Pick your perfect pillow

• Pillows can be made from a variety of materials, from down or feathers, to memory foam, hollow fibre and wool, among others.
• Down tends to be expensive (it refers to the tiny, fluffy feathers that sit under ducks’ and geese’s tougher, outer feathers) and don’t offer a huge amount of support. There are also moral considerations – down collection can be painful and harmful to birds if not done ethically. However, down remains a popular choice because the pillows feel very soft and puff back quickly after being squashed.
• Feathers are a less expensive alternative, but are also soft and pliable, making them another popular choice. However, over time, they tend to clump together, making the pillows flatter.
• For people with allergies, synthetic options can be a better choice (or for people who would prefer not to use animal products). Hollow fibre is a popular choice. It’s made from hollow strands of polyester that trap air, helping to provide a fluffy pillow filling.
• Memory foam is a supportive option that adapts to fit to your neck and shoulders. It supports the natural curve of your cervical spine, comprising the first seven bones in your neck. The memory foam adapts to your shape when subjected to temperature and pressure, and then returns to form again. Although it can feel a bit too firm when cold, it softens in response to body heat. And the big benefit is that a memory foam pillow gives you the same amount of support in every area, which stops your neck from lying crooked.
• Similarly, latex chip pillows, which are manufactured from 100% granulated latex, are designed to provide maximum sleeping comfort and support. They feel initially softer than memory foam pillows, and have a quicker response to pressure. They tend to feel cooler than memory foam pillows.

Both memory foam and latex chip pillows are dust-mite resistant and durable.