Back sleepers will find a medium-to-firm pillow will offer more cushion.

And stomach sleepers should choose an almost flat pillow to ease neck strain.

A sore neck or shoulders are often the result of muscle tension and if these areas are poorly supported at night, the muscles will not relax, resulting in intensified aches and pains.

Most experts also advise changing the pillow every 12-18 months.

Pillows can harbour skin cells, mould, mildew, fungus and dust mites.

And they may worsen headaches, neck pain, shoulder and arm numbness, discomfort, sneezing and wheezing.

Many pillows are made with synthetic fibres or foam, making them ideal for those with allergies and easy to wash.

In recent years, memory foam and latex pillows have enjoyed increasing popularity among people looking for additional neck support.

Down or feather pillows are favourites of luxury hotels but for some people they can cause allergic reactions.

Other types of pillow include orthopaedic varieties or those designed to eliminate snoring.

Sealy stocks a number of pillows including feather, down, or a combination of both.

The stuffing is able to be moved around allowing for the most support where you need it. The higher the fill power, the more loft the pillow will have.

For the latest in technology, the Italian-made Technogel pillow at GOD and Sogo is said to mould itself to each individual, evenly distributing pressure over the entire contact surface.

This helps reduce pressure on tense muscles and leads to an improvement in blood circulation and to a reduction in the number of times you move around at night. The gel substance is also designed to stay cool, while the surface discourages the growth of bacteria and mites. To clean, it just needs a wipe with a damp cloth.

Also at Sogo, the Pro-Pilo uses hypoallergenic sensor foam. Created by a medical doctor, it works with the natural curve and alignment of the body to relax the neck and cradle the head.

The pillow contains no latex, adhesives or dust so is perfect with those with asthma, allergies or sinus problems.

Sinomax has a wide variety of unique pillows.

The Aloe Beauty Pillow incorporates the unique healing properties of Aloe Vera and memory foam to increase comfort levels and provide a calming night's sleep for those with sensitive skin prone to contact rashes.

Sinomax's Carbon Bamboo Pillow features an exterior that is gentle on sensitive skin and draws moisture away in hot weather.

Bamboo and carbon have excellent absorption properties and are able to naturally adjust the levels of humidity in the air to provide a comfortable sleeping environment.

During winter, bamboo's unique insulation properties generate an ideal amount of warmth.

The memory foam interior is designed to reduce neck and shoulder pain.