Not sure what kind of pillow is the best, or what kind of pillow will help you sleep? You may be asking: how do I choose the best pillow for myself? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, of course, but there are a tried-and-tested versions known to be the most comfortable pillows, as well as pillows that are best for your neck. Unlike the debate around duvets, everyone tends to sleep with their own pillow (or two!), so choosing the right pillow is an individual choice.
What makes for a good pillow? There’s the material its made from, the pillow’s thickness and sturdiness, pillow size, and overall durability. If you need a great pillowcase for your new pillow, we recommend natural materials such as cotton, linen, cashmere, and silk. Make sure you know your pillow measurements so you don’t end up with a pillowcase that doesn’t fit your pillow!
Here are the best pillows to buy now:
Brooklinen Memory Foam Pillow
Brooklinen Made with 80% memory foam filling and a 100% cotton shell, this pillow is ideal for those dealing with back and neck pain. The filling is cooling, meaning that even though it’s a thick and sturdy pillow, it doesn’t feel heavy or hot in the night. It includes a side zipper that allows for the firmness of the pillow to be adjusted; keep it zipped for extra firmness. Brooklinen makes high quality products that last. The pillow comes in standard and king sizes.
| Shop | Brooklinen Memory Foam Pillow |
 |  |
Get the woven cotton pillow protector that includes an antimicrobial coating!
|
|
Traditional down pillows are typically filled with the soft inner plumage of ducks or geese, which can be very comfortable but may trigger allergies in some individuals and raise ethical concerns due to the harvesting of feathers.
Parachute Home Alternative Down Pillow
Parachute Home Down pillows, made with goose feathers, can trigger allergies for many, and are also not ethically sourced. For this reason, we recommend down alternatives as pillow filling, which feel just as nice and are typically allergy-safe. Parachute Home’s Alternative Down Pillow is filled with microfibre that mimics the texture of down and a sateen cotton shell. The pillow comes in two sizes – standard and king – but the best part is that you can order the level of density you want, from soft to medium to firm. How smart is that?
| Shop | Parachute Home Down Alternative Pillow |
 |  |
|
|
Thickness (Loft)
Boll & Branch European Down Alternative Pillow
If you’re looking for a European-style pillow, which are typically smaller than American-style pillows, Boll & Branch’s option with alternative down is a great choice. The pillow is made with PrimaLoft® Luxury Down Alternative® hypoallergenic fiber filling that feels just like down, piping around the edge, and a 100% organic cotton shell. The measurements of this pillow are 26” x 26”.
| Shop | Boll & Branch European Pillow in Down Alternative |
 |  |
Ringsted Dun Classic Pillow
Beloved in Scandinavia, Ringsted is known for their excellent duvets and pillows. Their classic pillow comes in a number of sizes and materials so you can find the one that fits you best. These are only available in Denmark and Sweden.
| Shop | Ringsted Dun Classic Pillow |
 |  |
Here are the best pillowcases we recommend:
Quince Organic Cotton Pillowcase
There’s nothing more classic than a cotton pillowcase, and this one from Quince ticks all the boxes: ultra soft, made from organic cotton, available in a wide array of colors, 270 thread count, and improves with each wash. These pillowcases are great quality and are very durable, plus they’re made in windmill-powered production (we said they tick all the boxes, didn’t we?)
| Shop | Quince Organic Cotton Pillowcase |
 |  |
Quince Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases are trending at the moment; they’re better for your skin and hair. But silk pillowcases are more than just a trend; they’ve been around for ages, and for good reason: they do all of the above, plus they stay cool and feel lovely against the skin. Although washing silk requires a bit of care (wash them separately, not hot!), they will last for years if treated well. This one by Quince hits all the marks, and the price point is fantastic for the quality you get.
| Shop | Quinn Silk Pillowcase |
 |  |
Find the best pillowcase for summer:
Parachute Linen Pillowcase
Linen is light, breathable, and washes well – that makes it perfect for summer bedding. Parachute’s linen pillowcases come in a range of great colors and are top quality. They come in standard and king size. A little extra something? You can choose side or envelope-style openings (which team are you on?).
| Shop | Parachute Linen Pillowcase |
 |  |
Find the best pillowcase for winter:
Brooklinen Cashmere Pillowcase
Ultra soft, ultra luxurious; what’s better than sleeping on cashmere? These pillowcases are as soft as can be, wash easily, and last for years.
| Shop | Brooklinen Cashmere Pillowcase |
 |  |
Brooklinen Flannel Pillowcase
As autumn and winter approach, flannel bedding can elevate your bed to a toasty oasis. Flannel is breathable, so you won’t feel too hot, but it will definitely keep your body temperature comfortable all night during the colder seasons. Flannel also improves with each wash, getting softer and softer over time.
| Shop | Brooklinen Flannel Pillowcase |
 |  |
If you’re tired of picking and choosing piece by piece, buy a full set of luxury bedding and get everything you need at once!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Want great bedding to go with that pillow? How about the perfect bed frame and mattress? We’ve got you covered for the ideal night of sleep.
Heads up! This post contains affiliate links. The commission we earn if you buy through one of our links comes at no additional cost to you. To find out more, please see our Disclosure Policy.