Drift off with the best pillow for sleeping

A good pillow is essential for a restful night’s sleep, with your pillow also having an incredible impact on your wellbeing and overall sleep quality. When a pillow doesn’t provide support for your head and neck properly, it can create tension in your muscles, causing pain when you wake from your slumber. The best pillow for sleeping is made with your comfort in mind.

You deserve a good night’s rest, so you can start the day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The best pillow for sleeping will help you feel ready for the day ahead and can even prevent or ease headaches. Every person is unique when it comes to pillows, with different sleeping positions and requirements to be comfortable. At Spirit & Destiny, we’ve put together a guide to finding the pillow that’s right for you.

How do I choose the best pillow for sleeping?

There are a few factors to consider when selecting the right pillow for you.

∙ Firmness: Ensure your pillow provides medium to firm support.

∙ Loft: Ensure the height and type of filling are medium to high for full comfort. Perhaps go for an adjustable loft if you are a combination sleeper and move between positions.

∙ Shape: Keep in mind some pillow fills, such as solid foam, keep their shape better and require less maintenance than others.

∙ Quality: Invest in a pillow made from high-quality materials, especially the cover and fill, which will enhance durability.

∙ Reviews: Read customer reviews for an indication of the pillow’s performance.

Which pillow is the best for how I sleep?

The type of sleeper you are can also affect which pillow you find more comfortable; for example, front sleepers may not benefit from a supportive pillow as much as side sleepers or back sleepers.

∙ Front sleepers: Soft support, down alternative pillow.

∙ Back sleepers: Medium support, hollow fibre pillow.

∙ Side sleepers: Firm support**,** memory foam or orthopaedic.

Then you’ve got sleepers who tend to be a combination of all these styles. Whatever you may be, ensure you buy something that gives you proper alignment or prevents your neck from tilting into awkward positions while in a deep sleep.

The best pillows for a restful night's sleep

What types of pillows are out there?

∙ Memory foam pillows: These mould to the contours of your head and neck, bouncing back slowly over time. Memory foam pillows are durable and last a long time, retaining their shape. However, you might also find they retain heat more than other pillows, as the material isn’t as breathable. Additionally, you could find them too firm if you sleep on your front.

 ∙ Bamboo memory foam pillows: Made from sustainable material like bamboo, these could be considered more breathable than your average memory foam pillow. They’re good for the environment and good for you, too.

 ∙ Hollowfibre pillows: These are springy and plump to provide support for the neck. They’re breathable, lightweight and cooling. They’re also affordable and low maintenance; however, they flatten out fairly quickly and are not the most durable.  

∙ Microfibre pillows: These tend to be the most common type of pillow used. They are the least expensive but also the least durable. Generally, they are lightweight and can range in thickness and firmness. Microfibre pillows may be a good option if you sleep in different positions rather than favouring one sleeping position. However, they do tend to retain heat and moisture.

 ∙ Down alternative pillows: Down alternative pillows are the synthetic version of a down pillow. Made from polyester to mimic the same feeling as down, they are a good option if you can’t use real feathers. They’re a more affordable and easier to clean choice than down.

 ∙ Water pillows: Water pillows are rare, but you might like to try one, especially if you get hot at night as these pillows can help keep you cool. They allow you to change the amount of water they hold, meaning their height and firmness is customisable.

What are the best pillows for sleeping with back pain?

We recommended a memory foam pillow as this cradles your neck, allowing for alignment of the spine. Small knee pillows are also another effective tool in minimizing back, neck and shoulder pain while sleeping.

If you are a back sleeper, place the pillow under your knees. It will secure your hip joints and ensure a natural curvature of the spine.

What are the best pillows for sleeping with neck pain?

As the wrong pillow can be the cause of neck pain in the first place, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality pillow that supports you correctly. The best pillow for sleeping with neck pain should be firm enough to support your head but soft enough to alleviate pressure points.

Most sleepers will be comfortable with memory foam, latex or buckwheat pillow, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief. You may also benefit from using an orthopaedic pillow.

If you suffer from neck pain or tension in your shoulders, a good pillow can make a lot of difference to how you unwind and rest at night.