DO I REALLY NEED?

THIS week: Slumberdown Orthopaedic Pillow Pair, £10, Matalan SLUMBERDOWN claims these pillows have a ‘supportive core’ that holds your head in the right position, encouraging your spine to straighten and helping to reduce everyday back and neck aches.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘I always tell my clients to sleep in a way that’s most comfortable for them,’ says Tim Allardyce, clinical director at Surrey Physio. ‘This orthopaedic pillow is affordable, making it worth trying. I found it immediately comfortable and had a good night’s sleep. However, using both of the pillows together will be too high for most sleepers. Instead, use one of these pillows plus an old one underneath to give you enough space between your head and your shoulder to provide neck support. ‘In terms of spinal alignment, I didn’t feel there was any difference above any other pillow. The manufacturer claims this helps relieve aches and pains, but there is no clear indication as to who it’s been tested on to give these results.’