The Velquies Edit
The Pillow Edit
Five we'd choose for better sleep
There is no universally perfect pillow. How you sleep, the height you need, the feel you prefer and even how warm you become during the night can change what works.
So rather than compiling an endless list, we've selected five distinctly different options — each with a clear reason for earning its place.
Our selections are based on the manufacturers' published UK specifications, construction, functionality, value and suitability for different sleepers. Velquies has not physically tested these pillows, and a pillow is a comfort choice — not a treatment for pain or poor sleep.
At a glance
- 01Best overallSimba Hybrid PillowReference price £109
- 02Best for side sleepersKally Ultimate Side Sleeper PillowReference price £29.99 · Currently sold out
- 03Best for breathabilityPanda Hybrid Bamboo PillowReference price £89.95
- 04Premium choiceTEMPUR Original SmartCool PillowReference price From £165
- 05Best natural fillWoolroom Deluxe Washable Wool PillowReference price £99.99
Prices and availability checked September 2026 and may change.
Some links on Velquies may be affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, Velquies may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not determine what we recommend.
Best overall
Simba Hybrid Pillow
Reference price £109 · checked September 2026
The one we'd start with if you're not sure what you need.
Why it made The Edit
Its adjustable construction gives it broader suitability than a fixed-height pillow. Simba's Nanocube core can be added to or removed, so height and firmness can be changed rather than guessed at the point of purchase.
What stands out
- Adjustable height and firmness by removing or adding Nanocubes
- Core of CertiPUR-certified foam Nanocubes with a polyester-fibre comfort filling
- Cotton outer cover with Simba's Stratos finish on one side
- Open mesh border, which Simba describes as improving airflow
- Zip-off cover, machine washable at 40°C
- Reusable storage bag included, plus one for spare Nanocubes
- 200-night trial listed by Simba
Worth knowing
- Getting the height right may take some experimentation with the Nanocubes.
- Simba describes the Stratos cover as cooling; how cool any pillow feels varies from sleeper to sleeper.
- Simba does not state a single recommended sleeping position for this pillow.
Who we'd consider it for
Anyone unsure of the height or firmness they prefer, couples who want the same pillow set up differently, and people who like the idea of adjusting rather than replacing.
Who might look elsewhere
If you already know you want a deep, firm side-sleeper shape, the Kally is more specific and much cheaper. If you prefer natural fillings, look at the Woolroom.
Retailer link to follow
Full recommendation
Best for side sleepers
Kally Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow
Reference price £29.99 · Currently sold out · checked September 2026
Shown as sold out on Kally's UK site when checked on 25 September 2026.
A purposeful shape for side sleepers, at a modest price.
Why it made The Edit
It is designed specifically for side sleepers. Its shaped profile and firm hollowfibre filling are intended to fill the space between head and shoulder, which is the gap side sleepers typically need a pillow to take up.
What stands out
- Shaped profile designed for side sleepers
- Medium-density hollowfibre filling that Kally says holds its shape
- 100% cotton outer cover
- Kally rates the firmness 8/10 (firm)
- Kally describes it as suitable for side and back sleepers
- 14-night sleep trial listed by Kally
Worth knowing
- Shown as sold out on Kally's UK site at our last check.
- Its firm, deep shape is deliberately specialist and won't suit everyone.
- Kally's page gives two different sets of dimensions and weights, so we haven't quoted either.
- It is not adjustable.
Who we'd consider it for
Committed side sleepers who find most pillows too flat, and anyone who wants a specialist shape without spending a great deal.
Who might look elsewhere
Front sleepers and those who prefer a softer, lower pillow. If you change position during the night, the adjustable Simba may be the more forgiving choice.
Currently sold out
Full recommendation
Best for breathability
Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow
Reference price £89.95 · checked September 2026
Listed as in stock on Panda's UK site when rechecked on 25 September 2026, having earlier shown as unavailable.
Memory foam support, built with airflow in mind.
Why it made The Edit
Memory foam is often associated with retaining warmth. Panda's design sets out to address that with airflow features in the foam and a breathable bamboo-derived cover, while keeping a medium-firm, supportive feel.
What stands out
- Memory foam infused with bamboo and charcoal (Panda's CharcoCell Foam)
- Active O2 Micro-pods, which Panda says enhance airflow and breathability
- Removable quilted BambooCloud cover, washable at up to 30°C
- Medium-firm feel, described by Panda for side and back sleepers
- 13cm loft
- 30-night trial when bought from Panda directly
Worth knowing
- Breathability describes the construction; it doesn't guarantee a cooler night for every sleeper.
- The foam itself can't be washed — Panda advises wipe-clean only.
- It is a fixed-height pillow.
- Availability has varied; check at the time of purchase.
Who we'd consider it for
Side and back sleepers who like the contouring of memory foam but are wary of how dense foam pillows can feel.
Who might look elsewhere
If you want to change the height, choose the Simba. If you'd rather avoid foam altogether, the Woolroom is the natural-fill option.
Retailer link to follow
Full recommendation
Premium choice
TEMPUR Original SmartCool Pillow
Reference price From £165 · checked September 2026
The considered premium option, in a choice of sizes.
Why it made The Edit
It is the most established contoured design in its field, and TEMPUR offers it in three sizes. That choice of height is unusual for a shaped foam pillow and makes it easier to find a sensible fit.
What stands out
- Contoured shape following the curve of head, neck and shoulders
- TEMPUR Material filling
- Medium-firm feel
- Available in three sizes
- Removable SmartCool cover, machine washable up to 40°C
- 30-night pillow trial and three-year guarantee
Worth knowing
- It is the most expensive pillow in The Edit.
- The contoured shape is unusual, and TEMPUR itself suggests a two-to-three-week adjustment period.
- The pillow core itself must not be washed.
- TEMPUR describes the cover as cooling; experiences vary.
Who we'd consider it for
Back and side sleepers who want a shaped, supportive foam pillow and are prepared to spend more for an established design.
Who might look elsewhere
Front sleepers, anyone who prefers a traditional rectangular pillow, and those who want something soft to sink into.
Retailer link to follow
Full recommendation
Best natural fill
Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow
Reference price £99.99 · checked September 2026
A natural, adjustable alternative to foam and synthetic fills.
Why it made The Edit
It is the natural-fill choice in The Edit, and unusually for a wool pillow it is adjustable. Woolroom lets you remove wool to change the feel, and the outer cover can be washed.
What stands out
- Wool filling, adjustable to personal preference
- Quilted wool cover
- Outer cover machine washable once the wool is removed
- 30-night sleep trial listed by Woolroom
Worth knowing
- Wool feels different from foam — typically firmer and less springy.
- Woolroom mentions temperature regulation; we describe the material rather than promise an outcome.
- We could not verify dimensions or cover composition on Woolroom's UK page, so they're not listed.
Who we'd consider it for
Readers who prefer natural materials and want some control over the feel of their pillow.
Who might look elsewhere
If you want a pronounced side-sleeper shape, choose the Kally; if you want memory foam contouring, the Panda or TEMPUR.
Retailer link to follow
Full recommendationSide by side
| Product | Velquies selection | Construction/fill | Feel | Adjustable | Best suited to | Reference price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simba Hybrid Pillow | Best overall | Foam Nanocube core, fibre comfort layer | Adjustable | Yes | Not specified by manufacturer | £109 |
| Kally Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow | Best for side sleepers | Hollowfibre, 100% cotton cover | Firm (8/10) | No | Side and back sleepers | £29.99 · Currently sold out |
| Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow | Best for breathability | Bamboo/charcoal memory foam, bamboo-derived cover | Medium-firm | No | Side and back sleepers | £89.95 |
| TEMPUR Original SmartCool Pillow | Premium choice | TEMPUR Material, contoured | Medium-firm | No — three sizes | Back and side sleepers | From £165 |
| Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow | Best natural fill | Wool fill, quilted wool cover | Adjustable | Yes | Not specified by manufacturer | £99.99 |
Manufacturer specifications, checked September 2026. Prices and availability may change.
How we choose
Each selection is based on the manufacturer's official UK product information, the construction and materials, practical details such as care and trial periods, value, and how clearly the pillow serves a particular kind of sleeper.
Velquies has not physically tested these pillows. Where a manufacturer describes a cooling, ergonomic or allergy benefit, we describe the construction rather than promise an outcome.
Commission never decides what makes The Edit.
Not sure what height suits you? How high should your pillow be? →
The Velquies View
A good pillow isn't necessarily the most expensive or the most technical. It's the one whose height, feel and construction make sense for the way you actually sleep. That's why The Pillow Edit deliberately includes five rather different answers.
Some links on this page may earn Velquies a commission. This never determines what earns a place in The Edit. Read our affiliate disclosure.
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