Memory foam is one of the most prolific materials in bedding, prized for its blend of support, cushioning, and iconic “hug” that melts away pressure. On top of that, it’s affordable without skimping on quality. All that being said, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular choice for pillows.
But memory foam pillows come in all shapes, sizes, lofts, and feels, so it can be difficult to choose one that’s right for you. The good news is that our team of sleep science experts has tested dozens to ensure we only recommend the best memory foam pillows out there. Read on to find out more about these pillows and who will enjoy them most.
Clarity’s Clear Winner
According to our sleep experts, the best memory foam pillow is the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow because of its customizability, pressure relief, cool feel, and excellent value. It comes overstuffed for an extra-high loft, which should appeal to side sleepers who like a supportive feel. Our in-house tester likened it to a down pillow with some extra bounce.
The Best Memory Foam Pillows
- Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow Overall
- Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow – Best Luxury Memory Foam Pillow
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Shredded Foam Pillow – Best Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
- Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
- Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers
- TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow – Best Firm Memory Foam Pillow
Top Deals
- Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow – Flash Sale | 20% Off Egyptian Cotton & Percale Sheets
- Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow – Save Up to $60 on Pillow Pairs and Select Bedding Bundles
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow – Up to 40% Off Bundles Through 7/20
- Brooklyn Bedding Shredded Foam Pillow – 25% Off Sitewide with code SUMMER25
- Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – 27% Off Sitewide with Code CLARITY27
How We Tested and Selected the Pillows
We take a look at every pillow to judge how well it’s been constructed, paying particular attention to the quality of materials. In memory foam pillows, thick, dense foam is often best for durability. We also consider whether a foam pillow is solid (one piece) or shredded (made up of foam clusters), and if these components feel sturdy and comfortable.
Every pillow receives a materials score out of 5, reflecting our tester’s opinions on how premium it feels and how long they believe it will last. For this list, we only chose pillows that scored at least 4/5 in this category.
A common downside to memory foam is that it traps heat, no thanks to its dense, cushy construction. That’s why we considered pillows that feature temperature-regulating elements like fancy covers or cooling gel.
While we don’t have a specific rating for cooling, it factors into our experience evaluation. Many of our testers are hot sleepers (like yours truly), so they’ll share their opinion on whether a pillow feels cool. The majority of these pillows should remain temperature-neutral or provide active cooling right at the surface.
Foam is a popular choice for the budget-conscious. It’s man-made, so it’s cheaper than down or latex pillows. Certain types of polyfoam tend to cost more than others, but at the end of the day, foam pillows are often a great way to get the best bang for your buck.
But you don’t want to cut corners. A high-quality pillow will run you around $100. Still, to avoid any pitfalls, we consider every pillow’s value in our tests. This is more than just the number on the tag; we take our entire experience into account, including customer satisfaction, when rating a pillow’s value.
When it comes to the best memory foam pillows, we aimed to include beds that scored 4 or higher for overall value in this list.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches selected the best memory foam pillows by looking for top performers in the categories above: materials, cooling, and value.
But our full process involves testing several aspects of a pillow’s performance, including care, customer service, and more. We evaluate and score these factors using specialized technology and firsthand accounts from testers with different body types about how a pillow feels.
Once we have all those scores, we calculate the overall score using a weighted formula. This overall score is a good indicator of a pillow’s general quality, and is always a number out of 5.
As we decide which pillows to feature in any roundup, we immediately rule out any that doesn’t have an overall score of 3.5 or higher. Even if a pillow does certain things well, we won’t point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.
- 500+ mattresses tested in person
- 30+ data points collected for each bed
- Certified Sleep Science Coaches on staff
- Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM), and our Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Hannah Habeeb (DPT)
- 43,000+ readers who bought a new bed based on our recommendations
Learn more about Mattress Clarity.
Read about our testing experience with each of the memory foam pillows on our list below.
Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow Overall
- Adjustable memory foam fill
- Affordable yet luxurious
- Springy feel
Why the Silk & Snow Pillow is the Best Memory Foam Pillow
Silk & Snow is a Canadian-made brand that specializes in reasonably priced but high-quality sleep products, and its adjustable pillow is no exception. Our tester loved the “luxe and high-quality feel” of this pillow, noting its shredded memory foam core made it feel more like a fluffy down pillow, but with a bit more firmness and bounce. She even gave it a perfect rating for her experience, as well as its materials, value, and customer service.
What We Liked About the Silk & Snow Pillow
The Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow contains both shredded memory foam and microfiber fill for a plush-yet-supportive feel. “It has a nice blend of firmness and plushness that feels luxurious,” our tester said. “There’s that down-like quality I prefer, but it doesn’t clump in areas or go flat.”
It came pre-stuffed with extra fill, which you can remove to your liking. “At first glance, I did think the loft of the pillow was a little too high for most sleepers, so this makes sense,” our tester explained. “But I like not having to add extra into the pillow—I just remove what I want.”
Once she found her preferred configuration, she decided the pillow worked best for back and side sleepers. “I’m a back and side sleeper, and in both positions it has amazing support and doesn’t put strain on my neck or head,” she said.
However, our tester found the pillow a bit too lofty and supportive for stomach sleepers. She explained, “I felt a little smothered in this position. I’d like something flatter, so my head and neck could drop into the correct alignment.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Silk & Snow Pillow
This pillow earned its lowest score for its care, since it’s spot-clean only. You can remove the foam fill to air it out in the event of a spill, but Silk & Snow doesn’t recommend washing any part of this pillow. If you want a pillow that’s completely machine-washable, check out the Coop Adjustable Pillow.
The Silk & Snow Pillow can be yours for just $75, and it comes with a very generous 100-night return period and 3-year warranty.
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow – Best Luxury Memory Foam Pillow
- Graphite-infused
- Multiple lofts
- Contouring feel
Why the Saatva Pillow is the Best Luxury Memory Foam Pillow
When I think of the Saatva brand, I immediately think of “luxury.” Now, I may be a bit biased, since I sleep on a Saatva Classic mattress every night, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a company more dedicated to producing high-end, high-quality products.
Saatva’s Graphite Memory Foam Pillow is no different. This pillow features plush, graphite-infused memory foam and springy latex in its support core, providing a supportive, cushiony sleep surface for your head. My colleague Riley gave this pillow a perfect score for materials and rated her overall experience 4.5/5.
What We Liked About the Saatva Pillow
“Saatva is a beast when it comes to premium materials and durability,” Riley said before she even unboxed the pillow. But her claims weren’t unfounded—she likened the Graphite Memory Foam Pillow to “a fancy pillow you’d get at a wealthy friend’s sleepover.”
This pillow features two layers to balance plushness and essential support. The outer layer is where the pillow gets its name—a graphite-infused memory foam layer that aims to wick away heat, which Riley could feel through the pillow’s organic cotton cover. The pillow’s core combines shredded latex and memory foam for buoyant support while keeping air flowing throughout the pillow.
Riley called it a “stuffed animal pillow” because the cover felt so soft and smooth, it reminded her of childhood comforts. “You just want to squeeze and cuddle it,” she added. “The pillow feels like a batch of dough you can knead, but there’s still a decent amount of support despite this sinkage and low loft.”
Stomach sleeping was Riley’s preferred position. “My neck wasn’t craning too far upwards, and I could feel my neck and spine forming a straight line all the way down to my hips,” she said. She added that some back sleepers who prefer a lower loft might opt for the standard size, but side sleepers should opt for the higher loft option.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Pillow
Riley only had one complaint about this pillow: a lack of adjustability. The inner core has its own cover to separate it from the rest of the pillow, but the fill wasn’t completely removable. If you like a customizable pillow, I recommend the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow.
At $165 for a queen-size pillow, the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow is priced high, but fairly standard for a luxury brand. You also get a 45-night return period and a 1-year warranty with this pillow. To find out more, read our full Saatva Memory Foam Pillow review.
Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
- Completely machine-washable
- Fully adjustable
- Fluffy, airy feel
Why the Coop Adjustable Pillow is the Best for Neck Pain
Waking up with a sore neck is no fun, and if your current pillow is to blame, it can be difficult to find one that fits your preferences and anatomy. That’s where the Coop Adjustable Pillow comes in; this fully adjustable shredded memory foam pillow is perfect for sleepers who need individualized comfort and support. I’ve recommended this pillow to many, including folks with neck pain, who have since slept pain-free.
My colleague and fellow tester Nicole Davis also had a similar experience. “If I sleep wrong, I wake up with neck pain, but this pillow allows me to find that ‘sweet spot’ with a little adjusting,” she said. She rated her experience with this pillow 4/5, awarding the materials and care 4.5/5.
What We Liked About the Coop Adjustable Pillow
Nicole noted this pillow was “very well-made,” praising the quality of the cover and zipper, which she called “heavy-duty.” She was initially drawn to the idea of an adjustable pillow to find the support she needed.
“This adjustability means it can work for anyone,” Nicole added. “You can add or remove fill as needed, fluff it up, and get your personalized feel and support. As a side sleeper with chronic neck pain, it works great for me.”
A rare bonus for this pillow is that every part of it is machine-washable. You can toss the entire thing in the washer, including the adjustable fill. Coop just suggests securing any zippers with a safety pin, else you’ll have a laundry machine full of fluff.
On top of all this, the Coop Adjustable Pillow offers excellent value, for which Nicole gave it a 5/5. The pillow itself costs just $89 regularly, and it comes with an extra-long 5-year warranty. You even get 100 nights to try it out.
What to Keep in Mind the Coop Adjustable Pillow
The Coop Adjustable Pillow has a fluffier feel, which may not be everyone’s preferred experience. If you like a firmer, more unyielding sleep surface, I recommend a solid memory foam pillow, like the Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow.
Otherwise, you can read more about this pillow in our dedicated Coop Adjustable Pillow review.
Brooklyn Bedding Shredded Foam Pillow – Best Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
- Generously stuffed
- Adjustable fill
- Cool-feeling cover
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Pillow is the Best Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Adjustable pillows are a new and popular advent, great for picky sleepers who constantly find pillows too plush, too lofty, or too unsupportive. The Brooklyn Bedding Shredded Foam Pillow should help you find the comfort you seek. It’s stuffed with a mix of various foams and a microfiber fill for the best blend of soft support. My colleague Kenny Timper enjoyed his time testing this pillow and awarded it a 5/5 experience rating.
What We Liked About the Brooklyn Bedding Pillow
Kenny was surprised by the amount of fill he received when unboxing the pillow. It was already quite stuffed, but it came alongside a bag of extra fill. He noted he had to remove “a metric ton of memory foam” to get it to his desired lower loft for stomach sleeping.
“Theoretically, this pillow should work for everybody,” Kenny added. “Because of the sheer volume of fill, I can’t imagine anyone not getting the loft they need from this pillow.”
He did note that it may take some time to configure the pillow to your desired setup, but once you have it, it should be smooth sailing. “It took me a couple of times, so there’s definitely some trial-and-error, and if you’ve never had an adjustable pillow, it can feel daunting. But it’s all worth it in the end.”
Aside from the adjustability, Kenny’s favorite part of this pillow was its cool-to-the-touch cover. “I love the cooling effect when I lie down on it,” he said. This cover can also go through the washer and dryer, though Kenny leaves it hanging to dry and hasn’t encountered any issues in his regular use.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Pillow
Kenny did knock off one point when it came to the pillow’s materials. “I noticed a few loose threads, and the zipper doesn’t feel super strong, especially compared to other pillows I’ve tested,” he explained. While he still found it a solid pillow overall, some shoppers may be after something sturdier—like the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow.
Frequent sales and coupons mean the Brooklyn Bedding Shredded Foam Pillow can cost as low as $92. It also comes with a 3-year warranty and 30-day return policy.
Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Pillow – Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
- Cooling cover
- Customizable loft
- Removable fill
Why the Helix ComfortAdjust is the Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam pillows are often notorious for trapping heat and leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable. However, the Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Pillow will keep you cool throughout the night. It contains fluffy shredded memory foam to keep air flowing, plus a specially designed cover that my colleague Riley Otis called “remarkably cool.” She rated her experience with this pillow at a 5/5.
What We Liked About the Helix ComfortAdjust Pillow
This cover features GlacioTex, fibers designed to wick away moisture for an actively cool feel. Riley thought this cover was “extremely soft and smooth,” as well as cold. The fill also gave it a nice, fluffy fill that she found extremely moldable.
Riley also appreciated the level of customization you can have with this pillow. You can adjust the side zippers to adjust the firmness level, while you can add or remove fill to control the loft. “You can basically DIY your own pillow,” she said.
Unzipping both sides will leave the pillow soft, while unzipping one and closing another yields a medium-soft feel. Both sides zipped ensures a firmer feel. Riley thought side sleepers will enjoy the soft configuration and stomach sleepers will like the firmer option, while back sleepers could go with either. “When both zippers were closed and all filling was inside, I thought it was the perfect loft for me personally,” she said.
“I feel like I can cuddle this in my arms like a body pillow,” Riley added. “It’s nice and snuggly, and even the cover is smooth, which doesn’t irritate my cheek when I lay against it.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix ComfortAdjust Pillow
Unfortunately, the Helix ComfortAdjust Pillow is spot-clean only, a common pitfall for adjustable pillows. If you want a pillow with a washable cover, I recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Shredded Memory Foam Pillow. It should also offer a similar feel to this Helix pillow.
A standard size Helix ComfortAdjust Pillow could run you about $125. It also comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty.
Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Firm, dense support
- Cooling panel
- Multiple lofts
Why the Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow is the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
I primarily sleep on my side, and some of my favorite pillows for side sleeping are solid memory foam pillows. That’s why I was excited to try out the Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow, a pillow that features both a cooling cover and a cooling panel. If you’re a hot sleeper who likes to feel propped and cool when resting on your side, this is the one for you. I gave it a 4.5/5 for materials, plus a 4/5 overall experience score.
What We Liked About the Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow
This is a very hefty pillow, with every element feeling super thick, even the cooling cover. The pillow itself is squishy and dense, not providing much sinkage but perfect for side sleepers who need top-notch alignment. The pillow also comes in a lower loft, which could benefit combination sleepers who also rest on their back or stomach.
As for the cooling portion of this pillow, I couldn’t tell whether the cover or the inner panel was pulling more weight, but I’ll note that it felt pleasantly cool, not icy cold. I’ve tried other cooling gel pillows, and the panel seemed more thoroughly embedded into the pillow, but I don’t think you could feel it through the thick cover.
However, this cover is removable if you want to rest directly on the cooling panel. I also appreciate the “reversible” aspect of this pillow; when it was extra cool in my room, I would flip it over to the other side, which felt a bit warmer.
You can also machine-wash the cooling cover, and, given its thick (and almost ostentatious) diamond stitching, I don’t imagine it crumbling in the washing machine.
What Stood Out About the Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow
I did have to go scrounging for information about this pillow’s care instructions and its warranty or sleep trial (1-year and 30-day returns). It came in a branded box, wrapped in plastic, but without any materials detailing its components or other instructions for use.
The zipper could also be a bit more robust; it caught a few times whenever I tried to remove the cover. I think the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow may have it beat in both categories.
TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow – Best Firm Memory Foam Pillow
- Firmer feel
- Affordable
- Simple but effective
Why the TEMPUR-Cloud is the Best Firm Memory Foam Pillow
If you’re like me and hate the feeling of your head sinking into your pillow like a bowling ball, it might be time to switch to a firm pillow. While memory foam has the reputation for slow-moving, soft feel, there are plenty of solid foam pillows that bring more support to the table. Don’t be fooled by the TEMPUR-Cloud’s plush-sounding name—my colleague Kenny Timper found this pillow had a firmer feel, rating his experience at a 4/5. He also gave the pillow perfect ratings for value, materials, care, and customer service.
What We Liked About the TEMPUR-Cloud
This pillow is essentially a slab of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary TEMPUR material. Though described as having a softer feel, Kenny thought the overall feel of this pillow was dense and supportive.
“It feels firm once your head hits the pillow, though there’s a little bit of contouring and sinkage as it conforms to your head,” he said. It took some getting used to, but he ultimately enjoyed the balanced feel. He recommended it for sleepers who like “a firmer surface and a lower loft” in their pillow.
Because of this, he preferred the pillow for stomach sleeping the most: “It keeps you flat, well-supported, and ultimately aligned.” He added that back sleepers who prefer a low loft could also find comfort, though he himself wanted a bit more height.
Taking all this into account, Kenny was impressed by the pillow’s price. “Compared to similar pillows, even ones by Tempur-Pedic, this pillow is quite affordable.” It’s typically priced at $79, but you can get it for less with frequent sales and coupons. Kenny also thought the 5-year warranty was generous.
What to Keep in Mind About the TEMPUR-Cloud
Unfortunately, the TEMPUR-Cloud pillow can’t be returned per Tempur-Pedic’s policies. If you need to try before you buy, consider a pillow with a longer return window. The Helix ComfortCool Adjust has a much longer return period at 100 nights.
To find out more about this pillow, you can read our dedicated TEMPUR-Cloud pillow review.
Latest Updates: In June of 2026, we updated this page to reflect our newly vetted picks for the best memory foam pillows. We kept some favorites, like the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow, but there are a few new faces—namely the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow, our new top pick. Our buyer’s guide is also more streamlined to help you find the right pillow for your needs.
Other Memory Foam Pillows Considered
Didn’t quite find the match you were hoping for? Here are some other memory foam pillows we’ve reviewed that might tickle your fancy:
- Purple Dreamlayer Pillow – The Purple Dreamlayer quickly became a favorite of our managing editor, Melanie Kassel. It’s a memory foam pillow with two adjustable booster layers. She liked the pillow in both higher and lower-loft configurations, praising its “plush and contouring feel.” However, there was a strong off-gassing smell when she first opened the pillow, and it took a while to dissipate. It’s also on the more expensive side, and Purple’s unique gel grid may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – The LUXOME LAYR pillow combines luxury and customization in its extremely adjustable design. It has three inserts (soft, medium, and firm) made of shredded foam, solid foam, or down-alternative fill. This gives you complete control over your pillow’s loft, feel, and support. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a warranty, like many other high-end pillows on this list.
- TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Like the TEMPUR-Cloud, the TEMPUR-Neck is another pillow by well-known sleep brand Tempur-Pedic. It’s a firm, solid memory foam pillow in an ergonomic B-shape to keep your neck in neutral alignment. While our tester liked how this pillow supported his neck while cushioning his head, he noted that its unique shape is designed for side sleeping; back and stomach sleepers may not find the same comfort.
What Makes a Great Memory Foam Pillow
There are many different types of foam pillows on the market. Let’s break down a few key considerations that we had at the forefront of our minds while testing. These are also things you should keep in mind when shopping for a memory foam pillow on your own.
Materials
Not all memory foam pillows are created equal, hence why we assign every pillow we test with an overall materials score. This number reflects the quality of the product’s construction. These pillows should look and feel premium, sturdy, and long-lasting.
It’s rare that we recommend a pillow that earns less than a 3.5/5 in materials. That’s why you’ll notice that all of our top picks earned 4/5 or higher, with many earning a perfect rating for excellent craftsmanship.
There are two main types of memory foam pillows: solid and shredded. Solid pillows come in a single piece of foam that has been molded or cut. These types of foam pillows aren’t going to have an adjustable loft, but they’ll contour to your head, neck, and shoulder. We often find that solid foam pillows are much firmer than shredded foam pillows.
Foam pillows can also come to you in tiny, shredded pieces. These pillows won’t trap as much heat because there is room for airflow. Shredded foam pillows typically come to you surrounded in an inner case underneath the outer cover. Keeping the foam contained makes cleaning the outer cover hassle-free. In adjustable pillows, that inner case may have a zipper for you to take out or add fill.
Temperature Regulation
Memory foam traps heat, plain and simple. However, there have been tons of cooling innovations made to foam to keep you cool while sleeping. Look for things such as gel infusions or perforated foam. Gel will draw heat away from your body, while perforations (typically seen in single-piece foam pillows) will allow for airflow.
Here are some examples of what we typically see in cooling pillows:
- Plant-based foams: Plant-based memory foam uses a portion of plant-based ingredients (typically soy).
- Gel-infused layers or pads: Adding a gel layer onto or into foam products may make them cooler, but there’s still some debate as to whether gel memory foam is effective.
- Phase Change Materials (PCM): Customers may see companies using Phase Change Materials alongside memory foam. PCMs are designed to absorb body heat that’s released during the night.
- Ventilated foam: Typically, solid pieces of molded memory foam will have small holes cut out to promote airflow.
- Shredded foam: Shoppers may see many types of shredded memory foam pillows on the market. The idea is that air will move between the foam pieces and keep the pillow from getting too hot.
Value
It can be tempting to buy those $10 pillows you can find at any major retailer, but those often aren’t made with materials to last, meaning you’ll replace it far more often. It can be worth investing in your pillows.
A high-quality pillow will run you at least $60 for a standard size, with many breaking the $100 threshold. But you can’t judge a pillow on price alone. When we rate a pillow’s value, we aren’t just considering the dollar signs—we look at the construction, performance, and even the policies that come with it.
A high-value pillow will excel in each of these areas. If the price reflects (or exceeds) your overall experience with the pillow, that’s excellent value. Whereas a good-value pillow will earn at least a 4/5 from our testers.
Further signs of value are generous sleep trials and warranties. While rarer for sleep accessories, they speak to a manufacturer’s confidence in a product.
What Else Is Important When Buying Memory Foam Pillows?
Several other factors influence how comfortable a memory foam pillow feels. It’s important to consider factors like your sleeping position, preferred firmness, and how often you want to wash your pillow.
Sleeping Position
“Your preferred sleeping position is essential for determining whether a pillow feels comfortable,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleep science expert. “The firmness, support, and loft of your pillow should keep your neck in line with the rest of your spine.” An ill-suited pillow can result in discomfort or even pain from straining your neck.
Loft
Loft refers to the height of a pillow and goes hand in hand with your sleeping position. Side sleepers need a particularly tall memory foam pillow to keep their head and neck elevated and aligned with their shoulders. Back sleepers can handle a mid-height loft, while stomach sleepers need a low-loft pillow.
Some sleepers also do better on certain types of pillows or feels. Shredded memory foam pillows may fit back or stomach sleepers’ style better, while solid foam pillows can provide the extra support side sleepers need. In the following section, I dive deeper into what might suit you best.
Firmness and Feel
One of the great things about memory foam is that it can be both soft or firm—sometimes both. You can sink into memory foam while still getting a good amount of support: a winning combination for relieving tension on your pressure points. A dense, supportive foam pillow can help keep your head and neck in a neutral position while you sleep.
As for whether you’ll need a soft or firm pillow, it’s a mix of personal preference and sleeping position needs. While we often recommend softer pillows for stomach sleepers, I myself stomach sleep with a firmer one.
I will note that shredded memory foam pillows tend to feel plusher than solid ones. The clusters compress more easily, sometimes mimicking the feel of down. Solid memory foam pillows will feel just that—solid—and may not offer the same amount of give.
Washing and Care
When you sleep, dust mites, dead skin, sweat, and other allergens build up on your bedding. “This can attract various types of bacteria and germs that can irritate the skin and interfere with getting quality sleep,” says Dr. Shelby Harris, sleep psychologist. “Because of this, it’s important you change or wash your bedsheets about once per week.”
To keep a clean sleep environment, you may want to consider how easily you can wash your new pillow. Many pillows are spot-clean only, meaning they can’t go in the laundry. But there are a select few that have machine-washable components; some, like the Coop Adjustable Pillow, are completely safe to toss in the washer.
Of course, we always recommend outfitting your pillow with a breathable pillowcase. This won’t just protect your it; it can elevate your sleep experience. Silk pillowcases have benefits for hair and skin (like potentially reducing dermatitis), while cooling pillowcases can provide hot sleepers with a cool-to-the-touch sleep surface.
Off-Gassing
No matter the brand or how eco-friendly a product is, all memory foam is made from petrochemicals. As a result, customers may notice a slight chemical smell when unboxing the new memory foam pillow. This is known in the sleep industry as off-gassing.
Before enjoying the pillow overnight, it’s best to let it breathe in a ventilated space until the off-gassing smell is gone. While there is some debate on this topic, it’s generally believed that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during the off-gassing should not impact a person’s health. They’re just annoying to deal with, especially if you have a sensitive nose.
FAQs
Which brand is best for a memory foam pillow?
The best brand of memory foam pillow will come down to your personal preference and any individualized needs, such as your budget. For a great place to start, we recommend the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow, our top pick on this list. It’s affordable yet high-quality, and its adjustable fill means it can suit a variety of sleeper types.
What is the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers?
Our top pick for the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers is the Leesa Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow. It has a high enough loft to contour to the space between the neck and shoulder, and a firmer, more supportive feel to ensure your head doesn’t sink too far out of alignment. It also boasts a cooling cover and gel panel to keep temperatures low.
Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain?
Memory foam pillows can be a great choice for neck pain, with many studies citing foam as the preferred material for cervical spinal alignment. They balance support and pressure relief, which benefits proper spinal alignment. Just ensure you have the right loft for your sleeping position. One that’s too high or too low might put strain on the vertebrae.
References
- Jaros, J., Wilson, C., & Shi, V. Y. (2020). Fabric Selection in Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence-Based Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 21(4), 467–482. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-020-00516-0
- Lei, J.-X., Yang, P.-F., Yang, A.-L., Gong, Y.-F., Shang, P., & Yuan, X.-C. (2021). Ergonomic Consideration in Pillow Height Determinants and Evaluation. Healthcare, 9(10), 1333. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9101333
