Considering how ubiquitous pillows are -- and how essential they are to a good night's sleep -- we found surprisingly few comparative, methodological reviews of various pillow types and materials.  That's why we are especially impressed by SleepLikeTheDead.com, which compiles user reviews of various pillow types, offering thorough profiles listing the pros and cons of different materials. We also consulted retail website AllergyBuyersClub.com, which is straightforward about the pluses and minuses of the various types of pillows sold on the site, as well as two major newspaper articles (one from The Boston Globe and one from the Washington Post) about pillow health. Finally, we rounded out our sources with pillow reviews and buying guides from the likes of Prevention magazine, the medically reviewed Spine-Health.com and CBS' morning news program "The Early Show."

Here's what you should keep in mind when shopping for pillows:

  • Know when your pillow needs to be replaced. According to Real Simple magazine, there's a simple test for deciding whether it's time for a new pillow: If you fold your pillow in half, and it doesn't unfold at least partially on your own, it's time to hit the store. Ditto for any pillow you've been sleeping on for more than two or three years, since its filling is likely contaminated by dust mites and other allergens.
  • Don't be fooled by price. According to experts, even the most glamorous down, feather, wool and silk pillows aren't necessarily more functional (or healthier to sleep on) than much cheaper latex, polyester or buckwheat pillows. Your first consideration should be the pillow's shape, firmness and durability; you can take care of any esthetic issues with new pillow covers.
  • Consult your doctor if necessary. If you're shopping for a new pillow because of neck or back problems, you may want to ask your doctor or chiropractor for a recommendation. By describing how you tend to sleep (on your back, on your side, constantly shifting) an experienced doctor should be able to recommend the proper pillow type.
  • Don't count on long-term durability. Based on our research, it seems that you might be better off buying cheap pillows on a regular basis and replacing them every year or six months when they lose their plumpness, rather than opting for more expensive pillows that likely won't last longer than one or two years.
  • Remember that your pillow is only as good as your bed. Even if you buy the healthiest, most supportive pillow in the world, it won't counteract the effects of a lumpy, broken-down mattress. Consult our mattress report for more information about the best mattress types to go with your new pillows.

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