For models with a keep-warm function, we tested how well they maintained water temperature over 30 to 60 minutes, checking both energy usage and temperature consistency.

Design and Build Quality

A kettle’s durability and ease of use depend largely on its design and materials. We assessed whether models were made from stainless steel, glass, or plastic and examined their impact on longevity and water taste.

Weight and ergonomics played a role in our evaluation, determining how comfortable and easy the kettle was to lift when full. The lid mechanism was tested for smooth operation and ease of filling, while the spout was analysed for controlled, drip-free pouring.

The stability of the base and the convenience of cord storage were also taken into account for electric models.

Temperature Control and Features

For kettles with adjustable temperature settings, we used a thermometer to test accuracy across multiple heat levels, such as 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C. Sound levels were measured using a decibel meter to compare models that claimed to have fast-boil or quiet-boil features.

Smart features, such as Wi-Fi or app connectivity, were evaluated for ease of setup and functionality. Safety was also a top priority—we tested automatic shut-off mechanisms and boil-dry protection to ensure each kettle prevented overheating or unnecessary energy consumption.

Usability and Cleaning

A kettle should be easy to use daily, so we analysed how simple it was to fill, whether from the spout or by removing the lid. Models with built-in limescale filters were tested for efficiency in catching mineral deposits, especially in hard water areas.

Cleaning and maintenance were also considered by assessing how easily the kettle could be descaled and wiped clean, ensuring long-term usability.

Noise Levels

We measured boiling noise levels using a decibel meter to determine how loud each kettle was at peak operation. This allowed us to compare models marketed as quiet-boiling to those with standard noise output, helping identify the best options for noise-sensitive environments.

Aesthetic and Design Appeal

A kettle is not just a functional appliance; it is also a part of the kitchen aesthetic. We evaluated the style and finish of each model to see if it complemented modern kitchen designs and whether multiple colour options were available.

LED illumination and water-level indicators were also tested for visibility and practicality, ensuring that users could easily monitor the boiling process.

Price and Value for Money

A great kettle should offer solid performance at a fair price. We compared the retail price of each model to its features, ensuring that high-end kettles justified their cost while budget models provided good value.

Warranty coverage and brand reputation were also taken into account, helping identify kettles that offered long-term reliability.

Real-World User Experience

Beyond lab testing, we analysed user feedback from verified reviews to identify long-term reliability issues. Blind testing was conducted with multiple users rating kettles based on ease of use, pouring control, and overall satisfaction.

This allowed us to incorporate real-world insights into our evaluations, ensuring we recommended kettles that performed well beyond the initial unboxing.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Buy Down or Feather Pillows?

Whether you should buy down or feather pillows depends on your preference for softness and support. Down pillows offer superior plushness and contouring, while feather pillows provide more structure and firmness.

If you prefer a softer, cloud-like feel, go for down; if you need more support, feather pillows are a better choice.

What Pillows Do Luxury Hotels Use?

Luxury hotels typically use high-quality pillows made from down, down-alternative, or a blend of both to provide a balance of softness and support. These pillows are designed for durability, comfort, and breathability, ensuring guests experience a restful sleep.

Many hotels also offer a selection of firm and soft options for different preferences.

What Is the Healthiest Pillow to Use?

The healthiest pillow to use is one that supports proper spinal alignment while minimising allergens. Memory foam, latex pillows, and hypoallergenic down-alternative pillows are excellent choices, as they contour to the head and neck while resisting dust mites and bacteria.

Breathable materials like bamboo or organic cotton cover further enhance sleep hygiene.

How Often Should I Replace Pillows?

You should replace pillows every one to two years, depending on their material and usage. Over time, pillows accumulate dust mites, bacteria, and allergens while losing their shape and support.

Regular replacement ensures better sleep quality, hygiene, and neck support, preventing discomfort and potential health issues.

Do Hotels Use Soft or Firm Pillows?

Hotels typically use a mix of soft and firm pillows to accommodate different sleep preferences. Many offer a layered pillow experience, with softer pillows on top and firmer ones underneath. This allows guests to adjust their comfort level while ensuring proper support for different sleeping positions.

Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?

Pillows turn yellow due to sweat, body oils, and moisture buildup over time. Other factors, such as drool, skincare products, and humidity, contribute to discolouration. Using a pillow protector and washing pillowcases frequently can help reduce staining and extend the lifespan of your pillow.

When Should You Throw Away Pillows?

You should throw away pillows when they lose their shape, develop lumps, or no longer provide adequate support. If a pillow does not fluff back up, causes neck pain, or has a persistent odour despite washing, it’s time to replace it. Old pillows also accumulate allergens, making them less hygienic.

---

Final Word

Hopefully, you’ve found our Best Pillows guide helpful in choosing the perfect one for your sleep needs. With so many options available, it’s not an easy decision—but after extensive testing, we have a clear favourite.

The Martian Dreams® Hybrid Pillow is our top pick, offering an ideal balance of comfort and support with its cooling gel-infused memory foam and adjustable loft. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a customisable and refreshing sleep experience.

While most of the pillows in our guide are excellent choices, there’s one we strongly suggest avoiding—the Casabella Luxury Goose Feather & Down Pillows.

Despite initial softness, they suffer from durability issues, with feathers poking through the fabric and clumping over time, leading to discomfort and frustration.

Which pillow caught your attention? Are you ready to enjoy a better night’s sleep, or do you need more time to decide? We’d love to hear your thoughts—let us know in the comments below!