Best Pillows of 2024 for All Types of Sleepers

A good night’s sleep is key to a productive day. One essential element of restful sleep is having the right pillow for your body and sleep profile. To that end, I analyzed the top pillow brands on the market and separated them into the categories that matter most to buyers—cooling pillows, down alternative pillows, memory foam pillows, and even anti-snore pillows. My well-rounded list of the best pillows has something for everyone.

I chose pillows to meet a variety of price points, from value to high-end. At first glance, spending more than $50 on a pillow may seem steep, but I believe in investing in your sleep—it’s worth the cost.

What to consider when buying pillows

Size

Pillows come in all shapes and sizes, from standard (20 inches x 26 inches) to king-sized (20 inches x 36 inches) and everything in between. If you’re looking for a custom-made size, it may be possible to order one. The best pillow for you will depend on the size you’re most comfortable using in bed, which means you should also check the loft (height) of the pillow.

Loft

When you check the loft of your pillow, you are looking at its height and thickness, and this is important because a pillow’s loft will impact your comfort due to spine alignment. The best loft will depend on how you sleep, but a medium-loft pillow (three to five inches) is a good middle-of-the-road choice. Low loft pillows are up to three inches thick, medium loft pillows are between three and five inches thick, and high loft pillows are five or more inches thick.

Firmness

Some sleepers like firm pillows (think foam or memory foam), while others prefer goose or duck down pillows that might offer more fluff than firm support. Think about what feels good to you when you lie down, and remember that sleep positions may impact the type of pillow that may be best for your needs.

Support and sleep position

Your pillow should offer firmness and support while being comfortable. Choose your support based on your sleep type. For example, back sleepers usually like medium-firm pillows to hold their heads comfortably when they sleep.

Machine washable

Some pillows need to be hand washed. Others can be tossed into a washing machine. Make sure to look at the care instructions before purchasing a pillow that might need more attention than you have time to give.

Budget

Depending on the make, model, and retailer, pillows have a wide range of prices. A memory foam or organic pillow will cost more than a non-specialized fiber.

Warranty and trial use

Good sleep isn’t something to ignore. Your bedding, like a pillow, can improve or hinder it. Purchasing a pillow from a reputable bedding company can make all the difference in your nightly rest. Most reputable bedding companies will allow you to return a pillow within the warranty period. Some places will even let you try out a pillow and send it back if you don’t like it.

Types of pillows

There are many types of pillows available in a myriad of materials. Some common ones include:

• Memory foam pillow: Made from synthetic materials, these pillows provide a molded comfort by fitting the contours of your head and neck.
• Feather and down pillow: These pillows are made from goose or duck down and feathers. They are extremely soft and offer varying amounts of support depending on their percentage of feathers and down.
• Down alternative pillow: These pillows simulate the feel of a down and feather pillow but are made from synthetic materials.
• Bamboo pillow: Made from natural bamboo fibers, these pillows are comfortable yet costly.
• Polyester pillow: Polyester pillows are among the most affordable, but not everyone likes them due to their synthetic materials.
• Microbead pillow: Tiny beads fill the inside of these pillows to create extra support for your head and neck.
• Latex pillow: Since these pillows don’t flatten easily, some sleepers swear by these soft pillows. Made from natural materials, they hold their shape.
• Gel pillow: If you tend to overheat at night, gel pillows may be the answer to a good night’s rest. These pillows are filled with gel beads that are responsive to body heat.
• Buckwheat pillow: These pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls (naturally grown and harvested), making them a great eco-friendly approach to bedding. They’re also malleable and offer a lot of support.
• Cotton pillow: You can buy organic or non-organic cotton pillows that provide comfort and are often less expensive than other choices.
• Shredded memory foam pillow: Shredded memory foam is usually firmer than a pillow made of one foam block. As the name suggests, these pillows are made of ripped-up strips of memory foam.

Our top pillow picks

Best for all body types: Tempur-Pedic Cloud Pillow

Best for all body types

Tempur-Pedic Cloud Pillow

buy on Tempur-Pedicamazon

$89.00$70.00

The best pillow for a multitude of sleeping needs is the Tempur-Pedic Cloud Pillow. Made of memory foam, it’s suitable for back and side sleepers. Its high quality material ensures a long life, while the hypoallergenic polyester knit cover is removable for easy washing.

The Tempur-Pedic Cloud helps with back and neck alignment. It supports the weight of your upper frame with just enough give to allow you to sink in comfortably. Constructed of one block of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary memory foam, the firmness of the foam may be too constricting for some sleepers, though with regular use, the foam will open up and conform to your shape and weight.

Who isn’t it for? Sleepers who tend to overheat. The Tempur-Pedic Cloud is not a cooling pillow and has a tendency to trap heat emitted from the sleeper. It also may not be as comfortable for stomach sleeper due to the firmness of the pillow. If you have a king size mattress and want a larger pillow, note that the Tempur-Pedic Cloud only comes in one size.

Specs:

• Fill material: Tempur-Material foam
• Outer cover material: Polyester knit
• Firmness level: Medium-firm
• Available sizes: Standard
• Price: $89

The bottom line:

This pillow is medium-firm, under $100 but its higher loft makes it best for back and side sleepers.

Get it here: Tempur-Pedic Cloud Pillow

Best value: Sleep Innovations Contour Pillow

Best value

Sleep Innovations Contour Pillow

buy on Walmartamazon

$34.99

This pillow was designed with a therapeutic contour meant to adapt to your body’s unique shape. It features a large and small contour, you can choose what’s most comfortable. The Sleep Innovations is a great value—it offers a quality contouring pillow at a good price.

Back and side sleepers will appreciate how the contour fits the shape of your neck for gentle cervical support and alignment. Sleep Innovations memory foam is made with an open-cell design, which encourages air flow and dissipates heat to ensure your optimal sleep temperature. Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, it keeps your pillow safe and clean.

Sleepers of all types, rejoice: The Sleep Innovations Contour Pillow promises to never go flat, so you’ll get the best bang for your buck. All pillow materials are made in the USA and buyers will be thrilled that the pillow comes with a 5-year warranty.

Specs:

• Fill material: Sleep Innovations memory foam
• Outer cover material: 75% Cotton 25% Polyester
• Firmness level: Medium-firm
• Available sizes: Travel, Standard, Queen
• Price: $34

The bottom line:

An affordable, firm memory foam pillow that keeps its shape and works best for back and side sleepers.

Get it here: Sleep Innovations Contour Pillow

Best eco-friendly pillow: Avocado Green Pillow

Best eco-friendly pillow

Avocado Green Pillow

buy on Avocado

Most of us are paying more attention to the materials we’re using in our day-to-day. Are these materials sustainable, environmentally friendly, and safe for all family members to use? The Avocado Green Pillow addresses these concerns with its eco-friendly pillow. The environmentally conscious company is known for its quality mattresses.

Avocado specializes in products made from organic, non-toxic, and natural materials. They are also carbon-neutral. The Green Pillow is handmade in the U.S. from all organic materials and features an adjustable loft to customize sleep position for a range of sleepers. The pillow itself is on the firmer side, and unfortunately, does not come in less firm iterations.

The Avocado Green Pillow may be less comfortable for stomach sleepers because of this firmness level. Because the loft is higher than the average pillow, it can strain the neck and spine of sleepers who prefer to sleep on their stomach.

The price point is steep for some buyers, but the Avocado Green Pillow ships for free and comes with a 100-night sleep trial—so you can try it out before deciding if it’s right for you.

Specs:

• Fill material: GOLS-Certified Shredded Latex, GOTS-Certified Kapok Fibers
• Outer cover material: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
• Firmness level: Firm
• Available sizes: Standard, Queen, King
• Price: $109

The bottom line:

Great organic pillow designed to keep you cool at night.

Get it here: Avocado Green Pillow

Best down alternative pillow: Saatva Down Alternative Pillow

Down alternative pillow - Queen - White | By Saatva

Saatva

$115.00

amazon

$115.00

Love the feeling of down but don’t love those little feathers floating all over your bedroom after changing sheets? The Saatva Down Alternative is a great choice for you. It boasts everything you love about down—plushness, softness, and comfort—without the hassle of down. This is also ideal for those allergic or sensitive to traditional goose-down pillows and bedding.

Saatva’s Down Alternative Pillow is filled with hypoallergenic down alternative fibers that create air pockets for a plush, silky-soft feel while providing support and structure. Designed for all sleepers, it works especially well for those who like to cuddle their pillow at night.

Durable and 100% hypoallergenic, this plush alternative down pillow contains an organic cotton shell which is not removable, so be aware. The Saatva Down Alternative pillow is spot clean-only. This won’t be a problem if you plan to use your own washable pillow case to cover it during use.

If you’re unsure about investing in the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow, you’ll like that it comes with a 45-day trial period with no restocking or penalty fees for returns. There’s no risk to try this highly rated down alternative pillow.

Specs:

• Fill material: Hypoallergenic down alternative fibers
• Outer cover material: Organic cotton shell
• Firmness level: Soft-medium
• Available sizes: Queen, King
• Price: $115

The bottom line:

If you’re allergic to down, Saatva’s 100% hypoallergenic pillow is the next best thing.

Get it here: Saatva Down Alternative Pillow

Best organic pillow: Coyuchi Down-Free Fill Organic Pillow

Best organic pillow

Coyuchi Organic Shredded Latex Pillow Queen Alpine White

Coyuchi Inc.

$148.00

buy on Nordstrom

If organic materials are top of mind, the Coyuchi Down-Free Fill Organic Pillow is a high quality option. The Coyuchi down-alternative pillow is filled with fluffy shreds of hypoallergenic, certified organic latex. Mold it to your ideal sleep shape; it’ll remain billowy and lofty thanks to the air pockets created by the latex shreds. Good for all sleep styles, you can add or remove e latex shreds to adjust the amount of loft to meet your sleep needs.

The Coyuchi Down-Free Fill Organic Pillow is extremely durable, filled with GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex. One of the purest pillows on the market, its latex harvested by tapping trees for a chemical-free, compostable foam that’s breathable and mold-, mildew, and dust-mite-resistant. It’s hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, and comes with a 400-thread count organic cotton washable pillow protector.

The Coyuchi Down-Free Fill Organic Pillow is shipped using the most sustainable and environmentally friendly materials available and also offers a no-risk 30-day trial period. Returns are free before 30 days—after that, you’re still able to receive store credit for another pillow selection.

Specs:

• Fill material: GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex
• Outer cover material: Organic cotton jersey knit
• Firmness level: Soft-medium
• Available sizes: Standard, Queen, King
• Price: $128

The bottom line:

Organic latex pillow adjustable for all sleep styles with a washable cover—if you can pay the high price tag, this is a good choice.

Get it here: Coyuchi Down-Free Fill Organic Pillow

Best latex pillow: Saatva Latex Pillow

Best latex pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva

$165.00

amazon

$185.00

Latex pillows are a solid option for buyers concerned about allergies but still want the durability and comfort of other materials. The Saatva Latex Pillow is a hotel-quality pillow with responsive and ultra-breathable support. The shredded latex allows for moldable customization as it adjusts to the weight distribution of the sleeper and provides excellent neck and head support.

Known to be more breathable than synthetic foams, latex may also stay cooler than traditional memory foam—which is great for hot sleepers. Natural latex is buoyant, creating pressure-free support for your head, neck, and shoulders. All Saatva latex undergoes a thorough washing process to remove all allergy-causing proteins, to ensure the purest product possible.

The Saatva Latex Pillow also includes a machine-washable, silky-soft Breathable Fair Trade Certified cotton pillow cover. The removable inner pillow can be spot cleaned.

Unsure about investing in the Saatva Latex Pillow? You can try the pillow for up to 45 days and if you aren’t in love, you can return it without restocking or penalty fees.

Specs:

• Fill material: Shredded natural latex
• Outer cover material: Organic cotton
• Firmness level: Medium
• Available sizes: Queen, King
• Price: $165

The bottom line:

A hotel quality pillow made from organic cotton and natural latex.

Get it here: Saatva Latex Pillow

Best down pillow: Pacific Coast Double DownAround Soft Pillow

Best down pillow

Pacific Coast Double DownAround Soft Pillow

buy on pacifi ccoastamazon

$119.82

Not only is the Pacific Coast Double DownAround Soft Pillow our favorite down pillow, it’s an excellent choice for those who love an extra-cushy pillow. The Double DownAround is a soft support pillow filled with cushioning Resilia feathers. The outer pillow is filled with double the amount of 550 fill power Hyperclean down.

Featuring a 300 thread count, 100% cotton cover and sharp, navy blue cording, this pillow is luxurious. The 1” gusset of fabric ribbon around the perimeter of the pillow allows for maximum loft, so the pillow will keep its shape.

The specialized fill of the DownAround Soft Pillow creates softness and support ideal for stomach and back sleepers. The down spreads evenly according to the position of your head and neck.

Caring for the pillow itself is easy; it’s machine-washable and dryer-friendly.

Pacific Coast Double DownAround Soft Pillow comes with a 30-night comfort guarantee, an allergy-free limited warranty, and a three-year limited warranty. Consumers have all bases covered for a no-risk buying experience.

Specs:

• Fill material: 650 fill power Hyperclean® down, Hyperclean® Resilia feathers
• Outer cover material: 233 thread count organic cotton
• Firmness level: Soft
• Available sizes: Standard/Queen, King
• Price: $125 Standard/Queen

The bottom line:

This down pillow offers good support for back and stomach sleepers and is machine and dryer friendly.

Get it here: Pacific Coast Double DownAround Soft Pillow

Best cooling pillow: Allswell Gel Cooling Pillow

Best cooling pillow

Allswell Gel Cooling Pillow

buy on Walmart

Hot sleepers—we see you and we’ve found the best cooling pillow on the market in the Allswell Gel Cooling Pillow. If you tend to toss, turn, and get overheated at night, you’ll love this gel cooling pillow.

The Allswell Gel Cooling Pillow features a layer of cooling gel that surrounds the surface of the pillow, wicking heat away from your body and keeping you cool. The pillow is composed of memory foam for optimal support and customizable comfort. The Gel Cooling Pillow also comes with a washable lightweight OEKO-TEX certified knit cover.

Stomach sleepers may not enjoy the firmness of the memory-foam core and would do better with a softer pillow selection.

The Allswell Gel Cooling Pillow offers free ground shipping and 30-day money back guarantees if it’s not the right pillow for you.

Specs:

• Fill material: Memory foam
• Outer cover material: OEKO-TEX certified knit polyester
• Firmness level: Medium-firm
• Available sizes: Standard
• Price: $40

The bottom line:

If you don’t mind a firm pillow, this memory foam one will help you stay cool at night while providing support.

Get it here: Allswell Gel Cooling Pillow

>> For more cooling pillows options click here >>

Best pillow for side sleeper: Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow

Best for side sleepers

Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow

buy on Coopamazon

$96.00

Customizable for side sleepers, the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow is filled with soft, gel-infused memory foam and a microfiber blend that can be adjusted manually. The gel memory foam gives you a comfortable, cool sleep while supporting side sleepers, keeping you in alignment. The gusseted pillow design creates edge-to-edge support.

You’re in control of your sleep experience with the Eden pillow. Add or remove the memory foam fill as needed to build loft up or down, depending on your preference. No need to live with pain, snoring, or discomfort at night—simply adjust the filling.

The Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow undergoes a strict, third-party lab test to ensure safety. It is CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified, plus 100% vegan and cruelty free. The case is made with proprietary Lulltra fabric, a blend of viscose rayon and polyester that provides breathability and softness.

Specs:

• Fill material: Gel-infused memory foam and a microfiber blend
• Outer cover material: Viscose rayon and polyester
• Firmness level: Medium-firm
• Available sizes: Standard, Queen, King
• Price: $96

The bottom line:

This pillow is customized for side sleepers made from gel-infused memory foam and microbeads.

Get it here: Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow

>> For more pillows options for side sleepers click here >>

Best pillow for neck pain: Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow

Best pillow for neck pain

Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow

Health Products For You

$158.09$98.77

amazon

$96.12

When it comes to treating chronic neck pain, you need a serious pillow. The Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow is the real deal for neck pain sufferers. At under $100, it’s well worth the cost for getting a good night’s sleep.

At first glance, the Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow is oddly shaped, but if you take a closer look, you’ll find a unique pillow designed to contour the nooks of your neck and head often neglected by traditional pillows.

The Therapeutica cervical neck support pillow was created by an ergonomic designer and chiropractor to address the needs of back and side sleepers who struggle with neck pain. It’s constructed of nontoxic, non-allergenic, molded foam and crafted into a wedge to support the upper spine, and also help keep the head level. Make no mistake, this is a firm pillow meant for back and side sleepers.

The Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow comes with a soft, machine washable, zip-open cover that’s easy to remove.

Ordering a Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow is easy with its sizing chart, found here. Choosing the correct size for your body type is important to enjoy the benefits of this pillow.

Specs:

• Fill material: Polyurethane foam
• Outer cover material: Polyester/cotton
• Firmness level: Firm
• Available sizes: Petite, Average, Large, Extra Large
• Price: $93

Get it here: Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow

>> For more pillows options for neck pain click here >>

Best pillow for snoring: Derila Cervical Ergonomic Neck Support Pillow

Best pillow for snoring

Derila Cervical Ergonomic Neck Support Pillow

amazon

$49.95$45.95

Elevating your head when you sleep can help with snoring. The Derila Memory Foam pillow is specifically designed to keep snoring at by providing a level of firmness to support your head and neck, keeping your spine aligned and your neck cradled in comfort. Best of all, this pillow was created to help with snoring because its butterfly shape promotes better breathing by keeping your body in alignment and providing a cradle for your neck and support for your head.

The Derila Memory Foam works for all sleep styles and positions, as well, plus, it is machine washable, and you can purchase a standard or cooling pillowcase also designed by Derila.

Specs:

• Fill material: Memory foam
• Outer cover material: Polyester
• Firmness level: Medium firm
• Available sizes: Standard and king
• Price: $49.95 (standard)

The bottom line:

This anti-snoring pillow offers advanced neck and head support that may help improve snoring issues and quality of sleep.

Get it here: Derila Cervical Ergonomic Neck Support Pillow for Pain Relief - Contour Side, Back, Stomach Sleepers - Anti-Snoring Bed Pillows

Best memory foam pillow: TEMPUR-Cloud Memory Foam Pillow

Best for back and side sleepers

TEMPUR-Cloud Memory Foam Pillow

buy on Mattress Firmamazon

$129.00$102.00

The best pillow all around is also our favorite memory foam pillow. The Tempur-Pedic Cloud is made of memory foam and is suitable for back and side sleepers. Its high quality material ensures it will last, while the hypoallergenic polyester knit cover is removable for easy washing.

Like their mattresses made of the same materials, the Tempur-Cloud Memory Foam Pillow is designed for you to sink ever so slightly into the pillow while being supported by the surrounding structure of the foam.

The Tempur-Pedic Cloud provides excellent back and neck alignment. It supports the weight of your upper frame with just enough give to allow you to sink in comfortably. It’s constructed of one block of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary memory foam. The firmness of the foam may be too constricting for some, though with time, the foam will open up and conform to your shape and weight.

The Tempur-Pedic Cloud is not a cooling pillow and has a tendency to trap heat. It may not be as comfortable for stomach sleeper due to its firmness. If you have a king size mattress and want a larger pillow, notethe Tempur-Pedic Cloud comes in one size only.

Specs:

• Fill material: Tempur-Material foam
• Outer cover material: Polyester knit
• Firmness level: Medium-firm
• Available sizes: Standard
• Price: $89

The bottom line:

This pillow is medium-firm, under $100 but its higher loft makes it best for back and side sleepers.

Get it here: TEMPUR-Cloud Memory Foam Pillow

>> For more memory foam pillows options click here >>

Best firm pillow: Hotel Collection European White Goose Down Firm Pillow

Best for side sleepers

Hotel Collection European White Goose Down Firm Pillow

Macy's

$380.00$226.10

Our choice for the best firm pillow is an investment, but it’s one you’ll have for years to come. The Hotel Collection European White Goose Down Firm Pillow is the ideal combination of firmness and goose down for the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

The European White Goose Down Firm Pillow is filled with hypoallergenic goose down fill ideal for side sleepers. The firmness helps keep the back in alignment and supported throughout the night. The 700-thread count speaks to this firm pillow’s luxury, with its gusset design allowing it to keep its shape, no matter how much you move around while you sleep.

The pillow is machine washable and easy to care for and also comes with a removable 100 percent cotton cover.

Specs:

• Fill material: Goose down
• Outer cover material: Cotton
• Firmness level: Firm
• Available sizes: Standard
• Price: $212

The bottom line:

This premier quality goose-down pillow with a 500-thread count cover is an investment but it may offer you years of wonderful rest.

Get it here: Hotel Collection European White Goose Down Firm Pillow

>> For more firm pillows options click here >>

Best pillow for back sleeper: Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows

Best for back sleeper

Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows

buy on Walmartamazon

$59.99

The Beckham Hotel Collection pillows offer an affordable solution for back sleepers. When you sleep on your back, you need just the right mix of softness and support and this medium firm pillow gives you both at an awesome price. It also offers cooling capabilities, making it an attractive option for many of us.

The Beckham Collection Pillow is encased in a 250-thread-count case, and filled with a soft down alternative. It’s breathable and supportive, helping to correct neck pain, back pain, night sweats, and more.

The Beckham Collection Pillow is machine-washable and dryer-friendly and s sold in a set of two—making it a bargain for back sleepers.

Specs:

• Fill material: Down alternative
• Outer cover material: Cotton
• Firmness level: Medium
• Available sizes: Queen, King
• Price: $48 for two pillows

The bottom line:

Affordable option (two cotton pillows for one price) offers medium support and is probably best for back sleepers.

Get it here: Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows

>> For more back sleepers pillows options click here >>

Best pillow for stomach sleeper: Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Best for for stomach sleeper

Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

buy on Walmartamazon

$79.99

This one’s for you, stomach sleepers. The Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is built for stomach and back sleepers who appreciate an adjustable pillow to customize their comfort. The shredded memory foam can be added or removed based on your preference.

The Xtreme Comforts Pillow uses Kool-Flow Micro-vented Technology with bamboo for superior air circulation and breathability. This system regulates the pillow’s temperature, allowing the surface to stay cool so you don't sweat.

Xtreme Comforts promises their pillows will never get lumpy or flat due to the shredded memory foam. Designed to maintain its shape, even after frequent and long term usage, it’s also safe for the whole family. The pillow is made with no ozone depleters, flame retardants, lead, mercury, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or other toxins.

The Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow includes a soft, washable pillow cover.

Specs:

• Fill material: Down alternative
• Outer cover material: Cotton and bamboo
• Firmness level: Medium
• Available sizes: Standard
• Price: $54

The bottom line:

This customizable pillow is designed to give stomach sleepers quality sleep in comfort.

Get it here: Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

>> For more pillows for stomach sleepers click here >>

Best foam pillow: Casper Essential Foam Pillow

Best foam pillow

Casper Essential Foam Pillow

amazon

$50.00$45.00

buy on Casper

Casper knows a thing or two about foam bedding thanks to its years of creating the popular Casper bed. The brand’s Essential Foam Pillow is like a tiny, squishy mattress for your head.

The low-loft foam pillow is ideal for all sleep styles. Though it isn’t as high as other pillows, it provides excellent support and alignment for your head, neck, and shoulders. Casper’s AirScape perforated foam is designed to push heat away to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. The pillow is thoughtfully designed, with three foam layers that come together to create the ultimate space to rest your head.

For a slightly higher investment, the Casper Essential Foam Pillow has an option for added Snow Technology, which includes four cooling "HeatDelete" bands to drive heat away from the pillow for over 12 hours of sleep.

There’s a 30-night, risk-free trial period, so you can bring the Casper Essential Foam Pillow home to your bed and try it out.

Specs:

• Fill material: 77% Polyurethane Foam, 23% Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam
• Outer cover material: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex
• Firmness level: Medium
• Available sizes: Standard, King
• Price: $75

The bottom line:

This is a low-loft foam pillow designed for all sleepers and you can try it out for 30 days, just to be sure.

Get it here: Casper Essential Foam Pillow

Best luxury pillow: Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow

Best luxury pillow

Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow

buy on Walmartamazon

$59.99

Ironically, our choice for best luxury pillow is not the most expensive pillow on this in-depth list! The Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow is available at stores like Walmart and Target, and features a three-layer contoured design to relieve stiffness and stress on your pressure points.

It also allows you to adjust the memory foam contouring for optimal comfort. Simply unzip the pillow and remove the center layer, then, choose the contouring level that suits your body and sleep positioning.

This memory foam pillow is CertiPUR-US certified—guaranteed to be free of chemicals and toxins, such as formaldehyde, lead, mercury, ozone depleters, PBDEs, phthalates, and TCEP flame retardants.

The Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow comes with a 100-night trial period and a five-year warranty. Returns are easy and free.

Specs:

• Fill material: Memory foam
• Outer cover material: Cotton and bamboo
• Firmness level: Medium
• Available sizes: Standard
• Price: $74

The bottom line:

This pillow has adjustable layers and a three-layer contoured design to relieve stiffness and stress on your pressure points.

Get it here: Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow

Most comfortable pillow: Bucky Ultralight Side Sleeper Pillow

Most comfortable pillow

Bucky Ultralight Side Sleeper Pillow

buy on Walmartamazon

$68.99

The all-around most comfortable pillow award goes to the Bucky Ultralight Side Sleeper Pillow because of its natural buckwheat filling. You read that right: buckwheat.

Buckwheat pillows have provided unmatched comfort for centuries because the interlocking buckwheat hulls allow the pillow to be formed to your desired shape and not deflate over time. The hulls allow for continuous ventilation, a.k.a nature’s cooling system.

Recommended by chiropractors for personalized neck and shoulder support, the buckwheat stuffing conforms to your body and distributes weight evenly to cradle the head, neck, and shoulders. The result? Less snoring, easier, deeper breathing, and reduced soreness in the morning. Buckwheat pillows are also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.

Like shredded foam, Bucky pillows can be adjusted by adding or removing hulls to create your desired loft and consistency. Each Bucky Pillow has a zippered 100% cotton cover that is removable and machine-washable.

Specs:

• Fill material: Eco-friendly buckwheat, grown without pesticides or fertilizers
• Outer cover material: 100% unbleached cotton fabric
• Firmness level: Medium
• Available sizes: Standard
• Price: $80

The bottom line:

This buckwheat pillow offers unmatched comfort and is made from eco-friendly hulls grown without fertilizers or pesticides.

Get it here: Bucky Ultralight Side Sleeper Pillow

How we selected the best pillows

We analyzed the main buying and usage considerations for consumers when rating these pillows for each specific category.

• Firmness: The firmness of a pillow is a main concern for most people because it affects their comfort, depending on what position they typically sleep in. We wanted to touch upon pillow firmness for each selection.
• Composition: The composition of a pillow will determine its loft and capabilities, so it was something we wanted to include in each selection.
• Sleep style: Sleep style is a main determinant of the type of pillow you’ll buy. It was important to include it within our choices.
• Cost: Price is a main concern and we wanted to share a variety of price points to fit your budget.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What type of pillows do 5-star hotels use?

Most 5-star hotels use high-quality and organic products. Most hotel-quality pillows are extremely comfortable with a medium to high loft and wrapped in a high thread count case. For example, The Four Seasons uses a luxury, non-allergenic range of goose and down or down alternative pillows.

How much should I pay for a decent pillow?

You can pay a wide range of prices for a decent pillow, anywhere from $10 to $1000. Most decent pillows are between $100 to $200. The price of a pillow will depend on various factors such as fill, height, size, or even brand name.

Is it worth getting an expensive pillow?

It depends on the pillow. While most expensive pillows are well-crafted with quality materials, you may find you sleep well with a less expensive pillow. Look for quality, loft, and materials when you buy a pillow, and don’t buy the most expensive one just on price alone.

What is the best way to choose a pillow?

Consider the materials (goose vs. alternative down or latex vs. buckwheat), the pillow’s loft and firmness, and finally, what you can afford. Note: some companies will let you try out a pillow for a specific number of days so you can decide during the trial period whether or not it’s a good fit.

What is the most comfortable pillow?

The most comfortable pillow is in the eye (or neck, head, and shoulders) of the beholder. Some people find a firm, high-loft pillow the most comfortable, while others love a squishy, down pillow with a medium loft. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all for comfort when pillow shopping.

How often should you change your pillow?

You should change your pillow and wash it every three to six months, and if possible, your pillow’s cover and pillowcases once a week.

How often should you replace your pillows?

Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of Marketing and Communication for the International Sleep Products Association and member of the Better Sleep Council, reports that you should plan on replacing your pillow, on average, every two years, but some will last longer. The number depends on various factors, including the pillow’s materials, whether you use a protective covering, and how often you use it.