Cotton, Silk and Wool Pillows

Natural fibers are luxurious, but short-lived

After down and feather pillows, pillows filled with natural fabrics like cotton, silk and wool can be considered the most luxurious (and have correspondingly high price tags). The advantage of these materials is that they're soft and comfortable, all-natural and hypoallergenic. They're also easy to maintain, provided you follow the directions when washing or dry cleaning them.

Based on what we've read, though, it seems that the disadvantages of natural fabric pillows far outweigh their advantages. First, experts say they tend to lie flatter than other pillows, lacking the "plump" feel of down or feather pillows that many sleepers look forward to.  Hand-in-hand with this lack of plumpness is a corresponding lack in neck support; according to SleepLikeTheDead.com, this is a particular problem with cotton pillows, which tend to become uneven, lumpy and hard over time.

From a hygienic standpoint, though, the biggest problem with natural fabric pillows is their high absorbency. While this makes them easy to wash, it also makes them good at absorbing perspiration, facial oils and whatnot.