We all know that getting a good night’s rest is so important in keeping in good health and maintaining energy levels. Some of the most important factors in sleeping well include your mattress and pillow.

Pillows can be one of the more tricky bedding items to purchase because of varying sleeping styles and personal preferences. A pillow that is great for some people may not suit others.

In this article, we review some of the most popular pillows on the market in Australia and discuss their pros and cons. Following on from the reviews, we break down the different types of pillows available so you know what to look out for on your search for the perfect pillow.

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1. Dunlopillo Latex Pillow

Best Overall

Dunlopillo produce some of the most popular pillows on the market in Australia. Comfortable and durable, these pillows have been helping people across the country get a good nights sleep for many years.

Dunlopillo Latex pillows are made with Talalay Latex. Talalay latex is generally softer than alternatives, it retains its shape well, and has effective heat transferring properties.

The latex construction of these pillows also means they are naturally bacteria, mould and dust mite resistant – perfect for asthma and allergy sufferers.

The medium profile Dunopillo pillows are quite versatile but would ideally be suited medium sized adults who are back or side sleepers. Customers also have the option from soft, medium, or firm, based on personal preferences.

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2. Downia Double Surround White Duck Down & Feather Pillow

Best Feather & Down Pillow

If you’re looking for a more traditional, luxurious pillow, the Downia Double Surround Down & Feather Pillow might be right for you.

Created with a triple chamber construction, this pillow is designed to provide optimum neck support without compromising comfort, and still delivering that soft, fluffy feel that users expect from a down pillow.

The duck down provides a luxurious soft loft, while feathers add support. A soft cotton cover encases the down and feathers, providing additional comfort and protection. These down and feather pillows can be machine washed on a warm, gentle cycle for easy care and maintenance.

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3. Downtime Luxury High Loft Pillow

Best Down Alternative

Polyester pillows have come a long way over the past few years, and are now probably the most similar filling you will get to down. They provide a great budget or mid-range option.

This great pillow from Downtime is created with an innovative new high loft filling, and is designed to provide down-like comfort with all the benefits of polyester, including being hypoallergenic and machine washable. It can also be tumble dried on a low setting.

This pillow has been treated with Ultra Fresh which is an effective anti-microbial treatment for lasting hygiene and freshness. The Downtime pillow comes with a 5 year guarantee.

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4. Dentons Therapeutic Medi Rest Pillow

Best for Neck Support

Dentons are an Australian pillow manufacturer who have been in the business for over thirty years. They are known for producing high quality, comfortable and supportive pillows.

The Medi Rest pillow sits in their Therapeutic range. By collaborating with leading Chiropractors and Physiotherapists, these pillows are designed to provide optimal support while you sleep. The Medi Rest is constructed with a Softec TM foam, a soft yet durable material created by Dentons.

This pillow is medium-high and is suited to side sleepers. It provides exceptional neck support thanks to its contour shape and dual shoulder recesses. If you are trying to alleviate head and neck pain associated with sleeping, this pillow could be a good place to start.

It also comes with a machine washable cover for easy care and a five-year replacement guarantee.

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5. Spinaleze Pillow

Australia manufacturer Spinaleze design pillows to provide spinal support solutions that are also comfortable and luxurious.

The range includes low profile pillows that are best for back sleepers, medium profile pillows that are best for side sleepers and high profile pillows that are best for tall (6ft+) side sleepers. They also have children’s pillows that are best suited to the younger family members between 5-15 years old.

These pillows are made locally in Australia and they include a handcrafted neck support, elevated surface channels for airflow and temperature regulation and the pillows are raised at the back for head support. The pillows are also made to be anti-microbial and anti dust mite making them a good choice for people with asthma.

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6. Ecosa Pillow

The Ecosa memory foam pillow offers an ergonomic design which is height adjustable to suit your shoulder alignment. The pillow comes with two elevation pads so you can personalise the pillow for ultimate head and neck comfort.

This could be the right pillow for you in you’re travelling as it comes with two compression bags so your memory foam pillow can easily come with you wherever you go.

The Ecosa pillow is made of activated charcoal memory foam, breathable 3D structure and a removable cover that is breathable and machine washable. Customers in Australia can also enjoy free shipping and a 100 night trial where a full refund is offered if it’s not the right pillow for you.

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7. Peacelily Non-Toxic Latex Pillow

This latex pillow is made from 100% natural Dunlop Latex and is eco-INSTITUT and Oeko-Tex Class 1 certified. It is a non-toxic option that contains no synthetic latex or materials that can cause off-gassing.

This is a springy, medium to firm pillow that provides support for all sleeping positions. It keeps you cool and feels light and airy as you sleep. The natural latex pillows are also more durable than synthetic options.

This could be the right pillow for you if you’re looking for an eco-friendly, durable and high-performance option. The pillowcase is 100% organic cotton which is soft, breathable and comfortable.

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8. Microcloud Hotel Pillow

If you’re looking for the luxury of a hotel pillow look no further than Microcloud. These pillows were originally designed for use in 5-star hotels and won ProductReview.com.au’s best pillows in Australia award in 2020 and 2017.

They have an ultra-soft hi-tech fibre fill which offers excellent shape retention and air flow. They have a high thread count and are made with pure cotton Japara fabric. The pillow comes with two machine-washable protectors as well as a pure cotton pillowcase.

The hotel pillow is hypoallergenic, machine washable and tumble dry tested and has been treated to be anti-microbial and dust mite resistant. It is also odourless, free from feathers and animal products and contains no harmful substances.

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Pillow Buyer’s Guide

Before you go out and purchase a new pillow, you’ll want to consider your particular needs and preferences as well as gain an understanding of the different materials and features available.

This buying guide can help you find the right pillow for you based on sleeping styles, body shape and any pain you are experiencing.

Below are some of the key things to consider:

Head Or Neck Pain

Are you a tummy sleeper? This may be the cause of neck and head pain. The best positions for neck and back pain are generally considered to be on your back or side. The aim is to find a pillow that supports the natural contours of your spine, neck and head in one of these positions. See the section below for the best pillows for different sleeping positions.

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position is perhaps the most important consideration when selecting a pillow. Aside from comfort, the main goal in pillow selection is to find one that will support your spine during the many hours you spend in bed. Different sleeping positions mean different requirements for supporting your spine, neck, and head.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping can be a good position for spinal alignment however a side sleeper will need to find a pillow with enough height and firmness to support the head in it’s raised position.

Using a low, soft pillow in a side sleeping position may place undue stress on the neck and shoulders. With this in mind, it is best to go for a firm pillow (or maybe even an extra firm pillow) that can support your shoulders and head.

Tummy Sleepers

While stomach sleeping is not an ideal position in terms of spinal alignment, a thin, soft pillow is the best option for stomach sleepers.

This option prevents unnecessarily raising the head and placing additional strain on the neck.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers will want to opt for a pillow with a rounded section to support curve of the neck, with a flatter section for the head.

The best pillows for back sleepers include either a contoured solid foam (e.g. memory foam) pillow or one where you can manipulate the filling into the desired formation.

Mixed Sleeping Style

If you tend to move around and change positions during the night You will struggle to find a pillow that will completely meet your needs.

The pillows best for this situation will be of medium height. A medium profile pillow will at least be able to provide you with enough support during side sleeping while also giving you the shallowness required when you sleep on your back. You may also want to look for a pillow that is height adjustable as this can be adjusted as needed.

Try to identify your most predominant sleep style so you can make sure you choose the pillows best suited to you.

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Do You Suffer From Asthma Or Allergies?

Dust mites are one of the most common most indoor allergens and bedding is one of their favourite places to reside. If you suffer from hayfever or cold like symptoms after sleeping, it’s likely you’re having a reaction to dust mites.

The good news is there is a wide range of pillow options that are resistant to dust mites. Many of the best pillows in Australia are also treated with Ultra Fresh which helps to control mites as well as the growth of mould, bacteria fungi and mildew – all of which can trigger allergies. This treatment helps to keep the pillow clean, fresh and hygienic.

While any synthetic materials are generally going to be better than down or feather, there are also natural materials such as bamboo, latex, or wool that are naturally dust mite resistant.

It’s also critical to regularly wash your bedding in temperatures of 60c+ to ensure you kill any dust mites.

Pillow Firmness

The size or height of your pillow needs to be considered in conjunction with firmness or density to ensure you get adequate support in your favoured sleeping position. The best pillow for you will help prevent neck and back pain by providing you with the right level of support and firmness.

The ideal height and firmness level is usually determined by your sleeping style combined with body size. Here’s a rough guideline that can help you figure out the best pillow firmness for you:

• Firm and extra firm pillows offer more support. This is generally best suited to side sleepers who require support for the gap created between the shoulders and head. They are also good for adults with a larger body shape.
• Medium pillows can also suit back or side sleepers or those prone to changing positions.
• Soft, flat pillows are suited to stomach sleepers or those with small frames.

Pillow Profile

The pillow profile is basically the height of the pillow. The height is an important factor as it will determine the position of your head and neck while you sleep. You may choose the best pillow for neck pain in terms of firmness but if it’s the wrong size you may still experience discomfort. Make sure you choose the right pillow profile for your needs:

Low Profile – a low profile pillow has less height and is best suited for smaller adults and tummy sleepers.

Medium Profile – a medium profile pillow is a good middle-ground option that is best suited to back sleepers as well as medium-framed side sleepers.

High Profile – high profile options are taller pillows. These are best if you are a side sleeper or a larger adult.

Kids Pillow – if you are buying a new pillow for the younger family members consider buying a kids pillow profile as this will help give them the comfort and support for their smaller size.

Contoured Pillow – another option is a contoured pillow, this can be a good choice if you are a back sleeper or a side sleeper. Contoured pillows are usually best suited to medium-sized adults. The right sized contoured pillow can be the best pillow for neck pain as it matches the natural shape of shoulders, head and neck to support your neck and back.

Materials Used In Pillow Fillings

The best pillows depend on your preferences and the key features you need in order to enjoy a good night’s sleep. As you can see from our reviews, there are lots of fantastic pillow options available and there’s a large range of materials used to choose from.

Below we’ve summarised the most common pillow fillings so you know what’s good and what’s not so good about each of the materials:

Feather And Down Pillows

Down has long been a very popular pillow filling and with good reason. It provides soft, fluffy, comfortable support that no other material is able to replicate. Down is able to retain its loft much longer than synthetic alternatives.

Note that most pillows will not be 100% down and will include a portion of feathers. 100% feather pillows are not recommended as they are prone to losing their loft much quicker than down.

While there are many benefits to down filling, there are ethical implications that arise from the common practice of live plucking.

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Latex Pillows

Latex is a very popular pillow material and comes in both natural and synthetic varieties. While natural latex will generally cost more than alternatives, it’s usually eco-friendly and provides peace of mind if you are concerned with exposure to synthetic materials.

Latex pillows generally offer a good amount of support, with a slightly more bouncy, and less contouring experience than memory foam.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam is another very popular type of pillow. A memory foam pillow compresses and conforms to the shape of your head, providing support where you need it. Many people also find that a memory foam pillow is exceptionally comfortable to sleep on.

The main draw back of this type of pillow is that because it consists of a single piece of foam, it cannot be moulded into different shapes in the way that down, latex, or other synthetic fillings can.

Shredded Memory Foam Pillows

Shredded Memory Foam offers many of the same benefits of a traditional memory foam pillow, with some unique advantages. The key benefits are the improved breathability through shredded design and the fact they are more malleable, meaning users can change the shape to suit their sleeping position

The key downside of memory foam is that its manufacturing process involves the use of several chemicals. This can result in unpleasant odours and also raises concerns relating to toxicity for many consumers.

Polyester Pillows

Polyester is a popular filling thanks to it being very cheap and also easy to clean. Like many synthetic materials, polyester is not particularly breathable, so may be uncomfortable for hot sleepers or those in hot climates.

Wool Pillows

While less common than the other filling on this list, wool can be great option if you are concerned about toxic materials used in synthetic pillows such as foam. The natural properties of wool mean these pillows are very breathable and provide excellent heat control. Allergy sufferers will also love wool pillows thanks to them being naturally inhospitable to dust mites.

However, wool pillows aren’t great at holding their shape and tend to attract odours over time.

Bamboo Pillows

Bamboo pillows are generally pillows with a shredded memory foam (or another filling) and a bamboo outer. They are gaining popularity thanks to the naturally antimicrobial properties of bamboo.

These pillows also provide excellent cooling, so are a great option for hot sleepers.

Care & Cleaning

Most down and synthetic pillows can be put in the washing machine which can take a lot of hassle out of keeping them clean. Latex and memory foam pillows are generally not suitable for the washing machine and therefore must be hand washed.

A cotton cover is a great idea if easy care is important to you and it can also help with extending the life of the pillow. Some covers provide dust mite and allergen protection. A pillow protector is inexpensive and is easy to wash so is a good way to keep your pillow clean and fresh without needing to wash the actual pillow.

Special Features To Consider

Hypoallergenic – it is now very common to find hypoallergenic options. Hypoallergenic pillows are made without the use of any known allergens which makes them the best options for people with allergies or asthma.

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic pillow keep an eye out for cotton and foam pillows and make sure they are listed as hypoallergenic rather than “anti-allergy”. If you’re worried about allergies, it’s best to stay away from feather or down pillows as these can cause irritation and itching.

Temperature Regulation – some of the best pillows offer special temperature regulation features that help keep you cool and comfortable overnight. The Dentons Therapeutic Medi Rest Pillow is a good example of this as it offers a waved surface to help promote airflow while you sleep.

Moisture Wicking – if you experience night sweats or you need a pillow for the warmer nights in Australia then consider a moisture-wicking option. These means the pillow helps to create a more comfortable environment for a good night’s sleep.

Other Sizes & Shapes – if you have a king-sized bed you may want to choose larger pillow sizes to fill the space. Equally, if you have specific pain or discomfort you are trying to alleviate you may want to look at the shape of the pillow as a V or U shaped pillow can provide additional support.

Warranty – you can expect higher cost, premium pillows to come with a warranty. The warranty period varies depending on the brand but it can be anything from 30 days to 10 years +. Many of the lower cost pillows do not offer a warranty but if you are paying more for the best pillow then you can expect some sort of warranty coverage.

Trial Period – some of the best pillows in Australia come with a trial period where customers can return the pillow free of charge within a certain amount of time and receive a full refund. Ecosa is a good example as they offer a 100 night trial so if you’re not happy after trying the pillow out you can simply return it.

Life span – the life span of a pillow will depend on the material you choose. A polyester pillow tends to lose its shape quickly and will only last between 6 months – two years while a latex pillow can last up to 10 years. Feather, down and foam pillows can also last up to 10 years while cotton and wool pillows tend to have a life span of 3-5 years.

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Pillow FAQs