Recommended by Abigail Buchanan
I liked sleeping on this pillow far more than I thought I would based on first appearances alone, as it is flat and – to be frank – a bit odd looking. It is 60cm in length, so slightly shorter than the standard 70cm, which means it looks a little sad and small in my pillowcase. However, I rapidly changed my tune when I lay down on it. It is supremely supportive and comfortable once you lie down, and the hypoallergenic bamboo pillow cover is very soft to the touch.
A balance between good support and comfort is another element that Bastine outlines in explaining what makes a good pillow: “Sometimes you fall asleep on your side and wake up on your back. A good pillow should move to the way you’re lying.
“Comfort and supporting your spine and the natural curvature of your spine and taking weight off the pressure points in your body is really crucial to creating a sense of weightlessness. The less pain that you’re in, the less discomfort that you’re in, the more likely you are to be able to stay still, and staying still is crucial for good sleep quality.”
The Panda pillow is lighter and softer-feeling than other memory foam models, which I like as it feels more like a pillow and less like a medical headrest. You still get individualised support from the memory foam that makes up the pillow’s core, which moulds to the shape of your head and neck. Another criticism usually levelled at memory foam is that it retains too much heat, but this pillow felt supremely breathable – perhaps because of the bamboo cover.
If you have sensitive skin, this could be the pillow for you, as it is OEKO-TEX certified free from irritants and chemicals, and the soft, smooth bamboo cover is naturally antimicrobial.
Panda London is justifiably proud of its sustainability efforts: it uses organic bamboo from sustainable sources that is free from pesticides; and as well as using recycled and recyclable packaging, it offers a recycling programme and will collect your old Panda pillows free of charge. It also offer a 30-night trial and 10-year warranty as standard.
