Tag: homeware

If you’re one of the 50% of Brits who prefers to sleep on your side each night, investing in one of the best pillows for side sleepers is well worth considering. Side sleeping is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including promoting proper spinal alignment, improving breathing, reducing heartburn, and alleviating discomfort in the neck and back. But not all pillows will suit.

Fortunately, the current market is booming with specially-designed pillows tailored to side sleepers, thanks to innovative sleep tech brands such as Emma and Simba. So, the 50% of you who spend most of the night between your back and front can rejoice. Pillow for side sleepers are engineered to provide the ideal blend of support and comfort, catering to the specific requirements of side kippers for a truly restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

We’ve tested and reviewed numerous options, and consulted with sleep experts to answer all your pillow FAQs, so that you can choose the best pillow for you. Think: firm and soft pillows for side sleepers, memory foam pillows and body pillows. Whether you prefer a plush and cushiony feel or a more supportive structure, our roundup includes a variety of choices to suit individual preferences and sleeping styles. Read on for our full edit, including tips on how to pick the best one for your individual sleeping style.

SKIP TO: Pillows for side sleepers FAQs | How did we test? | Why do side sleepers need a different type of pillow | What type of pillow is best for side sleepers with neck pain? | What else should you consider? | Our full reviews. | The best pillows for neck pain, best cooling pillows and best anti-allergy pillows.

Meet the experts:

The best pillows for side sleepers FAQs

How we tested the best pillows for side sleepers:

In putting these pillows to the test, our testers dove into the nitty-gritty, scoring them on quality, support, firmness, and all-around comfort. We didn’t just stop there – we rifled through what you’ve been searching for and tapped into customer reviews to get the real lowdown. Our goal? To cut through the noise and find the best pillows for side sleepers that aren’t just comfy but also made to last. We’ve read what you’ve been searching for, tested as many as we could in real life settings, and are working our way through the rest to help you find the right pillow to suit your personal preferences. Find out more about how we test.

After more sleep content? Shop the best pillows, best pregnancy pillows, best pillows for neck pain, best travel pillows, best cool pillows, best body pillows, best memory foam pillow, best anti allergy pillow, best duvet, duvet covers, best silk pillowcase, best sofa beds, the best mattress toppers and the best mattresses, – including memory foam mattresses, cheap mattresses, pocket sprung mattresses, mattresses for side sleepers, best mattress for back pain. For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

Scroll for our full edit of the best pillows for side sleepers in 2024.

Achieving a good night’s sleep can be a challenge, but investing in one of the best affordable mattresses will prove that you don’t need to break the bank to find a durable, comfortable mattress that will stand the test of time. Whether you’re in search of memory foam mattresses, hybrid, or spring-based options, reputable sleep tech brands like Emma and Simba have ensured that quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, some of the top-performing mattresses can now be acquired for under £500, ensuring that a restorative slumber is within reach for everyone, regardless of budget constraints.

Supporting a range of sleeping styles, whether you tend to lurk on your front, back, or side, the right affordable mattress will always work hard for you. And, if you buy wisely, it can even be the answer to your sleep-related woes, relieving your joints of pressure and ensuring you feel comfortable when moving around at night and feel less disturbed by your partner.

But where to start when it comes to finding the best cheap mattress for you? Enter: our exhaustive guide of the best affordable mattresses, from memory foam, pocket-sprung, hybrid and open coil, these are the best cheap mattresses to invest in for a better night’s sleep — and how to choose the right one for you. Settle onto your comfy bed frame, get under your duvet, perch your head on that fluffy pillow and allow us to reveal all.

SKIP TO: Mattress FAQs | Is it OK to buy a cheap mattress? | Are expensive mattresses better? What are the benefits of a cheap mattress? | How to we test and review the best budget mattresses? | Browse our full round up.

Mattress FAQs

Our buying guide covers everything from the type of cheap mattresses available – whether pocket-sprung, memory foam, or hybrid – to firmness levels, taking in what’s best for those who suffer from back pain, to mattress size, and advice on how often you should replace your mattress.

Is it OK to buy a cheap mattress?

It’s important to consider that you spend about a third of your life in bed. While it might be tempting to go for a cheaper option, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. A cheaper mattress might seem like a good deal upfront, but it could lack the durability, support, and comfort you need for a good night’s sleep. Poor-quality mattresses can lead to discomfort, restless nights, and even long-term health issues like back pain.

However, not all affordable mattresses are bad – far from it! If you’re on a budget, look for mattresses that offer good value — those that use decent materials, have positive customer reviews, and come with a reasonable warranty. You can, in fact, find budget-friendly options with a tantalising price point that provide adequate support and comfort, especially if you’re using it temporarily or for a guest room.

Are expensive mattresses better?

When it comes to mattress buying, the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ often rings true, but it’s not always that simple. Some of the best hybrid mattresses tend to be made from high-quality materials, such as advanced memory foam, latex, or pocket springs, which can provide better support, durability, and comfort over time. They often come with extra features like cooling technologies, luxurious fabrics, and longer warranties, all of which can enhance your overall sleep experience.

Typically a weird and wonderful shape, cervical pillows generally have interesting features like winged sides, indents, and unique contours to ensure even weight distribution. It’s worth noting though, that some of the best pillows for neck pain come in regular rectangular shapes – focusing more on what’s going on in the inside.

Is side sleeping bad for neck pain?

“For me, side sleeping is actually the best sleeping position for neck pain, but only if it is done in the correct way,” advises James. “If you fall asleep comfortably but always wake up with neck pain, then ask yourself what happens between when you fall asleep and when you wake up. We recommend falling asleep in the ‘dreamer’ position which is when you lie in the semi-foetal position with your knees bent.”

“This is well evidenced to put the least amount of tension through your spine whilst you sleep. If you can, sleep with any pillow in between your knees and ankles. You will feel more stable, and this will support the top leg and avoids internal rotation at hips. Think of a good seating posture – the Dreamer is the same, just on your bed. Remember: your neck is the most delicate part of your spine – so invest in it,” he says.

Which pillow materials are best for neck pain?

When searching for a pillow to alleviate neck pain, it’s important to consider the materials, too. Natural components like bamboo and cotton are not only sustainable but also excel in temperature regulation, keeping you cool and comfortable all night long.

It’s worth bearing in mind that memory foams are not created equal and can come with various health-boosting properties, such as a cooling gel-infused foam. Latex pillows are similar to memory foam in that they offer excellent support and contouring — but they tend to be a bit firmer and more responsive. They’re also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.

How firm should my pillow be for neck pain?

It varies from person to person, but generally speaking, the best pillows for those dealing with neck pain are medium-firm — as that provides the perfect balance of response and support. Crucially, your pillow needs to hold your neck in alignment with your head.

Therefore, your typical sleep position is also really important. For example, while stomach sleepers will be best suited to a soft and low loft pillow that keeps their head close to the mattress, side sleepers will need to fill the gap between their neck and shoulder with something as little thicker that helps align the spine. Still not sure? If in doubt, definitely consult your doctor.

What is the best rated pillow for neck pain?

There are so many pillows for neck pain on the market, which can be quite daunting when you don’t know what shape or firmness will benefit you specifically. Our bodies have natural curves, so flat and thin pillows are a no-go when it comes to maintaining the health of our spines, while feather and down pillows offer little in terms of consistency. Ultimately, it’s just down to your personal preferences.

Tempur’s Original Medium Firm/ Medium Support Pillow scored highly amongst back and side sleepers due to the targeted support it offers offers the back, neck and shoulders. It’ll cradle you and ensure the correct spinal alignment throughout the night to avoid any pains come the morning.

But it’s hard to find anyone who didn’t feel instantly less achey after sleeping on the Simba Hybrid Pillow. Supremely comfortable, supportive, and cooling, there seems to be a new review left for it each day from another happy customer who swears that it’s cured their neck pain.

How we tested pillows for neck pain

We snoozed our way through a range of pillows over a number of months to see which ones fared best on our neck, and which were the most comfortable. We weighed up effectiveness with affordability, taking into account the full gamut of price points available. To back up our real life testing, we also scoured online customer reviews and feedback as well as taking recommendations from sleep experts in the industry.

After more sleep content? Head this way for low platform bed frames and in this direction for mattress protectors, cooling pillows, the best memory foam pillows, body pillows, duvets, bed sheets and weighted blankets. Phew.

Treat your neck to one of the best pillows for neck pain below.

2. Construction:

• Microfiber: soft and fairly affordable, if a little flimsy.
• Flannel: brushed flat sheets, often made of cotton or polyster, that feel warm and cosy in the winter.
• Sateen: like cotton sateen, often silky smooth and shiny in appearance.
• Percale sheet sets: percale is a breathable, basic and lightweight weave that’s one of the most popular.
• Jersey: is a stretchy material, similar to what your favourite white t-shirt is made of. You can most commonly pick up cotton jersey bed sheets (which are soft but less durable than cotton sateen or cotton percale).

What is the best thread count for sheets?

On top of the construction and fiber content, when you’re buying bed sheets, you’ll notice the thread count is often referenced, too.

Thread count is a way of measuring the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch of your bed sheet. The higher the thread count, the more threads there are within the fabric and the denser the bed sheet will feel.

Generally speaking, bed sheets with a higher thread count will have a more luxurious feel – and the majority of the top-rated bed sheets in this edit fall somewhere between the 300 and 500 thread count mark. That said, you can get some really great 200 thread count sheets that are washable and soft.

How to make your bed sheets last longer:

Farah Arshad, Head of Design at DUSK, says there are a few things you can do to ensure your bed sheets stand the test of time. “Although it’s common to use hot water to wash bed linen, heat can cause damage in the long term, shrinking the fabric, fading the colours and making stains stick,” she says.

Instead, luxury bed sheets should be washed at 30 degrees, which also reduces wrinkling in cotton, making your bed sheets easier to iron. “When washing, ensure you separate whites, treat stains straight away and avoid overloading your washing machine.” Anything else, we asked? “Never use bleach, which can be a tempting short term solution but over time can cause white bed sheets to yellow.”

Best place to buy bedding UK

When it comes to bedding and bed sheets, specifically, there are a few brands that we immediately look to. For luxury, think The White Company. Alternatively, if you’re after high quality on a more modest budget, look to Dusk. Your happy mediums? They come in the form of good ‘ole M&S and John Lewis & Partners, with La Redoute coming in a close third. Other brands to note include:

What sheets do 5 star hotels use?

Here’s the low down – having had our fair share of stays in the likes of the Four Seasons, Jumeirah and Relais & Chateux, we’ve finally discovered the key to that uninterrupted hotel night’s sleep.