“A quality pillow can be single most important investment you make in a good night's sleep. Old pillow, and pillows overdue for washing machine, can significantly downgrade sleeping experience,” says Dan Schecter, Carpenter Company’s vice president of sales and marketing, consumer products division. “We’re seeing an increased demand for well-researched products that answer this need.”

The ideal pillow should be able to support neck in ideal position, regular replacement is also necessary too. Believe or not, one recent study found out that up to half a kilo (about 1lb) of skin, hair and microscopic organisms live in old pillows!

Here are a few points you should consider when choosing and buying your next sleeping pillow:

1. Pillow Fills

There are only two basic choices: either natural or synthetic. Natural pillow fill consists of feather, down, or a combination of both. Synthetic fill is most made of polyester.

Needless to say, you get what you paid for. The best natural filled pillows are made of down and will provide long-lasting, comfortable and luxurious head and neck support. Feathers are also very soft but not quite as fluffy as down, and provide firmer support.

Of course, if you are allergic to down or feather, your only choice is a polyester filled pillow. With current advanced technology, some brands of good quality synthetic pillows also provide most supportive and comforting, but make sure you buy products from well-known manufactories.

2. Thread Counts