Updated on 6 January 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
BedStory 3D (x2)
The puffed effect, the great thickness and the soft 3D filling of this pair of pillows are surprising for their price. The price/performance ratio is excellent.
This hypoallergenic model in high-density synthetic fibre is available in 2 formats: square or rectangular. It has anti-mite, anti-sweat and chemical-free certifications. We found it spacious and above all very voluminous with its 3D filling. When we put them to the test (sold in pairs), they proved to be comfortable in any position (perhaps a little less so on the stomach) and provide good support for the neck. They also allow you to lift your head easily to watch TV thanks to their 22 cm thickness (each). In addition, they are soft to the touch and machine washable.
Choosing a comfortable pillow adapted to your morphology is essential to ensure a good night's sleep.
A good pillow should respect your morphology.
Some have a curved shape to provide better support for the cervical spine.
Ideally, hypoallergenic, anti-mite and anti-bacterial components are preferred.
For longer life of your pillow, remember to protect it with a pillowcase.
The filling will probably vary from one model to another.
ZenPur Memory Foam
Its bamboo cover has a pleasant texture, is easy to clean and has been designed to ensure a restful sleep. Its comfort makes all the difference.
This rectangular memory foam model comes in two levels of firmness: a firm and a soft version. We have tested the former and in our opinion, it is comfortable in all sleeping positions. Indeed, thanks to the memory foam, it is firm but soft and deforms to adapt to the shape of your body. It supports your head perfectly. Certified free of harmful substances, its removable and machine-washable bamboo cover is pleasant to use. It is also treated with anti-mite, hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties. Although some buyers have noticed a slight odour when unpacking it, we can say that it dissipates quickly.
Simba Hybrid®
With its high-quality materials and three different technologies, this pillow provides superior comfort thanks to its thermo-regulating properties and adjustable thickness.
£ 115.00 on Simba
Available in a rectangular or square shape, this pillow is filled with foam nanocubes that can be removed or added to vary the thickness and firmness. In our tests, we found it to be dense, but also very soft and comfortable in all sleeping positions, and we were satisfied in terms of support. Thanks to Stratos technology and mesh edges, the BCI-certified cotton cover is warm, but air circulates well for enjoyable sleep on warmer nights. The hypoallergenic cover is also suitable for sensitive skin and is removable and machine washable. However, we think the price is a little on the high side.
Amazon Basics memory foam
Its 2-in-1 design is very interesting. It is more breathable for summer nights, which contributes to its already appreciated overall comfort thanks to its memory effect.
CertiPur and Oeko-Tex certified this rectangular memory foam pillow meets the highest design quality standards. It is made of high-density viscoelastic foam, which makes it firm at first and soft afterwards. Its comfort in any sleeping position and the absence of pressure points convinced us. In addition, it has a 2-in-1 design with a soft side for winter and a cooler side for summer. In addition, during our tests, we found it very breathable thanks to its glazed silk cover, and we think it is perfect for any season. Finally, the removable cover is nice and machine washable, and the slight odour it gives off when unpacked dissipates very quickly.
Tediber L’incroyable oreiller
It is characterised by its excellent overall quality and great comfort. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and is also notable for its good breathability.
£ 85.00 on Tediber
Available in several sizes, this hypoallergenic and anti-mite pillow offers a hybrid design with its natural and microfibre filling certified Oeko-Tex (label 100). It is made of washed and sterilised duck feathers and down of European origin, and its polyester microfibre flakes ensure good ventilation and a certain freshness on first contact with the skin. After testing it out, we highlight the pleasant puffy effect that makes it soft and comfortable in any position. It fits the head and provides the necessary support, although in our opinion it could be slightly thicker. The cotton twill cover is hand-sewn and, although the cover is not removable, this model is machine washable.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best budget | Best mid-range | Best high-end | Mid-range alternative | High-end alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
| BedStory 3D (x2) | ZenPur Memory Foam | Simba Hybrid® | Amazon Basics memory foam | Tediber L’incroyable oreiller |
| The puffed effect, the great thickness and the soft 3D filling of this pair of pillows are surprising for their price. The price/performance ratio is excellent. | Its bamboo cover has a pleasant texture, is easy to clean and has been designed to ensure a restful sleep. Its comfort makes all the difference. | With its high-quality materials and three different technologies, this pillow provides superior comfort thanks to its thermo-regulating properties and adjustable thickness. | Its 2-in-1 design is very interesting. It is more breathable for summer nights, which contributes to its already appreciated overall comfort thanks to its memory effect. | It is characterised by its excellent overall quality and great comfort. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and is also notable for its good breathability. |
| £ 28.89 on Amazon | £ 46.99 on Amazon | £ 115.00 on Simba | See the price on Amazon | £ 85.00 on Tediber |
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How did we do the testing?
To test each of the pillows, different members of our team spent several nights with each model and evaluated their sensations in all sleeping positions (face up, face down and sideways) to determine their comfort, support and level of firmness and flexibility.
Depending on the temperature, we were able to assess their breathability and each of our movements allowed us to see their degree of deformation. We also analysed the composition of the materials and the quality of the design, and of course, we took into account the ease of cleaning.
How to choose your pillow?
Choosing a comfortable pillow that is adapted to your body shape is essential to ensure a good night’s sleep without pain. However, the choice can be quite complicated because, as we have already observed in our selection of the best mattresses, there is a multitude of products on the market and they often seem very similar. We have listed the important points for you.
Here are some things to look out for before you buy:
- Support: a good pillow is above all one that respects your morphology, by maintaining the alignment of your cervicals whatever your favourite position. Generally speaking, it is advised to choose a firm pillow if you sleep on your side, a rather firm one if you prefer to sleep on your back, and a soft one if you sleep on your stomach. Note that some brands offer cushions that are either adjustable or designed to suit most positions.
- Shape: some models have a curved shape to provide better support for the neck. Although pillows can sometimes provide relief and comfort, there is no magic formula to make certain aches disappear. The dimensions are usually either square (50 x 50 cm or 60 x 60 cm) or 50 x 70 cm. Other sizes are sometimes available, but you may find it more difficult to find suitable pillowcases.
- Materials: the ideal is to favour hypoallergenic, anti-dust mite and anti-bacterial components. Moreover, more and more brands are offering materials certified by the Oeko-tex label (standard 100), which certifies that the textiles used are free of products that are harmful to our health and the environment. Certified products are of course to be preferred.
- Maintenance: to extend the life of your pillow, remember to protect it with a pillowcase. You can also shake it out and air it regularly. Some models can be machine washed, but check the tag and the care instructions! Although some specialists say that you should change your pillow every 2 to 5 years, the most important thing is to determine whether its comfort and support are still up to your expectations.
Although all these features will help you find your way around, it is the stuffing that is most likely to vary from one model to another. Here are the most common types currently on the market:
- Synthetic fibres: Along with foam, these are the most common. They are often microfibres or polyester. The advantage is that you can usually put them in the washing machine. Cushions filled with synthetic fibres come in a variety of choices, varying in firmness.
- Memory foam: very ergonomic, it adapts perfectly to your morphology, creating a cosy nest for your head, neck and shoulders. It provides optimum support and reduces the risk of pain caused by poor posture. The synthetic material, however, is often less effective in regulating temperature.
- Latex: it is appreciated for its firmness and the very good support it provides for the head and neck. It also has good heat regulation. But always choose a natural latex pillow rather than a synthetic one: it will be free of potentially toxic chemicals.
- Wool: contrary to what you might think, it regulates heat and humidity efficiently. This means that it will provide you with a warm pillow during winter, but will prevent you from having an uncomfortable night’s sleep in sweat during summer. Wool pillows are known for not sagging but are too firm for some people.
- Cereals: this is an eco-responsible and comfortable choice. They are logically natural and often organically grown. In addition, they have the advantage of being adapted to all morphologies, while offering good support for the head. Cereals are naturally breathable and offer effective protection against dust mites. However, some people find them a little noisy and they can give the pillow a slight smell.
- Feathers and down: these make the pillow soft and fluffy, and are therefore particularly suitable if you sleep on your stomach. They are less common nowadays, but are generally more expensive and some people are allergic to them. If you are interested in this type of stuffing, make sure you choose a cruelty-free brand, so that no animals are exploited during its design.
Sensitivities and preferences are very personal and can vary greatly from one person to another. Fortunately, most brands offer a trial period so that you can make an informed decision and return the pillow if you feel uncomfortable.
Other pillows we recommend
Hypnia Oreiller Effet Duvet (£70.80 upon publication): an adjustable thickness and a healthy composition. Available in square or rectangular format, this model is comfortable in all sleeping positions. Its loft and height are customisable, as the microfibre padding can be added or removed. During our tests, we were satisfied with its support. The cotton percale cover is hypoallergenic and breathable and is handmade without harmful substances. The pillow is also machine washable.
Matt Sleeps (£79.65 upon publication): for sleeping on your side or on your back. This rectangular memory foam pillow is 12 cm thick and very comfortable. What we liked most was the warm texture and softness of the cover, which is removable and machine washable. The ends and vents allow air to circulate and the high-density cold foam provides good support. However, there is a slight odour on the receipt of the pillow.
Other pillows tested
Ikea Skogsfraken (£14.00 upon publication): this top seller from the Swedish giant is very soft, thick and quite affordable in terms of budget, but it lacks a bit of firmness in our opinion.
My Lovely Bed Down and feather filling (£40.57 upon publication): in our opinion, it is not the most comfortable due to its thinness and firmness. Its natural filling makes it noisy when it moves, and it is not machine washable.
Blanrêve (£40.60 upon publication): let’s face it, the price is quite high, but its orthopaedic properties and semi-firm finish, which is ideal for all sleeping positions, keep this pillow in the competition.
Emma Original (£49.99 upon publication): its support, hard/soft sides and variable 3-layer thickness are well received, but it is too stiff compared to others we have tested.
Percko (£69.95 upon publication): is adjustable in thickness and firmness, but it is too firm and struggles to deform to fit the head. This detracts from its comfort.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
