Night sweats and allergens can ruin our sleep during the summer, and not washing your bedding enough can make these issues even worse. Sweat, oil, and allergens can build up if sheets and pillows during heatwaves, but how often (and at what temperature) should we wash our sheets in the summer?

While research has found that the average person changes their sheets every 24 days, an infection prevention expert says this is way too long a wait wash your bedding.

"Bedding collects normal skin bacteria, environmental bacteria, yeasts, mold spores, dust mites, and the allergens that come with all of it," says Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, a Research Associate Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.

So, to set the record straight, I've called on Dr. Knighton to tell us how often we should be washing our sheets and pillows during the summer. She'll also tell us what temperature to wash your bedding at, and three other ways you can prevent summer allergens from piling up and disrupting your sleep.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week: but those with skin conditions, an active lifestyle, or allergies will need to change them more frequently.
• Duvet covers should be washes at least every two weeks: pillows and comforters can be washed every few months if they aren't visibly soiled or stained.
• Wash bedding at a temperature of at least 130°F: with 140°F being the optimal for killing dust mites.
• Make sure bedding is well-ventilated: this prevents moisture from encouraging bacterial growth, and use a waterproof mattress protector.
• Wear slippers: these stop your feet from picking up floor debris and bringing it into your bed.

How often should you wash bed sheets and pillowcases in summer?

"Wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly at a minimum during hot weather," advises Dr Knighton.

However, the infection expert stresses that many people may need to wash their bedding more frequently depending on their lifestyle, occupation, and conditions.

"Wash more frequently if you sweat heavily, go to bed without showering, have oily or acne-prone skin, have allergies or eczema, share the bed with pets, or work a high-exposure job such as healthcare, sanitation, childcare, or repair work where you carry the day home with you," she shares.

How often should other types of bedding be washed in summer?

While Dr. Knighton advises pillowcases and sheets be washed frequently, other types of bedding can survive a longer wait.

"Duvet covers should be washed weekly or every two weeks depending on use," says Dr Knighton. "Pillows and comforters follow the care label, which is usually every few months, and sooner if they become sweaty, stained, musty, or visibly soiled."

However, just because pillows, duvet cover, and comforters don't need to be washed as often as sheets and pillowcases, this doesn't mean they aren't immune to allergen and moisture build-up.

In fact, Dr. Knighton says that dense pillows and comforter can hold onto moisture far longer than thinner sheets do, trapping heat, sweat, skin oils, and dead cells without airflow.

These warm, moist conditions allow bacteria, fungi, and odors to thrive deep inside the fill — even if your sheets look completely clean on the surface.

"Over time, that same combination is what produces the musty smell, the yellowing, and the staining that will not wash out easily," explains the health specialist.

What temperature should bedding be washed at in summer?

As for what temperature you should was bedding at, Dr Knighton points to research that found that 140°F (60°C) kills all house dust mites.

However, she suggests following the bedding's care labels and opting for the warmest temperature the fabric can stand, with most allergy guidance pointing to 130°F (which is 54.4°C).

What happens if you don't wash your bedding often enough in summer?

So, we know if we don't wash our bedding often enough, oil, sweat and allergens will start to accumulate in our beds, but what are the consequences of that happening?

"The risk is not the same for everyone, and that is the honest answer," Dr. Knighton tells me. "For a healthy person with intact skin, the usual result is odor, breakouts, skin irritation, or allergy and asthma flares.

"For someone with asthma, mold sensitivity, eczema, broken skin, or a weakened immune system, the picture is more serious, and there is real infection risk for the immunocompromised."

3 more ways to keep your bedding clean in summer

1. Wear slippers or socks

"Slippers are not optional in my house and serve a purpose beyond just comfort," says Dr Knighton.

She says this rule applies especially to those who have pets or allow outdoor shoes indoors, where the floor could be covered in debris,

."Walking across it barefoot and then climbing into bed means you have just dragged all of that up onto your sheets with your own feet.," she warns. "A pair of slippers between the floor and the bed breaks that chain."

2. Don't bring your phone to bed

You may want to skip your nightly doomscrolling session, as a phone's surface are "one of the dirtiest things most people own".

The same phone that has been on restaurant tables, in bathrooms, and in their hands all day, and they set it on the pillow or the sheets, " says Dr. Knighton. "My phone does not come to bed with me."

The expert also says she doesn't bring the clothes she's been wearing all day to bed either. " Whatever my outdoor clothes and my phone touched during the day stays out of the space where I sleep," she reveals.

3. Make sure your bed is dry

While washing your bedding is important, keeping it dry also prevents the risk of allergen buildup.

To prevent your bedding trapping moisture and encouraging microbial growth, Dr Knighton recommends using one of the best mattress protectors with waterproof protection and ensuring your bedding gets enough ventilation.

If excessive sweating at night means you're waking up to a damp bed, the infection prevention expert recommends allowing the bedding to dry before making it.

"After a sweaty night, throw the covers back, let the bed breathe for a while, and make it later," she advises.

For more cleaning advice, see our guide on how to clean a mattress. This is especially important if you've invested in the best mattress for your sleep needs and want it to last as long as possible to get your money's worth.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Review in brief

In a brutally hot summer the average memory foam pillow turns into a sweat sponge. Not so the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow, which uses a GlacioTex cover and gel memory foam insert to prevent heat build up.

After putting it to the test for two weeks, we think the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow rivals the best pillows we've tried. I slept on the low loft version and found it buttery soft but still supportive for back and stomach sleeping. (A high loft version is available for side sleepers.)

What's more, I used the Helix foam pillow during a scorching heatwave and the cool-to-the-touch feel made climbing into bed refreshing. Admittedly, it warms to neutral within a few minutes but that's where it stops. No heat pooling, no excessive stuffiness.

It's not cheap with a price around $93 in the sale but the durable build should last for a fair few heatwaves, so you sleep comfortably even if your AC's on the fritz.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Price & deals

The Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow has an MSRP of $124 for a standard size in high or low loft. That's pricey, but you'll never actually pay that much. A year-round Helix mattress sale knocks 20% off, which means you're most likely to pay around $100. (A king has an MSRP of $161 and typically sells for around $129.)

Even in the sale, this isn't cheap but it's competitive for a memory foam pillow. In comparison, the Tempur-Cloud pillow is $84 at Tempur-Pedic (without cooling tech) while Casper's Hybrid Snow Pillow is around $143.20.

If you do want to save a little more, Helix often launches 25% and 27% off sales. This won't bring a huge price cut but it's a good way to save extra. (And speaking of saving extra, Helix provides free delivery to mainland US.)

Helix offers a 30-night trial and one-year warranty. We might expect slightly better benefits but as some brands offer no trial or warranty with their pillows, it's not awful.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Design & Materials

The Helix GlactioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is what it says on the tin: a memory foam pillow in a GlacioTex cover. But if that sounds like a load of buzzwords, I'll break it down for you.

At the core of the pillow is a block of ultra-dense memory foam. It's soft, squidgy and slow moving. On one side, this foam is topped with a layer of gel foam, to improve cooling.

The cover is made from Helix's GlacioTex fabric. Consisting of polyester and polyethylene, it's designed to draw heat away quickly. The cover is quilted but not particularly soft (I'll explain more below).

There's one more thing to note: the pillow loft. The Helix Cooling Memory Foam pillow is available in a low loft (4") and a high loft (5.1"). We recommend low loft for back and stomach sleepers, high loft for side sleepers.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Performance

I slept on the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow for two weeks and performed a series of objective and subjective tests, following our pillow testing methodology.

Set up

There's no set up required with the Helix Memory Foam Pillow. it's delivered flat so all you have to do is take it out of the packaging, put on your pillow cover, and start sleeping on it.

There was some off-gassing but it was mild. Off-gassing is the chemical scent associated with polyurethane foams and while harmless, it can irritate sensitive noses. If that's you, leave the pillow to breathe in a well-ventilated room for a few hours.

Score: 4 out of 5

Comfort & Support

There's a real 'ahh' moment when you first lie on the Helix Memory Foam Pillow. The foams immediately yield to accommodate your head and neck, with a buttery feel that means no pressure build-up at the ear.

I'm a stomach sleeper so I opted for the low loft. This holds my head in line with my spine, without pushing my neck up. Add on the contouring and in the month of testing, I've yet to wake up with neck pain. It's also comfortable for back sleepers (who have much the same pillow needs as front sleepers.)

The low loft model is too thin for side sleepers but Helix has a solution — the high loft model. I've not tested this version but the added inch should provide the support side sleepers need.

Overall, the feel is medium-soft. Its a pillow you sink into but it doesn't have 'melt' of something like the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud pillow.

My subjective tests confirmed this. On the Helix Memory Foam, my 10lb weight sank about an inch into the surface and then hit the supportive core. The Tempur-Cloud's Tempur foams pretty much ate the weight up.

You can also see the difference once the weight is removed. On the Tempur-Cloud, it took around seven seconds for the foams to bounce back from the pressure. On the Helix Memory Foam pillow, this was around four seconds. Still slow moving but more responsive.

This means when you shift in the night, the pillow takes a few seconds to conform to your new position. But it gets there eventually. (In comparison, the Helix Talalay Pillow bounced back instantly.)

The quilted cover adds to this spongy feel but the GlacioTex fiber gives it a slight roughness. Once wrapped in the cover, this was no problem. But for the silky soft touch of a hotel-style pillow though, try the Birch Organic Pillow.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Temperature control

Cooling is, literally, the name of the game here. But can the Helix Memory Foam Pillow live up to its icy promises?

In my experience, yes... with a but.

The GlacioTex cover feels cool to the touch at first but warms to neutral quickly. But then it stays neutral throughout the night. No excess heat gathering, no uncomfortably warm patches.

What it didn't do was maintain a chill feel all night long. You'll still need to flip it if you've looking for the 'cool side'. And I highly recommend choosing a breathable pillow cover to ensure the heat can escape properly (I used percale cotton).

However, considering how dense the foam is, and knowing memory foam's reputation for trapping heat, I was impressed. I previously tested the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud memory foam pillow and while I loved the soft feel, on a hot nights it became an oven. Not a problem on the Helix Pillow.

Together, GlacioTex and gel foams help wick away heat. However, the design isn't particularly breathable. Those with night sweats might prefer the superior airflow of a natural pillow like the Birch Organic or the Saatva Latex pillow.

Finally, it's worth noting I tested the Helix Memory Foam Pillow during a brutal heatwave. And I was still happy with the feel.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Durability & Care

You should replace your pillows roughly every two years but some pillows turn to pancakes after just a few weeks of testing. Durability and easy care allows you to get the most from your pillow investment.

Build quality

Both the cover and core of the Helix Cooling Memory Foam pillow have a high quality and durable feel.

It's also weighty. Helix claims the low loft standard size weighs 3.3 lbs, the exact same weight it gives the Talalay Latex Pillow. But the Cooling Memory Foam Pillow feels much heavier to my arms.

To put this into subjective terms, when I drop the Talalay pillow, it lands with a 'thud'. When I drop the Helix Memory Foam pillow, it hits the ground with a 'THWACK".

This is the opposite of a problem, as it implies the memory foam is dense and dense foams tend to have better durability. However, if you knock your pillow to the floor in the night, the quake might wake you.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Care and maintenance

With a removable and machine washable cover, the Helix GlacioTex Memory Foam pillow is easy to care for. The interior is spot clean only but that's common for memory foam pillows.

Plus, the cover is so thick it's hard to imagine much will get past it to the core itself.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow?

'Memory foam' and 'cooling' are often at odds but not when it comes to the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow.

During a heatwave, the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow stayed comfortably neutral, even if it lost its chill feel within a few minutes. In comparison, last summer I slept on the Tempur-Cloud pillow and while it delivered the soft feel I wanted, it warmed up in seconds.

The dense foam core also contours to the head to reduce pressure build-up. I never felt pain at the jaw or ear. And the two lofts gives the Helix Memory Foam pillow versatility, with an option for most sleep styles.

It's $93 but we predict good longevity, so you should get a lot of use for the money. And if you want the feel of memory foam that you can use even on the hottest summer nights, the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow might be your best option.

Buy the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow if...

✅ You want marshmallow-like cushioning: The plush, sink-in foams yield under weight to prevent soreness at the ear and jaw.

✅ You want sink-in pressure relief without the heat build-up: Memory foam can sleep warm but the Helix Cooling Pillow uses a combo of GlacioTex fibers and gel foams to kick out heat. It stays neutral even on very warm nights.

✅ You want to invest in quality: At close to $100 the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is a bit of an investment, but the dense foams should provide great longevity.

Don't buy the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow if...

❌ You sleep very hot: Those who experience night sweats might prefer a pillow with a more breathable build, like a latex or feather design.

❌ You move around a lot in the night: The slow-moving foams take a second to catch up when you shift position. A more responsive pillow, like the Helix Talalay Latex, is better if you want non-stop support on restless nights.

Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Alternatives

Packing your kids off to college? The best thing you can provide for them is a good night's sleep (that, and an endless supply of ramen). But in a college dorm, quality shut-eye isn't always to find. That's why we've rounded up the essentials to turn a dorm room into a sleep sanctuary.

Starting with the bed. Our best mattress guide has a pick for every sleep style but for dorm room comfort on a budget, you can't beat the Siena Signature (from $159 at Siena). Alternatively, a mattress topper adds comfort for less, while the right sheets and pillows are affordable upgrades that make a big difference.

And let's not forget the real barrier to good sleep in college: the roommate. (Why are they always nocturnal?) Ear plugs and eye masks are a must-have, plus a good going-away gift for the college bound. Because sleep in college shouldn't be a privilege — it's the secret to better learning.

College dorm room sleep essentials

Say goodbye to neck pain and sweaty mornings with the Birch Organic Pillow, now $149 (was $198) in the Birch 25% off sale. It's rocketed its way into our guide to the best pillows of 2026 thanks to its breathable build and plump design that suits most sleep styles.

We test a lot of pillows. The eco-friendly Birch Organic stood out because it's both naturally breathable (our lead tester described it as 'remarkably cool') and comfortable for most sleep styles. That includes side sleepers — it's already plush but the shredded latex fill can be plumped to your exact needs.

Latex is an increasingly popular pillow material but it's going to take something special to topple the Birch Organic. It's pricey but in our opinion, the luxury feel and premium materials make it worth the money. (And now is the time to buy, thanks to the sale).

What is the Birch Organic Pillow?

The Organic pillow is from eco-friendly bedding brand Birch. Our testers have previously been impressed with Birch beds — they compare to some of the best mattresses we've tested, even — so we were eager to give the pillow a go.

At the core of the Birch Organic Pillow is shredded organic latex foam. This gives the pillow its plumpness as well as support, and helps with temperature regulation (latex is known for its natural breathability which enhances air flow).

Surrounding the latex core is a layer of wool. This adds more cushioning and, yes, even more breathability. Wool is naturally moisture wicking, to keep you fresh.

Finally, it's all wrapped in a cotton cover. (Organic, of course.)

Why it's our favorite latex pillow

We've tested a fair few latex pillows over the years. So what makes the Birch Organic Latex pillow stand out?

There are three features that earned the Birch 4.5 stars from our tester.

First, the breathability. After a night on the Birch Pillow our tester described feeling 'refreshed'. She slept cool even during a warm spring.

Second, the all-round comfort. The Birch is a bit of a 'Goldilocks', a pillow that's just right for almost everyone. It's also super easy to plump and flatten, which means you can change the feel to match your needs.

Third, it feels luxurious. This isn't a cheap pillow but the good news is that the build quality reflects the higher price tag. Our only complaint was that you have to hand wash the cover.

Getting a good night's sleep is vital for a happy and healthy life, but lots of different factors can impact on it. Perhaps you're too warm at night and that's keeping you awake (increasingly likely in our summer of heatwaves.) Maybe you don't like your pillows, or are simply not comfy enough in your current bed linen. If that's the case then it's time to give your bedding a complete overhaul!

One of the brands leading the way in comfortable and affordable bed linen and pillows is Bedsure. The company delivers, in its own words, "everyday comfort" at a reasonable cost. There's a wide range of products to choose from here, all available now at Amazon — and many of them currently have money off. Read on to find out 12 of our favorites...

Choosing new bed sheets might seem like an easy task at first, but the. sheer number of fabrics, types of weaves, designs and more can be overwhelming. But that's where we can help, as we've tested multiple sets of bedding to create this guide to the 5 best bed sheets sets in 2026.

There are four main considerations you should make when choosing the best bed sheets for you: softness, ease of care, durability, and the maximum safe temperature they can be washed at to banish allergens, fungi and bacteria.

In this guide you'll find bed sheets sets for every budget, from under $20 to luxury hotel sheets made to last several years. Even better, many of our top-rated options are reduced in price thanks to this year's 4th of July mattress and bedding sales. Here's what we recommend...

Read more on 4th of July mattress and sleep deals

• The best Helix 4th of July mattress sales 2026
• The best Saatva 4th of July mattress sales 2026
• The best luxury 4th of July mattress sale 2026

The 6 best bed sheets we've tested

Also recommended

We're constantly testing new bed sheets to see if they're good enough to make the grade in our best bed sheets set guide. While we haven't finished reviewing the following yet, we also recommend considering them based on our early positive test data coupled with verified customer reviews.

Budget bed sheets sets

Luxury organic bed sheets sets

How we test bed sheets sets

Products reviews are at the heart of our content at Tom's Guide and to ensure we give you our top recommendations, we test rigorously. Our bed sheet guide is no exception.

Our in-house reviewers spend two weeks sleeping on each set and putting them through two wash and dry cycles. This lets us gauge the overall performance of a set— how it feels, fits, regulates temperature, its durability and ease of maintenance. We score each parameter out of 5 — 1 indicating poor and 5 meaning it's outstanding.

Our main objective is to help you make an informed decision and find the right set of sheets for your sleep, right from the fabric thread count, the material, softness and visual appeal.

For more information, refer to our bed sheet testing methodology.

How to choose the best bed sheets for you

Thread count, the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into one square inch of fabric, is something to consider when choosing bed sheets.

It denotes the feel and softness of materials like cotton, bamboo or tencel. However, a higher thread count does not necessarily mean better quality.

"While it's often marketed as a sign of quality, thread count alone doesn't determine how soft, breathable, or durable sheets are," says Byron Golub, Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Saatva.

"Other factors like the type of fabric, weave, and fiber quality matter just as much," he adds.

Another key aspect to think of when picking bed sheets is material.

Classic cotton is the one material recommended by experts for year-round use thanks to its breathability, softness and durability.

If you're a hot sleeper, switching to cooling fabrics like linen, bamboo or Tencel Lyocell can help with overheating or night sweats.

"Linen is naturally cooling, moisture-wicking, and airy while bamboo (viscose or lyocell) is silky soft, temperature-regulating, and great for hot sleepers. Best in the 250–350 thread count range," says Golub.

"Tencel is another eco-friendly, breathable option that’s smooth and cool to the touch— ideal in the 300–400 range," he adds.

Amazon launched its Prime Day Deals earlier this year, kicking off on 23rd June and sneaking in ahead of the 4th of July mattress sales. While there are plenty of good Prime Day discounts on sleep tech and a few good cheap and mid-range mattress deals (Zinus, DreamCloud, and Nectar), Amazon's Prime Day mattress deals have been mostly underwhelming this year.

So if you want to buy a new mattress and are wondering whether to get one in the Prime Day sale or shop elsewhere in the 4th of July sales, here's what we recommend...

Stick with Prime Day if you want an affordable mattress that costs less than $550 for a queen, and if you want to stock up on affordable bedding, or nab a good sleep tracker for less.

If you're looking to invest in a hotel-style bed or luxury mattress, browse the 4th of July sales instead. Many of the top-rated options in our best mattress guide are on sale this week, so now is a good time to upgrade.

Here's what you need to know about buying a mattress in the Amazon Prime Day sales vs 4th of July...

Today's best deals on top-rated mattresses

• Best mattress overall – Saatva Classic: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
• Best cooling – Bear Elite Hybrid: From $1,198 (was $1,998) at Bear
• Best value – DreamCloud Classic: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
• Best cheap – Zinus 10" Green Tea: From $137 (170.99) at Amazon
• For side sleepers – Helix Midnight Luxe: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
• Best organic – Avocado Green: From $1,359 (was $1,599) at Avocado
• Best smart – Sleep Number ComfortNext: From $2,199 (was $2,599) at Sleep Number

Prime Day vs 4th of July: Top mattress deals compared

Top 3 Prime Day mattress deals

Top 3 4th of July mattress deals

Benefits compared: Prices, sleep trials and warranties

• Amazon Prime Day is better for cheap mattress and sleep tech deals
• 4th of July sales are better for mid-range, luxury and smart mattresses
• On the whole, buying direct from top sleep brands nets you better benefits

Let's start with a generalization: if you want a cheap mattress, stick with the Amazon Prime Day sales. If you want a good mid-range or luxury mattress, browse the 4th of July sales (many already have started).

In recent years, Amazon has expanded its arsenal of mattresses to included top-rated brands including Nectar, DreamCloud, Purple and Casper (see our guide to the best Amazon mattresses). However, Amazon is still primarily home to budget beds, and it's the place to look for a queen mattress under $400.

In the July 4th mattress sales you'll find a wider variety of prices, including discounts on some of the best luxury mattresses you can buy online. If you have a bigger budget — say, upwards of $1,000 for a queen —you'll have more chance to use it well if you look outside Amazon.

You'll also find better benefits outside Amazon... for the most part.

A standard mattress trial for a bed sold online is 100 nights (that's the time you can test it at home.) However, on Amazon many cheap beds come with no trial at all. That means once it's out of its packaging, it's yours. Luxury sleep favorites, on the other hand, sometimes offer as much as a 365-night trial.

You're also likely to get better warranties shopping outside Amazon (although even budget brands often include a 10-year warranty.)

The mattresses, bedding and sleep tech to look out for in each sale

The mattress might be the big ticket item but it's not the only thing that can help you sleep better. Here's which sale to shop for all your snooze essentials.

Mattresses

• Amazon sells excellent all-foam beds with Prime Day discounts
• For organic and luxury, shop the 4th of July deals
• The 4th of July sales will also have more variety

If you're looking for a budget-friendly mattress in the Amazon Prime Day sales, we recommend opting for a low-cost memory foam mattress.

That's based on our testing experience: brands such as Zinus, EGOHOME and Sweetnight have impressed our review team with their all-foam beds and budget price points. They're particularly good for side sleepers, as the dense foams hug the shoulders and hips to reduce pressure build-up (a must in the best mattresses for side sleepers.)

The 4th of July sales have a much wider variety of mattresses in a box on sale, including some of the best organic mattresses and our favorite hotel beds.

It's also the place to look for traditional beds (in other words, those delivered flat, like the Saatva Classic.)

Pillows & bedding

• Pillows and bedding are discounted for Prime Day and July 4th
• For affordable upgrades and guest room favorites, try Amazon
• For durable, premium bedding picks, shop the 4th of July deals

Many of our favorite sleep brands now run Amazon stores. So if it's one of the best pillows or fresh bedding you're after, there's a lot of choice.

As with mattresses, Amazon Prime Day will be the time to shop if you want a budget-friendly pillow or bedding set. And thanks to the typically quick delivery dates, you can order new bedding now and have it set up in your spare room before your 4th of July visitors arrive.

Alternatively, if you have your eye on mid-range to premium brands such as Coop, Brooklinen, and Nest, hold off for the 4th of July sales.

Sleep tech

• There are massive sleep tracker discounts in the Prime Day sales
• Plus bargains on sleep accessories, like ear plugs and eye masks
• For a smart bed, you'll find more options in the 4th of July sales

You'll find sleep tech discounts during both sales periods but if you're after one of the best sleep trackers, it's got to be Prime Day: we're already seeing deals from Oura and FitBit.

Prime Day will also be your best chance to save on sleep accessories; eye masks, ear plugs, sleepy time teas, pillow sprays... the small add ons that can elevate your sleep set-up. While you'll find a few deals over the 4th of July, we recommend adding these to your Prime Day basket.

But July 4th is likely to come out on top if it's one of the best smart beds you're after, with brands including Sleep Number and Eight Sleep leading the sales.

Amazon Prime Day vs 4th of July mattress sales: Which sale is better for you?

Shop the Amazon Prime Day mattress deals if...

✅ You want a cheap bed: Amazon is the home of affordable mattresses and with the Prime Day price drops, you can expect even cheaper deals. And it's not just Amazon, as rivals Walmart and Best Buy are running rival offers.

✅ You want high-quality sleep tech: From FitBit to Oura Rings (and their dupes), we're seeing plenty of sleep offers this Prime Day. We doubt the 4th of July will bring the same level of savings.

✅ You want some sleep-boosting accessories: A mattress is the foundation of good sleep but accessories such as ear plugs and eye masks can improve your zzzs for less.

Shop the 4th of July mattress sales if...

✅ You want more choice: Amazon's mattress line-up has expanded significantly in recent years but you'll still find more options when you go direct to the brand. Particularly if you want to save on a luxury or organic bed.

✅ You want better benefits: A sleep trial gives you time to break in a mattress and decide if it's right for you. They're standard from most sleep brands but can't always be expected when shopping from Amazon. You'll often find better warranties and perks shopping from the brand, as well.

✅ You want a smart bed: For most sleep tech, it's got to be Prime Day. But for smart beds, the 4th of July has the edge. Brands like Sleep Number and Eight Sleep are expected to run big 4th of July sales.

Each day during a heatwave, my neighbor hangs her pillows and bedding on the line for a few hours of ‘sun washing’ or ‘sun curing’ – a viral cleaning trend that claims leaving bed sheets in direct, super-hot sunlight UV-sanitizes them. I understand the appeal – this ‘CleanTok’ hack is free, and who doesn’t like sleeping in line-fresh bedding?

But here’s the microbiological truth: ‘sun washing’ does little to get fungi, bacteria, dust mites and odors out of your pillows, bed sheets and toppers. According to a study on optimal ways to remove dust mites, allergens and pollen, a standard machine wash at 104°F 40°C leaves 94% of dust mites alive and kicking in your bedding. Yep, 94%.

So why is my neighbor dead-set on ‘sun washing’ her bedding during a heatwave? “The real benefit is moisture and not disinfection,” says Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, an infection prevention expert and Research Associate Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.

To help us separate cleaning myth from microbiological reality, Dr. Knighton explains what ‘sun washing’ actually achieves, why pillows and bedding become moisture bombs during heatwaves, and the exact temperature a washing machine needs to get rid of the nasties.

Key take-aways: At a glance

• The 'sun washing' misconception: Hanging pillows and duvets outside in the sun won't disinfect them. Sunlight cannot physically lift soil or skin cells, and UV rays can't penetrate dense pillow and comforter interiors where microbes hide.
• Why airing bedding in a heatwave is still smart: Moving hot air pulls moisture, sweat, and odors trapped inside dense bedding. It temporarily stops bacteria from multiplying, but it won't get rid of the bacteria.
• The wash temperature that works: According to one study, 104°F / 40°C washes leave 94% of dust mites alive in your bedding. To eliminate dust mites and pathogens, you must machine wash your bedding using the warmest setting its care label safely tolerates. The ideal is 130°F to 140°F / 54.4°C to 60°C.
• When to wash bedding in a heatwave: While pillowcases and bed sheets should be washed once a week (minimum) during summer, step up the frequency if you sweat heavily, skip nighttime showers, have acne-prone skin, or share the bed with pets. Especially during a heatwave.
• Prioritize a dry bed over a tidy bed: Never make your bed straight after getting up if you've been sweating and the sheets felt damp. Pulling up the covers seals in body heat and moisture – the ideal conditions for fungi and odors to multiply during a heatwave.

‘Sun washing’ refreshes bedding — it doesn’t disinfect

With regular use, pillows and bedding house a build-up of fungi, dust mites, other allergens and odors.

“When researchers at the University of Manchester cultured used pillows, ones in service from a year and a half to more than 20 years, they found between four and 16 species of fungi in a single pillow, with higher numbers in the synthetic ones,” reveals Dr. Knighton.

“The concern is not that any single pillow is a biohazard. It is hours of close contact, night after night, with moisture and skin debris and microbial buildup sitting right against your face and airway."

Deep penetration is required to disinfect dense pillows and comforters, especially older ones that don’t get cleaned regularly in a washing machine — and that’s something a few hours of airing outside can’t deliver.

“A machine wash physically lifts sweat, oil, skin cells, allergens, and microbes off the fabric through detergent, water, agitation, rinsing, and heat,” Dr. Knighton explains. “Sunlight does not lift soil off of anything.”

Even the geometry of some pillows and bedding dilutes the germ-killing potential of ultraviolet light.

“Direct sun can reduce some microbes on an exposed surface, but the exposure is uneven and unreliable,” says Dr. Knighton. “The top of a duvet might catch the sun while the underside, the seams, the folds, and the dense fill inside a pillow never do.”

The fungi and bacteria hiding deep within the stuffing or wadding of your pillow and comforter remain entirely unreached by sunlight, even if you're 'sun washing' during a raging heatwave.

“I would never tell someone to skip a wash because the bedding spent an afternoon outside,” warns Dr. Knighton.

Why you should still air pillows and bedding outside in a heatwave

Moisture, not microbes, is the real reason to hang your pillows, comforter, and bed sheets out to air during a heatwave. You aren’t UV-sanitizing, you’re UV-dehydrating.

Every night as you lie in bed sweating away during a heatwave, your bedding acts like a giant sponge. It drinks up sweat, saliva (drool), skin oils, dead skin cells, and not to mention skin and hair products. During a heatwave, that sponge becomes extra thirsty and absorption rockets.

“Putting pillows and bedding out in dry moving air pulls that dampness back out and cuts the odor that comes with it,” Dr. Knighton notes. “That is what airing does. It dries and freshens between washes. It does not sanitize anything.”

How pillows and bedding become ‘moisture bombs’ in hot weather

All those hot, sticky summer nights spent sweating away in bed drive moisture down into your mattress, pillows and bedding.

“A dense pillow or comforter holds onto moisture far longer than a thin sheet does,” explains Dr. Knighton. “After a hot night, it’s carrying sweat, skin oil, and shed skin cells, and the warmth stays in the fill.

“Warmth, moisture, and organic material with no airflow is exactly the condition that lets bacteria and fungi persist and lets odor build, and the bedding doesn’t have to look dirty for this to be happening.”

So even though your crisp white sheets still look clean after nearly a week of sleeping under them, what’s infiltrated the sheets tells a different story.

To be clear, a heatwave won’t conjure dangerous new organisms overnight, says Dr. Knighton: “What the heat does is drive more sweat and trap more moisture, and moisture is the thing most microbes need to survive.”

The washing temperature that actually kills dust mites and more

Now that we know ‘sun washing’ draws out moisture, but doesn’t sanitize, it’s time to look at what will: your washing machine.

A standard wash cycle won’t cut it during a summer heatwave (or during any other time of year) — especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

“For temperature, use the warmest water the fabric can safely tolerate,” Dr. Knighton advises. “The benchmark most allergy guidance uses for dust mites is 130°F / 54.4°C.

“One study found that washing at 140°F / 60°C killed all dust mites, while a warm wash at 104°F / 40°C killed only about six per cent of them.”

While dropping your laundry down to a cool or warm cycle protects the fabric and saves energy, from an infection prevention standpoint, the hotter the wash the better.

Check your bedding’s care labels to ensure it will withstand a hotter wash. And if you have asthma, allergies, or a chronic health condition, consider swapping to pillows, comforters and bedding that can be safely washed at 130°F / 54.4°C.

"Hospital laundry runs hotter and longer than that, but that is validated industrial processing, not something a household needs or should try to copy,” Dr Knighton explains.

“The practical message is simple: wash often, use detergent, use the warmest safe setting, and dry the item all the way through."

How often you should wash pillows and bedding in summer vs a heatwave

A weekly bed sheets wash is common in most homes, but according to Dr. Knighton you might need to clean them more often during a heatwave.

During extreme summer heat your body is working overtime to cool itself down at night (heat spikes can cause 3 a.m. wake-ups and other middle insomnia issues).

As a result, sweat, facial skin oils, dead skin and more all seep down into your pillows and bedding at an accelerated rate.

Dr. Knighton recommends stepping up your laundry schedule significantly if you match any of the following criteria:

• You sweat heavily during the night or experience night sweats.
• You prefer to shower in the morning and go to bed with daytime skin buildup.
• You have oily, acne-prone skin, eczema, or environmental allergies.
• You share your bed with dogs, cats, or other pets.
• You work a high-exposure job (such as healthcare, childcare, sanitation, or repair work) where you actively carry the day's grime home with you.

Here, Dr. Knighton breaks down exactly how often you should machine wash different types of bedding during hot weather to keep the microbial load under control:

Bed sheets and pillowcases: Once a week (minimum)

You should wash these at least once a week in hot weather, but "more often for a lot of people," says Dr. Knighton.

Duvet covers: Every one to two weeks

To combat fungi, dust mites, allergens and more, you should hot wash your duvet cover once a week during summer – more if you don’t shower before sleep then sweat in bed.

Using a top flat sheet as a barrier between you and the duvet cover buys you a bit more time – up to two weeks, but check your cover for odors.

Pillows and comforters: Every three months (or sooner)

Always follow the care label on your pillow or comforter, but generally you should be washing them every few months. However, in a heatwave you need to wash them immediately if they are damp with moisture, stained, musty, or visibly soiled.

“A tidy bed should not outweigh a dry bed,” says Dr. Knighton.

By using ‘sun-washing’ to reduce daily moisture build-up between washing your pillows and bedding on as safe a hot wash as they can handle, you’ll get the microbial load under control and enjoy much cleaner sleep in the hot summer months.

I have a lot of hair, I’m a hot sleeper, and I have on and off neck pain, so summer sleep is pretty miserable for me unless I’m laying on a comfy cooling pillow. The Saatva Latex Hybrid, down to $290 (was $330) for a pair at Saatva, is the highest-scoring natural cooling pillow my team has tested, earning a full 5/5 for its ability to wick away excess heat and sweat. It also earned full marks for pressure relief.

The lead tester for our Saatva Latex Hybrid Pillow review declared it ‘the best pillow I’ve ever slept on’, raving about how it delivers ‘hotel-style comfort and support’. That’s because, while shredded latex is naturally cooling, it also delivers a subtle cradling effect. So Saatva's pillow will gently nestle around the base of your neck for better support and spinal alignment.

Here’s a closer look at the deal, and why there’s no need to wait until the 4th of July mattress sales if you need a new pillow sooner and fancy the Saatva…

A natural cooling pillow for better summer sleep

The Saatva Latex Hybrid is plush and cool to the touch (thanks to a breathable organic cotton cover). The feel is responsive too, so you won’t have to re-shape it through the night to make it support your head and neck properly.

The Saatva Latex Hybrid Pillow comes in two sizes (queen and king) and two heights (standard and high). If you’re a side sleeper like me, choose ‘high’. For back sleepers, choose ‘standard’.

I’d recommend a different pillow entirely for stomach sleepers – the Tempur-Cloud Pillow, which is on a ‘buy one, get one free’ deal for $79 at Tempur-Pedic.

The build quality and finish of Saatva's luxury hotel-style pillow is excellent, as we’d expect from the brand behind the top-rated bed in our best mattress of the year guide, the Saatva Classic (read our Saatva Classic mattress review to find out why it’s our number one choice).

It's pretty easy to care for too: you can machine wash and dry the cotton cover and the outer fill layer, but not the shredded latex foam core layer.

The Saatva Latex Hybrid Pillow comes with a one-year limited warranty, free shipping, and you have a 45-day window within which to arrange a return if it isn’t right for your sleep needs.

Smaller budget? Try this…

More pillow and bedding sales to browse

• Helix Sleep: 20% off bedding and other accessories
• Avocado Green: 10% off pillows, bedsheets, protectors, and more
• Birch Organic: 20% off sitewide, including bedding
• Brooklyn Bedding: 25% off sheets, mattress protectors, and pillows
• Brooklinen: bedding bundles up to 30% off
• Company Store: 30% off sitewide semi-annual sale
• Parachute: up to 15% off bedding bundles
• Tempur-Pedic: BOGO free pillow and sheet bundles

Helix Talalay Latex Pillow: Review in brief

Here at Tom's Guide, we're familiar with the line-up of products from Helix Sleep, having tested everything from the brand's luxury mattresses (see our best mattress guide) to affordable mattress toppers. The Helix Talalay Latex pillow caught our eye thanks to its simple build and natural support, so we decided to test it out to see how it compares to the best pillows you can buy.

For two weeks, I slept on a standard-size Helix Talalay Latex Pillow in a low loft to suit my preferred stomach-sleeping position. (A high loft is also available for side sleepers.) While it took a few nights to adjust to the bouncy feel, once settled in I was impressed by the relentless support of the latex core. Any which way I moved my head, my neck stayed supported.

The low loft and gentle cradling puts it among the best pillows for back sleepers and based on my experience, I suspect the high loft version could rival many of the best pillows for side sleepers. However, the Jell-O-esque feel won't be for everyone, and there's no way to make even tiny adjustments to the loft as the core is one single slab of foam.

The natural materials are both hypoallergenic and breathable, while the overall build is easy to care for. There's no plumping required and you can machine wash the cover (even the interior can be spot cleaned.)

There's always a sale on at Helix so you can ignore the $110 MSRP — you're likely to pay around $88 per pillow in the regular 20% off sale. That's a competitive price for a latex design and the naturally breathable design makes it a compelling choice for hot summer nights.

• I tested the Helix Midnight's slighter softer sibling to see if it could top the best-selling bed's side sleeper appeal — here's what I think after sleeping on it for a month

Helix Talalay Latex Pillow: Price & deals

• A standard pillow has an MSRP of $110.66 but there's always 20% off
• More affordable than many latex pillows, but not cheap
• Benefits include a 30-night trial, 1-year warranty and free shipping

Helix Sleep sells a variety of pillows and the Talalay Latex model sits around the middle of the line-up, with an MSRP of $110.66 for a standard size and $124 for a king.

However, the Helix mattress sales run year-round and these sitewide deals include price drops on pillows. You can typically save 20% on the Talalay Latex pillow, which reduces a standard size to around $88 and a king to $100. To save further, keep an eye out for the 25% off Helix sale — this discount tends to occur around holiday weekends and reduces a standard pillow to $83 (or $80.79 with code TOMS27).

Helix offers a 30-night sleep trial with all its pillows (this is time to test the pillow at home and see if it's right for your needs.) This is a decent benefit; we have seen longer trials, but it's not unusual for even premium pillows to come with no testing period. The one-year warranty is average but competitors Saatva, Coop and Tempur-Pedic all offer longer warranties.

Latex is one of the more expensive pillow fills but at $88 for a standard size in the regular sale, the Helix Talalay pillow is among the more affordable options. In comparison, the Adjustable Latex pillow has an MSRP of $149 at Coop while at Saatva the Natural Latex pillow is $165.

Helix Talalay Latex Pillow: Design & materials

• Core is made using natural Talalay latex
• It comes with a removable TENCEL cover
• Available in two lofts: high loft (7 inches) and low loft (5.75 inches)

The core of the Helix Talalay Latex pillow consists of a block of Talalay latex foam, which is softer and more breathable than Talalay but doesn't have the coveted Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification. This is a natural material that's known for its hypoallergenic and responsive properties (in other words, it's bouncy.) The latex core features air channels molded into the foam.

Wrapped around the core is a quilted cover made from TENCEL and polyester. It features a zip for easy removal and can be machine washed.

The Talalay Latex pillow isn't adjustable but it is sold in two heights (or lofts), which increases its versatility. The high loft sits 7" tall and is aimed at side sleepers, with a gusseted design to accommodate the extra height. The low loft pillow is 5.75" tall and is designed for back and stomach sleepers.

While the latex interior is natural it isn't certified organic. If you prefer an organic build, check out our Birch Organic Pillow review.

Helix Talalay Latex Pillow: Performance

I slept on a low loft Helix Talalay Latex pillow in a standard size for two weeks, conducting a series of objective and subjective tests following our pillow testing methodology. Below are the overall results.

Set-up

The Helix Talalaly Pillow came vacuum wrapped, rolled, and boxed. The packaging was minimal with just a single layer of plastic keeping the pillow contained.

The packaging was easy to remove and once out of the plastic, the pillow immediately bounced to its full size. Despite having spent at least several days in its packaging, there was no wait to use it. Within the hour I was able to sleep on it (which was good, as I'd accidentally waited until late evening to start the unboxing process.)

The only issue was a slight smell, but that's expected from a latex product. It wasn't the chemical off-gassing odor of memory foam but a mild and almost sweet aroma that reminded me of graham crackers. The smell faded quickly and it never disrupted my sleep.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Comfort and support

I'm a stomach sleeper, which is why I opted for the low-loft version of the Helix Talalay Latex pillow. Stomach and back sleepers both benefit from a low build pillow as it prevents the head and neck from being pushed upwards (something I know from experience results in neck strain and headaches.)

The Talalay Latex pillow neatly fills the gap between my neck and the bed when back or stomach sleeping. The materials don't immediately yield to the head, which means a bit of wriggling is required to create a 'cradled' feel, but the more I used the pillow, the quicker I found myself settling into position.

Let's talk about that bounce. The Helix Talalay Latex pillow is hugely responsive with the foams returning to shape as soon as any pressure is removed.

To test this, I placed a 10lb weight (roughly equivalent to a human head) on the pillow for five minutes. Once the weight was removed, the foams sprang back to their original shape with no delay. In comparison, it took the Birch Organic Latex Pillow over five minutes to regain form in the same test.

When you're sleeping, this means any time you change position the pillow immediately moves to your new shape. This is great for maintaining support in the night.

However, it's not the cozy, squishy, sink-in feel of a memory foam pillow like the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud pillow. Instead I'd compare it to a bounce house pumped full of Jell-O, which is a feel not everyone will enjoy.

I haven't tried the high loft build but based on my experience, I suspect it will suit most side sleepers as the medium-firm feel and bouncy finish hold the head aloft to prevent neck strain. However, some side sleepers might prefer a firmer feel to keep the head more elevated.

Score: 4 out of 5

Temperature control

I slept on the Helix Talalay Latex pillow during a heatwave where temperatures reached around 91°F and my bedroom turned into a sauna.

It was a stress test for my pillow but the temperature regulation impressed. While it wasn't cool to the touch, there was minimal heat build-up during the night. With a breathable percale pillowcase in place, I never had to search for the cool side (and I had an eye mask and sleep headband warming my head.)

But for chronic hot sleepers, this neutral feel might not be enough to keep a cool head. In this case, I recommend an alternative such as the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology pillow which features active cooling.

Score: 4 out of 5

Helix Talalay Latex Pillow: Durability & care

We recommend replacing your pillows roughly every two years but some low-quality builds start to sag with only limited use. Here's how the Helix Talalay Latex pillow performed in our durability tests.

Build quality

Latex foams are generally known for their durability (although Talalay isn't as long-lasting as Dunlop latex foam) and the Helix Talalay Latex pillow has a dense feel that suggests it should stay supportive until you hit the two-year mark.

The responsive build also indicates decent longevity; it doesn't hold onto dips and sinks where your head has been resting.

However, the one-year warranty is on the short side for a pillow in this price bracket and might suggest the Helix Talalay Latex pillow won't last as long as premium alternatives from brands such as Saatva and Avocado.

Score: 4 out of 5

Care and maintenance

The day to day upkeep of the Helix Talalay Latex pillow is minimal. There's no clumping or sagging which means no fluffing is required.

The cover is also removable and machine washable on a cool cycle, for easy care, and the latex interior can be spot cleaned.

It's worth noting the cover itself is thick, which gives extra protection to the foam core. Despite getting olive oil on my pillow (it's an ear drop situation, not an antipasto in bed situation), the interior remained completely clean.

Score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Helix Talalay Latex Pillow?

The Helix Talalay Latex pillow has a spring-y, bouncy support that keeps you gently cradled, rather than holding your neck in a 'hug.' Even the most restless sleeper will find their head stays supported throughout the night, as the material instantly returns to form when pressure is removed.

With two lofts available the Talalay Latex pillow can suit a lot of sleep styles. As a stomach sleeper, the low loft was ideal for me and based on my experience, I suspect the high loft will appeal to many side sleepers.

However, it's a feel not everyone will enjoy, particularly those used to traditional plush pillows. And as the core is just one block of foam, there's no room for adjustment; you can't move the fill around to suit your needs. But you do have a 30-night trial period to see if the build is right for you.

Naturally breathable, the pillow maintained a neutral feel even during a heat wave. It's not actively cooling but for most sleepers, it should prevent sweaty nights.

Overall, the elastic support is ideal for restless sleepers while the neutral feel stays comfortable even on a hot night. Plus it's naturally hypoallergenic and easy to care for, making it a good choice for everyday use.

Buy the Helix Talalay Latex Pillow if...

✅ You move around in the night: The Helix Talalay Latex Pillow moves with you to keep your head and neck supported, even if you toss back and forth throughout the night.

✅ You live in a warmer climate: Latex is already naturally breathable and with the addition of air channels, the Helix pillow prevents heat from gathering in your sleep. It's a neutral feel, even on sweltering nights.

✅ You want a pillow that's easy to care for: The Helix Talalay Latex pillow requires no fluffing, has a machine washable cover and the interior can be spot cleaned.

Don't buy the Helix Talalay Latex Pillow if...

❌ You want an organic pillow: Some people assume latex means organic but while the Helix Talalay pillow is natural, Talalay latex isn't GOLS-certified like the organic Dunlop latex found in the Birch pillow.

❌ You're a chronic hot sleeper: This is a breathable pillow but the feel is neutral rather than cool. For chronic hot sleepers, a pillow with active cooling (like the Casper Snow Hybrid) might be better at fighting night sweats.

❌ You like to adjust the loft: As one solid block of foam (albeit, one sold in two lofts) there's no way to change the height of the Helix Talalay Pillow.

Helix Talalay Pillow alternatives

I've tested foam pillows and slept on ones stuffed with polyester — but I've never tried the feather and down pillows that luxury five-star hotels swear by. All that changed when I got my hands on the Helix Down & Feather Pillow, now $72,03 (was $98.66) at Helix with code TOMS27, and I don't think I'll ever be tempted by cheap fiberfill again.

Our team has tested all the best pillows on the market and adjustable shredded foam is the fill favored by sleep brands right now. But the Helix Down & Feather Pillow proves that nothing beats a classic. The natural fill provides the perfect balance of cloud-like softness and structural support that rarely needs fluffing for the right feel.

Now is the time to buy, too. Our 27% off discount code TOMS27 only crops up during big federal holiday sale events, so this may be your last chance to save on the cool, supportive Helix Down & Feather Pillow before the extended Memorial Day mattress sales officially end and summer begins.

3 reasons why I love the Helix Down & Feather Pillow

1. It offers great neck support

The Helix Down & Feather Pillow may be soft, but it offers stable support thanks to its clump-free natural fill. I've found in the past that shredded foam can lump together, creating an uneven surface that forces my head out of its natural alignment.

In the Helix Down & Feather Pillow, however, the fill is evenly distributed so my head and neck feel supported and remain properly aligned. From the first night of using I've been waking up neck pain free.

2. It's cruelty free

Natural down and feather pillows do use fill from birds but rest assured, the Helix Down & Feather Pillow is cruelty-free. Its certified by the Responsible Down Standard, which confirms that ducks and geese were treated humanely in the making of the pillow.

This certification means that no live plucking or force feeding is involved in the production of the pillow.

3. It sleeps cool

Paired with a breathable, moisture-wicking cotton cover, the airflow-boosting down feather fill provides a cooler sleep experience. I pair my down and feather pillow with a cotton percale pillows case or a natural silk cover for enhanced cooling synergy.

I've been using my pillow during a heat wave and so far, the cooling has impressed me.

If you want a hotel-style down-alternative pillow...

While Helix's down and feather pillow provides support and clump-free durability, pillows made with this fill tend to sit in the premium price tier. Down-alternative pillows are great budget-friendly alternatives, made with hypoallergenic synthetic fill that mimics down feathers.

If you're looking for a low-cost down-alternative pillow, check out our Beckham Hotel Down Alternative Pillow review. We found it to be breathable and instantly plush, suiting side and back sleepers best. Here's a closer look at the budget price and extras...

If you want to really optimize your sleep set up, I'd recommend taking a look beyond mattresses and pillows. It's easier than ever to add an array of sleep accessories to your sleep arsenal, with incredible sleep deals landing as part of today's Memorial Day sales. My favorite one? The Bedsure Satin Pillowcase now at just $6 on Amazon.

Paired with the best mattress for your sleeping style, the below list of accessories, including breathable pajamas, a cooling table fan and a huggable knot pillow, can all help to enhance your sleep.

You can still explore our Memorial Day mattress sale to snap up great discounts on top-quality beds, pillows and bedding. But for now, check out my top six sleep product picks...

Memorial Day pillow deals: Quick links

• Coop Original Adjustable- best overall: From $71.20 (was $89) at Coop Sleep Goods
• Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow- best pillow for side sleepers: From $107.99 (was $134.99) at Eli & Elm
• Utopia Bedding Pillows- best value: From $21.24 (was $23.74) at Amazon
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud Pillow- best pillow for stomach sleepers: Buy One Get One Sale at Tempur-Pedic
• Naturepedic Organic Adjustable Latex Pillow: From $111.20 (was $139) at Naturpedic
• Coop Cool+ Adjustable- best cooling pillow: From $119.20 (was $149) at Coop Sleep Goods

Today's best sleep accessory Memorial Day deals

If you're looking for a luxury cooling pillow, the Saatva Latex Pillow is an ideal option, but unless you plan to buy multiples, you can't find it on sale. If you only need a single cooling pillow to get you by this summer, I recommend the Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow, which is down to $119 after 20% off in the Memorial Day sales.

The Coop Cool+ shares a lot of traits with the Saatva Latex Pillow, which we consider one of the best pillows you can buy. But not only does the Coop come at a lower price point, but you can also adjust the fill to get the loft right where you need it. (However, the Saatva Latex Pillow comes in a choice of two lofts.)

Looking for a full sleep upgrade? Explore our Memorial Day mattress sales hub, where we're tracking the latest deals on beds, pillows, sheets, and more.

Memorial Day pillow deals: Quick links

• Coop Original Adjustable [best pillow overall]: From $71.20 (was $89) at Coop Sleep Goods
• Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow [best pillow for side sleepers]: From $107.99 (was $134.99) at Eli & Elm
• Utopia Bedding Pillows [best value pillow]: From $21.24 (was $23.74) at Amazon
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud Pillow [best pillow for stomach sleepers]: Buy one, get one free sale at Tempur-Pedic
• Naturepedic Organic Adjustable Latex Pillow [best organic pillow]: From $111.20 (was $139) at Naturpedic

What makes the Coop Cool+ Adjustable Pillow worth it?

Formerly known as the EdenCool+, the Coop Cool+ is similar to the Coop Original Adjustable Pillow I tested a while back, but it has a couple of touches that make it a more versatile option for hot sleepers.

The build includes a ventilated phase change memory foam material on one side, which transfers heat away from the body while providing firmer support. The other side is where you'll mostly feel the Oomph Cool+ fill, which is a blend of microfibers and hypoallergenic plus-shaped memory foam. It's wrapped in a cool-touch cover and a heat-wicking inner liner.

In our Coop Cool+ Adjustable Cooling Pillow review, our tester remained bone dry during the two weeks she slept on this pillow during the summer. The adjustable design, along with the option to flip onto a more "supportive" side, allowed her to use it comfortably for side and back sleeping.

Her one main gripe with this pillow was the amount of fluffing it needed. The fill doesn't keep its shape after a night of use, so you'll need to be diligent about fluffing it every morning. A small price to pay for nighttime relief from the heat.

Meanwhile, if you want the Saatva Latex Pillow at a discount, there's a catch...

Want a supportive, breathable pillow you don't have to re-fluff all the time? That would be the Saatva Latex Pillow.

During our review, our combination-sleeping tester (side and stomach) found it plush and comfortable, thanks to the combination of responsive latex core and cushioning microdenier fibers. In her own words, it felt like "sleeping on a cloud."

This isn't an adjustable pillow like the Coop, although it does come in a standard or high loft. Make sure you choose the right pillow loft for your sleep position; our tester tried the high-loft version, which felt a bit too elevated for back sleeping. (Choose that one if you're a side sleeper.)

Temperature regulation is Saatva Latex Pillow's forte, earning a solid 5 out of 5. The main reason is the latex core, which, combined with the moisture-wicking organic cotton cover, is a blessing for sleepers prone to night sweats.

Want a Saatva Latex Pillow on sale? Here's how you get it...

A pillow can make or break your sleep, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on one. I've scoured today's deals and found 5 budget-beating pillow picks — like this queen pack of EIUE pillows, now $17.09 on Amazon.

While these may not be crafted from ultra premium materials like you'll find in the best pillows we've tested, these budget buys can still pack a punch for the price you pay.

Looking for a whole bedroom upgrade? Explore our Memorial Day mattress sales, where we track the latest deals on beds, pillows, sheets, sleep tech and more. But first, here are my top affordable pillow picks to shop now:

Memorial Day pillow deals: Quick links

• Coop Original Adjustable- best overall: From $71.20 (was $89) at Coop Sleep Goods
• Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow- best pillow for side sleepers: From $107.99 (was $134.99) at Eli & Elm
• Utopia Bedding Pillows- best value: From $21.24 (was $23.74) at Amazon
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud Pillow- best pillow for stomach sleepers: Buy One Get One Sale at Tempur-Pedic
• Naturepedic Organic Adjustable Latex Pillow: From $111.20 (was $139) at Naturpedic
• Coop Cool+ Adjustable- best cooling pillow: From $119.20 (was $149) at Coop Sleep Goods

My top 5 Memorial Day pillow deals for under $22

Coop and Saatva are two of the biggest names in the sleep world, known for crafting high-quality products to help you sleep better night after night. If you're shopping for a pillow, the flagship designs from these brands are the place to start, but choosing between Coop's viral Original Adjustable pillow and Saatva's luxury Latex Pillow is a tricky task.

However, we've tested them both, alongside the best pillows on the market, so we know how to look beyond brand name to determine which pillow offers the comfort and support your sleep needs.

The Coop Original and Saatva Latex pillows are different in price, design and overall feel but they do have one thing in common — they're designed to suit every sleep style. If you're struggling to choose between the two, our full comparison below will help you decide:

Coop Original Adjustable vs Saatva Latex : Price & deals

• Saatva Latex has a luxury price tag of $165 for a queen pillow
• Coop Original is upper mid-range and regularly 20% off
• Coop Original offers better benefits, including a five-year warranty

The Coop Original Adjustable is an upper-mid priced pillow at $89 for a queen and $99 for a king size in the Classic (aka rectangle) shape. It's also available in crescent and cut-out designs, which have an MSRP of $99 for a queen. The brand is known for its industry-best bedding benefit package: a 100-night sleep trial, five-year warranty and free shipping.

The Coop Original has undergone a slight recent price increase from $85 for a queen pillow to $89. That means the sales are more compelling than ever; we've seen up to 25% off during major events like Black Friday. But 20% off is the more frequent sale and reduces a queen pillow from $89 to $71.20.

In comparison, the Saatva Latex is a premium pillow. A queen costs $165, while a king is currently $185. You can choose your desired loft between standard and high (both priced the same) but there are no ergonomic shapes. A 45-day return policy, one-year limited warranty and free shipping are included.

While a single Latex pillow is never on sale, there's a regular discount of up to $60 off when you buy two pillows in the monthly Saatva mattress sales. This means you can get a two-pack for as low as $240 (MSRP $330) at times.

Factoring price, benefits and deals, the Coop Original has a clear advantage here.

Coop Original Adjustable vs Saatva Latex Pillow: Design

• Coop Original has a memory foam and fiber blend fill
• Saatva is made of a latex core covered by microdenier fiber fill
• Coop has a fully adjustable design

The Coop Original consists of shredded memory foam and cushioning microfiber fill. The major highlight is the adjustable build, which lets you change the firmness and feel of the pillow by simply adding or removing fill. A half-pound bag of additional fill is included in the package and you can buy extra from Coop.

The Original pillow is wrapped in a soft, breathable Lulltra cover (a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon.) Aside from this, it doesn't feature any active cooling credentials.

The Saatva Latex has quite a different build, consisting of two layers: a shredded latex core surrounded by microdenier fibers.

This lends the pillow the responsive, almost bouncy, support typical of latex foams, paired with the plush contouring of the fiber layer. And thanks to the cooling properties of latex and the organic cotton cover, the Saatva Latex pillow should have natural breathability.

Unlike the Coop, the Saatva Latex pillow isn't adjustable. However, it does come in two pillow lofts; standard and high. So while you can't change the feel at home, you can pick the design that better suits your needs.

And one final note on design: the Coop also sells its Original Adjustable pillow with a latex fill. This switches the shredded memory foam for latex (and increases the price to $149 MSRP for a queen at Coop.)

Coop Original Adjustable vs Saatva Latex Pillow: Comfort & support

• Coop Original can suit any sleep style but needs regular fluffing
• Saatva Latex has excellent support and a firmer feel
• Saatva Latex scored 5 out of 5 for temperature control

In my Coop Original Adjustable pillow review, I reported on how plush and contouring it is for my combination sleeping style (side and back). If you're after a down-like fluffy feel, the Coop Original will not disappoint.

And thanks to its adjustable build, the Coop Original Pillow should suit practically any sleep style. However, I found it took a few trial-and-error attempts to get the fill right (I ended up using a quarter of the extra bag provided.) You might have to endure a sore neck to nail the feel.

However, once I'd found my fill level, the comfy contouring meant the pillow hugged my head and neck so I never woke up due to neck pain or aches during the testing period.

My one gripe was the need to regularly readjust the foam and fiber fill to maintain support and shape, as the Coop Original tends to flatten under your weight over time.

This wasn't a problem during our Saatva Latex Pillow review, something I'll cover below. We tested the high-loft model, and our side and stomach sleeping tester found that the firmer design ensured it was super supportive. It kept the head and neck in alignment throughout the night, preventing strain.

And despite the firmer feel, our tester described it as like "sleeping on the cloud", thanks to the responsive cushioning of the latex interior. However, she notes the standard-loft model is necessary for dedicated back and stomach sleepers, or your neck will be held at an angle.

She also highlights that the Latex pillow never required any shifting or readjustments during the testing period. With no plumping, that's a few minutes saved evening.

If you often wake up with a sweaty head, it's important to find a pillow with good temperature regulation which will allow hot air to circulate and cool.

While I found the Coop Original to sleep neutral (I never overheated but I'm typically a cool sleeper), our hot-sleeping tester awarded the Saatva Latex a solid 5 out of 5 stars for temperature control. The naturally breathable latex core likely contributes to this cooler feel.

Hot sleepers, therefore, should go for the Saatva Latex. Alternatively, try a dedicated cooling pillow such as the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow technology or a design made with Glaciotex or Tencel Lyocell.

Coop Original Adjustable vs Saatva Latex Pillow: Which should you buy?

Buy the Coop Original Adjustable pillow if...

✅ Your not sure what loft you need: As a general rule, high loft suits side sleepers and low loft suits back and stomach sleepers. But comfort is subjective and an adjustable pillow like the Coop lets you fine-tune the feel.

✅ You're a combination sleeper: If you tend to switch between sleep positions, the adjustable fill means you don't have to put up with the wrong pillow some nights. This is particularly useful for those with recurring injuries that might alter your sleep needs.

✅ You want a great deal: At $89 for a queen size, the Coop is the more affordable option than the Saatva Latex and it's regularly on sale. Plus, you get industry leading benefits: 100-night sleep trial, five-year warranty and free shipping.

Buy the Saatva Latex Pillow if...

✅ You want firmer support: The latex core and fiber blend provides a good balance of responsive support and plush cushioning, so your head won't sink but it doesn't feel like you're lying on a brick.

✅ You want easy upkeep: Our tester found the Saatva Latex maintains its shape and feel without constant readjustments. This saves you time on fluffing in the morning and evening.

✅ You sleep hot: Compared to memory foam, latex offers better airflow and breathability, ideal for hot sleepers or warmer climates. On the Saatva Latex pillow, you can avoid waking up with sweat dotting your forehead.

Still searching for a pillow that stays cool all night long? Truth be told, they're hard to find. The best cooling pillows my colleagues and I have tested excel at regulating temperature to avoid overheating, and five of them are on sale. They include the Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow, with a twin-pack down to $129 (was $258) at Nectar, designed with polyethylene-infused fabric to draw away excess heat.

While there are many so-called 'cooling' pillow available, as a bedding tester who has slept on some of the best pillows on the market, I've found that effective temperature regulation only happens when specialist active cooling elements are used.

For that reason, specialist cooling pillows are generally pricier than regular ones. However there are some decent discounts to take advantage of in this year's Memorial Day mattress sales. For the latest price cuts, we're tracking the best value Memorial Day mattress sales and deals of 2026 LIVE and chosen by our sleep experts.

Today's top pillow deals

• Tempur-Pedic pillows: Buy one, get one free
• Coop Sleep Goods: Up to 40% off
• Brooklinen: 25% off sitewide
• Tuft & Needle Premium Pillow: from $56 at Amazon
• Casper: 20% off twin pack of pillows
• Eli & Elm: 20% off + BOGO

5 Memorial Day cooling pillow deals I'd snap up

As a bedding tester, multi-functional pillows tend to catch my eye, simply because they are excellent value. The newly launched Coop Essence Adjustable Crescent Pillow, now 40% off at Coop Sleep Goods, is one such pillow, designed to cooling support for side and back sleepers during hot weather.

Coop Sleep Goods is a bedding brand we rate highly at Tom's Guide. For one thing, they're behind the Original Adjustable, our best pillow of 2026. The new Essence Adjustable Crescent is (as the name indicates!) also an adjustable model, with a down alternative fill that's designed to have enhanced airflow, perfect for summer nights.

While the Original is priced at $89, you can currently get a pack of two Essence Adjustable Crescent pillows for $59.40, thanks to Memorial Day mattress sales. Read on to find out more about why this is a deal worth taking advantage of now. And for more sleep product recommendations, we're tracking the best value Memorial Day mattress sales of 2026 LIVE, from $111 — today’s top deals, selected by our sleep experts...

• Live deals tracker: We’re tracking the best value Memorial Day mattress sales of 2026 LIVE, from $111 — today’s top deals, selected by our certified sleep experts

Breathable comfort all night long

Just like some of the best pillows for side sleepers I've tested, this Coop Essence model features a crescent shape design along the length of the pillow that your neck and shoulders rest against.

This crescent shape means the pillow provides space for your shoulders in side and back sleeping positions, and by preventing gaps between your neck and the mattress, or neck tilting, your head, neck and spine remain supported and aligned. The fully-adjustable design lets you customize the loft and firmness as per your sleeping preferences.

But a really big highlight, especially for summer, is the material composition, which differs from the Original Adjustable Pillow I've tested and loved.

Instead of crosscut memory foam and microfiber, the Essence Crescent consists of a blend of lightweight, springy and airy polyester puffs and a fluffy down-alternative fibers.

According to the brand, this combination was tested to deliver 2x more airflow than other down-alternative pillows, indicating that it's extremely breathable. Plus, down-alternative headrests are perfect for those who love the fluffy comfort of down but can't have it due to allergies.

Hot sleepers should level up — here's an advanced alternative

Coop Sleep Goods recommends the Essence Crescent Pillow for those looking for a breathable yet luxurious, down-like feeling.

And while it's certainly designed to prevent heat building up, if you're someone struggling with night sweats or who regularly sleeps hot, it's worth investing in and actively cooling pillow, like the brand's advanced Cool+ Pillow:

The Memorial Day sales are the ideal way to create a hotel-style bed for less. In fact, I've found five unmissable deals at Amazon and Walmart to help you do just that. My favorite is the Easland Down Alternative Summer Comforter, down to $32.89 (from $42.90) at Amazon in a time-limited deal.

Many of the top-rated options in our best mattress buying guide are reduced in price in this year's Memorial Day mattress sales, including our fave hotel mattress the Saatva Classic (from $999 at Saatva). However if you want a luxury feel and look for way less, there are still some good deals available to you.

Here are the five deals we recommend for creating a hotel bed for under $400 (or $397.07 to be precise). Each product has a customer rating of four stars and higher too. Also, we’re tracking the best value Memorial Day mattress sales of 2026 LIVE, from $111 — today’s top deals, selected by our sleep experts — so take a look for more options.

Today's top mattress sales: quick links

• Saatva Classic — save up to $400
  Reduced to $1,779 (from $2,179) for a queen at Saatva
• Zinus 12" Memory Foam — save up to $49
  Reduced to $190 (from $239.99) for a queen at Amazon
• Bear Elite Hybrid — save up to $1,142
  Reduced to $1370. 40 (from $2,284) for a queen at Bear
• Helix Midnight Luxe — save up to $789
  Reduced to $1,751 (from $2,399) for a queen at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic Hybrid — save up to $1,584
  Reduced to $649 (from $1,892) for a queen at DreamCloud

How to create a hotel bed for under $400 in the Memorial Day sales: Top 5 deals

Trying to get a good night's sleep in hot weather can feel impossible, but I'm here to help with this round-up of excellent cooler sleep deals. My top recommendations include the EgoHome Cooling Pillow, reduced to $39.99 (from $59.99) at Amazon, and the instantly chilling Facemoon Cooling Eye Mask, reduced to $9.99 also at Amazon.

The ideal temperature for sleep is 65 to 70°F, so much warmer nights will lead to frequent night wakings and low energy and mood the next day. And with summer weather predictions from The Old Farmer's Almanac warning of "hotter-than-normal" temperatures for much of North America, building an arsenal of cooler sleep products now is a smart investment.

You don't need to spend a small fortune either, because I've spotted amazing bedding and tech deals among this year's best Memorial Day mattress sales. And as the weather hots up, so will the deals, so follow our Memorial Day mattress deals live hub for the latest juicy savings. Let's take a look...

• See our guide to the Best Cooling Sleep Deals for Summer 2026 at Amazon
• See all cooling pillow deals at Amazon, from $9

A cooler mattress for cooler sleep

Ready to invest in something bigger? Choosing the best mattress for your sleep needs can make a huge difference to how well you sleep at night. And many of this year's top-rated hybrid mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and the best mattresses in a box are all on sale for Memorial Day.

Our top recommendation is the Saatva Classic mattress (see our Saatva Classic mattress review to learn why it's our fave), an excellent choice for regulating heat build-up through the night so that you stay at the ideal temperature for sleeping.

It's a top ranking option in our best cooling mattress guide, and it's $400 off thanks to this year's best Saatva mattress deals in the Memorial Day sale. Here are our other top bed picks for cooler sleep this summer and beyond...

• Saatva Classic — save up to $400
  Reduced to $1,779 (from $2,179) for a queen at Saatva
• Bear Elite Hybrid — save up to $1,142
  Reduced to $1370. 40 (from $2,284) for a queen at Bear
• Helix Midnight Luxe — save up to $789
  Reduced to $1,751 (from $2,399) for a queen at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic Hybrid — save up to $1,584
  Reduced to $649 (from $1,892) for a queen at DreamCloud
• Casper Dream Hybrid — save up to $960
  Reduced to $1,325 (was $1,895) for a queen at Casper
• Awara Classic Natural Hybrid – save up to $798
  Reduced to $799 (was $1,445) at Awara

The cozier and comfier your bed, the more likely you are to dive in for a good night's sleep. Butter soft sheets and fluffy comforters are a brilliant way to quickly transform your bed into a sleep sanctuary, and Amazon's Memorial Day bedding sale, with prices from $11, is stacked with excellent bed set deals to help you achieve this for less.

Best of all, many of these bed sets and comforter sets are so stylish they'll do all the heavy lifting when it comes to decorating your bedroom – they're ideal for instantly dressing up otherwise neutral spaces. Our favorite bed set is the MooMee Linen Like Bed Set in Heathered Sage Green, reduced to $51.98 (from $69.99) at Amazon. It's cloud-soft and heat wicking, making it an ideal choice for sleeping well during the warmer months ahead.

Here we've rounded up our favorite stylish bed set deals, and if you're looking to upgrade your entire sleep space, take a look at our guide to this year's best Memorial Day mattress sales too.

7 bed sets I'd buy in Amazon's Memorial Day sale

Looking for plain basics? Try these deals instead...

Upgrade your entire sleep space with today's best mattress deals

• Saatva Classic — save up to $400
  Reduced to $1,779 (from $2,179) for a queen at Saatva
• Zinus 12" Memory Foam — save up to $49
  Reduced to $190 (from $239.99) for a queen at Amazon
• Bear Elite Hybrid — save up to $1,142
  Reduced to $1370. 40 (from $2,284) for a queen at Bear
• Helix Midnight Luxe — save up to $789
  Reduced to $1,751 (from $2,399) for a queen at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic Hybrid — save up to $1,584
  Reduced to $649 (from $1,892) for a queen at DreamCloud
• Tempur-Cloud + Ease Power Base — save up to $1,759
  Reduced to $1,998 (from $2,998) for a queen at Tempur-Pedic
• Plank Firm — save up to $499
  Reduced to $932 (was $1,332) for a queen at Plank
• Casper Dream Hybrid — save up to $960
  Reduced to $1,325 (was $1,895) for a queen at Casper
• Purple RejuvenatePlus Hybrid — save up to $1,500
  Reduced to $5,499 (was $5,999) for a queen at Purple
• Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress — save up to $2,320
  Reduced to $3,839 (was $4,799) for a medium queen at Avocado

It's nearly vacation season and if you're dreaming of lazy hotel mornings, we have a the deal for you. In this year's Memorial Day mattress sales, you can enjoy hotel-style luxury comfort every night of the week with $400 off the Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva. This $400 discount takes a queen Classic down from $2,179 to $1,779.

I got hands-on with the Saatva Classic and, with my eyes closed, I could almost believe I was enjoying a Parisian vacation. The head-to-toe support and body contouring not only helped melt away stress (and our testing studio), they earned the Classic the title of our best mattress of 2026.

In the Memorial Day mattress sales there's $400 off all luxury mattresses at Saatva — that's $400 saved for your next getaway. I've also rounded up some hotel-worthy bedding favorites, for a touch of vacation comfort on a budget.

• Read more: We're tracking the best Saatva Memorial Day sales live all weekend, with deals on the Saatva Classic, Zenhaven, Saatva Latex Hybrid and more

How to turn your bedroom into a 5-star hotel suite

Luxury hotels employ a variety of tricks to make you want to dive into their beds and never leave (or, at least, start planning your next visit straight away.)

The Saatva Classic follows many of the same central design principles of the best hotel mattresses. It's a hybrid, pairing a tall spring base with a plush quilted Euro top for a balance of cushioning and support.

It's also made of high quality materials, like organic cotton and tempered steel springs, for increased longevity. In a hotel room, that ensures the mattress can welcome guest after guest without losing comfort. In your home, it means many nights of better sleep to make the most of your investment.

But it's not just about the mattress itself. Hotels use all kinds of tricks to make their beds the star of the room, including layering sheets, white bedding, pillow menus, and using citric acid to keep things sparkling.

So we've found the best hotel-style bedding to complement your Saatva mattress, or to simply add a touch of vacation luxury to your room.

Hotel-style sleep accessories to shop today

Memorial Day mattress sales 2026: Quick links

• Saatva Classic — save up to $400
  Reduced to $1,779 (from $2,179) for a queen at Saatva
• Zinus 12" Memory Foam — save up to $49
  Reduced to $190 (from $239.99) for a queen at Amazon
• Bear Elite Hybrid — save up to $1,142
  Reduced to $1370. 40 (from $2,284) for a queen at Bear
• Linenspa 8" Hybrid — save up to $36
  Reduced to $204 (from $239.99) for a queen at Linenspa
• Helix Midnight Luxe — save up to $789
  Reduced to $1,751 (from $2,399) for a queen at Helix
• DreamCloud Classic Hybrid — save up to $1,584
  Reduced to $649 (from $1,892) for a queen at DreamCloud
• Tempur-Cloud + Ease Power Base — save up to $1,759
  Reduced to $1,998 (from $2,998) for a queen at Tempur-Pedic
• Plank Firm — save up to $499
  Reduced to $932 (was $1,332) for a queen at Plank

In case you hadn't heard, a heat wave is underway. Luckily, it's perfectly timed with this year's Memorial Day sales, so you can get fully prepared with deals that will help you beat the heat.

From cooling comforters to bamboo sheets, there are plenty of ways to make sure you can get a good night's sleep every night this summer without overheating. I've searched for the best cooling bedding deals in Amazon's Memorial Day sale, so keep scrolling to see them all.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon deals
• Bedsure Silky Soft Cooling Blanket: was $35 now $22
• Yescool Cooling Weighted Blanket: was $33 now $23
• PlushDeluxe Premium Bamboo Mattress Protector: was $33 now $29
• Joyaria Cooling Bamboo Pajamas: was $32 now $29
• Niagara Sleep Ultra Soft Bamboo Mattress Topper: was $69 now $37
• Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative Pillows: was $79 now $59
• Bamboo-derived Viscose Sheet Set: was $112 now $71
• Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter: was $199 now $149

My favorite deals

Even as someone whose job revolves around testing bedding for a living, it's not every day you come across a pillow that costs $810. I can confidently claim that I had the sleep of my life while testing the Norvegr European White Goose 100% Down pillow from Norvegr.

In addition to luxury materials (100% down, zero feathers), the Norvegr pillow encompasses all the top features of the best pillows we've tested so far, like excellent breathability and just the right level of sink to prevent neck pain.

But who really has $810 to spend on a pillow? if you're looking to recreate a similar look and feel for significantly less, there's a $30 budget dupe that I recommend snapping up in the Memorial Day mattress sales. I tried it and honestly slept just as well as I did on the $810 luxury option. Let's take a look at both...

• Read more: I’m LIVE tracking this year’s best Memorial Day mattress, sleep tech and bedding deals — today’s 29 top sales, from $15

Luxury comfort at a premium price

Right from the packaging down to the construction of the pillow, Norvegr puts the brand vision into practice: "elevate the essential."

I tried the firm standard 100% Goose down pillow, with a fill power of 830, topped with a soft-to-touch pure cotton cover. This is from the brand's premium pillow collection.

Being custom-made for my combination-sleeping style (side and back), the pillow felt luxuriously plush and comfy enough to ease my neck, head and shoulders.

For the first few nights, sleeping on the Norvegr pillow felt like resting my head on a cloud and my neck felt like it was in correct alignment with the rest of my body, which is a key feature of the best pillows for side sleepers.

However, despite its eye-watering price point, it wasn't without its faults. I found that it soon started flattening under my weight over time, with the fill ballooning up on either side of my head.

I loved sleeping on this pillow. But, ultimately, the firm down pillow wasn't firm enough to deliver consistent support night after night, dampening the charm of the $810 price tag.

The $30 dupe I slept just as well on...

Is it possible to achieve a similar luxury-sleep experience with a smaller budget? I've also tested the Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative Pillow, a pillow that costs $59.99 for a pack of two, and slept just as well on it.

From the subtle silver stripes running along the 250 thread count cotton cover to the fluffy down-alternative microfiber fill, the Beckham is crafted to appeal to sleepers who crave hotel-style comfort — without blowing a hole in their budget.

It has a medium-firm feel, which means it offers the right level of support for most side and back sleepers. I also found that I slept comfortably neutral (no waking up hot), despite its polyester microbfiber fill.

However, my only real gripe with the Beckham Hotel Collection is its durability. While it felt comfortably plump and squishy for the first few nights, it soon began to flatten, requiring regular re-plumping. Which isn't a huge chore, but worth noting. So, if you're looking for a luxury pillow at the fraction of the price of its competitors, I recommend it.

The right pillow for you will largely depend on your preferred sleep position, which means side sleepers should consider choosing an ergonomic design that's geared towards the way they sleep.

Luckily, we've tested two of the best pillows for side sleepers: Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow and the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow.

Both have adjustable fill, a curved design, and an aim to provide plenty of neck support. However, there are some key differences between them, which we'll delve into.

So, if you're shopping for a new pillow and wondering how to choose between the Eli & Elm vs the Nest Bedding, we'll explore the key differences in price, design, and support. So you can decide which is the best option for a good night's sleep.

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow vs Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow: Price & deals

• The Eli & Elm pillow's MSRP is $134.99, but it's currently reduced to $107.99
• The Nest Bedding pillow is $124 MSRP, but it's $119 at Amazon
• Eli & Elm offers a longer warranty and sleep trial, and free delivery

Both the Eli & Elm and Nest Bedding pillows have a starting MSRP and (regular sale price) of over $100, so you're looking at two pillows that sit squarely in the premium price tier.

The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow has an MSRP of $134.99 for a queen (its smaller size), but this is the cost of the pillow only; if you want the cooling pillowcase as well, this MSRP rises to $171.98.

However, regular deals mean you'll often find the Eli & Elm Pillow for much less — a single queen pillow is often down to $107.99 ($115.99 if you want a cooling pillowcase, too). Plus, they regularly run a BOGO 50% off deal bringing the price of two down to $175.48 ($191.48 with the cooling pillowcases).

Meanwhile, the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow has an MSRP of $124, but you can often find deals (particularly on Amazon) where it's reduced to $119 or even as low as $107.

Speaking of Amazon, it's worth noting that both pillows are available at the retail giant. This is a good option if you want extra fast shipping, but be aware that the brand's benefits (namely the trial and warranty) may not be available if you buy from a third party instead of directly from the brand.

So, what are these benefits? Both brands offer a warranty and sleep trial with their pillows, but the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow has a slight edge in this department. They offer a 45-night sleep trial and five-year warranty, whereas Nest Bedding offers a 30-night sleep trial and two-year warranty.

On delivery too, Eli & Elm offers the better deal; their delivery is free. Whereas Nest Bedding only offers free delivery for orders over $130. Orders that come in under $130 are subject to a $10 standard delivery charge for the continental US (for Alaska, Hawaii and Canada, additional shipping rates apply).

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow vs Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow: Design & Materials

• Both pillows have a curved build with adjustable foam fill
• The Eli & Elm Pillow comes with latex or memory foam fill options, whereas Nest Bedding's fill is made from a foam and fiber blend
• Both pillows have breathable covers, but Nest Bedding's is cooler

May of the best pillows today offer adjustable comfort, and both the Eli & Elm and Nest Bedding side sleeper pillows come with fill that can be removed to suit your sleep style and body type. While both offer adjustability, there are some differences between the fills.

The Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow offer only one type of fill which is made up of 80% blended memory foam and high response foam, and 20% polyester fibers. The foam is "precision-cut" to enhance airflow and pressure relief. It arrives overstuffed and Nest Bedding provide a free bag they call a "pillow egg" to store any fill you remove.

The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow, on the other hand, offers two fills to choose from: Memory Foam (for classic contouring) which comprises of 75% shredded memory foam and 25% ultra-fine polyester fiber, or Dunlop latex (for durable, firmer support) made up of 75% Dunlop latex noodles and 25% ultra-fine polyester fibers.

It's worth noting that while the Nest Bedding pillow arrives overfilled by design (so you can adjust as you prefer), Eli & Elm offer additional fill for $15.99. However, they do note that most people are satisfied with the amount of fill that comes with the pillow as is, and the optional additional fill is for those who like a higher than average loft pillow.

As for covers, both are described as "breathable". The Nest Bedding's cover is made from 49% polyester, 2% spandex, and 49% "Icecore" (Nest Bedding's propriety heat-dissipating cooling fabric).

The Eli & Elm's cover is made from 37% Cotton, 2% Spandex, and 61% Polyester. As mentioned above, you can pay extra for a cooling pillowcase, which is made from 100% cotton.

Both covers can be removed and machine-washed on a cool setting, and put in a dryer on a low heat.

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow vs Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow: Peformance

• Our testers found the Nest Bedding suits all sleepers, and praised the Eli & Elm for side and back sleeping
• The Eli & Elm sleeps temperature neutral, but the Nest Bedding impressed with its cooling capabilities
• Those looking for a firmer feel may be best suited to Eli & Elm's latex noodle pillow, while the Nest Bedding's precision cut memory foam offers a plusher, contouring support

As both have an adjustable fill, the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow and the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow can be customized to suit all sleep positions.

As we mentioned above, the Nest Bedding pillow comes overfilled, whereas with the Eli & Elm, those who like a high loft pillow may need to purchase the additional fill.

In our Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow review, our tester recommends the customizable design to all sleepers, while our Eli & Elm Side Sleeper hands-on review reveals it is great for side sleeping, but could also find a place in our best pillows for back sleepers guide (note, our tester is a combi side and back sleeper).

That said, these two pillows do have some differences in terms of temperature regulation and firmness.

For instance, the Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow does arrive overfilled (which lends itself to a firmer feel), but the fill itself (foam and fiber) includes precision-cut memory foam designed to create a plush feeling support. Our lead tester calling its fill "supremely comfortable" and described the pillow as providing "contouring support" that you'd expect from memory foam as it molds to body shape.

The firmness of the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow, meanwhile depends on which fill you choose (the Dunlop latex noodle fill is the firmer option, while the shredded memory foam provides a softer feel — our hands-on tester described it as "soft to medium-firm feel").

The firmer feel of the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper with the Latex Noodle fill may be a downside for some sleepers (a few Amazon customers find it too "hard", though many praised the feel) but a firm pillow could be a better choice if you experience tension headaches on softer pillows.

As for cooling, the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper has the edge thanks to its propriety "Icecore" heat-dissipating material, with our reviewers impressed with how the "cooling really works". Meanwhile, in our Eli & Elm hands-on review, our tester reported that her pillow (which doesn't include the cooling cotton cover upgrade) "remained at a neutral temperature" during the first week of testing.

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow vs Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow: Which should you buy?

Buy the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow if...

✅ You want firmer support: Thanks to a curved U-shape design and the Dunlop latex option, the Eli & Elm delivers firmer support than the softer contouring of the Nest Bedding.

✅ You want to choose between memory foam and latex fill: Choose between a shredded memory foam-polyester blend or a Dunlop latex-polyester blend (the former is better for contouring comfort and the latter is better for durable support)

✅ You want a longer warranty and trial, and free shipping: Eli & Elm offers 15 more night to try, but it's warranty lasts three years more than Nest Bedding's. Plus, you'll get free shipping, whereas Nest Bedding charges for orders under $130.

Buy the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow if...

✅ You want plusher support: The precision-cut foam is designed to offer optimal pressure relief and plushness.

✅ You're a hot sleeper: With a cover that uses specialist cooling fabric and memory foam with "air channels" to enhance breathability, the Easy Breather lives up to its title.

✅ You sleep on your side, back, and stomach: Our review praised the Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow for its versatility.

Larke Nature's Blend Duvet: Review in brief

Can sustainability and comfort go hand in hand? Larke has proved it's possible with their Nature's Blend duvet, crafted using breathable eucalyptus tree fibres and pure cotton.

The duvet, which is OEKO-TEX and FSC certified, is made to feel luxuriously comfortable no matter the season. It has a lightweight build with pretty seashell-inspired stitching and holds its shape well, even if you're someone prone to tossing and turning during the night.

Thanks to the natural materials, it's also naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating — features that could earn it a spot in our best duvets guide. You can choose from three tog ratings (4.5, 10.5 and 13.5) and four sizes (single, double, king and super king) to suit your bed dimensions and comfort preferences.

While in our tester's experience, it delivered on the promise of luxury comfort and breathability, very hot sleepers should look for duvets with more actively cooling elements, which can prevent night sweats and help you stay cool.

That's the summary of our findings. Scroll down to know about the Larke Nature's Blend duvet in detail:

Larke Nature's Blend Duvet: Price and deals

Compared to most options in our best duvets guide, the Larke Nature's Blend is more expensive; this premium duvet starts at £120 RRP. Here's the current price list:

Single: £120 to £155
Double: £140 to £205
King: £160 to £230
Super King: £200 to £265

The prices for each size vary according to the tog rating you opt for. You can choose from three options: 4.5, 10.5 or 13.5 tog, with the price increasing the higher the tog rating.

For reference, the all-season Nectar Duvet is 10.5 tog and starts from £49 for a single size (read the full Nectar Duvet review to know more details).

However, the Nature's Blend duvet comes with benefits like a 30-night trial period, five-year warranty covering manufacturing faults (stitching, filling and outer fabric issues except those due to normal wear and tear) and free delivery in the UK, which is excellent for bedding.

The brand also promises a full refund if you're not satisfied by the end of your 30-day trial period.

Larke Nature's Blend Duvet: Design and materials

The Larke Nature's Blend duvet is OEKO-TEX and FSC-certified (the former meaning it's free from harmful substances, and the latter indicating raw materials sourced from responsibly managed forests) and features a lightweight Tencel-Lyocell (which is eucalyptus tree fibre) filling. The outer shell, meanwhile, is made from 280 thread count, 100% pure cotton.

According to the brand, the moisture-wicking tree fibres provide temperature regulation, while the top cover adds a layer of soft-to-touch, breathable comfort. However, it's worth noting that the Larke is not going to feel like your typical fluffy down duvet.

For those who struggle with allergies, Larke also highlights that the duvet is naturally hypoallergenic and "free from dust mites and skin-irritating synthetics."

The Larke duvet comes in a lovely creamy white colour with seashell-inspired stitching, which ensure an even distribution of the fill at all times. The stitch design and the piped edges add to the overall premium look of the duvet.

Larke Nature's Blend Duvet: Performance

I tested a king-size Larke Nature's Blend duvet with a 10.5 tog rating, which, according to the brand, can be used all year round.

Let's take a closer look at how it performed during the month-long testing period:

Setup

The Larke Nature's Blend duvet arrived in a cardboard box, rolled and packed in a reusable, adjustable cloth bag. It does not require any expansion time, and there was no off-gassing smell once it was out of the bag.

I did, however, notice that it's flatter and less fluffy compared to the microfiber duvet I was using before.

Our score: 5 out of 5

Temperature regulation

I tested the 10.5 tog Larke Nature's Blend duvet during British springtime when temperatures fluctuated considerably over 24 hour periods; anywhere between 5℃ and 20℃ (41F and 68F).

It's useful to note that I'm someone who tends to sleep cold and goes to bed with cold feet (unless it's peak summer). I wore a pair of socks and breathable pyjamas during the testing period. I also used a top sheet, which helped me gauge the softness of the duvet's outer shell to some degree, while still creating a barrier in between.

The Larke duvet, however, surprised me with its temperature regulation. While I slept all night snugly, I never woke up due to stuffiness or discomfort, even when the temperature soared.

The initial doubts I had about its flatter build also disappeared when I realised how comfy it is, regardless of the weather.

That said, if you are a hot sleeper, Larke does not advertise this duvet as actively cooling, so it would be better to opt for a lower tog rating or consider cooling bedding.

Our score: 5 out of 5

Care and maintenance

Maintaining the Larke duvet seems like an easy task. The brand recommends washing it at 40℃ (104 F) using a gentle detergent and tumble-drying on a low heat setting or air-drying, laying it flat.

If air drying, I'll also suggest using a dehumidifier, which can speed up the process.

Trying to redistribute the fill evenly after washing a duvet can be a nightmare, but Larke underlines that no shaking is needed — thanks to the stitches made to hold its shape.

Our score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Larke Nature's Blend Duvet?

The Larke Nature's Blend duvet is designed to be hypoallergenic, breathable, lightweight and most importantly, durable.

We felt, after testing it, that it largely kept its promise. It looks beautiful draped on the bed, feels comfy and is easy to handle and maintain (no running to the dry cleaners).

The downside, in our opinion, is the price. If you're someone who values quality sleep and are able to stretch your bedding budget, the Larke Nature's Duvet is a great purchase that justifies the higher spend.

Plus, there is a safety net: if you're not satisfied after the 30-day trial period, you get a full refund.

Buy the Larke Nature's Duvet if...

✅You want a naturally breathable duvet: The highlight of the duvet is that it does not include any "nasties". The eucalyptus tree fibre filling and pure cotton outer cover make a breathable duvet for all sleepers.

✅You want more options: The Larke duvet comes in 4 different sizes and three tog ratings to suit your bed size and preferences.

✅You want an easy-to-care-for duvet: You can machine wash the duvet at 40℃, and it's tumble-dry friendly. Plus, there'll be no shape shifting or bunching up, thanks to the sturdy stitching.

✅You want added benefits: The Larke duvet also comes with a 30-night trial, five-year warranty and free shipping.

Don't buy the Larke Nature's Duvet if...

❌You want a cheap duvet: Starting at £120 for a single size, the Larke duvet is a premium purchase.

❌You like a fluffy duvet: Unlike down or down-alternative variants, the Larke Nature's Blend is not your typical fluffy duvet. It is a bit on the flatter side, although this is no compromise on the comfort.

Sleeping on the wrong pillow can cause more than a pain in the neck. Without the right support, your pillow could even be behind your morning tension headaches.

"If you notice that your headaches start or worsen after sleeping, or improve when you change pillows, that’s a strong indicator that your pillow may be a contributing factor," says Dr. Dustin DebRoy, manager of chiropractic education and relations at The Joint Chiropractic.

While the best pillows on the market are crafted from high-quality materials, choosing the wrong one for your body type and sleep needs can lead to more than disturbed sleep and a stiff neck. Here, two chiropractors explain why, plus what pillow to choose instead.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• The wrong pillow can cause headaches: Uneven pillow support can lead to tension headaches.
• Your sleep posture matters: Proper neck and spinal alignment is crucial for good sleep quality.
• Three key reasons: Sustained muscle tension, joint compression and resultant poor sleep are three causes of tension headaches.
• Finding the 'one': Choosing a pillow depends on your sleep position, not its look and feel.
• Replacing is key: Changing your pillow every 1-2 years is important to maintain proper support.

3 ways your pillow is causing your headaches

From undue stress on your neck muscles to poor sleep, here are three ways your pillow could be triggering your morning tension headaches...

1. Muscle strain

Research shows that muscle tension is one of the common causes of tension headaches. Whether your head sinks to the bottom of your ultra-soft pillow or is held too high, your neck muscles will immediately be placed under pressure.

"The neck muscles must find a supported neutral position to fully relax. If a pillow creates a distortion to the neck, the muscles will respond by tightening up," says Dr. Sherry McAllister, president of The Foundation of Chiropractic Progress.

This is to protect the neck and head from further injury due to uneven support, activating the nervous system to respond to the distortion.

Sustained muscle tightness or tension will reduce the blood flow to the neck and head, increasing the likelihood of developing headaches.

2. Joint compression

A pillow that's too flat or too high for you can severely affect your sleep posture. It either pushes your neck and head too far forward or drops them back too much, and this can be bad news for your joints.

"Using a pillow that does not properly support your neck can place the cervical joints in a compressed position for extended periods of time," says Dr. DebRoy.

Over time, this can lead to irritation, stiffness, and discomfort that may contribute to headaches.

3. Sleep deprivation

Not only can muscle tension and joint compression caused by the wrong pillow cause discomfort, it can also lead to sleep deprivation. Unfortunately, studies show that several nights of poor sleep can lead to an increase in headaches.

"Poor sleep can increase muscle tension, reduce the body’s ability to recover, and heighten sensitivity to pain, all of which contribute to headache development," says Dr DebRoy.

What pillow do you need to keep headaches at bay?

Taking the above factors into account, the key is to finding a pillow that suits your body type and sleep position. This will ensure that it provides adequate support and promotes healthy neck alignment with the rest of the body.

"What works best is a medium loft pillow with adaptive fill, ones that keep the neck neutral on the back and fills in the shoulder gap on your side. Having adjustable fill pillows is best so you can customize the height," Dr. Ron Miller, Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pursuit Physical Therapy, explains.

"I will recommend frequently testing it to see whether the nose stays aligned with the sternum (the long flat bone at the center of the chest) and when lying on your side," he adds.

But if you're not totally sure about your sleep needs, our guide to choosing a pillow based on your sleep position can help.

However, replacing your pillows at the right time is also crucial to avoid these annoying headaches.

"Often it is not noticed by the naked eye that the pillow has lost its prime," Dr McAllister points out. The general advice is to replace your pillows every 1-2 years.

One way to find out if you're due a new pillow is the easy 30-second test to find out if your pillow is still supportive.

The pillows I recommend for healthy neck alignment

The downside of having your whole job revolving around testing pillows, bedding and sleep health products is that you're hyper-aware of your sleep needs and rarely impressed by what the market offers.

Which is why I went into testing one of the most popular side-sleeper pillows with low expectations. The main highlight of the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper pillow is its curved shape, similar to big names such as the Tempur-Neck Pillow and the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow that feature in our best pillows guide.

Available in two variants, latex and shredded memory foam, the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow is designed to eliminate neck pain and keep your spine aligned. Here's what you need to know about it, and my thoughts after a week of testing...

Today's best pillow sales

• Save up to $60 on pillow pairs at Saatva
• Save 25% on pillows at Helix with email sign-ups
• Save up to $129 on pillow bundles at Tempur-Pedic

How much does the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow cost?

• The Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow costs from $139.99
• It comes with a 45-day money back guarantee
• It also coms with a 5-year warranty and free shipping

The Side Sleeper Pillow is one of Eli and Elm's top sellers, and is currently priced at $139.99 for a queen and $145.99 for a king, irrespective of the fill you choose (latex noodle or shredded memory foam).

For reference, this is a premium price point when compared with pillows such as the queen size Coop Original Adjustable Pillow ($89) and the standard size Purple GridCloud ($149).

The good news is that you can often find it on sale with up to 20% off, including bundle offers. Right now, you get 15% off a single Side Sleeper Pillow, which drops the MSRP from $134.99 to $114.99 as part of Eli and Elm's Spring bedding sales. Buy a pair, and you can take advantage of the brand's Buy One Get One 50% off discount.

While the benefits aren't as impressive as our top pick overall for all sleepers, the Coop Original Adjustable, the brand offers a 45-day return policy, a 5-year warranty and free shipping.

Unboxing my Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

• No expansion time, arrived ready to sleep
• No off-gassing scent
• Fully adjustable fill

The Eli and Elm Side Sleeper pillow arrived at full size, ready to sleep on. Many top-rated pillows are vacuum-packed and require at least a few hours to a full night to expand. But with the Eli and Elm, there was no expansion time required.

The fully adjustable fill can be customized to create your ideal pillow feel and loft. So, like the other memory foam adjustable pillows I've reviewed, the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper also needs to be fluffed up to suit your sleeping style before you sleep on it.

I also didn't notice any off-gassing. This refers to the strong chemical smell that can be released when unpackaging memory foam products. While it's not dangerous or toxic, it can irritate the airways. As your airways are in direct contact with a pillow, it's a massive perk that the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper pillow doesn't produce this smell.

What it's like to sleep on

Night 1: Soothing neck comfort

I tried the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper pillow in its shredded memory foam and polyester version. Unlike the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck pillow, known for its firmer feel, this ergonomic-shaped pillow has a soft to medium-firm feel.

As a combination sleeper who alternates between back and side sleeping during the night, I was unsure about the support it would give my neck and shoulders. For my first night, I decided to use it without any fill adjustments as it already seemed rather flat, and a low-loft is best for back sleepers.

To my surprise, the cutout design exactly filled the gap between my head and the mattress, easing my neck and shoulder muscles and reducing strain — a feature often found in the best side sleeper pillows we've tested so far.

The shredded memory foam and polyester fiber fill held my head in a comfortable position, contouring to my form without letting me sink too far into the pillow.

In the morning, I found myself rolled over to the side, clutching the slightly elongated edge, which made it easier to rest my arm as well (a constant annoyance for side sleepers).

I was also impressed to see it had maintained its shape, support and feel throughout the night without the need for shifting or adjustments.

Night 2-7: Perfect for my combi sleep style

Even though it features a dedicated U-shaped design for side sleepers, I think the Eli and Elm model could easily become a strong contender for our best pillows for back sleepers guide. The reason? Because the cutout design contoured my shoulders when back sleeping, which meant my neck and shoulders instantly relaxed and avoided strain.

The consistent support during the night without flattening, sagging or uneven shifting meant there was no risk of neck or shoulder pain.

The soft, removable top cover made from a blend of cotton, spandex and polyester remained at a neutral temperature throughout the initial testing period. But it is important to note that I'm not prone to overheating at night. So far, it's difficult to tell whether it would keep a particularly hot sleeper, whether experiencing night sweats or hot flashes, cool enough. Although the cotton is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, which will help regulate temperatures.

If I were to nitpick, my main criticism would be the size of the pillow. It seems a lot wider than most of the pillows I've previously tried. While this did provide a lot space to move around on, I found the pillow took up too much space on the bed. It was also heavier than a down or microfiber pillow, meaning it could feel a little cumbersome if you wanted to move it during the night.

Is the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow worth it?

After a week of testing, my first impression is that the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper memory foam pillow is a solid choice for back and side sleeping.

Due to its fully-adjustable build, I'd recommend it to everyone, including side, back and stomach sleepers. Although those who sleep on their front will want to remove a lot more fill to achieve a lower loft to suit the position better.

The ergonomic curved shape, gentle contouring of the memory foam and the consistent support make it ideal for sleepers who are looking for soft comfort over the firmer support pillows like the Tempur-Neck provide.

While I need more time to fully assess the benefits, based on my early experience, I largely agree with the rave reviews for the Eli and Elm pillow. But watch this space, because I'll be following up with my full review soon.

Over the last few years, I've been lucky enough to experience the spine-supporting luxury of Helix mattresses first-hand. That's why I was happy to see Helix offer shoppers more of its signature back pain relief with the release of the ErgoAlign Mattress Topper, now $399 for a queen at Helix.

My fellow mattress testers and I have tried all five of the literal slices of luxury known as Helix's cooling mattress topper line-up.

We've been impressed with how many feature the same materials found in some of the best mattresses of the year. However, there's only one topper in Helix's lineup that offers the chiropractor-approved lumbar support of the top-rated ErgoAlign layer.

I'm here to share why testers experiencing back pain love the Helix ErgoAlign, and why we rate it as a cost-effective alternative to the best mattresses for back pain in this month's mattress sales.

At a glance

• The Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper is designed to support those with lower back pain.
• The ErgoAlign Layer features high-density foam for extra support around the mid-section, encouraging healthy spine alignment.
• Our lead tester was impressed with how the ErgoAlign Layer provided immediate relief for her back pain.
• The cover is made from GlacioTex, a specialist cooling fabric that dissipates heat.
• While the GlacioTex cover provided cooling comfort, the cover is non-removable and can feel slippery.

Everything you need to know about the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper

In our Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper review, we declared the ErgoAlign Mattress Topper not only the best Helix mattress topper for back pain, but the best mattress topper for back pain overall.

First of all, it's the only Helix mattress topper to be endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, a stamp of approval awarded to sleep products that promote optimal spinal alignment.

This chiropractor-approved support stems from the topper's ErgoAlign Layer. This feature was created by Helix to provide extra support to sleepers who experience lower back pain (we were very impressed when we tried it in the the ultra-comfortable Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress.)

The ErgoAlign Mattress Topper has "targeted support" for all sleep positions, which basically means that it's softer in areas that need cushioning (such as the shoulders and knees) while using high-density foam in areas that need extra support (such as the hips and lower back.)

This firmer mid-section should ensure that the hips and spine are held lifted and straight, preventing the lower back pain that comes with misalignment.

As for temperature regulation, the ErgoAlign Mattress Topper has a GlacioTex cooling cover. GlacioTex is a specialized heat-dissipating fabric found in some of the best cooling mattresses of the year.

The cover also has anchor straps to keep the topper in place, but it's non-removable and the GlacioTex can be slippery.

What we like about the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper

1. Improves lower back pain

Ok, so let's cover your first question: does the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper actually relieve back pain? Answer: yes.

Our lead reviewer, Alison Barretta, experiences lower back ache and had been sleeping on a bed that exacerbated the pain.

However, when she put the 3"-thick ErgoAlign on an old, thin mattress, she felt instant relief.

"The denser foam in the center offered proper support for my hips and lower back, while the softer zones cushioned my shoulders and knees," she said.

"If you struggle with lower back issues like I do, you'll likely notice an improvement after a few nights of sleeping on it," she added.

2. Sleeps cool

As someone who's tested products with GlacioTex (including the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector and the Helix Premium Memory Foam Mattress Topper) I can vouch for how cool-to-the-touch this heat-dissipating fabric is. And lead tester Alison agreed.

"When it came to maintaining a comfortable sleep microclimate, the GlacioTex cover delivered as promised," she said in the review.

3. It's comfortable in all sleep positions

Thanks to the zoned support, the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper is excellent for all three major sleep positions. Its ultra-supportive midsection encourages healthy spine alignment in back and stomach sleepers, while its strategic cushioning along the shoulder section comforts side sleepers.

In fact, lead tester Alison said the versatility impressed her the most.

"My hips remained level while sleeping on my stomach, the softer areas relieved pressure on my joints when side sleeping, and the tri-zone design created a balanced feel when I lay on my back," she explained.

The drawbacks of the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper

There's little to criticize about the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress topper. But one small drawback (which is by no means a dealbreaker) is that the cover of the topper is non-removable and spot-clean only.

While one of the best mattress protectors can help keep the topper's cover stain-free, we've tested plenty of other mattress toppers that come with machine-washable, removable covers, such as the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper.

Secondly, while I love the cooling feel of GlacioTex, I have to admit that its slippery surface isn't to everyone's taste. It's a slick fabric, and both customer reviews and our testers have complained that their sheets often slide off when placed on GlacioTex.

"This is a matter of preference, but if you're like me, you may find it too slippery," admitted Alison. "Miraculously, my sheets didn't slide off, but I still felt like I was sliding a little."

3 alternatives to the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper

Around 37 million US adults snore, with many turning to anti-snoring devices such as magnetic nasal clips and mouthpieces for relief from snoring. But quite often, the solution is right under your head: your pillow.

By choosing the right pillow and fixing your sleep position, you can make a huge difference in how much (and how loudly) you snore. If your pillow is too flat, too soft, and lacking shape, your airway will narrow and your snoring will go through the roof.

To find out what to look for instead, we reached out to a sleep doctor, a chiropractor, and a dentist for their expert tips on how to choose the best pillow for snoring. Here's what they told us...

Key take-aways: At a glance

• Elevation is vital: The experts we consulted recommend medium to high loft pillows, including adjustable pillows and wedge pillows, to prevent your airway from narrowing while you sleep.
• Side sleeping comfort: Look for a pillow that keeps your spine in a neutral position without pushing your head too far forwards or backwards while sleeping on your side (the best position for reducing snoring).
• Pick support, not softness: Your pillow should also be firm enough to hold its shape through the night – try latex or firmer memory foam. Plus, as too-soft pillows can cause tension headaches.
• Avoid 'the big 3': drinking alcohol before bed, using a pillow that's over two years old, and ignoring sleep apnea red flags like headaches and daytime fatigue.

How does the wrong pillow make snoring worse?

Certain pillows reduce snoring by keeping your head and neck in a neutral position.

But if your pillow pushes your head too far forwards, so you're more chin to chest, or too far backwards, so you're overextended and looking at the ceiling, that can make your snoring worse and louder.

Both positions 'kink' the 'straw' of your airway.

Dr. Joshua Roland, certified sleep doctor at Dreem Health, explains more: "Snoring occurs when your airway is narrowing, and a pillow that keeps you properly aligned can reduce the narrowing."

A pillow that's too soft, or that loses its firmness and shape throughout the night, can also make your snoring worse. That's because you lose the firmer support you need to keep your head and neck aligned to prevent your airway from narrowing.

If your head sinks all the way through to the mattress, this becomes the ultimate snoring trap.

How to choose a pillow for snoring

"The right pillow can help reposition your neck and head, giving you temporary relief from snoring," says Lauri Leadley, sleep medicine expert and the founder of Valley Sleep Center.

However, there are certain factors you should look out for when choosing a pillow for snoring:

1. Pillow loft

Choosing the right pillow loft or height depends on your build, sleep position, and the level of support you need to keep your neck neutral all night.

"For most people, medium to high loft works well. It should also be firm enough to keep its shape, but still contour somewhat to your head and neck," says Dr Roland.

The idea is to offer enough support to the head without pushing it too far forward or letting it drop too low.

2. Firmness

Experts recommend a medium-firm pillow, which strikes a balance between contouring comfort and support of your head and neck.

A medium-firm, medium-to-high-loft pillow also encourages side-sleeping, which is typically considered to help reduce snoring (more on this below).

"Adjustable pillows are often the smartest option because there is no universal formula," says Dr Yenile Y Pinto DDS, founder at Deering Dental.

"A pillow that lets you fine-tune the fill is more useful than one that claims to be perfect for everyone," she adds.

Adjustable features, such as removable fill or inserts, allow customization of loft and firmness and can suit individual needs.

3. Material

Latex and memory foam are the top options for snorers as they are known to maintain their shape and provide consistent support throughout the night.

Hot sleeper? Choosing a latex pillow will be a clever move. "Latex would be an ideal material because it provides proper firmness while remaining breathable, helping to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature," explains Dustin DebRoy, DC, manager, Education and Relations at The Joint Chiropractic.

"Pillows that are slightly slanted or wedge-shaped options can also help, by elevating the head and upper body, reducing airway collapse," adds Dr Roland.

The best sleep position for snoring

"One of the most common causes of snoring is sleeping on one’s back, as gravity pulls the tongue and surrounding tissues of the neck and chest backwards, which can compress or block the airway," explains DebRoy.

Age-related loss of muscle tone in the throat is another cause which makes the tissues more susceptible to narrowing or obstruction due to gravity.

This is why side-sleeping is considered the best position for most snorers.

"In both these cases, pillows that encourage proper head and neck alignment while promoting side sleeping may help reduce snoring," he says.

• Read more: We tested this year’s most hyped side sleeper pillows from Eli & Elm and Nest Bedding — here’s the one we’d buy in Memorial Day sales

3 common mistakes that can make snoring worse

Now that you know how to choose the right pillow to reduce snoring, these are the simple yet avoidable mistakes that can make your snoring worse, regardless of how well-suited your new pillow is:

1. Not changing your pillows

"The biggest mistake is treating pillow choice like a one-and-done purchase instead of a fit issue," says Dr Pinto.

Picking a pillow that feels too tall or too soft can seem comfortable at first, but it may cause more airway blockage. "People buy one pillow, decide it is probably fine, and keep sleeping on something that clearly is not supporting them well," she says.

Continuing to lie on an old and sagging, unsupportive pillow may also contribute to your 'irritating habit'. How do you know if your pillow needs replacing? The 30-second pillow folding trick can help you quickly tell.

2. Drinking alcohol and smoking

Your lifestyle habits may also be quietly contributing to your snoring. According to experts, consuming alcohol and smoking are two of the top causes of snoring.

"Alcohol makes the muscles of the throat more relaxed, exacerbating sleep apnea and snoring, leading to oxygen starvation and poor-quality sleep," said Dr Paul Daidone, medical director at True Self Recovery, in a previous conversation with us.

There are also various studies which reveal that smoking increases the risk of snoring and leads to disrupted sleep over time.

3. Not seeking expert help

"Around half of US adults snore, so it's easy to write it off, but snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, and that's when a pillow switch won’t help," says Dr Daniel Gartenberg, sleep scientist and medical advisor at CPAP.com.

"If you frequently wake up choking or gasping, experience daytime fatigue despite sleeping all night, have chronic headaches and brain fog, or if your partner has witnessed a pause in breathing while you sleep, these may be signs of sleep apnea," he explains.

While the best pillow for side sleepers can help you manage your snoring by keeping your head and neck in a neutral position, Dr Pinto underlines that it cannot fix sleep apnea, poor jaw alignment, bite issues or chronic nasal obstruction.

"I recommend evaluation by an ENT and an airway-focused dentist, and in many cases, a sleep study should be part of that conversation," she says.

Popular pillows for snorers

I recently swapped my cheap, worn-out pillow for the eco-luxurious Birch Organic Pillow, and that switch immediately added five-star hotel luxury to my budget memory foam mattress.

Suddenly, I felt like I was going on a sleep retreat each night – and I wanted more. I asked Richard Edwards, owner of luxury retreat White House Hideaway, how to add even more premium hotel comfort to my bedroom. "Include high-thread-count sheets, down comforters, and plush pillows,” Edwards suggested.

“Although they may cost a bit more upfront, they'll last longer and provide a luxurious and comfortable experience,” he adds. Here are 12 luxury sleep products to give you the 5-star hotel experience at home, from a relaxing pillow spray to the coziest down alternative comforter.

Think the color of your bedding is a simple style choice? Think again, as research shows bed bugs are drawn to certain shades over others and your black bedding might be turning your mattress into a bed bug paradise.

A study from the Journal of Medical Entomology found that out of a choice of colors, bed bugs prefer red, black and purple. On the other hand, they have a tendency to turn their nose up at yellow and green.

We're exploring how to dress your best mattress so it's perfect for your sleep and style needs without attracting the eye of bed bugs. Tip number one: ditch the goth bedding.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that male bed bugs are drawn to dark red and black sheets, while female bed bugs like lilac.
• These darker colors might remind them of safe hiding spaces, or simply look like other bed bugs.
• Bed bugs are less attracted to yellow and green sheets because they are very bright. To a bed bug, yellow signals 'exposure'.
• Choosing yellow, green, white, beige or cream bedding so that you can spot the signs of bed bugs easier, such as their faeces (they look like ink dots).

What do bed bugs look for in a mattress?

Bed bugs are drawn to any mattress that's home to their food source. In other words, any bed that's currently occupied by or has recently been used by a human.

However, there are certain features that make a bed even more enticing to these pests, and the color of your bed sheets can be an unexpected temptation.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that male bed bugs tend to flock towards the colors red and black, while female bed bugs find shades of purple (violet and lilac, to be specific) appealing.

On the other hand, yellow and green were less appealing to bed bugs. So keep that in mind when choosing how to dress your bed.

The wrong color bedding isn't the only thing you might be doing to turn your mattress into the perfect conditions for bed bugs:

• You have red or black bedding: Green, yellow or pale colored bedding is better for keeping bed bugs away and spotting signs of pests.
• You don't wash your sheets: Bed bugs aren't attracted to dirt but they do like the embedded odors of a warm body that linger on unwashed bedding.
• You store things under your bed: Clever decluttering hack or bed bug hiding space?
• You leave clutter around the mattress: It might be a few dropped socks to your but to a bed bug, it's another place to hide.

How to dress your bed to repel bugs

If you're looking to turn away bed bugs, take these factors into consideration when choosing new bed sheets:

Use a mattress encasement

Encasements wrap around the entirety of your mattress to provide protection against stains, moisture and dust. They’re also helpful at keeping creepy crawlies away, acting as a barrier against pests such as bed bugs and dust mites.

We recommend anyone with a mattress uses a mattress protector, as it helps extend the life of your bed. A mattress encasement is an extra layer of protection to help in the fight against bed bugs.

Opt for light colored sheets

The study showed that bed bugs were most attracted to red and black sheets and turned their noses up at green and yellow bedding.

However, if spring shades aren't your vibe, opting for lighter colored sheets of any shade will be beneficial in preventing bed bugs, because it's simply much easier to spot the early stages of an infestation on a set of pale sheets.

Bed bugs and their eggs are small and dark, blending right in to your black bedding. And common signs of bed bugs — such as black and rusty marks — also disappear on dark bedding while standing out on pale sheets.

Choose easy to clean bedding

One of the best ways to avoid bed bugs is by regularly washing your bedding at a high temperature. We recommend 140°F (60°C) for 90 minutes, followed by a spin in the dryer set to hot (or a few hours in direct sunshine), roughly once a week.

However, some sheets can’t handle this level of upkeep. You should always read the care instructions before washing but when you’re shopping for a new set of bed sheets, the best options for pest control can withstand some rough handling.

Why your dark sheets are bed bug central

It's hard to get into the mind of a bed bug (and, frankly, few of us want to) so it's tricky to guess what they see in your dark sheets. However. there's a few theories as to why your red or black bedding is a bed bug lure...

• Dark sheets remind them of safety: Bed bugs aren’t afraid of the dark — in fact, it's their safe space. Some theories suggest dark colored sheets remind bed bugs of their hidey-holes.
• They look like other bugs: Have you ever seen a cluster of bed bugs on a mattress? It’s basically a dark blob. So for a bed bug looking for its friends, your dark sheets seem like bed bug Coachella.
• It’s harder so spot bed bugs on dark sheets: Bed bugs are a brownish-red and their feces leave black spots. As a result, it’s harder to uncover the early stages of an infestation if you’re searching for signs on dark bedding.

Bed bug busting essentials

Looking for ways to support the planet this Earth Day? It could be as simple as making a few eco-friendly bedding switches.

Swapping your microfiber sheets and polyester pillows for natural alternatives will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but will support your circadian rhythm as well. As a result, you train your body to sleep and wake up refreshed.

This Earth Day we're exploring the ways to add a green touch to your bedtime routine while summoning a better night's sleep. Looking for a total eco-sleep refresh? Check out our guide to the Earth Day mattress deals.

Organic pillows offer durable support and comfort

Latex foams are naturally dense, which tends to result in great durability — they bounce back quickly and last much longer than cheaper alternatives.

Organic bedding for cooler sleep

As the summer months creep ever closer, we're preparing for warm nights by swapping for lightweight bedding made from naturally breathable materials (and investing in the best cooling mattresses, of course) like cotton and linen.

Invest in your sleep hygiene with natural comfort

Opting for pajamas and robes made from breathable natural materials can prep your body for sleep by helping lower your core temperature, while an organic eye mask blocks out disruptive lights. Finish with a spritz of lavender pillow spray for a greener bedtime routine.

Birch Organic Pillow: Review in brief

An organic offspring of luxury sleep brand Helix, Birch Living offers Helix-levels of comfort and support to more eco-conscious shoppers. Birch crafts its mattresses and bedding from organic materials, and the Birch Organic pillow is no exception. So, we decided to test out the all-natural pillow to see if it can earn a place in our best pillow guide.

While this isn't the first Birch product we've tested (both the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper and the Birch Luxe Natural mattress received glowing reviews), it's the first Birch pillow we've tested. With a 100% organic design featuring a GOLS-certified latex fill and organic cotton cover, the Birch Organic already beats other latex pillows we've tested in the sustainability department.

I slept on a standard size for two months (way over our two-week testing period that our pillow testing methodology dictates) and I can confidently say that it's the best pillow for back sleepers I've ever tested. In my honest, objective opinion, it's also one of the best pillows for side sleepers, too. However, side sleepers who prefer a higher loft or have broader shoulders than me may need something plumper.

The Organic Pillow is breathable thanks to its moisture-wicking cover and its airflow-boosting latex fill, meaning that, while it doesn't have any specialist cooling tech, it sleeps remarkably cool. It's also easy to fluff or pat down due to its shredded (rather than solid) fill, but stomach sleepers may feel the medium loft is a little too high and may strain their necks.

As it uses premium, sustainable materials, expect to pay a premium sale price of $159 (MSRP: $198.75). However we have seen it as low as $149 during bigger mattress deals events and federal holidays such as the Memorial Day mattress sales.

Birch Organic Pillow: Price & deals

• The Organic Pillow is the more expensive of Birch's two pillows
• It's usually $159 for a standard, but is $10 cheaper during 25% sales
• Benefits include a 30-night sleep trial, free shipping, and a 1-year warranty

Birch has two pillow models: the Birch Organic Pillow and the Talalay Latex Pillow. The Organic model is the more expensive of the two, with an MSRP of $198.75 and a regular 20% off sale price of $159 in a standard size. The Talalay Latex Pillow, on the other hand, has an MSRP of $111.25 and is typically priced at $89 for a standard.

While the Talalay model does offer two pillow loft options plus a Tencel cover, the price discrepancy is likely down to the fact that the Birch Organic Pillow is 100% organic and natural while the Talalay is not. The Talalay Latex Pillow uses, well, Talalay latex, and this kind of latex is produced less sustainably and so misses the GOLS-certification. Its Tencel cover is also

The Birch, meanwhile, uses Dunlop latex (for more info about the difference between the two types of latex, visit my Talalay vs Dunlop latex comparison guide) and uses an organic cotton cover.

As for organic latex offerings from other brands, the Avocado Green Pillow is $118 (was $139) in a standard size at Avocado Green. Like the Birch Organic, the Avocado Green has an organic cotton cover and is filled with shredded GOLS-certified latex, but is around $40 cheaper. Plus, it has an ergonomic option made especially for side sleepers at the exact same price.

The price difference between the two is around $40, which may be down to the Birch's inclusion of temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking organic wool to boost loft and add extra cushioning. For context, Avocado uses less-expensive, less-supportive kapok to provide its softness.

One the flips side, the Birch Organic is actually $6 cheaper than the Saatva Latex Pillow, which is always priced at $165 at Saatva. This price difference is surprising when you consider that Saatva's latex is not 100% certified organic, even if it is natural.

Overall, when examining the premium components of the Birch Organic Pillow, I think its fair to say that its build and quality matches its luxury price tag.

The Birch Organic Pillow falls ever so slightly short by its benefits. For instance, the Birch Organic Pillow comes with a 30-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty.

While Avocado Green and Saatva also back their latex pillows with a one-year warranty, they both have a 100-night sleep trial and a 45-night sleep trial respectively.

As for sales and deals, Birch often throws a 25% off sale during major sale events such as the Black Friday mattress sales or federal holidays such as the Presidents' Day mattress sales. This isn't a huge leap from the standard 20% discount (reducing the standard from $159 to $149) but you can often save an extra 2% with our promo code TOMS27 during these sales.

Birch Organic Pillow: Design & materials

• Shredded GOLS-certified latex fill with organic wool for extra cushioning
• The fill is enveloped by a removable, spot-cleanable organic cotton cover
• Organic wool holds the latex wool in place

I've already briefly touched on its premium materials, but here's a more detailed look at the Birch Organic Pillow's design and components.

The core of the Birch Organic Pillow is shredded GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, pretty much the eco-friendliest type of latex you can get. Dunlop latex is also, hypoallergenic, durable and long-lasting (that's why I expressed my disappointment in the one-year warranty — I think it's only fair that a latex pillow should have a warranty that reflects its longer lifespan).

Now, Birch uses the phrase "easily adjustable" which I initially took to means that the latex was removable, like the fill of the Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow. However, once it arrived on my door step, I quickly realized that the latex can't even be accessed let alone taken out.

So, when Birch uses the phrase "easily adjustable" they actually mean that it's easy to fluff or flatten — which it is — but I feel the language could be a little clearer.

The shredded latex (which resembles popcorn in its pictures) is wrapped in organic wool for extra cushioning and moisture-wicking temperature regulation. It also protects the fill if when you remove the cover, which means the latex has to stay inside the non-removable wool.

Speaking of the cover, not only is it removable, but it can also be spot cleaned and made from breathable organic cotton. The fact that it isn't machine-washable is a little annoying, but it is a testament to the high-quality, non-toxicity of the fabric. It's a soft-beige color, so its likely to fit most bedroom color schemes.

Birch Organic Pillow: Performance

I slept on the Birch Organic Pillow in a standard size for eight weeks and conducted a series of objective and subjective tests, as per our pillow testing methodology, to assess its overall performance.

Setup

The Birch Organic Pillow arrived in a cardboard shipping box. The box was surprisingly large as, unlike a lot of pillows ordered online that are rolled-up and compressed, the Birch came in its original shape.

To stay on brand, the Birch pillow came with minimal packaging: a recyclable carboard shipping box and a disposable plastic bag, with no instructional or promotional leaflets inside.

The Birch Pillow was delivered uncompressed, so the set up was easy and only consisted of opening the box and taking the pillow out of its plastic bag. Without having to wait for it to expand, I was able to sleep on the pillow straight after unboxing.

As with all natural latex products I've tested, there was no off-gassing whatsoever. Instead, you get that sweet, earthy latex aroma that reminds me of pastries. (Some fellow testers even liken the scent to birthday cake).

Overall, setting up the Birch Organic Pillow was a super-simple unboxing process with no chemical smell or unnecessary waste.

Score: 5 out of 5

Comfort and support

I'm a side and back sleeper, but there are some rare occasions where I sleep on my stomach, so I'm the perfect candidate to try out a pillow that Birch claims is suitable for all sleep positions.

Although I am a side sleeper, my shoulders aren't broad enough to warrant a high loft, and a tall pillow can cause unnecessary neck strain while I'm back sleeping. That's why I was please with the Birch's easy-to-fluff, easy-to-flatten mid loft. You can reshape the shredded latex fill to the shape you'd like, which is perfect if you want to add extra height to some places.

My only warning is that the malleable latex fill can clump in one section from time to time, but even then it's easy to evenly disperse again.

The mid-loft was high enough to lift my head slightly when side sleeping, creating a neutral spine alignment, but it was also low enough not to create neck pain when I slept on my back. On the rare occasions that I slept on my stomach, I felt the Birch pillow was low and compressible enough to prevent my head from being pushed too far upward.

However, this verdict is based entirely on my body type and sleep preferences, and I suspect many side sleepers will need a higher loft for optimal alignment and many front sleepers will need a thinner pillow to prevent strain.

However, I am confident that many back sleepers and combination sleepers will love the Goldilocks-support and height of the Birch Organic Pillow.

To test the Birch Organic Pillows comfort and support objectively, I placed a 10lb weight (roughly equivalent to an adult head) on the center of the pillow.

I waited for five minutes and once removed, the pillow hadn't fully returned to its original shape even after five minutes. (We've tested some pillows that spring back into shape in 10 seconds.) Both the fill and cover remained in their flattened state, showing how easy it is is to compress if you want a lower loft — but how it may not be the pillow for you if you want a quick recovery or responsive headrest.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Temperature control

While the Birch Organic Pillow is not a cooling pillow per se, it has create temperature regulation thanks to naturally breathable materials: latex, cotton, and wool.

The organic cotton cover and organic wool layer are both offer temperature control and moisture wicking, while latex is naturally perforated so encourages airflow.

I slept comfortably cool throughout the spring season, with the foam never feeling stuffy or quicksand-like (a common problem with memory foam pillows). Overall, I reccomend this pillow to most sleepers who want durable, head-molding foam but without the heat retention.

However, if you experience severe night sweats or overheating, you may want to try a specialist cooling model, such as the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Birch Organic Pillow: Durability & care

You should aim to replace your pillow every two years, but we test pillows for durability as some models don't even reach the one-year mark without succumbing to wear and tear.

Here's what we thought of the Birch Organic Pillow in terms of durability, quality, and maintenance...

Build quality

You can often deduce the durability of a pillow by checking out the length of it warranty. The Birch Organic Pillow surprisingly comes with a one-year warranty, which is pretty short when you consider that it's made from ultra-durable latex. We've even seen some brands, such as Coop Home Goods and Tempur-Pedic offer 5-year warranties on simialar pillows.

We also usually assess durability from customer reviews of long-time owners, but there are no online customer reviews of the Birch Organic Pillow either.

However, I think the Birch Organic Pillow has held up remarkably well after eight weeks of testing it. Of course, eight week of testing is no where near enough to accurately judge the lifespan and build quality of the Birch Organic pillow testing period, but a quick look at its material composition and structure can tell you that its of outstanding quality.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Care and maintenance

One of the things that was a bit of a let down is that the cover is spot clean only, especially when you consider that the cover is removable.

I've tested pillows where you simply pop the cover in the washing machine for a quick and easy refresh, but a spot-clean only cover makes a thorough cleaning harder. That's why I ended up dressing the pillow in washable silk cases after the second week of testing — so you may want to consider doing the same

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Birch Organic Pillow?

If you're looking for a fully organic, eco-friendly pillow, then the Birch organic Pillow is well worth investing in. Its shredded GOLS-certified latex fill is easy to reshape to suit your sleep needs, and back and combination sleepers will be pleased with how crowd-pleasing and accommodating the medium loft is.

The mid height helped me maintain proper spinal alignment whether I slept on my side, front, or back. However, side sleeper with broad shoulder or those who prefer a high-loft pillow or pillow stack will likely need a plumper, taller pillow for optimal support. True-blue stomach sleepers, meanwhile, may need something thinner to prevent neck strain.

The cover is cool and moisture-wicking, and the breathable materials will keep most sleepers feeling refreshed all night. That said, anyone who experiences sever night sweats or overheating may need to invest in a pillow with advanced cooling tech.

I's day the luxury price tag of $159 for a standard matches the premium materials, but there are cheaper latex models out there. The spot-clean only cover was also a let-down.

Overall, this eco-conscious 100% organic and natural pillow really is a pleasure to sleep on, and customers should know if it's right for them two weeks into its 30-night sleep trial.

Buy the Birch Organic Pillow if...

✅ You want a mid-loft for back and combination sleeping: The latex fill is easy to reshape and the loft is in the Goldilocks-zone to keep back sleepers, plus some side and front sleepers like me, supported and comfortable.

✅ You want a cooler, anti-allergy pillow: Every material in this pillow is hypoallergenic and breathable, so you won't sleep stuffy.

✅ You want a fully organic, eco-friendly pillow: This is by far the most environmentally-friendly pillow we've ever tested, with its wool, cotton, and latex all being organic.

Don't buy the Birch Organic Pillow if...

❌ You want a high or low loft: If you sleep with a stack of pillows, or you're a side sleeper with broad shoulders, the Birch Organic's loft won't be high enough for you. On the other hand, many stomach sleepers may need a thinner pillow.

❌ You want an easy clean: If you want a pillow with a cover that's machine-washable, you may need to buy a pillowcase for the spot-clean only cover of the Birch Organic Pillow.

Birch Organic Pillow: Latex Alternatives

Brooklinen is celebrating its anniversary with a massive bedding sale and I'm raising a glass to 50% off the Anniversary Bundle — with a quilt, sheet set, and pillow shams from just $231.16 at Brooklinen, it might be your sleep savior as the weather warms up.

We’ve been impressed with the everyday comfort of Brooklinen products — the Luxe Sateen Sheet Set is among the best bed sheets we've tested thanks to its “luxe vibe” and hotel-like comfort (and it's 25% off in Brooklinen's sale.)

Now is an excellent time to upgrade your bedding, as warm weather is on its way and heat is a known sleep killer. Switching to the naturally breathable fabrics preferred by Brooklinen can help you avoid some sweaty wake-ups.

And is it worth mentioning we’re not far from Mother’s Day? Sunday 10th May — in case your mom deserves a really good night's sleep.

Why now is the perfect time to upgrade your sheets

Spring is a transitional season and as the weather swings from one extreme to another, you might find you spend every other night sweating and the rest shivering.

That's no good for your sleep — your body prefers a mild, even temperature to assist your circadian rhythms.

But the right bedding can help.

Brooklinen uses natural fabrics to ensure consistent airflow, allowing heat to escape and fresh air in. As a result, you should wake up feeling comfortably refreshed, whatever the weather is up to.

Brooklinen sales happen semi-regularly but they're rarely as wide-ranging as this and with such deep discounts. Including a new 40% off bundle deal every 48 hours — so if you can't see a good saving right now, it's worth checking back later.

• Read more: Is sleeping with a fan on bad for you? A respiratory expert weighs in

Other top picks in the Brooklinen Anniversary Sale

If you're waking up multiple times through the night, you're probably wondering why. Whilst there are numerous reasons for frequent nighttime awakenings, one of the most common yet overlooked reasons is your pillow.

Many of sleep on the same pillow for years and without realising that even the best pillows need replacing every two years. Sometimes a new pillow is the culprit, and that's usually because you've chosen a pillow that doesn't suit your sleep style.

Here we're sharing four signs that your pillow is likely the reason why you're not sleeping through the night right now, and how to fix it.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Key sign 1: Neck and shoulder pain. If You keep waking up with a sore neck or shoulders, yet don't have pain in your back, thighs or hips, change your pillow.
• Key sign 2: The sneeze test. If you keep waking up sneezing through the night and don't otherwise have a cold or year-round allergies, your pillow is likely to blame.
• Key sign 3: Your pillow can't hold its shape or support. You have to reshape and re-plump your pillow through the night to feel comfy and supported.
• Key sign 4: Overheating. You're waking up during the night because you're too hot around your face and head.
• The replacement rule: Pillows need to be replaced every one to two years, according to our experts. If you fold your pillow in half and it doesn't bounce back, it's time for a new one.

4 signs your pillow is why you keep waking up at night

1. You wake up with a sore neck or shoulders

According to research, "inadequate pillow support can contribute to neck pain and waking symptoms," so if your pillow is old and sagging, it's likely causing discomfort that will stop you from sleeping through the night.

Instead of cradling your head and neck in the right position, a flattened, saggy pillow can cause stress on the neck that leads to pain.

However, it may also be that your pillow isn't the correct loft to provide adequate support for your body type and sleeping position.

Back and stomach sleepers typically suit lower loft pillows for the best neck and spinal alignment, while side sleepers require a higher loft pillow. If you have the wrong pillow loft, you're not keeping your head and neck supported and in alignment with your spine.

So if you're waking up during the night (and in the morning) with neck and shoulder pain, but don't notice aches in other areas, such as your back, thighs or hips, your pillow and not your mattress, is likely to blame.

Interestingly, one study looked at people with stiff shoulders and neck pain, and adjusted their pillow based on the researchers' 'Set-up for the Spinal Sleep' method.

This involves adjusting pillow height so the head and trunk are properly aligned when side sleeping, the spine is aligned in back sleeping and the pillow is at a height that allows for smooth turning over.

They found that adjustment to pillow height using this method "significantly improved both physical neck pain and somatic symptoms related to psychological and social problems."

2. You wake up sneezing

If your sleep is interrupted by bouts of sneezing, and you don't have a cold or allergies (such as to your bedding materials or pollen), look to your pillow.

It's not the most pleasant thought, but your pillow can actually be a breeding ground for allergens such as bacteria and dust mites, because over time, dead skin cells, sweat and body oils accumulate and can cause them to thrive.

Dust mites in particular can worsen allergy symptoms, Dr. Stephanie Kayode, a Consultant Allergist at Allergy Care London told us, which means you might find yourself waking up sneezing during the night.

“Allergies to airborne dust mites proteins can induce symptoms that include sneezing, a runny nose, a stuffy nose, nose itch, throat itch, cough, wheeze and red, watery eyes,” she explained. “These symptoms make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve good quality sleep.”

If you don't notice that you wake up sneezing during the night when you sleep on a pillow other than your own, allergens such as dust mites may be the cause. However, some people are allergic to certain pillow materials like latex, and feathers and down, so you may also want to check the build of your pillow.

Aside from deep cleaning dirty pillows, Dr. Kayode suggested "using dust mite-proof barrier covers on bedding to completely encase mattresses, pillows, and duvets creates a barrier that reduces exposure to dust mite allergens."

3. You keep waking up to re-shape your pillow

Sadly, even the best pillows don't last forever. As they age, pillows lose their shape and support, which means you might find you're spending an inordinate amount of time trying to plump up your headrest and notice that it's taking you longer to get comfortable on it at night.

A saggy, lumpy pillow can leave you tossing and turning throughout the night and you may find you're having to replump it in the middle of the night, leading to interrupted sleep instead of a smooth snooze.

The founders of bedding brand Scooms,Emily and Jonathan Attwood, told us they "recommend changing your pillow every 1 to 2 years," and added that if "your pillow is too flat or lumpy, then it's time for a change."

If you think your pillow is losing it's shape and support, you can try the 30-second pillow test, a simple way to determine if your pillow is no longer supportive enough.

Do keep in mind that if you're struggling to get comfortable at night, it may also be a sign that you might not have the best mattress for your sleep position.

4. You're overheating at night

If you're waking up at night because you're too hot, it's possible your pillow is the reason why.

If your headrest is responsible, nighttime awakenings due to overheating are likely to be down to the material your pillow is made from.

Memory foam is a common pillow fill, because it's great for pressure relief and adapts to your shape. However, this particular material is also known for trapping heat and not providing great airflow.

Similarly, synthetic fibers can also be heat retaining, and dense down fill can lead to poor airflow.

Although some pillows made from these materials might have added cooling features (think cooling gels in the memory foam or a cool-to-touch cover), you may need to switch to a pillow made from a more naturally cooling material, like latex, in order to better regulate your temperature throughout the night.

Other issues an older or unsuitable pillow can cause

Not all issues caused by your pillow will lead to waking up during night, some may be more noticeable the next morning, or over time.

Below we explore other problems you might experience that could be related to your headrest.

1. Headaches

You may be surprised to learn that morning headaches can actually be associated with your pillow. Your pillow should be keeping your head and neck supported and your neck in alignment with the spine, but if it's not supportive enough, you might end up in a less-than-ideal position at night.

Dr. Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist at Sleepopolis specializing in sleep disorders and neurology told us that putting strain on your neck by sleeping in an awkward position can cause headaches.

As well as replacing an old, sagging pillow, you can check you have the right pillow loft for your height and sleeping position.

But always consult a doctor if you have regular morning headaches, as it could be a sign of a more serious issue, like sleep deprivation or sleep apnea.

2. Skin breakouts

As we mentioned above, sweat, dead skin cells, body oils, bacteria and allergens can build up on a pillow over time. This can effect your skin, particularly if you are prone to acne.

That's because, night after night, your skin is in direct contact with your pillow, which means this bacteria transfers to it and can cause breakouts and aggravate sensitive skin. So if you've noticed your skin is in worse condition, it may be down to a dirty pillow and pillowcase.

Washing your pillow every three to six months can help keep it clean, but washing your pillowcase regularly is just as important.

“Washing your bedding a minimum of once a week in the summer, and a maximum of once every 10 days in the winter, will help maintain a clean surface to lay your head on every night, as well as reduce the possibility of allergens irritating skin," Jonathan Warren, bedding expert and director of Time4sleeppreviously told us.

What to look for in a new pillow

If you've realized it's time for a new pillow, you might be wondering how to find the perfect one for you. We're here to help. Check out the key points to consider when you're on the hunt for your ideal headrest.

• Consider your sleeping position: Depending on if you're a side, back, stomach or combination sleeper, you'll need to choose a pillow that keeps your neck and spine in alignment, which is where our guide for how to choose the right pillow for your sleep position will come in handy.
• Make sure you have the right pillow loft: The loft of a pillow essentially refers to it's height, and pillows come in a variety of lofts which each tend to suit certain types of sleepers. We've explained what pillow loft is and how to choose the right loft for you in our simple guide.
• Consider firmness and shape: Pillows come with different levels of firmness, with firm pillows generally suited to side sleepers (too-soft pillows can cause tension headaches), medium-firm working well for back and combination sleepers and soft pillows a great option for stomach sleepers. You can also find pillows designed in shapes that are particularly suited to certain sleeping positions, like side sleeping.
• Decide which materials suit you best: Not all pillows are made the same. In fact, common materials for pillows include memory foam, latex, down and down alternatives, feathers and polyester fiberfill. What you choose will depend on the type of comfort and support you're looking for, your budget, and any allergies you may have. Check out our guide to the different materials pillows are made from to find out more.
• Think about any specific sleep needs you have: You might sleep hot, in which case, it's important to be aware of the best pillow fillings for hot sleepers. Materials to typically avoid include memory foam and synthetic fibers, while those to consider include latex, cotton, wool and down.
• Consider an adjustable pillow: If you're struggling to find one pillow that ticks all your boxes, an adjustable pillow may be the solution. As the name suggests, they allow you to adjust the fill (and thus the firmness, loft and comfort) of your pillow, which means you can adapt them to suit your preferences (in fact, the top overall pillow in our best pillows guide is adjustable).

Our top 3 pillow recommendations

Adjustable pillows are my favorite kind of pillows to test, allowing me to add or remove fill to create my ideal, neck-supporting height. That's why the Sealy Adjustable Pillow, now down from to $98 to $69 when you buy two at Sealy, is on my radar.

Our best pillow guide is full of customizable picks just like the Sealy Adjustable Pillow — and that's because they support all sleepers. "They position my head in alignment with my body whether I sleep on my side or on my back," said one customer of their Sealy Adjustable Pillow.

This new multi-buy deal from Sealy is one of the best deals you'll find in this month's mattress sales, saving you $29 on two one-size-fits-all pillows. Here's why I think you should invest invest in the Sealy Adjustable Pillow (and adjustable pillows in general)….

3 reasons why you should buy an adjustable pillow

I've tested adjustable pillows before and I've always been impressed with their innovative designs.

Here's three reasons why I love testing adjustable pillows, and why snapping up this Sealy Adjustable Pillow deal is a great investment for your sleep.

1. They tailor to your sleep position

Choosing the right pillow for your sleep position involves making sure that the pillow loft (meaning how high the pillow is) is the right height.

The beauty of an adjustable pillow is that you don't have to worry about it being the right loft when you buy — you can figure out what loft you need by experimenting with the fill, adding or removing the fill to your taste.

2. They're easy to clean

When I got my first adjustable pillow, I thought that cleaning the cover would be a nightmare. Where would I put all that filling when I'm cleaning its cover?

Luckily, most adjustable pillows, like Sealy's, will come with an inner liner that provides a secure net for the filling while your cleaning the cover. The Sealy Adjustable Pillow's cover is removable and machine-washable for an easy clean.

3. They're highly-rated

Adjustable pillows are the most highly-rated designs on the market, with the Tom's Guide Sleep Award for Best Pillow going to an adjustable pillow.

The Sealy Adjustable Pillow is no different, earing 278 five-star reviews out of 440.

"You can remove the filling to get the just right for you feel. It is shapable and gives just the right support for neck and shoulders," said one reviewer.

"The Sealy pillows are like sleeping on a cloud!" praised another.

3 other top-rated adjustable pillows from around the web

Sleep is the first thing affected when I'm stressed, with racing thoughts making it difficult to fall (and stay) asleep — and I'm not alone. According to a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 74% of Americans report experiencing disrupted sleep due to stress.

However, it's now officially Stress Awareness Month, so I've invested in products that help me build a relaxing nighttime routine for better sleep. "Think of your nighttime routine as a gentle signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to power do," says Dr. Bijal Chheda is the Founder of Nos Curare.

I've curated a relaxing sleep kit featuring products that help me unwind, from a cooling weighted blanket for refreshing comfort to a relaxing room mist. I've also included a silk mask, which Dr. Chheda recommends "to block out external light", and the noise-blocking ear plugs that I use every night for a disturbance-free sleep.

As a sleep writer I seem to spend way too much time thinking about bed bugs, which means I'll do anything to keep the blood-sucking critters out of my mattress. Searching for a solution that wouldn't break the bank, the Linenspa Mattress Encasement, which is only $29.99 for a queen on Amazon, appeared to offer the complete protection I craved.

Because once you've found the best mattress for your sleep style, the last thing you want is to then share it with bed bugs. The Linenspa Encasement provides all-round protection for your mattress, forming an impressive barrier against bed bugs, dust mites, and other nasties.

With just one tiny problem: the Linenspa Mattress Encasement bunches so badly I found myself trapped in a tidal wave of bedding. No bed bugs have gotten me yet — but they might still be fighting their way through piles of polyester...

Key take-aways

• The Linenspa Encasement wraps around your entire mattress to protect every surface, helping stop dust mites and bed bugs.
• It's also waterproof to guard against spills and sweat, without the noisy finish you might expect from budget waterproof bedding.
• It can fit mattresses up to 12 inches tall but it your mattress is thinner than that, expect some excess fabric.
• This fabric has a tendency to bunch up, which can be annoying and makes it hard to move around in the night.
• The encasement is also tricky to get on the mattress although once in place, it's easy to care for.

All-round mattress protection

The best mattress protectors sit over the surface of the mattress to prevent sweat, dead skin, and general grime from seeping into your bed.

Encasements cover every part of the mattress. They're like a big envelope that you slide your mattress into, protecting the top, sides and base.

The Linenspa Encasement is zippered with one opening at the foot of the bed. Once the mattress is in, simply zip the encasement closed and you've formed a 360° barrier.

Not only does the Linenspa Mattress Encasement stop dust from plaguing the sides and underside of your mattress — so it's less enticing to hungry dust mites — it forces bed bugs and other critters to fight past an extra barrier if they want to make a home in your bed.

In this area, the Linenspa is impeccable. As a waterproof protector it effectively guards against spills and sweat, while the six-sided protection means I can be less vigilant about vacuuming the underside of my bed.

However, while I'm always excited to share bed bug removal techniques (I've bored many people with the perks of diatomaceous earth), two things stop me from recommending the Linenspa wholeheartedly...

You'll need a nap after installing it

Ever forced your fitted sheet onto one corner of the mattress only for it to pop off the other, while you hold a third corner and scream?

Installing the Linenspa Mattress Encasement is like this, only worse.

I was given the Linenspa by our bedding expert Becky George, who tried and failed to get it onto her queen-size bed by herself.

At first, I thought I too would be broken by the encasement. Trying to identify the open end was like wrestling with a circus tent and I got my cardio for the day running from one side of the mattress to the other as I slowly edged the bedding in place.

But, eventually, my mattress was snug inside it's protector (...ish, more on that later.)

Since then I've had a few goes at removing and replacing the Linenspa and it does get easier with time. Although I'd never describe the process as 'easy' or 'relaxing.'

Luckily once it's on you only need to wash a mattress protector once every month or two (barring accidents.) In the interim, it will sit quietly guarding your bed against mites, until you almost forget it's there.

Now, about that 'almost'...

You have to get the sizing perfect

My biggest issue with the Linenspa Mattress Encasement is that on my 10-inch Siena Mattress, it's baggy. That doesn't sound like much but trust me, it's caused more than a few 3 a.m. wake ups and late-night tantrums.

The encasement is made for mattresses up to 12 inches deep (designs like the HOSPITOLOGY Encasement on Amazon fit taller mattresses.) That means on my bed, there's two inches of spare fabric flapping around.

At first, I thought tucking the excess under the mattress would solve the problem. And it does work — for a bit.

But eventually the loose fabric works it's way free, often uprooting my fitted sheet with it and creating folds of polyester like waves on a choppy sea.

I know what you're thinking; loose fabric is no big deal, right? But changing position in the night is like wading against the tide when using the Linenspa. Even a slight hip shuffle and I'm entangled in the encasement.

It's like sleeping on laundry, and it's been responsible for more than a few bouts of 'middle insomnia.' I wake up briefly for some unrelated reason (not unusual in a healthy sleep pattern,) go to change position, and now I'm wide awake as I fight against folds of fabric.

I'd almost applaud any bed bug that battled its way through the excess of the Linenspa to settle into my bed. Except, none of them have made it yet...

A barrier against dust, bed bugs, allergens... and sleep

The Linenspa Encasement's major flaw is that on my mattress, it's so loose it becomes inconvenient. It bunches up during the night and makes changing position uncomfortable, in a way that's disruptive to my sleep.

However, if you have a taller mattress (11 to 12 inches), or use a mattress topper, the Linenspa should have a comfortably snug fit. Although, you might find getting on the bed to be even more of a hassle.

Despite this, I still consider an encasement to be a key part of a mattress care toolkit, particularly if you're worried about bed bugs and dust mites.

I can't fault the Linenspa's coverage, delivering waterproof protection to every corner of my bed. And it doesn't have the crunchy-crinkle feel you might expect from a combination of polyester fabric and waterproof coating.

It's an excellent barrier against pests — unfortunately, it sometimes stands in the way of good sleep as well.

The crisp, clean white sheets of a hotel mattress create a luxury feel that makes going to bed one of the best parts of vacation. And you can achieve the same fresh finish at home with a product you might already have in your cabinets: citric acid.

"Citric acid is a brilliant natural cleaning agent," explains explains Lynsey Crombie, home cleaning expert. "It can be used on bedding and pillows, but it needs to be used correctly and with care."

As an easy and natural way to make your bed sheets sparkling white, we asked Crombie how to use citric acid to achieve a hotel-fresh feel.

Why hotels use citric acid to clean bed sheets

"Hotels often use acidic-based products to help keep linens looking bright, fresh, and crisp," explains Crombie, author of the 15 Minute Clean.

"Citric acid works in a similar way by breaking down mineral build-up from hard water and lifting dullness from fabrics."

The result is bright whites that restore that "fresh, hotel-like look" (because, yes, white sheets are a must for hotel-luxury.)

She notes that citric acid also acts as an odor remover, neutralizing "smells trapped in fabric," while the natural ingredient is a great alternative to "harsher" chemical whiteners.

Rex Isap, CEO at Happy Beds, adds that hotels use citric acid to clean sheets and pillows because it delivers a "gentle yet effective wash."

How to use citric acid for crisp, clean bedding

"If you want that fresh, crisp finish at home, keep it simple," says Crombie. She recommends following this easy routine:

1. Prepare a citric acid solution

To get a fresh finish from citric acid, begin by diluting your citric powder to make a solution.

Crombie recommends dissolving one to two tablespoons of citric acid in warm water and adding it to your fabric softener drawer or the machine's drum during the wash.

"Citric acid needs correct dilution," explains Crombie. "Too strong can damage materials."

2. Wash as usual

Citric acid can give your sheets a sparkling finish but as Crombie explains, it doesn't act as a stain remover on its own.

"[Citric acid] is better used as part of a routine," she says, and recommends using alongside your usual detergent.

For sheets, we typically recommend a hot wash of 140 °F for a minimum of 90 minutes, to remove germs, dust mites and even bed bugs. However, always make sure to read the care instructions before washing, to avoid damaging the materials.

3. Dry outside

"Combine citric acid use with line drying where possible," advises Crombie. "Nothing beats fresh air for that clean, hotel-style finish."

If you don't have access to a patch of warm sunshine in which to dry your sheets, place them in the dryer on a high setting.

Make sure your sheets are completely dry before dressing the bed. Damp sheets can trap moisture, which can eventually lead to mattress mold — less five-star hotel, more roadside motel.

And for a final flourish, try a spritz of lavender oil mixed with water. Lavender can keep away bed bugs and it's a sleepy, soothing scent.

4. Use sparingly

While a spoonful of citric acid can add some much-needed shine to your sheets, it shouldn't be a part of your regular cleaning routine.

"Citric acid can weaken fibers over time if overused," notes Crombie,

Instead, we recommend using it whenever your sheets start to look dull. A quick scoop of citric acid solution mixed in with your regular detergent will give your bedding the spruce up it needs.

Citric acid alternatives for clean, fresh sheets

Crombie notes that while citric acid can give your sheets the crisp and clean finish of hotel bedding, it needs to be used "correctly, with care"

"[Citric acid] is not suitable for delicate fabrics like silk or wool," she explains, while adding that it should only be used occasionally.

We recommend washing your sheets once a week — by week two without washing, your bed is home to a plethora of bacteria. So how do you keep your bedding fresh in between your citric acid cleans?

• Hydrogen peroxide: Mixed with equal parts water, 3% hydrogen peroxide can remove stains and odors from your bedding.
• Bleach: Part of the reasons hotels use white sheets is because they can be bleached without the risk of fading. 1/2 cup of bleach in a regular wash cycle can remove yellow stains (but never use bleach alongside vinegar.)
• White vinegar: The acidity in white vinegar works similarly to citric acid, breaking down the sweat that's staining your bed sheets when you add a cup full to your hot wash.
• Shaving foam: A popular TikTok hack, the soaps in shaving foam help lift stains from both your bedding and your mattress.

It's hump day, which — if you're anything like me — means you're already looking ahead to the weekend. If your plans largely involve catching up on sleep, shopping the Amazon deals below could set the scene for the best sleep of your life by Friday (thank you, lightning fast delivery).

According to Dr. Clair Grainger, Clinical Lead at Superdrug Online Doctor, "creating the right bedroom environment is crucial" if you're serious about improving your sleep.

"Because lighter evenings can delay sleepiness, it's helpful to reduce lighting in the hour before bed," she explains. Want to create the right atmosphere for ultimate R&R? I've curated my top sleep picks from Amazon, including a light-blocking mask and a sunrise alarm that doubles as a nightlight.

The best hotels understand the bed is the focal point of the room, a haven for relaxation where you can kick back and let go of stress, worry and to-do lists. That’s why the mattresses used in hotels are famous for their high-quality comfort, indulgent support and impeccable finish.

I’ve searched the best of Amazon's Big Spring Sale (plus the best luxury sleep brands online) to bring you everything you need to build a dreamy hotel set-up at home, all for under $1,000. That’s less than a weekend away at a five-star hotel.

The mattress is the centerpiece and I’ve selected the DreamCloud Classic as it’s the best mattress we’ve tested for sheer value. (Also check out our guide to the best hotel mattresses). Otherwise, opt for crisp white fabrics, the preferred hotel bedding color, and don't forget the finishing flourishes, like a calming room spray.

While your pillows may look fresh and fluffy, during regular use they soak up all manner of oils, sweat and drool, creating a hot bed for bacteria and dirt. When not cleaned regularly, this can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions or breakouts.

Tossing your pillow in the washing machine might seem like the easy solution, but rough handling can cause the fill to clump or flatten. And that's just one of the mistakes highlighted by the cleaning experts we spoke to.

Messing up the washing process can ruin even the best pillows that have been carefully crafted for sleepers using high-quality materials. So, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to clean pillows in a washing machine without sacrificing comfort and support…

3 key mistakes everyone makes when machine-washing pillows

When you know just how much bacteria is in your pillow after two weeks without washing, you'll probably feel compelled to clean quickly and thoroughly — the washing machine is the first port of call.

However, everything from the temperature of the water to the amount of detergent plays a role in ensuring your pillows come out clean and fresh.

Below are the common mistakes people make while machine-washing pillows, according to cleaning experts Petya Holevich and Catherine Green:

Using too much detergent

You might assume that more detergent equals cleaner pillows but the truth is a little more murky. Excess detergent gets trapped deep within the pillow filling and is extremely difficult to rinse out fully.

"This leaves a soapy residue that can cause skin irritation, attract more dirt over time, and leave pillows feeling stiff and clumpy rather than soft and fresh," says Green, a sustainable cleaning expert at smol.

The wrong temperature

A hot wash is ideal if you're looking to kill off bed bugs and dust mites but it's not the final word for spotless clean pillows. In fact, hot water can damage the structure of some pillow materials.

"Instead, use a gentle cycle with a temperature of 86 to 104 F (30 or 40°C)," says Holevich, domestic cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services.

Not drying them thoroughly

"Even a little bit of moisture can cause an unpleasant odor," explains Holevich. You also risk your pillows starting to grow mold if you sleep on them when they're still damp.

"If you need to, run several drying cycles," she advises. "After that, leave your pillows in a dry, ventilated area to make sure there is really no moisture left."

Before drying, check the care tag to know if your pillow is tumble-dry-friendly. If not, make sure to properly air-dry it before use.

Can all pillows be washed in the machine?

The golden rule and the most crucial part of washing your pillow in a machine is to check the care tag before hitting the 'start' button.

"The care label is the only source of information that is completely specific to that exact pillow. It will tell you whether it's safe for the machine, whether it needs to be washed by hand, what temperature to use, and how it should be dried," says Green.

The last thing you want to do is machine-wash a pillow that's just not meant to be cleaned this way. But reading the tag is a vital step many people skip, particularly if you're used to bundling your bedding into the machine once a week.

"It's usually the reason a perfectly good pillow ends up misshapen, shrunken, or falling apart after a single wash," reminds Green.

There are some types of pillow that can rarely be machine washed, so pay particularly close attention to the label if you own any of these:

• Memory foam: The agitation and spinning of the drum breaks down the structure of memory foam, causing it to crumble and lose its supportive properties entirely. It's best to spot clean these types of pillow and fully air-dry. Refer to our guide on how to wash a memory foam pillow for more info.
• Latex: "The material absorbs water easily, making it difficult to dry completely and creating a mold- and mildew-prone environment," says Christina Heiser, Content Director at Saatva. Latex pillows should be spot-cleaned only with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then dried flat, away from direct sunlight.
• Buckwheat: "The husks absorb water heavily, making them almost impossible to dry thoroughly," says Green. This once again results in the perfect condition for mold and mildew. Spot clean with a damp cloth and leave to dry fully.

How to wash your pillows in the machine

Now that we understood that bed pillows should be cleaned based on the material, what are the types that can actually be washed in a machine?

According to Heiser, most down and microfiber pillows are machine-washable, using a gentle cycle. Here's an easy 4-step process to follow:

• Prepare your pillows: Take off the cases and inspect the pillow for any rips or tears. This will prevent any fill from coming out and clogging your machine.
• Wash them as a pair: When machine-washing, balance the load by adding a second pillow to prevent the washer from becoming unbalanced (towels also work.) Washing a single pillow makes the machine work harder than it needs to, possibly damaging both the system and your bedding. Remember not to over-stuff either.
• Use a mild detergent: "It's best to use a liquid detergent and only half the amount you'd usually use," says Holevich. Complement this with a gentle cold or lukewarm cycle. Heiser suggests an extra rinse cycle to remove any excess soap, as leftover residue can cause clumping.
• Dry them properly: Use the dryer on a low temperature or air-fluff setting to prevent your pillows from burning or shrinking. "Add two or three tennis balls or special dryer balls to break up the filling and keep it fluffy," adds Holevich.

How often should you wash your pillows?

"Pillows should be cleaned at least twice a year (three to six months) to maintain hygiene and extend their lifespan," says Heiser.

This helps to remove accumulated dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells and the resultant unpleasant odors. However, if you experience allergies or have acne-prone skin, you might benefit from a more frequent washing cycle.

Keep in mind that we recommend changing your pillows every two years. And don't just wait for them to turn yellow — these are the common signs that your pillow need replacing. Still confused? A simple 30-second pillow test will help you decide.

It's a task often at the bottom of the to-do list, but a study by Amerisleep has found that for every week you neglect washing your bedding, more and more germs make themselves at home in your sheets.

We recommend washing your bed sheets once a week, not only for freshness but to avoid sleep disruptions; allergic reactions, itching, and even illness can all result from dirty bedding.

But if you're guilty of looking at your bedding and thinking 'that'll be good for another few days', you might be better off sleeping with your head in the dog's bowl. And no, we're not exaggerating...

Key takeaway: At a glance

• After two weeks without washing your bed sheets are home to 302 times more bacteria than a pet toy
• The most common bacteria found on bed sheets are gram-negative rods, a bacteria linked to infections including pneumonia
• Wash linens at 140°F/60°C to properly kill dust mites and bacteria and not just move them around.
• Dry sheets in direct sunlight where possible, as UV rays are a natural disinfectant.
• Vacuum the top of your mattress surface to remove all skin cells, which are food for dust mites.
• Leave your bed unmade for 30 minutes after waking to let moisture evaporate.

How dirty do your bed sheets get after two weeks?

Comparing swabs collected by volunteers to data compiled by the NSF, an Amerisleep study found that the amount of bacteria in your bedsheets increases massively the longer you go without a wash.

After one week, your sheets are home to roughly 5,000,000 CFUs (colony-forming units) per square inch. By week two, that's jumped to 5,981,000. By week four, it's knocked up to over 11,900,000.

And your pillowcases also see a rapid increase in CFUs, from 3,000,000 after one week to nearly 6,000,000 after two weeks without washing.

To put that into context, a toilet seat has roughly 172 CFU/sq. in. and a pet bowl has around 300,000 CFU/sq. in. Yes, your week two sheets harbor more bacteria than something your dog's mouth touches.

And we're not just telling you this to make you queasy; dirty bed sheets can have an impact on your sleep.

5 key steps to take tonight

By now you're probably feeling thoroughly grossed out — here's what you can do about it.

1. Strip your bed and let it air

If you're planning a full laundry load, strip the entire bed and leave the mattress uncovered so it can air. This means moisture that has become trapped during the night can escape, helping prevent mold.

Alternatively, if you don't have time for a full wash, simply pull back the covers for a few hours in the evening. This still allows sweat to dissipate.

2. Flip your pillow case and change the top sheet

If you're short on time, there's a two-second trick to add some cleanliness to your bed: flip the pillow.

That hides the dirtiest side and gives you something slightly fresher to sleep on. Alternatively, for pillow stackers, switch your top pillow with the one underneath.

Another quick tip is to whip off your top sheet (if you have one) and pop it in a hot wash. You can spend a night without the top sheet and once it's clean, it gives your bed a hygienic boost until you have time for a full laundry cycle.

3. Vacuum the bed

You should be vacuuming your mattress regularly and the best time to do it is when your sheets are enjoying a thorough wash (more on that in a second.)

However, if time is short and you're now uncomfortably aware of that croissant you ate in bed last Sunday, a quick once over with a vacuum can remove lingering crumbs, dander and other allergens.

4. Wash and dry in a hot cycle

A hot wash is the best way to ensure your bedding is completely clean, although we recommend following the care instructions to avoid damaging the fabrics.

Cleaning expert Vanessa Terra Bossart advised us to wash sheets at a temperature of 140°F/60°C to kill all the nasties.

Follow-up with a spin in the dryer or time in the sun, ensuring the sheets are bone dry before dressing the bed.

Damp sheets can lead to the growth of mattress mold, as the moisture becomes trapped within the materials. This is bad news for both your health and the wellbeing of your bed.

5. Set reminders

It's easy to forget just how long you've gone between bedding changes, particularly if the only time you think about your sheets is when you're crawling into them at night.

The solution is to set reminders, so once a week you remember to strip and clean your bed. Now's the time to set that reoccurring alarm, while your skin is still crawling at the thought of all those germs.

How dirty sheets affect your sleep

1. Allergies

No households can avoid dust and after two weeks tucked onto your bed, your sheets are probably harboring a fair few specks.

Pet owners are also likely to find fur and dander becomes embedded in the bedding, particularly if you share a bed with your pet.

And even if you don't let your four-legged friends on to your sleep set up, fur has a way of getting everywhere.

And while the fresh air of an open window is good for your sleep, it can let in pollen which then settles on your bed.

All of this means your good night's sleep can be ruined by allergens. Sleep can be disrupted when you spend the night coughing and sneezing from the allergens trapped in your bedding.

2. Infections

The survey found the most common type of bacteria found in unwashed bed sheets was gram-negative rods, a type of bacteria associated with infections such as pneumonia.

If you've been ill, it's even more imperative that you keep your sheets on a regular cleaning schedule.

The flu virus can live for up to 24 hours on your bedding, turning your sick bed into literally that — a bed that makes you sick.

3. Skin conditions

After two weeks without washing, your pillows harbor more germs than your toilet seat and faucet handle, including more bacilli and gram-positive cocci than your sheets.

You probably wouldn't rub your face against your toilet seat, so it's no surprise an unwashed pillow can cause breakouts and itching. WebMD notes those who experience acne should consider changing their pillowcase every few days.

How often should you wash your bed sheets?

We recommend changing your bed sheets once a week, to keep your bedding, your mattress and your sleep hygiene in top condition.

There are some people who should consider a more frequent washing schedule. For a start, anyone who has been unwell should up their cleaning schedule, to help eliminate lingering germs.

Those with acne prone skin or similar conditions might also consider changing sheets twice a week.

And as allergy season gets underway, high frequency laundry loads can prevent coughing and sneezing from waking you up.

Drying your bedding outside during allergy season is a nightmare if you're prone to flare-ups, but drying them inside can take forever. However, this year I'm armed with a humble home appliance which has saved me time, money and efforts.

I'm talking about the dehumidifier, which allows you to easily dry your sheets, duvets covers and more indoors, no matter the season or sleep-disrupting pollen count.

Here, I delve into the details of how you can use a dehumidifier to effectively dry all your bedding, with insights from Amreen Godhrawala, a bedding expert at Puredown. Let's get straight into it...

Key takeaways

• If you don't want to dry bedding outside during allergy season, dehumidifiers are a great way to dry bedding indoors.
• While not as fast as dryers, dehumidifiers use up to 4800 watts less of energy, making it a cheaper indoor drying option.
• To help bedding dry quicker with a dehumidifier, place bedding strategically on a clothes rack and make sure to shake halfway through.

Is drying your bedding with a dehumidifier effective?

The dehumidifier works by pulling the moisture in the air, which naturally helps to draw out water from the fabric.

According to Godhrawala, this helps in preventing heat damages like pilling or shrinkage which can often be the issues you face when using a dryer.

Worried about mold in your home due to drying clothes indoors? A dehumidifier is the ultimate solution. In fact mold or mildew growth is one of the 5 tell-tale signs that you need a dehumidifier at home.

5 expert tips for drying your bedding using a dehumidifier

Before you invest in one of the best dehumidifiers in the market, these are some extra tips to heed for maximum efficiency:

Tip 1: A standard pedestal fan helps in air circulation, ensuring the dry air reaches every fold of the fabric.

Tip 2: It's better to opt for a dehumidifier with a 'laundry' or 'continuous' mode. This helps keep the compressor running even when the humidity drops.

Tip 3: Arrange your drying rack so the bedding hangs over the air outlet of the dehumidifier. This warm and dry air blowing out will act like a gentle breeze.

Tip 4: I've chosen a dehumidifier which sets off an alarm and then shuts when the water tank gets full, and this has truly been a blessing. No spills, no mess. All you have to do is empty the same to resume the drying process.

Tip 5: Make sure that you run an extra-fast spin cycle post-wash to remove as much physical water as possible before hanging.

How long does a dehumidifier take to dry bedding?

The drying time depends on various factors like the capacity of the dehumidifier, type of bedding material and the room temperature.

However in general terms cotton sheets take much less time, up to 4 to 6 hours to completely dry.

"For heavier bedding items, it may take 12 to 24 hours," says Godhrawala.

Expert tips to speed up drying bedding with a dehumidifier

It pays to stay on top off your laundry: your bed sheets are teeming with bacteria after two weeks without washing. Here's how you can drape your bedding to ensure it dries quickly and evenly, according to bedding expert Godhrawala:

Avoid folding the bedding over the bar

You may be tempted to fit as many duvet cover and bedding cases on a drying rack by keeping one item to one bar, but Godhrawala says this is a no-no.

"Instead, loop it across multiple bars of a drying rack, so that there is a gap between each fabric layer," she shares.

Always unbutton the duvet covers

When you're in a hurry, it's likely that you'll strip the duvet cover without unfastening all the buttons, but doing this can restrict essential airflow for a fast dry.

"If they remain closed, the inside will stay damp long after the outside is dry," warns Godhrawala.

Drape the sheet over the top of the clothes horse

According to Godhrawala, an effective way of trapping all the dehumidifying goodness within your clothes rack is by taking the largest piece of bedding and covering the rack (and the other bedding) completely.

"Let it hang down like a tent with the dehumidifier blowing air into the hollow center of the tent," she says.

Shake and flip halfway

If you want some extra drying power, it helps to do your part during the drying process.

"Give the bedding a good shake and flip it over to expose the damp inner layers halfway through drying, as this speeds up the process further," Godhrawala advises.

Is it cheaper dry bedding with a dehumidifier than a dryer?

"A dehumidifier uses significantly less electricity, around 200-500 watts, compared to a tumble dryer, which takes around 2000-5000 watts," says Godhrawala.

She underlines that while drying using a dehumidifier may take long, the total energy consumption is less. What's more? This way, your bedding will last longer, thus letting you save money on replacements too.

The bottom line...

The method you use to dry bedding is entirely based on personal preference, budget, the home appliances you have, and the amount of space in your home.

While drying your bedding outdoors is quick, cheap, eco-friendly, and naturally brightening, this can pose a problem if it's allergy season and your susceptible to allergens such as pollen.

The dehumidifier, while a little more costly than using the great outdoors as your dryer, is still much cheaper and sustainable than using a dryer. However, if you lack the space for a drying rack, then a dryer may be the best option for you.

According to some sleep studies, adults spend 54% of their night sleeping on their side. Which makes sense. Side-sleeping is not only regarded as one of the comfiest, but also the healthiest out of the three major sleep positions.

However, this cozy position can also exacerbate any neck pain if you're lying on the wrong pillow. As a combination sleeper (side and back) who wastes no time in rolling to my side once deep sleep sets in, I can vouch for the fact that your pillow plays a huge role in soothing or worsening your neck pain.

Having tested some of the best pillows on the market, I've often wondered about the benefits of an ergonomic curved design over the traditional fluffy build for side sleepers with neck pain.

So I've decided to compare the two popular options in our best pillow for side sleepers guide: the Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative and the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck.

Here's a full comparison of the two based on core parameters like comfort, support and budget as well as my personal experience. Scroll down to read more:

Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative vs Tempur-Neck pillow: Price & deals

• A standard Beckham Hotel Collection pillow pack is priced at $59.99
• Tempur-Neck available in three sizes starts from $99 for a small pillow
• Both pillows do not come with a sleep trial

There's a stark difference in price when comparing the Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative pillow and the Tempur-Neck.

The Beckham Hotel Collection is our top budget option in the guide, starting at $79.99 for a pack of two standard pillows at full MSRP.

However, there's 48% off the Beckham Hotel Collection in this year's Amazon Big Spring Sale. That takes two queen pillows further down to $41.98.

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck, on the hand, is pricier, starting at $99 for a small size. A medium is priced at $109, while a large will cost you $129. The good news is that you can often snag decent deal as part of Tempur-Pedic sales, with savings increasing to around $40 off both when buying two.

Holding out for major sale events, like Memorial Day or Black Friday unlocks the biggest savings, with Tempur-Pedic often rolling out 'buy one get one free' deals.

While, like the Beckham pillow, you won't get a sleep trial with the Tempur-Neck, it does include a 5-year warranty and free shipping.

The winner: The bottom line? Even without any sleep benefits, the Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative is the clear winner here, since you're paying just over $40 for a set of two.

Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative vs Tempur-Neck pillow: Design & materials

• Beckham Hotel Collection has a traditional fluffy design made of down-alternative microfiber
• The Tempur-Neck has a unique curved design holding up the neck
• The Tempur-Neck features super-supportive Tempur-foam material

The differences in design are obvious in both pillows, when considering the shape, build and firmness.

The OEKO-TEX certified Beckham Hotel Collection pillow is crafted using down-like 100% polyester microfiber. It also comes encased in a 250 thread count cotton cover which is both soft-to-touch and moisture wicking.

The Tempur-Neck has an ergonomic shape which follows the natural curve of the neck while side and back sleeping. It is made from a single block of super supportive Tempur foam, designed to balance comfort and support, even for those prone to toss and turn during the night.

It's then topped with a hypoallergenic knit cover, which is both removable and washable. Hot sleeper? You can also upgrade your Tempur-Neck at an extra cost of $20, to include heat-wicking cooling yarns into the breathable cover.

The winner: Here, the Tempur-Neck gets the upper-hand due to its structure and build, which especially favors side sleepers who struggle with neck pain.

Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative vs Tempur-Neck pillow: Performance

• Tempur-Neck results in spa-like instant pressure relief which eases neck pain
• The medium-loft Beckham pillow offers plush comfort
• Beckham Hotel Collection down-alternative pillow does not deliver consistent support

During the Beckham Hotel Collection down-alternative pillow review period, I found it offered the kind of plush comfort you'd find in five-star hotel pillows. However, while the down-like comfiness works well for the first few nights, I found out that it can flatten easily.

Unreliable support can exacerbate any existing neck pains or aches and this is why it might not fit those who regularly struggle with similar issues.

On the other hand, I note in my Tempur-Neck pillow review how I was impressed by the soothing pressure relief for my neck, head and shoulders when sleeping on this pillow.

The curved Tempur-Foam effectively moulds to the curve of the neck reducing any stiffness and pressure build up. Restless sleeper? The Tempur-Neck provides consistent support night after night, without the need for any shifting or re-adjustments, even if you're prone to tossing and turning.

The winner: While I'm not someone who regularly struggles with neck pain, I was able to feel the instant difference the Tempur-Neck made to my sleep posture and neck muscles. This is also why it is my top recommendation for side sleepers with neck pain.

Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative vs Tempur-Neck pillow: Which should you buy?

Buy the Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative Pillow if...

✅ You like a traditionally soft pillow: The medium-loft Beckham Hotel Collection suits side and back sleepers who prefer a traditional fluffy feel.

✅ You have a smaller budget: You get two standard pillows for $41.97 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which is considerably cheaper than the Tempur-Neck.

✅ Neck pain isn't an issue: If you're after a luxe-looking plush pillow with no extra benefits to soothe neck pain, the Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative is a great option.

Buy the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck if...

✅ You're a side sleeper with neck pain: The instant pressure relief and consistent support will wonders to soothe your neck muscles and reduce aches and pains.

✅ You need an extra-firm headrest: The Tempur-Neck is easily the firmest pillow I've tested so far. It delivers light contouring and firm support for you neck, head and shoulders.

✅ You prefer a pillow with sleep benefits: The Beckham pillows come with a plush down-alternative fill encased in a breathable cotton cover. No more and no less.

Ready to enjoy five-star sleep? Luxury hotels have perfected indulgent comfort — just think of the times you've slept wonderfully on vacation — but you can achieve the same feel at home with the help of my top hotel bedding picks.

For the full hotel comfort experience, it's worth investing in the best mattress for your sleep style. I recommend the Saatva Classic, our top-rated bed that pairs incredible support with an opulent finish. Or you can go direct to the source, as many of the mattresses used in hotels are now sold online.

But if you're saving money for the vacation fund, you could just focus on updating your pillow. You know that 'ahh' feeling when you lie down in your hotel suite? With a buy one, get one half price pillow sale at Marriott Hotels, you can enjoy that every night. Down and down alternative fills are typically favored by hotels for that plump, contouring comfort.

Hotel beds are also all about layering, creating that 'can't wyait to dive in' look with crisp sheets, silky comforters and natural materials. And make sure to stick to the classic hotel white — it's easy to clean and looks fresh.

Below I've rounded up everything you need to create a full hotel room sleep set-up at home, or to simply add a touch of luxury to your bed...

There's nothing more relaxing than a freshly made bed with clean, crisp sheets. However, it seems that many sleepers are missing out on that refreshing feel as the average American changes their sheets every 24 days.

Yes, that means most US adults are sleeping on bedding that hasn't been washed in up to three weeks. Across the Atlantic, a survey found that 24% of UK adults admit that they only wash their sheets every three to four weeks.

Why is this a problem? I asked Shamsa Kanwal, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer at MyPsoriasisTeam how often you should wash your sheets and why changing your sheets less often can cause sleep troubles.

How often should you change your sheets and why?

While the recommended frequency for washing bed sheets can differ from individual to individual, Dr. Kanwal says once a week is a good target.

"If someone is not very sweaty and does not have allergies, every one to two weeks can be reasonable, but weekly washing is the cleaner and more skin-friendly routine because sheets collect sweat, body oils, dead skin, bacteria, and allergens over time," the board-certified doctor explains.

• Read more: Bed sheets that are unwashed for 2 weeks are teeming with bacteria, study reveals — 5 key steps to take tonight

Who should wash their sheets more often than others?

While weekly washing is the oft-recommended hygiene practice, Dr. Kanwal says that some sleepers may need to change their sheets more often.

"I recommend washing sheets more often if someone has eczema, asthma, a dust mite allergy, oily or very sensitive skin, frequent night sweats, co-sleeping pets, or an illness that they're recovering from," she tells me.

"The same goes for people who exercise before bed, or live in a hot, humid environment, because moisture and buildup sit on the fabric faster," she adds.

When you should wash your sheets more frequently?

It's not just lifestyle factors and health conditions that can influence how frequently you should change your sheets.

According to Dr. Kanwal, the season can influence how often you should change your sheets, especially the hotter months.

"Summer and humid weather are the big ones because sweating increases residue on the sheets," she explains.

Allergy season (usually between March and September in the Northern Hemisphere) may also require more sheet washing.

"Allergy season is another time to tighten the routine, especially for people with pollen or dust mite sensitivity, because bedding can hold on to allergens that keep irritating the skin and airways overnight," Dr. Kanwal advises.

What sheet materials are best for maintaining sleep hygiene?

When choosing the best bed sheets for your sleep needs, Dr. Kanwal recommends picking breathable, machine-washable sheets that don't irritate your skin.

"Cotton is usually the most practical choice because it is soft, washable, and commonly recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin," she says.

The health expert also explains that bedding fiber type can affect skin temperature and thermal comfort during sleep, so it's wise to choose a material with good temperature regulation.

"If someone is very reactive or eczema-prone, I would be more cautious sweat-trapping synthetic fabrics that can increase irritation," she warns.

How to wash wash bed sheets for the best sleep comfort?

While it's best to follow the care label of your bed sheets, as some recommend a cold, gentle wash, a lot of sheets may need warmer water for best results.

"Wash sheets in hot water and dry them fully before putting them back on the bed," Dr. Kanwal advises. "If skin is sensitive, I recommend using fragrance-free, dye-free detergent and skipping heavily scented products."

Side sleeping puts more pressure on your shoulders and neck than any other position. Finding the right mattress matters, but so does choosing a pillow that keeps your head and neck properly aligned to relieve that joint pressure.

As a side sleeper who used to stack flattened pillows in a (failed) attempt to get comfortable, I know what it's like to struggle with sore shoulders and neck strain. Even the best mattress won't save you from neck strain if your pillow isn't supportive enough.

In my years of testing sleep products, I've reviewed a wide range of pillows — including latex pillows, which combine the plushness and breathability of down with the pressure relief of memory foam.

Two latex pillows I've put to the test are the Purple Harmony Pillow and the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow — and trust me, they're quite different from each other.

If you're trying to decide which one would be the best pillow for avoiding shoulder and neck discomfort as a side sleeper, here's what I want you to know...

Key takeaways: Purple Harmony vs Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow

• Coop retails for $149 and comes with a 100-night trial
• Purple retails for $209 and includes 30 nights to try it out
• Choose the Coop for more control over your comfort
• Go for the Purple if you want a pillow that holds it shape

What they feel like to sleep on

As a side sleeper with a broad upper body, one of my biggest issues is finding a pillow that's tall enough to support my head and neck while alleviating pressure in my shoulders and jaw. (I'm prone to grinding my teeth at night. Perhaps some sleep meditation would help me with that issue.)

I've described each pillow as 'soft yet supportive.' My typical preference is for a firmer pillow, but both the Purple and Coop provided enough stability for my head and neck that I found them comfortable throughout the night. (However, it took some time for me to reach that point with the Coop pillow, as I had to experiment until I achieved the ideal amount of fill.)

As latex-based pillows, both the Purple and Coop have a bounciness to them that translates to subtle pressure relief. You might expect them both to sleep cool, as well, but in my experience, the Coop's cross-cut latex and microfiber fill performed better than the Purple's solid latex core and GelFlex Grid in that department.

One trade-off of the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow's versatility is that it requires regular fluffing — I had to reshape my pillow every morning. That wasn't an issue with the Purple Harmony Pillow, which only needed a few minor adjustments throughout the month I tested it.

Purple Harmony Pillow vs Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow: The breakdown

Want to get into the finer details of these pillows and how they compare in key areas? Let’s take a closer look at their design, comfort and support, build quality, and value for money…

Design

The Purple Harmony Pillow and the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow both offer some degree of customization to achieve the proper height for your sleep style and body type. With Purple, I could choose from three pre-fab lofts (5.5", 6.5", or 7.5"), while with Coop, I was able to fine-tune the height by adding or removing the fill.

As a side sleeper with a medium build, I chose the Purple Harmony Pillow with the 6.5" loft, and that ended up being just the right fit. (Purple does offer a 30-night trial, in case you decide you need to size up or down.) Inside is a Talalay latex core surrounded by Purple's HoneyComb GelFlex Grid. The outer cover is a stretchy knit material.

The Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow is packed with an 80/20 blend of cross-cut Talalay latex and microfibers. (An extra half-pound bag of fill is included in case you need to increase the loft or refresh the pillow.) The outer cover is made of cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex.

In addition to a generous 100-night trial, Coop offers a free video consultation if you need assistance setting up your pillow. I took advantage of this offer after I spent the first couple of weeks battling a sore neck due to my pillow being the wrong height. After working with a Coop Sleep Specialist, my adjustable latex pillow became supremely comfortable.

Winner: Coop — I'm giving the edge to Coop here because its adjustable design allows for more precision when fine-tuning the loft. There's also a free consultation to help you set it up to suit your sleep needs. If you prefer a lower-maintenance pillow, on the other hand, choose Purple.

However, neither pillow uses organic latex, so if you're looking for a 100% natural, organic latex pillow, read our Birch Organic Pillow review.

Comfort and support

Both pillows skew on the softer side of medium and have some bounce to them, but as 'jiggly' as it is, the Purple Harmony is deceivingly heavy at just over 4 pounds. (The Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow is comparatively featherlight.)

Provided you select the right loft for your sleep needs, the Purple Harmony will deliver an experience that's on par with the luxury down pillows you'd find at the hotel (minus the constant fluffing required, of course). As a side sleeper, I like how it gently cradled my head and neck while still being supportive enough to keep my upper body in alignment. I didn't wake up with stiff shoulders or a sore jaw.

Once I achieved the right loft for my Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow review, I was able to indulge in its bouncy support and no longer struggled with shoulder or neck pain. Plus, since I occasionally flip onto my stomach, I was able to distribute some of the fill to one side so there would be a flatter portion for me to lie on.

However, the Purple Harmony has a more responsive and consistent surface. The Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow is prone to developing uneven areas under sustained pressure, so it needs to be fluffed daily.

Winner: Purple — Both of these pillows are lush and supportive, but Purple wins this category for its overall responsiveness and consistency. (Also, I'm lazy. I appreciate the lack of fluffing the Purple Harmony Pillow required.)

Temperature regulation

I occasionally sleep warm, so I need a pillow that's not only supportive, but breathable, too.

The Purple Harmony Pillow promises to 'stay cool all night' thanks to its GelFlex Grid, Talalay latex core, and moisture-wicking mesh cover. Unfortunately — and surprisingly — that wasn't my experience with this pillow. It often trapped heat, and I'd have to flip it to the 'cool' side at least once a night.

On the other hand, the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow did a much better job of keeping me at a comfortable temperature. The cross-cut natural latex and microfibers worked well with the breathable cotton and recycled polyester cover to keep the air flowing.

Winner: Coop — I think for most people, the design of the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow will provide temperature-neutral sleep. (However, if you need maximum relief from the heat, consider a specialist pillow instead.)

Build quality

The Purple Harmony Pillow has a lot of heft — it feels quite sturdy. But one of the glaring complaints in my Purple Harmony Pillow review is the series of small pulls I discovered on the outer mesh cover, despite using a pillowcase and following the care instructions. (The cover is machine-washable.)

Meanwhile, the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow has (in my opinion) the best build quality out of Coop's entire adjustable pillow lineup. It looks and feels like a pillow you'd spend a lot of money on, and the outer cover held up well after washing it, too.

Purple offers a 1-year warranty, while Coop provides a 5-year warranty.

Winner: Coop — If not for the flaws in the Purple's mesh pillow cover, this likely would have been a tie. The longer-than-average warranty also speaks to how much Coop trusts the integrity of its pillows.

Value for money

The Purple Harmony Pillow retails for $209 in a standard size. It's sometimes discounted during Purple mattress sales, but you can also shop around for better deals at retailers like Amazon or Target. Purple includes a 1-year warranty and a 30-night trial — although it's worth noting that Purple previously offered 100 nights to trial the pillow at home.

The Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow has an MSRP of $149 for a standard size. Sales are rare, although we'll spot the occasional 20% discount around major holidays and special events. Buying from Amazon can also help you save a few dollars, but you'll lose out on the 100-night trial when you purchase directly from Coop. Either way, a 5-year warranty applies.

Winner: Coop — The Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow comes at a lower price and has longer trial and warranty periods. (And don't forget about the free video consultation if you need help setting up your Coop pillow.)

Would either pillow suit you?

My clear winner is the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillow. It's well-made, a superb value, and (after some trial and error) supremely comfortable for my side sleeping ways. Its versatility lends itself well to combi sleepers, as you can position the fill in such a way that you'll essentially create a 2-in-1 pillow.

My one major caveat is that you'll need to be diligent about fluffing this pillow and keeping the fill at the proper level for your needs. Otherwise, it'll feel less like a dream and more like a nightmare. (Take it from me — sign up for the free setup consultation to save your neck and shoulders.)

As for the Purple Harmony Pillow, I think it has its merits — especially if you like the feel of latex or Purple's mattresses. It's more expensive than the Coop pillow, and the perks aren't as attractive. However, you can still choose the loft height you want, and you won't have to worry about it flattening.

If cooling is your top priority, neither pillow will likely be enough to fight off serious night sweats. In that case, I'd recommend the Coop EdenCool+ Adjustable Pillow, which has a cool-touch cover and gel memory foam fill. It also features dual-sided firmness for greater control over your comfort.

Grandma chic is shaping up to be one of the comfiest decor trends of spring, and I can't wait to give my bedroom a 'vernal' makeover. But it's not all about looks – it's also about creating a relaxing atmosphere for comforting, soothing sleep.

According to studio.no7 interior stylist Taylor Hunt, grandma chic should "truly encapsulate the feeling of visiting an old friend or family member (perhaps your own grandma) and feel like you are at home."

In a recent Instagram post about a bedroom dedicated to grandma chic, Hunt said: "I imagined the people staying here felt nostalgic and cozy." Like the sound of this new 'It' trend for spring? Here are the bedroom picks I'd choose to get started...

I've been sleeping on pillows stuffed with polyester and memory foam fill all my life — odds are, so have you. These are the most common pillow types but organic latex pillows are becoming more and more popular thanks to their non-toxic, eco-luxury support.

So when I started testing sleep products (from white noise machines to the best mattresses,) I set my sights on the Birch Organic Pillow.

Filled with shredded organic latex and wrapped in a soft organic cotton cover, it seemed entirely different to the adjustable memory foam pillow and the polyester pillow I'd tried before.

And this month, I finally added this natural latex pillow to my bed. I've been sleeping on it for over three weeks.

Here's what I thought of the Birch Organic Pillow... and whether it'll be added to our best pillow guide anytime soon.

The organic latex pillow I've been testing...

First, let's take a look inside the Birch Organic Pillow, now $145.03 down from $198.86 at Birch with code TOMS27.

The Birch Organic Pillow is filled with shredded organic latex, which kinda looks like popcorn. Latex is found in the pillows of some of the top bedding brands, such as the Purple Harmony and the Coop Adjustable Latex Pillows.

While Birch doesn't state what kind of natural latex is used in the pillow, I suspect that as it's GOLS-certified, it's the more environmentally-friendly, firmer Dunlop latex.

(To read more about the two kinds of natural latex, take a look at my Dunlop vs Talalay latex comparison guide.)

Surrounding the latex fill is organic wool padding, used for insulation and to wick away moisture.

Topping things off is a cover made from organic cotton for a soft, hypoallergenic sleep surface.

Along with the standard size (the size I tested), there's a king size available. Whichever size you choose, you get a 30-night sleep trial, free shipping, and a one-year warranty.

My thoughts on the Birch Organic Pillow...

Most pillows I've tested (like the memory foam Simba Hybrid Pillow and the polyester-fill Squishmallow Pillow) were shipped in plastic, but my Birch Organic Pillow arrived on my doorstep in a tall, sturdy cardboard box.

Barring plastic wrapping on the pillow, inside the box packaging was kept to a minimum. There were no leaflets, superfluous plastic, or extra things to throw away. Just a plastic-wrapped pillow in a cardboard box — on brand from a company with an eco-ethos.

The pillow was not vacuum-packed or compressed, so I didn't have to wait for anything to expand after unboxing.

As soon as I unboxed the Birch Organic Pillow I detected the sweet aroma of natural latex, the same one I noted when unboxing the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper.

The scent is reminiscent of cupcakes or cookie dough and it's much more pleasant than the off-gassing smell I associate with memory foam.

The cover, in a sandy-beige that's become Birch's signature color, was already on the pillow and I immediately unzipped it to spy on the little latex popcorn pieces inside. Alas, the shredded latex is contained within an inner cover.

I could, however, feel and see the wool insulation, which was as ultra-soft I'd hoped for.

I was a little disillusioned that I couldn't access the latex fill inside, as Birch described the pillow as "easily adjustable to fit your preferred level of plushness."

I took this to mean that the latex was removable, like the fill of the Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow. It's likely the brand means the pillow is easy to plump up or flatten down — which it is — but maybe the website's description could use a more accurate word.

Birch recommends this pillow to people of all three sleep positions and my initial impression was that the low to medium loft (height) is a good crowd-pleaser. Especially after testing the Squishmallow pillow — they call it "medium", I'd say "ultra-high".

If you're someone who likes to stack pillows to reach your ideal height, the Birch isn't for you.

But for sleepers like me, who prefer the support of a single pillow, then the Birch Organic is a great pick. Not neck-strainingly high, but not pancake-flat either.

From the first night, I felt the loft worked in all sleep positions. I'm mostly a side and back sleeper but I've recently found I migrate onto my stomach when I'm stressed or restless.

Whichever sleep position I ended up in, the pillow was comfy and supportive. That's a huge plus, as I often find pillows are too high for my narrow shoulders.

When I initially rested my head on the Birch Organic Pillow, I was surprised by how firm it was. Birch classifies the Organic Pillow as medium-firm but my head would rate it as firm. (Although, I did test the marshmallow-plush Squishmallow beforehand, which might skew my impression.)

Firm pillows are great for people with shoulder or neck pain, or those with broad shoulders, but as I have neither, I was hoping for something softer.

However, three weeks later and I've either become accustomed to the firmness or the materials have gone through that 'break-in period' and loosened up. (It's likely the former, as firmness in a pillow is actually a good thing; too-soft pillows can cause tension headaches.)

Either way, I now find the feel much more comfortable, while the loft has remained un-flattened — it's the Goldilocks zone (just right.)

As for temperature control, I've yet to find myself searching for the cool side of the pillow thanks to its breathable latex and moisture-wicking cotton and wool. But it's been a chilly few weeks where I live, so I'll reassess this whenever warm weather finally arrives.

Overall, I recommend the Birch Organic Pillow to back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and side sleepers like me who have narrow shoulders or don't like their pillow too high. However, side sleepers with broader shoulders should look for something plumper.

The organic, non-toxic materials are also a bonus for eco-conscious shoppers and any hot sleepers looking for a pillow that provides cooling comfort through naturally-breathable materials.

It's also supportive, balancing plush comfort with durable firmness, which makes it an ideal investment for anyone who wants a long-lasting, high-quality pillow.