Things to know before you buy a new bed pillow

Though I agree with our celebrity panelists that soft sheets (Alyssa Milano), a roomy nightstand (Jewel), and a great comforter (Lindsey Vonn) are all critical to a good night's sleep, my bedroom must-have is a fantastic, super-comfy pillow. And while what makes for a great pillow is definitely subjective, there are a few things that everyone should know before they shop to make sure they're getting the best possible option. Here's a breakdown of the key considerations:

Down vs. Synthetic. Personally, I love a down pillow. They're definitely more expensive than synthetics, but they're supremely plush and cozy. I finally made the switch a couple years ago, and I'm never going back. There are different kinds of down but the two main options are goose and duck. Goose tends to be a little more pricey, and offers slightly better insulation. Many manufacturers mix feathers with down to cut prices-the more feathers, the cheaper the pillow since it takes a lot more down to fill a pillow. For those with allergies, look for down pillows with allergy free warranties (Pacific Coast is one company that offers such guarantees). In these cases, the feathers/down have been "hypercleaned" to remove all the dust and allergens that usually leave people stuffed up and sneezy.

Density. You'll want to choose based on how you sleep. If you sleep on your side, you're probably going to want a firm pillow. Opt for medium weight if you're a back sleeper, and if you sleep on your stomach, go for soft.

Fill power. The higher the fill, the longer the fluffiness or firmness is going to last. Look for pillows in the 500-800+ range to make sure you're getting a quality product.

Thread count. Despite the fact that you're going to use a pillowcase, it's important to note the thread count of the pillow cover to make sure the weave is tight enough so that the feathers won't escape. 250 is a good minimum.

Price. Pillows can get pricey-especially if we're talking down. To stretch out your budget, consider getting only two down pillows and opting for less expensive synthetics for the rest. As design expert Michelle Morgan Harrison suggested, it's nice to layer pillows (on a queen size bed, you probably want two large euro-size pillows, which are great for leaning on when you're reading, then two standard size sleeping pillows, then two standard size pillows with decorative shams). I propose splurging on the ones you actually sleep on, and skimping on the rest.