Your questions about pillows answered What is the best pillow? When testing, the Simba hybrid pillow came out as the best pillow. It’s the most adaptable option on test, as its cubes of foam let you fine-tune loft and firmness for better neck alignment, whether you sleep on your side or back (or even your front, with reduced fill). The cool‑touch face and mesh perimeter regulate heat more effectively than standard foam, and the washable cover is built to last. It’s an investment, and you’ll want to fluff it occasionally, but its consistency and versatility will likely make it the best pick for most people.If you’re looking to spend less, the best budget pillow in my tests was Slumberdown memory foam plus. It delivers medium‑firm support at a fraction of the price of some competitors. The single‑block core holds your neck in a neutral position for back- and side-sleepers, rebounds reliably and comes with a washable cover. It runs warmer than ventilated or gel foams, and the loft is fixed, but as an upgrade from lumpy hollowfibre, it’s a standout.How I tested and selected the best pillowsI spent months testing and reviewing pillows (Caroline Preece/The Independent)I spent months testing and comparing pillows against one another. While doing so, I considered the following criteria: Comfort: I paid close attention to how easy it was to fall asleep and the level of loft (height), sink, and overall comfort of the pillow throughout the night. I ran multi-night trials with logs capturing pressure relief, flip frequency, heat build-up, wake-ups, and any next-morning neck, shoulder, or jaw issues. I aired foam cores for off‑gassing and assessed adjustability. Those with an adjustable loft received bonus points.Support: Equally important, I examined firmness and the loft. Softer pillows, such as those filled with down, tend to be less supportive, but you want your pillow to be soft enough that it’s still comfortable. I also assessed how my neck and shoulders felt in the morning. Temperature regulation: The filling and cover of a pillow can have an effect on how cool you feel during the night, so I examined whether I felt cool or overheated.Value for money: I weighed up overall quality and price, too. Indicators of quality were things such as the materials used, the level of rebound after eight‑hour stretches, and the durability of seams and zips.How often should you change your pillows?You should replace your pillows every 18 to 24 months, according to Barbara Stern, textile and bedding expert at Ottoman Textiles. This generally depends on the filling type and quality, and if you suffer from allergies or if you are a warm sleeper, this should be increased to around every 12 to 18 months. How do I know what pillow is right for me?“If you are someone who primarily sleeps on your side, you should consider a thicker pillow of around 4-6 inches. Back sleepers may need a slightly less thick pillow at around 3-5 inches. And stomach sleepers should first try out the thinnest pillow, clocking in at around 2-3 inches,” says Dr. Eric Zhou, researcher and clinician at Harvard Medical School in the Division of Sleep Medicine. Which pillows are best for neck pain?If you suffer from neck pain, you need a pillow that supports your spine and posture efficiently. “The goal is to maintain a neutral alignment of your C1-C7 vertebrae, also known as your cervical spine,” Dr Zhou explains. “This is the part of your spine that supports your head, and if it is not properly aligned, it can cause your muscles and ligaments to keep working hard to support your head, which can lead to neck pain.”Why you can trust IndyBest reviews IndyBest is The Independent’s product reviews section, where a team of experts tests sleep-related items over weeks, months or even years. IndyBest pros have tested everything from the best mattresses to the best duvets, and from top-rated silk pillowcases to the best mattress toppers. Their wealth of information and expert insights guide the product selection and testing process.Caroline Preece is an expert product tester and journalist with years of experience. She specialises in home and lifestyle topics, particularly sleep, such as her in-depth tests of the best cooling pillows, electric blankets, and sunrise alarm clocks. She knows exactly how to assess sleep products for quality and value for money. Meet the expertsStephanie Romiszewski is a sleep physiologist with two decades of experience. She has researched and treated clinical sleep disorders like insomnia and CPAP therapy. Barbara Stern is a textile and bedding expert at Ottoman Textiles.Dr. Eric Zhou is a researcher and clinician at Harvard Medical School in the Division of Sleep Medicine Read more: Best silk pillowcases