Best pillows to buy in 2024: feather, memory foam, bamboo and more

We all have our preferred sleeping habits - with starfish, one-leg-outters and pillow huggers sleeping amongst us - so it's important to find a pillow that's tailored to your preferences. Finding the best pillow on the market is a tricky task with an array of firmness levels and fillings to consider, so we've gathered a list of 13 options to help you find your ideal match.

We've included feather, memory foam, pillows for side sleepers, microfibre pillows and anti-allergy designs in our roundup. Take a browse, and sleep easy.

Wondering how to choose the right pillows, or how often you should replace your pillow? We've put together a collection of the best wedge pillows to buy, we've also put together rounds up of the best silk pillows, best feather pillows and best for side sleepers, as well as testing out a range of best memory foam pillows. And, we haven't let you down when it comes to stylish bedding either - check out our guides to best bedding and best sustainable bedding. You can also read our guide on how to clean and store winter bedding.

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Best pillows at a glance

Best feather pillow Littens Goose Down and Feather Pillows

Best memory foam pillow Panda Hybrid Memory Foam Pillow

Best pillow for side sleepers Emma Original Pillow

Best microfibre pillows Soak and Sleep Soft as Down Microfibre Pillow

Best anti-allergy pillows John Lewis Anti-Allergy Pillow

Best pillows for 2024

Best feather pillows

Littens Goose Down and Feather Pillows

• 50% goose feather and 50% goose down
• two pack

These pillows from Littens are made up of both goose down and feather, and their large super king size make them a particularly sumptuous choice. Why not treat yourself to a hotel-inspired, sink-in feeling? The down-proof, 280 thread count cotton cover has been designed to keep the filling securely inside to avoid the hassle and discomfort of escaping feathers.

This is a pack of two, so pretty decent value at under £100. A great find for a spare bedroom - treat your guests to a touch of luxury!

Cuddledown Goose Feather and Down Pillow

• Buy now from Cuddledown (£40.00 £30.00)

• Goose feather and down
• Great option for side sleepers

A mix of feather and down can make for a comfortable night's sleep, and this Cuddledown design lets you pick your own ratio, depending on your firmness preference. Choose between 80% feather and 20% goose down, or a 50/50 split, with the latter being a softer option.

The cotton casing has been double stitched for added durability, and there are different sizes to choose from, depending on your bed size.

Earthkind Recycled Feather and Down Pillow

• Buy now from Marks and Spencer (£30.00 £24.00)

• recycled feather and down filling
• machine washable

Feather pillows are renowned for their plush yet supportive feel, and can suit a range of sleeping positions. Earthkind offer pillows made with recycled feather and down so you can enjoy a touch of luxury in a more sustainable way. Buy now from Marks and Spencer and enjoy a 20% saving.

Don't forget to read our complete buyer's guide to the best feather pillows.

Best memory foam pillows

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

• charcoal infused memory foam core and bamboo
• 10 year guarantee

Panda's hybrid memory foam bamboo pillow performed well in our memory foam pillow review, scoring an impressive 9/10. The design's top eco-credentials, quality removable pillowcase and air flow pads for sufficient temperature regulation made it a firm favourite within our team.

While it's on the more expensive side, we'd say the pillow is a worthwhile investment considering the many benefits. Plus, rather than arriving vacuum-packed, it comes in a box so you don't even have to wait for it to inflate.

Otty Pure Deluxe Pillow

• bamboo and charcoal infused memory foam
• great for people with allergies, asthma and sensitive skin

Made with bamboo and charcoal infused memory foam, Otty's deluxe pillow offers a dense design, ideal for side and back sleepers looking for support.

Boasting moisture-wicking and odour eliminating properties, this pillow is a cooling pick for hot summer evenings.

Read our review of Otty's firm hybrid mattress.

John Lewis Synthetic Memory Foam Pillow

• synthetic memory foam
• low profile ideal for front sleepers

If you're looking for the density and support provided by a memory foam pillow, without the height, this low profile memory foam support pillow from John Lewis could be the one for you. The low, flat design makes it a top pick for front sleepers.

Best pillows for side sleepers

Emma Original Pillow

• Buy now from Emma (£54.00)

• gel memory foam
• adjustable for all sleep positions

The Emma original mattress has taken the sleep world by storm, so why not give the Emma original pillow a try? Ideal for firm fanatics, and a great choice for side sleepers, this pillow features adjustable layers so you can find your ideal height and level of support. All three layers are recommended for side sleepers, and you can keep everything nice and fresh with the removable top cover. Now available with a huge 60% saving. Snap up this deal while it lasts!

You can find more pillows for side sleepers in our roundup.

Snuggledown Side Sleeper White Pillow

• polyester filling
• back and side sleepers

Bedding can really rack up, so you may be on the lookout for a budget-friendly pillow. Snuggledown's side sleeper pillow is available for under £20, so whether you're stocking up on spare linens or revamping your sleep set-up on a budget, this design won't break the bank. The pillow has been deep filled to provide sufficient support for side sleepers, and you can expect a soft touch thanks to the 230 thread count cotton exterior.

Easy to keep clean too, this pillow for side sleepers is both washing machine and tumble dryer friendly. Also available in a two pack.

Dorma Extra Firm Pillow

• polyester filling
• side sleeper

This firm pillow from Dunelm is one for the side sleepers. The border gives the pillow a decent structure and a boxy feel, ideal if you're looking for that extra level of support.

Best Microfibre Pillows

Soak and Sleep Soft as Down Microfibre Pillow

• Buy now from Soak and Sleep (£30.00)

• microfibre filling
• front sleeper

Synthetic fibres such as microfibre can work as a suitable alternative to animal-based fillings such as goose-down. Soak and Sleep's microfibre pillow aims to mimic the soft and luxurious nature of down, without the hefty price tag. A perfect choice for those who enjoy a soft and fluffy pillow.

Simba Hybrid Pillow

• microfibre and foam cube filling
• temperature regulating tech

Who knew we needed space-inspired technology for a sound night's sleep, but the 19,000 five star reviews suggest Simba are onto something. The brand's Hybrid pillow is packed with various layers - including a hypoallergenic microfibre fill - and temperature regulating tech.

Thanks to the removable foam cubes, you can tailor the design to suit your sleep preference.

Best anti-allergy pillows

John Lewis Anti-Allergy Square Pillow

• polyester filling
• soft level of firmness

This John Lewis pillow has been treated with anti-allergy tech to help keep dust mites, some types of pollen and pet allergens at bay, to allow for a more restful and comfortable sleep.

Plus, as a square design you can really sink in and lounge - perfect for a cuppa in bed!

Tempur Comfort Cloud Standard Support Pillow

• visco elastic filling
• back and side sleepers

Tempur is a popular choice for comfort seekers, and the brand's standard support pillow is dust mite and allergen-resistant. Offering a balance of softness and support, this design is best for side and back sleepers.

Check out the best silk pillowcases on the market, and treat your hair and skin to a great night's sleep.

How to choose the right pillows for you

Think about your preferred sleep position when finding your perfect pillow:

• Side sleepers should look out for firm, deep pillows to ensure the gap between ear and shoulder is filled to allow for sufficient spine alignment
• Front sleepers will prefer a soft and flat pillow to prevent any uncomfortable neck strains
• Back sleepers are likely to find a medium firmness most comfortable as finding the balance between being able to sink in, whilst still being supported is key

Once you know what kind of firmness you require for your sleep position, the pillow's filling is another consideration:

• Memory foam conforms to the shape of your head and neck to provide personal support so it's one to consider if you suffer from stiffness in your back, shoulder and neck
• Feather and down filling is renowned for its luxurious feel and soft yet supportive nature, plus you can find feather pillows to suit various sleep positions
• Synthetic filling such as microfibre and polyester can work well if you're after a soft, budget-friendly alternative to feather and down fillings. Plus, they'll likely hold their shape and require less plumping than their luxurious counterpart

Which type of pillow is best?

This will of course depend on your personal sleeping habits. As well as firmness and filling preferences, those who suffer from allergies may benefit from a hypoallergenic design for a more restful night's sleep.

In terms of pillow superiority, down designs often take top prize due to their plush, 5-star-hotel vibe. However, we're seeing an increase in the big sleep brands opting for cooling gels, adjustable designs and advanced temperature-regulating tech so it seems our pillows are now going down a layered, scientific approach.

How often should you replace your pillow?

As a general rule, changing your pillows every one to two years is recommended. Pillows can accumulate dust mites and gather sweat over time, plus they can lose their shape and support.

It's worth checking your specific pillow's washing instructions, but washing your pillow (every six months or so) can help increase its longevity and prevent bacteria build-up. Enjoy your favourite pillow for longer!

Treat your bedroom to a seasonal change with our roundup of the best bedding for 2024.