Top Pillows We've Thoroughly Evaluated

Top Pick Overall

Back, stomach, and side sleepers all praised this adaptable pillow for its flexibility and lightweight design. Similar to other shredded memory foam pillows, it allows you to add, remove, or rearrange the foam to achieve your preferred firmness, ensuring it meets your specific sleep requirements. 

This pillow serves as an excellent compromise for those who enjoy the softness of down but require the firmness of memory foam. It’s also ideal for individuals seeking enhanced support, as it provides a cushioned yet supportive feel. For those desiring extra firmness, the pillow includes an additional bag of foam. 

The breathable, perforated bamboo cover is another standout feature, designed to maintain a cool temperature throughout the night. During testing, the pillow’s surface temperature increased by only 4 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes of use, ensuring consistent comfort.

Another advantage is its machine-washable design, a rare feature for memory foam pillows. However, after six months of nightly use, the Snuggle-Pedic did show some loss in height, so regular fluffing is necessary to preserve its loft. 

Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Bamboo | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes

Top Affordable Choice

This budget-friendly set includes two pillows, catering to all sleeping styles. The shredded memory foam can be fluffed and shaped to achieve your preferred height and firmness, though it lacks the option to add or remove foam. Its affordability and adaptability make it perfect for guest rooms, allowing visitors to customize their comfort. Over time, we observed that it alleviated back and shoulder pain, even for side sleepers, due to the soft, supportive memory foam that gently cradles the head. 

The pillow offers a soft, plush feel due to its shredded memory foam, while maintaining the resilience typical of memory foam. During testing, it remained relatively cool, with only a 6-degree temperature increase. Unlike some memory foam pillows, it emitted no chemical odor, even upon unboxing. After six months of nightly use, it remains in excellent condition. Although the shredded foam flattens slightly overnight, a quick morning fluff restores it to its original state.

The cover is not machine washable, so using a pillowcase and protector is recommended. Overall, this pillow is ideal for combination sleepers, as it can be easily flattened or fluffed to suit different sleeping positions. 

Firmness: Medium-firm | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Polyester | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes

Top Luxury Pick

The weight and height of this premium pillow immediately caught our attention. Its shredded natural latex core is encased in a soft, down-like microfiber layer, offering both firm neck support and a plush, elevated feel.

This pillow is tall, resilient, and supportive, effectively relieving pressure and conforming to your head's shape. While it may be too tall for stomach sleepers, side and back sleepers will benefit from its ability to promote proper spinal alignment. One of our testers, who was pregnant during the trial, found it particularly helpful in transitioning from stomach and side sleeping to back and side sleeping.

In addition to its comfort, the latex construction also provides ample airflow. We found the pillow to be cool to the touch and to absorb the heat under our head, rising about 8 degrees Fahrenheit over 15 minutes during our lab tests. It did retain more heat long term, though. After three months of use, this pillow is just as lofty as it was when we took it out of the packaging.

In terms of care, the cover shrunk a bit after washing, making it a little difficult to squeeze the plump pillow back in. Even though the care instructions say it’s safe to tumble dry the cover on low heat, we’d suggest laying the cover flat to dry. It's also worth noting that the pillow has brown piping on the edges, which might be visible through some white pillowcases. Despite these minor complaints, we think the high-quality construction is well worth the splurge. Plus, it comes with a 45-day sleep trial, so you can test it out before you commit. 

Firmness: Medium | Fill: Shredded natural latex | Cover: Organic cotton | Return Policy: 45 days | Machine Washable: Cover only

Ideal for Side Sleepers

This adaptable shredded memory foam pillow provides excellent support with a high loft straight out of the packaging, making it an ideal option for side sleepers. You can tailor the pillow’s firmness and height by adding or removing filling. It comes overstuffed, and an additional fill bag is included for extra firmness or to store excess foam. However, adjusting the filling can be a bit time-consuming and requires effort.

Even after three months of use, this pillow continues to impress with its support, breathability, and comfort. It has helped reduce headaches by conforming to the shape of the head without losing too much loft. Keep in mind, though, that the height does decrease slightly over time, so it’s best to wait before making adjustments. Despite removing some filling, the pillow retains a firm feel and strong resistance, making it less suitable for stomach sleepers or those who prefer a flatter pillow.

The eco-friendly, cooling cover feels refreshingly cool and has proven durable through multiple washes, making it perfect for those who frequently clean their bedding. Overall, this pillow is a fantastic choice for side sleepers, especially those who tend to sleep hot.

Firmness: Customizable | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Icecore/polyester/spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Cover only

Top Choice for Back Sleepers

The Company Store’s firm, solid memory foam pillow features a unique wing design that adapts to the neck’s natural curve, ensuring proper alignment of the neck and spine throughout the night. Even individuals with chronic neck pain reported significant relief, as the pillow effectively reduces strain. It strikes a balance between firm support and soft comfort. After three months of use, the pillow retained its shape and continued to provide excellent pressure relief, thanks to its durable solid memory foam construction. 

While solid memory foam is typically less breathable, this pillow’s CoolMax cover helps mitigate heat buildup by wicking away moisture and heat from the body. This cooling feature enhances comfort, especially for those who sleep hot. 

This pillow is most suitable for back sleepers, as its contoured design aligns perfectly with this sleeping position. Side sleepers may find it less comfortable, and stomach sleepers are unlikely to benefit from its structure. If you’re unsure, The Company Store offers a 90-day return policy to ensure satisfaction. 

Firmness: Firm | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: Polyester/Tencel lyocell knit cover with CoolMax fiber | Return Policy: 90 days | Machine Washable: Cover only 

Top Pick for Stomach Sleepers

The L.L. Bean Down Alternative Damask Pillow mirrors the luxurious feel of high-end hotel pillows, featuring a soft and fluffy down alternative filling. Ideal for those who enjoy a sinking sensation, it comes in three firmness levels to suit different sleeping preferences. Soft is perfect for stomach sleepers, medium suits combination and back sleepers, while firm is ideal for side sleepers.

Unlike memory foam, down or down alternative pillows need frequent fluffing to retain their form. This makes them easier to flatten, which is particularly beneficial for stomach sleepers who prefer a lower pillow height. In our experience, this pillow adapted well to our head shape without losing its structure—even after a month of use—similar to a genuine down pillow.

This pillow isn’t marketed as a cooling option, and we wouldn’t suggest it for hot sleepers, as it retained some heat during our tests. However, it’s simple to clean and maintain—both the cover and pillow emerged from the washer and dryer in perfect, fluffy condition. It’s also one of the most affordable options we tested, with a one-year return policy, making it a great choice for those seeking the comfort of a down pillow without the high cost.

Firmness Options: Soft, medium, or firm | Material: Down alternative | Cover Fabric: Cotton | Return Window: 365 days | Washing Instructions: Machine washable

Top Choice for Cooling

Our top pick for a cooling pillow, The Eden, features gel-infused shredded memory foam that evenly disperses the cooling gel, unlike many other cooling pillows that only have a gel layer on one side.

The gel offers an instant cooling effect, while the shredded memory foam promotes airflow to keep you cool throughout the night. The outer cover, made of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose, is both cooling and moisture-wicking. We never felt the need to flip to a “cool side,” which speaks volumes about its cooling performance.

Additionally, this pillow is customizable for any sleeping position by adjusting the amount of shredded memory foam (extra fill is included). Coop Home Goods even provides sleep position-based filling guidelines, making it easier to get started.

The entire pillow, including the inner shredded memory foam, is machine washable. While The Eden is pricier than some options, it comes with a 100-night trial, so you can return it if unsatisfied. After six months of use, it still feels like it was tailor-made for us.

Firmness: Medium-soft | Fill: Cross-cut, gel-infused memory foam and microfiber | Cover: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon | Return Policy: 100 days | Machine Washable: Yes, delicate cycle

Top Choice for Memory Foam

Solid memory foam pillows are excellent for reducing neck and spine strain, but they often feel overly firm and uncomfortable. The Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow strikes the perfect balance, offering ample support without being too hard. It even helped us fall asleep faster. Its lower loft makes it versatile, catering to more than just side sleepers.

This pillow provided excellent head support without straining our necks. Despite molding to our shape, it maintained its form even after six months of use. One of us took it on vacation and found it ensured a restful sleep throughout the trip.

Our only issue was needing to flip it over to stay cool, a common drawback of solid memory foam. The polyester knit cover is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning. Plus, its affordability compared to other tested pillows is a major plus.

Firmness: Medium | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: Polyester and spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Cover only

Top Choice for Down

Boll & Branch’s pillow is a down chamber pillow, featuring a feather-blend inner layer encased in a down-filled outer layer. Available in soft, medium, and firm options, the medium and firm versions include a feather blend for added support, while the soft version is 100% down. The feather blend ensures the pillow retains its shape over time.

This pillow provided excellent support and conformed well to our bodies, even for side sleepers. It remained lump-free and maintained its loft. A machine wash and dry restored it to its original firmness and fluffiness. It also stayed cool and breathable throughout the night. After six months of use, we have no issues to report.

The pillow uses International Down Standard (IDS) certified, ethically sourced, and triple-washed down. However, the 30-day trial period feels short, especially considering its price.

Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm | Fill: IDS-certified down and feathers | Cover: Organic cotton | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes, gentle cycle

Top Choice for Down Alternative

This pillow features a down-alternative polyester fiber filling, offering the softness of a traditional down pillow without animal products or a high price. It maintains its shape and provides firm support while remaining soft. The manufacturer claims it uses NASA-developed temperature regulation technology to absorb and release heat. During testing, we observed a 14-degree Fahrenheit temperature increase on the surface after 15 minutes of use.

The Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow is versatile, suitable for all sleeping positions. It comes in two firmness levels: soft-medium for stomach or back sleepers, and medium-firm for side or back sleepers.

A key benefit of down and down alternative pillows is their washability. After washing and drying, this pillow showed slight shrinkage but retained its plushness. Its durable, low-maintenance design and temperature-regulating technology make it a great value. With a 60-day trial period and full refund option, it’s a risk-free purchase. After six months of nightly use, it still maintains its shape perfectly.

Firmness: Soft-medium or medium-firm | Fill: Down alternative | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: 60 days | Machine Washable: Yes

Final Verdict

Our top recommendation is the Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow, thanks to its adjustable design, suitability for all sleep positions, and ability to maintain its shape while offering excellent support. Its bamboo cover also ensures a cool sleeping experience. For a more affordable option, consider the Linenspa Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, which comes in a set of two at a fraction of the cost. Its shredded memory foam fill is customizable to suit your preferred sleeping position.

Our Testing Process

We’ve tested 70 pillows in both lab and real-world settings to account for diverse sleeper needs, including different body types, sleeping positions, and preferences.

In the lab, we assessed quality by examining the materials and construction of the pillow and its cover. We also checked for any noticeable odors. Each pillow was placed in a standard pillowcase to evaluate fit and whether the cover was visible. For adjustable pillows, we tested how easy it was to modify the fill.

To evaluate temperature and breathability, we used an infrared thermometer to measure temperature changes before and after 15 minutes of use. For cooling pillows, we checked if they provided a cool-to-the-touch feel.

The true measure of each pillow was its effectiveness in delivering the promised firmness and support. For pillows designed for all sleeping positions or without a specific sleep style, we tested them for five minutes in back, side, and stomach positions, noting comfort levels. For pillows tailored to a specific position, we evaluated their comfort and ability to maintain a neutral spine alignment.

After these tests, we measured each pillow’s dimensions before and after washing, following the manufacturer’s guidelines, to assess durability and any changes in consistency or firmness.

Finally, we considered the price of each pillow and rated its overall value based on performance relative to cost. After lab testing, we took the top-performing pillows home and provided updates on their performance after one, three, and six months of use.

How to Shop for Pillows Like a Pro

Firmness and Loft

The ideal firmness and loft (the pillow’s height) depend on your sleeping style. The key is ensuring your pillow keeps your neck aligned with your spine in a neutral position, avoiding any awkward angles.

Here are some general recommendations based on your sleeping position:

• Back Sleepers: Opt for a pillow with medium loft and firmness to maintain neck alignment without straining forward.
• Stomach Sleepers: Choose a softer, thinner pillow. A high pillow can tilt your head and cause neck pain. "Stomach sleepers often prefer a very thin pillow, which can be placed under the head, chest, or stomach," says Dautovich.
• Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need a taller, firmer pillow to fill the space between the neck and mattress.
• Combination Sleepers: If you change positions frequently, comfort can be trickier. A medium-firm pillow works well for back and side sleepers, while stomach sleepers may prefer a softer, lower-loft option.

Fill

Pillows can be stuffed with various materials, ranging from down to memory foam. Here's a brief overview of the different kinds of pillow fillings:

Down: Down pillows are made from the soft, quill-free feathers found beneath the belly of geese or ducks. These pillows are known for their durability, breathability, and softness, molding to the contours of your head and neck. However, they are often pricier and may lose their shape over time, requiring regular fluffing to prevent excessive compression.

A down-and-feather blend pillow combines down feathers with those from the back and wings of birds, which include quills. While these pillows are more affordable than pure down options, they are more likely to flatten and may have quills that poke through the fabric.

Regardless of the type, ensure your down pillow has certifications for quality and ethical animal treatment. Popular certifications include the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Downmark, and the IDFL Down Standard (IDS). (Our top pick, the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow, is certified with IDS.)

Down Alternative: These pillows use synthetic materials designed to replicate the plush feel of genuine down. They are more budget-friendly than real down pillows and serve as an excellent option for individuals with down allergies or those seeking cruelty-free alternatives. Additionally, down alternative pillows are typically machine washable, unlike their natural counterparts.

Solid Memory Foam: For those who need a pillow with consistent structure and support that retains its shape throughout the night, solid memory foam is an ideal choice. These pillows help maintain proper alignment of the neck and spine, making them particularly suitable for side and back sleepers.

Shredded Memory Foam: This type of filling consists of small pieces of memory foam that allow for customization. You can add, remove, or rearrange the foam to achieve the desired loft and firmness. Shredded memory foam pillows are often more breathable than solid memory foam and are perfect for combination sleepers who need versatility. Note that these pillows are generally not machine washable.

Latex: Latex pillows, available in natural and synthetic varieties, offer a similar feel to memory foam but with faster rebound and a softer touch. They come in both solid and shredded forms, providing options for different comfort preferences.

Breathability

For those who sleep hot, breathability is a crucial consideration when selecting a pillow. Down pillows are known for their excellent breathability, while shredded memory foam offers better airflow compared to solid foam. Opt for a pillow with a breathable cover material like cotton. Some pillows also include cooling gel layers or advanced cooling technology to dissipate heat and provide a refreshing sleep experience. (Our favorite cooling pillow, the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow, features gel-infused memory foam.)

Care

Check if your pillow is machine washable, as some require spot cleaning, hand washing, or dry cleaning. Many pillows come with removable, machine-washable covers, but adding a pillow protector can further extend the pillow's lifespan.

Return Policy

Selecting the right pillow is a personal decision. Even with thorough research, a pillow might not suit your sleeping habits or environment. This makes a flexible return policy essential. Many pillows offer trial periods, ranging from 30 days to a full year, allowing you to test them in the comfort of your own bed before making a final decision.

More Pillows to Consider

Amazon Basics Down Alternative Pillows: These budget-friendly pillows offer a down alternative fill that delivers a balance of plushness, comfort, and support. Sold in a set of two, they provide an affordable way to upgrade your entire bed.

Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow: Crafted from a mix of shredded memory foam and microfiber, this pillow adapts effortlessly to various sleep positions, making it ideal for combination sleepers. It’s a firmer, non-cooling alternative to The Eden, our top cooling pillow. Like The Eden, it includes extra stuffing for side or back sleepers, or those needing additional neck support. While it’s a great option for firm pillow enthusiasts, it lacks the gel-infused memory foam found in The Eden.

Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow: Featuring patented “Adaptive Foam,” this solid memory foam pillow offers both support and comfort with quick rebound. However, some side sleepers noted it could use more loft and support to maintain proper neck and spine alignment.

Questions You Might Ask

Which pillows are best for neck pain?

To reduce neck pain, it’s essential to use a pillow that suits your sleeping position. The ideal pillow should maintain proper alignment of your neck and spine.

Side and back sleepers typically need a pillow with more height and firmness to achieve this alignment, while stomach sleepers may find that overly firm or thick pillows worsen neck pain. According to Dautovich, a medium-firm pillow that offers both support and responsiveness can help alleviate neck pain. She also warns that using the wrong pillow may lead to increased discomfort in the neck and shoulders, trigger headaches, or worsen allergy symptoms such as sneezing and congestion.

When should you replace your pillow?

Experts suggest replacing your pillows every one to two years. Over time, pillows can develop lumps, stains, odors, and allergen buildup, and may lose their loft, all of which can negatively impact your sleep quality.

Stains, odors, allergy flare-ups, or worsening neck pain are clear indicators that it’s time to replace your pillows. Down alternative pillows typically have the shortest lifespan, whereas memory foam and latex pillows tend to last the longest.

How should you care for a pillow so that it lasts as long as possible?

Always refer to the care label for instructions on cleaning your pillows. For machine-washable pillows, aim to wash them two to three times annually to remove allergens and odors. For non-machine-washable pillows, spot clean stains or hand wash with a gentle detergent, then dry them flat. Dautovich recommends airing out your pillows in sunlight monthly to keep them fresh.

Take Our Word for It

This piece was authored by Melanie Fincher, an associate editor at Mytour with three years of expertise in crafting product reviews and lifestyle articles, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour. To date, we’ve rigorously tested 70 pillows in both lab and real-world home environments, assessing their quality, breathability, performance, durability, and value. Additionally, we consulted Natalie D. Dautovich, Ph.D, Environmental Fellow at the National Sleep Foundation, for professional advice on selecting the ideal pillow for your sleep preferences.