Sponsored
I Slept On 2025’s Best Pillows For a Week Each – Here’s What Happened To My Body (Australia)
Jenny Brown
07.01.25

For decades, I had been sleeping on whatever pillow I picked up at the shops. When moving residences, I would pick pillows that felt good at the store, but they didn’t perform when I had to sleep on them for eight hours a night.

Finally, I decided to systematically go through a process of testing the best pillows available in 2025.

Here’s the list of pillows I tried:

I was excited to try these pillows because you hear and read so much about them online. Here’s a summary of our findings before I dive into the details below:

  • Dosaze Contoured Orthopaedic Pillow – for the first time in years, I woke up with no neck pain or headache or anything. I don’t think I have slept that deeply in a long time. This was one of the last pillows I tried and was the only one where I clearly noticed a difference in sleep quality.
  • Emma Diamond Pillow – offers customisable firmness and cooling claims, but felt too dense, lacked true cooling, and didn’t deliver the comfort or support expected for its high price.
  • The Ecosa Pillow – this one had adjustability and firm support, but felt too springy, retained heat, and lacked the contouring comfort and alignment I was hoping for.
  • Dunlopillo Therapillo – incredibly firm and supportive for the right sleeper, but the height and unforgiving feel make it a risky pick if you’re unsure of your perfect pillow profile.
  • Dunlopillo Latex – cool, supportive, and impressively durable, but the firm feel and lingering rubber scent might not suit everyone.
  • EPABO – this was a decent budget option, but reviewers found that it flattens relatively quickly over time. Most people also found it too thin and that it didn’t provide enough support.
  • The Koala Pillow – stays cool and airy for hot sleepers, but its springy feel, lack of alignment support, and short warranty left me unconvinced.
  • Sutera – this pillow may suit dedicated back sleepers, but its low center and awkward wings make it uncomfortable for side sleepers, with a return policy that adds extra risk.
  • Minijumbuk – wonderfully cool and soft at first, but it flattened quickly and left my neck unsupported, making it hard to recommend for lasting comfort.
  • TempurPedic – I like the contour of this, but the Dosaze contour was better. I got some relief, but not enough!

Here is our detailed thought process below:

Dosaze Contoured Orthopaedic Pillow

This was the only pillow that I tried where I noticed a clear difference in my sleep quality.

This pillow is top-notch and a cut above the rest.. I used to think it was normal to toss and turn in the middle of the night, but the innovative shape and the quality of the materials of the Dosaze Contoured Orthopaedic Pillow stopped that for me. The innovative shape really works wonders to keep my neck and back aligned, and I was so surprised by how much deeper my sleep was with this pillow. When testing this pillow, I woke up so much more well-rested.

This pillow is great if you are a back, side, combination back and side, or stomach sleeper. Because the centre of the pillow is a different height (lower) than the sides, you can sleep in the centre as a back or stomach sleeper (who usually require lower heights) or on the edges of the pillow (which are higher) as a side sleeper. If you are a combination back and side sleeper, you can sleep on the edges of the pillow when side sleeping or roll to the centre of the pillow when sleeping on your back. You cannot do this on the Sutera pillow (due to the “wings”).

Emma Diamond Pillow

The Emma Diamond Pillow caught my attention with its slick promo: Diamond Degree® graphite foam designed to absorb excess body heat, multiple adjustable layers for tailored support, and a premium, washable cover. It all sounded like a dream for hot sleepers like me, especially with a premium price tag of $258 AUD. But after a week of real-world testing, I walked away a little underwhelmed.

Let’s start with the build. The pillow comes with three internal foam layers: a diamond-infused graphite layer for cooling, a transitional support layer, and a firmer base to adjust loft. In theory, this is great. You can remove layers to suit your sleep style. But in practice, finding the “just right” combo felt like a Goldilocks-style puzzle. The default setup was far too firm for my liking (and I usually prefer a supportive pillow). Removing one layer softened things a bit, but the feel stayed dense and blocky rather than gently contouring.

Some reviewers mentioned it sleeps cooler. I didn’t notice a massive difference. It didn’t overheat, but I wouldn’t call it actively cooling either. The outer cover is removable and machine washable, which is a win, but it didn’t feel as breathable as other performance fabrics I’ve tested.

It’s also a fairly chunky pillow and didn’t fit neatly into my standard pillowcases. Not a huge issue, but at this price, I’d expect a little more day-to-day practicality.

Most importantly, I didn’t wake up feeling more rested or supported. In fact, by day three I was dealing with some mild neck stiffness I hadn’t experienced with my old pillow. I gave the layers another rearrange but couldn’t seem to make it work.

If you like a high-loft, firm-feel pillow and don’t mind fiddling with the setup, it might be a decent fit. And if you run warm at night, the graphite foam could offer a slight edge over basic memory foam. But as a combo sleeper who values easy comfort and adaptability, it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The Ecosa Pillow

The Ecosa Pillow promises adjustable height, ergonomic design, and memory foam comfort. I was genuinely hopeful it’d sort out my neck stiffness. But after a few nights of sleep, I found it just didn’t quite hit the mark.

The pillow comes with three adjustable memory foam inserts, so you can customise the height to suit your sleep style. It sounds great, but the process was a bit fiddly in reality. It took a few nights of trial and error to land on a setup that felt somewhat right, and even then, it still didn’t offer the support I was chasing.

The memory foam itself is on the firmer side. Some might find that ideal, but for me, it lacked the softer feel I usually prefer. It didn’t contour to my head and neck as well as I expected, and I woke up a few times with mild aches throughout the night. I also noticed it held onto heat more than I’d like, which is definitely not ideal during warmer nights, especially in an already toasty room. I also saw reviews online talking about how the more recently produced pillows have suffered a significant drop in foam quality, which may explain some of this.

One other thing worth noting is the size. This one also didn’t quite fit properly into my standard pillowcase (two in a row?). At this price point, I expected a bit more day-to-day practicality.

Ultimately, the Ecosa Pillow didn’t deliver the comfort or versatility I was hoping for. If you like a firmer pillow and don’t mind tweaking the setup, it might suit. But for me, it missed the mark.

You can see that the pillow doesn’t do much to align your neck and back – it is a high quality pillow, but I didn’t find it the most comfortable. I didn’t really enjoy the feel of the latex — a bit too springy for me.

Dunlopillo Therapillo

I’ve tested a lot of pillows, but the Dunlopillo Therapillo might be the firmest one yet. Right away, I could tell it wasn’t going to be soft or plush. When I first lay down, it felt like the pillow was holding my head in place rather than letting it sink. If you like structure and don’t want any give, this could be exactly your thing. For me, it took a few nights to decide how I really felt about it.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked how high and firm it felt. I picked the medium profile, but even that felt a bit tall for my frame. I’m of average size, and I sleep mostly on my side and back, but I still felt like my head was slightly elevated. I imagine that if you’re smaller or sleep on your stomach, this could feel way too aggressive. I looked up some other reviews just to see if others felt the same way, and sure enough, a lot of people mentioned the same issue. Choosing the wrong profile seems to be where things go sideways.

I also saw a few mentions of a chemical smell when the pillow first arrived. Mine had it too. It faded after about four or five days, but I could see how it might bother someone who’s sensitive to odors. One thing that stood out in the reviews I found was the number of people who said it helped their neck pain. I noticed some of that too. It felt like my neck stayed in one place all night, without collapsing or twisting like it does on softer pillows.

What I Liked:

  • It holds its shape and feels stable, especially for side sleeping
  • Seems durable and high quality

What I Didn’t:

  • Too firm if you’re expecting a classic memory foam feel
  • The smell on arrival took a while to fade
  • Choosing the wrong profile is a gamble, and most retailers don’t accept returns once it’s opened

If you’re someone who loves a firm, supportive pillow and you know your preferred height, the Therapillo might really work for you. But for me, the firmness and height combo felt a little too unforgiving. I think it could be perfect for someone who’s broader or strictly sleeps on their back or side. Just don’t expect it to be soft, and make sure you pick the right version, because you won’t get a second chance to return it.

Dunlopillo Latex

I didn’t expect to like this pillow. Latex and I have had a shaky relationship in the past. It’s usually too bouncy, too rigid, or just plain odd. But after a week with the Dunlopillo Luxurious Latex Pillow, I have to admit it performed better than expected.

The dual contour design was a nice touch. I started with the lower side, which supported my neck without pushing it forward. On side-sleeping nights, I flipped to the higher edge for extra lift. It’s subtle, but the flexibility helped me settle into it faster than I thought I would.

The firmness sits right between supportive and forgiving. It doesn’t hug your head like memory foam, but it also doesn’t feel like sleeping on a block. If you prefer a pillow that holds its shape but still has some give, this might be the right fit. Personally, I missed a bit of that deep sink, but I slept uninterrupted through the night, which speaks for itself.

Heat wasn’t a problem at all. The pillow stayed cool every night I used it. The cotton cover is breathable, and the latex itself doesn’t seem to trap warmth.

There were a couple of things I didn’t love. When I first opened the packaging, there was a noticeable rubber scent. It wasn’t overpowering, but it lingered for a few days. I also think the medium profile may be too high for smaller frames.

Still, the overall build quality felt excellent. It’s springy, holds its shape, and seems like it could last for years without sagging. I didn’t fall in love with it, but I came away with respect for what it offers.

EPABO

This pillow is a lower quality version of the Dosaze Contoured Orthopaedic one. It is smaller, made of lower quality materials (filling and cover), and not as comfortable. I found that the memory foam in this pillow (which was not CertiPUR-US certified), was not as comfortable as the memory foam in other pillows. The cover is also a bit scratchy (as it is 100% polyester).

I found that this pillow is okay for back sleeping, but not as good for side sleeping. The contour of the pillow works okay if you sleep on your back (although, again, it was a bit too shallow for me), but when you sleep on your side, the pillow is not thick enough to fill your shoulder gap, which can cause alignment issues. I also found that the foam on this pillow is noticeably firmer than that of other pillows. This does a lot for providing support but doesn’t do much in terms of providing comfort.

While this pillow is a bit cheaper than other alternatives, it is not the best product in terms of quality and might need to be replaced more quickly. The foam is not CertiPUR-US certified. Add to this the fact that the pillow only offers a 3-day trial (and sometimes it can take that long to get used to a new pillow) and does not come with a warranty, and this pillow is a bit of a punt. This cheaper version might work for you, and it might not – and you won’t have much time to decide.

The Koala Pillow

The Koala pillow is good for someone looking to try something new. It definitely takes some getting used to (and you may very well like it a lot), but it wasn’t for me. This pillow is probably better suited for someone who tends to sleep very hot – the gel foam is breathable, and I did notice that I slept cooler throughout the night.

However, the latex is pretty “springy” and honestly provides a bit too much resistance against your head – for me personally, this pressure was a bit too much to handle.

The pillow also does not promote alignment in any particular way, so your head, neck, and spine may get out of alignment. If you are looking for a pillow for neck pain, this pillow may not be for you.

Although it may be a good choice for some people, I’m a little concerned about how long the gel foam can hold up. I was expecting a $150 pillow to have a longer warranty, but Koala only provides a one-year warranty on their pillows.

Sutera

As you can see, this pillow is a decent solution for exclusively back sleepers, but it does not work as well for side sleepers. Add to that the fact that the return policy and warranty isn’t the best, and purchasing this pillow is a bit of a risk. That being said, it isn’t the most expensive and it could work for you if you try it out – just be sure you’re willing to keep it if it doesn’t work! (or risk not being able to return it or having to pay a substantial fee to return it).

The biggest issue here is that the centre of the pillow isn’t high enough for side sleepers, and the “wings” get in the way and aren’t comfortable for side sleepers if you try to sleep on them (see above).

Minijumbuk Breathe

I was drawn to this pillow because of its promise of natural fibers, breathability, and support. After sleeping on it for two weeks, I’m honestly torn. There are some things I liked, but there were just as many frustrations.

Let’s start with what worked: the cotton and wool construction felt cool, even during warmer nights. I never woke up sweaty, which was a great change from denser memory foam pillows. The pillow’s surface was soft, and I could tell it was made from quality materials. For a while, I thought it might be my new go-to.

The biggest issue was how quickly the pillow lost its shape. After a few nights, it felt like there was a dent forming right in the middle where my head rested. I found myself flipping it several times during the night just to find some loft again. I also noticed it flattened faster than any pillow I’ve tried recently. Based on what I read online, I’m not the only one who experienced this problem. Some people even mentioned the pillow felt like it collapsed to almost nothing after a month or two.

In terms of support, I found it inconsistent. On good nights, it felt cushioned but didn’t actually keep my neck aligned. I sometimes woke up with a slight kink, especially if I shifted onto my back. The lack of contouring meant my head moved more than it should have, and I missed the structured support of other pillows I’ve tested.

On the positive side, the pillow’s coolness and softness were standout features. But between the flattening and lack of reliable support, I couldn’t see myself using this long-term. I really wanted to love it, especially since it’s Australian-made and uses quality materials, but it just didn’t deliver the performance I need for a comfortable night’s sleep.

TempurPedic

Best known for their mattresses, this Swedish brand also offers a decent range of foam pillows available through Aussie retailers. It is ergonomically-sound and made with memory foam in order to give you solid support when you’re on your side or back. Additionally, the pillow is contoured in order to curve naturally around your head, neck, and shoulders to prevent any unnecessary stress or pressure on pivotal joints. While the polyester outer layer can be removed and machine washed, it’s important to note that this product can be tricky to fit into standard pillowcases.

This is a great pillow produced by a well-known company. You can tell by feeling the memory foam that it is high quality. This is a great pillow for side sleepers, but it isn’t as good for combination back and side sleepers. The primary reason for this is that the contour is merely a single “wave” – this wave doesn’t prevent your head from moving side to side as a back or combination sleeper, and so it doesn’t align your neck as well as other contoured memory foam pillows.

When I lay my head down on this pillow, it feels a bit too firm. While I feel supported, the foam kind of hurt my ears (especially when I slept on my side).

If you’re looking for a trusted name in the industry, this is a good option. However, I feel as though there are other, better designed pillows in the market. This company specialises in mattresses, and while their pillow offering is good, it isn’t the best available, especially for the price.

NOTE: Home Hacks has relationships with some of the brands listed above and may get compensated if you purchase any of those items.

Advertisement