I've reviewed dozens of pillows and these are the 7 things you need to know before buying one

A bedroom with a bed with a large curved velvet headboard and a stack of books on the bedside table.

I’ve reviewed dozens and dozens of pillows as a sleep writer. I’ve tested synthetic pillows, natural-fibre pillows; pillows that cost less than a tenner and the most expensive pillows on the market. Over this time I’ve learned a lot about what makes for a good pillow.

Before testing the best pillows money can buy, I will admit I often went for whatever was available, cheapest and ideally came in a two-pack. Then I’d wonder why I had neck ache or woke up in the night to find my pillow as flat as a pancake.