Leesa Pillow Review – A Better Foam Option?

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Leesa’s pillow is uniquely designed with a light and responsive ventilated Avena foam filling and a soft ribbed knit outer fabric. The cover is removable and easy to clean, and the pillow won’t lose its shape or go flat. Who might find this pillow to be a good fit? Check out in the in-depth video or keep reading for all the details in our Leesa pillow review.

Leesa Premium Foam Pillow

Leesa Premium Foam Pillow

We think it’s great that Leesa utilized the Avena foam to create a pillow that pairs well with their mattress. The pillow is part of Leesa’s One-Ten Program, which means one pillow is donated for every 10 sold!

Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
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Leesa Pillow Video Review:

 

Leesa Pillow Review Overview

The Leesa Pillow comes in two different sizes and is made with a solid piece of ventilated foam. Here’s a breakdown of all of the details and main features of the pillow:
  • Standard size: 18” x 26” x 5” (comes in King and Standard size)
  • King size: 18” x 33” x 5”
  • Made in the USA
  • Filling: 100% Polyurethane Foam (ventilated)
  • Cover: 70% Polyester, 17% Viscose, 13% Nylon
  • Removable cover that is washable and dryer-friendly
  • Designed for all styles of sleepers and all body types
  • Price: $79 for Standard, $99 for King
  • 100-night trial period
  • Included in Leesa’s One-Ten Program (one pillow will be donated for every 10 sold)
RELATED: Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Leesa Pillow Review - 5" height

Leesa Pillow Construction

Leesa’s pillow is very similar to its mattress. The pillow uses Leesa’s exclusive Avena foam and the brand’s Universal Adaptive Feel to solve what the company says are two of the most common pillow-related problems: overheating and flattening over time. The filling is a solid piece of Leesa’s Avena foam. This is the same foam that Leesa puts on the top layer of its mattresses. It’s 100 percent polyurethane but feels more like latex foam than memory foam. It is very light and has a very quick response, giving it that “bouncy” feel. Leesa describes the Avena foam on its mattress this way: “specifically developed as a more durable, high-performance alternative to latex foam. The 2″ Avena® foam top layer is perforated to allow for maximum airflow and breathability while cradling you with the perfect combination of cushiony bounce, whether you’re a back, stomach, or side sleeper.” Leesa Pillow Review - Avena foam core The Avena foam in the Leesa pillow is also ventilated and designed for all types of sleepers. The pillow comes in two sizes: Standard and King. They’re shaped pretty much like traditional pillows but with more rounded edges. The cover is a soft heather gray with a zipper at one end, so sleepers can remove it and wash/dry it when needed. Care instructions say not to wash the foam filling, but one can remove the cover and machine wash and dry it on a gentle cycle. RELATED: Best Mattresses 2024 – Top Brands Reviewed

Leesa Pillow Pros

Here’s what we think are the main strengths of the Leesa Pillow:
  • Soft, removable cover that is easy to care for
  • Won’t lose shape or go flat
  • Similar feel to latex foam for those who like responsive pillows
  • Standard size is a good height profile for side and back sleepers

Leesa Pillow Cons

Below are a few factors to take into consideration before purchasing the Leesa Pillow:
  • Has some initial off-gassing; ventilation recommended
  • Might not work for every budget
  • Pillow might be too supportive for stomach sleepers
Click here to get the best deal on the Leesa Pillow.

Our Experience with the Leesa Pillow

As noted above, the Leesa pillow is filled with Avena foam, which is the same type of foam used in the first 2” layer of the Leesa mattress. So the pillow will definitely complement the mattress if a person is considering both. The company describes the Avena foam as “a more durable, high-performance alternative to latex foam,” and we think that’s a fairly accurate description. It does feel very similar to latex foam in terms of responsiveness but has a more durable and substantial feel overall. Katie, who personally tested and reviewed this pillow, sleeps in multiple sleep positions and found herself most comfortable on her back and side with this pillow. The solid piece of the foam means that sleepers can’t manipulate the shape of the pillow and it won’t flatten out overnight, so the head, neck, and shoulders will stay supported by the foam all night. Leesa Pillow Review - side sleeper When she slept on her stomach, she had a harder time finding a comfortable position. To me, the Avena foam had a very responsive, almost “bouncy” feel that mimics latex foam. She couldn’t get her head and neck to sink far enough into the pillow while she was lying on her stomach. The removable knit cover is really soft and nicely designed, which gives the overall pillow a pleasant aesthetic and feel. It is also easy to remove and wash and dry with no durability issues. The off-gassing was a bit overpowering when Katie removed the pillow from its packaging. She needed to wait a full 48 hours to let the pillow breathe before enjoying it comfortably.

Leesa Premium Foam Pillow

Leesa Premium Foam Pillow

We think it’s great that Leesa utilized the Avena foam to create a pillow that pairs well with their mattress. The pillow is part of Leesa’s One-Ten Program, which means one pillow is donated for every 10 sold!

Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Check Price
 

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Leesa Pillow and our answers, below!

Is the Leesa Pillow good for side sleepers?

Yes, the Leesa pillow should suit average-size back and side sleepers well. This is primarily because of the solid Avena foam core and the pillow’s 5″ height profile.

Does the Leesa Pillow feel like memory foam?

No, Avena foam – the core of the Leesa pillow – has more of a bouncy and latex-like feel to it. It will remain pressure-relieving and supportive but has a much quicker response than traditional memory foam.

Is the Leesa Pillow worth it?

At $79 for a Standard size pillow, the Leesa isn’t in everyone’s budget. This would be a good fit for those who are looking for a solid foam pillow that will suit back and side sleepers but don’t love that classic feel of memory foam.

How do I care for the Leesa Pillow?

The core of the Leesa Pillow should remain untouched if possible but there is a zipper on the side to remove the cover. The cover can be machine washed and dried following the care instructions found on the pillow’s tag.

Overall

We think it’s great that Leesa utilized the Avena foam to create a pillow that pairs well with their mattress. Based on our experience, we think this will be a good fit for those who:
  • Already like the overall feel of latex foam pillows
  • Want something light and breathable but supportive
  • Don’t want a pillow that can be adjusted or manipulated into a specific shape
  • Typically sleep on their back or side
  • Are interested in making their dollar go further. The pillow is part of Leesa’s One-Ten Program, which means one pillow is donated for every 10 sold
Just like the Leesa mattress, customers have 100 days to try out the new Leesa pillow to decide if it’s a good fit.

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Katie Golde

Katie Golde

Senior Digital Content Manager/Managing Editor​

About Author

Katie Golde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and previously served Managing Editor and Head of Sleep Research for Mattress Clarity. She handled the daily operations of the site and you’ll still see her in plenty of reviews, from mattresses to travel pillow and bed pillow reviews – plus the occasional How-To video. In addition, Katie reported, writed, and edited sleep health and sleep industry news for the site.

Since joining the Mattress Clarity team in 2016, she has reviewed hundreds of sleep products, like bed pillows and mattresses and written over 200 sleep-related stories for the site. She probably knows more about bamboo sheets and bed pillows than any one person should.

Katie has been writing about wellness-related topics, including sleep, for the last eight years. The first sleep story she wrote covered the best and worst foods to eat before bed. Her previous work can be found in print and online publications like Discover Magazine, USA Today, Bustle and The Huffington Post.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in Journalism with a focus on Interactive Publishing from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism as well. During her graduate studies, Katie focused on health and science reporting and she received the G.D. Crain Award for demonstrating leadership, management, and entrepreneurial excellence during her final innovation project.

Education & Credentials