I tried high street pillows – the £4 supermarket winner helps give you a great night’s sleep

featured-image

FINDING the perfect pillow can be tough but it’s worth persevering as the best ones can completely transform the quality of your sleep.We all have different preferences with some of us preferring firm, memory foam pillows and others wanting squashy pillows, perhaps made of feather and down.Oliver DixonLysney has tested high street pillows to improve sleep[/caption]The options are endless with many companies now offering hypoallergenic options for allergy sufferers or “cooling” materials for those that get hot at night.

Whichever pillow you plump for, it should keep your spine aligned through the night so you don’t wake up with aches and pains. Around three million Brits are affected by back or neck pain every year, so getting it right is key to getting your eight hours and waking up refreshed.So which is best? Lynsey Hope reviewed a selection of best-sellers and here, she shares her verdict:Silentnight Restore Cooling Copper Pillow£30, ArgosOliver DixonSilentnight’s pillow is naturally cooling, which could be handy if you get hot at night[/caption]Lynsey says: “Sleeping with a copper pillow has been proven to reduce wrinkles and boost collagen production, so that’s a plus.



“But this pillow is naturally cooling, so if you are someone who gets hot at night, this is a winner. “You can feel the difference in temperature between this and a standard pillow just by placing your head on it. “It was designed specifically with menopausal women in mind.

“The outer casing is thick and supportive but the pillow itself is quite soft so if you prefer a firm pillow, this might not be for you. “The pillow is also machine washable so you can keep it fresh all year round.”Comfort: 3/5Value: 3/5Overall score: 6/10Adam Home Pillows£13.

99 for 2, AmazonOliver DixonAmazon is selling a two-pack of pillows for £13.99[/caption]Lynsey says: “These arrived vacuum packed and didn’t look terribly appealing, but once they were out of the packaging and fluffed up a bit, they were pretty cosy. “They felt soft to touch with a quilted case and a plush filling.

“Even though they were quite soft and fluffy, they provide reasonable support and I didn’t notice any neck or back pain after using them. “To boot, they are machine washable and hypoallergenic.“Great value at just under £14 for two.

”Comfort: 3/5Value: 4/5Overall score: 7/10George Home Extra Support Soft Touch Pillows£8 for 2, AsdaOliver DixonLynsey crowned Asda the winner with its budget-friendly buy[/caption]Lynsey says: “An impressive, supportive pillow made with soft hollow fibres for added comfort and support. “These are ideal for people who want a bit of extra support and sleep on their side and they were soft and bouncy to sleep on. “The cover is soft so gentle to the skin and these can be machine washed and even tumble dried.

“Even after washing, they held their shape pretty well and seemed quite durable.“Amazing really when you consider they only cost £4 each. My top choice budget-friendly buy.

”Comfort: 5/5Value: 5/5Overall score: 10/10Slumberdown Cool Summer Nights Firm Support Pillow£18 for 2, WilkoOliver DixonSlumberdown’s pillows are designed to lift and support your head[/caption]Lynsey says: “A great option for side sleepers or those who require firm support. “These pillows are designed to lift and support your head, whilst maintaining proper alignment of the spine and neck, preventing stiffness and discomfort. “The covers are soft to touch and they have a cool, hollow fibre filling to keep you cool through the night.

“Lightweight, breathable and reasonably priced.”Comfort: 4/5Value: 4/5Overall score: 8/10Slumberdown Anti Snore Pillow£10, AsdaOliver DixonIf you have a snorer at home, you may want to give this pillow a go[/caption]Lynsey says: “Snoring has a big impact on your sleep but on your partner’s too.“This pillow is designed with a unique s-shaped block to encourage better breathing and to help relieve symptoms of snoring.

“It offers medium support and was quite comfy if you sleep on your back.“The cover is 100% cotton. It can’t go in the washing machine and you are advised to sponge it clean with a damp cloth, so after a while, it might get dirty.

“Did it stop snoring? Not entirely, but it did make a difference so if that’s a struggle for you, this is only £10 and could be worth a shot.”Comfort: 3/5Value: 4/5Overall score: 7/10The Range Copper Infused Pillow£14.99, The RangeOliver DixonThis pillow sold at The Range is infused with copper[/caption]Lynsey says: “Another pillow infused with copper, but this is half the price of the Silentnight option.

“It’s incredibly soft and I liked the knitted copper infused cover, which can apparently help with skin irritation and inflammation. “I felt it provided adequate support to my neck and head and was cooling, too. “The cover is 96% polyester with 4% copper and the filling is 100% polyester.

Machine washable at 30 degrees.”Comfort: 4/5Value: 5/5Overall score: 9/10Simba Stratos Pillow£60, Simba SleepOliver DixonThe cool touch technology of Simba’s pillow worked a treat, but it comes with a hefty price tag[/caption]Lynsey says: “This is a more budget-friendly option from luxury sleep brand, Simba. “They claim it’s soft but this isn’t an option for someone who wants a fluffy pillow you are going to sink into.

“It is structurally robust, but quite thin so a great option for someone who wants support and not too much volume. It needed regular plumping, but I slept well on it. “The cool touch technology is fantastic and worked a treat, but this pillow only has it one side so you can’t flip your pillow in the night.

“As an added bonus, the pillow is made from recycled bottle fibres so it has less impact on the environment. No getting away from the fact it is pricey.”Comfort: 4/5Value: 3/5Overall score: 7/10The Fine Bedding Company Smart Temperature Pillow£30, Fine BeddingOliver DixonThis pillow had the same cooling technology as Simba’s option, but on both sides[/caption]Lynsey says: “Half the price of the Simba option, but even better.

It had the same cooling technology, but this time, on both sides of the pillow and it was very effective.“It’s thermoregulation two-step system works by firstly offering a cooling sensation before the first sign of moisture. “It can sense an increase in body temperature, which then activates a unique cooling effect allowing moisture to evaporate.

“When the body has reached its ideal temperature, the reduced body heat will guide the cooling effect to ease back so that you won’t feel a chill. “And the technology works through all types of linens, so it won’t matter what covers you have over it. “It’s washable at 40 degrees and can even go in the tumble dryer, after which it retained it’s shape well.

I have to say, I was impressed and at £30 it won’t break the bank.”Comfort: 5/5Value: 5/5Overall score: 10/10Dunelm Full Forever Anti-Allergy Side Sleeper Pillows£25, DunelmOliver DixonThe Dunelm pillows are great for side sleepers[/caption]Lynsey says: “Great quality pillows, which kept their bounce really well after use. “They are very firm, ideal for side sleepers, and actually, I found them quite high to sleep on.

“Many people may only need one of these. “They are filled with non-allergenic hollowfibre, so are a good option for allergy sufferers and the 100% cotton cover feels crisp and breathable.“They have a high-thread count casing which creates a natural barrier against bedbugs.

“They feel quite luxurious for the price – hotel quality – and they are both machine washable and tumble-dry friendly.”Comfort: 4/5Value: 4/5Overall score: 8/10Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

uk.Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.