When sleep doesn't come easily, can a customisable pillow really help?

It’s well documented that our sleep needs change as we age, but as someone going through perimenopause, I’ve been surprised by just how much that can be the case. Between bouts of hormone-induced insomnia and waking up – when I finally do fall asleep – drenched in night sweats, finding the right pillow can feel like an impossible mission.

So I didn’t need to be asked twice when The Fine Bedding Company invited me to test the HoneyFoam™ Adjustable Pillow and see how it performs. Is it one of the best pillows money can buy, or a gimmick? Read on to find out whether removable memory foam clusters hold the key to a better night’s sleep when getting some shut-eye suddenly feels much harder than it once did.

HoneyFoam™ Adjustable Pillow – at a glance

• Type: Customisable pillow filled with removable memory foam pieces
• Best for: Side, back, front and combination sleepers
• Firmness: Dependent on filling level
• Cooling: No, but the filling is more breathable than solid foam
• Eco features: Biomass Balance foam, recycled cover, renewable energy factory
• Washable: Yes (cover only)
• Trial / returns: 30 days (unused)

First impressions

The HoneyFoam™ Adjustable Pillow arrives in a distinctive honeycomb-shaped box, which sets the scene for the cleverly designed pillow you'll find inside. Once unboxed, you're greeted by a quilted outer cover which feels delightfully plush, with a smart honeycomb pattern, making this pillow seem like a luxury item from the get-go.

Inside, an inner pillow case holds countless little pieces of honeycomb-shaped memory foam that you can add or remove to achieve your perfect pillow thickness. A word of caution: they spill easily, much like packing peanuts, and gathering them all back up again is neither a quick nor easy task. That said, the effort pays off. The result is a pillow tailored precisely to your preferred level of comfort and support.

Composition

Instead of a single solid block of foam, the HoneyFoam™ pillow contains memory foam pieces made from Biomass Balance PU foam, using renewable raw materials and a system that replaces fossil-based materials with biomass alternatives. The removable outer cover is made from recycled polyester and is washable at 40°C, which is good news for both pillow hygiene and longevity.

Who would it suit?

The customisable filling makes this a remarkably versatile pillow that can be adjusted to suit side, back, front, or combination sleepers. This makes it ideal for anyone like me who changes position multiple times during the night or whose sleep patterns are in flux.

I’ve been fiercely loyal to a traditional memory foam pillow for the past 30 years, but since entering peri-menopause, I toss and turn more than ever before – and I’ve noticed that I often end up casting my pillow off my bed mid-sleep. But with the HoneyFoam™ Adjustable Pillow, I can easily shuffle the pillow filling around to suit me throughout the night, no matter which sleep position I'm in.

This pillow is also a good choice for anyone dealing with neck stiffness, shoulder tension, or other aches and pains that make getting a comfortable night’s sleep a challenge.

What is it like to sleep on?

Honest answer – sleeping on this pillow takes a little bit of getting used to. Adjusting the filling to my preferred level wasn't a one-and-done endeavour – I had to take more pieces out and pop some back a few times over until the pillow felt just right, as Goldilocks might say.

It does take patience (and a bit of trial and error) to get the amount of filling just right, but once you find your sweet spot, it’s worth the effort. I noticed that this felt supportive without being rigid or brick-like, which is a common criticism of other memory foam pillows made from a single, uncompromising block of foam.

I think there's something soothing about the way the foam pieces cluster around my head and neck rather than holding me in one fixed position. I also felt my spine was better aligned than with a standard memory foam pillow, particularly when sleeping on my side, and I found the pillow held its shape all night without needing any fluffing.

Is it cooling?

This isn't a cooling pillow, and memory foam isn't the coolest of materials to sleep on. That said, the cluster design – with gaps between the foam pieces – seems to allow air to circulate more freely, making this noticeably less sweat-inducing than many solid memory foam pillows I've tried. So, on balance, I think this is still a good choice if you like the supportiveness of a memory foam pillow but are experiencing nighttime overheating or temperature fluctuations.

However, if you specifically require a pillow with active cooling properties, the TheraPur® Memory Foam Ice Pillow is our pick of the best cooling pillows.)

What are the eco-credentials?

Impressive for a memory foam pillow – it's made in The Fine Bedding Company’s European eco-factory in Estonia, which runs on 100% renewable energy and operates with zero waste. The foam has a carbon footprint approximately 50% lower than standard foam, and it's made using 37% renewable materials, making it a compelling option for anyone keen to make more environmentally responsible purchases without compromising on comfort.

How does it compare?

Compared to traditional feather or down pillows, the HoneyFoam™ pillow offers much greater control over firmness and height. Adjustability is what sets this pillow apart – it's reasonably easy to fine-tune it to suit your exact preferences, which is helpful for anyone experiencing changes in comfort needs or sleeping patterns.

How we test

The procedure for how we test pillows is a rigorous one. I've slept on this pillow every night for the past eight weeks, adjusting the fill to try it in different sleeping positions and paying close attention to neck support, comfort over long nights, temperature control and ease of care. For this review. I also considered how simple it was to customise and how well it maintained its shape with regular use, as well as whether I'd consider it good value for money.

Should you buy it?

This isn’t a budget pillow, so most people will want some reassurance about whether it's an investment worth making before they buy. The best way I can't think to answer that is to tell you that I've had to go hunting around my house for this pillow on numerous occasions. Word of its wonders spread quickly in my house, and numerous family members have since taken a shine to it.

Is it right for you? If you like memory foam pillows and are drawn to the idea of a pillow you can truly customise, this will feel like money well spent. But I think the real value of this pillow lies in the fact that you can adjust the height and firmness over time as your sleep needs shift, making it a smart investment for anyone happy to fine-tune things to find their ideal sleeping setup. If you’re serious about improving your sleep – rather than simply looking to replace an old pillow – this one deserves a spot on your bed.

A tip - side sleepers will benefit from keeping more filling in for extra neck support, while back sleepers should remove a small amount to maintain neutral alignment. For front sleepers, try reducing the fill more significantly for a softer, lower-loft.