It’s hard to explain just how valuable a good pillow is, but it’s safe to say that a good pillow improves how well you sleep as it keeps your spine properly aligned. Although there are several options available, a few brands receive the best reviews from UK consumers and sleep experts. The right pillow improves your sleep and helps improve neck and shoulder pain, but how do you find the right pillow for you?
Leading Pillow Brands in the UK
Tempur
If you are a side sleep Tempur brand pillows are one of the best choices around. Their memory foam pillows, while expensive, are frequently cited as “life-changing” for those suffering from neck pain. Tempur’s “Original” pillow is one of their best selling products and is a favourite among those who want to improve how well they sleep at night. Their cooling technology pillows have also gained popularity among those who tend to sleep hot.
Panda
Taking memory foam pillows one step further is Panda, who has become quite popular thanks to their bamboo memory foam pillows. Consumers who have used these pillows love their durability, even after years of use these pillows are still in great condition. Their commitment to sustainability and use of bamboo fabric has caught the attention of environmentally conscious consumers. The brand’s memory foam core provides excellent support while the bamboo cover offers temperature regulation and natural antibacterial properties.
Scooms
Scooms is all about luxury and their traditional down pillows fit the bill. Their Hungarian goose down pillows is one of their more popular products and are suitable for various sleeping positions. Consumers are constantly praising these pillows for their softness and support. What sets Scooms apart is their attention to ethical sourcing and their unique chamber construction that prevents the down from clumping or shifting during use.
Essential Pillow Knowledge
Standard Sizes
In the UK, a standard pillow measures 50cm x 75cm. A king/super king size measures 50cm x 90cm. These dimensions differ from other European countries, which can cause confusion when shopping internationally.
Other European standard pillow sizes:
- Germany: 80cm x 80cm
- France: 65cm x 65cm
- Spain: 70cm x 70cm
- Italy: 50cm x 80cm
This variation in sizes means UK consumers should carefully check dimensions when buying pillows abroad.
How Long Pillows Last
How long your pillow lasts depends on your usage patterns and what the pillow is made of.
- Memory foam pillows: 2-3 years with proper care
- Latex pillows: 2-4 years, known for their durability
- Down/feather pillows: 1-3 years, depending on quality
- Polyester pillows: 1-2 years, the shortest lifespan
- Bamboo pillows: 2-3 years with regular maintenance
Signs it’s time to replace your pillow include: loss of shape, lumps or flat spots, neck pain upon waking, and yellowing or staining that won’t wash out.
History of Pillows
We can trace pillows back to around 7,000 BC in Mesopotamia. Originally pillows were made of stone and used to keep insects from crawling into people’s ears and mouths while sleeping. The soft pillows we know today evolved from ancient Greece and China, where they began using materials like straw, feathers, and natural fibers. In ancient Egypt, pillows were seen as symbols of wealth and status. Pillows with more elaborate designs indicated higher social standing.
Pillow Care and Maintenance
Drying Guidelines
When using a dryer to dry your pillows, keep the following things in mind.
- Use low or medium heat setting
- Add wool dryer balls or tennis balls to maintain fluffiness
- Expect 30-60 minutes drying time for synthetic materials
- Down pillows take up to 90 minutes to dry
- Periodically check your pillow for dryness
- Never use auto-dry settings – they only detect surface moisture
- Remove promptly when dry to prevent mildew
- Fluff thoroughly before using
Getting Rid of Your Old Pillow
When it’s time to replace your pillow, the UK offers several different options.
- Dunelm’s textile take-back scheme accepts clean pillows – only at participating stores
- Animal shelters can use some old pillows for bedding
- Natural filling pillows can be composted after removing synthetic materials
- Local textile recycling centres may accept pillows – this varies by region
- Some councils provide specific textile recycling bins
- Use pillow filling for various craft projects
- Homeless shelters sometimes accept clean, gently used pillows
Choosing the Right Pillow
The best pillow depends on how you sleep. Side sleepers need high pillows that are on the firmer side. Back sleepers benefit the most from medium-height pillows with moderate support. Stomach sleepers need the thinnest pillows to maintain proper spine alignment.
When looking for a new pillow, consider the following factors.
- Your primary sleeping position
- Any neck or back issues
- Temperature regulation needs
- Allergies to any materials
- Budget
- Environmental impact
- Maintenance requirements – washing and drying
Even the most expensive pillow won’t last forever. Regularly replacing your pillow is a must for maintaining proper support and hygiene. Many manufacturers offer trial periods, which can be particularly helpful when looking at some of your more expensive pillows.
Care Tips for a Longer Pillow Life
Nobody wants to replace their pillow after just a few months of use. To help give your pillow a longer life try the following tips.
- Use pillow protectors to protect against sweat and oils
- Follow washing instructions carefully
- Place pillows outside in sunlight to prevent dust mites
- Fluff them daily to help keep their shape and support
- Replace pillows when they start losing support or showing signs of wear
- Rotate the pillow regularly to ensure even wear
- Keep them away from moisture to prevent mold growth
- Store your spare pillows in breathable bags
Thanks to new materials and technologies being introduced, manufacturers are able to improve upon the pillows they are currently offering. The goal with these improvements is to create the most comfortable and supportive pillows. No matter if you choose a traditional down pillow or a newer memory foam pillow if you want to improve how well you sleep buying a good pillow only goes so far, you also have to take care of it.
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