Best pillows

Shortlist and buying guide · the ranked board is on its way

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What to look for

Side sleepers usually want a higher, firmer pillow; back and front sleepers a lower one.

Models worth comparing

From manufacturers' specifications and published UK reviews, read on 6 October 2026. Not tested by us. In no particular order: these are not ranked, and we do not say which is best until the customer ratings are in.

Budget

Soak & Sleep Soft as Down Microfibre Pillow

Anyone who likes a plump, down-like pillow but needs a feather-free, easy-wash option.

Choice of soft/medium or medium/firm (with a hollowfibre centre chamber)
233 thread count cotton percale casing
Machine washable and suitable for allergy sufferers

Watch out for: Reviewers found it less cooling than some, and it takes a while to dry after washing.

Filling: 100% polyester microfibre
Firmness: Soft/medium or medium/firm
Adjustable: No
Washing: Machine wash at 30°C, tumble dry
Guarantee: 2 years

Sold by Soak & Sleep, not on Amazon.

Sources: Maker product page · Mumsnet: best pillows

Mid-range

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

Sleepers who want firm, consistent memory foam support with a soft bamboo cover.

Memory foam core with a removable bamboo-blend cover
Medium-firm feel aimed at back, side and front sleepers
10-year guarantee

Watch out for: The height is fixed at 12cm and the foam itself cannot be washed, only the cover.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness: Medium-firm
Adjustable: No
Washing: Cover at 30°C; foam wipe clean only
Guarantee: 10 years (30-night trial)

Check price on Amazon

Sources: Maker product page · Mumsnet: best pillows

Premium

Simba Hybrid Pillow

Warm sleepers who want to tune the height and firmness of a cooling foam pillow.

Removable Nanocube foam core lets you set height and firmness
Cotton cover with Stratos cooling finish and a mesh border for airflow
Whole pillow can be machine washed at 40°C

Watch out for: Reviewers found adding or removing the cubes fiddly, and it may need topping up over time.

Filling: Nanocube foam core with recycled fibre layer
Firmness: Adjustable
Adjustable: Yes (remove or add cubes)
Washing: Machine wash at 40°C, tumble dry low

Check price on Amazon

Sources: Maker product page · Mumsnet: best pillows

Pro

Emma Adapt Cooling Pillow

People with neck discomfort who want a layered foam pillow they can set up for their sleeping position.

Three foam layers, including ThermoSync cooling foam, with removable layers
Soft side and firm side so you can flip for a different feel
Removable cover washes at 40°C

Watch out for: Only a 30-night trial and a 2-year guarantee, and an all-foam feel will not suit everyone.

Filling: Three-layer foam
Firmness: Medium to firm
Adjustable: Yes (removable layers)
Washing: Cover at 40°C; foam air only
Guarantee: 2 years (30-night trial)

Check price on Amazon

Sources: Maker product page · Mumsnet: best pillows

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We are gathering the customer ratings this board needs from UK shops. When they are in, the ranked list replaces this guide at the same address, scored the way every board is: star ratings weighed by how many people left them. How we score.

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