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Panda memory foam bamboo pillow review
Review scorecard
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief.
- It can help alleviate neck pain.
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.
- Suitable for all sleepers.
- 30-night sleep trial.
- 10-year guarantee.
Cons
- The pillow may have a slight initial odour.
- It may feel warm to some.
- Published:
- Written and tested by: Tony Brown
- Topic: Pillow reviews
Getting a great night’s sleep starts with choosing the right pillow. The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is a great option for those looking for an alternative to a traditional pillow. It is made from pressure-relieving memory foam and has a soft, breathable bamboo cover that offers a luxurious feel. It is exceptionally supportive and can help alleviate head and neck pain.
Who is Panda London?
Founded in 2015, Panda London is a UK-based bedding company that manufactures eco-friendly and sustainable sleep products, primarily made from bamboo.
Caring for the planet is at the heart of Panda London’s ethos. They produce their products in a way that minimises the impact on the environment. This includes sustainably sourced bamboo from FSC-managed forests, plastic-free bedding, biodegradable and recyclable packaging, and the use of non-toxic materials.
How I tested the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
I tested the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow over several nights to ensure I provided an honest and fair review. I tend to switch between sleeping on my side and stomach throughout the night, allowing me to assess how the pillow performs across different sleeping positions. I sleep on an Emma Original mattress, which has a medium feel, so I do not sink too far into the mattress.
The delivery process
The pillow arrived on time with 24-hour tracked delivery. I received tracking details and a one-hour delivery window on the day. It was neatly packaged in a recyclable cardboard box.
Pillow shape and design
The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is rectangular, measuring 60 cm x 40 cm. Because it is made from memory foam, it retains its shape and loft well. It does not require regular fluffing or plumping like a traditional pillow.
The pillow has a removable cover and can be used with or without a pillowcase. It fits inside a standard UK pillowcase, but you can also buy matching bamboo pillowcases directly from Panda London. The pillowcases are the same size as the pillow and are made from 100% bamboo. They have a smooth, silk-like texture and a soft, luxurious feel.
The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is also lightweight and compact, making it suitable for travel.
What is the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow made of?
The pillow has three layers of memory foam, and the removable cover is made from a blend of 70% bamboo and 30% polyester. The black panda logo is also embroidered on the pillow.
Memory foam filling
Memory foam is made from polyurethane and softens in response to heat and pressure. It conforms well to the head and neck and returns to its original shape when pressure is removed. Memory foam can help relieve pressure and alleviate neck and back pain. It is also hypoallergenic, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.
Bamboo cover
Bamboo is a natural material known for its strength and durability. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach its full height in just a few weeks. Bamboo does not require pesticides or fertilisers and can be grown organically. It is generally considered a sustainable resource and good for the environment.
The Bamboo fabric is highly breathable, soft, and gentle on the skin. It is considered a good choice for allergy sufferers because it is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and naturally resistant to dust mites, mould, and other common allergens.
Comfort and support
Although Panda describes the pillow as orthopaedic, it is not as firm as I was expecting. I would describe the pillow as having a medium feel. It has plenty of cushioning, and the surface feels soft and gentle against my face.
Some reviews suggest it may not suit back or stomach sleepers because of its high loft. However, I often switch between sleeping on my stomach and side, and I have not found this to be an issue. While the pillow is deeper than my Tempur Original pillows, the memory foam provides enough ‘give’ to cushion my head comfortably.
My head does not sink too far into the pillow, nor does if feel pushed up in an unnatural position due to the loft. The pillow supports me just right, and I do not experience any strain on my neck, head, or spine.
Panda London suggests that it may take a couple of nights to adjust to the pillow and soften slightly with use. Having slept on memory foam pillows for the past 15 years, I immediately found the pillow comfortable. However, if you are switching from a traditional pillow, it may take a little longer to adapt.
The pillow also has a quick response time. Unlike most memory foam pillows that slowly return to their original shape when pressure is removed, the Panda pillow bounces back almost immediately.
Is the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow hot?
While some memory foam pillows can feel warm, the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow has a breathable bamboo cover that helps keep the sleeping surface cool and comfortable. Bamboo is a natural material known for its temperature-regulating properties. This helps the pillow stay cool in summer and warm in winter. From my experience, I have not found the pillow hot. However, some people more sensitive to heat may have a different experience.
Does the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow smell?
Some memory foam pillows release a slight odour when first unpacked, a process known as off-gassing. This occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in manufacturing are released into the air after being trapped inside the packaging. While the smell can be unpleasant, it is generally not harmful and should dissipate within a few hours.
Panda London suggests that a mild scent may be noticeable in some of their memory foam products. However, their products are free from harmful chemicals. I did not notice any smell when removing the pillow from its packaging or while using it, even with my face close to it during sleep.
Ease of care
The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow has a soft, removable bamboo cover you can unzip and machine wash using a mild detergent on a cold 30-degree setting. After washing, allow the cover to dry naturally. Avoid tumble drying the cover to avoid damage or shrinkage. The cover is easy to remove and put back on the pillow after washing.
The pillow itself is not machine washable, as doing so can damage the material, cause it to lose its shape and support, and void the manufacturer’s guarantee.
30 night-pillow trial
Unlike many retailers that don’t accept pillow returns for hygiene reasons, Panda offers a generous 30-night sleep trial. This allows you to try the pillow from home with the option of returning it for a full refund (including postage) if you are not completely satisfied.
10-year guarantee
While most pillows need replacing after 2 to 4 years, the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow comes with a 10-year guarantee against defects in materials or workmanship. This gives you peace of mind that the pillow will remain supportive and stand the test of time.
If you purchase your pillow from a retailer, you must register the product with Panda to qualify for the guarantee. However, if you buy directly from the Panda website, your pillow is automatically registered for the full guarantee period.
Value for money
The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is a great option if you’re looking for a good-quality, mid-priced pillow. It includes a 10-year guarantee and a 30-night trial, giving you peace of mind that you can return it if it is not right. I will use the pillow regularly and feel it offers excellent value for money.
Final thoughts
Having worked in the bed industry for several years, I’ve tested hundreds of pillows and helped many shoppers find the right one, so I know what works and what doesn’t. Overall, I am impressed with the quality of the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow. It is comfortable, supportive and competitively priced. I also appreciate Panda London’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce the impact on the environment.
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About the author
Tony Brown is the founder and creator of The Bed Consultant. His career in the bed industry began in 2002. After graduating from university with a degree in Business Administration, Tony joined one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the UK as a bed consultant. Tony has helped thousands of customers find the perfect mattress.
