To help narrow your search, you should first consider your sleeping posture. “You simply need a roll behind the neck for support if you are a back sleeper,” says Robert Hayden, DC, chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. “If you’re a side sleeper, your pillow should have enough vertical height to keep your head level so that you do not create stress points in the joints of the neck.” He also points out that the pillow should be firm so that when you roll from side to side, the height remains the same. We tested and researched more than a dozen pillows based on their material, firmness, temperature control, and more to suit sleepers of all styles. Our top picks include the Saatva Latex Pillow for its breathability and great materials and Snuggle-Pedic’s adjustability and cooling feature. Here are the best pillows for any sleeping position. The pillow, which has a memory foam outer layer and a zippered compartment with foam fill, comes with an additional bag of foam filling if you want an even firmer feel. There’s the option to choose shredded memory foam or gel-infused memory foam. Testers attest that this is truly an adjustable pillow experience to suit a range of needs. Just keep in mind that after one month of testing, one of our testers reported that she needed to fluff the pillow up every morning to maintain its loft, otherwise it started to flatten over time. Otherwise, she’s still very pleased with the pillow. Price at time of publish: $48 for a Standard This pillow also stands out for its superior materials and construction. The shredded latex is hypoallergenic and doesn’t experience any off-gassing like foam, and the organic cotton shell has gusseted sides with elegant piping details that help the pillow keep its shape. The outer cover and fiber portion of the pillow can be machine-washed and dried, and we found that the pillow stayed at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Although the cover can be removed and washed, our tester recommends drying it on low, as there was slight shrinkage post-wash, which made placing the pillow back in the case slightly challenging. Even after a month of testing, our tester reported that the pillow still provided plenty of support and felt cool to the touch. Price at time of publish: $165 for a Queen Our testers noticed minimal shrinkage (just half an inch) when washing and drying the pillows according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and additional fluffing was necessary. However, they also reported that the pillows kept their shape and offered support even after a month of use. Some individual pillows cost more than this set, which includes two pillows, so for great value at a wallet-friendly price, these can’t be beat. Price at time of publish: $37 for a pack of two (Standard) The down filling is triple-washed and covered in 100 percent organic cotton. Our testers experienced the medium-density pillow, but there’s also a soft and firm option for those who want less or more support, respectively. There’s no denying the higher price tag attached to this single pillow, so it’s probably a better solution for someone who’s tried a few other options and is clear on what specific pillow type they desire. The company’s 30-night trial also adds a bit of comfort knowing that you can make a return if necessary. Price at time of publish: $158 for a soft Standard We like that you can machine-wash this pillow—our testers were pleased when trying that out. While they found minimal shrinkage after washing and drying, the pillow still came out fluffy with no deformity. While the pillow isn’t necessarily marketed as cooling, our testers found it to be relatively cooling, even after a month’s use, which might be due to the sateen shell. Price at time of publish: $145 for a soft Standard In spite of this being a great pillow for those who appreciate a soft-ish feel and having excellent airflow, there was one hiccup that testers experienced. Though the pillows claim to be machine-washable, even when following manufacturer’s instructions (wash on cold and tumble dry on low), the post-wash pillows had individual feathers that could be felt poking through the covering. So, this might be best suited for a spot clean. Price at time of publish: $52 for a pack of two (Standard) These pillows come in standard, queen, and king sizes, but we did notice that the standard size pillows are significantly smaller than your average pillow. They’re filled with CertiPUR-US shredded memory foam and wrapped in a polyester cover, and they can be machine-washed for easy maintenance. Our tester did note the frayed seams at the edge, which could possibly lead to tears over time and with steady washing. After about a month of use, our tester found that the pillow still held its shape. Just take note that she says she wishes it molded to her head and neck more when she sleeps. Price at time of publish: $19 for a pack of two (Standard) A pre- and post-wash of the cover saw no change in size and there were no wrinkles to the cover, which was easy to place back over the pillow. “This pillow is well-made, soft, and durable, and easily conforms to your sleeping style, ensuring a more restful night’s sleep,” our tester noted. “Plus, with such a comprehensive website and care instructions, you’ll be able to truly benefit from the pillow’s customization options.” This pillow’s materials are both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified, and the product is backed by a five-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $72 for a Queen The pillow contains graphite and a cooling gel that’s meant to pull body heat away. Our testers noticed a near 10-degree increase after using the pillow for 15 minutes, but that difference wasn’t actually felt while lying on it. Although the pillow itself isn’t washable, the cover can be easily removed, washed with light colors, and hung to dry. Testers saw a slight change in size, 25 x 16 to 24 x 15.1 inches, but the pillow still easily fit into the cover. Price at time of publish: $80 for a Standard In terms of safety certifications, this pillow is one of the best we tested—all of its ingredients are certified organic, and the pillow is GREENGUARD Gold and Made Safe certified, as well, verifying that it doesn’t give off any harmful VOCs and is nontoxic. The brand offers a 100-night sleep trial on the pillow, and our testers noted that the adjustable design is well-suited for any sleep position. Price at time of publish: $109 for a Standard “I’ve never invested in a high-quality pillow before, but this one has helped a lot with tossing and turning at night, because I don’t have to keep re-fluffing it or flipping it when one side gets too hot,” our tester said. One of the layers, an AirScape foam, has perforations in the material that are designed to move heat away from the body. There’s also the option to purchase the pillow with what the brand calls Snow Technology, which consists of a cool touch to the exterior and bands that direct heat from the head and neck. Our testers noticed that the pillow absorbed some heat, but they still had a comfortable sleeping experience throughout the testing period. Keep in mind that this pick works best for back sleepers and may be a bit firm for those who prefer their side or stomach. Price at time of publish: $89 for a Standard The pillow features cooling technology and testers confirm that it maintained its temperature and never felt too hot. The 100 percent cotton, zippered cover was easy to machine wash. In spite of an inch of shrinkage after hanging to dry, the cover had a few wrinkles but was easy to place back over the pillow. Price at time of publish: $109 for a Queen In addition to density, testers felt that the pillow held some heat, but it was never hot or uncomfortable. The entire pillow can be washed, and testers were glad to report that the pillow was perfectly formed and fluffed post-wash. Price at time of publish: $50 for a soft Standard The brand highlights the pillow’s continuous air flow and cooling-infused foam. However, testers didn’t find it to be any better at cooling or maintaining its temperature than any other pillows. The pillow is moderately priced, and when purchased in a bundle of two or four, there’s a discount. Price at time of publish: $65 for a Standard
What is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
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. Firm pillows offer a greater level of support for your head and neck, making them ideal for side sleepers, while plush pillows allow your head to sink in, which is often better for back or stomach sleepers. Before you buy, you’ll want to think about whether you like your pillows firm, soft, or somewhere in between.
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 thicker pillow with a gusset or extra height, as that helps to keep the neck in proper alignment during the night. On the other hand, those who sleep on their stomachs need a soft, thin pillow to maintain their neck’s natural curve.
Standout Features
Third-Party Certifications
When choosing a new pillow, it’s helpful to look for options that have been third-party tested for consumer safety and sustainable sourcing. For example, some foam pillows are CertiPUR-US-certified to be free of heavy metals, ozone depleters, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Similarly, down products with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification guarantee ethical animal treatment. Other third-party certifications you may encounter as you shop include STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD Gold, and Made Safe.
Breathability
Down pillows are naturally breathable, but if you prefer a down alternative or foam pillows, there are a few features that will enhance breathability. If you’re shopping for a foam pillow, choose one made with shredded foam for better airflow. With all pillows, it’s always a good idea to choose one with a breathable cover made from cotton or bamboo for added comfort.
Adjustable Filling
If you want the option to customize your pillow’s loft, look for one with adjustable filling that you can add or remove to reach your desired height. If you like a loftier pillow, choose one that comes with extra filling that’s easy to add as needed.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, home essentials, and the holidays. In addition to her extensive research of the best brands and top-rated pillows, she utilized the notes and insights from testers (back, stomach, and side sleepers), who had spent hours using the pillows on the list. They examined everything from the quality of the material to temperature control to support. We also reached out to Robert Hayden, DC, chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association, for his professional insight.
