Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Pillow
- CharcoCell foam & 100% bamboo cover
- Medium-firm
- Machine-washable cover
Tell me more about the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow
The Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow is one of the best pillows we've ever tested.
The foam is blended with activated bamboo charcoal, which regulates temperature, wicks away moisture, and neutralises odours.
We found the pillow particularly comfortable for side sleeping.
The foam gently cradles the head and supports the neck at the correct height, aligning it with the spine.
The BambooCloud quilted cover is kind and gentle to the skin, indulgently soft and also fully washable.
We're also very pleased to know that Panda London makes these pillows using sustainable materials and practices.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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Unmatched 10-year guarantee |
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One of the most comfortable pillows we've tested |
Reasons to avoid
Not adjustable |
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Unsuitable for stomach sleepers |
Emma Premium Foam Pillow
- ThermoSync foam, supportive foam & soft foam
- UltraDry machine-washable cover
- Adjustable layers
Tell me more about the Emma Premium Pillow
The Emma Premium Pillow offers a unique experience thanks to its multi-layered, adjustable design.
The pillow as a whole has a firm feel and high loft, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers.
However, the pillow's adaptability allows it to suit all sleeping positions by simply removing or reordering the foam layers.
The Emma Premium pillow supported the neck and cushioned the head for a comfortable sleep that alleviated any pressure.
Another unique aspect is the thermoregulating layer and UltraDry cover, which ensure temperature regulation throughout the night.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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2-year guarantee |
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Adjustable to all sleeping positions |
Reasons to avoid
It's difficult to remove the inner layers |
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Quite pricey |
Simba Hybrid Pillow
- Shredded memory foam
- Medium-firm
- Fully adjustable
Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid Pillow
The Simba Hybrid pillow offers comfort and support to a wide range of sleepers.
It features unique memory foam "nanocubes" that can be added and removed to best suit your preferences.
The shredded memory foam also gives the pillow a more traditional feel.
The Simba Hybrid pillow also features astronaut-inspired temperature-regulating technology that absorbs, stores and releases heat as needed.
The Simba Hybrid pillow cover is removable and machine-washable.
This makes it a great choice for people prone to allergies.
Reasons to buy
Fully adjustable height and firmness |
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Machine-washable cover |
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1-year guarantee |
Reasons to avoid
Quite expensive |
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No trial period |
Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow
- Graphene memory foam & copper-infused polyester cover
- Medium firm to firm
- Adjustable layers
Tell me more about the Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow
The Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow features a unique 4-layer adjustable design.
It is an ergonomic memory foam pillow that cradles your neck and head, promoting proper alignment and reducing tension and discomfort.
This makes it an ideal choice for side sleepers who require extra support.
Brightr uses cooling graphene memory foam, which helps regulate temperature and wicks away moisture.
Instead of one solid chunk of memory foam, Brightr has split it into four layers that slot together like Tetris pieces to design your perfect pillow height and firmness level.
The Eclipse pillow's signature copper-infused cover provides protection against allergens and bacteria that can cause breakouts.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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Ergonomic support for back & neck pain |
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Antimicrobial copper cover |
Reasons to avoid
Won't be suitable for people who want a soft, mouldable pillow |
Tempur Comfort Cloud Pillow
- Extra-soft Tempur material & cotton cover
- Soft feel & medium soft
- Washable cover
Tell me more about the Tempur Comfort Cloud pillow
The Tempur Comfort Cloud pillow has a soft, cloud-like feeling and gently cradles the head and shoulders.
The inner foam includes extra-soft Tempur micro-cushions that relieve pressure and adapt to the head and shoulders.
Unlike the Tempur Comfort pillow, it has a lower loft and softer feel, perfect for those who want to sink more deeply into a pillow.
This makes it ideal for back sleepers who need a pillow that hugs around the head and shoulders without bending the neck upwards too much.
The outer Tempur pillows Cloud cover is machine-washable for long-lasting freshness.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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3-year guarantee |
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Great support for back sleepers |
Reasons to avoid
Expensive |
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Unsuitable for stomach sleepers |
What is memory foam?
Memory foam is a material made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam.
Originally developed by NASA, memory foam was created to absorb g-shock in space seats...🚀
The material was so good at relieving pressure from the body that in 1991, Tempur developed the first memory foam mattress.
Memory foam can conform and change shape when contact with the body is made.
When that contact is released, the material returns to its original shape.
Hence the reason we call it “memory foam”.
But not all memory foam feels the same…🤔
High-quality memory foam vs cheap memory foam
High-quality memory foam has an open-cell structure and is more sensitive.
This means it moulds around the body more easily and can give a weightless feeling... 🎈
Cheaper memory foam is less conforming to the body and is unable to relieve pressure in the same way.
High-quality memory foam has a liquid-like feel, filling every space between you and the pillow. 🌊
Cheap foam is more “bouncy” like a sponge and will resist against the body, which can put pressure on the neck and joints.
We recommend investing in a good-quality memory pillow for the best results.
Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain?
A good quality memory foam pillow can make a difference in a restful night’s sleep. 😴
If you’re waking up with neck pain, this might be because your pillow is bending your spine or neck too much during the night.
Likewise, pillows with no support will straighten the spine or neck, creating tension. 😬
Memory foam doesn’t resist against the body like other pillow fillings.
Instead, it moulds itself around pressure points for a good night's sleep.
You can even buy memory foam neck pillows, such as the Tempur Queen Original, that follow the natural shape of the neck.
Whilst memory foam can make a great support pillow, they aren’t a cure for injury or health problems.
Memory foam pillows can help take the strain off the spine or neck.
However, you should always seek medical advice for any underlying health conditions. 👨⚕️
Types of memory foam pillows
Memory foam pillows come in all shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
They can come as a thick or thin, or a soft or firm foam pillow.
We’ve got some examples of different types of memory foam pillows below. 👇
Shredded memory foam pillows
Shredded memory foam pillows contain chopped-up pieces of memory foam.
This means they have an adjustable height by removing or adding more foam.
In general, shredded foam pillows are the most breathable as air can ventilate between the shredded foam.
We highly recommend the Simba Hybrid pillow made with open-cell foam Nanocubes with airflow technology.
It comes with a machine-washable cover and a little bag to store any foam that you remove.
Layered memory foam pillows
Layered memory foam pillows are usually made of 3 or more layers.
Layered pillows are often adjustable, meaning you can remove the layers to create your ideal pillow height.
Different layered inserts mean each layer can have a different benefit (ie. cooling layer, memory foam layer, support layer).
Layered foam pillows are made with solid foam layers, meaning they aren’t as breathable as shredded memory foam pillows.
Otty has a great adjustable pillow - read more in our Otty pillow review.
Gel memory foam pillows
Gel pillows feel similar to memory foam but can help to regulate body heat.
Gel pillows are made with temperature-regulating technology that absorbs heat and keeps you feeling cool.
Gel pillows are often made with polyurethane encased in plastic, which means they’re not as sustainable as some other pillow choices.
Take a look at our cool pillow review for more recommendations.
Ergonomic pillows
Ergonomic or contour memory foam pillows are designed to follow the shape of the body for a more supported sleep.
These pillows are contoured in a cervical or wave shape designed for optimal neck support. 🥰
They can help relieve pressure on the neck and shoulders to prevent waking up with aches and pains.
These are firm foam pillows that some people find uncomfortable.
Ergonomic pillows are in a fixed contoured shape, which isn’t ideal for those who move positions during the night.
The Tempur Original Queen pillow is a luxury neck pillow with 30 years of experience in NASA-developed memory foam technology.
But cheaper pillows, like the Groove pillow and the Derila pillow, also have ergonomic shapes.
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Tempur
Original PillowPrice from £ 139 £ (149 )The ergonomic shape of the Tempur Original Pillow is contoured for optimal neck support.The ergonomic shape of the Tempur Original Pillow is contoured for optimal neck support.Price from £ 139 (£ 149 )
How to choose a memory foam pillow
There are all kinds of things to consider when buying a pillow.
Consider these criteria before you buy a memory foam pillow:
- Is my current pillow uncomfortable?
- What's my budget for a memory foam pillow?
- Does the memory foam pillow come with a sleep trial?
- How long is the guarantee on the memory foam pillow?
- Are there cheaper but similar alternatives available?
- Do I need a soft memory foam pillow or a firm memory foam pillow?
- What memory foam pillow do I need for my sleeping position?
You should consider your personal preference and requirements when buying a pillow. ⚖️
Only buy what you can reasonably afford and check for discounts or alternative payment options if you’re looking to stretch the budget.
And whilst reviews can be great, you should use your own judgement when deciding whether or not you should buy a product.
Sleeping position
Many people don’t realise that the wrong pillow for your sleeping position can contribute to an uncomfortable sleep! 🤯
If you’re waking up with pain in your neck or lower back, this could be due to sleeping on a pillow too high or low for your sleep position.
So, what are the best memory foam pillows for your sleeping position?
Best pillow for side sleepers
Side sleepers need a high loft and firm memory foam pillow that fills the space between the shoulder and head.
The pillow should be high enough to align the spine in a neutral position. 😃
Side sleeper pillows should also be low enough to support the natural curve of the neck.
In other words, you shouldn’t feel your neck bending upwards or down when laying on the pillow!
A memory foam pillow is ideal for side sleepers as the contouring foam can relieve pressure from the head, neck, and shoulders. ❤️
The Simba Hybrid pillow is a great option for side sleepers.
The Nanocube shredded foam moulds around the head and shoulders to relieve pressure.
Best pillow for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a low loft pillow that helps to keep the neck aligned with the spine.
A soft memory foam pillow is ideal for cushioning the head when sleeping on your stomach. 😍
Sleeping on your front puts the most pressure on the spine. 😬
If you’re waking up with back pain, this could be due to spine misalignment during the night.
Try sleeping with a low pillow or no pillow at all and see if that helps.
A pillow with removable layers, such as the Emma Premium pillow, is also ideal.
This way, you can opt for just one or two layers and add more if you adjust to a new sleeping position.
Best pillow for back sleepers
Back sleeping is the best position for a night of healthy sleep.
Back sleepers need a medium-height and feel pillow that cushions the head and shoulders.
A back sleeper pillow should be low enough to help align the spine and neck.
If you feel as if your neck is bending when sleeping on your back, opt for a lower or softer pillow.
We highly recommend the Tempur Comfort Cloud for back sleepers.
The NASA-approved Tempur material helps keep the spine and neck neutrally aligned whilst moulding around the head and shoulders.
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Tempur
Comfort Cloud PillowPrice from £ 94 £ (109 )The Tempur Comfort Cloud pillow is a premium memory foam pillow.The Tempur Comfort Cloud pillow is a premium memory foam pillow.Price from £ 94 (£ 109 )
Memory foam pillow alternatives
Okay, so you've decided that perhaps a memory foam pillow is not for you.
Don't worry! 😅
There are a ton of fantastic alternatives available for you to try instead.
It's important to consider what you desire from your pillow and what aspects you don't enjoy about your current pillow.
We'll consider some different types of pillows below.
Latex pillows
Latex is a highly sustainable material that comes from tree sap.
Latex pillows have a similar feel to memory foam but are cooler and have a more responsive "bounce back" feeling.
Relyon Superior Comfort Deep Latex pillows are made from 100% pure latex and have firm support ideal for side sleepers.
Hollowfibre/microfibre pillows
Hollowfibre and microfibre pillows are one of the cheapest and most accessible pillows available. 💰
Made with polyester, most people have owned a hollowfibre pillow in their lifetime.
The Kally Sleep Adjustable Pillow is our favourite hollowfibre pillow.
It also comes with a removable 100% cotton cover, ideal for those who sweat during sleep.
Feather and down pillows
Feather and down pillows have been around for centuries, and for good reason! 🦆
Just like memory foam, these feather and down alternatives conform to your head and neck shape.
Feather pillows are a great option for those who like to sink into their pillow.
We're obsessed with the Hypnos Feather and Down pillows made from luxurious duck feathers and down with a 300-thread count cotton cover.
How to keep a memory foam pillow clean
When investing in a good-quality memory foam pillow, you must do everything you can to help it last as long as possible! 🤗
How to wash a memory foam pillow
Most memory foam pillows cannot be washed in the washing machine.
Washing a memory foam pillow can destroy viscoelastic technology inside the pillow and break up its core components. 🧽
Some memory foam pillows come with a removable outer cover that is machine washable. 🧼
After undressing your pillow, pop it near an open window for a few hours to let it air out and remove moisture.
Always check with the manufacturer first to see if your pillow or the removable cover can be washed.
Pillow protectors
You should use a pillow protector as well as a pillowcase for a fully protected sleep. ☔
This is even more important for memory foam pillows, which can get damaged if they get into contact with liquids.
We highly recommend Eve pillow protectors as they are made from cotton, which helps to wick away moisture during the night.
This will help prevent moisture build-up and protect the pillow from accidents.
Memory foam pillow sizes
Memory foam pillows come in all shapes and sizes.
Standard UK size memory foam pillows measure just under 50 x 75 cm (20" x 20".)
You should use a regular pillowcase with around 1 inch of extra space on each side.
Ergonomic and shaped pillows come in their own unique shape and size.
Some brands, such as Tempur, also offer small memory foam pillows and memory foam travel pillows.
For these pillows, you will need a pillowcase designed specifically for these pillows.
You should check the care instructions on the manufacturer's website for more information about the sizing and requirements.
Take a look at our top picks for pillowcases:
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Tempur
Classic PillowcasePrice from £ 35 £ (39 )Made from 100% high-quality cotton, Tempur Fit pillowcases protect your pillows whilst being breathable.Made from 100% high-quality cotton, Tempur Fit pillowcases protect your pillows whilst being breathable.Price from £ 35 (£ 39 ) -
Kally Sleep
Standard Pillow CasePrice from £ 9.99The Kally Standard Pillow Case is made from 100% 200-thread count cotton.The Kally Standard Pillow Case is made from 100% 200-thread count cotton.Price from £ 9.99 -
The Fine Bedding Company
Night Owl Herringbone Pillowcase PairPrice from £ 15The Night Owl Herringbone Pillowcase, sold in a pack of two, is made of soft-touch microfibre and comes in the storm grey and French plum colour options."Get 15% off with our exclusive 'SLEEP15' discount code."The Night Owl Herringbone Pillowcase, sold in a pack of two, is made of soft-touch microfibre and comes in the storm grey and French plum colour options."Get 15% off with our exclusive 'SLEEP15' discount code."Price from £ 15
Memory foam pillow prices
Memory foam pillows aren't cheap.
In fact, they're one of the most expensive types of pillows you can buy.
You can buy cheap memory foam pillows from Argos, but they're going to be of lower quality and lack guarantees that ensure your pillow lasts.
A good quality memory foam pillow will cost anywhere between £35 - £100.
Some companies also offer payment plans so you can spread the cost of your pillow.
Memory foam pillow discount codes
Luckily, you can also get great deals on memory foam pillows.
The best memory foam pillow sales are during Black Friday, Christmas and Easter.
Some brands also offer unique memory foam pillow voucher codes.
Our discounts page keeps you updated with all the latest codes and offers. 💰
How long does a memory foam pillow last?
Memory foam pillows have different lifespans, depending on the manufacturer... 🤨
Hollow-fibre pillows usually only have a one-year warranty.
However, memory foam pillows typically last around 2 or 3 years.
Some pillows, like the Panda memory foam pillow, can last as long as 10 years! 😱
To help your memory foam pillow last as long as possible, you should use a pillow protector to protect it from any accidents.
Before purchasing a memory foam pillow, check with the manufacturer to see what kind of warranty it comes with. 🤔
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Panda London
Memory Foam Bamboo PillowPrice from £ 39.56 £ (44.95 )The Panda bamboo memory foam pillow is antibacterial and hypoallergenic.The Panda bamboo memory foam pillow is antibacterial and hypoallergenic.Price from £ 39.56 (£ 44.95 )
Should I buy a memory foam pillow?
The perfect pillow means something different to everyone . . .
Whilst memory foam pillows are a great choice for many people, only you can decide if they are right for you! 😁
Consider your budget, lifestyle, and sleeping position before choosing a memory foam pillow.
Memory foam isn't the right pillow for everyone.
Our best pillow review recommends our favourite pillows in the UK.
Table of Contents
High-quality memory foam vs cheap memory foam
Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain?
How to choose a memory foam pillow
Memory foam pillow alternatives
How to keep a memory foam pillow clean
Memory foam pillow discount codes
How long does a memory foam pillow last?
Frequently asked questions
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Why does my memory foam pillow have a weird smell?
When you first get your pillow, you might notice it has a strange smell.
New memory foam pillows release a chemical smell, which is known as off-gassing. [2]
Some people don’t notice this smell at all, whilst others are more sensitive and can find it difficult to sleep with this odour.
If the smell is bothering you, leave your new pillow in a room for a few days before using it.
Once your pillow has finished off-gassing, it should no longer smell.
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Are memory foam pillows safe?
Since memory foam pillows are made with chemicals, you may be wondering if they are safe to use.
Memory foam pillows are often manufactured with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) toxins, which can have harmful effects.
However, most products contain these compounds, including clothes, furniture, and paint.
If you are concerned, look for memory foam pillows that are OEKO-Tex [3] certified.
This means they tested against harmful substances that go above and beyond the international standard.
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Are memory foam pillows hard?
Some memory foam pillows can feel harder than regular pillows, particularly when you first buy them.
However, your memory foam pillow will soften up over time.
This is why sleep trials with a memory foam product are so important.
After a week or two, the cells inside your pillow will start to adapt to your body, soften, and change shape.
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Does memory foam make you hot?
Memory foam retains heat more than other types of materials used in pillows.
This can be a problem for some people, particularly if you are a hot sleeper.
However, high-quality memory foam is usually made with an open-cell structure [4], making them more breathable.
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Do I have to use a memory foam pillow with a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam pillows usually work the best when paired with a memory foam mattress.
However, using a memory foam mattress with a memory pillow is not essential.
Just like your pillow, you should consider your sleeping position when choosing a mattress.
To decide if a memory foam mattress is for you, you could always try using a memory foam topper first.
Our mattress buying guide can help you decide on the best mattress for your sleep.
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Where can I buy a memory foam pillow?
Memory foam pillows are available at most bed shops.
The following brands & retailers sell memory foam pillows:
- Memory foam pillow Dunelm
- Memory foam pillow Argos
- Memory foam pillow Silentnight
- Memory foam pillow Tempur
- Memory foam pillow Ikea
- Memory foam pillow John Lewis
- Memory foam pillow Tesco
- Memory foam pillow Amazon
There will be different guarantees and trials available depending where you buy your memory foam pillow.
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References
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.