Written by
Amanda Doyle
Sleep Researcher Writer
Reviewed by
Pavel Ufimtsev
Sleep Science Coach
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical for feeling rested and having enough energy the next day. There are many factors that determine how well you sleep and if your slumber is interrupted during the night. The quality of the pillow you use can influence if you sleep comfortably or wake up with neck strain.
There are many different types of pillows available on the market, which can make it challenging to know which one is the right fit for you. If you’re a combination sleeper, there are a few top products worth checking out to improve the quality of your sleep.
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
Best Cooling
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
What is a Combination Sleeper?
Combination sleepers are characterized as individuals who are prone to sleeping in multiple positions throughout the night. It means you don’t commit to one sleeping position and likely wake up in a different position than when you fell asleep.
It’s common to fall asleep in a few main sleeping positions, which include the side, back, or on your stomach.
It’s extremely common to be a combination sleeper as you attempt to stay comfortable for several hours throughout the night. Different stages of our sleep cycle can prompt us to change positions. You may favor one of the main sleeping positions, which you spend the most time in while you’re asleep.
When you’re a combination sleeper, it’s important to find a quality pillow that supports your head and neck. The pillow should allow you to remain asleep without waking up due to neck strain or discomfort. It should also be constructed with quality materials to prevent allergies.
The Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers: Top 10 Reviews
1. Top pick: Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Latex Pillow offers hotel-quality comfort and is designed to offer head and neck support. The pillow is constructed with a shredded 100% natural latex core and has a removable inner pillow with down-like microdenier fiber.
The cover is 100% breathable to prevent too much heat retention to keep the neck and head cool at night. The cover is also easy to remove to throw in the washing machine in-between uses.
This hypoallergenic pillow is ideal for those who suffer from allergies to ensure you can breathe easily without sneezing or suffering from sinus pressure.
The balanced support makes it possible to feel at ease as your neck and head are cradled. The pillow maintains its texture and buoyancy without becoming flat after a few hours of use. The flexible design makes it possible to change positions with ease.
Pros
- The perfect balance between fluffy and supportive.
- Delivers enough head and neck support for side sleepers.
- Doesn’t contain any synthetic materials.
Cons
- Not as full as other brands.
- Develops a few lumps over time.
- May feel too full and fluffy for stomach sleepers.
Saatva Latex Pillow
- The plush texture makes it feel gentle and soft on the skin with pressure-free support.
- The quality construction of latex also allows it to have a longer lifespan than other types of materials.
- The pillow will last longer before it needs to be replaced.
2. Runner Up: Puffy Pillow
The Puffy Pillow is designed to be adjustable and cooling to avoid becoming overheated or sweating at night. The materials allow the product to feel soft but firm for sufficient support to the head, neck, and shoulders. The product is made in the U.S.A. and has a decorative cloud print on the cover.
The Puffy Pillow has a blend of polyester and bamboo materials, making it hypoallergenic and resistant to dust and mites. The cooling cover also prevents your head from becoming warm and sweaty throughout the night. Made with a sturdy zipper, the cover is easy to remove in seconds and throw in the washing machine.
Pros
- Doesn't lose its shape or support over time.
- Memory foam filling molds to the shape of your head and neck.
- Large enough to be used as a body pillow.
Cons
- The zipper tends to occasionally have contact with your face.
- Sleeps warmer than down pillows.
Puffy Pillow
- The pillow is made with a memory-foam filling without any lead, mercury, or formaldehyde.
- The design of the pillow aligns to the specific height of your neck and shoulders.
- Two different sizes are available, and both come with a luxurious pillow cover.
3. Best Budget: Snuggle-Pedic Deluxe Adjustable Pillow
The Snuggle-Pedic Deluxe Adjustable Pillow is constructed with adjustable memory foam that supports multiple sleeping positions. The materials and design of the pillow make it Certi-PUR-US and GreenGuard Gold Certified for improved comfort. It has a high level of breathability and stays cool for combination sleepers. It even comes with a bamboo pillow cover that is machine washable.
It's one of the best pillows for combination sleepers because it offers a high level of durability and can last longer than other brands on the market. It's made in the U.S. and holds up well for many years without becoming lumpy or lopsided.
Pros
- Prevents and alleviates neck pain while reducing the risk of headaches.
- Maintains its shape and doesn't become lumpy.
- Offers a high level of comfort and support for back and side sleepers.
- The pillowcase is durable and feels quilted.
Cons
- Comes out of the packaging with a strong odor.
- Retains more heat than similar pillow brands.
- May trigger allergies in some people.
Snuggle-Pedic Deluxe Adjustable Pillow
- The pillow conforms to different types of positions for combination sleepers.
- It has low VOC emissions to avoid exposing yourself to pollutants.
- The unique design of the pillow cover allows air to flow through the materials.
4. Best Latex: Purple Harmony Pillow
Known as a great pillow for combination sleepers, the Purple Harmony Pillow> has hypoallergenic ventilated latex in the inner core for superior support and comfort without causing neck pain.
The pillow has a breathable mesh material that wicks away moisture and doesn't become flat throughout the night to improve the sleep of combination sleepers. It's also made with non-toxic materials and was invented in the U.S.
Pros
- Comes with a minimal and low-profile design.
- Stays cool to the touch and encourages airflow.
- Immediately bounces back to its original shape.
- Can reduce the effects and symptoms of TMJ.
Cons
- Comes with a higher price tag than similar brands.
- Heavier to lift and can be inconvenient to pack while traveling.
Purple Harmony Pillow
- The pillow offers non-pressure support while cradling the head for combination sleepers.
- The durable materials prevent it from falling flat.
- It maintains its shape to avoid having to flip and adjust it through the night.
5. Best for Back Sleepers: Casper Down Pillow
The Casper Down Pillow is a great pick for combination sleepers who tend to spend more time on their back. The product is extremely fluffy and has a five-chamber design for responsive support. It's capable of adapting to different sleeping positions and has sustainable materials, making it one of the top pillows for combination sleepers who want to own an eco-friendly product.
Pros
- Soft and easy to put a pillow cover on each time.
- The perfect blend of support and movement.
- Fluffy enough to avoid stacking it with additional pillows.
- Won't cause you to wake up with neck or shoulder pain.
Cons
- May start to lose its shape and become flat over time.
- The core material can form lumps when you wash it frequently.
Casper Down Pillow
- All of the materials allow the pillow to be machine washable.
- The fluffy texture makes it airy and allows you to feel like you're sleeping on a cloud.
- Comes with a luxurious and soft cover.
6. Best Organic: Avocado Green Pillow
The Avocado Green Pillow is constructed with organic cotton and has GOLS certified organic latex with GOTS certified organic kapok. The pillow is handmade in Los Angeles, California, and is one of the top pillows for combination sleepers because it has a medium-plush feel. The organic jersey cotton cover is machine washable and doesn't lose its soft texture over time after multiple washes.
Pros
- The pillow doesn't contain any harmful chemicals or toxins.
- The side zipper makes it easy to adjust the filling and remove it to adjust the support.
- Doesn't come with any odors out of the packaging.
- Comes with a soft texture that feels clean.
Cons
- The pillow cannot be bleached and must be hung to dry.
- The core material is heavy, making it difficult to transport.
Avocado Green Pillow
- The inside of this pillow for combination sleepers is generously stuffed to prevent neck pain.
- Provides the resistance and support for stomach sleepers or side sleepers.
- Effortlessly contours to the head, neck, and shoulders.
7. Best Cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is a top product for combination sleepers because it's designed to deliver responsive contouring to accommodate all body types. The cooling technology prevents your head from sweating with its circular knit cover and copper graphite.
Pros
- The luxurious pillow cover is machine washable.
- The pillow covers and inserts can prevent breathing or respiratory issues.
- Works well for reducing snoring.
Cons
- Some combination sleepers may find it takes a few days to get used to each night.
- The core material is heavy, making it difficult to transport.
- The pillowcase is prone to slipping off during the night.
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
- All of the materials are antimicrobial and resist bacteria and dust mites.
- The pillow is ideal for combination sleepers because it's available in low and high-profile designs.
- Made with a cool gel memory foam surface and a silky-smooth knit cover.
8. Best Down Pillow: Parachute Home Down Pillow
When you're looking for the best pillow for combination sleepers, the Parachute Home Down Pillow because it's extremely luxurious and supportive. It works well for stomach sleepers and side sleepers because it's light and airy. The pillow has three different densities, making it one of the best pillows for multiple positions.
It's also one of the best pillows on the market because it's available in standard and king sizes. The pillow is constructed with 750 fill power European white down and bounces back after pressure is applied.
Pros
- It's one of the best pillows because it feels like you're sleeping on a cloud.
- The reinforced double-stitched piping prevents the materials from falling apart over time.
- Supports the neck for side sleepers.
Cons
- It can retain heat and may cause some combination sleepers to sweat.
- Doesn't always resist dust mites and allergens.
Parachute Home Down Pillow
- The pillow has a balance of comfort and a fluffy texture.
- Made in the U.S.A. with different imported materials.
- Comes with a sateen soft shell that is gentle on the face.
9. Best for Neck Pain: COOP The Original Pillow
The COOP The Original Pillow is the best memory foam pillow for stomach sleepers and comes with an extra half-pound of fill. It comes with a machine washable Lulltra cover and is GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified. It's created to offer long-lasting support and adjusts to your size for custom comfort, making it the best memory foam pillow for combination sleepers.
Pros
- The hypoallergenic materials and fill prevent it from triggering breathing issues or allergies.
- It comes with breathable fabric on the cover.
- The inner cover only needs to be washed once each year.
Cons
- The cover can shrink easily in the dryer.
- It comes with a lot of loft even after removing some of the filling.
- Some of the threads on the pillow cover can start to fall off after a few weeks.
COOP The Original Pillow
- The pillow features a modern and trendy pattern on the cover.
- It features a medium-firm fill to provide comfort to side sleepers.
- The adjustable design offers consistent support throughout the night.
10. Best Customizable: Nectar Resident Memory Foam Pillow
The Nectar Resistant Memory Foam Pillow is one of the top pillows for combination sleepers because the memory foam is durable and contours to your neck and head. The memory foam features adjustable firmness for side sleepers, back sleepers, or stomach sleepers.
The pillow features overfilled memory foam, making it soft to the touch. It's one of the best pillows for combination sleepers because memory foam is used in both pillows in the case.
Pros
- Cradles the head and neck without causing any neck pain.
- The memory foam prevents the pillow from becoming flat or losing its shape over time.
- The memory foam helps it to have the right height and improves your posture.
Cons
- The density of the foam makes the pillow difficult to fit in a standard pillowcase.
- The memory foam is prone to getting warm and makes it easy to sweat.
Nectar Resident Memory Foam Pillow
- The pillow features high-quality memory foam to ensure it's built to last.
- The memory foam is easy to wash and doesn't break apart.
- The memory foam delivers contoured support at a competitive price point.
Pillow Types for Combination Sleepers
Supportive
The best pillow to pick for combination sleepers is a product that is supportive to prevent strain and pain in the neck. Pillows with gel memory foam are known to have a balance of support and comfort without becoming flat. They’re known to maintain their shape over time and contour to the neck and head.
Plush
Plush pillows that are soft can contour to the shape of your neck and head while making you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Plush pillows are often made with shredded memory foam, making them easy to adjust. You can search for a pillow that comes with extra memory foam to adjust the height and support it offers.
Breathable
Studies show that you can improve the quality of your sleep at night when your body temperature is cooler, making it necessary to use a pillow that is breathable. Look for a pillow that has a cover and filling that promotes airflow to prevent the materials from retaining too much heat. This can improve your level of comfort each season, whether you’re sleeping on your back or your side.
Hypoallergenic
If you’re looking for the best pillow to use each night, look for a product that is constructed with hypoallergenic materials. This will allow you to breathe easily without sneezing or suffering from respiratory issues.
How to choose a Pillow for a Combination Sleeper?
Comfort
When you’re looking for the best pillow for combination sleeping positions, the level of comfort the product delivers is one of the most important factors to consider. The pillow should feel comfortable when you’re sleeping in different positions to ensure you can avoid having your sleep interrupted. Shredded memory foam is known to deliver a high level of comfort and makes it possible to adjust the pillow based on your preferences.
Size
The size of the pillow you select is another important factor to ensure your head and neck are always supported. If you tend to move around a lot at night, you can consider investing
in a wider pillow that allows your head to remain on it even when you toss and turn. Smaller pillows are ideal if you plan to travel with the pillow and need something compact that can fit in a bag or suitcase.
Price
When you’re comparing the best pillows on the market, you’ll find the products are available at different price points. Consider your budget to ensure you can find a pillow that is affordable.
Some pillows are made with organic materials, which can hike up the cost but can also allow you to protect your health. Other pillows with memory foam can come at a moderate price point. Wider king pillows are also known to cost more because they come with more materials.
Although you may want to save money when you’re looking for the best pillow for combination sleeping positions, it can compromise the quality of your sleep. Some pillows that are priced lower also don’t last as long and can start to fall apart over time.
Height
The best pillows in the industry are available at different heights to accommodate different body types. Consider how high you want your head to rest to ensure you have proper support.
A pillow that is too high or low can lead to neck strain, which can trigger headaches in some individuals. Try testing some of the pillows out in advance to ensure you can find something that is comfortable.
Adjustable pillows with memory foam are also convenient because you can customize the height to your preference.
Quality Materials
Research the types of materials used on each brand of pillow you’re looking to purchase. The materials that are used to construct the best pillows in the industry determine the texture of the cover, as well as how much fill is used inside.
Some pillows that are made with cheap materials can also trigger allergies or breathing issues in some individuals. If you want to protect your health and select the best pillow, you can opt for a brand that uses organic materials and doesn’t contain any chemicals or toxins.
As pillows continue to evolve, there are now more options available, allowing you to choose from gel memory foam, polyester fiberfill, goose feathers, memory foam, latex, and even shredded memory foam.
Support
Whether you choose a pillow with memory foam or gel, each product varies with the amount of support it delivers. It’s important to find a pillow that allows your neck and head to be supportive while sleeping in different positions throughout the night to avoid strain.
This can prevent your neck from feeling sore the next day and can reduce the risk of headaches. When you’re looking for the best pillow for combination positions, memory foam is known to be dense but still offers comfort as it contours to your shoulders and head.
Warranties
Due to the cost of different types of pillows on the market, it’s important to find a pillow that is backed by a warranty. This can allow you to protect your investment and avoid losing money if you’re not satisfied with the product after using it for several days or weeks.
When you’re looking for the best pillow on the market, search for brands that offer 90-day warranties to ensure you have the flexibility to change your mind and return it at any time. Some pillow companies even provide you with a trial to ensure you can test the product out before you’re charged for the item.
A Bit About Pillow Sizes
Standard
Standard pillows measure 20 x 26 inches and are ideal for side and stomach sleepers. The standard size fits all bed sizes and doesn’t take up a lot of space, making it easy to take with you while traveling. They accommodate all types of sleeping positions and also work well to use between the knees for additional support for side sleepers.
Queen
Queen pillows measure 20 x 30 inches and provide more surface area, which is ideal for those who tend to be restless while sleeping. They’re more affordable than king pillows but still deliver more space and prevent the head from falling off the pillow at night. This pillow size fits in most standard pillowcases and has more firmness and loft.
King
King pillows measure 20 x 36 inches and are ideal to use if you sleep on a king or California king mattress. They’re ideal for people who are most comfortable sleeping on their back or for adults with broad shoulders.
The size provides extra height and loft, which can prevent you from having to fold a flat pillow when you need more support. This pillow size works well for alleviating pressure points on your back and can also be used as a backrest while sitting in bed.
Euro
Euro pillows are the largest size available and measure 26 x 26 inches. They work well as backrests or as body pillows. Some people also primarily use Euro pillows with decorative covers to dress up the bed.
This is also the best pillow size for those who need relief on pressure points on their hips and legs.
FAQ
- What kind of pillow is good for combination sleepers?
Memory foam is an excellent pillow choice for combination sleepers because the material is flexible and doesn't become flat. It contours to the body, making it ideal for all sizes of adults. The foam is comfortable for different sleeping positions without losing its shape over time, allowing it to outlast other types of materials in the industry.
- How do you choose a sleep combination pillow?
When choosing a sleep combination pillow, it's important to consider your needs and sensitivities. If you suffer from allergies, you can look for a hypoallergenic pillow. It's also important to find a product that is adjustable to ensure the support and comfort can be customized.
- Should you sleep with a firm or soft pillow?
If you tend to sleep on your back more, you should look for a firm pillow to ensure there's enough support on the upper half of your body. Soft pillows are ideal for stomach sleepers. Soft pillows are ideal for multiple sleeping positions because they keep the neck in alignment with the rest of the body.
- Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Memory foam is excellent for side sleepers because it molds to the shape of your body to relieve pressure. The material is effective in reducing knee and shoulder pain as your body rests against the mattress.
- What is the best kind of pillow for a side sleeper?
Side sleepers benefit from firm pillows because the density of the materials keeps the neck and head aligned throughout the night. This can help you maintain your posture and will prevent aches and pains from developing.
- How do I pick the right pillow?
Consider the sleeping positions you prefer and are most comfortable in, which determines how much firmness you need.
- What is the best pillow for a side stomach sleeper?
Side stomach sleepers can get the most support from loft pillows that have more height for enough support. Pillows with memory foam promote proper spine alignment and can deliver more comfort.
- Which firmness is good for a combination sleeper?
Experts recommend choosing a medium to medium-fill pillow to accommodate the different sleeping positions. Soft pillows don't provide enough support while sleeping on your side or back.
- How do I know exactly what pillow height I need?
Look for a pillow that measures five to seven inches. When you spend more time sleeping on your side, the pillow should fill the space between your shoulders and neck. The pillow shouldn't cause your chin to point towards the ceiling, which is a sign there's too much height.
- What are the best affordable pillows?
The most affordable pillows that are the highest rated in the industry have gel memory foam and memory foam. They can be adjusted and come with a washable cover for long-lasting use. Standard and queen pillows are typically the most affordable compared to king or Euro pillow sizes.
The Highest Rated Pillows in the Industry
When comparing the different pillows available for combination sleepers, the Saatva Latex Pillow is the top pick. The product is made with quality materials and is made with responsive latex that is breathable and delivers a high level of comfort. Compared to other pillows that were reviewed, the Saatva pillow has many characteristics that allow it to accommodate different types of sleepers. The core is hypoallergenic and shredded, making it recommended by orthopedists and chiropractors.
The Saatva Latex Pillow also doesn’t lose its shape or become flat over time due to the buoyant support it delivers. This makes it comfortable to sleep on when you’re on your stomach, side, or back. It also has enough support to keep the neck and spine aligned throughout the night to avoid strain.
Although many pillows are prone to retaining body heat, the Saatva pillow is breathable and allows airflow. You don’t have to worry about waking up sweating or tossing and turning as the materials stay cool in different types of climates.
The latex material that is used in the pillow also allows the product to hold up better over time without wearing down or becoming lumpy. It can outlast other materials on the market like memory foam and polyester.
