The Pillow Store

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Finding the right pillow depends on your sleep position

The purpose of a pillow is pretty simple: Keep your head and neck aligned while you sleep. If only shopping for pillows were as straightforward. Store shelves and catalogs are stuffed with options: Down, memory foam, latex, polyester, buckwheat hulls. Adding to the confusion is the fact that terms used to describe pillows—such as soft, medium, and firm—differ from brand to brand. And price isn’t necessarily an indicator of performance.

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So many consumers people look for a pillow that feels just right in the store. But a squeeze only tells you so much.

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes for your neck to relax onto the pillow, according to Susan Gordon, associate professor of physiotherapy at James Cook University in Australia.

“You will need a week sleeping on a pillow to work out if it really is the right pillow for you,” she says.

Others opt for trial and error: “The pillow that I have is too soft/hard/flat, so I’ll get a firmer/softer/fuller one next time.” Many give up and sleep with multiple pillows, though that can keep your head too high and throw off the natural curve of your neck.

Consumer Reports suggests a more methodical approach to choosing a pillow.

Match Your Pillow to Your Sleep Position

Start your search by matching the pillow to your dominant sleep position: side, back, stomach, or combination. That’s the position you settle into and is likely to be your favorite, according to Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., a fellow at the New York University School of Medicine and co-author of “Sleep for Success!” (AuthorHouse, 2010). Many pillows are now labeled this way, but the terms vary from brand to brand. Use our advice to fine-tune your shopping. Finally, check pillow return policies, so you don’t get stuck with a closet full of rejects.

Almost 70 percent of us sleep on our sides, according to a survey from Consumer Reports. A firm or extra-firm pillow is the best pillow to maintain the proper alignment or curve of the neck and head at what a study in a 2015 issue of Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found was the most comfortable height—10 centimeters, about 4 inches off the mattress. A traditional or contoured memory foam or latex pillow can support the head at the proper angle and might not flatten as quickly over time when compared with a polyester or down pillow.

Look for a pillow that supports or cradles the head without losing the natural curve of your neck. Start with medium-loft, medium-firm models filled with down alternative, memory foam, or latex foam. Loft is a pillow’s height as it lies flat on the bed.

Sleeping on your back is often associated with snoring or the more serious sleep apnea, in which a person stops breathing momentarily. Because gravity can cause the tongue to block the airway and create the disruptive buzzing, one solution is to prop up the sleeper using two to three firm pillows or a wedge pillow to elevate the top half of the body, according to Thomas Roth, Ph.D., founder of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.

If you roll over to sleep, your face is very close to the mattress. A thin or soft and scrunchable pillow filled with down or feathers, a down alternative, polyester, or thin foam can keep your neck’s natural curve. But a firm, high-loft pillow could leave you with a sore neck.

If you’re a multiposition sleeper, the best pillow for you might have softer and firmer sections, or one that’s lower in the center (for back sleeping) and higher on the sides (for side sleeping). Buckwheat hulls and pillows made of multiple materials fit this bill.

For more on what’s inside your pillow, read, “Which Pillow Fill Is Right for You?”

The pillow story


Tip: Is Your Pillow Toast?

Most pillows last about two years. You should replace yours if it doesn’t pop back when you fold it in half, or in thirds for king-size pillows.

How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Not getting enough Zzzzs? 'Consumer 101' TV show host, Jack Rico, gets expert CR tips on how to fall asleep faster and wake up more rested.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the February 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to helping consumers. We make it easy to buy the right product from a variety of retailers. Clicking a retailer link will take you to that retailer’s website to shop. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission – 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our mission. Learn more. Our service is unbiased: retailers can’t influence placement. All prices are subject to change.

More From Consumer Reports

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:Xtreme Comforts Bamboo Pillow at Amazon

“Uses adjustable bamboo memory foam to cradle your head and neck.”

Best Memory Foam: Coop Home Goods at Amazon

“Will provide superior support and comfort, and won’t get flat quickly.”

Best for Side Sleepers:Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon

“Another product that you can adjust to fit your body.”

Best Down Alternative:LANGRIA Hotel Collection Pillow at Amazon

“Less expensive than down and it's hypoallergenic.”

Best Budget:DreamNorth PREMIUM Gel Pillow at Amazon

“These affordable gel pillows will be easy on your budget.”

Best for Neck Pain:UTTU Sandwich Pillow at Amazon

“Touted as one of the best pillows to help relieve neck pain.”

Best Down:Parachute Down Pillow at Parachute

“Filled with premium European down from humanely treated animals.”

Best Cooling:Z Convolution Memory Foam Core Pillow at Walmart

“Reviewers say this pillow stays cool all night long”

Throw

Best Plush: The Casper Pillow at Target

“Has a plush feel thanks to its pillow-in-a-pillow design.”

Best Latex: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow at Amazon

“Latex is made from rubber trees and is naturally antimicrobial.”

  • Best Overall: Xtreme Comforts Hyperallergenic Bamboo Pillow

    Excellent

    There are many types of bed pillows on the market, but one of the best products available is the Xtreme Comforts Hypoallergenic Bed Pillow, which uses adjustable bamboo memory foam to cradle your head all night long. This pillow comes in standard, queen, king, and body pillow sizes, and because it’s adjustable, it can be used in a variety of sleeping positions.

    This pillow has an inner zipper that allows you to remove or add its shredded memory foam fill to meet your needs. Plus, the fill will bounce back each day, ensuring your pillow isn’t flat after a few months. The Xtreme Comforts Pillow also has a micro-vented bamboo cover that provides superior air circulation, regulating your temperature throughout the night to keep you comfortable. If you suffer from allergies, rest assured that the cover is hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and machine washable (a room air purifier can also help allergy-proof your bedroom).

    According to happy buyers, these pillows are the most comfortable surface they've ever rested their head on, regardless of sleeping position. Many note it offers excellent support and is amazingly soft, as well.

  • Best Memory Foam: Coop Home Goods

    Excellent

    Memory foam is a popular material for pillows thanks to its ability to contour to your head. Products like the Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow will provide superior support and comfort, and they won’t get flat as quickly since memory foam bounces back to its original form after each use.

    These pillows from Coop Home Goods come in queen and king sizes, and they have a washable cover to make care easier. You can easily add or remove some of the shredded memory foam to cater to your individual sleep position, and they’re resistant to dust mites and other pesky allergens. Plus, you can feel good about resting your head on these pillows, as they’re made with CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means they don’t contain any harmful chemicals.

    Reviewers say the Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam pillow is far superior to standard pillows, as it provides better support and retains its shape with a little bit of daily fluffing. Many even note it’s helped to minimize their neck and back pain during the night.

    See more reviews of our favorite memory foam pillows available for purchase.

  • Best for Side Sleepers: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

    Very Good

    Your sleep position will often dictate what type of pillow will be most comfortable. One of the most common sleeping positions is on your side, and if you tend to snooze in this position, you’ll want a pillow that’s thick enough to keep your spine in alignment. One great option for side sleepers is the Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow, another product that you can adjust to fit your body.

    This shredded memory foam pillow has a zipper so you can add or remove filling to suit your needs—if you sleep on your side, make sure the pillow is thick enough to fill the gap between your head and the mattress. It’s covered in a breathable bamboo cover to keep you cool during the night, and the foam is non-toxic and resistant to dust mites.

    Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Review

    Do you sleep in several different positions? Check out our guide to the best pillows for combination sleepers.

  • Best Down Alternative: LANGRIA Luxury Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

    Very Good

    Down alternative pillows are a great choice because they closely mirror down pillows but they're less expensive and hypoallergenic, which makes them a much better choice for anyone with allergies. They’re also slightly more breathable than feathered options.

    Though it's incredibly soft, the LANGRIA Luxury Hotel Collection Bed Pillow feels substantial and won’t deflate. It also has a cotton shell that makes the pillow breathable, hypoallergenic, and durable. Hundreds of reviewers seem to agree that whether you sleep on your back, stomach, or side you’ll love the way it feels. In fact, more than a few people refer to this option as “the perfect pillow.”

    LANGRIA Luxury Hotel Collection Down Alternative Pillows Review

    If you're in the market for a new pillow but not sure where to score the best deals, read through our list of the best places to buy pillows.

  • Best Budget: DreamNorth PREMIUM Gel Pillow

    High-end pillows can get pretty expensive, so if you’re looking for spare pillows for your guest room or another seldom-used location, you may want to consider a budget option like the DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillows. These affordable gel pillows come in standard, queen, and king sizes, and they’ll be easy on your budget while still providing your guests with a restful night’s sleep.

    The DreamNorth Pillows are filled with a special gel fiber that’s soft and breathable, and the covers are made from 100 percent cotton with a subtle striped design. The fabric is breathable to keep your head cool at night, and the pillows are hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant. Reviewers say these pillows are both soft and supportive, and several customers note they’re best for back or stomach sleepers. 'I've tried many other pillows and this one is perfect. The cotton cover helps me stay cool at night, and there's no odor whatsoever on unpacking (unlike other pillows),' wrote one reviewer online.

  • Best for Neck Pain: UTTU Sandwich Pillow

    If you suffer from neck pain, experts recommend changing your sleeping position (just that alone could do the trick!) or swapping out your pillow. When you have neck pain, it could mean you’re not getting enough support while you sleep. Choose a more rounded pillow to mirror the natural curvature of the neck. And opt for soft memory foam or feathers, because a pillow that’s too hard may exacerbate neck pain.

    Though the UTTU Sandwich Pillow has an affordable price, it’s touted as one of the best pillows to help relieve neck pain. Hundreds of reviewers give this uniquely designed pillow five stars, citing its ability to help prevent a stiff neck. Like many of the best options out there, it’s customizable, so you can find the right height and firmness that works for you.

    You may also want to try a memory foam mattress, which will cradle your body and provide exceptional spine support.

  • Best Down: Parachute Down Pillow

    Down, which is another term for duck or goose feathers, is known as one of the most luxurious pillow materials, as it’s extremely light and soft. It's also relatively simple to wash and maintain. If you’re partial to down pillows, you’ll love the Parachute Down Pillows, which are filled with premium European white down and wrapped in a 100 percent sateen-cotton shell.

    These pillows come in standard and king sizes, and you can choose from soft, medium, or firm densities. The down filling comes from humanely treated animals, and the shell is reinforced with a double-stitched piping seam. These pillows come with a three-year warranty, and reviewers say they’re well worth the investment for a luxurious night’s sleep. 'These pillows are light, airy, and supportive at the same time,' enthused one customer. 'They're simply the best.'

    Looking to upgrade your comforter, too? Take a peek at our favorite down comforters.

  • Best Cooling: Z Convolution Gel-Infused Dough Memory Foam Core Pillow

    Do you find yourself regularly flipping your pillow over during the night to get the “cool” side? If so, you might prefer a cooling pillow, like the Z Convolution Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow which won’t retain as much heat. This product comes in standard, queen, and king sizes, and you can even choose from high- or low-loft, depending on your preference.

    This cooling pillow has a memory foam core surrounded by gelled microfiber to keep your head cool all night long. What’s unique about this pillow is it offers two levels of support—firm on one side, and soft on the other—to cater to different sleep positions. You can even remove the memory foam core if you want an ultra-plush sleep experience. Reviewers say this pillow feels more like a down pillow and stays cool all night long, making it perfect for those who sleep hot.

    Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best cooling pillows.

  • Best Plush: The Casper Pillow

    If you like feeling like you’re sleeping on a cloud, you’ll love the Casper Pillow, which has a plush feel thanks to its pillow-in-a-pillow design. This unique pillow has a supportive inner section surrounded by a plush, soft outer shell that effortlessly adjusts as you shift position.

    The Casper Pillow has a 100 percent cotton cover in a breathable percale weave that keeps it from overheating during the night. Casper claims this pillow can be used in any sleeping position, but some reviewers say it’s too soft for back and side sleepers. The majority of buyers agree this pillow is quite comfortable and soft, and many customers note that it’s helped reduce aches and pains in the morning.

  • Best Latex: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

    If you want a pillow that’s incredibly supportive without the sinking sensation of memory foam, you might like a latex pillow like the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow. Latex is made from rubber trees and is naturally antimicrobial, making it a popular material for high-end mattresses. It provides a firm sleep surface that’s more bouncy than memory foam, and these pillows are incredibly durable, lasting for many years.

    The Brooklyn Bedding Latex Pillow is designed to be consistent and breathable, ensuring you won’t get warm during the night. It comes in queen and king sizes, and you can choose between plush, medium, and firm densities. These pillows also come with a washable bamboo cover, and reviewers say they’re a good option for side sleepers. However, keep in mind that latex often has an unpleasant odor at first and may need to air out for a few days before use.

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Products Tested byThe Spruce

How We Tested

We bought four top-rated pillows and our reviewers tested them daily for weeks on end. We asked our reviewers to consider the most important features when using these pillows, from their firmness to their material. We've outlined the key points here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

What to Look for in a Pillow

Material Pillows are typically made of materials like foam, down, down alternatives, gel, or polyester fill. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, memory foam pillows are great if you sleep in the same position every night, while down pillows are super fluffy. Consider whether the material you’re buying is conducive to your sleep preferences and whether it might cause any allergies to act up.

Firmness Your firmness preference is an essential consideration when purchasing a pillow. Think about whether you like your pillows firm, super soft, or somewhere in between before you buy.

Sleep position The position you sleep in can affect which pillow is best for your needs. Those who sleep on their side typically do best with a wide pillow with a gusset or extra height, while those who sleep on their stomachs need a soft, thin pillow to maintain their neck’s natural curve.

Test Results: Xtreme Comforts Hyperallergenic Bamboo Pillow (Best Overall)

Excellent

What We Like

  • Supportive

  • Comfortable

  • Regulates temperature well

What We Don't Like

  • Foam removal process can be messy

“This is by far the best pillow that I've used,” raved one of our testers. “The first night I used it, I had the best night of sleep I'd had in a long time.” In particular, our reviewers thought it was the ideal combination of supportive and comfortable — plus, it didn’t retain heat overnight. Our testers did, however, wish that the instructions warned that the foam removal process could be messy. Overall, though, the pillow was a major hit. “I had my spouse test the pillow as well and we are now officially fighting over it,” one tester said. “So, I plan to buy one for each of us.”

Test Results: Coop Home Goods (Best Memory Foam)

Excellent

What We Like

  • Soft fill

  • Durable outer shell

  • Supportive

“This pillow is soft without being too soft,” explained one of our testers. “It conforms around your head but still offers support.” Another plus, according to one reviewer, was that its outer shell was durable: “I washed and dried it without any shrinking,” she noted. On the other hand, one tester reported that it had a “slightly chemical smell” that didn’t dissipate until she washed the outer shell for the first time.

Test Results: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow (Best for Side Sleepers)

Very Good

What We Like

  • Comfortable

  • Feels luxurious

  • 20-year warranty

What We Don't Like

  • Messy to remove fill

  • Strange smell at first

This pillow won over our testers because it was large and comfortable. One reviewer also loved that it felt “luxurious' and pointed out that it has a 20-year warranty. Although our testers liked that its filling was adjustable, one reviewer noted that it was shredded and messy to remove. Lastly, according to one tester, it “had a weird smell” when she first unwrapped it. However, she said that it went away after washing the outer shell.

Test Results: LANGRIA Luxury Hotel Collection Bed Pillows (Best Down Alternative)

Very Good

What We Don't Like

  • Not fancy

  • Doesn't conform to your shape

  • Fill not adjustable

This pillow was an excellent overall value for the price, according to our testers: “It isn’t fancy, but it’s definitely comfortable,” one reviewer said. “It’d be great in a kids' room or to use as an extra pillow on a bed if you have shams.” Our testers also thought that it looked well-made and that it was “pretty fluffy — ideal for people who like a softer pillow.” On the other hand, one reviewer pointed out that it didn’t conform to her head and that you can’t adjust the fill.

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