Finding the ideal pillow might seem like an easy task, until you realize it can make or break your sleep. The best pillow for your sleeping style and body type needs to strike a balance of comfort and support. Above all, it must help keep your neck, head and shoulders perfectly aligned with the rest of your body, so you don’t wake up with nasty aches or pains.
Our team of in-house experts and wider testing unit have now selected the top eight pillows for all sleepers, after trying out the popular picks in the market. These recommendations are based on their performance in our extensive review process and the data collected from verified consumer feedback across retailer websites.
The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable emerged as our best pillow overall, as in our lead reviewer's words, "it's an excellent adjustable pillow for all sleeping styles at a fairly affordable price."
Worried that your dream pillow will cost you a fortune? Like our guide to the best mattress, we've curated this year’s best pillows to suit all budgets and needs. All that’s left for you to do is explore the guide…
We've recently made a significant change to this guide. Upon closer inspection, we've chosen the Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable pillow as the number one choice.
1. The best pillow overall
The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow is the best choice for anyone looking for a fully adjustable pillow at a relatively affordable price. Its adjustable fill means it's suitable for all sleep positions (it comes with an extra half pound bag of fill, for those who prefer an extra high loft), and is made from CertiPUR-US certified non-toxic memory foam and microfiber.
It's encased in a removable cover made of Lulltra, a naturally cooling bamboo derived viscose rayon material. The result is a pillow that feels premium, in both performance and build, yet remains fairly affordable (it's $79 for one queen pillow in the standard shape when at full MSRP).
The pillow feels medium firm regardless of how much fill you insert or remove, resulting in an incredible supportive surface. However, you do need to fluff it up daily for the pillow to maintain the support and shape you require.
Our lead tester noted that she detected some off-gassing smell while the pillow expanded. While we found the Coop Adjustable to sleep at a very neutral temperature, it is common for memory foam products that lack additional cooling layers to retain some heat. If you're a hot sleeper prone to overheat or someone who is easily bothered by the off-gassing scent, it's wise to consider the Casper Hybrid Snow with Snow Technology (#7) instead. While our tester did not detect any off-gassing, the triple cooling technology also makes it a suitable choice for very hot sleepers.
Coop Sleep Goods: Our verdict
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An adjustable pillow is your answer to customizable comfort and support and the Coop Original Adjustable is the top choice in the market. You can simply add or remove fill to create your ideal pillow with the right firmness or loft for your sleeping position. While our reviewer found it to be comfortable and plush for all sleeping styles, it does require regular fluffing-up to maintain the shape and support.
Coop Sleep Goods provides the industry-best benefits for pillows with a 100-night sleep trial and 5-year warranty, so you can take your time to decide if it works for you or not. If you're a hot sleeper, we recommend you to opt for a more dedicated cooling option, designed to prevent overheating and night-sweats.
What we like about it...
✅ Fully adjustable fill: You can decide the amount of fill that goes into your pillow based on your comfort and sleeping style. It also comes with additional fill, for side sleepers who prefer an extra high loft.
✅ Extended warranty and trial period: Unlike the standard one-year warranty and a maximum of 30 to 45-night trials for bedding, Coop Sleep Goods offers a 5-year warranty and risk-free 100-night trial period.
✅ Hypoallergenic: The Coop Original uses GreenGuard Gold and Certi-PUR US materials, which is excellent news for those with skin sensitivities or allergies.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Prone to overheating: During testing we found that the memory foam tends to retain heat, as it lacks any gel infusions or cooling layers for breathability. This could be a deal-break for hot sleepers.
❌Some off-gassing: Our tester noted the pillow's off-gassing, which could be off-putting for anyone with a sensitive sense of smell. However, you are able to return hastle-free, should you decide to try before you buy.
- Read more: Coop Home Goods Original Pillow Review
2. The best affordable pillow
The Beckham Hotel Collection gel cooling pillow is an Amazon best-seller, with an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 244,000 reviews, with shoppers loving the 5 star hotel quality at a budget-friendly price.
With an ultra soft hypoallergenic down-alternative 100% polyester fill and luxurious 250 thread count cotton cotton cover, these pillows are designed to suit all sleeping positions, which makes them a great option for anyone looking to turn their bedroom into a restful retreat without spending a fortune.
Its 'no shift' and bounce-back construction promises to maintain its support and shape all night long, while the down alternative fill is encased in cooling gel properties, which work alongside the naturally breathable cover to help prevent overheating.
While some pillows of a similar spec might cost in the region of $150 for one, the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow costs has an impressively low MSRP of $79.99 for two queen pillows. However, they're often on sale for around $59.99. Despite its affordable price tag, all materials used in the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow are OEKO-TEX certified, which means it doesn't contain any hidden harmful substances.
It's worth noting that there's no warranty period or sleep trial included with this pillow, so your purchase won't be protected against any potential issues down the line. If you’re looking for something with a lengthy sleep trial and warranty period for all sleep positions, we'd recommend the Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow (#1), which comes with a 100 night sleep trial and impressive five year warranty.
Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow: Our verdict
Unsure about your sleep preferences? The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow is for you, as according to our reviewer, it suits all types of sleepers, even those prone to overheat during the night. It lives up to the expectations of being budget-friendly since you’re essentially paying for not one, but two pillows.
While it cannot be compared to a dedicated cooling pillow like the Casper, it provides a comfortable sleep thanks to the breathable cover and hypoallergenic down alternative fill. However, unlike some of the other options in this guide, you cannot adjust the pillow loft or firmness (medium-firm) of the Beckham Hotel Collection to better suit your sleep preferences. The lack of a sleep trial and warranty is also another serious disadvantage.
What we like about it
✅ Plush support for all sleepers: The polyester down-alternative fill with double edged stitching ensures that your head, neck and shoulders will be supported regardless of your sleep position.
✅ Hypoallergenic fill: If you crave down-like comfort but are prone to allergies, this is a great alternative. The materials including the light hypoallergenic microfiber fill are OEKO-certified, which us great news for those with allergies.
✅ Luxury cooling at a great price: Compared to expensive cooling pillows in the market, these are crafted with unique gel cooling feature and a breathable cotton cover, to help prevent overheating at night.
What we don’t like about it…
❌ No warranty or trial period: The Beckham Hotel collection definitely falls short when it comes to additional benefits like a standard 30-night trial period or a 1 year warranty.
❌ Takes time to fully expand: These pillows take up to 24 hours after being fluffed up to expand to its full loft. Sleeping on it before will tamper with the performance and the whole sleep experience.
- Read more: Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow review
3. The best luxury pillow
The Saatva Latex is a luxury cooling organic pillow made from a unique combination of all-natural latex and down-alternative fill.
If you’re a fan of the springiness of latex but also crave the softness of down, the Saatva presents the perfect option in the form of a thick plush pillow with a shredded latex core covered in down-alternative microdenier fibers. Both the inner layer of alternative fill and the outer cover is made of organic cotton with gusseted sides for the pillow to retain its shape.
The brand has designed the pillow to suit all positions with two loft options to choose from: low loft for front and back sleepers and high loft for side and combination sleepers. The low loft pillow is medium-firm while its higher counterpart is firm. Our combination-sleeper lead tester slept on the high loft version and described the experience as like 'sleeping on a cloud.'
The plush comfort provided by the pillow ensures a comfortable sleep even when switching positions, keeping the head and neck in healthy alignment with the rest of the body. Like the much budget-friendly Beckham (#2), this pillow doesn't require any re-fluffing during the night.
The natural latex used here is known for its naturally cool properties and durability, making it last than other synthetic foam or fiber alternatives. This Saatva pillow is best suited for hot sleepers with deep pockets, who crave the same level of craftmanship and luxury from their pillow as they do their mattress.
It is a fact that these are one of the most expensive Saatva pillow models. If you’re seeking similar breathable comfort with a luxury feel and the Saatva latex pillow is out of your budget, take a look at the Beckham Hotel Collection down-alternative gel cooling pillows (#2), which retails at just $79.99 at full MSRP for two pillows, compared to $165 for a single standard/queen Saatva.
Saatva Latex Pillow: Our verdict
The Saatva latex is one pillow we found to deliver on every parameter promised by the brand. It provides responsive support, plush comfort and prevents any overheating due to the naturally cooling latex. The two loft options also gives you an option to customize the pillow according to your sleeping style.
Just like their mattresses, the brand offers excellent perks for their pillow too with a 45-night trial, one-year warranty and free shipping. Yes, it is expensive but the overall performance and benefits make it absolutely worth the price tag.
What we like about it...
✅ Naturally cooling: In addition to the bouncy feel, this a top pick for anyone who prefers the natural coolness of latex mixed with the softness of the organic down-alternative fill.
✅ Suitable for all sleep positions: There are two loft options to choose from, a standard loft for stomach and back sleepers and a high loft for side sleepers. This makes it suitable for all kinds of sleeping styles and positions.
✅ Naturally durable: Yes, this is an expensive pillow. But latex is also incredibly durable, which means it will last longer than a cheaper microfiber alternative.
What we don't like about it...
❌ May be too firm for some: While most claimed it helped with their aches and pains, some reviews point out how it was not soft enough for their liking.
❌It is on the pricier side: The original MSRP of $165 for a standard/queen size or $185 for a king, the Saatva Latex Pillow is a splurge. If you're operating with a smaller budget, check out the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow instead (#2).
❌Not fully adjustable: Unlike other options where you can adjust the fill yourself according to your sleeping position and body type, you’ll have to choose between the two loft variants offered by the brand.
- Read more: Saatva Latex Pillow Review 2024
4. The best pillow for side sleepers
The Easy Breather side-sleeper pillow is one of Nest Bedding’s most popular products, thanks to its distinct curved design specifically for those who sleep on their sides. Its shredded foam fill consists of a blend of 70% non-toxic CertiPUR-US certified foam and 30% smooth polyester fiber. The cover, on the other hand, is crafted from a combination of 49% of proprietary material called icecore which wicks away moisture and removing heat, polyester and spandex.
While some other options within this guide contain adjustable loft for different sleep positions, the Nest is the only pillow that has been designed with the placement of your shoulder in mind when side sleeping. The crescent shape allows your shoulder to stay aligned with your neck, preventing a build up of pressure and pain.
Its adjustable loft means it's also suitable for back, stomach and combination sleepers too. Adding and removing fill is easy — the no-fuss zip cover and the inner pouch made from high-quality cotton lets you adjust the fill according to your preferences.
Happily, our lead tester reported no off-gassing after unpacking the pillow and waiting for it to expand fully (which took a few hours). However, one potential drawback is the size — it's only available in a queen. Those with king mattresses or larger will likely require a bigger pillow. If you're a side sleeper in need of a comfortable and supportive pillow, check out the Purple Harmony Pillow (#6).
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow: Our verdict
Looking for a dedicated side sleeping pillow? The Easy breather is your answer. Its ergonomic curved design is perfect for the position since it's crafted to support your neck and provide cushioning comfort while lying on the side, making it our best pillow for side sleepers.
Our reviewer, in fact, found it to be comfortable in all three sleeping positions, thanks to its fully adjustable foam and fiber fill. What's more, the cooling cover earned a full score in temperature control making it a complete all-rounder. The benefits from Nest Bedding (30-night sleep trial and 2 year warranty) is comparable to the perks offered by Coop Sleep Goods — better than most bedding brands in the market.
What we like about it...
✅ Customizable fill option: Despite being specifically designed for side sleepers, You can easily take out or add in (from the complimentary extra bag of fill) as much fill to suit your sleeping style and preferences.
✅ It is cooling and breathable: The shredded gel foam regulates the temperature while the soft cover fabric lets you enjoy an uninterrupted sleep without sweating or discomfort.
✅ Ergonomic design specifically for side sleepers: The Nest's unique crescent shape has been designed specifically with side sleepers in mind, with the curve of the pillow nestling against your shoulder for a comfortable night's sleep.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Only available in one size: The side-sleeper variant is unfortunately available in queen size. If you’re someone with a king size bed or bigger, this might be a drawback to consider.
5. The best pillow for stomach sleepers
Tempur-Pedic is a brand known for their pressure relieving Tempur foams which goes in their mattresses and pillows crafted to target specific sleep needs and issues. The Tempur Cloud, their top-selling pillow, is similarly made from a single block of their signature foam and is designed to be extra soft and low-loft to suit back and stomach sleepers. It comes in a 100% hypoallergenic polyester cover which is both easily removable and washable.
Finding the right pillow for stomach sleeping is not easy and in our reviewer's (primarily a stomach sleeper) words, a bad headrest can cause neck strain, especially at the angle that it's placed all night. The Tempur Cloud checks all the boxes here, as it provides gentle cushioning and pressure relief for a comfy night's rest while preventing your neck from tilting forwards which can worsen the risk of injuries or aches.
The Tempur Cloud is also one of the brand's more affordable options starting from $89 for a queen size while a king pillow is priced at $109. There is also a regular bundle offer available on the official website, where you can save up to $69 when buying a pair of Tempur Cloud pillows, in addition to bigger discounts during major sale events.
The thin build of the Tempur Cloud can, however, not be ideal for side sleepers as the loft and thickness is simply not enough to bridge the gap between the ear and shoulders.
The Tempur-material used in the pillow is basically foam which cradles and contours your head, and this means it has the tendency to retain heat. According to our reviewer, the Tempur Cloud generally sleeps at a neutral temperature. Although, she found it to warm up quickly during the time she fell sick and even flipping the pillow did not help much. So if you're a hot sleeper, we'd recommend you choose a more dedicated cooling pillow like the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology (#7) or a naturally breathable one like the Saatva Latex (#3).
Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud Pillow: Our verdict
Stomach or prone sleeping, is a position which is not generally recommended by experts due to the many potential disadvantages However, just like the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, using the right pillow can help minimize the risks.
This is where the Tempur Cloud comes in. In comparison to all other options in our guide, we recommend the Tempur Cloud as our top pick for stomach sleepers. The reason is its extra soft build, which is catered to provide enough cushioning and support for stomach sleepers, ensuring to maintain a healthy alignment, so you never wake up with aches or pains. Side sleepers and those prone to overheat, on the other hand, might need something more higher in loft and cooling. The lack of a sleep trial is also a serious disadvantage.
What we like about it...
✅Right loft for stomach sleepers: The low loft of the Tempur Cloud ensures that your neck never tilts upwards while sleeping on your stomach, maintaining a healthy alignment all night long.
✅Good pressure relief: Our reviewer was impressed by the Tempur Cloud's extra-soft feel which eases any build-up pressure at the ear or jaw.
✅Ideal for travel: The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud pillow can be easily rolled up into a travel-friendly size so you don't have to forgo home comforts when you're travelling.
What we don't like about it...
❌Too thin for side sleepers: The Tempur-Cloud features a very soft version of the Tempur foam, specifically designed for back and stomach sleeping. The loft and firmness will not be enough to bridge the gap between the ear and shoulders while lying on your side.
❌Not cooling enough for hot sleepers: In our reviewer's experience, the Tempur Cloud has a neutral temperature. If you're prone to overheating, it's best to opt for a dedicated cooling pillow like the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology (#7).
- Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud pillow review
6. The best pillow for combination sleepers
Like Purple mattresses, the brand’s top-of-the-line Harmony pillow also features their signature Purple Grid Gel-Flex technology for tailored support for your head and neck.
The inner core of the pillow is made from adaptable Talalay latex, which is surrounded by the Purple Grid Hex, a gel-like material which promotes airflow with approximately 2,000 channels. The pillow comes in two sizes, standard or king, and three loft options; low, medium or tall, making it suitable for all types of sleepers.
Our lead tester described the pillow as soft yet supportive, efficiently cradling the head, neck and shoulders and relieving pressure from around the neck. At 4lbs it's deceptively heavy, and did begin to lose its shape around the edges after a month of use. However, this was easily fixed with some slight adjusting.
While the Purple Harmony is not specifically a cooling pillow, the natural breathability of the latex and grid hex with its air channels will keep most sleepers cool and comfortable. However, very hot sleepers will need a specialist cooling pillow instead, as our lead tester discovered. If you’re a particularly hot sleeper, opt for a dedicated cooling pillow instead, like the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow technology (#7).
It's also worth noting that those with a regular pillow cleaning schedule might be deterred by the fact that the Purple Harmony is not machine washable. Instead, it's spot-clean only — even the cover.
Purple Harmony pillow: Our verdict
If you're a fan of an extremely soft and bouncy pillow, the Purple Harmony is the one for you. The inner core made of Talalay latex is wrapped in a GelFlex grid for cooling comfort with an option to choose from three lofts as per your sleeping style.
The jiggly yet firm build is perfect for side sleepers while the cooling works well for hot sleepers struggling with overheating and nightsweats. There is also no expansion time as the pillow is delivered to be slept on immediately.
What we like about it...
✅ Adjustable loft options: With the option to choose from three loft options, the pillow is designed to suit all sleeping positions and body types.
✅ Excellent pressure relief: The inclusion of Purple's proprietary Gel-Flex Grid technology, combined with the responsiveness of Talalay latex, results in excellent support and pressure relief for your head and neck.
✅ Breathable design: Purple's honeycomb-like layer is open in its construction, which boosts the overall breathability of the pillow. While that might not be enough cooling prowess for very hot sleepers, it will likely keep most sleepers comfortable.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Not cooling enough for very hot sleepers: While the gel-like grid promotes airflow and breathability to keep the surface cool, it might not be enough for those particularly prone to overheating during the night. If that's you, check out the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology (#7), for outstanding cooling and comfort.
❌Not machine washable: Neither the shredded latex core nor the cover can be tossed in a washing machine. Considering the high price tag, spot cleaning being the only way to maintain it is a serious disadvantage.
- Read more: Purple Harmony Pillow Review
7. The best cooling pillow
Our testing panel described the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology as about as close to perfect as a pillow can get. Why? It's a luxury cooling pillow that actually delivers on its promise of being cooling (it scored an unprecedented 5 out of 5 for temperature regulation during testing), as well as being comfortable and supportive for most sleep positions.
Crafted from a combination of foam and microfiber, we also love that this pillow doesn't require regular fluffing and instead holds its supportive shape all night long. The unbeatable cooling prowess comes by way of the AirScape foam, which is perforated for enhanced air circulation. This works in tandem with HeatDelete bands which dissipate heat and wicks away moisture, as well as the instant CoolTouch rayon cotton cover which is both soft and breathable.
Its mid loft means it’s best suited to side and combination sleepers, but back and stomach sleepers will likely find it comfortable too. However, if you're looking for a comparable cooling pillow with adjustable fill, check out the Nest Bedding Side Sleeper Easy Breather (#4) instead. At $119, it's also marginally cheaper than the Casper.
Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology: Our Verdict
We awarded the Casper Hybrid a 4.8 out of 5 for its exceptional performance in our review tests. Our reviewer found that it’s comfy yet supportive, making it an ideal choice for side and combi-sleepers while the medium-loft plushness will also suit back and stomach sleepers.
The Casper Hybrid’s industry-best cooling technology combining the AirScape Foam, HeatDelete bands and CoolTouch cover earned a well-deserving 5.5 out of 5 for temperature regulation. Considering the overall benefits, we think the price for a Casper Hybrid pillow (starting from $149 for a standard) is totally worth it as it also includes benefits like a 30-night sleep trial, 1-year warranty and free shipping and returns.
What we like about it...
✅ Premium, memory foam feel: If you favor the feel of memory foam but are prone to overheating, this is the pillow for you. The combination of foam and fiber emulates the feel of premium memory foam, as well as being packed with cooling tech to prevent you from sleeping hot.
✅ Cool to the touch: Our tester noted that the pillow cover made from rayon cotton is instantly cool to the touch, scoring an impressive 5 out of 5 for temperature regulation during testing.
✅ No fluffing required: While the foam and fiber blend is ultra soft and cradling, it holds its position all night long — so no waking up in the middle of the night to fluff up and adjust your pillow.
What we don't like about it...
❌ There is no adjustable loft: The mid-loft pillow is best suited for side sleepers and although back and stomach sleepers may find it comfortable enough, those who prefer a shallower or taller loft will likely appreciate an adjustable pillow instead, such as the Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow (#1) or the Purple Harmony (#6).
8. The best natural down pillow
Sleep Number’s Naturalfit Ultimate pillow boasts a curved design, adjustable loft, and premium natural down materials. It comes with three inserts filled with a blend of natural duck down and organic latex pieces derived from rubber trees, for an unbeatably luxurious and breathable pillow.
The pillow comes encased in a 100% cotton soft and breathable cover for a cool night’s sleep, while the slightly curved ergonomic design boasts similarities to the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow (#4). Similarly to the Nest, you can rest your head right in the center of the pillow, without compromising the position of your shoulder.
In terms of temperature regulation, natural down is renowned for being naturally breathable — and the Sleep Number Naturalfit Ultimate pillow lives up to the reputation, scoring a solid 5 out of 5 for temperature control during testing.
In terms of maintenance, the cotton cover is removable and machine washable, while the inserts need to be fluffed by hand (it will require regular fluffing). If you prefer a firmer, bounce-back feel to your pillow, we recommend you opt for a more supportive one like the Saatva Latex Pillow (#3), which ticks all of the above boxes.
Sleep Number NaturalFit Ultimate pillow: Our verdict
The plush luxury feel of natural down and latex is unmatched, and Sleep Number offers you the best of both worlds in the NaturalFit Ultimate pillow. Similar to the Coop adjustable pillows and the Nest Bedding Easy Breather, you can remove the down and latex fill inserts to suit your sleeping preferences.
Because of the unique blend, you can expect the cushioning comfort of down and the responsive "give" of latex plus their combined coolness and breathability creating a pillow for all types of sleepers. Our reviewer was impressed by the plush yet supportive feel of the pillow and its temperature regulating properties which even survived a hot Southern summer.
What we like about it...
✅ Adjustable loft for all sleep positions: You can choose to add or remove the three inserts to customize the loft your sleep position and comfort.
✅ All natural materials: If you’re someone who likes a natural blend of materials in your pillow, the Sleep Number’s Naturalfit is perfect with its fill made from duck down and latex derived from rubber trees.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Might not be supportive for all: Our reviewer felt that it’s more suitable for stomach sleepers as it measures soft on the firmness scale. It also tends to flatten overnight and requires regular fluffing.
How we test pillows
An extensive review process is also the foundation of our pillow guide. This includes analysing both qualitative and quantitative pillow data.
Our in-house reviewers spend two weeks testing each pillow and noting down how it feels and its impact on their sleep health, and we also track user feedback on retailer websites and reach out to bedding manufacturers for their input.
Our testing methods look at the different parameters contributing to the overall performance of a pillow including the setup, comfort, support, temperature regulation, build quality and care and maintenance.
We check the comfort and support of a pillow in two ways — a sink test using a kettle bell weighing 5kg (the average weight of an adult head) and by lying down in the three common sleep positions (front, back and side). Our ultimate objective is to get a 360 degree view of each pillow to help you choose the best option for your sleep.
For more information on how we test pillows, read our pillow testing methodology.
Pillow shopping advice
How to choose the right pillow for your sleeping position
When it comes to how to choose a pillow, there is no one single best option as our bodies and sleep needs are all different. However, you can narrow down the list by pinpointing your sleep style. Do you sleep on your stomach, back or side, or a combination of all three? Knowing this will help you choose a pillow easily. With that in mind, here are three key criteria to be aware of:
- Pillow loft – This refers to the height of a bed pillow. Side sleepers receive the most support from a high loft (because it better plugs the gap between your head and shoulders). Back and stomach sleepers are usually fine with a low loft.
- Firmness – This describes a pillow's ‘give’ when weight (as in, your head) is placed on it. Soft pillows are usually best for stomach sleepers. Side sleepers often feel better supported by a firm pillow that keeps their neck and back in alignment. Back and combo sleepers do well with a medium-firm pillow.
- Fill – This dictates the loft and firmness, but there are health issues to consider here too. For instance, if you suffer from allergies, stay away from feather fills and choose a down alternative pillow instead.
How to choose the best pillow for neck pain
Neck and shoulder pain pillows are normally on the firmer side. They are designed to hold your head in a healthy position while relieving pressure on your neck, shoulders and spine. So what you don’t want is a super-firm pillow that creates new pressure points. Again, adjustable pillows come to the rescue here, as you can customize their fill to make them as close to perfect as possible for the support and comfort your neck needs.
The best pillow materials for neck pain includes memory foam, which offers a cradling, contouring feel. Buckwheat is another good choice because it naturally holds its shape well, so it won’t spread out too much inside the pillow during sleep. That means it will hold its shape well throughout the night to keep your neck properly supported.
Different types of pillows
Pillows aren’t that complicated really, and come in just a few different types. These include the following:
Memory foam pillows
This is probably the most popular type of pillow as, just like the best memory foam mattresses, these are designed to cradle your head. Most pillows for neck pain support are made using memory foam, but this material does retain heat more than other types. So if you’re a hot sleeper, choose a cooling memory foam pillow, or go for one with naturally cooling latex.
Down pillows
Look away now if you have allergies, as these are not the best pillows for you. For everyone else craving a soft place to lay their head at night, you’re in for a treat here as down pillows are comfy and plush. They’re commonly made with the soft fibers found under the exterior of a duck, goose or swan, and are often mixed with feathers for extra fluffiness. They best suit stomach and back sleepers, as most aren’t firm enough for side sleepers.
Latex pillows
These are among the best cooling pillows you can buy. That’s because latex is naturally cooling, so heat won’t build up as much inside compared to some synthetic materials. Latex is an allergen for some though. Plus, they’re expensive, so be prepared to pay a higher price. But if you want a non-toxic, organic pillow for healthier sleep, we’d start with latex.
Best pillows FAQs
Is a pillow required according to chiropractors?
Choosing to sleep or not to on a pillow entirely rests on personal preferences. However, experts say lying on the right pillow for your sleeping position is the key to unlocking a comfortable night's rest.
According to Dr. Kevin Lees, Director of Chiropractic Operations at The Joint Chiropractor, pillows should provide the required support to help maintain the neutral position of the spine.
"Back sleepers should opt for less loft or height in their pillow than those who lie on their side. This is because the shoulders often create a larger gap that needs to be filled when side sleeping," he says.
Stomach sleepers are a group who are often advised not to use a pillow since it can potentially worsen the strain on the neck muscles and upper back. "If you prefer to use a pillow, it should be very thin and breathable," Dr. Lees adds.
How often should you change your pillow?
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you replace your pillow every 18-24 months. We’re not judging if you’re sleeping on a pillow that’s much older than this, but there are good reasons why you should change your pillow every couple of years. The filling can become flat and unresponsive, so you won’t be supported during sleep. That can cause neck and back pain down the line. This is just one of the 7 signs that it’s time to replace your pillow.
Changes in your body weight also impact how well a pillow supports you, and every person’s pillow requirements change the older they get; we simply need more support and comfort as we age.
Older pillows get pretty dirty too, even with regular washing. That’s because some materials act as a mecca for dust mites, odors and sweat, with a build-up of moisture leading to bacteria growth in some instances.
We’d recommend choosing a hypoallergenic pillow that can either be machine washed (the best option), or one that comes with a removable, antimicrobial cover that’s suitable for machine washing. You can learn more about this in our feature on how to wash a pillow.
Why do hotels provide three pillows?
This is simply because some people love the extra comfort and support. Hotel pillows are typically luxurious, thanks to the plush high-quality materials they are crafted from. An additional one can act as a body pillow, giving the individual using the bed something to hug and lean on while sleeping.
It's also quite common for guests to enjoy watching TV in bed at a hotel, and multiple pillows can help support the back when a couch and cushions are not available.
However, Dr. Lees warns against using too many pillows to prop up your neck while sleeping.
"You should not sleep with two pillows under your neck as this could lead to too much loft, pushing your head into an unnatural forward or side curve. The second pillow can be used as support for your knees instead," he says.
