You spend good money on a quality mattress, pay a pretty penny for your favorite sheets (and let’s not forget that stylish duvet), but when it comes to your pillow…are you just going with whatever’s cheapest?

Investing in a good pillow is essential for getting restful sleep and maintaining optimal health and well-being. Why you may ask?

First and foremost, a good pillow supports the natural curvature of your spine, neck, and head while you sleep, promoting proper alignment, reducing pressure points and better blood circulation – all contributing to your better overall health. Unsupportive pillows? They can lead to neck and back pain, stiffness, and even headaches. Not to mention contributing to various health problems, including stress, fatigue, and even weight gain.

So it makes sense – you need a good pillow. But what makes a good pillow, well, a good pillow? And more importantly, what should you look for to get the best pillow for you?

Our HT editors have tested and researched many a cushioned, bolstered, padded and supportive pillow, all to come up with five essential things to look for, and consider, when buying your next, best pillow.

#5 – ALLERGIES, ANYONE?

Allergen reducing pillows come in as #5…unless you’re one of the 26% of people in the U.S. with allergies, which probably makes this one your #1. Pillows that are designed to be hypoallergenic, anti-allergic, or allergen resistant can all help reduce allergy symptoms and improve breathing while you sleep. Plus when it comes to things you’d rather not think about living in your pillow (dust mites?) choosing one of these options will definitely help you sleep feeling safe and sound.

Starting with this premium pillow from Boll & Branch, which offers Down pillow lovers a beautiful, hypoallergenic alternative. In addition to the PrimaLoft® Luxury Down Alternative® (a premium, allergy-friendly fiber that mimics the weight and gentle loft of down), this pillow comes in a 100% organic cotton shell. Equally important is what it doesn’t come with – their pillows are free from toxins, harmful pesticides, and GMOs. Comes in three levels of firmness (soft, medium and firm) as well as Standard and King sizes.

Boll & Branch, Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Pillow

$99 (Standard) & $109 (King)

In the market for a cooling pillow that also offers antimicrobial protection? SHEEX has a pillow for you. Their Infinite Zen Performance Pillow is chock full of new technology, including their proprietary Serene•Chill™ Cooling Gel technology that’s designed to activate at key temperature ranges and keep your skin temperature in the optimal range for sleep. So you are always on the cool side of the pillow. And the pressure-relieving memory foam is treated with antimicrobial protection for a clean, comfy sleep environment. Nice!

SHEEX, Infinite Zen Performance Pillow $104.25

(Standard and Queen Sizes only)

Finally, for the serious allergy sufferer, an anti allergen pillow can make all the difference between a good night’s sleep and significant nighttime distress. With an ultra soft cover that provides effective allergen barrier protection, this anti allergen pillow by Columbia will keep your pillow free and clear of household allergens and pollen that can build up over time. It’s also moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfortable. Editor’s note: this pillow only comes in medium firmness, so if you’re a stomach or side sleeper, this may not work for you.

Columbia, Down Alternative Anti Allergen Pillow $23.99 (Standard) $27.99 (King)

#4 – SIZE AND SHAPE

Next on our list of considerations is size and shape. While the standard, square pillow is still the, well, standard (it’s kind of in the name) it doesn’t mean you’re left to conform. These days there are contoured, u-shaped, and/or specialized sizing for certain sleep needs. Here are just a few options to pick from to support your preferred sleeping position.

Sleep is always important, but when you’re a mama-to-be with an ever changing body and whole new areas of pressure points to deal with, a good pillow is paramount. There are plenty of pregnancy pillows out there, but our editors’ favorite is the U-Shape Full Body Maternity Pillow by PharMeDoc. Combining a C and U pillow shape, this certified chemical free pillow fits on a standard queen bed and is suitable for all sleeping positions. It supports head and neck, back, knees and legs, and even the hips and belly. The cover is soft, velvety jersey and bonus – it’s machine washable! What more could you want? How about if we found it on sale?

PharMeDoc, U-Shape Full Body Maternity Pillow $49.99

(on Sale NOW from $89.99)

Sometimes getting a good night’s sleep can also be a matter of keeping the peace. Yes, we are talking about snoring. If you’re one of the 25% of people whose nighttime activities include sawing logs, it’s not just your partner who is affected. Loud, chronic snoring means your head and spine may not be properly aligned while you sleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and even headaches. If this is you, an orthopedic pillow should be a consideration. This one by Core Products may look a little unusual, but all those contours are there to align your head and neck to keep your airways open and breathing properly. It’s also made from non-allergenic and nontoxic molded foam that’s supportive, yet cushy. Everyone wins! You get better quality sleep and your partner will too.

Core Products, Therapeutic Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow $96

Finally, while this is not a pillow for your neck, if you’re a side sleeper that experiences knee and/or hip discomfort while sleeping, a knee pillow could be your fix. By adding cushioning between the knees, this type of pillow helps align the spine, taking all that unnecessary pressure off your joints and can even help improve your sleep posture. And for plantar fasciitis sufferers? Tucking one of these under your foot will keep those cramps under control too.

Rejuve, Memory Foam Ergonomic Knee, Leg & Foot Pillow $22.99 (on Sale NOW from $49.99)

#3 – BUILT TO LAST

Next on the list to consider is durability and maintenance. Some pillows require special care like dry cleaning, while others are machine washable. Durability ensures that your investment lasts longer.

If we told you that you could have a top-quality, luxury pillow that was also machine washable, would you think you were dreaming? Bed pillow humor aside, this is absolutely the case with Boll & Branch’s luxury Down Chamber pillow. As the name implies, the pillow contains three chambers which add durability as well as help maintain a cleaner, longer-lasting loft. Each pillow is then wrapped in a naturally down-proof shell made from the finest 100% organic cotton threads. Collectively, this quality construction makes for a pillow of exceptional strength and comfort.

Boll & Branch, Down Chamber Pillow $159 (Standard)

and $179 (King)

Hotels know a thing or two about how to choose a durable pillow. This organic cotton shell pillow from Kassatex’s Hotel Collection is exactly that. Medium firm, it exudes a springy sensation, and will not lose shape after extensive use. It also comes in sustainable options, including recycled down or recycled down alternative.

Kassatex, Hotels Organic Cotton Pillow

$130 (Standard) $190 (King)

#2 – YOU ARE MY DENSITY

Pillows can come in various materials like memory foam, down feathers, latex, polyester…even buckwheat. Each material is going to give you a different feel, and will respond in different ways as your head (literally) sinks into them.

Do you like your pillow to (literally) mold itself around you? If so, memory foam may be your new best friend. With its spongy, squishy soft feel that responds to pressure and weight, memory foam is made of low-resilience polyurethane foam, which is a mouthful to say, but basically means that the ‘cells’ of the foam are honeycombed, with air inside that slowly releases. As that release happens, the material conforms around you. That said, one of the downsides of memory foam is that it can get warm. That’s why our editors like Essence of Bamboo’s memory pillow. Bamboo fibers are naturally anti-bacterial, breathable and known for its temperature regulating properties. So you get all of the comfy, squishy support of memory foam, without the heat that some find decidedly uncomfortable.

Essence of Bamboo, Luxurious Memory Foam Bed Pillow $16

Speaking of heat, if you’re one of the whopping 57% of U.S. sleepers who tend to “run hot”, a cooling pillow could be a life saver. Burrow’s Eucalyptus Pillow is a great choice. Why? Made with sustainably-sourced, 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, these pillows are naturally cooling with antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties for a more comfortable sleep. And the outer shell has a silky sheen that’s kind to your skin and your hair (as in, no more awkward morning pillow hair dos).

Burrow, Eucalyptus Cooling Pillow $59

(on Sale NOW from $79)

Finally, for those who love the feel of memory foam, but can’t tolerate the material, a natural latex foam pillow can give you all the cushy comfort without any of the added chemicals or fillers. Not all natural latex is created equally though, which is why our editors prefer an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified natural latex that’s guaranteed to keep you safe from harmful practices or materials. This natural latex pillow from eLuxury has that certification with material that’s responsive and bounces back after every use. And it comes in packs of two!

eLuxury, Natural Latex Foam Bed Pillow 2pk $89.99 (Standard) $107.99 (King)

#1 – SUPPORT & COMFORT

Finally we come to our number one. All other factors aside, proper support and the feeling of comfort is what we all look for in a great pillow. Look for a pillow that provides support for your head, neck, and shoulders. And much of that will come down to your sleeping position (side, back, stomach). A pillow that keeps your spine aligned while also being comfortable for you is based on firmness levels. Not sure what firmness suits you best? Then read on, because we are about to tell you…

Are you a stomach sleeper? Soft is the pillow for you. And when it comes to soft and cushy, down is hard to beat. Especially when it’s Anne Selke’s Meditation Down Soft Pillow. With its 230-thread-count cotton shells and premium white duck down fill, these pillows are the perfect way to drift off to dreamland. Pliable for kneading or scrunching the pillow into the perfect shape for sleeping or nestling, this is a great choice for stomach sleepers.

Anne Selke, Meditation Down Soft Pillow $148 – $218

(Standard to King)

Prefer sleeping on your back? Medium firmness will be your best bet. The good news is, medium is one of the most common firmness for pillows, so finding one that works for you without breaking the bank won’t be too difficult. Case in point, this two pack from BeautyRest includes two microfiber 2″ gusset feather and down is a perfect medium. They’ll provide the comfort support to your head and neck at a price point that you and your wallet will appreciate.

BeautyRest, 2pk Microfiber Medium Gusset and Down Pillow $45.99 (Jumbo) $59.99 (King)

And for those side sleeper warriors? Definitely go for the firm. Belle Epoque is an editor favorite, hypo-allergic, made of 650+ FP European White Down, it has a firm but not stiff density. It offers complete support for neck head and shoulders by providing an even sleeping surface and will keep your body in a horizontal line.

Belle Epoque, Castle Chateau Firm-Fill Down Side Sleeper Pillow $159.99 (Standard) $199.99 (King)