While there are many types of pillows to choose from, the fill is the most important aspect when it comes to comfort. Here are the key differences between the most common options: The Tempur Ombracio is specially designed and shaped for front sleepers, with a star-like shape and the distinctive dimpled texture of all Tempur products. After wondering how on earth to find a pillowcase to fit it - really not necessary - I settled down to test it out and… eight hours later, I woke up.

There are a few different pillow sizes available which can make choosing the right pillow feel confusing. Here’s a brief run-down of the pillow sizes available: Tuft & Needle uses solid foam instead of foam clusters for a more supportive surface, but it has ventilated holes to make it breathable along with graphite and cooling gel to prevent overheating. The brand describes the feel as "squishy while remaining supportive," and we fully agree based on our evaluations. The best part is that you don't have to sacrifice quality for sustainability: It earned high scores in both Lab and consumer tests. The pillow kept its shape even after pressure was applied and the outer cover washed well. Key features – Filling: Goose down and feathers; Cover: 100% cotton cover (machine washable) Sizes: Standard size and king sizeWith comfort you have to feel to believe, we found this pillow to be surprisingly plush yet still supportive, thanks to its innovative blend of shredded memory foam with soft and fluffy kapok (a natural fiber that’s similar to cotton, but feels silkier). The fill is also adjustable, so it works for multiple sleep styles or for people who often change positions. Who it's best for: Eco-conscious shoppers that prefer to buy organic bedding or anyone that wants a latex pillow with more resiliency than foam. While your weight, the width of of shoulders and any allergies (eg to feathers) will affect your choice, the most important factor is your sleeping position: Who it's best for: The Coop Home Goods pillow is suitable for all sleep positions thanks to its adjustable fill that lets you create your perfect height. It's also great for people who aren't sure what type of pillow to choose because it's a hybrid that combines foam and fiberfill. Overheating is one of the most common reasons for disrupted sleep or night-time waking. If you regularly flip your pillow over at night looking for the cooler side, it’s likely you need a ‘cooler’ more breathable option.

Pillows also need to be kept clean and free of allergens. By the second year, your pillow is probably starting to get a little grubby – it’s time to buy a new one! How to break in a new pillow? Finding the best pillows for a good night’s sleep should be a pretty easy task. After all, there’s not that much science to finding a good pillow, right? Who it's best for: Hot sleepers or people who want a pillow that can help regulate their body temperature all night. It's a down alternative option that isn't intended for a particular sleep position. Given that we’ve finally cottoned on to the importance of a good night’s sleep for our health and wellbeing, it is staggering how many of us will put up with a pillow that is too flat, too tall, too soft or too hard. These days brands like Simba, Tempur and Panda all have different types of pillows for different sleeping positions. So there’s no excuse for hanging on to an uncomfortable pillow.

The verdict: Travel pillows

verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ The core of the pillow is made from bamboo and charcoal-infused memory foam (dubbed “CharcoCell foam” by Panda), perforated to promote airflow and wrapped in a quilted bamboo rayon cover. It’s softer than Panda’s standard bamboo pillow, instead looking and feeling more like the Otty pillow featured below. The cover is also silky soft and cool to the touch – so much so, that it’s almost a shame to put a pillowcase over the top of it. Who it's best for: Anyone who's looking to spend as little as possible on their pillows without sacrificing performance. The down alternative fill is also great for allergy sufferers because it's easy to wash on a regular basis. It's available in two firmness levels to support all sleep positions. The medium-density version was well-loved in our tests, but it's also available in soft and firm. On top of that, we love that its outer cover is a cotton sateen with double stitching around the hem to make sure the down doesn't poke through during use.

It’s a little bit firmer than the Otty Deluxe, but it’s not so firm that it feels clinical, instead landing somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. It comes with an inbuilt protector, plus a soft, breathable and hypoallergenic bamboo cover (which can be washed at 40°C), which helps you to keep things fresher than washing your pillowcase alone .

The best travel pillows for 2023 are:

For the full boutique feel, teaming one of the best pillows with one of the best duvets will ensure that what you're sleeping under feels just as luxurious as what you're sleeping on. How often should you replace your pillows? For instance, if you sleep on your side, you may want something with a bit more loft. And if you’re someone who is prone to overheating at night, it’s important to be aware that some pillows – particularly memory foam ones – may feel warmer than others. Different sleepers will get on better with different pillows, and it’s important to bear that in mind when testing. With down lauded as the ultimate luxury, many top rated hotels will use down, or a feather-filled blend in their pillows. Down pillows are often also the best all-rounders when it comes to catering to a wide array of sleep positions. So while memory foam options are really good for the individual buyer, they aren't quite as versatile for multiple users.