A good pillow is a dream - a bad one is quite simply a nightmare. Given the choice between the two, it’s worth taking a little bit of time to consider which kind of pillow will suit you best.

What to Look For

Pillows only actually last for around 2–4 years, although most of us tend to keep them a lot longer. When you consider that the average person loses up to 1 pint of sweat per night and a lot of it ends up inside the pillow, you can see why the cover might become stained. And once they start to go flat or lumpy, the game’s really up.

Comfort: The first thing you should look for in a pillow is the right amount of support to keep your neck and spine in alignment. The second thing is finding something that will stand up to nightly use without letting you (or you head) down.

Support: Some people prefer two pillows, while others prefer one. This is very much a matter of personal preference. Children and those with narrow shoulders will usually need just one pillow, while those with broader shoulders would be better off with two. A soft pillow (mainly down - more expensive) will cradle your head and feel comfortable, but you may need a firmer pillow (mainly feathers - less expensive) underneath to avoid waking up with a stiff neck. Whether you sleep on your stomach (soft to medium), back (medium to firm) or side (firm) can also affect your level of comfort.

Fillings: A 50/50 mixture of feather and down is the ideal combination, being able to resist moisture and maintain shape over a longer period. Natural fillings are able to ‘breathe’ and leave you feeling cool, comfortable and relaxed. Synthetic pillows are non-allergenic and generally offer a low-budget alternative.

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