Written by Tony Klespis, Staff Writer
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to review more than 50 pillows. These products have spanned a wide range of fillings, cover materials, innovative designs, as well as one-of-a-kind features I honestly didn’t know existed.
With all this in mind, I’ve created a comprehensive list of the best pillows for 2024 that address all sleep needs and preferences! The seemingly unending options can feel daunting, but I’ve included a list of my favorite tips and tricks for narrowing down the many choices out there and making it simpler to find the best match.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Pillow?
We’ve chosen the Saatva Natural Latex pillow as our best pillow of 2024. The Saatva Natural Latex pillow is made with breathable and hypoallergenic materials to provide sleepers with hotel-quality comfort. Its latex and microfiber filling should comfortably cradle and support your neck and head to reach proper spinal alignment.
Our Top Picks For the Best Pillows of 2024
- Saatva Natural Latex Pillow – Best Overall
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow
- Bear Contour – Best Down Alternative Pillow
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow – Best Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Coop Sleep Goods Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Luxury Pillow
- TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Pillow for Neck Pain
- Layla Kapok Pillow – Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- Purple Cloud Pillow – Best Soft Pillow
- Marlow Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Sleep Number True Temp Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow
Best Pillow of 2024: Our Video Review
How We Chose Our Products
The Mattress Clarity team of sleep specialists has tested many pillows currently on the market using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. When building our roundup for the best pillows, we paid special attention to the level of support, cooling abilities, durability, overall feel, and quality of materials.
We want to provide our readers with a number of options that not only match your bedding preferences, but are also long-lasting, comfortable, and high-quality. For more information on what to look for in a pillow, check out our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. There, we take a deeper dive into how to choose a pillow so you can make the most informed purchase possible.
Best Overall – Saatva Natural Latex
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Pillow has an organic cotton cover that is removable. Underneath is an outer pillow made up of hypoallergenic microfibers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for a hotel quality pillow, the Saatva Latex pillow is for you. It combines a plush down alternative that surrounds a shredded latex core. This combo provides plush comfort and great support.
It works best for back sleepers, but side sleepers will enjoy this pillow, too! Back sleepers will be able to sink in a bit, but the shredded latex foam provides good support to keep you from bottoming out. And this pillow is tall enough to keep your head in a neutral alignment while you sleep.
It’s full of hypoallergenic materials, and all the materials are incredibly breathable, so it won’t trap heat — meaning hot sleepers can stay cool.
What We Love About the Saatva Natural Latex Pillow
- This pillow is available in two height options: a Standard version fit for back sleepers and a High Loft version fit for most side sleepers.
- It combines plush comfort and supportive shredded latex that will keep you sleeping in a comfortable position all night.
- Its shredded latex and microfiber filling promote ample airflow and won’t trap heat under your head.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Natural Latex Pillow
- Both versions of Saatva’s Natural Latex pillow are too tall for stomach sleepers to achieve proper spinal alignment.
- Fans of a slow-moving memory foam feel will find this pillow’s latex core too buoyant and responsive.
Read our full Saatva Natural Latex Pillow review.
Best Hypoallergenic – Luxome LAYR Pillow
Luxome LAYR Pillow
The LUXOME LAYR Pillow is a high-quality adjustable option that allows you to create your own comfort.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re someone who is sensitive to allergens in your sleep environment, you don’t want your pillow to be a magnet for them, or trap them in its materials. The Luxome LAYR pillow is a great choice for those who want a hypoallergenic pillow, and it’s got a few things going for it to make it that way.
The first is the outer bamboo cover, which is removable. Bamboo is a naturally hypoallergenic material, meaning it can repel things like dirt and dust mites. And being removable, you can machine-wash this pillow to really make sure its nice and clean for sleep.
There are three pieces that make up the fill for the LAYR: a soft down alternative layer, a medium shredded foam layer, and a firm foam layer that’s made form a single piece of foam. You can mix and match the layers to make it work for your needs, so it’s great for all three sleeping positions. Down alternative and memory foam are also better for with sensitive allergies because they shouldn’t trap allergens, either.
What We Love About the Luxome LAYR Pillow
- The outer cover is made from soft, breathable bamboo fabric. This is great because it also wicks away moisture. Coupled with the gel infusion in the foam, this pillow shouldn’t trap too much heat.
- Bamboo fabric is great for those with sensitive allergies. It’s a naturally hypoallergenic material, so it won’t trap or attract allergens.
- The LAYR features two different kinds of memory foam as fill options. This gives the pillow a soft, slow-moving feel, perfect for fans of memory foam.
What to Keep In Mind About the Luxome LAYR Pillow
- While this pillow is great for multiple sleeping positions, with three different inserts, finding the right configuration of this pillow could take some trial and error. Not everyone wants to take the time to find that sweet spot with their pillow.
Read our full Luxome LAYR pillow review.
Best Down Alternative – Bear Contour
Bear Contour Pillow
The Bear Contour Pillow has two sides to its outer cover: a cool side and a soft side. No matter your preference, you’ll find what you like! It also has a unique U-shaped cut out to account for shoulders for side sleepers!
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Down alternative pillows are the most common type of pillow out there these days. They’re affordable, and they’re cruelty-free. If you love the fluffy feeling of a down alternative pillow, but are ready to upgrade from the $10 pillows you can pull out of a bin, the Bear Contour pillow is a great choice. It is chock full of down alternative fibers, giving it a plush, yet supportive feeling.
But what really makes this pillow shine above the rest of the down alternative pillows is its construction. You’ll notice this pillow has a U-shaped cutout along one side. This gap is designed to accommodate shoulders, making it a good choice for side sleepers. The cover also has two sides: a normal side and a cooling side made with a polyester material called ICE Fabric. This side of the pillow is designed to stay cool all night long, and it’s even cool to the touch, so it’s a win for hot sleepers.
What We Love About the Bear Contour Pillow
- The U-shaped cutout makes it really comfortable for side sleepers, but it also should feel good for back sleeping.
- The cooling side is cool to the touch and helps dissipate body heat.
- This pillow won’t fall flat and should stay fluffy, yet supportive.
What to Keep In Mind About the Bear Contour Pillow
- Because of the pillow’s unique shape, it might not be very comfortable for stomach sleepers.
Read our full Bear Contour pillow review.
Best for Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex Pillow is a supportive and pressure relieving blended latex foam pillow. It has a ventilated core and removable soft knit cover. It comes in two loft options, making it a good choice for any sleep position.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Latex foam is much more responsive and bouncy than traditional memory foam. Brooklyn Bedding uses this type of foam in its Talalay Latex pillow.
I love this pillow for back sleeping because of the latex foam’s responsiveness, but it’s incredibly supportive, too. This will keep your head in a neutral position and keep your chin in line with your chest.
This pillow comes in two lofts, a low and high loft, which work for different body types. Lightweight sleepers will enjoy the low loft pillow, while heavier back sleepers will enjoy the high loft. Average weight back sleepers will enjoy either one depending on your preference.
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
- Its latex core is ventilated to allow plenty of airflow and regulate temperature. It also comes with a TENCEL cover which is cool to the touch and moisture-wicking.
- Talalay latex is a good fit for back sleepers because of how supportive and responsive it is.
- For a pillow made with natural latex, this pillow is sold at a great value considering natural latex is a long-lasting material.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
- Fans of a slow-moving feel probably won’t enjoy this latex pillow’s bouncy and responsive feel.
- Unfortunately, Brooklyn Bedding does not offer a sleep trial for sleep accessories. However, this pillow can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow review. Or check out our list of Best Pillows for Back Sleepers for more option!
Best Adjustable – Coop Sleep Goods
Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow
The Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow from Coop Sleep Goods is distinct in more than one way. The memory foam shredded filling is responsive and guarantees the pillow will never go flat, plus sleepers can remove as much filling as they like which makes it great for people who sleep in several positions.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Adjustable pillows suit just about anyone, from sleepers unsure of what loft is best for them to the pickiest pillow shoppers. By playing around with the level of filling, folks can customize their own sleeping experience. This helps ensure maximum comfort and proper spinal alignment.
We love the Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow not just because it’s an adjustable pillow, but because it’s incredibly well-rounded. It’s cooling and hypoallergenic thanks to a bamboo outer cover. The shredded foam gives this pillow a soft, slow-moving feel. Side sleepers should keep the pillow nice and tall, while back and stomach sleepers want something medium to low height, respectively.
What We Love About the Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
- Its filling is a mix of shredded memory foam and polyester microfibers. This gives the pillow a soft, slow-moving feel to it that contours around your head but still offers good support.
- Its bamboo and polyester cover is hypoallergenic, breathable, and machine-washable on a gentle cycle.
What to Keep in Mind About the Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
- To find a loft, or height, that aligns your head and spine in your primary sleep position, it may take some experimentation adding and removing the pillow’s filling.
Read our full Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow review.
Best Luxury Pillow – Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is filled with soft silk and covered with a material made out of naturally cooling bamboo viscose.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
If you want to treat yourself to a truly luxurious sleep, then we highly suggest the Cozy Earth Pillow. Its cover is made of bamboo viscose, and the pillow is filled with soft mulberry silk. This gives the pillow a fluffy feeling, but there’s a good amount of fluff in here to give it some good support.
With bamboo in its construction, this pillow is naturally cooling and works to keep your body from overheating. The high-quality materials and construction should make this a durable pillow.
What We Love About the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
- It’s filled with 100% long-strand Mulberry silk fibers that offer sleepers a balance of support and pressure relief.
- Its tall loft is ideal for back and side sleepers to feel well-supported by its silk fiber filling.
- Bamboo viscose is naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking. Not to mention it’s luxuriously soft.
What to Keep in Mind About the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
- This pillow has a lofty and supportive filling, which is not a good match for stomach sleepers.
- As a luxury pillow, its price might be out of some shopper’s budgets.
Read our full Cozy Earth Silk pillow review.
Best Pillow for Neck Pain – TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
The ergonomic shape to the TEMPUR-Neck pillow makes it an ideal pillow for anyone dealing with neck pain. This solid slab of memory foam will contour to your head and neck, giving you good support and will alleviate neck pain.
Mattress Clarity Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
No one likes waking up with neck pain in the morning. The TEMPUR-Neck pillow has a unique shape to it that follows the natural curve of your neck to support to your head and neck. This unique shape is exactly how it helps alleviate neck pain.
The pillow does this by keeping your neck elevated and in a neutral position thanks to this shape. It works best for side and back sleepers, and comes in three different sizes to accommodate all body types!
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
- The ergonomic shape will keep your head and neck in a neutral position while you sleep, which will eliminate neck pain over time.
- It’s made from slow-moving TEMPUR memory foam to provide comfort and ample support to your head and neck.
- Back and side sleepers of all body types can achieve proper spinal alignment on one of three TEMPUR-Neck pillows of different sizes.
What to Keep in Mind About the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
- Tempur-Pedic considers pillows a personal item, so this pillow cannot be returned or exchanged, nor does it come with a sleep trial.
- Because this pillow is made from a solid piece of memory foam, it’s not the best choice for hot sleepers. Tempur-Pedic does offer a cooling version of this pillow that is a little more expensive.
Read our full TEMPUR-Neck pillow review!
Best for Combo Sleepers – Layla Kapok Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla Kapok pillow combines shredded foam and natural kapok tree fibers to give you a great balance of comfort and support. You can also take out some of this fill to adjust the height of the pillow to make it work for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Combination sleepers (or people who change positions frequently during the night) need a pillow that can work with whatever sleeping positions they find themselves in. The Layla Kapok pillow has an adjustable fill that can fit whatever sleeping positions you sleep in.
The shredded foam fill, mixed with natural kapok tree fibers, provides a good combo of plush comfort and support. You’ll sink in a little bit, but this pillow should still be easy enough to move around on.
Back/side combo sleepers will want to keep this on the taller side, while back/stomach sleepers will want to remove a good portion of the fill to make it fairly low.
What We Love About the Kapok
- The adjustable fill makes it great for combination sleepers because you are able to play around with the height to find a match for you!
- Hot sleepers will also love this pillow because the cover has copper infused into it, which will draw away body heat.
- You have a 120-night trial period to test it out, and an impressive five-year warranty if you keep it.
What to Keep in Mind About the Kapok
- Sleepers looking for a responsive pillow probably won’t enjoy the “sinking feeling” the Kapok’s shredded memory foam has.
- Some sleepers may need a few nights to experiment with how much filling they prefer inside the Kapok. Stomach sleepers will likely take the most filling out to find a comfortable loft for them.
Read our full Layla Kapok Pillow review.
Best Soft Pillow – Purple Cloud Pillow
Purple Cloud Pillow
If you love plush down alternative pillows, the Purple Cloud is for you! This soft, plush pillow is tall and supportive and works best for back and side sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Soft pillows can be just as supportive as a firm one! The Purple Cloud feels like sleeping on a soft cloud, but will still give good head and neck support.
The pillow is 6” tall, making it good for side sleepers and some back sleepers. It’s full of gel fiber down alternative that gives it a really plush feel. Better yet, out of all of Purple’s pillows, this is the most affordable!
What We Love About the Purple Cloud
- It’s full of breathable materials, with a cotton cover and down alternative that won’t trap heat. This makes it a good option for hot sleepers.
- Out of the box, it’s lofty and fluffy enough to provide ample head and neck support to most back and side sleepers.
- The entire pillow is machine-washable! Purple recommends users wash the pillow on a delicate cycle with warm water and to tumble-dry with low heat.
What to Keep in Mind About the Purple Cloud
- Down and down alternative pillows tend to flatten with consistent use. One way to fluff the Purple Cloud back to its original loft is to throw it in the dryer on a low heat setting.
- This pillow offers ample cushioning to your head and neck, but not much pressure relief or contouring.
Read our full Purple Cloud pillow review. Or check out our list of Best Soft Pillows for more options!
Best for Side Sleepers – Marlow Pillow
Marlow Pillow
The Marlow pillow is a new take on the adjustable pillow. It has zippers along the sides of the pillow to change the loft and firmness. You don’t have to worry about messy shredded foam fills to find the sweet spot that works for you with this memory foam pillow.
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Side sleepers do best with a higher lofted pillow that prevents the neck from craning and helps maintain proper spinal alignment. The Marlow Pillow has the ideal loft for side sleepers’ maximum comfort.
This pillow is made from shredded memory foam, which is a material known for its sinkage. However, during testing, it maintained a responsive feel. This means that while you should experience comfortable contouring, you shouldn’t sink into the pillow too far. The pillow should keep its shape and support proper spinal alignment overnight.
What We Love About the Marlow
- As an adjustable pillow, side sleepers can choose what loft suits their body type and overall preferences.
- The Marlow is constructed with two side gussets made with mesh fabric which allow air to flow from its shredded memory foam core.
- The Marlow is sold at a great value, and shoppers can save more by buying pillows in a two- or four-pack.
What to Keep in Mind About the Marlow
- Despite its shredded memory foam core, it does not have a slow-moving foam feel. Instead, the Marlow feels fluffy and responsive.
- There is no removable cover, so the only way to clean the Marlow is by spot-cleaning the exterior with a mild detergent.
Read our full Marlow Pillow review. Or check out our full list of Best Pillows for Side Sleepers for more options!
Best Cooling – Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
With advanced cooling technology, the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow is a luxurious option. It has a plush and supportive feel, so it’s great for back and side sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.60 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Many Sleep Number products feature something called 37.5 active particle technology. This unique feature allows products to adapt to your body temperature and will dissipate heat if you start to get hot.
Naturally, Sleep Number incorporated the material into its True Temp pillow! This is a great cooling feature on its own, but Sleep Number optimized this pillow to keep you cool.
It features a breathable cotton cover, that is full of down alternative that surrounds a perforated memory foam core. This gives the pillow a soft, fluffy feeling, but the core also adds some support. It’ll work best for back and side sleepers.
What We Love About the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
- It provides a great balance of comfort and support with plush down alternative surrounding a supportive memory foam core.
- In addition to its temperature-regulating technology, its polyester cover is cool-to-the-touch and ultra-breathable.
- Sleep Number’s 37.5 active particle technology comes in different models to accommodate different needs, such as a contoured version for head and neck support.
What to Keep in Mind About the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
- This pillow is around four inches tall, which will be too tall for most stomach sleepers to achieve neutral spinal alignment.
- Although the True Temp pillow is available in three models, they are not all sold for the same price. The standard size Classic model is the most affordable and costs $109.99 before discounts and sales.
Read our full Sleep Number True Temp Pillow review. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Pillows for more options!
How to Choose a Pillow
In this buyer’s guide section, I’ll explain everything you need to know and look out for when you’re shopping for your next pillow.
Alignment
One way to reduce the risk of neck pain is to ensure that your head is resting on a pillow that allows for the head, neck, and spine to be in a straight line. This is also referred to as neutral alignment.
If you sleep on your back or stomach, make sure your chin lines up with your sternum. If you fall out of this neutral alignment, you may develop neck pain over time.
Side sleepers, you’ll also want to make sure your chin lines up with your sternum. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure your ear lines up with your shoulder. Otherwise, you may crane your neck into an unnatural position.
Sleeping Position
I always suggest that people start by looking at their primary sleep position. This is the position a person typically wakes up in every morning.
Side sleepers need a thicker, more supportive pillow to keep their neck properly aligned. Side sleepers can be comfortable on any type of pillow as long as it provides enough loft and support.
RELATED: Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow for neutral alignment. I generally recommend softer pillows like down, down alternative, and feather pillows for stomach sleepers. If stomach sleepers want a foam pillow, they should look for shredded foam for a less dense feel, or adjustable pillows that allow you to remove excess filling.
RELATED: Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Back sleepers, like stomach sleepers, also need a thinner pillow to keep their neck in proper alignment. Avoid pillows that are extra firm or extra soft. Many of the pillows that work for stomach sleepers will also work well for back sleepers.
RELATED: Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
Pro Tip: Those who wake up in different positions consistently can consider themselves to be combination sleepers!
Body Type
When you’re buying a new mattress, it’s always a good idea to find something that suits your body type. The same thing applies to pillows. Larger people may apply more pressure to a pillow, causing it to fall flat. Because of this, heavier people over 230 lbs will want to find a pillow made of supportive materials. Oftentimes, down pillows aren’t supportive enough for people with larger frames.
Because lightweight people won’t compress a pillow as much, they’ll want to make sure to find a pillow with a lower loft. Many pillows allow sleepers to adjust the height by removing the interior filling.
Firmness
A pillow’s firmness will also greatly impact how comfortable it feels. Side sleepers, generally, need pillows that feel more supportive and firm. Oftentimes, soft pillows compress as the night goes on, causing the sleeper to get out of a neutral alignment.
Stomach sleepers should look for an especially soft pillow, because this will help them maintain the proper spine alignment. Back sleepers, however, should find a pillow that feels medium firm. It’s important for the head to gently compress the center of the pillow without bottoming out.
Feel
How a pillow feels is a matter of personal preference. Some people love the slow-moving feel of memory foam. Others prefer a malleable and soft pillow stuffed with goose down. Many people opt for a traditional pillow stuffed with microfiber.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow
In addition to the elements we outlined above, it’s valuable to consider the pillow’s practical details. How long will it last? Is it difficult to maintain? Find out below!
Shape
Most pillows have a traditional rectangular shape, but you’ll occasionally come across products with different dimensions.
The Eli & Elm Side Cotton Sleeper Pillow, for example, as a U-shape design, which specifically helps side sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Wedge pillows have a triangular shape, making them especially useful for lounging.
Loft
Loft, also known as height, greatly impacts how comfortable a pillow feels. A side sleeper will need a loftier pillow than a stomach sleeper, because taller pillows usually create more support.
If you’re unsure what loft size you need, purchase a pillow you can customize.
RELATED: Snuggle-Pedic vs Coop Sleep Goods Customizable Pillow
Cover
Whether or not you use a pillowcase, it’s important to pay attention to the pillow’s cover. If you’re a hot sleeper, pillow covers can help dissipate heat. Oftentimes, companies use breathable fabrics to aid in airflow. Some products have special materials sewn in.
Many pillow covers also have zippers around the edges, which allows sleepers to easily remove them for cleaning. Sometimes, you can even take out the filling to adjust the pillow’s firmness level.
RELATED: How to Clean Your Pillow
Core
You’ll find all kinds of different materials inside pillows. Sometimes, you’ll find shredded pieces of memory foam and microfiber. This gives the pillow a malleable feel, almost like down feathers. If a pillow has a thick piece of latex or memory foam inside, it usually feels especially supportive. This works well for many side sleepers, although these types of pillows are more difficult to customize.
Budget
Some pillows are especially budget-friendly, but they may not last a long time. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to spring for the luxurious model. However, it’s not impossible to find affordable pillows that don’t sacrifice on quality. When shopping for new pillows, make sure to keep your budget in mind.
Durability
Most pillows last at least three years, but if they aren’t made well, they may not have a long lifespan. If you’re especially concerned about a pillow’s durability, check the warranty information. Oftentimes, companies will replace your pillow if it gets severely damaged during the first year.
Care Instructions
Most pillows have machine-washable covers, but sometimes you’ll come across a pillow that does not. Before buying a new pillow, make sure you fully understand how to care for it and keep it fresh.
Types of Pillows
With so many different types of pillows on the market, the selection can feel daunting. To make sure you get the right one, it’s always helpful to understand the different materials and constructions. Keep reading to learn about the most popular types of pillows.
Dual Profile
Dual profile pillows allow you to easily change the loft by adding inserts underneath the cover. Because they’re so versatile, they work well for a variety of different sleeping positions and body types.
Adjustable
Adjustable pillows are quite similar to dual-profile models. With both types, you can easily adjust the construction and change the loft. Adjustable pillows, however, don’t use foam inserts. With an adjustable pillow, you’ll take out some of the interior fluff or filling to change how it looks and feels.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows have a soft, cushioning feel. These pillows offer nice pressure relief, so they’re especially good for sleepers with neck pain. Some pillows contain shredded memory foam, creating a less dense feel. Memory foam pillows can also contain materials like gel to add cooling features to the pillow.
Latex
Latex pillows offer great support like memory foam pillows, though they have a different feel. Latex pillows will offer pressure relief, but you won’t feel like you’re “sinking in” to them as much as a memory foam pillow because latex is resilient and bouncy. Latex pillows can contain completely natural, synthetic, or blended materials, and are generally pretty cooling.
Microfiber
Pillows stuffed with microfiber tend to feel soft and plush. And because microfiber is completely synthetic, these pillows tend to cost less than memory foam or down pillows. If you’re a budget, this could be a great pick!
Neck Pillow
Often used for traveling, neck pillows have a special U-shape that allows people to sleep in tight spaces. These pillows gently cradle the neck, and they’re typically made out of memory foam.
RELATED: Best Travel Pillows
Down
Down pillows have a classic, soft feel that many sleepers are accustomed to. If you’ve ever slept on a hotel pillow, you’ve probably slept on a down pillow. These pillows are less dense and supportive than memory foam and latex pillows, so they make a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
Down Alternative
Down alternative pillows have the same soft, classic feel of down pillows, but instead contain a synthetic down alternative material. Down alternative pillows are cheaper than down pillows. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic.
Summary
| Pillow | Best For |
| Saatva Latex Pillow | Best Overall |
| LUXOME LAYR Pillow | Best Hypoallergenic Pillow |
| Bear Contour | Best Down Alternative Pillow |
| Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow | Best Pillow for Back Sleepers |
| Coop Sleep Goods Pillow | Best Adjustable Pillow |
| Cozy Earth Silk Pillow | Best Luxury Pillow |
| TEMPUR-Neck Pillow | Best Pillow for Neck Pain |
| Layla Kapok Pillow | Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers |
| Purple Cloud Pillow | Best Soft Pillow |
| Marlow | Best Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Sleep Number True Temp Pillow | Best Cooling Pillow |
The Best Pillows FAQs
Which is the best pillow for sleeping?
There is no single best pillow for everyone out there. We wish it was that easy! The best pillow for sleeping is going to depend on a person’s primary sleeping position and their personal preferences — whether they prefer down or foam, cotton, or a different knit blend.
How do I pick the right pillow?
To pick the best pillow, individuals need to figure out what sleep position they most often wake up in. In general, stomach sleepers tend to need the flattest pillows that are the softest or most plush. Back sleepers do best with a medium-sized lofted pillow and a medium range of support. Lastly, side sleepers tend to need the most loft (height) and support to fill the gap between their shoulders and their heads and necks.
What are the best affordable pillows?
The right pillow doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive one. There are plenty of options for under $50 including a few on our list: Sleepgram and Purple Cloud. Other options include:
What is the best kind of pillow for a side sleeper?
Side sleepers need to fill a 4″ to 6″ gap of space between their shoulder and their head and neck when sleeping on their sides. For this reason, side sleepers tend to need the most height, loft and overall support from a pillow. Look for pillows that are labeled for side sleepers and/or come overstuffed. Adjustable pillows that offer additional filling can also be a good option.
What is the best type of pillow?
There is no “best” pillow. Depending on your preferences, your body, sleep position and more, you will like different things. Check our many lists of the best pillows, including the best pillows for side sleepers, best foam pillows and best pillows for neck pain.