While you’ll still need to wash your sleep pillow regularly and replace it every two years, a protector will do the majority of the heavy lifting for you when keeping your pillow clean. You should wash the protector monthly, or more often if you experience night sweats, dandruff or skin irritations. However by thinking about the factors that make up the best pillows, such as materials, responsiveness, firmness and loft, and considering how you actually sleep, you're much better placed to choose a pillow that'll work well for you and deliver a much more comfortable night.

Although there are affordable pillows to be found, investing in the best pillows on the market doesn't usually come cheap. But, if you're after a better night's sleep, then we think it really is one area of your sleep set-up where it pays to spend a little more. Support level: Adjustable support and shape pillow - taller for side sleepers, shorter for stomach sleepers etc. Well, as you may have come to realise if you’re tossing and turning at night squishing your current pillow into all kinds of shapes to try and get comfy, when it comes to pillows, one size does not fit all.

The best pillows for 2023 are:

After the best budget pillows? You can't go wrong with these Dorma full-forever pillows that don't go flat thanks to their luxurious spiral fibre polyester filling. For added luxury, the cover is made from 100% cotton with a 223 thread count — so it’s super soft to the touch — and the piped edges have been double stitched to ensure maximum durability. Basically, they’re so plump and bouncy that if they brought out a collagen skincare range, we’d be the first in line to shop. Seriously! Pros: Compared to the Emma Original pillow, this one is 100% washable — as opposed to just the cover on the previous model. Cons: If you’re a side sleeper who still likes quite a bit of softness, this pillow might feel a little too firm. And let’s face it — it’s also crazy expensive!

Spend some time looking for a new pillow and you'll soon realise there are a whole host of pillow fillings available. From hollowfibre to goose down, synthetic to natural, the array of terms and materials can fast become a little overwhelming. Although it’s undeniably expensive, it’s worth noting that the unique gel formula has been designed to withstand years of daily use. But perhaps its biggest selling point is the patent-pending air-tunnel design that makes this pillow rival even the very best breathable ones on the market. It comes with a soft and snuggly cover that’s perfect for the winter months, but when the temperature amps up, it’s well worth taking it off so you can reap maximum benefit from the innovative gel cubes. 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. The average person spends 26-years of their lives in bed — so why are so many of us still slumming it with sub-par pillows? If it feels like there’s nothing but air between your head and the mattress, then this guide on the best pillows on the market should elevate your next night’s sleep. Pros: Technogel® is the only polyurethane gel made without plasticiser oils that’s currently on the market — so it’s virtually odourless, and completely non-toxic.

The verdict: Pillows

Pros: It’s got a breathable cotton case, and is also machine washable and suitable for the tumble dryer. Confusingly many manufacturers 'invent' their own terminology to dress things up to sound a bit more fancy, but the basic synthetic options are hollowfibre, microfibre, and memory foam. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{

A pillow protector keeps your pillow clean for longer, safeguarding it from dust mites, spills, stains and germs in the same way a good mattress protector looks after your mattress. While spills and stains are unsightly and a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites are the other big problem with unprotected pillows - especially those that aren’t cleaned regularly.Cons: While it may cocoon your head for sleep apnoea sufferers, it can be a tad much for non-snorers. Ensure the rest of your sleeping space is comfy and supportive too. There are plenty of mattress sales each month that cover bedding such as pillows and protectors, and you'll find luxury and budget options here. These include the best Saatva mattress sales for luxury sleep, and the latest Nectar mattress sale for memory foam bedding. Can pillows be recycled? With regular nightly use, your dead skin cells, hair, sweat and more build up on your pillow. This moist environment provides plenty of food and nourishment for dust mites, and these microscopic bugs and their droppings can trigger allergies and make asthma worse. First up, it's synthetic fillings. These pillows are filled with manmade fibres, like polyester and polymide that are made from petroleum-based plastics.