You probably don’t give much thought to your pillows. For most people, it’s all about the mattress. But what if we told you the pillow you use might be why you aren’t sleeping well? That’s right, snoozing with a pillow not suited for your sleeping position can leave you with a stiff or aching neck in the morning.
To help you decide on the ideal pillow for you, we’ve rounded up the eight best pillows available online right now. We’ve also explained the best pillow material differences and included pillow review input from enthusiastic internet reviewers — complete with our own hands-on (heads-on?) impressions and our recommendations for whose needs they’ll likely suit best. Here’s hoping that a good night’s rest is right around the corner.
How we picked and tested
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Quality materials
We looked for pillows that offered great comfort, support, and or breathability. We played close attention to filling and cover materials.
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Design
Great pillows are more than feathers and thread. We looked for pillows that had accommodating designs, unique features and supportive profiles.
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Objective testing
We measure loft or height to help determine the sleeping positions a pillow suits best, and deconstruct pillows to test the inside filling.
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Subjective testing
Mutliple testers sleep with the pillows in every sleep position. It helps determine how comfortable it feels from different weight and size perspectives.
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Best pillows of 2023
The Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow Ultimate is an ultra-comfy pillow that’s suitable for all sleeping positions. That’s why it takes our pick for the best overall pillow. It’s the type of pillow everyone will love, thanks to the choice of classic, curved or ultimate shape.
If you’re a hot sleeper, or your someone who cherishes the “cool side of the pillow,” consider the Ghost Pillow, our pick for best cooling pillow. From popular mattress brand, Ghostbed, this pillow has an aerated gel memory foam core, a layer of phase-changing materials, and an inner aerated mesh cover. It’s finished off with a cooling cover called “Ghost Ice Fabric..
With two layers of supportive foam and an antibacterial, cooling bamboo case, Cosy House’s shredded foam pillows are made to relieve some of the greatest sleeping woes, namely overheating and uncomfortable pressure points. The relatively firm construction helps the pillow maintain its shape while sleeping, but the shredded memory foam pillow fill in its bottommost layer is removable, which allows you to customize its density. Its affordable price makes it one of the best value pillows you can buy.
Casper’s comfortable pillow boasts “adaptive support” for your neck, meaning it’s both cushy and springy, able to “adapt” to various customers’ neck preferences, making this one of the best pillows for all types of sleepers, back sleepers included. Where the exterior is soft, its firm inner pillow core and gusseted construction helps maintain its structure. The Casper pillow is basically a pillow zipped up inside of an outer pillow padded case.
Another of the best pillows with adjustable density, Coop’s “Original” pillow is completely customizable and reshapable. That’s why it earns the spot of the best adjustable pillow for neck pain. Its fill is entirely made up of a shredded blend of microfiber and memory foam pillow, meaning you can empty and refill the whole body of the pillow, allowing you to fluff it and mash this adjustable pillow to fit your exact sleeping needs. Plus, the whole thing is machine-washable.
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Like the Purple Mattress, the Purple Pillow uses a unique, one-piece polymer grid to cradle your head and neck as you sleep. The grid distributes weight well and doesn’t absorb heat like foam can, so fans say that it stays extra-cool and cozy at night. Thanks to its construction and loft, the Purple Harmony Pillow is the best pillow for side sleepers.
Like the Nectar mattress, the Nectar pillow is one of the best memory foam pillows you can get. It has adjustable filling, but only in its outer layer — the “inner” pillow is a sturdy memory foam pillow that maintains its shape and structure. Its exterior is made of quilted foam that you can spot-clean and air-dry. In addition to its “two pillows in one” design and supportive gusset, Nectar’s pillow’s main selling point is its memory foam pillow fill. This comfortable memory foam pillow conforms to your neck, shoulders and head to provide support without caving in, striking a balance that not every memory foam pillow can claim. One downside? The pillow itself isn’t machine-washable.
Parachute Down Alternative Pillow
Best pillow for stomach sleepers
Available in comfortable soft, medium and firm densities, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is our pick for the best pillow for stomach sleepers. This pillow is filled with superfine microfiber that emulates the best qualities of a regular down pillow — just without the allergies. It’s a pretty standard pillow that’s flat enough so stomach sleepers can sleep comfortably without waking up with a sore neck. The best pillows for stomach sleepers will have a lower loft, which keeps the spine aligned through the night.
How we tested the best pillowsÂ
Our team of experts tested these pillows the only way you can — by sleeping on them. When testing the best pillows, we kept in mind important factors like feel, firmness and performance. We tested the pillows from every sleeping style, ensuring that we can confidently recommend the best pillow for everyone. Additionally, pillows were compared by price, adjustability and trial length.
Best pillows compared
| Best price | Size (inches) | Firmness | Other sizes and shapes | Materials | Machine-washable? | Hypoallergenic? | Trial period? | Warranty | |
| Sleep Number ComfortFit | $140 | 24×18 | Adjustable | 34×18 | Memory foam | Cover only | Not specified | 100 days | 1-year |
| GhostPillow | $65 | 23.62 x 15.75 | Medium | N/A | Memory foam | Cover only | Not specified | 100 days | 5 years |
| Nectar Pillow | $75 | 17×29 | Adjustable | N/A | two types of memory foam including visco-elastic memory foam, quilted outer shell | No | Not specified | 50 days | Not specified |
| Cosy House Bamboo Pillow | $40 (standard/queen) | 17.5 x 20.5 | Adjustable | King ($48) | CertiPUR-US high-density shredded memory foam, adaptive transition foam, bamboo case | Case only | Yes | Zero-hassle returns | Not specified |
| Original Casper Pillow | $65 (standard) | 18×26 | Medium | King (18×34) $85 | polyester microfiber fill, polyester fabric lining, 100% cotton cover | Yes | Not specified | 100 days | 1-year |
| Coop Home Goods “The Original” | $72 (queen) | 20×30 | Adjustable | King ($78) | Polyester liner, visoelastic polyurethane and polyester fill, bamboo derived viscose rayon and polyester case | Yes | Yes | 100 days | 5 years |
| The Purple Harmony Pillow | $179 (standard) | 17×26 | Medium | T King ($197) | 92% nylon fiber, 8% spandex fiber cover, hyper-elastic Purple polymer grid, ventilated Talalay latex with polyester cover | Cover only | Yes | 100 days | 1-year |
Factors to consider when choosing a pillow
The market is flooded with dozens of pillows that have expert marketing and appealing advertising. It’s easy to jump at the chance to “sleep on a cloud,” but the reality is that not every pillow will work for you. Which pillow is right for you will depend on your preferences, price range and sleeping position. However, that are several other factors you should consider when shopping for the best pillows. Let’s go through each. Â
Pillow materialÂ
There are several popular pillow materials to choose from — memory foam, polyfill, down alternative and feathers. There is no single best pillow material, but there are reasons you would choose one over the other. If you’re someone who suffers from allergies, you probably don’t want to choose a feather pillow. It’s important to do your research into the pros and cons of each material to find which is the best for you.Â
Pillow loft
Pillow loft refers to how high or thick the pillow is when nothing is putting pressure on it. While this is a preference-based factor, it also is essential for neck support at night. So, how do you choose the right pillow loft for you? When choosing pillow loft, consider your sleeping style and the position of your neck. Side sleepers need a higher pillow loft to make up for the difference distance between their shoulders and head to the mattress. Stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow to ensure their neck isn’t in an unnatural position at night.Â
Your sleeping position, body weight and head size will help you determine how much loft your pillow should have.Â
Pillow size
Pillow size is pretty straight forward, but still something to consider. Most pillows are sold in either a standard or king size. Pillows come in different shapes, too, which can make it a more complicated decision. Many brands sell pillows that are curved or extra fluffy. The size and shape of your pillow will come down to your preferences.Â
Sleeping position
Just like with mattresses, sleeping position matters when choosing the best pillow for you. Your sleeping position will determine the loft and firmness of your pillow. Stomach sleepers should opt for pillows that are softer and thinner; that way their neck isn’t turned in an unnatural position through the night. Side sleepers need a higher, firmer pillow that keeps their neck and spine aligned at night. Back sleepers have the most flexibility when choosing the best pillow; they can opt for a pillow somewhere in the middle.Â
Other pillows worth considering
We haven’t tested the following pillows yet, but with strong reviews and good company track records, they’re worth a look as you shop around.
Not only is this plush pillow vegan, allergen-free and available in a variety of pillow size options and densities, it also has the longest trial period (365 days) of any product on this list. So if you take a while to adjust to a change or just believe that a pillow must be “broken in” to show its true strengths, you have plenty of time to make your final decision. And, if you aren’t a firm pillow fanatic, that extra-long trial period may come in handy.
Sold on Amazon in packs of two with a machine washable pillow cover, DreamNorth’s soft pillows are easily the most cost-effective choice on this list. That said, their breathability, down-free fluffiness and supportive gel pillow fiber fill could keep them from feeling “cheap.” Described as “ultrasoft,” this softer pillow option is probably not the right choice if you’re looking for something particularly firm, but their softness may make their ability to retain their shape more impressive.
It’s right there in the name. The $129 Luxe Pillow is filled with high-quality, sustainably sourced goose down and waterfowl feathers is undoubtedly luxurious. It’s one of the best pillows available. Where the goose down offers fluff, the waterfowl feathers provide support — and both materials are hypoallergenic and Responsible Down Standard-certified. This combination means the pillows are made with any sleeping position in mind, which some customers have put to the test. “I love this pillow,” one reviewer wrote. “It helps me sleep in any position, on my back, stomach or side.”
Snowe’s down alternative offering is also a hypoallergenic pillow that is ultraplush. It’s available in three density options and comes with a washable sateen cover. According to an enthusiastic reviewer, the fill is beyond convincing in how it replicates the feel of a regular down pillow: “The alternative down used in these pillows is like magic. Maximum compression but they always puff back up. Auto-fluffing pillows!”
Pillow FAQ
How do you wash a pillow?
Thanks to the various pillow materials, you can’t just throw your pillow in the washing machine and hope for the best anymore. Yes, some pillows are entirely machine washable with cool water, but many have removable covers that you can wash. It’s important to check the label for cleaning recommendations. Some of the best pillows, like memory foam, are hand wash only.Â
How much do pillows cost?
The best pillows range in price, from around $40 all the way up to $150 and above. Pricing usually varies depending on the materials used and any additional features the pillow has. For example, pillows using high-quality memory foam or phase-changing materials will cost a little bit more. However, there are good pillows at every price point. The Cosy House Bamboo Pillow is our pick for the best value pillow on the market.Â
How often should I wash my pillow?
Your pillows don’t need to be washed as often as your sheets and pillowcases do. Your sheets should typically be washed every two weeks. Your pillows should be washed every three to six months. Make sure to keep an eye on any spills that would accelerate this timeline. You can spot clean your pillows between full washes.Â
What is the best pillow for neck pain?
The best pillow for neck pain is one that supports your neck and spinal alignment, ensuring your neck isn’t in an unnatural position at night. We think that Original Casper Pillow is one of the best pillows for neck support.
Source: CNET
