The best pillows will be compatible with your sleeping position and keep your neck supported throughout the night, says Logan Foley, sleep science coach and managing editor at The Sleep Foundation. “You want to ensure your neck is aligned with your spine and it stays that way as you sleep,” Foley says. “There are pillows that are specifically designed for neck pain…and these can be a good option for folks who have a tough time staying in one position throughout the night.” We put 31 of the best pillows to the test in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, to determine which ones are actually comfortable and which aren’t worth the money. As part of our testing, we had a team of experts inspect each pillow for quality, lie on the pillows for an extended period of time to determine how comfortable they were, and even test them with an infrared thermometer before and after using them to see whether they held or wicked away heat. We also tested their durability before and after washing and overall value when assigning final scores to each. We chose the Snuggle-Pedic Original Memory Foam Pillow as our best overall choice, because of its supportive yet surprisingly plush design and cooling gel interior. Keep reading to find our full list of the best pillows for every type of sleeper backed by two full days of testing. Keep in Mind: Taking out or adding foam to this pillow can be a little messy. The outer layer of this pillow is structured memory foam, while the inside is filled with shredded foam pieces to create the squishy, plush texture our testers loved. For people who like a bit of firmness to their pillow, we found that this one kept our neck supported and comfortable without being too stiff. “It doesn’t give me any neck pain despite being slightly flatter than I’d prefer,” our tester said, “and it’s very breathable and comfortable.” However, if you prefer your pillow to be a little more full, you can add the extra shredded memory foam that comes with your purchase. We did find the process of adding or removing foam to be slightly messy, so plan to do this in an area that’s easy to sweep or vacuum. When testing the cooling capabilities of the Snuggle-Pedic pillow, our testers noted that it felt refreshing and cool against their head the entire time they lay on it, not just the first few minutes. This is thanks in part to its breathable bamboo cover, which allows ample ventilation to keep stuffy air from warming the pillow’s surface. Price at time of publish: $60 Material: Memory foam | Dimensions: Adjustable | Recommended for: Back, side, and stomach sleepers Keep in Mind: It doesn’t have cooling properties, so hot sleepers may not find it as comfortable. After sleeping on this pillow for three months, our tester didn’t experience any new neck pain and noted that it “feels like my neck is in an optimally supported position as a side sleeper.” It’s made from a blend of memory foam and microfiber, combining the inviting plushness of a soft pillow with the structured support you need for a good night’s sleep. The pillow also comes with an extra half-pound bag of filling, so you’ll be able to adjust its loft to meet your needs–our tester’s favorite feature of this pillow. “The customization aspect has made this the best pillow I’ve ever used,” she said. When we tested it in the lab, our experts found that adding and removing stuffing was super easy and didn’t make a mess. It’s quite squishy, which balances the firmness of the memory foam layer inside. The entire pillow is hypoallergenic, so it’s an option for people allergic to down. The only thing missing from this ultra-comfortable pillow is cooling capabilities. Unlike some of the other best pillows we tested, the Coop Original pillow doesn’t include cooling features or added breathability to help regulate temperature as you sleep. However, even without this, our testers didn’t feel overheated or stuffy when lying on it. Price at time of publish: $78 Material: Memory foam and microfiber | Dimensions: 20 x 30 inches | Recommended for: Back and side sleepers Keep in Mind: It’s not great for back or side sleepers, as this pillow doesn’t provide as much support as others we tested. During the temperature tests, we found that while this pillow isn’t advertised as a cooling pillow, it didn’t seem to get overly warm or stuffy when we used it. The overall temperature of the pillow increased after our testers lay on it for 15 minutes but not enough to make them uncomfortable or prevent them from dozing off. We also liked that the L.L.Bean down-alternative pillow is washable, earning perfect scores for durability and overall quality in our tests. Even after being run through the washer and dryer, this pillow remained just as plush and soft as it had been when brand-new. This pillow doesn’t have as much support to your head and neck as a memory foam pillow might; however, since stomach sleepers typically need less loft and structure to keep their neck in a neutral position, the L.L.Bean pillow works well for this type of sleeper. Price at time of publish: $50 Material: Polyester and cotton | Dimensions: 20 x 30 inches | Recommended for: Stomach sleepers Keep in Mind: Though advertised as a cooling pillow, our testers didn’t feel any difference in temperature between it and other non-cooling pillows. While a lot of adjustable pillows come with additional stuffing that you can add or remove, our testers liked that they could change the firmness of the Marlow pillow simply by zipping or unzipping the sides. When fully zipped, we found the pillow to be quite firm, but when fully unzipped, the pillow has room to expand on each side, making it more squishy. It’s made from gel-infused shredded memory foam, so you can expect a fluffy, lightweight texture similar to a down pillow combined with the supportive cushion of a memory foam one. “I…like how the pillow seems to stay light and fluffy, even after sleeping on it,” our tester said. When unzipped, the pillow has greater airflow, which can help clear out stuffy air and keep you from overheating at night. Though it’s advertised as a cooling pillow, our testers didn’t notice any particular difference between the Marlow pillow’s performance and other non-cooling pillows we tested. It seemed to warm up slightly when our testers lay on it for an extended period of time but not enough to make them uncomfortable. We also think this pillow overpromises and under-delivers as being the ultimate firm and soft pillow; one pillow can’t be all things for all sleepers. For overnight guests, though, we think it’s a great value with decent support. Price at time of publish: $65 Material: Memory foam and polyester | Dimensions: 17.5 x 26 inches | Recommended for: Side and back sleepers Keep in Mind: For the price, we didn’t find this pillow to be quite as cooling as we’d expected. When we tested the Tuft & Needle Original memory foam pillow, our experts loved how it cradled their head as they lay on it, providing a perfect mix of plushness without the sinking feeling. The pillow is slightly less firm than other memory foam pillows we tested—it felt quite squishy when we pressed into it—but had enough firmness to keep our head in a relaxed and neutral position. According to the manufacturer (and confirmed by our testers), the Tuft & Needle pillow is designed to provide support for all sleeping positions, making it a versatile solution to neck pain no matter how you sleep at night. We also loved its high-quality polyester cover, which felt luxurious and remained super soft even after washing. The Tuft & Needle Original pillow is infused with graphite and cooling gel to help wick away stuffy air and keep you cool overnight. And while our experts did note that the pillow stayed at a comfortable temperature the entire time, it didn’t have the major cooling effect we’d expected. Price at time of publish: $100 Material: Memory foam and polyester | Dimensions: 25 x 16 inches | Recommended for: Back, side, and stomach sleepers Keep in Mind: This pillow is likely too firm for a stomach sleeper. With a washable cooling cover that our testers described as “luxurious” and three different layers of supportive memory foam, the Casper Foam pillow works for side and back sleepers alike. We liked its medium-firm support, which allows your head to sink comfortably into the pillow while still cradling your neck. “Unlike some of my fluffier down pillows, this one really feels like it’s holding my head and neck in a neutral position and keeps me supported and comfortable all night long,” our tester said. This memory foam pillow is also designed to stay cool even on hot summer nights, thanks to its breathable cover and perforated memory foam. This allows the air to circulate through the foam instead getting trapped and warming up the surface of the pillow. Its “snow technology” is designed to draw heat away from your head as you sleep. During testing, our experts noted that the pillow felt equally cool when resting on it after 15 minutes as it had when they first lay down. We also found that the duality and durability of this pillow made it well worth the title of best memory foam pillow. Our testers raved about the quality of its material, especially the cover, which remained just as soft after being washed and dried. Price at time of publish: $89 Material: Polyurethane memory foam and polyester | Dimensions: 16 x 24 inches | Recommended for: Back and side sleepers Keep in Mind: People who prefer a more firm pillow may not like how soft and fluffy it is. When shopping, you’ll be able to choose your pillow density between soft, medium, and firm. We tested the medium-density pillow and found it to be an all-around option for any sleeping position. Even our testers who naturally sleep on their side felt that this pillow offered enough support to keep them comfortable all night long. “This pillow continues to be just the perfect level of softness for a stomach/side sleeper,” our tester said after three months of use. “I never wake up with a sore or stiff neck.” While it isn’t built with any particular cooling capabilities, our experts found that this pillow remained quite cool during our temperature tests. This is likely because the down pillow is more breathable than a dense memory foam one, allowing for better air circulation as you sleep. Keep in mind that most down pillows are quite fluffy, and the Boll & Branch pillow is no exception. Shoppers who are accustomed to more dense and firm pillows may find this one to be too soft. Price at time of publish: $158 Material: Down and cotton | Dimensions: 20 x 28 inches | Recommended for: Back, stomach, and side sleepers Keep in Mind: The surface texture of this pillow felt slightly low-quality to our testers. When lying on it in different sleeping positions, we also found that this pillow was extremely supportive, keeping our neck in neutral alignment while providing superior cushioning. “My favorite thing about this pillow is that even when I sleep on my side, it seems to adjust to what I need,” our tester said. It has a medium loft, making it comfortable even when sleeping on your stomach, but it’s still firm enough to cradle your head if you sleep on your back. “It somehow feels different in each position, providing the ideal sleeping experience no matter how many times I change sleeping positions,” our tester noted after using it for three months. Our testers didn’t like the texture of this pillow’s surface, so we recommend putting an extra-soft pillowcase over it for a more premium sleeping experience. Price at time of publish: $34 (pack of 2) Material: Polyester microfiber | Dimensions: 20 x 26 inches | Recommended for: Back, stomach, and side sleepers Keep in Mind: The pillow cover shrank in the wash, so we don’t recommend machine-washing it. Filled with natural latex and organic cotton and surrounded by a cotton sateen cover, this pillow feels extremely plush and cozy to the touch. It was quick to rise after we pressed our hand into the center of it, and when lying on it, our testers found that it kept their head lightly supported on all sides. This helped them doze off without feeling the need to toss and turn to find a more suitable position. During our temperature tests, the Saatva pillow became only a few degrees warmer when lying on it for 15 minutes, and our testers didn’t report feeling any heat when lying on it. We also felt that it had great air flow and breathability without the feeling of stale or stuffy air. After three months of use, our tester was happy to report that this pillow still offers ample support. “I really like how this pillow has maintained its loft and shape, despite me sleeping with it every night,” she said. “I really like a loftier, firm pillow, and this pillow has exceeded my expectations.” Though the manufacturer says this pillow’s removable cover is washable, our testers found that it shrank by an inch and a half after washing and drying it. While we suspect this occurred during the drying cycle, we recommend hand-washing and air-drying this pillow’s cover to be safe. Price at time of publish: $165 Material: Cotton and latex | Dimensions: 18 x 28 inches | Recommended for: Back, stomach, and side sleepers Keep in Mind: We found that this pillow shrank slightly after being put in the washer and dryer. We tested the medium-firm version of this pillow, which looked and felt quite fluffy to the touch but still held its shape extremely well when we rested our head on it. It didn’t feel like our head was sinking deep into the pillow the way you might expect from a down-alternative option, but we still felt quite cozy. After three months of use, our tester is still pleased with the comfort of this pillow, saying, “I don’t love memory foam pillows, so this one perfectly combines something cushioning and supportive while still remaining lofty and firm enough.” The pillow’s cotton cover is infused with a special inner coating of fabric developed by NASA to help regulate heat, and our testers mentioned that it felt quite cool and comfortable in all positions. We also liked that this pillow was machine-washable, making it easy to clean if you accidentally spill on it or if it gets dirty. The Slumber Cloud Core pillow did shrink slightly in the wash, but it was just as fluffy as before when we took it out of the washer. Because of this, we don’t recommend washing this pillow too often in order to preserve its quality. Price at time of publish: $64 Material: Cotton and latex | Dimensions: 18 x 28 inches | Recommended for: Back, stomach, and side sleepers Keep in Mind: The stuffing can get stuck in the zipper when trying to add or remove filling. This pillow is made from certified organic cotton, kapok (a vegan alternative to down that’s made of tree fiber), and latex, but it received equally high scores to the synthetic pillows we tested in our lab. We were particularly impressed by the coolness of this pillow, which remained the exact same temperature even after our testers lay on it for a long period of time. We also found that this pillow was extremely comfortable, offering firm support but maintaining a cozy squishiness that made it extra inviting to fall asleep on. Our experts loved that its cover was machine washable for easy cleaning without losing any softness. The Avocado Green pillow has a medium-firm feel to it, but you can always add or remove stuffing using the zipper opening and the extra stuffing that comes with your purchase. However, our testers had trouble with the stuffing getting caught inside the zipper, so keep this in mind if you plan to add extra filling. Price at time of publish: $129 Material: Cotton, kapok, and latex | Dimensions: 19 x 25 inches | Recommended for: Back, stomach, and side sleepers
Our Testing Process
To put the best pillows to the test, we spent two full days in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, examining the quality, comfort, and durability of some of the most popular options on the market. Our team of home experts lay on each pillow for an extended period of time on their stomach, back, and sides to determine which pillows were supportive and comfortable enough for each sleeping position. They also used an infrared thermometer to test the cooling capabilities of the pillows, noting any that had exceptionally good airflow and breathability. For pillows that were safe to use in the wash, we tested their durability by running them through a laundry cycle and looking for shrinkage or flatness.
What to Know About Pillows Before Shopping
Pillow Filling Type
Depending on how fluffy or supportive you like your pillow to be, different filling types may be right for you. For people who like a plush, lightweight pillow to sink into, down or feather pillows provide extra soft cushioning without much support. If you prefer a little more structure, memory foam pillows mold to the shape of your head and neck as you sleep, providing customized support. During testing, many of our experts also really liked the combined cushioning and support of shredded memory foam pillows. “Memory foam pillows are made up of foam and down pillows are filled with either goose or duck feathers,” Foley says. “There’s not a huge difference as far as effectiveness in the two, so a lot of it comes down to personal preference. However, if you’re a hot sleeper, you may want to avoid memory foam because it tends to trap heat.”
Loft Height
The loft height refers to how thick your pillow is when lying flat on your bed. There are typically three loft heights to choose from: low loft (less than 3 inches thick), medium (between 3 to 5 inches thick), and high loft (greater than 5 inches). These measurements can help you determine the correct pillow for your sleeping position. The appropriate pillow loft will keep your neck supported and relieve pressure on your spine, but depending on how you typically fall asleep, you’ll probably need a different pillow loft.
Your Sleeping Position
You’ll also want to shop for a pillow that keeps your neck and spine in a neutral position as you sleep, which is why some pillows are better suited to certain sleeping positions than others. If you’re a stomach sleeper, shop for a pillow with a low loft height and a lightweight filling. This keeps you from feeling suffocated by dense memory foam and allows your head to rest more naturally than it might on a high-loft pillow. Most back sleepers will find a medium-loft pillow to be the most comfortable, which are usually between 3 to 5 inches thick. Side sleepers may need a high-loft pillow to fill the space between their head and neck, providing even spinal alignment and relieving pressure.
Cooling Capability
On sticky summer nights, the last thing you probably want is to curl up on a pillow that traps heat and stuffy air right next to your face. Shop for pillows that have cooling features such as graphite-infused filling or breathable fabric covers that can help wick heat away from your head. This eliminates the need for constantly flipping your pillow in the middle of the night while keeping you more comfortable.
Other Pillows We Tested
Purple Harmony Pillow
The Purple Harmony pillow stood out during our tests for its cool-to-the-touch design and its surprising texture. When we initially performed the temperature tests, our experts found that it instantly felt cool against their neck, but that cooling sensation seemed to disappear over time, making it ineffective after a few minutes. While we liked how firm and supportive it was, our testers didn’t love the honeycomb texture of the pillow, which is why it ultimately didn’t make our list.
Brooklinen Down Pillow
We normally love Brooklinen’s bedding products, but the brand’s down pillows didn’t perform as well as others in our lab tests. Our testers noted that the pillow seemed to deflate when they rested their head on it, providing very little support or cushioning, even for someone who sleeps on their stomach. It also increased in temperature by 14 degrees when our testers lay on it for a long period of time, making us question how cool it would feel if sleeping on it overnight.
Buffy Cloud Pillow
While we initially liked the silky exterior of the Buffy Cloud Pillow, we found that it lacked support when actually in use. Our testers’ head immediately sank through all of the fluffy down cushioning, making it uncomfortable in all sleeping positions. It also retained quite a bit of heat during our temperature tests, causing our testers to feel overly warm when lying on it.
Your Questions, Answered
How often should I replace my pillow?
It’s important to replace your pillow every few years, not just to keep you more comfortable as you sleep, but also to ensure your neck and spine are adequately supported overnight. “You should replace your pillow every one to two years,” Foley said. “If your pillow is starting to sag, stain, or lose its shape, this may be a sign that it’s time to get a new one.” If you notice that you’re waking up with soreness, you’re tossing and turning at night, or your allergies start to get worse, this could be a sign that it’s time to replace your pillow. Old pillows will lose their cushioning, providing less comfortable support, and begin to accumulate allergens inside the fibers that can worsen your allergies.
How do I know if I’m using the right pillow?
Picking out the best pillow for you is a combination of personal preference and matching your sleeping position with the right loft and support. You’ll know you’ve found the right pillow when it’s approximately as thick as the distance between your neck and the mattress when lying down on it. This keeps your neck or back from curving in an uncomfortable position all night. You’ll also find that you’re not tossing and turning all night long to find the right sleeping position when the pillow provides adequate support and cushioning.
What type of pillow is best for cooling?
Plenty of cooling pillows are on the market, designed to help wick away heat and avoid trapping stuffy air right next to your head as you sleep. However, some pillows do this better than others. As part of our tests, we used infrared thermometers to measure the temperature of each pillow before and after lying on it for an extended period of time. This helped us determine which were the best cooling pillows and which became uncomfortably warm. If heat resistance and breathability are important to you, look for lightweight pillows like a down or a shredded memory foam pillow that has cooling gel inside its filling. Some memory foam pillows will have graphite infused into the layers, which can also help to diffuse heat.
Who We Are
Samantha Jones is an associate home editor at Better Homes & Gardens, writing about topics such as window air conditioners, hammocks, fans, and more. For this story, she combined her research on the best pillows with tester insights gathered during our pillow tests in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Samantha also spoke with Logan Foley, sleep science coach and managing editor at The Sleep Foundation for expert insights on what to look for in the best pillows.
