The 11 Top Foam Pillows to Shop for Online

Top Pick

This pillow caught our attention with its exceptional ventilation and support, which made it our top overall choice. We like that the fill is adjustable, allowing you to add or remove shredded memory foam to suit your comfort. Whether you sleep on your side, stomach, or back, we found this pillow to be comfortable in all positions, making it a fantastic option for combination sleepers who shift positions during the night.

Designed with a memory foam core, this pillow offers excellent airflow, keeping it cool all night long. Its breathability is so effective that we could even feel the refreshing sensation on our scalp through our hair. The bamboo cover also enhances its ventilation.

It provided solid neck support during testing, adapting to our contours to alleviate tension and pressure. This pillow is a great option for hot sleepers or people with chronic pain, delivering ample support while maintaining a soft feel. After six months of use, it did flatten slightly, requiring periodic fluffing to preserve its loft. Nonetheless, this minor maintenance is a small tradeoff for its breathability and comfort.

Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Viscose made from bamboo | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Best Value

For those seeking a premium yet affordable pillow, the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow is an excellent option. Its ventilated structure ensures optimal airflow and temperature control, while the gel-infused foam is designed to effectively dissipate heat, offering an advantage over standard memory foam pillows. The firmness and durability provide lasting comfort, even when switching between sleep positions.

The pillow remains comfortable throughout the night, even after changing positions, and there’s no need to adjust it. Its supportive foam gently conforms to the head and neck, easing pressure points and providing comfort. Additionally, the ultra-soft, machine-washable cover adds convenience, though its length may not fit all queen-sized pillowcases, so it's wise to check for compatibility before purchasing.

Available Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Material Fill: Gel-infused memory foam | Covering: Polyester | Return Window: 30 days | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Top Pick for Splurge

If you're willing to invest in a top-tier pillow, the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow by Tempur-Pedic is a fantastic option. Crafted with the brand’s signature memory foam, the pillow contours to your head and neck instantly, returning to its original shape when you lift your head. Additionally, it incorporates two layers of cooling gel that enhance breathability. After testing it, we can confirm that it truly delivers on its cooling promise, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.

At first, we thought the pillow might feel too thick for comfort, but it ultimately provided a luxurious experience. Due to its dense material, it is somewhat heavy, making it challenging to adjust without lifting it. Despite this, it's an excellent choice for anyone in search of a firm and supportive pillow. After six months of use, it remains as comfortable and well-constructed as the day we received it, demonstrating its exceptional durability.

Available Sizes: Queen and king | Fill: TEMPUR-Material and TEMPUR-Breeze gel layer | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: Non-returnable unless defective through the manufacturer | Certifications: Not listed

Top Pick for Cooling

For those who often find themselves overheating at night, this pillow offers a refreshing solution. Its shredded gel-infused memory foam is highly breathable, while the soft and lightweight polyester and bamboo rayon cover adds comfort. The fill is adjustable, with an additional half-pound bag of fill included, allowing you to personalize the pillow to suit your needs—ideal for combination sleepers. After six months of use, the pillow still retains its high quality, adapting to our preferred sleeping position. In fact, it now feels as though it was tailor-made for us.

The pillow features a stylish gray tiled stitched pattern on the cover, though it may be visible through white pillowcases. However, we appreciate that both the pillow and its cover are completely machine washable. This option also comes with both CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certifications, along with a generous 100-day sleep trial.

Available Sizes: Queen, king | Material Fill: Shredded gel-infused memory foam and microfiber | Cover: 60% polyester and 40% bamboo rayon | Return Policy: 100-day trial period | Certifications: CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold

Best for Side Sleepers

For side sleepers, the Nolah Squishy Pillow stands out as one of the most comfortable options we’ve tested. Its shredded memory foam design offers better airflow compared to solid foam versions. Additionally, the fill holds together better than many other shredded foam pillows. As expected, it’s both soft and supportive. After six months of use, it still feels as great as when we first tried it.

The pillow strikes a perfect balance, offering substantial fullness without feeling overly heavy. It maintained its plushness throughout the night, requiring no adjustments. The pillow features a dual-chamber design with an adjustable fill, allowing you to personalize its firmness. However, it's worth noting that it’s only available in queen size, which may not be suitable for all bed sizes.

Available Size: Queen | Fill: Shredded foam blended with polyester fiber | Cover: 65% polyester, 35% bamboo viscose | Return Policy: 30-day trial period | Certifications: Oeko-Tex

Best for Stomach Sleepers

The Sealy Molded Memory Foam Bed Pillow delivers the pressure-relieving comfort of memory foam without being overly firm, making it an excellent choice for stomach sleepers. We found that it comfortably supported our neck and shoulder areas, providing the perfect amount of cushioning. After using it for six months, it’s become a staple in our sleep routine, and even those who typically use two pillows now find this one sufficient.

The pillow includes a sturdy memory foam core and a machine-washable knit cover that, while supportive, doesn’t provide much airflow. We found ourselves flipping the pillow over throughout the night to maintain a cool temperature. However, after bringing it along on vacation, we were pleased to find it enhanced the comfort of sleeping on a less-than-ideal rental bed. It also retained its shape over time.

All in all, this pillow offers the supportive structure of memory foam without being overly rigid, making it an excellent pick for stomach sleepers seeking a solid memory foam pillow. Plus, it’s priced more affordably than many other foam pillows we tested.

Sizes: Standard | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: 98% polyester, 2% spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Certification: Not listed

Ideal for Back Sleepers

If neck pain, stiffness, or muscle tension is a concern, this contoured pillow from The Company Store might be just what you need. Its unique winged shape gently supports your head, keeping your neck and spine properly aligned while you sleep. While the design is perfect for back sleepers, side sleepers can enjoy it too. We were impressed with how it maintained its shape even after three months of regular use, offering a perfect balance between support and comfort.

Crafted from solid memory foam, this pillow includes two removable covers—one made from a polyester and Tencel lyocell blend, and another featuring CoolMax moisture-wicking fabric, both of which are machine washable. While the solid memory foam’s density offers excellent support, its lack of breathability might be a downside for some. Like all products from The Company Store, this pillow is backed by a 90-day sleep trial, allowing you to test its neck support firsthand.

Available Size: One size | Fill Material: Solid memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester/Tencel lyocell knit cover and CoolMax fiber cover | Return Policy: 90-day trial | Certifications: Not specified

Best for Customizable Comfort

Nest Bedding’s adjustable Easy Breather Pillow is designed to accommodate a wide range of sleeping preferences, offering the flexibility to adjust the pillow’s loft and firmness. By controlling the fill, you can personalize your pillow to suit your individual needs. The recommended method is to remove excess fill first and gradually add it back until the desired firmness is achieved. However, due to its plush nature, this pillow is best suited for side and back sleepers, as it might be too high for stomach sleepers.

One of the standout features of the Easy Breather Pillow is its luxurious feel, enhanced by the cooling cover made from Nest Bedding’s temperature-regulating 'Icecore' fabric. The pillow, filled with adjustable shredded memory foam, provides cooling comfort throughout the night. After six months of use, the pillow still maintains its excellent performance and can easily be re-fluffed to regain its original shape and fullness.

A unique feature of the Easy Breather Pillow is its machine washable design, thanks to the washable inner pouch that holds the foam in place. This makes it one of the few memory foam pillows that can be washed. However, considering its premium price, we would appreciate a longer trial period to fully assess its long-term durability.

Sizes: Standard/queen, side sleeper, king | Fill: Shredded memory foam and polyester fiber | Cover: 49% Icecore, 49% polyester, 2% spandex | Return Policy: 30-night trial | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Top Firmness

We were impressed by this pillow's resilience and density in our tests. It boasts three layers of supportive foam designed to gently cradle your head and neck. After six months of use, we experienced no discomfort. However, it's the heaviest pillow we tested, which could be challenging for restless sleepers. Despite this, its substantial build adds to its durability. Although plush, it remains quite flat, making it less suitable for those who favor a higher pillow. For extra loft, consider stacking another pillow underneath.

We believe this pillow is an excellent choice for side and back sleepers, as it retains its shape well and delivers great support. After six months, there has been no noticeable change in its texture or quality. The pillow is also noteworthy for its “Snow Technology,” which helps draw heat away from your head and neck throughout the night, keeping you cool even on 90-degree summer nights. Although the pillow itself isn't machine-washable, the pillowcase is easy to remove, clean, and reattach—a nice perk.

Sizes: Standard and king | Fill: 77% polyurethane foam, 23% viscoelastic polyurethane foam | Cover: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Softest Option

We were thoroughly impressed by the softness and support provided by this dual-sided pillow from The Company Store, ranking it among our top favorites. It helped maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night, thanks to its reversible design: one side features ventilated memory foam that offers pressure relief and support, while the other side is composed of synthetic gel fiber that draws heat away and offers a softer feel. You can alternate between sides to find the best comfort and support for your sleep style. After six months of nightly use, we have no complaints.

The memory foam insert measures 3.25 inches, making it perfect for back and combination sleepers. The cotton cover is machine washable, though the pillow itself can only be spot cleaned. It also includes a 90-day sleep trial, giving you the opportunity to try it out and wash it before making a commitment. We also appreciate that it is priced lower than most foam pillows we tested. Just keep in mind that it is neither CertiPUR-US-certified nor adjustable.

Sizes: Standard | Fill: Memory foam with gel fiber | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: 90-day trial | Certifications: Not specified

Top Choice for Orthopedic Support

The Uttu Sandwich Pillow stands out by aligning with the natural curve of your neck for better spinal support and pressure relief. Its adjustable loft, which can be modified by removing an insert, sets it apart from other memory foam pillows.

Unlike most memory foam pillows, this orthopedic option excels in airflow. The soft, cooling polyester- and rayon-from-bamboo cover adds to the comfort. While the pillowcase can slip off, and there may be a mild chemical scent upon opening the package, these issues fade quickly and don't detract from the pillow's overall quality.

This pillow adjusts to your body shape, but unlike many others, it retains its loft over time. While you might need to let it fully expand after each use, the machine-washable cover remains intact even after several washes. After six months of use, it has greatly enhanced our nightly routine—offering better sleep and support without any discomfort or pain upon waking. Plus, its affordable price makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an orthopedic memory foam pillow without overspending.

Sizes: Queen, King | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: 60% polyester, 40% rayon from bamboo | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: Oeko-Tex, CertiPUR-US

Final Thoughts

Our top choice is the Snuggle-Pedic Original Memory Foam Pillow, which offers excellent support, breathability, and customizable fill for your sleep needs. The shredded foam design allows for better airflow and flexibility, while the soft, washable cover adds convenience. For those on a budget, we recommend the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow, which stands out for its durable construction and cooling gel technology to regulate temperature throughout the night.

Our Evaluation Process

To create our list of the best memory foam pillows, we sent out 51 pillows for real-world testing over the course of seven nights. We first assessed the quality of each pillow, looking into materials and construction. Then, we measured the loft, length, and width of each pillow. Next, we placed each pillow in a pillowcase and checked if it fit well. For pillows with adjustable fill, we followed the manufacturer’s instructions for adding or removing fill as needed.

The real test followed: We evaluated the comfort, support, and temperature-regulating features of each pillow by using it for up to seven nights. During this period, we observed how well the pillow maintained its shape, and its impact on neck pain, snoring, and allergies.

We also washed and dried each pillow following the manufacturer’s care instructions, checking for any post-wash damage. Afterward, we re-measured the pillows to assess any changes in size or loft. Finally, we evaluated the price of each pillow and determined its overall value based on performance in our tests. We continued long-term testing, revisiting our findings after one, three, and six months.

How to Buy Foam Pillows Like an Expert

Sleeping Posture

As with any pillow type, it’s important to consider your sleeping habits before choosing a foam pillow. Here are some general tips for selecting a foam pillow based on your preferred sleep position, but keep in mind that your body type and personal comfort preferences will also play a role in your pillow choice:

Stomach Sleepers: Murray recommends a flatter foam pillow for stomach sleepers to avoid tilting the head at an uncomfortable angle. We recommend the Sealy Molded Memory Foam Bed Pillow for stomach sleepers as it strikes a good balance between softness and firmness.

Back Sleepers: To maintain proper spinal alignment without straining the neck, a medium loft pillow is ideal for back sleepers. “A curved or hill-shaped foam pillow for neck support is a good option,” suggests Murray. Our favorites include The Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow and the Uttu Sandwich Pillow.

Side Sleepers: Those who sleep on their sides need a firmer, loftier pillow to fill the gap between the head/neck and mattress. Murray advises opting for an adjustable shredded memory foam pillow for side sleepers, offering control over loft and shape while maintaining memory foam support. The Nolah Squishy Pillow stands out for its perfect blend of support and loft.

Solid vs. Shredded Foam

Memory foam pillows typically come in two variations: solid or shredded. Shredded foam consists of loose chunks that can be adjusted to modify the pillow's loft and firmness as needed.

"The firmness and heat retention of solid foam pillows depend on the foam's density," explains Murray. Check the chart below for the advantages and drawbacks of each foam type, though these might not apply to all pillows.

Cooling Features

As previously mentioned, memory foam—especially solid memory foam—is known for retaining body heat. However, "some of the densest memory foam pillows are now designed to be more breathable, thanks to innovations like perforated designs and copper gel," says Murray.

If you're a hot sleeper but still prefer the support of memory foam, look for a solid foam pillow with cooling features like gel or graphite, which help dissipate heat from the head and neck. Alternatively, consider a shredded memory foam pillow, which offers better airflow. We recommend the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow, which is filled with gel-infused shredded foam for extra cooling.

Product Certifications

Memory foam, being a synthetic material, releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during a process called "off-gassing." This can negatively affect indoor air quality and produce an unpleasant chemical smell. However, there are several third-party certifications that assess these emissions and ensure that the products are free from harmful substances:

CertiPUR-US: Foam pillows, along with foam mattresses and furniture, must comply with specific standards for content, emissions, and durability to earn the CertiPUR-US certification. All CertiPUR-US certified foams are made without ozone-depleting substances, heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other harmful materials, while also maintaining low VOC emissions to ensure indoor air quality.

Greenguard: The UL Greenguard Certification Program evaluates products for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions. A Greenguard Certification indicates that a product meets strict low-emission standards, while the Greenguard Gold certification represents even lower VOC emissions than standard Greenguard products.

Return Policy

While the factors above are helpful, Murray suggests that the best way to determine if a pillow suits you is to take advantage of generous return policies and test out a few options until you find the perfect one. Many brands provide sleep trials lasting between 30 and 100 days, where you can often return the pillow for a full refund.

More Foam Pillows to Consider

Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow: This pillow offers a great balance between softness and support, molding comfortably to the shape of your body. However, the cloud-like material doesn't provide the same level of support as traditional memory foam, making it a less ideal choice for those who prefer a firmer pillow.

QUTool 2-Pack Cooling Bed Pillows: This pillow impressed us with its dual-sided cover, offering the option to switch between the soft rayon side and the cool silk fabric side. We also appreciated being able to adjust the fill. However, the lightweight nature of the filling made it a bit messier to handle when adding or removing it.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the benefits of a foam pillow?

Foam pillows, which conform to your body’s shape, are great for supporting proper spinal alignment, helping to ease any morning soreness or stiffness. Thanks to its slow response rate, memory foam is often described by Murray as a "bounce-back" material. "As you settle into the pillow, it gradually adapts to your weight, using its density to provide firm support that remains consistent through the night," she explains. "Many sleepers find that this gives them the most restful sleep, as they no longer have to readjust due to a pillow losing its shape."

How long do foam pillows last?

Memory foam pillows typically last longer than other types, such as down pillows. According to Murray, "Investing in a high-quality memory foam pillow means you could have it for a considerable amount of time," though she recommends replacing your foam pillows every two to three years.

How do you wash foam pillows?

Most solid memory foam pillows are designed for spot cleaning only, while some shredded foam pillows, like the Nest Easy Breather Pillow and Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow, can be machine-washed, thanks to an inner pouch that holds the foam. Many foam pillows also feature machine-washable covers, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for both the pillow and its cover. Be sure to allow the pillow to dry completely to avoid mold growth.

Trust Us on This

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, an associate editor with three years of experience in crafting product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Mytour. For our picks, we sent out 51 memory foam pillows to real-world testers who assessed them based on quality, airflow, comfort, durability, and value. To help guide our decision, we consulted Kelly Murray, a certified sleep coach for both children and adults.