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What to look for when you’re shopping for pillows

A BUYER’S GUIDE TO PILLOWS TYPES OF FILLINGS

DOWN: These pillows are soft, puffy and light. Down is breathable, conforms well to your head and neck, and holds up better than synthetic fills. It is not recommended for allergy sufferers, unless the down has been appropriately processed. Down is expensive compared with other fillings.

FEATHERS: These pillows are firmer and heavier than down. The feathers used in a quality pillow are small and highly curled, but might be spiky and poke through the cover.

FEATHERS-AND-DOWN COMBO: Your head needs to be in a neutral position on the pillow, so with only a down filling, the weight of your head might flatten the pillow too much. In this combo, the feathers give bulk and the down, softness. The more down, the softer and more expensive the pillow.

BUCKWHEAT: Filled with the husks of buckwheat seeds, these pillows offer firm support.

COTTON/WOOL: These firm pillows are hypoallergenic.

FOAM: Density is paramount – the higher the density, the less breakdown, and the more support you will have. If it’s made of foam chips, it will be bouncier, which isn’t great.

MEMORY FOAM: This filling reduces pressure points by continuously adjusting as you move throughout the night. Some people find these pillows hot to sleep on because of the lack of ventilation, and they may have a chemical odour which could be unpleasant for some, so take a good sniff before you buy one.

SYNTHETICS, E.G. POLYESTER: These pillows are light, comfortable and affordable, and feel springier than down pillows. They are easy to care for, as they can be washed more frequently than natural fibres. After long use, the filling may cluster and lose its shape.

LATEX: The firmest type of pillow, this is heavy and has a fixed shape and height. It comes in a variety of shapes and densities. It can be curved for neck support, and thus may help with back and neck alignment.