10 Best Pillows

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Pillows come in different shapes, sizes, and firmness levels, with various filling materials.
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A quick look at the best pillows
Best for neck and shoulder support: Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow | Skip to review
Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow
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Best for vegans: Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow | Skip to review
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
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Best for side sleepers: Layla Kapok Pillow | Skip to review
Layla Kapok Pillow
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Best for different firmness levels: Parachute Down Pillow | Skip to review
Parachute Down Pillow
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Best for adjustable fill: Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow | Skip to review
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow
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Best for a latex pillow: Avocado Green Pillow | Skip to review
Avocado Green Pillow
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Best for a silk pillow: Silk Bedding Direct Luxury Silk-filled Pillows | Skip to review
Silk Bedding Direct Luxury Silk-filled Pillows
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Best cooling pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow | Skip to review
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
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Best pillow for neck pain: Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow | Skip to review
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
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Best pillow with multiple lofts: Purple Harmony Pillow | Skip to review
Purple Harmony Pillow
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When choosing a pillow, it can help to consider a person’s preferred sleeping position, any allergies, and any pain they experience during sleep.
sleep
Some of the best pillow options
Below are some suitable pillows that a person may find comfortable.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow
Price: from $119
Firmness: extra firm
Fill: open-cell foam
Hypoallergenic: yes
The Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow features an ergonomic design that contours to the body. The manufacturer says it supports and helps align the neck and shoulders.
The pillow comprises hypoallergenic materials, including slow spring-back, open-cell foam. According to the brand, this offers better comfort, adapts to movement, and helps dissipate heat.
The pillow is suitable for back or side sleepers. It has an extra-firm feel with proprietary TEMPUR materials.
Buyers can choose from three sizes that differ in height between 3.5 inches (in) and 4.75 in.
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suitable for people with allergies
suitable for back and side sleepers
available in three sizes
very firm, with some reviewers saying it may cause frequent headaches
returns are not possible
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
Price: from $45
Firmness: plush
Fill: shaved microfiber
Hypoallergenic: yes
The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow consists of hypoallergenic shaved microfibers to mimic the feel of feather down. It may suit people with allergies and those following a vegan lifestyle.
The company says that the plush version of this pillow is for individuals who sleep on their stomachs. It should also keep the neck and spine in alignment during sleep.
The pillow contains an eco-friendly fill that the brand makes from recyclable plastic bottles. Its shell has a sateen weave with double stitching.
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suitable for vegans and people with allergies
has sustainably sourced fill
durable, as it has double-stitched edges
may flatten after a few uses, according to reviews
some customers state the pillow is no better than cheaper alternatives available in local stores
Layla Kapok Pillow
Price: from $109
Firmness: plush
Fill: kapok fibers and open-cell memory foam
Hypoallergenic: no information available
The Layla Kapok Pillow may suit people who sleep on their side. The supportive plush filling consists of natural kapok fibers and open-cell memory foam. This helps the pillow conform to the shape of a person’s head and neck.
People can also adjust the amount of filling by unzipping the pillow and removing or adding material.
The covering contains copper fibers that help draw away heat from the body during sleep.
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allows people to add or remove the amount of filling to adjust the height
cover contains copper fibers to help keep the body cool
offers a 120-night trial
according to reviews, it may lose its firmness after a few months
some people find that the included stuffing is not enough for maximum comfort
may not be a comfortable fit for back and front sleepers
Parachute Down Pillow
Price: from $129
Firmness: soft, medium, and firm
Fill: European down and feathers
Hypoallergenic: not suitable for people allergic to down or feather
The Parachute Down Pillow consists of European down and feather fibers. It also comes in three levels of preferred support.
The brand recommends “soft” for stomach sleepers, “medium” for back sleepers, and “firm” for side sleepers.
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comes in different firmness options that suit different sleeping positions
offers full returns within 60 days
some customers state it relieves neck pain
not suitable for those who are allergic to down or feather
some reviewers say it has an unpleasant smell
some customers state it is not durable and began falling apart soon after purchasing
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow
Price: from around $72
Firmness: medium-firm
Fill: shredded memory foam
Hypoallergenic: yes
Coop Home Goods says that this medium-firm pillow should suit all sleeping positions. A person can fill it as much or as little as needed.
The filling consists of hypoallergenic shredded memory foam. The cover comprises of polyester and bamboo-derived rayon with CertiPUR-US and UL GREENGUARD Gold certification, meaning its construction has no harmful chemicals.
CertiPUR-US
UL GREENGUARD Gold
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suits all sleeping positions
allows people to add or remove foam fill to adjust its height
has hypoallergenic memory foam, which means that it suits persons with allergies
some customers state it has a strong odor
some reviews say it sleeps too hot
Avocado Green Pillow
Price: from $109
Firmness: medium-plush
Fill: latex and kapok fiber
Hypoallergenic: yes
This pillow has a cotton cover with latex and hypoallergenic kapok fillings. It has Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Organic Latex Standard certifications.
Global Organic Textile Standard
Global Organic Latex Standard
The Green Pillow has an adjustable fill, and the company sends people a bag of extra material to change the pillow’s height.
Additionally, this pillow is machine-washable and available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
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allows people to add or remove fill to adjust the height
machine-washable for easier care
this is a vegan alternative for those who do not want to buy a down product
not suitable for people with a latex allergy
some reviewers say it is not comfortable after a few months
may be too firm if a person prefers a higher loft
Silk Bedding Direct Luxury Silk-filled Pillows
Price: around $220
Firmness: plush
Fill: 22-momme mulberry silk
Hypoallergenic: yes
This pair of pillows contain natural 22-momme mulberry silk inside with a 300 thread-count sateen cotton cover. The company states this product holds an OEKO-TE Standard 100 certification.
The company states that the natural silk may help reduce sleep lines and is suitable for people with asthma, eczema, and allergies.
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may be suitable for individuals with allergies and sensitive skin
natural silk construction that may help reduce sleep lines
may be too soft for comfort for some people
the company only recommends this product for back sleepers
the most expensive option on this list
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
Price: from around $62
Firmness: plush
Fill: cooling fiber
Hypoallergenic: yes
This down alternative pillow is available in queen and king sizes and comes in a set of two.
It may be most beneficial for hot sleepers, as it contains cooling fibers. The company states these pillows may be suitable for people who overheat or have night sweats.
This pillow may also be beneficial for all sleeping positions, as its no-shift and bounce-back design helps maintain its shape after use.
The pillow is machine-washable and suitable for tumble drying.
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machine-washable for easier care
a good option for hot sleepers as it contains cooling fiber
suitable for all sleeping positions
comes in a pack of two
may flatten easily, according to some reviews
some people found it did not offer enough support during sleep
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
Price: from around $145
Firmness: adjustable
Fill: latex and polyester
Hypoallergenic: no
This pillow contains adjustable latex and polyester filling. It has a curved design, which may be best for side sleepers with neck pain.
The pillow has a temperature-regulating design and a breathable cotton cover. Eli & Elm states this cover is dust-mite resistant.
the company states the cover is dust-mite resistant
people can remove or add filling to adjust the thickness
has a U-shaped design that may help relieve neck pain
may have an unpleasant smell, according to reviewers
people may need to purchase more fill than the company includes
not suitable for people with a latex allergy
Purple Harmony Pillow
Price: from $179
Firmness: medium
Fill: Talalay latex
Hypoallergenic: no
This pillow contains Talalay latex, which may be more breathable and durable than other types of fill. While the company states this product is hypoallergenic, people with a latex allergy should avoid the pillow.
People can choose between different lofts: low, medium, and tall. Purple recommends the short pillow for stomach and back sleepers, the medium for side or combination sleepers, and the tall for side or combination sleepers.
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suitable for all sleeping positions due to the different loft options
moisture-wicking to avoid overheating during sleep
medium softness, so not suitable for people who prefer firmer support
flattens after a few months, according to some reviews
Comparison chart
The following table provides a comparison of the pillows in this article.
Tempur-Pedic
Brooklinen
Layla
Parachute
Coop H
ome Goods
Avocado
Silk Bedding Direct
Beckham Hotel Collection
Eli & Elm
Purple
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses pillows that meet the following criteria:
Certifications: MNT will select products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
CertiPUR-US
Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
Firmness: MNT selects products that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers and whether shipping is free.
Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Factors to consider
In general, a good pillow provides comfort and relief for pressure points while supporting the head and neck. In contrast, an unsuitable pillow loses its shape quickly and does not provide comfort or support throughout a person’s sleep.
When shopping for a pillow, people may wish to consider the following:
Sleep position: Side sleepers may benefit from a box pillow with elevated edges to support the neck, while back sleepers may prefer one featuring tapered edges to reduce head elevation.
Sleep position
Neck support: Anyone who experiences neck pain should look for a pillow that provides extra neck support.
Snoring: A pillow that elevates the head more may help reduce snoring.
Snoring
Cooling technology: An individual who regularly overheats during sleep may prefer a pillow consisting of natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, or one that contains cooling materials, such as copper fibers.
Allergies: People with allergies should look for pillows with hypoallergenic certifications.
Types of pillows
Pillows can contain various materials, and what works for one person may not for another. A pillow may comprise the below materials.
Microfiber pillows contain fine strands of synthetic material such as polyester or nylon. These may be a more affordable option and are easy to take care of at home, but they may need replacing every few years.
Microfiber pillows come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. However, they are not the most breathable type and may not be suitable for people who get too warm during sleep.
Down is a filling consisting of feathers. Down pillows are durable, but they flatten over time, and a person needs to re-fluff or reshape them regularly.
Down pillows require professional cleaning, which can be expensive.
Additionally, down pillows do not suit individuals following vegan lifestyles, and they may not be right for people with allergies.
allergies
This synthetic foam aims to conform to the shape of the body. Memory foam pillows may benefit people with neck pain or discomfort at pressure points.
neck pain
However, memory foam can retain heat, so it may not suit individuals who become too hot during sleep.
Pillows comprising wool or cotton may regulate heat. However, they may be an attractive environment for dust mites.
Additionally, wool and cotton lose shape more quickly than other types, so they may need regular reshaping.
Latex foam consists of rubber tree sap and is one of the more expensive pillow materials. The feel of this material is similar to memory foam, but latex foam is less likely to retain heat when a person sleeps.
Latex foam is also durable and holds its shape for a long time.
Pillow sizes
People may wish to consider the pillow size they prefer to purchase. The following table provides the measurements a person can expect when buying different pillow sizes.
Some companies may offer pillows with slightly different measurements. Therefore, individuals should check the size of their pillows before purchasing any pillowcases.
General sleep tips
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer the following recommendations for better sleep:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
better sleep
Follow a regular schedule by going to sleep and waking up at consistent times each day.
Keep noise to a minimum.
Keep the bedroom as dark as possible.
Exercise regularly.
Cut down on stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine.
alcohol
caffeine
Avoid eating large meals before bed.
Avoid using smartphones or computers in the bedroom.
Keep the bedroom cool — a person’s body temperature naturally decreases to encourage sleep, so a bedroom temperature of 60–67°F (15.5–19.4°C) is ideal.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions about pillows.
A person should purchase a pillow with the firmness they find most beneficial. Some people may prefer the extra support to the neck and shoulders that a firmer pillow offers, while others may find a softer pillow leads to better sleep.
However, pillows lose their shape and firmness after extended use. With this in mind, individuals should purchase a new pillow if their current one no longer gives them the support they need.
Like a pillow’s firmness, pillow height is a matter of personal preference. However, back and front sleepers may wish to buy a flatter pillow to reduce neck and shoulder strain from elevating the head. In contrast, side sleepers might prefer higher pillows that align the head with the rest of the body.
The NSF states that a raised or thicker pillow may ease snoring. When people sleep on their backs, the airways narrow due to gravity. Therefore, a higher pillow position could help keep the airways open during sleep.
NSF
Learn more about snoring home remedies.
Learn more about snoring home remedies.
However, some people may have sleep apnea, where a person’s breathing pauses during sleep. If people believe they have this condition, they should speak with a doctor to discuss treatment options.
sleep apnea
Sleeping with two pillows may disrupt spinal alignment, leading to an increase in neck pain due to the loft of the two pillows.
If a person finds that their existing pillow has too low of a loft to feel supportive, they may wish to purchase a thicker pillow.
Summary
The best type of pillow for a person depends on a range of factors, such as sleeping position, snoring, pain, and any allergies.
Finding a pillow that provides optimal support may improve sleep quality, resulting in better overall health and well-being.