Healthy living
Use our expert advice and recommendations to live your best life every day.
Get startedBy clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
Best pillows for front, back and side sleepers 2025
We rigorously test microfibre, feather, wool and memory foam pillows to see which are the best for comfort, neck support and all sleep positions
Chris tests tons of sleep products. But it’s not all lying down on the job - testing running shoes and treadmills ensures he works up a sweat, too.
We've tried and tested the most popular memory foam, microfibre, wool, feather and down pillows available, including pillows from big brands such as Silentnight, Simba, Slumberdown, Panda and more.
Each pillow was rated by our team of testers - including back, front and side sleepers - for comfort, neck support and how cool they feel.
The best pillows have been given our Best Buy recommendation, and one has been named Great Value.
We've even tested some hotel pillows to see how they stacked up against pillows from major retailers such as Argos, John Lewis and M&S.
How we test to find you the best
We've tested 22 pillows
We assess pillows from big brands and across various price ranges to ensure you get the best value and performance.
Comfort
We gather side, back and a few front sleepers to try out each pillow in turn and rate how comfortable they feel.
Neck support
Waking up with a crick in your neck isn't pleasant, which is why our testers rate each pillow for neck support.
We also test...
How cool each pillow feels, whether it can be customised and whether it gives off an unpleasant odour.
The pillows we tested
The 10 most popular pillows from some of the biggest brands are listed below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the pillow test results below.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
| Pillow | Price | Score | Comfort on side | Comfort on back | Neck support | Filling type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableDigital first month £5, then £8.99 per month, cancel at any time. Already a member? Log in | 84% | |||||
| 84% | ||||||
| 83% | ||||||
| 79% | ||||||
| 79% | ||||||
| 77% | ||||||
| 74% | ||||||
| 73% | ||||||
| 72% | ||||||
| 70% |
Sign up to reveal
Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations
Unlock tableDigital first month £5, then £8.99 per month, cancel at any time.
Already a member? Log in
Dates tested: July 2025, March 2024 and February 2023. Page last checked: August 2025. We are not able to show every retailer, and cheaper prices may be available.
A selection of the pillows we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best pillows from our tests.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
Brightr Eclipse Pillow
Most recently tested February 2023
Manufacturer trial period 30 nights
Need to know Memory foam filling, removable and washable cover, carry bag
Emma Original Pillow
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period 30 nights
Need to know Individually removable memory foam layers, removable and washable top cover
Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow
Most recently tested July 2025
Manufacturer trial period 30 nights
Need to know Two pillows inside case with microfibre filling, removable and washable cover
John Lewis Synthetic Soft Touch Washable Standard Pillow, Medium
Available from John Lewis (£12)
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period None
Need to know Polyester mini ball cluster filling, machine washable
M&S Collection Duck Feather & Down Medium Pillows (2 pack)
Available from Marks & Spencer (£39.50)
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period None
Need to know Duck feather and down filling, machine washable
Looking to upgrade your mattress as well as your pillows? See our pick of the best mattresses to make sure you're buying the right one for you
Nectar Premium Pillow (2 pack)
Available from Nectar (£65)
Most recently tested February 2023
Manufacturer trial period None
Need to know Memory foam filling, removable and washable cover
Otty Deluxe Pillow
Available from Otty (£69.99)
Most recently tested February 2023
Manufacturer trial period 14 nights
Need to know Bamboo memory foam with infused charcoal filling, removable washable cover
Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow
Most recently tested July 2025
Manufacturer trial period 30 nights
Need to know Washable removable cover, charcoal memory foam filling, silky bamboo cover
Premier Inn Luxury Pillows – Firm (2 pack)
Available from Premier Inn (£36)
Date tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period None
Need to know Hollowfibre polyester filling, quilted cotton-polyester protectors
Silentnight Airmax Super Support Pillow (2 pack)
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period Not stated
Need to know Polyester filling, the cover can't be removed for washing
Silentnight Bounceback Pillows (4 pack)
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period None
Need to know Hollowfibre polyester filling, machine washable
Simba Hybrid Pillow
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period 30 nights
Need to know Washable removable cover, memory foam cube filling, pouch for storing spare foam, you can fine-tune the firmness by removing or adding foam cubes
Slumberdown Box Edge Firm Pillow
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period Not stated
Need to know Polyester filling, machine washable, cover can't be removed
Soak & Sleep Soft as Down Microfibre Pillow – Soft/Medium
Available from Soak & Sleep (£19.50)
Most recently tested March 2024
Manufacturer trial period None
Need to know Polyester microfibre filling, machine washable
Tempur Cloud SmartCool Pillows, Medium
Most recently tested July 2025
Manufacturer trial period 30 nights
Need to know Removable and washable cover, memory foam filling
See our reviews of the best eye masks for sleep and the best ear plugs for sleeping.
More pillows from our tests
Here’s how the other 12 pillows from our tests were rated, listed in alphabetical order.
| Pillow | Price | Score | Comfort on side | Comfort on back | Neck support | Filling type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightr Eclipse Pillow | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017010 | |||||
| Dorma Full Forever Side Sleeper Pillows | Dunelm(£22) | |||||
| Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50001605 | |||||
| M&S Collection Duck Feather & Down Medium Pillows | Marks & Spencer(£39.50) | |||||
| Premier Inn Luxury Pillows | Premier Inn(£36) | |||||
| Silentnight Airmax Pillow | SQUIRREL_TEXT_12876037 | |||||
| Silentnight Bounceback Pillows | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013971 |
Dates tested: July 2025, March 2024 and February 2023. Page last checked: August 2025. We are not able to show every retailer, and cheaper prices may be available.
Which? Don't Buy pillows
Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly that we think you should avoid it, we call it a Don't Buy.
We've tested one pillow that we've named a Don't Buy. Not only did all types of sleeper rate it poorly, but it also offers very little neck support.
To find out which it is, and which pillows earned our Best Buy and Great Value recommendations, log in or join Which?.
How we test pillows
We shortlist the most popular pillows from UK retailers and use a small army of testers to put them to the test for comfort, neck support, coolness, customisation, smell and more. We buy all the products we test, so you know our reviews can be trusted.
We regularly revisit the pillows on sale to see if there are any more popular pillows that need testing and when we find them we do.
- Comfort Tens of testers lie on each pillow in turn to rate it for comfort when on their front, back and side, so we're taking into account the views of many people rather than an individual's subjective opinion.
- Neck support Our testers also rate each pillow for how well supported their neck feels when in their preferred sleeping position.
- Coolness Many people prefer resting their head on a pleasantly cool pillow at night. Testers rate each pillow for how cool it feels while they're lying on it compared to all the others.
- Customisation Some pillows allow you to add or remove layers or parts to customise your sleeping experience. Each pillow is rated for how easy it is to adjust the firmness, if possible.
- Smell Some pillows can have a slight odour that could disturb your sleep. We sniff each pillow to find the ones that come out of their packaging whiff-free.
Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.
How to wash pillows
When deciding how to clean pillows, always consult the manufacturer's instructions to minimise the risk of damage.
Although many microfibre pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine, this is often not the case for memory foam and feather pillows.
If you're going to machine wash, choose a delicate cycle. Also, washing two pillows at once can help to keep them in position in the machine. Dry them on a low heat to protect them from damage, then fluff them back into shape.
For hand washing, fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water and use natural detergent. A soft brush can help to clean any stained areas. Once the pillows are rinsed through, gently press out excess water and leave them on a flat surface to dry.
What kind of pillow is best for me?
There are three main traditional types of pillow: feather and down, hollowfibre/microfibre, and memory foam. Latex and wool are other options. There are also smaller travel pillows.
The right pillow for you is a matter of personal preference but, to help you make your mind up, here are the pros and cons of each main type.
Feather and down pillows
The ratio of feather to down can vary greatly, although, as a rule, if it is sold as a ‘feather’ pillow, it must be made of at least 30% of the exterior feathers of the bird. Down pillows must be at least 70% down.
Feather pillows are generally cooler than both down and microfibre. Down retains more heat, and it doesn't have hard quills to poke through and spike into you, as can happen with duck feather pillows.
Pros
- Longer lifespan than synthetic pillows
- Mouldabe, soft and ideal for snuggling into
Cons
- Need regular fluffing to retain their shape
- Often need to be cleaned professionally
- Can smell a bit musty at first
- Feather and down aren't always extracted in a humane way – check with the manufacturer and retailer what their policy on ethical sourcing is before buying
Hollowfibre/microfibre pillows
These are common and are a good option if you’re shopping on a budget and want to be able to clean your pillows at home.
Pros
- Cheapest option
- Can be washed at home
- Available in hypoallergenic options
Cons
- Not as breathable as others
- Shorter lifespan – it's recommended that you replace them every couple of years
Memory foam pillows
Memory foam pillows are often sought out by sleepers looking for strong support and neck pain relief, as the memory foam is marketed as contouring to your body.
Pros
- Good neck support
- Long-lasting
- Some are customisable so you can adjust the height and firmness
Cons
- Can be too hot in summer
- Some people simply don’t like the dense, firm feel
Latex pillows
Latex pillows have a similar feel to memory foam pillows and, similarly, they will contour and spring back to support your neck. But they can be expensive. There are still plenty of reasons to consider them, though.
Pros
- Breathable and won’t cause overheating
- Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and dust mites
- Durable and hold their shape well
Cons
- Most expensive option
Wool pillows
These are firm pillows that offer more support and are made using wool, which is a sustainable fibre.
Pros
- Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mites and mould
- Breathable and cool like latex pillows
Cons
- Flatten quickly, need regularly reshaping
- Tend to be heavy
Hypoallergenic and anti-allergy pillows
Remember - hypoallergenic doesn't equal anti-allergy.
- Hypoallergenic means that the actual material and filling of the pillow aren't made of a known potential allergen, such as feathers, wool or latex. But other allergens, such as dust mites, can still develop on these types of pillow.
- Anti-allergy means the filling and casing have been treated to resist and combat the development of dust mites. You may find that this type of pillow is good for you if you have asthma, eczema or rhinitis, all of which could be exacerbated by allergens.
Dust mites can be killed and their allergens removed by washing at temperatures of 60°C and above - if your choice of pillow can withstand this. Check the manufacturer's guidance.
How often should you change your pillows?
This depends mainly on the type and quality of the pillow.
Synthetic hollowfibre or microfibre pillows may last a couple of years, but some lower-quality options will start to deteriorate noticeably after a year or less.
Down or feather pillows tend to last between two and three years before losing their shape.
Memory foam often lasts the longest. You can often use memory foam pillows for as long as four years before they drop in quality.
To keep your pillow in the best condition, wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions, plump it up on a regular basis and consider using a pillow protector.
Tired old mattress making your back worse? See our guide to the best mattresses for back pain.
Healthy living
Use our expert advice and recommendations to live your best life every day.
Get started