We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best pillow sprays that helped testers sleep more deeply and fall asleep faster
The sprays and mists that make climbing into bed feel like checking into a luxury hotel
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & Fitness Tester
Spritzing a mist over your pillow before you fall into a sweet slumber is the stuff dreams are made of. Studies suggest that scents such as lavender, which are commonly found in pillow sprays, can help calm your nervous system and prepare your body for sleep.
But not all pillow sprays are created equal. While the best pillow sprays are designed to enhance your pre-bedtime wind-down routine, some can actually disrupt it due to their overwhelming scent or leave a greasy residue on your bedding.
So, the Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of sleepers to help us find the ones worth adding to your bedtime routine. Here’s a quick snapshot of our winners, including options for all budgets and bedding, but keep reading for the full reviews and advice from Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist for ChemistClick, on how to optimise your pre-bed routine.
The best pillow sprays 2026
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Best Deal
How we test pillow sprays
To find the top performers, we combined expert lab testing with at-home panel reviews. We sent a range of the leading pillow sprays and mists out to our reader panel, who used them for four weeks, spraying two pumps – or the amount recommended by the manufacturer – onto their pillowcases before bed.
They then gave detailed feedback, assessing key criteria, including scent strength, fragrance quality and ease of use. We also asked them whether the spray helped create a relaxing bedtime routine, how long the fragrance lasted on their bedding, and whether it helped them sleep longer or deeper.
Back in the lab, we assessed how each spray behaved on bedding. We measured how long it took to dry and checked for any visible staining or colour change on a white pillowcase. By combining real-world feedback from our panel, along with objective lab testing, we’re able to recommend the best pillow sprays that help you drift off more easily, stay fresh overnight, and leave your bedding looking as good as it smells.
These are our winners.
Pros
- Premium bottle and packaging
- No residue on bedding
- Scent was delicate but lasted well
Cons
- Pricey for just 30ml
Score: 93/100
This winning spray from Olverum blends lavender, bergamot and geranium to create a subtle floral scent designed to help you unwind before bed. It impressed our panel from the first spritz, producing a fine, even mist that covered the pillow without soaking the fabric. Better still, as one tester put it, “A little spritz seems to go a long way,” which makes up somewhat for the higher price tag.
In our lab testing, the formula dried quickly and didn’t leave any visible marks on our bedding. This didn’t impact its longevity either. “The smell lasted on my pillow and bedding all night,” said one panellist.
The fragrance was another standout feature. Unlike some lavender-heavy mists, which can feel overwhelming, the spray was balanced. “It was very delicate and a pleasure to use,” one person told us. For many, it quickly became part of their evening ritual. Several testers said it helped them unwind before bed, while others reported falling asleep more easily and drifting back to sleep more quickly after waking during the night.
Key specifications
| Volume | 30ml |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lavender, Bergamot, Amyris, Roman Chamomile and Geranium |
Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Mist
Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Mist
Pros
- Calming scent
- Attractive glass bottle design
Cons
- Some said it didn’t last long
- Lid was tough to put back on
Score: 90/100
As one of Neom’s bestselling products, our expectations were high with this one – and thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. Blended with 12 pure essential oils, including lavender, chamomile and patchouli, testers praised the soothing, spa-inspired fragrance, which they found calming. The attractive glass bottle also scored highly, with one panel member commenting: “It looks pretty on my bedside table.”
The mist covered the pillow evenly in just a couple of sprays, and the lavender-led scent was particularly popular, with many telling us they looked forward to using it as part of their nighttime routine. “It definitely helped me relax at bedtime, and I will continue to use it,” one said. While some felt the fragrance faded before morning and found the lid a little tricky to get back on, others were so impressed, they couldn’t wait to buy it again.
Key specifications
| Volume | 30ml |
|---|---|
| Ingridents | English lavender, chamomile, patchouli, rosewood, and jasmine |
This Works Deep Sleep™ Pillow Spray
This Works Deep Sleep™ Pillow Spray
Pros
- Small enough to travel with
- Dried quickly on the pillowcase
- Even distribution
Cons
- Lavender-heavy
Score: 89/100
Available in four sizes, from 75ml to 400ml, with the smallest bottle particularly handy for travel, this deep pillow mist, which combines lavender, chamomile and vetivert, proved popular with our panel. They told us the scent helped to create a calming, relaxing atmosphere before bed.
The lightweight bottle was comfortable to hold and easy to use, earning high scores for its spray performance. “The product comes out as a fairly fine mist and sprays very evenly,” one tester commented. It also impressed in our lab testing, drying quickly on the pillowcase without leaving any marks.
Although some felt the lavender dominated the scent, others found it balanced, rather than overpowering, so it will come down to personal preference. Once incorporated into their evening routine, though, many said it helped them establish a consistent wind-down ritual.
Key specifications
| Volume | 75ml, 150ml, 250ml, 400ml |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lavender, Chamomile & Vetivert |
The White Company Calm Mist
Pros
- Attractive frosted bottle
- Crisp and fresh scent
Cons
- Fine print was hard to read
- Only lasted a couple of hours
Score: 83/100
If floral lavender fragrances aren’t for you, The White Company’s Calm Mist could be a good alternative. Made with essential oils, including juniper berry, clary sage and ylang ylang, it stood out for its crisp, fresh aroma, which testers found subtle on bedding, rather than overpowering. The frosted glass bottle also made a good first impression, with many praising the minimalist design. However, some found the small white lettering difficult to read.
Several testers praised the fragrance’s versatility. “I loved spritzing it at night on my pillows, body and all over my bedding,” one told us, while another felt it brought a touch of luxury to their bedroom, saying, “It reminded me of the turndown service on my honeymoon.” It also coated the pillow with a light, evenly distributed mist in our lab tests.
A few panellists questioned the spray’s longevity, saying it only seemed to last for a couple of hours after spraying, but if you use it close to bedtime, that may not be an issue. While there were no direct improvements in sleep noted, most enjoyed using the scent as part of a calming ritual before bed.
Key specifications
| Volume | 125ml |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Juniper Berry, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang |
Spa Ceylon Sleep Intense Dream Essence Mist
Spa Ceylon Sleep Intense Dream Essence Mist
Pros
- Noticeable sleep improvements
- Affordable
Cons
- Mixed opinions on scent
- Instructions were small on the bottle
Score: 80/100
Spa Ceylon’s scent slightly divided opinion among our panel. A minority found it slightly overpowering, while others appreciated its complexity. Made with lavender, neroli blossom and ylang ylang, one panellist commented: “It was a lovely, relaxing scent, more complex than other sleep sprays I’ve used.”
Ease of use was where this spray performed particularly well. The bottle was simple to handle, with no reports of leakages or spillages, and it produced a consistent mist every time. Testers also praised the attractive packaging and bottle design, with many agreeing it that it would make a great gift.
After using it regularly throughout the testing period, several panellists also reported positive changes to their bedtime experience, including falling asleep more easily, sleeping more deeply and waking feeling more refreshed. Even one initially sceptical tester noticed a difference. “On several days during the testing period, my sleep tracker showed a reduced amount of awake time,” they said.
Key specifications
| Volume | 100ml |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lavender, neroli and ylang ylang, orange and aloe vera |
This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray
This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray
Pros
- Testers slept deeper
- Dried quickly and left no marks
Cons
- Mixed opinions on scent
- Packaging was less premium than others
Score: 80/100
The sister product to the Deep Pillow version above, this features the same blend of lavender, chamomile and vetivert, but with a more concentrated formula, said to help promote a longer, uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Testers liked how easy it was to use, with the nozzle distributing the mist evenly across their bedding. Opinions were mixed when it came to the bottle design, though. While some appreciated its simple, clean appearance, others felt the small instructions were difficult to read, and the packaging lacked a premium look.
The stronger fragrance was also another point of discussion. Some testers enjoyed the richer blend, while others found the lavender notes too dominant – so it’s down to personal scent preference again. However, it passed our bedding checks in the lab, drying quickly, with no staining or discolouration on a white pillowcase.
It stood up to its claims too, as panellists noticed a difference in their sleep. “I slept deeper during the night, and it was easier to fall back to sleep when I did wake up during the night," one person told us.
Key specifications
| Volume | 100ml |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lavender, Camomile and Vetivert |
Tisserand Aromatherapy Sleep Better Pillow Mist
Pros
- Quick drying
- No marks on bedding
- Good value
Cons
- Comes in a plastic bottle
- Scent only lasted a couple of hours
Score: 79/100
Available in three fragrances, this pillow spray is made with 100% natural essential oils. Our panel tested the lavender, jasmine and sandalwood blend, which many described as calming and suited to a relaxing bedtime routine.
The plastic bottle was easy to handle and use, although some testers felt it looked less premium than the glass options in our round-up. It performed well in our lab tests too, absorbing quickly into bedding with no signs of staining.
Many enjoyed the soothing scent, noting it created a spa-like atmosphere in their bedroom. Rather than helping them fall asleep faster, they felt it encouraged them to slow down before bed. “It is now part of my calming evening ritual, helping me move into a wind-down mindset,” said one panel member.
The scent's longevity was a small niggle, with several testers saying it faded after a couple of hours. Even so, at £13 for a 100ml bottle, many felt it offered good value for money.
Key specifications
| Volume | 100ml |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lavender, Jasmine and Sandalwood |
Sanctuary Spa Pillow Sleep Spray
Pros
- Affordable
- Blend of flavours
Cons
- Scent only lasted a couple of hours
- Mist didn’t distribute evenly
Score: 77/100
This is the most affordable pillow spray in our roundup, and it's designed to do more than leave a nice scent on your bedding. It’s also suitable for spritzing on the body and face, and the formula includes hyaluronic acid and essential oils to help keep skin hydrated overnight. We do love a multitasker.
The violet, jasmine and sandalwood scent was popular with our panel, with one tester saying she liked the balance of the fragrances. The spray dried quickly on bedding, and the bottle was easy to use, too. Several testers did, however, feel the mist wasn’t evenly distributed, meaning they needed a few extra spritzes for full coverage.
Some found the scent had faded by the time they woke in the night, but most appreciated the fragrance and budget-friendly price. “I already have it in my Amazon basket,” said one impressed panellist.
Key specifications
| Volume | 100ml |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Violet, Jasmine and Sandalwood |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
With over 100 years of testing under our belts at the GHI, we’ve got plenty of experience to draw on when it comes to analysing products, whether it’s the latest beauty releases, sleep essentials or wellness supplements.
Our senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, oversees all our sleep, health and nutrition testing. She develops rigorous protocols to ensure every product is assessed fairly and judged against its claims. Kim holds a level 4 personal training qualification, as well as a professional nutritional qualification and has a particular interest in women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause.
After analysing the results from our lab tests, alongside feedback from our panel, Kim shares her findings with our wellness editor, Sarah Finley, who transforms the data into clear, balanced reviews, helping you make an informed choice before you buy.
With more than a decade of experience covering wellness and sleep, Sarah has interviewed leading experts and written hundreds of product reviews, from the best mushroom coffee to the best fitness trackers.
The verdict on the best pillow sprays
Our best pillow spray overall, Olverum Nightfall Pillow Mist, was a big hit with our panel, thanks to the delicate lavender balance and improvements in sleep.
If you’re not a fan of lavender, The White Company Calm Mist could be an ideal pick – the versatile spray had a fresh, crisp scent but wasn’t overpowering.
If you’re on a budget, the Sanctuary Spa Pillow Sleep Spray is a steal for under £7. It dries quickly, and the violet, jasmine and sandalwood blend was a hit.
Are pillow sprays safe?
“Most are safe when they’re used as directed on the label,” explains superintendent pharmacist Abbas Kanani. “They usually contain essential oils or fragrances, such as lavender, which are designed to create a calming bedtime environment.
However, it’s important not to spray them directly onto your skin, eyes or face (unless it says it can be used as skincare), and people with sensitive skin, asthma or allergies may find strong scents irritating.” He adds that you should always check the ingredients, especially if you’re using them around babies, children or pets.
Can I use lavender pillow sprays when pregnant?
The NHS advises that women in the first trimester of pregnancy should avoid direct contact with essential oils. “Avoid applying essential oils directly to your skin or using concentrated products and choose a reputable pillow spray that clearly lists its ingredients,” Kanani adds.
“If you have any concerns, especially during early pregnancy, or if you have a complicated pregnancy, speak to your midwife or pharmacist before use.”
Do pillow sprays help you sleep?
“They may help some people sleep better by creating a relaxing bedtime routine,” says Kanani. “Scents like lavender are linked with feelings of calm and relaxation, which may make it easier to unwind before bed.’
However, he goes on to add that if you suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia, pillow sprays aren’t a treatment for them. “They won’t fix underlying causes of poor sleep, such as stress, anxiety or an inconsistent sleep schedule,” he explains.
Do pillow sprays work?
Pillow sprays can be a useful sleep aid for some people, but their effects are usually linked to relaxation rather than directly helping you fall asleep. “The biggest benefit may come from the bedtime habit itself; using a familiar calming scent can signal to your brain that it is time to wind down,” says Kanani.
“Combining a pillow spray with good sleep habits, such as keeping a regular bedtime, reducing screen time before sleep and creating a comfortable sleep environment, can help boost their effectiveness.”
Sarah is our wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. She can be regularly found on a yoga mat or training for a run, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best yoga leggings, hydration vests or running trainers. From fitness trackers to the best supplements, she also has extensive experience writing about the latest products and writing detailed honest reviews.
Prior to joining the GHI, Sarah was a freelance journalist for 10 years, specialising in health, fitness and travel for national newspapers and magazine. During her time at Women’s Health, she interviewed celebrities about their fitness routines, for the Telegraph she investigated the health risks of Lime Bikes and visited Thailand to look at the trend of longevity travel - while for the London Standard she wrote about topics including AI powered PTs and smart ice baths.
When she isn’t testing out the latest smart watches, lifting weights at the gym, or hopping on a flight, Sarah can be found running around South London or devouring the latest trending TV show.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
