Like many other things, finding the right one depends on personal preference, but you will also have to consider your sleeping position and habits. In this guide, we’ve carefully selected the Top 5 Best Pillows for 2021, so that you can find yourself an option, which will provide comfort and support around sensitive areas like your head, neck, shoulders and spine.
If you’re able to combine the correct mattress with the right pillow, you will alleviate common aches and pains associated with sleep. Choosing the right product means relieving pressure from the upper body and finding blissful and comfortable positions to get a great night’s rest. We’ve created LightSleeper, so you don’t have to spend money on sub-par products. Even though we aren’t professionals, we test, review and research every product we talk about, so you don’t have to be overwhelmed or afraid of making a mistake.
So without further ado, let’s see what are the best pillows to buy according to our research:
1. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo – Editor’s Pick
We want to introduce you to the Panda Bamboo pillow. It uses bamboo fibres, which is a sustainable resource and is one of the world’s fastest and most densely growing plants. Not only is it sustainable, but it uses 70% less water compared to traditional materials. T
The Panda Bamboo pillow features three unique layers. The centre layer is Visco memory foam, which orthopaedic pillow experts and doctors highly recommend. Next, we have a protective mesh layer, and its job is to keep your memory foam centre clean. Lastly, we have a plush bamboo case, which works great by helping against skin irritation and allergies.
It keeps the air flowing and is highly breathable, and that’s why we have a unique temperature control system, which keeps us cool and comfortable. It’s also easily removable and washable.
Unlike most, the Panda Bamboo pillow comes with a 30-day trial period, where you can try and test it out for yourself. You also get a 10-year guarantee that furthermore cements our choice for the high-quality of this impeccable product.
Key features:
- Naturally antibacterial Bamboo cover
- Environmentally friendly build
- Washable pillowcase
- Trial Period for Returns: 30 days
- Warranty: 10 years
2. Brook + Wilde Cavendish Duck Down
Brook and Wilde is an innovative mattress manufacturer that also offers a range of excellent pillows. The Brook+Wilde Cavendish pillow is no different – it is a truly outstanding product. The design is classic and straightforward.
The Brook and Wild Cavendish pillow is a new design with 3 small chambers of dawn and feathers at the core. The outer shell is filled with 100% white feathers. It is supportive and breathable and can maintain shape over time better than other materials. This design feels great and offers more than adequate support for your neck and head.
The Cavendish pillow is breathable and even can be considered cooling at times. The cover is made of 100% cotton which is skin-friendly and hypoallergic. The design is simple but it works. It can be spot cleaned with a detergent if needed as well.
The Brook+Wilde Cavendish is ideally suited for back and side sleepers. If you are a stomach sleeper you might find it a bit too high and uncomfortable.
Overall it is highly recommended, especially if you’re a side or back sleeper.
3. Simba Hybrid Pillow
Simba is another UK based company, which praises itself for providing revolutionary sleep. They are continually developing and refining their products, and that’s how the Simba Hybrid pillow was created. Designed to improve the quality of your rest, this luxurious product has a multi-layered construction, adjustable firmness, temperature regulation and many other exciting features.
As usual, you get what you pay for. In this situation, it’s a six-layered design where the first layer is the top half of the cover and uses Simba’s Stratos® technology, an astronaut inspired temperature regulation tier. The way this technology works is by absorbing, storing and releasing heat when you need it. Next comes the hypoallergenic layer that helps those who have allergies or sniffles.
After that, we can find the Nanocube® layer. This is what makes the pillow adjustable since you can add and remove it. The manufacturer suggests that for low/ soft feel you should subtract 8 – 10 handfuls, for the medium option remove 4 – 6 handfuls and if you’re a fan of a firm feel, use all nanocubes.
Its next layer is the durable and hypoallergenic microfiber, which adds more comfort, while the last layer (BCI sourced cotton) creates a soft and breathable surface. You get a premium quality cover that is easily removable and washable and a year guarantee for this upscale item.
Key features:
- Adjustable height and firmness
- Innovative technology
- Machine washable cover
- 6 layered design
- Warranty: 1 year
4. REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow
Next in our guide is the REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow which has been carefully crafted so that every type of sleeper can use it. REM-Fit focuses on sleep recovery, which has become the company’s vision in the last few years. But the Cool Gel received full marks for overall performance by the Good Housekeeping Institute. That is a huge deal since no other brand has been able to achieve it.
The Rem-Fit pillow is made from memory foam that uses heat to mould and shape your body. However, there is one downside to it and it’s that it often retains heat. But hey, we have some good news! You get a pillow that has gel powders infused into the foam, which help reduce overheating. If you get the Rem-Fit, you receive all the benefits of memory foam without heat retention.
The REM-Fit Cool Gel comes with a removable and machine washable cover made from Re-ax® fibres. What those fibres try and do is remove sweat away from your body. How many pillows do you know that can do that? Not only that but you get a 5-year warranty, which is a lot longer than the usual 1 to 2 years. Built to last, this option shows how confident the brand was when they put it on the market.
Key features:
- Machine washable, breathable cover
- Gel-infused foam inner core
- Designed for every sleeper
- No heat retention
- Warranty: 5 years
5. Ergoflex HD Memory Foam Pillow
Last but surely not least on our list is the Ergoflex HD pillow. This is the only brand in our guide that has been in operation for longer than their mattress warranty, and in our opinion, this means something. The company was established in 2006, and its latest release is the Ergoflex HD. Designed with the idea to deliver the “perfect” ergonomic posture for your head, this option brings incredible support and comfort.
The ErgoFlex HD core is made from visco-elastic, which is a high-density memory foam that relieves pressure like no other. It has a slow response, and that’s why it will gently shape to your head and neck. You don’t have to worry about your head sinking into it either.
This ErgoFlex HD is constructed from a single foam layer, which means that both pressure relief and support will be present at any point of the item. Forget about the need for fluffing with the single foam core layer, as your pillow will return to its original shape.
The high-quality foam is wrapped in a Tencel cover, which is a wood fibre that doesn’t require as much water as others, making it removable and washable. You get a breathable and comfortably soft product that is anti-allergenic and anti-microbial with which you prevent the build-up of foreign objects. The ErgoFlex HD comes with a 2-year warranty which makes it an ideal choice for most.
Key features:
- High-density foam core
- Tencel luxurious cover
- Anti-allergenic & anti-microbial
- Free next-day delivery
- Warranty: 2 years
How to choose a good pillow?
Besides having a good mattress, another essential bedding item, which will support your head and neck and promote proper body alignment is the pillow. Let’s be honest here, you get your bedding with one thing in mind, and that is a great night’s sleep.
Before you end up choosing one, think about your sleeping position, desired firmness, size, and filling type, so that you can pick an option that will bring you maximum comfort. Here are the factors you have to consider:
Sleeping Position
First, let’s start with your sleeping position since it tells you says a lot about the kind of item you need. If you’re someone that sleeps on their back, you will need a different type of support than someone who sleeps on their side. Realise that will can help relieve neck and back discomfort. If you don’t know where to start here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Side Sleeper – people that sleep on their side will need extra support to keep the neck and head aligned with their body. Therefore you should take a look at medium density versions. If you do so, you will receive better support, and the strain on your shoulders will be done without overextending the neck sideways.
- Stomach Sleeper – the ideal option for this type of sleeper will be a soft, low-density product. Stomach sleepers lay flat, but they usually turn their heads to the side, which can be a problem with a firmer option. You want to choose something that will take the strain off the neck and keep your body aligned at the same time.
- Back Sleeper –let’s say you sleep on your back, then your head and neck need minimal support, which is quite the good news. However, you still need an item that’s not too dense, so it doesn’t overextend your neck. We advise opting for a low- or medium-density choice to keep your neck and body aligned.
Size
This is an aspect that many will not think about when its time to get a new pillow, but the truth is that it can significantly affect your sleep quality. The way an item complements your bed size isn’t the most important thing. You need a product that will and provide support no matter how much you move in your sleep.
There are three standard size options, and they are standard, queen, and king. A standard one measures 20 inches by 26 inches, a queen measures 20 inches by 30 inches and a king measures 20 inches by 36 inches. Finding an option that complements bed sizes is a common thing and should be used to determine your choice.
Filling
This is an aspect that will show you how your pillow holds up over time. You will find how it supports your head and neck and what type of comfort it adds to your bedding. Usually, they will include filling like memory foam, down, feather, and polyester. All four offer their own type of comfort and support, and it’s up to you to decide what you want. If you don’t know how to do so continue reading and decide which material is right for you.
- Memory Foam is a type of moldable foam initially developed by NASA, which has become a household favourite in many bedding products. The reason for that is memory foam moulds very precisely to the body, which provides custom support to relieve pressure points. This type will benefit side sleepers greatly because it easily adapts to provide the right level of support.
- Cotton – has been the most used option for years, since it is hypoallergenic, breathable, cool, and easy to care for. Nowadays, it is considered a little old-fashioned because it flattens out over time and needs to be replaced regularly.
- Down – is a plush and luxurious filling that creates the comfiest pillow out there. It’s made out of soft, fine down feathers of ducks and geese, which allows your head and neck to sink right into the pillow. There are some down-alternative filling that is hypoallergenic, and cost-friendly if you’re on a budget.
- Polyester – lastly, we have the most common and inexpensive type of filling. Polyester products hold their shape longer than cotton options, but they often become lumpy and less supportive over time. That means a frequent replacement, but it’s an easy thing to do because of their price.
Firmness
When we talk about firmness, there are four levels, which are soft, medium soft, firm, and very firm. Here is a little bit more information on them:
- Soft – if this is the firmness you pick, you will get a fluffy item, with which your head would sink in. Usually, they are made from polyester, cotton or down material and are best for stomach and back sleepers.
- Medium Soft – have slightly less give than the previous option, and they provide mid-range support during sleep. They are most suitable for side and back sleepers but can work for everyone else, just as much.
- Firm – these are often made from polyester or memory foam, to create the perfect balance between soft and firm options. We can say that they are relatively easy to arrange and you get good support with them. This type of pillow is highly recommended for side sleepers.
- Very Firm – as the name implies, this version holds its shape and gives very little, which can be a substantial positive for side sleepers who struggle with neck pain. Most times, they will be constructed from ultra-dense memory foam.
Final Words
Finding the best pillow can be overwhelming, but we hope that our guide was useful and full of insightful information. Please keep in mind that we are non-professionals in the medical field, and these are only recommendations.
We can’t claim that the products we’ve mentioned above will resolve your issues, but you won’t know if you don’t give them a try. To conclude, always try to choose a pillow which will allow you to sleep comfortably and peacefully.
We hope we made your choice just a little bit easier and if we can improve this somehow, we’d love to hear your ideas and questions in the comments below.