The Best Pillows
When it comes to achieving a restful night’s sleep, choosing the best pillows can make all the difference. Imagine sinking into a cloud of perfect comfort, where every part of your body is supported, and you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free. And it’s totally possible.
Since finding the best pillow for your needs is absolutely important, we thought we’d do the research for you and help you choose. Let’s begin.
It’s Key to Consider…
Before purchasing a pillow, consider these key factors to ensure you select the best pillows for your needs:
Sleeping position: Your sleeping position greatly influences the type of pillow you need. Back sleepers typically need medium-thick pillows for neck support. Side sleepers require thicker, firmer pillows to fill the gap between their head and shoulders. Stomach sleepers benefit from thin or soft pillows to prevent neck strain.
Pillow fill material: Different materials offer various levels of support and comfort. Memory foam and latex provide good support and conform to the head and neck shape.
Down and feather pillows are soft and moldable, while polyester pillows are budget-friendly but may lack durability. Buckwheat pillows offer adjustable firmness.
Support and firmness: The level of support and firmness should match your comfort needs and sleeping position. Firmer pillows provide better support for side sleepers, while softer pillows are more suitable for stomach sleepers.
Pillow size: Standard, queen, and king sizes are available. Choose a size that fits your bed and sleeping style. A larger pillow might offer more support and comfort for some sleepers.
Adjustability: Some pillows allow you to adjust the fill to customize the height and firmness, offering personalized comfort and support.
Durability: Consider the longevity of the pillow material. Memory foam and latex tend to be more durable, while polyester pillows may need to be replaced more frequently.
Best Travel Pillow
Fill material | Foam |
Pillow size | Standard |
Firmness | Firm |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need all-night cooling.
- you sleep in multiple positions.
- you prefer firm support.
- you desire a low-maintenance pillow.
- you want innovative cooling technology.
- you want innovative cooling technology.
- you prefer very soft pillows.
- you dislike foam pillows.
- you don’t overheat at night.
The Casper Sleep Hybrid Snow pillow is an exceptional choice for those seeking the best pillows with innovative cooling technology. This pillow features a unique CoolTouch Cover that provides an immediate refreshing sensation.
HeatDelete bands are integrated to ensure a cooler sleep experience for over 12 hours, making it ideal for hot sleepers. You can also use this as a travel pillow for when you’re on vacation.
Constructed from a blend of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, the pillow combines flexibility and comfort.
The foam layer on the exterior prevents the pillow from clumping or flattening over time, ensuring long-lasting support without the need for frequent fluffing. The foam and fiber construction balances the comfort of fiber with the support of ultra-soft foam.
Designed to provide all-night cooling and comfort, the CoolTouch Cover works with Phase Change Material to maintain a consistently refreshing feel. This feature is perfect for those who experience nighttime overheating.
The Casper Sleep Hybrid Snow pillow promises a restful night, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and supported.
With dimensions of 24 inches by 16 inches, this pillow is firm and suitable for adults. It’s designed for multi-position sleepers, offering versatile comfort whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. The plain pattern and portability make it a convenient choice for various settings.
Maintaining the pillow is easy, as it is machine washable. This low-maintenance aspect, combined with its advanced cooling and supportive features, makes the Casper Sleep Hybrid Snow pillow one of the best pillows for those seeking ultimate comfort.
Casper Sleep Hybrid Snow Pillow Reviews
- Comfortable: The pillow offers excellent support for side sleepers and stays cool all night.
- Supportive: Users experience reduced neck pain and better alignment during sleep.
- Cooling: Many appreciate the cooling technology that prevents overheating.
- Odor: A few users report an unpleasant smell from the foam.
Best for Stomach-Sleepers
Fill material | Latex |
Pillow size | King |
Firmness | Plush |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you are a stomach sleeper.
- you need head and neck support.
- you prefer hypoallergenic pillows.
- you want adjustable loft height.
- you like breathable materials.
- you seek luxury sleep.
- you prefer firm pillows.
- you dislike latex material.
- you want very high loft.
The Saatva latex pillow offers an exceptional sleep experience with its plush, hotel-quality comfort. Designed to keep you in perfect alignment, this pillow ensures rejuvenating slumber no matter your sleep position.
It features a shredded natural latex core, endorsed by chiropractors and orthopedists, delivering superior head and neck support. Hypoallergenic and breathable, it provides a resilient sleep surface, making it one of the best pillows for stomach sleepers.
The pillow’s premium materials include a natural latex core surrounded by down-like microdenier fibers, offering responsive support. Encased in a Fair Trade Certified organic cotton cover, it provides an added layer of luxury.
Breathability and hygiene are key features of this pillow, thanks to its organic cotton cover. The cover is fully machine washable and boasts moisture-wicking properties, ensuring a cool and refreshing rest.
This pillow is designed for those who prioritize both comfort and support. Its luxurious feel and high-quality materials make it a worthwhile investment for a better night’s sleep.
Whether you are a stomach sleeper or if you just want a hotel pillow, the Saatva latex pillow caters to various needs, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and aligned.
Saatva Latex Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Reviews
- Adjustable: The two loft height options cater to various sleeping positions, enhancing overall comfort.
- Durable: High-quality materials ensure the pillow retains its shape and support over time.
- Hypoallergenic: The natural latex core is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Best Down Pillow
Fill material | Down Alternative |
Pillow size | King |
Firmness | Medium |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need breathable pillows.
- you want allergy-friendly options.
- you prefer soft yet supportive pillows.
- you desire machine-washable pillows.
- you sleep in various positions.
- you want the best pillows.
- you need very firm support.
- you prefer natural down fill.
- you want adjustable firmness.
The MZOIMZO Emzoimzo Soft Down pillows offer an exceptional sleep experience with their breathable and skin-friendly microfiber fabric cover. This ensures a smooth, soft surface that enhances comfort.
The down alternative fill provides a plush feel, ideal for allergy sufferers. You’ll quickly fall asleep and wake up feeling recharged, making these some of the best pillows available.
These king-size bed pillows strike a perfect balance between softness and firmness, helping reduce neck pain and alleviate shoulder stiffness. Their no-shift construction adapts to various sleeping positions, whether you’re a side, stomach, or back sleeper.
The plush bounce-back design molds to your favorite sleeping position, ensuring consistent support throughout the night.
In addition to comfort, these pillows also add a touch of elegance to your bedroom with their neatly tailored look. The piping along the edge gives a polished finish. These ergonomic pillows are machine washable and can be tumble-dried on low, ensuring easy maintenance.
The dimensions of the king size are 48 x 86 cm, making them a perfect fit for most beds.
All materials used in these pillows are carefully selected and rigorously inspected, ensuring high quality and durability.
These features make the MZOIMZO Emzoimzo Soft Down pillows some of the best pillows for a comfortable, allergy-free, and restful night’s sleep.
MZOIMZO Emzoimzo Soft Down Pillows Reviews
- Affordable quality: Good pillow to sleep on at a decent price, high quality with a small(ish) price.
- Super puffy: Literally the best, amazing, super puffy, and soft. They lose some puffiness but stay comfy.
- Maintains form: Great pillow that keeps form and stays cool throughout the night.
- Good support: Slightly like soft memory foam, but more supportive for various sleeping positions.
- Quick expansion: Pillows expand to full size within 12-24 hours after being compressed for shipping.
- Improves sleep: Daughter loves them; she is sleeping better with these comfortable pillows.
Best for Side-Sleepers
Fill material | Down Alternative |
Pillow size | Queen |
Firmness | Firm |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need soft pillows.
- you prefer medium-to-high loft.
- you want breathable materials.
- you desire consistent fluffiness.
- you prefer very firm pillows.
- you need adjustable height.
The Viewstar pillows offer exceptional comfort and support, making them some of the best pillows available. Snuggle into the comfort provided by soft, lightweight microfibers that recreate the plushness of real down.
The silky-smooth cover enhances this coziness, allowing you to snooze the night away in luxury.
Infused with premium down alternative clusters, these pillows ensure optimal support for your head and neck. They cradle snugly without too much sinkage, promoting neutral spine alignment.
The pillows respond nicely to your head position throughout the night, providing sufficient cushioning for truly restorative slumber. Ideal for those who prefer firmer pillows with a medium-to-high loft.
Viewstar bed pillows encase plenty of airy polyester fibers that retain plumpness all night long. There’s no need to struggle to scrunch them up at midnight. The quality fiber core quickly retakes its shape after use, ready for your next bedtime.
These pillows are constructed to resist flattening or clumping, ensuring long-standing enjoyment.
The entire hotel pillow is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning all materials are free from unnecessary substances. You can breathe deeply without worrying about a scratchy nose or face, thanks to the pure synthetic fills.
The polyester fabric shell is airflow-friendly and always smooth to the touch, enhancing your sleeping experience.
Thoughtfully made of machine-washable materials, these pillows can go right into your home washing machine and dryer. They are easy to maintain and will bloom like new even after repeated washing.
Measuring 20″ x 30″ in queen size, the set of two pillows comes vacuum-sealed and quickly expands to full size within 24 hours. These features make Viewstar among the best pillows for a restful night’s sleep.
Viewstar Pillows For Back, Stomach, or Side Sleepers Reviews
- Outstanding comfort: These pillows offer perfect softness and support, significantly improving sleep quality.
- High-quality materials: Durable and luxurious, with soft, breathable fabric ensuring cool sleep.
- Maintains shape: Retains form well even after extended use, preventing flattening.
- Versatile: Comfortable for side and back sleepers, holding shape and support.
- Improved sleep: Cradles head and neck, eliminating neck aches and providing a good fit.
- Super cushy: Described as super cushy and comfortable, akin to sleeping on a cloud.
Best Cooling Pillow
Fill material | Gel memory foam |
Pillow size | Queen |
Firmness | Plush |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need adjustable height.
- you seek cooling pillows.
- you want personalized support.
- you prefer machine washable covers.
- you enjoy soft, cloud-like pillows.
- you prefer firm pillows.
- you dislike shredded memory foam
- you don’t need an adjustable loft.
The Supa Modern cooling bed pillows offer an exceptional sleep experience with their adjustable height and personalized support.
The luxury cooling pillow is ultra-soft, providing a cloud-like sleeping experience. Its premium materials and removable, machine-washable cover ensure ease of use and maintenance. Safe for you and your loved ones, this pillow combines comfort with convenience.
The 3D breathful design smartly distributes the force from your head and neck, perfectly fitting your body curve.
With hundreds of 3D small parts on the pillowcase, the Supa Modern cooling bed pillow enhances your sleeping quality by keeping your head, neck, and body aligned. This design promotes smoother breathing and can improve sleep quality by up to 59.54%.
Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, the adjustable loft caters to all sleeping styles. You might be interested in knowing that you can also use this as a body pillow.
These pillows are also great gifts for friends and families, perfect for holidays like Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
The high-quality shredded memory foam filling ensures the pillows never go flat, maintaining their shape and support over time. For the best pillows experience, you can even put them in the dryer to fluff them up.
While no cooling pillow stays cool forever due to environmental factors, the Supa Modern cooling bed pillows maximize the cooling effect. Use them with an air conditioner or fan for an optimal sleep experience.
Supa Modern Cooling Bed Pillows Reviews
- Worth the value: High value for the cost, providing excellent comfort.
- Quick fluff: Fully fluffs up within two days, well made with a cooling side.
- Comfortable: Soft and provides good support, with noticeable cooling effect.
- Good support: Supports knees, reducing discomfort and stiffness during sleep.
- Too thick: Had to remove 1/3 of the foam, too thick initially.
- Lacks cervical support: Not enough support for neck problems, squishes down under neck.
Best Hotel Pillow
Fill material | Down Alternative |
Pillow size | Queen |
Firmness | Plush |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you overheat at night.
- you prefer breathable pillows.
- you like easy-to-clean pillows.
- you need firm support.
- you sleep in various positions.
- you want high-quality pillows.
- you need memory foam.
- you prefer adjustable firmness.
- you want very soft pillows.
The Beckham Hotel Collection standard bed pillows offer superior comfort with a 250 thread count cover filled with a soft down alternative. These pillows are among the best pillows for enhancing your bedroom, guest room, or college dorm.
Designed to keep you cool, they are perfect for those who overheat at night or suffer from night sweats. The breathability of these pillows provides welcome relief and maintains an optimal temperature throughout the night.
Made in an OEKO-TEX Standard Certified factory, these pillows ensure high safety and environmental standards. Their fluffy design accommodates back, side, and stomach sleepers, maintaining its shape due to the plush bounce-back construction.
This firm support helps you get a better night’s rest, as the pillows do not bunch or distort over time. Cleaning these pillows is hassle-free; simply pop them in the washer and tumble dry.
This feature makes them much easier to maintain compared to memory foam pillows. With breathable cotton and down fill, these pillows are crafted to provide the ideal support for a restful sleep.
The Beckham Hotel Collection pillows are indeed some of the best pillows for comfort and support. They combine luxury and practicality, making them an excellent choice for any household.
Beckham Hotel Collection Standard Bed Pillows Reviews
- Customized support: Molds perfectly to the contours of your head and neck for comfort.
- Cool and dry: Stays pleasantly cool and dry throughout the entire night.
- Outstanding quality: Luxuriously soft and very durable, especially for the reasonable price.
- Comfortable: Provides good support and cooling effect, overall satisfying experience.
- Weather-resistant: Great for motorhomes, full but soft, and doesn’t clump or squeeze.
- High-quality materials: Soft feel, cool to the touch, and high-quality stitching and design.
Best with Natural Material
Fill material | 100% US-grown organic buckwheat hulls The outer shell of buckwheat seeds, used as filling in certain types of pillows for support and airflow. |
Pillow size | 20″L x 14″W |
Firmness | Extra firm |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need firm support.
- you prefer natural materials.
- you want cooling pillows.
- you seek neck pain relief.
- you like adjustable pillows.
- you prefer soft pillows.
- you need lightweight pillows.
- you dislike buckwheat hulls.
The Beans72 organic buckwheat pillow offers exceptional support with its 100% US-grown organic buckwheat hulls filling and natural unbleached cotton casing.
Made in the USA, it conforms perfectly to your head, neck, and spine, providing relief from tension, muscle pain, stiff neck, headaches, and stress. Unlike foam, it will not collapse, making it one of the best pillows for maintaining consistent support.
The buckwheat hulls allow air to circulate, quickly cooling the pillow and enhancing comfort. Weighing between 4 to 5 pounds, this pillow offers a stable and supportive sleep surface.
The organic materials and thoughtful design make it one of the best pillows for those seeking natural and effective sleep solutions.
Whether you need firm support or relief from common sleeping problems, the Beans72 organic buckwheat pillow ensures a restful night’s sleep.
Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow Reviews
- Adjustable firmness: Customers appreciate the ability to adjust firmness by removing or adding buckwheat hulls as needed.
- Perfect size: The Japanese size is ideal, offering support without being too heavy or too loose.
- Superior quality: Many reviewers note it is firmer with excellent support, superior to other buckwheat pillows they’ve tried.
- Minimal noise: Users report very minimal noise and no unpleasant smell, highlighting the high-quality buckwheat fill.
- Pain relief: Several customers mention it provides great sleep and significantly reduces neck pain over time.
Best Versatile
Fill material | Memory Foam, Microfiber |
Pillow size | Queen |
Firmness | Adjustable |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need adjustable support.
- you prefer memory foam.
- you want certified safe pillows.
- you are a side sleeper.
- you like breathable fabrics.
- you seek better sleep quality.
- you prefer down pillows.
- you dislike memory foam.
- you need very soft pillows.
The Coop Home Goods Original adjustable pillow offers a customizable sleep experience, making it one of the best pillows for personalized comfort.
With its adjustable design, you can add or remove memory foam fill to achieve the perfect balance of support and comfort. This feature is ideal for side, back, and stomach sleepers, ensuring restful sleep.
The pillow’s adjustable nature helps alleviate discomfort in pressure points, reduces snoring, and minimizes tossing and turning. By customizing the foam fill, you can maintain proper alignment and experience more comfortable sleep.
The Coop Home Goods pillow is designed to help you sleep right, addressing individual needs for size, shape, and sleep position. Coop Home Goods also makes some of the best throw pillows which you can check out in our other articles.
Safety and quality are paramount, and the Coop Home Goods pillow meets these standards with GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications. These certifications ensure the pillow is free from harmful chemicals.
The use of freshly manufactured foam ensures you lay your head on new, high-quality materials every night.
The Coop Home Goods Original adjustable pillow is designed to provide the ultimate sleep companion, combining innovative design with top-quality materials.
In short, the Coop Home Goods Original adjustable pillow stands out as one of the best pillows for those seeking customizable support and comfort. Its adjustable design, high-quality materials, and safety certifications make it an excellent choice for a better night’s sleep.
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow Reviews
- Versatile use: Suitable for back, stomach, and side sleepers, great for all positions.
- Excellent support: Provides customized support with extra filling for perfect adjustment.
- Improved sleep: Users fall asleep faster and wake up feeling well-rested.
- Cool sleeping: Stays fairly cool throughout the night, perfect for hot sleepers.
Best with Adjustable Firmness
Fill material | React Blend Fill & React Foam Crown Technologies |
Pillow size | 20″ W x 26″ L x 5.25″ H (Size 1.0) |
Firmness | Medium-soft |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need curved support.
- you prefer adjustable comfort.
- you are a neutral sleeper.
- you want breathable materials.
- you enjoy soft fabric covers.
- you need extra-firm support.
- you prefer down pillows.
- you need lightweight pillows.
The Bedgear Flow Cuddle Curve pillow offers a unique curved design that aligns with your body’s natural shape. This design ensures you have a great night’s sleep and wake up feeling well-rested.
The dual medium-soft comfort allows for easy adjustment. One side features the soft React Blend fill, while the other has the firmer React Crown foam. Simply flip the pillow to find your perfect comfort level.
Designed with airflow technology, this pillow is ideal for neutral or warm sleepers. The breathable Air-X mesh and vents provide continuous airflow, preventing heat buildup while you sleep. This feature helps maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature throughout the night.
The breathable cover is engineered for maximum breathability and comfort. Made from t-shirt-like fabric, the cover gives the pillow a soft sensation. It is removable and washable, ensuring a clean, dry feel every time you sleep.
Bedgear specializes in superior bedding designed for maximum comfort. The Flow Cuddle Curve pillow regulates your temperature and keeps your body in ideal alignment. This focus on comfort and support makes it one of the best pillows available.
Whether you need curved support or prefer adjustable comfort, this pillow caters to various needs. Its innovative design and high-quality materials provide a premium sleep experience.
The Bedgear Flow Cuddle Curve pillow combines functionality with comfort, making it a great addition to your bedding collection.
Bedgear Flow Cuddle Curve Pillow Reviews
- Absolute favorite: Many customers absolutely love this pillow, calling it the best they’ve bought after trying many others.
- Perfect comfort: Ideal for side and back sleepers, providing perfect height and worth every penny.
- Decent cooling: Reviewers find it to be a nice, fairly soft pillow with decent cooling, though thicker than expected.
- Improved sleep: Several users reported improved sleep significantly, with one noting it as the best pillow ever.
- Thickness concern: The pillow is thicker than expected, with the 1.0 size being borderline too high for some.
Best Pregnancy Pillow
Fill material | Polyester |
Pillow size | 57 inches |
Firmness | Soft |
Cooling technology/Breathable | No |
- you need full body support.
- you experience hip pain.
- you prefer ergonomic pillows.
- you enjoy soft velvet material.
- you want a multi-purpose pillow.
- you prefer compact pillows.
- you need extra firm support.
- you dislike U-shaped designs.
The Momcozy pregnancy pillows offer ergonomic support designed to replace the need for multiple bed pillows. This full body pillow hugs your entire body and provides support for the head, back, belly, sides, knees, hips, and feet.
The pillow’s design ensures a comfortable and restful sleep, making it one of the best pillows for expecting mothers.
Filled with premium polyester, the Momcozy pregnancy pillow balances comfort and support perfectly. It helps improve blood circulation and relieves body pressure, reducing back soreness, hip pain, and leg swelling.
This pillow provides exceptional comfort, pain relief, and quality rest, ensuring you wake up refreshed. You can also find more pregnancy pillows in our other article.
This versatile pillow is not just for pregnancy. Its flexible U-shaped design allows you to change positions easily, making it great for nursing, watching TV, or reading.
The pillow adapts to support different parts of your body as needed, providing relief from discomfort associated with various conditions.
The Momcozy pregnancy pillow is made with chemicals safer for human health and the environment, certified by OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. This ensures the materials used are safe and environmentally friendly.
The velvet cover adds a touch of softness, making you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud every night.
Whether you are a side sleeper or back sleeper, this pillow offers the support and comfort you need. Its durability ensures it keeps its shape night after night, making it a valuable addition to your sleep routine.
The Momcozy pregnancy pillow is an ideal gift for anyone seeking enhanced comfort and support, solidifying its place among the best pillows available.
Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow Reviews
- Comfortable support: Many users find it provides versatile support and remains plump with regular use.
- Cooling fabric: Perfect for hot sleepers, preventing any sweating or overheating during the night.
- Pain relief: Helps alleviate hip pain and provides essential pelvic support for better sleep.
- Soft cover: The soft micro plush cover is removable and washable, adding to its convenience.
- Game-changer: An absolute game-changer during pregnancy, alleviating pressure points and improving overall sleep quality.
- Adjustable fit: The Velcro strap allows for a customized fit and optimal support throughout the night.
- Too fluffy: Some users find it too fluffy to fit comfortably under their bump.
Best for Hugging at Night
Fill material | Memory foam |
Pillow size | One-size |
Firmness | Soft |
Cooling technology/Breathable | Yes |
- you need full body support.
- you prefer memory foam.
- you want cooling technology.
- you seek pain relief.
- you value chiropractor design.
- you want durable pillows.
- you prefer traditional pillows.
- you need extra firm support.
- you dislike large pillows.
The Snuggle-Pedic body pillow offers soft memory foam that supports any sleeping position. Its shredded foam conforms to your body shape, promoting alignment for your legs, back, and hips.
Designed by a chiropractor, this pillow helps melt away stress for pain-free nights, making it one of the best pillows available.
The pillow is OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring safety and quality. These certifications guarantee that the pillow has undergone strict third-party lab testing. This makes it a safe and comfortable choice for your sleeping needs.
The powerful cooling technology allows air to travel through the pillow, keeping you sweat-free all night long. This feature makes it ideal for hot sleepers who need to stay cool while sleeping.
The Snuggle-Pedic body pillow offers full body support, conforming to your back, hips, knees, legs, and feet. This support helps relieve pain and pressure, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed.
The pillow’s design promotes spinal alignment and alleviates discomfort, making it perfect for those seeking pain relief.
This body pillow is also excellent for easing restless sleeping. It conforms to your body shape, helping maintain a comfortable sleep position and reducing tossing and turning.
The additional support is particularly beneficial during pregnancy, providing comfort and reducing aches and pains.
In summary, the Snuggle-Pedic body pillow combines optimized comfort, powerful cooling technology, and chiropractor-designed support. It is an excellent choice for anyone seeking one of the best pillows for full body support and restful sleep.
Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow Reviews
- Long-lasting durability: Many users praise its durability, even after frequent washing and years of use.
- Effective pain relief: Provides significant relief from back pain and helps improve posture, according to several reviewers.
- Extremely comfortable: Described as super comfortable by many, providing the best night’s sleep.
- Excellent cooling feature: Highly effective for those who tend to overheat during the night, as noted by hot sleepers.
- Perfect support balance: Elasticity, size, and weight are just right for full body support, according to users.
- Poor filling distribution: Putting it in the dryer caused the filling to become lumpy and clumpy.
The type of pillow depends on individual sleep preferences, sleeping positions, and specific health needs. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best pillow for you:
Sleeping Position
- Back Sleepers: Medium-firm pillows that support the natural curve of the neck are ideal. Memory foam or latex pillows often work well.
- Side Sleepers: Firm, thick pillows that fill the space between the ear and the outer shoulder are best. Contoured pillows or pillows with extra support for the neck can help maintain alignment.
- Stomach Sleepers: A soft, thin pillow is preferable to prevent neck strain. Some stomach sleepers may benefit from no pillow at all to maintain a neutral spine position.
Pillow Fill Material
- Memory Foam: Provides excellent support and conforms to the shape of the head and neck. Good for reducing pressure points.
- Latex: Naturally hypoallergenic and offers good support. It is resilient and maintains its shape well over time.
- Feather and Down: Soft and moldable, allowing for a customized fit. However, it may require frequent fluffing and can cause allergies in some people.
- Polyester: Affordable and lightweight, but may not provide as much support or durability as other materials.
- Buckwheat: Filled with buckwheat hulls, offering good support and airflow. These pillows are adjustable and conform to the head and neck.
Health Considerations
- Allergies: Hypoallergenic materials such as latex, memory foam, or synthetic fills are best for allergy sufferers.
- Neck Pain: Contoured memory foam or cervical pillows specifically designed for neck support can alleviate pain.
Additional Features
- Adjustability: Some pillows come with adjustable fills, allowing customization of loft and firmness.
- Cooling Properties: Gel-infused memory foam or breathable materials like buckwheat can help hot sleepers stay cool.
Even the best pillows should generally be replaced every 1 to 2 years, although the exact timing can depend on the type and quality of the pillow as well as personal factors. Here are some guidelines to help determine when to change your pillow:
Pillow Type
- Memory Foam: These pillows typically last 1 to 2 years. High-quality memory foam can last a bit longer, up to 3 years.
- Latex: Known for their durability, latex pillows can last between 2 to 4 years.
- Feather and Down: These pillows usually need replacing every 1 to 2 years, although with good care, they can last up to 3 years.
- Polyester: These are the least durable, often needing replacement every 6 months to 1 year.
- Buckwheat: These can last up to 3 years if the hulls are regularly replenished.
Signs Your Pillow Needs Replacement
- Loss of Shape: If your pillow no longer maintains its shape or flattens out easily, it’s time for a new one.
- Lumps and Bumps: Feeling lumps or clumps in your pillow indicates the filling is breaking down.
- Lack of Support: If you wake up with neck or shoulder pain, your pillow may no longer be providing adequate support.
- Allergies: If you notice an increase in allergy symptoms, your pillow could be harboring dust mites or allergens.
- Odor: Persistent unpleasant odors that don’t go away after washing are a sign it’s time to replace your pillow.
The decision on whether to use one or two pillows depends largely on individual comfort and specific sleeping needs.
For back sleepers, one pillow that provides adequate support for the head and neck is typically sufficient. Adding a second pillow can elevate the head too much, causing neck strain.
Side sleepers usually benefit from one pillow between the head and the shoulder to maintain spinal alignment. Placing a second pillow between the knees can help alleviate lower back pressure and keep the spine properly aligned.
For stomach sleepers, using one thin pillow or no pillow at all is often best to prevent neck strain, making the search for the best pillows crucial.
Using two pillows can be beneficial for specific health and comfort needs.
Some people find that using two pillows provides better elevation, which can help with conditions such as acid reflux or snoring. Stacking two pillows can help keep the airways open and reduce symptoms.
Additionally, when sitting up in bed for activities like reading or watching TV, two pillows can offer better support and comfort.
For individuals with respiratory issues, using two pillows to elevate the head can aid in easier breathing during sleep. Placing a second pillow under the knees for back sleepers can reduce lower back pain by promoting a more natural curve in the spine.
Using two pillows of different types, such as a firmer pillow underneath and a softer one on top, can provide customized comfort and support.
To sum up, personal comfort plays a significant role in choosing the best pillows. Experimenting with different pillows can help determine what provides the best support for your specific needs.
The ideal thickness of a pillow varies depending on your sleeping position, personal preferences, and specific health needs. Here are some guidelines—based on studies, of course— to help you determine how thick your pillow should be.
For back sleepers, the best pillows are usually medium-thick, around 4 to 5 inches. This thickness supports the natural curve of the neck without pushing the head too far forward. Ensuring proper alignment of the spine is crucial to prevent neck and back pain.
Side sleepers typically need thicker pillows, about 5 to 7 inches, to fill the space between the head and shoulder. This helps keep the spine straight and reduces pressure points. The best pillows for side sleepers provide firm support to maintain alignment.
Stomach sleepers require thinner pillows, ideally 2 to 3 inches thick, to avoid straining the neck. In some cases, no pillow or a very soft pillow is best to maintain a neutral spine position. The best pillows for stomach sleepers are those that minimize neck elevation.
Ultimately, the best pillows are those that maintain proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine according to your preferred sleeping position. Personal comfort also plays a significant role, so it may be helpful to try different thicknesses to find what works best for you.
Sleeping without a pillow can be healthy for certain individuals, particularly depending on their sleeping position and personal comfort.
For stomach sleepers, sleeping without a pillow can be beneficial. This position naturally aligns the spine and reduces the risk of neck strain.
The best pillows for stomach sleepers are often very thin or non-existent. This helps maintain a neutral spine position, preventing discomfort and pain. However, for back and side sleepers, not using a pillow may not be the best choice.
Back sleepers typically need some elevation to support the natural curve of the neck. The best pillows for back sleepers are medium-thick and provide adequate support without pushing the head too far forward.
Similarly, side sleepers need a pillow to fill the space between their head and shoulder.
This maintains spinal alignment and reduces pressure points. The best pillows for side sleepers are thicker and firmer to provide proper support.
Ultimately, while sleeping without a pillow can be healthy for stomach sleepers, it is generally not recommended for back or side sleepers.
The best pillows for each sleeping position ensure proper spinal alignment and reduce the risk of pain or discomfort. This contributes to overall sleep quality and health, making it important to choose the right pillow for your needs.
When buying a pillow, there are several factors to avoid to ensure you get the best pillows for your needs. Here are some key points to consider:
Avoid pillows that are too soft or too firm without considering your sleeping position. The best pillows should provide adequate support and maintain spinal alignment. A pillow that is too soft may not offer enough support, while one that is too firm can cause discomfort.
Steer clear of pillows made from low-quality materials. Cheap materials can break down quickly, losing their shape and support. The best pillows are made from high-quality, durable materials like memory foam, latex, or high-thread-count cotton.
Avoid buying pillows without considering your specific needs, such as allergies or neck pain. For example, if you suffer from allergies, the best pillows for you will be hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
Similarly, if you have neck pain, a pillow designed for proper cervical support is crucial.
Don’t purchase a pillow without checking for adjustability. The best pillows often allow you to adjust the fill to customize the height and firmness, ensuring maximum comfort and support.
Lastly, avoid ignoring return policies. The best pillows come with a good return policy, allowing you to test the pillow at home and return it if it doesn’t meet your needs. Ensuring you can return the pillow provides peace of mind and helps you find the perfect fit.
Choosing the best pillow material for sleeping depends on personal preferences, sleeping position, and specific health needs. Here are some of the top pillow materials and their benefits.
Memory foam: Memory foam pillows are among the best pillows for sleeping because they conform to the shape of your head and neck, providing excellent support and pressure relief. They are particularly good for people with neck or back pain.
Latex: Latex pillows are highly durable and offer good support. They are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them one of the best pillows for those with allergies.
Down: Down pillows are soft and luxurious, providing a comfortable and moldable sleeping surface. They are considered some of the best pillows for those who prefer a softer feel, although they may not offer enough support for everyone.
Feather: Feather pillows are similar to down but provide more support. They are adjustable and can be shaped to fit your needs, making them some of the best pillows for customizable comfort.
Polyester: Polyester pillows are affordable and lightweight. They are a good option for those looking for budget-friendly choices, although they may not last as long as other materials. Still, for short-term use, they can be among the best pillows.
Buckwheat: Buckwheat pillows are filled with natural buckwheat hulls and provide excellent support and airflow. They are adjustable and can be shaped to fit your head and neck, making them some of the best pillows for those who need customizable firmness.
In conclusion, the best pillows for sleeping will vary based on individual needs. Memory foam and latex are great for support, down and feather are ideal for softness, polyester is budget-friendly, and buckwheat offers customizable firmness.