Down:Perhaps the most traditional pillow fill, down is the soft, fluffy feather found beneath the outer, harder feathers of many birds. Most down pillows contain goose down, and some contain down mixed with feathers. Down is known for its durability, but it may bother some people with allergies or asthma. Another issue I encountered with testing other down pillows is a strong, musty smell that lingers long after first use. That didn’t apply to this one. I also noted that there is no sign of the feathers or down poking out through the tightly-woven cover. While you probably could do this, we wouldn't recommend you look for a “side sleeper knee pillow”. Why? Well, quite frankly, almost any decent knee pillow can be a “side sleeper knee pillow”, so you'll want to get a bit more familiar with the certain types. Gordon SJ, et al. (2011). Your pillow may not guarantee a good night's sleep or symptom-free waking.

Given that we’ve finally cottoned on to the importance of a good night’s sleep for our health and wellbeing, it is staggering how many of us will put up with a pillow that is too flat, too tall, too soft or too hard. These days brands like Simba, Tempur and Panda all have different types of pillows for different sleeping positions. So there’s no excuse for hanging on to an uncomfortable pillow.No matter how many fancy words you see in the ads for these pain-relieving pillows – don't bother yourself with finding the “perfectly firm/soft” pillow. It pretty much doesn't matter. Marketing hype shouldn’t drive your decision-making as you shop for the perfect pillow. Companies may claim that their pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud, works well for all sleepers, and stays cool all night. Instead of being swayed by advertising, it’s best to evaluate the facts. Pillows are constructed with a variety of materials. Understanding what these materials are and how they generally perform will help you determine which pillows best fit your needs. Terry Cralle, registered nurse and clinical sleep educator, sleep industry consultant, phone interview, October 27, 2015

Dust mites and other allergens can also accumulate in pillows if you neglect to wash and replace your pillows regularly. One study from the University of Manchester found that the average pillow that has been used for more than 18 months contains at least a million fungal spores. Knee pillows can help relieve your sore knees by evenly distributing weight while lying down, taking pressure off joints and ligaments that cushion the knees. Plus, they come in various different shapes to suit any sleeping position, so no matter how you sleep, an hourglass or memory foam pillow will provide relief for your aching joint. The best part? They work just as well on chairs as they do on beds, but more on that later! Finally, even if you're just a casual hiker, you might find yourself dealing with some joint discomfort after a long day on the trail. Again, a knee pillow can help take the pressure off and give you some relief. A heart-shaped knee pillow is the smallest and this is the one that just slides between your knees to keep them apart.Knee pillows are specially designed to support the knee joint while you sleep. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all serve the same purpose: to take pressure off of your knees and help you get a good night's sleep. This down alternative pillow stands out for its temperature-regulating cover that's made with Outlast viscose which stores and releases body heat to prevent you from overheating while you sleep. Unlike other cooling pillows that feel initially cool to the touch, we found that this one works all night long to help keep you at a comfortable temperature. The Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow is composed of three chambers. The soft pillow contains down in all three chambers to provide a plush, lofty feel. The medium and firm pillows contain feathers and down in the inner chambers, surrounded by a layer of down. This design enhances support in the core while keeping the surface soft and fluffy. The shell is composed of 100% cotton. The company’s unique TEMPUR material, made of open-celled viscoelastic foam, is designed to cushion you as it contours to your body. But it’s also responsive enough to maintain its shape through regular use.