Best pillows for sleep: our top tried-and-tested picks

The best pillows for sleep will cradle your head as you rest and are some of the best sleep aid products you can buy. There is a range of pillows for different sleeping types to choose from and we've tracked down the very top pillows—from brands like Tempur-Pedic, Purple, Casper, Amazon, and Beckham—at a range of prices. 

Many pillows come in a variety of sizes for different bed types. There are standard, queen and king sizes available, and while not all pillows come in a set of two, buying an option that does can save you money. Choosing the best pillow for your sleeping type is an important decision. It can support your neck and give you the optimal level of firmness for your preference. While it‘s possible to find some great cheap pillows, it is worth splashing out on something that's just what you need if you want it to last long-term. Something else that will make your pillow last is regular washes, so check if it‘s machine washable when you buy.

If you‘re sensitive to dust and dander or experience allergies, look out for a hypoallergenic pillow for the optimal night‘s sleep. For the very best pillows for sleep, read on!

The best pillows for sleep

The Purple Plush pillow

The Purple Plush pillow is filled with “smart fluff”: Purple claims that the interlocking poly fiber ball technology won't clump or go flat, which means you'll have optimum support at all times. This pillow is cooling, too. It has a Lyocell-blend cover that‘s designed to be breathable all through the night. 

What sets the Purple Plush pillow apart is its smart adjustable feature. Simply unzip the sides to make the pillow softer, and or zip them up for a firmer feel. This pillow is also non-toxic, which is always a bonus when you‘re resting your head on it all night long. The RRP is $49 (standard size), although if you're ever considering purchasing a Purple mattress it‘s often added for free. It's available in standard and king sizes, suitable for any bed type. 

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AmazonBasics pillow

The AmazonBasics customizable down-alternative pillow is a set of two. It has synthetic polyester fiber balls that work to replace the feel of real feather down but without the allergens. This hypoallergenic pillow allows you to remove fiber balls to customize the loft level and not strain your neck, but it's not going to be as firm as some of the alternatives. 

Available in standard, queen, and king sizes, this pillow is reasonably priced given that it comes in a set of two. Its shell is designed to bounce back, and has an extra-soft finish. 

Casper Pillow

The Casper Pillow is a two-in-one. It has a supportive inner pillow and a soft, comfortable outer layer, which is great for those who don't want their pillow too firm but who also want it to stay plumped through the night.

This pillow is microfiber, and it's a great alternative to down with plenty of support. The microfiber will also keep it cool as you sleep, which makes it an ideal choice for hot sleepers. It's also machine washable and has a removable outer layer. This pillow isn't the cheapest, at an RRP of $65 (standard size) and $85 (king size). 

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Tempur Cloud pillow

The Tempur-Cloud Pillow has a memory foam filling that‘s designed to offer extra firm and bouncy support, with no squashing. It‘s great for those struggling with neck pain, and it can be folded up for travel. The outer layer is breathable and can be removed and washed, but the memory foam filling is not washable. 

This pillow doesn't act or feel like your regular one, and it will take some time to get used to. It's extra supportive and designed for optimal neck alignment, no matter your sleeping type. The standard size has an RRP of $89, and the king size is $119. That's expensive, but it's what you can expect to pay for memory foam. 

Beckham gel pillow

The Beckham Hotel Collection gel pillows come in a pack of two, which makes them pretty reasonably priced at $37.99 for a queen-size pair and $59.99 for a king-size pair. These pillows are made of a down alternative that’s resistant to dust mites and they are hypoallergenic. 

Another major pro of these pillows is that they can be washed and dried in the machine, making them really easy to maintain. And these pillows are soft—they can be used by stomach, side, or back sleepers without any neck issues, and they‘re also designed to maintain their shape as you use them.