Comfortable pillows for a comfortable night’s sleep.
If you frequently wake up with shoulder, neck or back pain, then you may benefit from using a memory foam pillow. For the best neck support and stability, consider a memory foam pillow. It supports your head and neck and provides comfort and occasionally neck pain relief. It must be noted that all memory foam is viscoelastic polyurethane but you have numerous types stretching from firmness to height, cooling abilities and other unique characteristics.
The Beauty Homes tests and reviews all kinds of pillows such as memory foam, down pillow, down alternative, latex pillow and many others. We selected 59 foam pillows and assessed each one on quality, durability, comfort, airflow, and price. To get the best advice on what one should consider when selecting a foam pillow, we test each of the pillows in our performing laundering evaluations, pressure recovery tests and whether it fits into a Standard-size pillowcase or not.
Also the at-home sleep testers share details on each pillow’s comfort, cooling capabilities, support and so on. There are those that cater for different types of sleepers, the best memory foam pillows, shredded foam pillows and cooling foam pillows.
Best Cooling Pillows | Best Pillows for Neck Pain | Best Down Pillows | Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Jump to Review
1
Best Overall Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
PROS
- Machine washable cover and fill
- Best-seller on Amazon with over 59,550 reviews
- Supportive and plush shredded foam and down alternative cluster blend.
CONS
- Adjusting the amount of fill can be a bit messy.
Available sizes: Queen and King | Fill material: Proprietary blend of medium-firm memory foam and microfiber fill | Cover material: 60% Polyester, 40% Viscose Rayon.
If you don’t wish to go through the tiresomeness of searching for the best suitable pillow, there exists the Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow which comes with extra stuffing that you may utilize to increase or decrease depending on your preference. Customers loved the fact that it provides excellent support and is quite comfortable due to the combination of shredded memory foam and microfiber clusters. Just be prepared for some spills: It was also easy to alter the fill, a little like popping the packing peanuts out of their packaging.
All the testers mentioned that they liked this pillow more than the previous pillows and it enhanced their sleep. ‘It goes around my head and I get immersed in it,’ one of the testers said. One of them said that “able to sleep on my side, back, to my stomach and feel fine and comfortable.” We also like that it has a fill and cover that is a washer and machine. On Amazon it is a best seller with over 59,550 reviews.
2
Best Overall Solid Memory Foam Pillow
Tuft & Needle Premium Memory Foam Pillow
PROS
- Supportive but not too firm feel
- Discount if purchased as a set
- Foam maintained its shape in our tests.
CONS
- Only one height option.
Available sizes: Standard and King | Fill material: Foam infused with graphite and cooling gel | Cover material: Micro polyamide & polyester.
The Tuft & Needle Premium Memory Foam Pillow got one of the highest total scores among the memory foam pillows we tested, and our testers enjoyed using this pillow for sleeping. It was particularly beloved for its “just right firmness” and a “perfect medium between firm and soft;” all reported their willingness to keep using it.
This pillow is suitable for all sleeping positions, but it particularly impressed our back sleeper subjects. It came with a washable cover and after washing it, it did not demonstrate any signs of tear or damage. It comes in Standard and King dimensions, height-wise, there is only one choice available. You can also buy the pillows in a set, the set is cheaper than if you were to buy the pillows individually. What is also great is the fact that the brand provides free shipping and a 100-night trial as well.
3
Best Value Memory Foam Pillow
Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Contour Pillows
PROS
- Machine washable cover with multiple color options
- Contoured shape designed for side and back sleepers
- Cutouts on the sides to support your arms and shoulders
CONS
- Foam may be too soft for some.
Available sizes: Standard, Queen and King | Fill material: Memory foam | Cover material: 38% viscose and 62% polyester.
An ideal pillow does not have to be costly to offer the necessary support. Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow costs $50; it is available in a contoured design to assist in offering adequate support especially for individuals who sleep on their side and back. The ergonomic design has recesses on the sides, for your arms to rest on, to minimize shoulder strain. It has an irregular shape that does not fit well in a pillowcase, although it has a washable cover that comes in six colors.
We have only recently started testing this particular pillow and we have already got encouraging reactions from users. ‘To be honest, I expected to not like the contoured shape as much, but now I’m quite a fan.’ “It assists in maintaining a good position of my head when I’m asleep.” The foam is not as firm as the other styles tested and may not offer enough support for some users.
4
Best Firm Memory Foam Pillow
Tempur Breeze Pro + Cooling Pillow
PROS
- Supportive foam
- Two height options
- Cooling cover washed well in our tests
CONS
- Not designed for someone who changes sleeping positions throughout the night.
Available sizes: Queen and King (in Lo and Hi) | Fill material: Memory foam with cooling gel | Cover material: Not listed.
This memory foam pillow is made from solid memory foam with a layer of cooling gel and has a sink-into-the-bed feel and is designed for coolness. In our tests, the SmartClimate removable cover was easy to wash, did not shrink and felt cooler to the touch. When tested, our testers awarded high ratings to its support and comfort as well. ‘I appreciate the comfort it provides and body hugging nature’ said one of the testers. A second tester noted, “It did not emit any smell and was cool when I slept on my back or on my side.”
Because of the firm foam, it is not as quick to spring back to its original form like some of the other pillows, however it will not suit a person who changes his or her position frequently throughout the night. The lower height is ideal for back sleepers, whereas the higher height is recommended for side sleepers or those who are bigger.
5
Best for Side Sleepers Memory Foam Pillow
Pillow Cube Side Cube Cooling Memory Foam Pillows
PROS
- Innovative design
- Unparalleled support for side sleeping
- Foam bounced back to its original shape.
CONS
- Cover showed some signs of wear.
Available sizes: One size | Fill material: Solid memory foam | Cover material: 100% polyester.
Side sleepers require wider pillows that will ensure the spine remains straight. While other memory foam pillows have tapering edges, the Pillow Cube comes with 90 degree angled edges on its sides for side sleeping which ensures that the neck receives maximum support while sleeping.
This is available in three height options, it was described by testers as that this pillow really was life-changing, ‘I couldn’t sleep without it’, ‘This pillow perfectly holds up my head’, ‘It reduced my soreness ‘ There is a caveat, these are not for those who move around a lot at night or those who switch between positions, side sleeper only.
The foam went back to its initial state in a short span of time during our test. Even after wash testing the cover is cool to the touch and has certain signs of wear indicating that for complete cleanliness one has to wash the cover by hand. While this does not neatly fit into a Standard-size pillowcase due to the design,one of the testers stated that, “Despite the pillow not fitting a Standard-size pillowcase, it feels so comfortable that one can justify the mismatch.”
6
Best for Stomach Sleepers Memory Foam Pillow
Layla Sleep Adjustable Fill Kapok Pillow
PROS
- Adjustable fill
- Supportive yet plush feel
- All testers gave perfect scores for comfort and support
CONS
- Grey color visible through some pillowcases.
Available sizes: Queen and King | Fill material: Shredded memory foam blended with natural kapok fibers | Cover material: 66% polyester, 30% viscose, 4% poly/lycra blend.
What should you do if you are concerned that a memory foam pillow will be too firm and lead to neck discomfort? This supportive but not hard pick from Layla. The fill is a combination of memory foam and kapok, a natural and smooth material similar to cotton. It provides moderate support and these pillows are suitable for back and stomach sleepers.
If you are a back sleeper, it might be advisable to remove some of the fill, as back sleepers require pillows with a moderate height. When sleeping in a stomach position, one should use an even thinner pillow to regain the right posture. Overall, one of the testers also likes the fact that the fill is adjustable and that it is not too high because he has different positions when sleeping at night.
One tester noted, “I like this pillow because it feels soft but more supportive” while the other said, “It supports the neck very well, and I only use one pillow to arrange myself well for sleep.” Overall, this pillow got the highest rating from the testers, and all the testers scored it 5/5 for comfort and support. Please remember that the grey color may show through if you are using a light colored pillowcase.
7
Best for Neck Pain Memory Foam Pillow
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow
PROS
- Contoured design
- Three thickness options
- Resilient foam held up in our tests.
CONS
- Very firm.
Available sizes: One size with small, medium and large thickness levels | Fill material: 100% memory foam | Cover material: 100% polyester.
Do you experience neck pain as soon as you wake up? You may also need to change your pillow to one that aims at preventing neck pain such as the TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow. It is uniquely shaped to ensure that it provides adequate support for your head, neck, and shoulders; hence it suits back and side sleepers.
The foam is denser than conventional foam and the pillow comes in three heights to suit the height of the sleeper. It was too thin and tapered to fit comfortably in a Standard-size pillowcase, but the foam excelled in our pressure tests and bounced back into shape quickly after we applied weights. Other testers were also satisfied with the foam as they tested on it. One sample noted that ‘It had a nice fitting around my neck and shoulder’. Another noted that the foam gradually conforms to the contours of your head and neck.
8
Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
Casper Sleep Cooling Foam Pillow
PROS
- 100-night no risk trial period
- Perforated foam for improved airflow
- Option to add a cooling cover for an additional cost.
CONS
- Cover isn’t dryer safe.
Available sizes: Standard and King | Fill material: 77% Polyurethane Foam, 23% Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam | Cover material: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex.
Casper’s foam pillow received full marks from the testers regarding how cool the foam pillow was through the night. This pillow also has perforated foam which means there will be sufficient airflow to avoid overheating the pillow. For $50 extra, you can opt for the Snow technology, which includes a cooling cover, we found that it made the pillow colder. The cover is machine-washable, and during our tests, it did not look worn out; however, it is not dryer-safe and must be dried with a flat surface.
The side, back, and stomach sleeper testers also approved this product for its zero tingling feeling in the morning and for coming back to its original form the next time it was used. For instance, one of the testers said, “The texture of the pillow that I felt was cool and very pleasant.” ”I felt that my neck was well stabilized when I was lying on my side.” Casper enjoys free shipping and comes with a 100-night no-risk trial.
9
Best Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillow
PROS
- 100-night trial period
- 37.5 cooling technology
- Removable inserts to adjust pillow height.
CONS
- Cover is challenging to put on
Available sizes: Standard and King | Fill material: 100% foam | Cover material: 46% polyethylene, 31% 37.5 polyester, 23% polyester, filled with 80% polyester, 20% 37.5 polyester.
Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillows are highly preferred by most of our testers for its effectiveness in supporting the neck, thus ensuring proper positioning. It also has three removable foam inserts to help you alter the height and the level of support that you require. The cover is filled with 37.5 technology-infused polyester for the luxurious feel and the material that will trap and release the heat during the night to regulate the temperatures.
As much as the cover is machine washable, the contoured design makes it a bit challenging to rest the cover back on the pillow after washing especially when dried. Due to its rectangular design, this pillow is ideal for people who sleep in both the back and side position. Sleep Number also provides free shipping or home delivery and has a 100-night risk-free trial.
10
Best Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Twilla Adjustable Pillow for Back, Side, Stomach
PROS
- Foam maintained its shape
- Easy to adjust the pillow’s height without making a mess
- Testers reported that you don’t feel the separate pods while sleeping
CONS
- The cover took a long time to dry.
Available sizes: Queen and King | Fill material: Shredded gel infused memory foam | Cover material: Tencel with polyester fill.
An adjustable pillow can assist you in attaining the right spinal positioning because you can regulate the thickness of your pillow, but most of them are untidy with loose filling. The Twilla Adjustable Pillow is different in the sense that it has adjustable dimensions. It has 10 pods; the mini pillows that are stuffed with shredded foam, which you can increase or decrease on the pillow according to your height. The outer pillowcase is of Tencel fabric and the pillow is stuffed with down-like synthetic fibers.
One of the testers summarized by saying, You do not actually feel the pods inside the pillow, it feels like one solid pillow. Other testers also liked the convenience of the pillow in that it was easy to adjust the height of the pillow without making a mess. The foam was rather durable in our tests while the cover material required a long time to dry after washing.
How to find the best memory foam pillow for your needs
✔️ Concentrate on your sleeping position. The head, neck, and spine should be in a straight line while sleeping, and when using a pillow, the head should not be placed in a tilted position.
- side sleepers must use a thicker and firm type of pillow.
- Stomach sleepers require a thin and soft pillow that is suitable for their sleeping position.
- Back sleepers require an in-between pillow with moderate thickness.
✔️ Check for the presence of cooling features. Memory foam receives a lot of criticism for its ability to trap heat. Those who have night sweats should consider foam products with ventilation or choose pillows containing gel or cooling materials.
✔️ Think between solid and shredded foam. Solid foam tends to be denser and meant for side or back sleepers, while shredded foam is softer and the filling can be rearranged with some in the mattress. At times shredded foam is blended with fiberfill to provide an even more plush feel to the stuffing.
✔️ Check the cover. Unlike the most down and fiberfill pillows, memory foam isn’t usually machine washable. It is
recommended to find a pillow that comes with a cover which can be removed and washed if this is important to you. You can also use a pillow protector in order to protect it from spills and other damages that occur due to regular usage.
How to take care for your Memory foam pillow
If you wish to have your pillow fresh then it is crucial to wash it as often as necessary. In contrast with most down and fiberfill pillows, you cannot simply put your memory foam pillow in the washer. According to our tests, pillows should be washed two to four times a year, or every four months.
To effectively clean a memory foam pillow, start by removing the outer part and washing the fabric in a washing machine as directed on the label. To clean the solid memory foam, only affected areas should be washed gently with a cloth and mild soapy water.
It is advisable to be very careful while washing, since wet foam is very sensitive and can rip. Before placing the pillow back on the bed, ensure the foam and pillowcase is thoroughly dry. Some of the types of pillows with shredded memory foam are those that can be washed in a machine, but the shredded styles can only be covered or cannot be washed. If there is no washable cover, then we strongly suggest that you use a pillow protector.
Memory foam pillow FAQs
Do memory foam pillows cause overheating during sleep?
Occasionally, Memory foam is a type of foam that conforms to the shape of your body when you lie on it and takes time to regain its normal shape. With heat, it will become more pliable and be able to stretch to the contours of the body more efficiently. Thus, it becomes capable of trapping heat and this makes you feel warmer than when using other types of pillow materials.
Most brands include some critical cooling attributes to ensure that units do not overheat. Also sometimes, you may find your memory foam pillow feeling more firm during the winter or when the climate is cooler. Squash it with your hands to make it warmer so that it can better fit the shape of your head.
What is the duration time for keeping a memory foam pillow?
There is no specific time period, but it is suggested that you should replace your memory foam pillows after roughly three years. Any sort of staining, shedding, tears or changes in feel is a sure sign that you need to take the initiative and buy a new pillow. To maintain your pillows in good condition for as long as possible, we suggest washing your pillow after every few months (if the material allows) and always covering it with a pillowcase.
Are memory foam pillows emitting gases?
Yes, this is true you can smell memory foam pillows as soon as you take them out of the packaging. This is because the smell gets locked inside the package as soon as it gets out of the factory, and therefore, it is advisable to let your new pillow breathe for at least one day before using it to sleep. If you are concerned about the chemicals present in your pillow, ensure that it bears the CertiPUR-US label, which guarantees that it does not contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, heavy metals and certain flame retardants.
