The 6 best pillows, tested for every sleep position, style, and need
You don’t find the best pillow by chance – we did the research so your sleep stays dreamy.
Caramel Quin
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
woman&home Daily
Get all the latest beauty, fashion, home, health and wellbeing advice and trends, plus all the latest celebrity news and more.
Monthly
woman&home Royal Report
Get all the latest news from the Palace, including in-depth analysis, the best in royal fashion, and upcoming events from our royal experts.
Monthly
woman&home Book Club
Foster your love of reading with our all-new online book club, filled with editor picks, author insights and much more.
Monthly
woman&home Cosmic Report
Astrologer Kirsty Gallagher explores key astrological transits and themes, meditations, practices and crystals to help navigate the weeks ahead.
February 2026: This guide has been reviewed by our editorial team to ensure our recommendations remain relevant. Product availability, specifications, and brand policies have been checked, and our original testing insights remain unchanged.
The best pillows, tried and tested by our experts
The perfect pillow isn't made of dreams – it's scientifically engineered to support your body, suit your sleep style, and solve specific nighttime problems. After months of hands-on testing across all the major brands, our experts narrowed the field to just six standout pillows – one for every kind of sleeper.
Whether you’re searching for the best pillow for neck pain to ease stiffness and reduce discomfort, or want to know the best thin pillows to choose for front sleeping, you'll find something suitable here.
To help guide you towards the best pillow for your needs, we consulted leading sleep experts Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder of The White Company and long-time advocate for better sleep, and Amelia Jerden, certified sleep science coach and staff writer at Sleepopolis, who shared their professional insight on what truly makes a great pillow.
Below are the six pillows we consider the very best you can buy in 2026. These options cover everything from proper head, neck, and spine alignment to hotel-level comfort, effective cooling tech, and excellent pressure relief – take your pick. And if you pack your own pillow for every overnight trip from now on, you can blame us. We'll happily take credit for that.
Pillow | Best for | Fill type | Cooling & breathability | Typical price |
Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow | All-round support, temperature regulation | British wool | Excellent natural temperature control | £££ |
Dreams TheraPur Ice Pillow | Hot sleepers, night sweats | Memory foam + cooling gel | Very cooling initially, moderate overnight | ££ |
Naturalmat Wool & Down Pillow | Hotel-style luxury, sensitive skin | Wool core + duck down | Breathable, lightly warming | ££££ |
Simba Hybrid Pillow | Back & combination sleepers | Foam Nanocubes + microfibre | Good airflow for foam | ££££ |
Soak & Sleep Cooling Memory Foam Pillow | Side sleepers, pressure relief | Memory foam | Better than average for foam | ££ |
Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow | Front sleepers, posture support | Levitex foam | Moderate (can feel warm) | £££ |
Here are the pillows that tempted our testers to stay in bed for ten more minutes – every day. Keep scrolling for the full details on how they delivered dreamy nights of sleep.
Wool is one of the most effective natural materials for regulating temperature. While there are now more high-tech cooling pillows on the market, few match the Woolroom Deluxe for year-round comfort – particularly for sleepers who fluctuate between feeling too warm and too cool. Its adjustable fill also gives it an edge, since we know that sleep needs change over time – you can fine-tune the level of support rather than replacing the pillow. For anyone prioritising natural, breathable materials over foam-based cooling, this remains our standout option.
Cooling pillows have become more common, but the TheraPur Ice Pillow still stands out for its immediate cold-to-the-touch feel. The gel layer does gradually warm as you sleep – as most active-cooling surfaces do – but the clever dual-sided design allows you to flip the pillow over for a fresh burst of cooling as needed. For hot sleepers and those dealing with night sweats, this remains one of the most effective options for delivering instant, icy relief at bedtime.
Hotel-style pillows are easier to find than they once were – but Naturalmat remains a standout for its blend of premium down and wool, which delivers that sought-after sink-in softness without sacrificing structure. The brand's focus on natural, breathable materials will appeal to sleepers with sensitive skin or those who prefer a more traditional, luxurious feel. While it sits at the higher end of the price scale, it’s still one of the best pillows for recreating a genuine hotel-style sleep experience at home.
Adjustable pillows have become more common, but the Simba Hybrid stands out for how precisely it can be tailored. The removable foam Nanocubes allow you to fine-tune both height and firmness, making it a by far one of the best pillows for back sleepers and anyone who changes position often during the night. While it won’t suit dedicated front sleepers who prefer an ultra-slim pillow, its adaptability and plush finish make it one of the most versatile, comfort-led pillows you could choose.
Memory foam pillows are now widely available at all price points, but the Soak & Sleep Cooling Memory Foam Pillow impresses for its balance of firmness and pressure relief. Its slightly firmer feel provides good support for side sleepers, while the foam contours gradually around the shoulder and neck to help maintain alignment through the night. It doesn’t offer the adjustability of higher-end designs, but it's one of the best pillows for anyone seeking reliable support without the premium price tag.
Ultra-slim pillows are the most supportive option for front sleepers, and the Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow excels in this niche. Its low-profile design helps keep the head closer to the mattress, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders. While no pillow can guarantee a change in sleeping position, some sleepers do find that the improved support encourages more comfortable side or back sleeping over time. For dedicated front sleepers – or those trying to transition away from it – this is one of the best pillows you'll find.
Best pillow overall
You don’t need memory foam or gimmicky tech to create a standout pillow. The Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow is filled with almost 600g of traceable British wool, sustainably sourced from Devon – and it’s dreamy.
"I wasn’t sure at first, being used to memory foam and cooling tech, but after the second night, it edged to the top of my list," says pillow tester Caramel Quin. "It feels like a classic country estate pillow – supportive yet soft, with the filling staying in place exactly when you need it."
It’s also highly adjustable. "You can access the wool through a discreet zip and add or remove filling to give it some extra body. You can also buy extra wool to make it firmer if needed," Caramel adds.
The wool is naturally hypoallergenic and Allergy UK certified, making this the ideal pillow for sensitive sleepers and those prone to allergies.
Read the full Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow review.
Best cooling pillow
Designed to keep you cool all night, the Dreams TheraPur Ice Pillow uses a gel layer under the 'ice fabric' to deliver a frosty first touch, paired with a supportive memory foam core.
"The gel outside is really impressively cooling," says pillow tester Caramel Quin. "On a hot night, I could honestly imagine I was resting my head on ice. Combined with the foam in the filling, I often found myself drifting off whenever I put my head on this pillow – whether it was time for bed or not. It's very comfortable."
While this is one of the best cooling pillows you could choose, the cooling effect fades as the night goes on. "I slept soundly, but when I woke up, I moved my head to a new cool patch as it had lost that lovely ice feeling." Adding your own pillowcase over the top also cuts the cooling properties, so it's better to go without.
Read the full Dreams TheraPur Ice Pillow review.
Best hotel style pillow
Luxury, hotel-style pillows are hard to find, so I went straight to the sources – Naturalmat supplies real hotel pillows. That's no surprise, because they're packed with wool, down, and natural materials that feel every bit as dreamy as they sound. The brand’s sustainability policies are some of the best I've seen, and the pillow is locally crafted in Devon.
"The down gives a cloud-like softness while the wool maintains structure and coolness," says our pillow tester. "It’s warm but breathable, so you don’t wake up sticky or sweaty."
Read the full Naturalmat Wool and Down Pillow review.
Best pillow for back sleepers
Built for versatility, the Simba Hybrid Pillow is filled with adjustable memory foam cubes so you can customise firmness and loft. Plus, it comes with a spare bag for storing extra fill.
The cubes are made from soft, recycled fibres (called Simba Renew), and you start off with more than enough, but Simba offers a neat bag to store any excess cubes in. If you like firm pillows, pack the pillow full of cubes. If you like soft pillows, take out as many as you like. A 30-day trial means you can experiment with adjustments risk-free.
"I immediately loved the versatility of this pillow...having tested many pillows recently, it's become clearer than ever to me how important adaptability is," says tester Caramel Quin. "Personally, even though I'm a side-sleeper, I found the full pillow too plump, so I settled on using the middle amount. It's so comfortable now."
Read the full Simbra Hybrid pillow review.
Best pillow for side sleepers
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of the adjustable pillows included in this guide for side sleepers, but the Soak & Sleep nabbed this winning spot because it's just so comfortable.
This pillow contours perfectly to the head, neck, and shoulders, giving side sleepers the right support. Its springy foam adds a little bounce without compromising alignment.
"Support was impressive, and the comfort excellent – all on a surprisingly reasonable budget," says our tester.
The only downside is that memory foam isn't known for being cooling, so if you struggle with night sweats or are a hot sleeper, this won't be the best pillow for you – choose one of the cooling pillows we've tested instead.
Read the full Soak & Sleep Cooling Memory Foam Pillow review.
Best pillow for front sleepers
Experts recommend front sleepers transition to other positions, but the Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow helps maintain healthy alignment and is specifically designed to help improve sleep for front sleepers. Its patented foam keeps the head closer to the mattress, reducing neck strain.
"Despite the pillowcase looking a bit baggy, the support and comfort this pillow offers make the aesthetics easy to overlook," says pillow tester Laura.
There are different sizes available, but Laura chose the thinnest layer, keeping her head, neck, spine, and shoulders in alignment.
You'll struggle to find a pillowcase that fits this neatly but given the sleep benefits it brought, our tester says it's well worth the less-than-tidy appearance.
Find the full Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow review.
How we tested for the best pillows
Our pillow testing process combines rigorous method and real-world comfort. Homes expert Ysanne Brooks, along with the woman&home editorial team – Caramel Quin, Hannah Holway, Kenedee Fowler and Anna Paul, – tested each pillow over multiple nights across all sleeping positions (back, side, front, and restless/combo sleepers).
Here’s exactly what we considered during testing:
- Support and comfort – Used each pillow for 6–8 hours a night, assessing head, neck, and shoulder alignment. Recorded how supported testers felt during use and upon waking.
- Breathability – Noted how cool or warm the pillow felt, whether it prevented night sweats, and how well airflow worked for different materials.
- Hypoallergenic benefits – Allergy-prone testers checked claimed properties by monitoring congestion, sneezing, and morning comfort.
- Value-for-money – Balanced price against comfort, support, and longevity, and considered whether a more affordable option could offer similar benefits?
- Durability and usability – Looked for clumping, flattening, or poking feathers, plus considered practicality like washability and adjustability.
- All pillows were tested over a minimum of two weeks, ensuring first impressions weren’t the only factor.
The best pillows were all tested in the same way, over a period of at least 2 weeks.
How to choose the best pillow for you
Finding the right pillow isn’t just about softness – it’s about supporting your sleep position, body alignment, and comfort preferences.
1. Consider your sleeping position
Everyone's pillow needs will vary depending on which position they sleep in each night. "When it comes to the best pillow for your dominant sleep position (how you initially lay when you fall into bed), you'll want to keep firmness and loft (height) in mind," says Amelia Jerden, certified sleep science coach and staff writer at Sleepopolis.
"For each position, it’s most important to ensure that the sleeper’s neck is in line with the rest of their spine, so not craning upwards or dipping down too far", she adds. Different pillows will suit different needs, such as:
- Back sleepers: As a general rule, back sleepers should opt for a medium-height pillow. “Firm support that helps align the spine, neck and shoulders is key,” says a sleep specialist from Simba.
- Side sleepers: When it comes to side sleeping, “a pillow that prevents the neck from being strained overnight is best,” Simba’s spokesperson tells us. Look for a pillow that feels soft on the surface but offers enough firmness to keep the head, neck and spine properly aligned.
- Front sleepers: “For those who prefer to sleep on their front, a medium-firm pillow is recommended to support the neck and shoulders and help prevent aches and pains,” says Simba’s spokesperson. Thinner pillows often work well here, especially for front sleepers who use an arm to prop up their head during the night.
- Combination sleepers: If you move between sleep positions, it can help to choose a pillow that suits your dominant sleeping style. Alternatively, an adjustable pillow gives you control over the height and fill. “A pillow that adapts to your sleeping style means that if your habits change, your pillow can change with you,” Simba’s spokesperson adds.
Material & fill
Memory foam: Contours to your shape, excellent for support, sometimes warm.
Wool: Naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, great for temperature regulation.
Down and feather: Luxurious softness with some structure; may require fluffing.
Hybrid or adjustable: Cubes or shredded foam let you customise firmness and loft.
Budget
- Budget: Synthetic or microfiber options are very affordable. They are often hypo-allergenic and can be very comfortable, but may wear out sooner.
- Mid-range: Memory foam or natural-fill options offer comfort and durability. These will meet the vast majority of different sleep needs.
- Premium: High-end wool, down, or hybrid pillows often last longer and feel more luxurious. These are the cushiony, marshmallow-like pillows that you might have slept on in hotels.
How often should you replace pillows?
- Most pillows should be replaced every 2–3 years, or as soon as they lose shape and support.
- Choose washable pillows or ones with removable covers to help maintain hygiene and prolong the life of a pillow.
Tips for getting the best out of a pillow
- Wool and down pillows should be fluffed daily to maintain loft.
- Memory foam or hybrid pillows should be rotated occasionally to prevent uneven wear.
- Avoid overstuffing adjustable pillows – aim for comfort and correct spine alignment, not maximum height.
