Do $1,000 pillows really improve sleep?
A Guardian investigation examines whether pricey pillows such as Hästens’s $725 High Firm and Beddoc’s $1,035 Therapeutic offer real comfort, drawing on expert advice, consumer anecdotes and price comparisons to show that the best pillow depends on individual sleep habits.
The Hästens High Firm Pillow costs $725, and the Beddoc Therapeutic Pillow is priced at $1,035. In 2026, the Guardian reports on the cost and comfort of these pillows, asking whether the high price tag translates into better sleep for Australian consumers.
Luxury Brands and Their Prices
The Guardian’s feature begins in a Hästens showroom in Sydney, where the Swedish brand’s signature blue-and-white mattress sits beside a range of premium pillows. Emily Blunt is quoted as a fan, having gifted a Hästens pillow to co-star Cillian Murphy. Two of the most expensive options highlighted are the Beddoc Therapeutic Pillow at $1,035 and the Hästens High Firm Pillow at $725. Other pillows mentioned include Dunlopillo’s Luxurious Latex Contour Pillow ($189.99), Ikea’s Klubbsporre ($49.99), Sheridan’s Pure Indulgence Feather & Goose Down Pillow ($449.99), and Emma Diamond Pillow ($269).
| Pillow | Price |
|---|---|
| Beddoc Therapeutic | $1,035 |
| Hästens High Firm | $725 |
| Dunlopillo Latex | $189.99 |
| Ikea Klubbsporre | $49.99 |
| Sheridan Pure Indulgence | $449.99 |
| Emma Diamond | $269 |
The article notes that the Dunlopillo range is the only pillow line endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Expert Opinions on Pillow Effectiveness
Sleep specialist Emilia Axelsson demonstrates how pillow height can affect neck strain, recommending the Beddoc for its ergonomic core and the Hästens for side sleepers needing more height. Dr David Cunnington, a sleep physician, cautions that “a pillow can improve comfort, but it can’t solve a sleep problem.” He argues that sleep is influenced by many factors, and that buying a new pillow may give people a sense of control when other causes are hard to change. Cunnington also warns that the pursuit of perfect sleep can become counter-productive, as the effort to chase it can make it more elusive.
Consumer Experiences and Alternatives
Mining engineer Samuel Paterson, who has spent “so much on pillows” that his cupboard is a graveyard, admits that a Dunlopillo pillow helped reduce morning stiffness after long underground shifts. Physiotherapist Trudy Rebbeck attributes neck pain to modern sedentary lifestyles, noting that movement, muscle strength, stress, general health and sleep quality all play a role. She stresses that pillow design should start with height and alignment, and that mattress firmness also matters.
Sleep research student Claire Boland recounts stealing a hotel pillow, then buying Sheridan’s luxury pillow for $449.99 and later the Emma Diamond Pillow for $269. She concludes that the Emma pillow, though less glamorous, better matched her actual sleep habits and made her forget about the pillow altogether.
What Makes a Pillow Right for You
The Guardian piece emphasizes that no single price tag guarantees a perfect fit. The author’s own testing of five pillows-ranging from ergonomic memory foam to luxury goose down-led to the conclusion that the Hästens High Firm Pillow was the favourite, despite its $725 price prompting a guilty feeling. The article ends by noting that the quest for the perfect pillow has only one answer: it’s personal.
