Best Pillows

Recently, Good Housekeeping did a consumer review of the best pillows on the market. They did a pretty in-depth review where they washed the pillows, compressed them and inspected sixty six different pillows that were stuffed with foam, fiberfill, down, wool and a combination of materials. The following list are the ones they found that came out the best. I've also added other best pillow reviews further down that deals with the best pillows for side sleepers, back sleepers and the best pillows for neck pain. You won't want to miss it!

If you're allergic to down and some other natural materials, then foam or fiberfill pillows are going to be your best bet. Out of these, you're going to be looking at pillows that offer allergy protection. In the Good Housekeeping test, the two best fiberfill pillows were The Company Store PrimaLoft Deluxe and the Aller Ease Washable Allergy Protection pillow. The PrimaLoft Deluxe is a pillow that feels a lot like down but without causing allergic reactions in those that don't get along with down!

If you've never slept on a high quality feather or down pillow, then you don't know what you're missing! The folks at Good Housekeeping tried several in their pillow reviews and these two came out winners. The first one is the Land's End Essential Goose Down pillow. After many washings and compressings, it retained it's shape and smooth texture. The other pillow that came out on top in this review was the Pacific Coast Affirm Pillow. It should go without saying that with a name like "Affirm", it's a firm pillow for people like myself who needs a firmer pillow.

In the foam pillow department, the Leggett & Platt Home Collection Brisa was still fluffy after being compressed by 30 pounds of weight repeatedly. Now that's some pillow! While it may be pricey, if you've ever had a pillow break down on you, then you know how aggravating it can be. If you're on a budget, the second place runner up may be more of your deal. The Cannon Ventilated Contour also did well in the pressure test. Both have a washable covers but top with an extra zippered pillow protector since the foam can not be laundered. Either of these pillows should be great for the person with neck problems. 

I'm sure some of you were as surprised to hear that they use wool to fill pillows. I'm also betting that your scratching just reading this! But it's true and a Wool pillow can be a very comfortable pillow that gives you a wonderful nights sleep. Wool is an alternative to down, in the Good Housekeeping review, the All-Season Wool Pillow came out on top in the Wool pillow category. It is made of 100 percent wool batting covered with unbleached cotton. It can't be laundered, so cover with two zip-close protectors. Toss in a no-heat dryer for five minutes to freshen the pillow itself. I'm sure you'll be amazed at how comfortable this pillow can be if you ever try it.

And if you're hard to please, for example you want the plush and fluffy feeling of a Wool pillow but the firmness of a foam pillow, then give the Stearns & Foster Down Caress combo pillow a try. It has a latex core surrounded by down clusters—and covered in a luxe cotton/silk fabric. All that fanciness makes it dry-clean-only, but with a pillow of this quality, you wouldn't expect anything less.

If you're a side sleeper like myself, then you know hos difficult it can be to find one that is comfortable and one that fits you just right. Even though pillow comfort is subjective, there are just some pillows that are more agreeable to side sleepers than others. Here's my pick for the best pillows for side sleepers.

I like the Sleep Better ISO-Cool memory foam pillow. If you've ever slept on a memory foam pillow, you know some can get pretty hot. This pillow is different and offers the support us side sleepers need to remain comfortable throughout the night

The Beyond Down Gel Fiber Sleep pillow is another one that I can highly recommend. This pillow is probably the most comfortable pillow I've ever used. I'm a rather larger person and it can be difficult to find a good quality pillow that will support my neck and one that will last. This pillow does all those things.

Back sleepers encounter a whole other set of circumstances due to the way they sleep. The neck and upper back rest at a different position, putting pressure on the spine at different areas as opposed to side sleepers. The Simmons Beautyrest Latex Pillow is one that a lot of back sleepers find comfortable. Especially if you have TMJ or Neck pain. This pillow is also great for allergy sufferers and resistant to bacteria, mold, fungus and mites. It comes with a 250 thread count cotton cover that is washable.

Neck pain sufferers have special needs. There are times when they can't sleep no matter if they sleep on their stomachs, back or sides. If you've ever had neck pain, or know someone who does, then you know it can be darn near impossible to find a comfortable pillow. My friends recommended these two.

The Therapy Connection has a mid sized core memory foam pillow for head and neck pain relief. This pillow is designed to cradle your head and neck in a natural position to relieve stress and pressure points on your spine. It's a good choice to help alleviate tension headaches, neck muscle and joint sprains and strains, ligament sprains and arthritis discomforts.

If you suffer from chronic neck pain and just can't seem to find a pillow that will work for you, then give the Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow a try. This is really a specialized pillow and many people have to "ease" into using it. It may cause discomfort or even soreness after the first few times you use it, but generally you're neck will become accustomed to it and you'll start sleeping better in a few days. The reviewers on Amazon had many good things to say about this pillow and it helped many who suffered from neck pain.

That wraps up the best pillow reviews for now. Check back often for updates at technology improves pillow performance. I'm sure we'll have more best pillows to choose from in the future.