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Want what everyone is buying this week? These open Amazon's live lists, which update every hour. Popular isn't always best, so check the loft and fill against your quiz result.
Fill
| Fill | Feel | Firmness | Warmth | Adjustable | Price | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded foam | Supportive but mouldable. Unzip it and take fill out until the height is right. | Medium | Average | Yes | $$ | 2 to 3 years |
| Memory foam | Slow sink that holds its shape all night. Often comes as a contoured (cervical) shape. | Medium-firm | Warm | No | $$ | 2 to 3 years |
| Latex | Springy and supportive, pushes back quickly so it is easy to turn over. Stays cooler than memory foam. | Medium-firm | Cool | No | $$$ | 3 to 4 years |
| Down | Soft, light and squishy. Lovely for stomach sleepers, too flat for most side sleepers. | Soft | Average | Yes | $$$ | 3 to 5 years with fluffing |
| Hollowfibre | Soft like down, cheap and washable, but goes flat sooner. | Medium-soft | Average | No | $ | 1 to 2 years |
| Feather | Mouldable and cheap, needs plumping, and the odd quill pokes through. | Medium-soft | Cool | Yes | $ | 1 to 2 years |
| Buckwheat | Firm, heavy and very cool. It rustles when you move, which some people love and others hate. | Firm | Cool | Yes | $$ | 5 to 10 years |
Questions people ask
How do I choose the best pillow?
Start with how you sleep. Side sleepers need a high, firm pillow to fill the gap between ear and shoulder, back sleepers a medium one, and front sleepers a thin, soft one. Then adjust for your build, your mattress, any pain, and whether you sleep hot.
What size is a standard UK pillow?
About 50 x 75 cm (19 x 29 in). Super king pillows are 50 x 90 cm, and square continental pillows 65 x 65 cm. See our UK size chart.
How often should I replace my pillow?
Most hollowfibre pillows last 1 to 2 years, foam and latex 2 to 4. Fold it in half: if it stays folded, it is time for a new one.
Are expensive pillows worth it?
Sometimes. A £70 latex pillow that lasts four years can cost less per night than a £15 one replaced every year. But an expensive pillow at the wrong height is still the wrong pillow.
How we pick. We match product specs to you using published sleep and physiotherapy guidance. We have not lab-tested individual products and never invent reviews. Not medical advice: for ongoing pain, see your GP or a physiotherapist. We may earn a commission from shop links. Details