Best Pillows for Better Sleep

One of the key items to getting a good night’s sleep is having a quality pillow. Although pillows may seem simple in design, they require the right features to ensure you avoid neck strain and feel rested in the morning. There are a variety of different brands, sizes, and materials used on pillows in the sleep industry, which can make it overwhelming to shop around and select the right option for your long-term sleep needs. 

Our team spent time testing different pillows available to narrow down a few of our top picks for consumers. We used specific criteria to rank each product and present consumers with the top pick based on our experts’ research and extensive testing process to provide you with the best pillows of 2022.

Best Memory Foam Pillow: Layla Kapok Pillow

Product Specifications

• Price Range: $99
• Pillow Fill: Shredded memory foam and kapok
• Pillow Loft: Medium
• Night Trial: 4 Weeks
• Warranty: 5-year warranty
• Pillow Firmness: Medium-Firm
• Sizes: Queen, King

Warranty: 5-year warranty

Shipping
Free

Night Trial: 4 Weeks

Highlights

• The access to the inner materials makes it easy to adjust the loft of the pillow.
• The materials machine washable.
• The height is fully adjustable to your preference.
• Warranty: 5-year warranty on all materials and workmanship

Recommended For

• Back sleepers and side sleepers due to the support to keep the spine aligned.
• It also caters to hot sleepers with its cooling design and materials.
• Sleepers who use more than one pillow to sleep at night.
• Sleepers with chronic back pain.

Check Latest Price!

 Buy Now

Overview

The Layla Kapok Pillow is one of the best memory foam pillows on the market and is designed to be plush and airy with adjustable fill. It has a luxurious design with a soft and supportive texture for optimal comfort. It’s customizable for any type of sleeper, more than pillows with memory foam and microfiber. You can freely adjust the loft, as well as the support it delivers.

Performance

The Layla Kapok Pillow has a soft but conforming texture without compromising on the support it delivers. For consumers who sleep with two pillows at night, this pillow is an excellent replacement and allows the neck, head, and body to stay in alignment to avoid aches, pains, and strain.

The durable materials of the foam pillow also allow it to hold up long-term without wearing down. It can last for several years, making it worth the investment compared to an alternative pillow that is cheaper.

What It’s Made of

The materials used in this pillow include shredded memory foam fill, kapok, polyester, and viscose. Two different types of materials are used inside of the pillow, which includes a combination of shredded memory foam and kapok, a soft fabric made from kapok trees that is less dense than the Hotel Collection Gel pillow or the Beckham Hotel Collection gel materials.

As a top memory foam pillow, it’s moldable and versatile to reduce tension in the neck and back, making it perform well for anyone with back or shoulder pain. The memory foam pillow can also be placed under the legs or your lumbar for additional support.

Bottom Line

The Layla Kapok Pillow is tailored to the consumer’s needs with its adjustable design. The support of the memory foam pillow makes it ideal for back sleepers and side sleepers due to its shredded memory foam. The pillow is infused with copper to stay cool and reduce odors. The cooling texture makes it ideal for hot sleepers to use.

Pros

• The product rates well for heat retention due to the added copper in the cover.
• The loose fibers in the pillow allow air to circulate.
• It can be placed under any part of the body for added support.

Cons

• The pillow is bulky and struggles to fit in a standard pillowcase.
• The price is higher than similar pillows on the market.
• It comes a bit overstuffed.

Best for Pillow for Neck Pain: Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow

Product Specifications

• Price Range: $99 - $125
• Pillow Fill: Shredded latex and polyfoam
• Pillow Loft: Medium
• Night Trial: 45 days
• Warranty: 5-year warranty
• Pillow Firmness: Medium
• Sizes: 17inch x 29inch

Warranty: 5-year warranty

Shipping
Free

Night Trial: 45 days

Highlights

• The pillow is responsive and doesn’t soften with long-term use.
• Includes premium-sourced materials with a cover that is made of soft cotton.
• The materials are machine washable.

Recommended For

• Sleepers who suffer from allergies due to its antimicrobial materials.
• Side sleepers who needed added support on the neck and head.
• Good for combination, side and back sleepers.
• Sleepers with allergies.

Check Latest Price!

 Buy Now

Overview

The Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow is created for side sleepers who require added support under the neck and head and has a unique boomerang shape. It contours to the shape of the head and neck for increased comfort and support that is tailored to the individual. Compared to flat pillows commonly used by side sleepers, it prevents chronic neck pain and headaches from developing.

Performance

The Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow delivers exceptional support and comfort without becoming flat and lumpy with prolonged use. It feels slightly firmer than standard medium-firmness pillows.

This is the best pillow for neck pain because it has a unique u-shape that contours to the shape of your body to support the shoulders, head, and neck. It keeps the back in proper spinal alignment. It hugs around the front and back of the shoulders while providing the sleeper with more access to the center of the pillow instead of the outer edges of it.

What It’s Made of

The pillow’s inner materials consist of shredded latex and polyester. The outer fabric is constructed with 37% Cotton, 2% Spandex, and 61% Polyester. The materials in the pillow consist of 75% shredded latex noodles and 25% polyester fiber, which can be removed to adjust the support provided.

The product is also anti-microbial and dust-mite resistant. The dense materials in the pillow also contour to the head and offer extra cushioning. Compared to standard memory foam pillows, it proves to be more responsive due to the shredded latex foam.

Bottom Line

The Eli & Elm pillow has a soft cotton cover that is quilted and feels comfortable to the touch. Additionally, the materials are hypoallergenic, allowing sleepers to avoid allergy triggers.

This pillow has a customizable height to avoid neck pain for side sleepers and feels comfortable because it allows the head to rest in the middle of the pillow. Its unique shape accommodates back, side, and combination sleepers.

Pros

• It’s made in the U.S.
• It snaps into its original shape after pressure is applied and removed.
• The pillow has inner materials that can be removed for custom comfort.

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a custom pillowcase with its unique shape.
• It’s not comfortable if you’re a stomach sleeper because it’ll prop the head up too much.
• The price tends to vary depending on the time of the year.

Most Comfortable: TEMPER-Pedic TEMPER-Cloud Pillow

Product Specifications

• Price Range: $89
• Pillow Fill: Polyeretheune foam
• Pillow Loft: Five inches
• Night Trial: No Trial
• Warranty: 5-year warranty
• Pillow Firmness: Medium-Firm
• Sizes: One standard size

Warranty: 5-year warranty

Shipping
Free

Night Trial: No Trial

Highlights

• The pillow accommodates more types of sleepers than similar products.
• The foam is softer than similar memory foam pillows, and it compresses as you lie on it.
• It accommodates combination sleepers and doesn’t have too much loft when sleeping on your stomach.

Recommended For

• Those who sleep on their back will find the pillow comfortable.
• Side sleepers for the average loft.
• Stomach sleepers due to its medium-loft and firmness.
• Sleepers with back or neck pain.

Check Latest Price!

 Buy Now

Overview

The TEMPUR Pedic TEMPUR Cloud Pillow delivers cushion-soft comfort and has a traditional shape. It compresses easily without becoming flat or losing its shape over time. It comes with a removable pillow cover that is machine washable and hypoallergenic.

This product measures 24" x 15 3/4" x 5" and fits a standard or queen pillowcase. It prevents neck pain from forming by keeping the spine aligned with the support it delivers to the head and neck.

Performance

The pillow cradles the head and neck and keeps it in place to prevent strain on the neck and shoulders. It’s easy to fold and can become compact, which makes it easy to transport while traveling.

The memory foam is slow-moving and cradles the head to support the spine. The Tempur pedic materials also relieve pressure, making it an ideal purchase for anyone who suffers from back or neck pain. For those who sleep on their back, it has a low profile to keep your spine in a neutral position.

What It’s Made of

The pillow cover is made from 100% polyester fabric and has a quilted pattern for extra cushion. The core consists of TEMPER Pedic’s proprietary Temper material, which is a molded polyurethane foam. It’s also covered in polyester netting.

The product has a classic Tempur pedic feel with a slow-conforming design. The foam adapts to the sleeper’s head and neck while expanding back to its original shape. The foam allows you to sink into it, but it’s still sturdy and durable to keep the neck and head properly elevated.

Bottom Line

The TEMPER-Pedic TEMPER-Cloud Pillow is designed to accommodate combination sleepers and is more versatile for its quality memory foam materials. It’s easy to keep clean with the machine washable cover.

As the company’s best pillow, the Pedic Tempur Cloud Pillow has a low profile and can travel easily. The malleable design and construction allow you to form it into any shape that is best for your needs while sleeping.

Pros

• The pillow comes with a removable pillow, which is machine washable.
• The quality fill materials allow it to outlast other products.
• The memory foam is responsive and slow-moving.

Cons

• The pillow doesn’t come with a trial period.
• The materials naturally trap heat as it conforms to your head and neck.
• Only available in one standard size.
• Advertised as ultra-soft but has a medium feel.

Best for Stomach Sleepers: Hullo Buckwheat Pillow

Product Specifications

• Price Range: $89
• Pillow Fill: Buckwheat hulls
• Pillow Loft: 3 ½ inches
• Night Trial: 60 nights
• Warranty: No warranty
• Pillow Firmness: Extra-firm
• Sizes: Small, Standard, King

Warranty: No warranty

Shipping
Free

Night Trial: 60 nights

Highlights

• All of the ingredients are organic and natural, and the pillow is made in the USA.
• The shape and fill deliver excellent ergonomic support.
• The filling is adjustable for customizable comfort and support.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers with an average or heavy weight
• Back and stomach sleepers
• Adults who sleep hot, due to the excellent airflow
• Shoppers who are eco-conscious

Check Latest Price!

 Buy Now

Overview

Made from premium buckwheat, the Hullo Buckwheat Pillow is one of the best pillows we tested and reviewed. It features 100% Certified Organic Cotton Twill and is pre-shrunk and machine-washable.

The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow accommodates slide, back, and stomach sleepers with the adjustable filling because it’s easy to change the shape of it by moving the fill around.

Performance

The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow features an adjustable loft, which you can remove or fill with the included zipper on the case. It generally feels firm but softens over time.

The pillow also delivers exceptional support to the head and neck to alleviate stress on the spine and prevent aches and pains from developing. The materials are firm but are still malleable to allow the back and neck muscles to relax and feel more at ease. It also provides added support beneath the neck, making it ideal for back and side sleepers who are more at risk of neck strain.

What It’s Made of

This firm pillow comes with an organic twill cover, as well as buckwheat hulls for the filling. It’s all-natural and only contains organic materials. The materials are carefully sourced and selected and are made in the USA. The buckwheat hulls are also grown and milled by farmers in the U.S., although the design of the pillow originated in Japan.

The buckwheat hulls promote airflow to prevent the pillow from retaining heat. The hulls allow air to flow through the pillow and provide a cooling sleep.

Bottom Line

The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow has a high level of durability and is competitively priced. It weighs eight pounds and has an eco-friendly construction, which is ideal for the eco-conscious consumer.

The pillow is durable because the buckwheat hulls maintain their shape and don’t flatten. The buckwheat is wrapped in an organic cotton twill cover, which is durable and breathable.

Pros

• Includes fast, free shipping.
• It comes with a removable and machine-washable cover.
• The buckwheat hulls never need cleaning and aren’t sharp, which prevents them from poking through the cotton cover.
• The company provides additional buckwheat hulls upon request.
• Ideal for sleepers who don’t move around a lot at night.

Cons

• It can take time to get used to sleeping on buckwheat for those who sleep on memory foam or feather pillows.
• Some people may find it to feel slightly rigid.
• It isn’t as high as similar pillows.
• The pillow doesn’t conform as well as other materials used in pillows.
• It lacks responsiveness, which requires frequently adjusting it.
• Makes noise when the hulls shift around.

Best Latex Pillow: Saatva Latex Pillow

Product Specifications

• Price Range: $145 - $165
• Pillow Fill: Shredded natural latex
• Pillow Loft: Low height
• Night Trial: 45 days
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
• Pillow Firmness: Medium
• Sizes: Queen, King

Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Shipping
Free

Night Trial: 45 days

Highlights

• The natural latex in the pillow is more breathable than synthetic comfort foams and polyethylene foams.
• Extremely plush but still supports the head.
• The outer pillow is filled with microfibers.

Recommended For

• Consumers with allergies
• Adults who sleep on their back because it’s not overly firm
• Adults who sleep on their stomach when some of the fill material is removed
• Petite adults who sleep on their side

Check Latest Price!

 Buy Now

Overview

The Saatva Latex pillow is the best pillow sold by the brand and delivers hotel-style comfort, allowing it to feel more luxurious than the Purple Harmony pillow. It’s made with a shredded natural latex core.

It accommodates sleepers who prefer down alternative pillows and is ideal for adults who sleep on their backs. The product is naturally cool, making it comfortable for hot sleepers.

Performance

This Talalay latex pillow is fluffy and has a down-alternative fill but it includes a zipper to provide you with access to the core, which mimics the Casper Original Pillow and the Parachute Down Pillow.

The product comes with a very high loft out of the packaging which makes it easy to remove the Talalay latex core while still having enough cushion from the plush outer layer. This gives sleepers the ability to customize the pillow and make it their own.

What It’s Made of

The pillow includes polyester in the inner core with shredded latex foam. The cover is made of 100% organic cotton. The Saatva Latex pillow is also hypoallergenic and is filled with mirodenier fiber, creating a plush texture that feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud.

The inner natural latex is responsive and resistant to mildew and dust mites. The natural latex is also favorable for its durability, allowing it to have a longer lifespan to protect your investment when you’re looking to invest in the best pillow.

Bottom Line

This hypoallergenic pillow is available in two different sizes and has a combination of plushness and support. Some of the filling can be removed for more customized support based on your preferred sleep position. It has a beautiful and luxurious appearance due to the sateen weave on the outer cover.

The excellent pressure relief makes it ideal for adults with neck or back pain due to its buoyant, balanced support.

Pros

• The outer and inner covers are machine washable.
• It delivers sufficient support for back sleepers.
• Includes an outer cover that is 100% organic.
• Constructed with a firmer center.

Cons

• Not ideal if you're a tall adult and sleep on your side due to the soft fill.
• The pillow can feel lumpy in some positions.
• It can make it easy to feel smothered by the pillow for stomach and side sleepers.
• Not ideal for larger or taller adults.
• Outer pillow loses its plushness after a few nights.
• The price is higher than similar pillows.

How to Choose the Right Pillow

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best pillow for your sleeping needs.

Sleeping Position

Consider the position you spend the most time in during the night. Whether you prefer to sleep on your stomach or your side, you’ll need to research the amount of support you need. Most sleepers require support for their neck and head to keep their spine aligned to avoid excess strain on different parts of the body. 

Side and back sleepers require medium-height pillows to prevent the neck from tilting down. Stomach sleepers benefit from flatter pillows. Back sleepers can benefit from a memory foam pillow that is firm and has pressure-relieving properties.

Pillow Construction

The best pillows in the industry have a combination of softness and support. You can consider looking at pillows with a firm core to ensure your neck and head are supported. There are many products that have a removable and machine washable cover, making it easier to maintain the pillow and remove stains or odors with consistent use.

Pain Management

If you suffer from neck or back pain, you’ll need to shop around for the best pillow that delivers a high level of support. Look for a pillow that provides neutral spine alignment to avoid aches and pains in the morning. Latex and memory foam are known to be more supportive due to their firm and dense design.

Materials

Look into the materials that are used in the different pillows that are available on the market. Microfiber materials are commonly used and feature fine strands of synthetic fibers, as well as hyper elastic polymer. Feather-down pillows consist of feathers and are ideal for sleepers who want soft and plush pillows. 

Synthetic memory foam is another product that is commonly used in the sleep industry and contours to your head and neck for a customized pillow. Latex is also a common material that is extremely cooling and is ideal for hot sleepers who want a plush texture with their pillow.

Price Point

Consider the price to ensure it’s within your budget. The price of the product should align with the warranty and trial time to ensure it’s worth the investment. Some pillows are priced higher around $150 but tend to have a longer lifespan than pillows with a $75 price tag. Spending more on a pillow with a five-year warranty can allow you to get plenty of use out of it without having to replace it in one or two years.

If you want to spend less on your selected pillow, consider purchasing the item on a holiday or when discounts are available to save more money.

Heat

Hot sleepers should look for pillows that have cooling materials or technology to avoid getting hot and sweating at night. Many of the materials disperse heat or fail to retain it, making it easier to sleep comfortably in all types of climates. Some of the top pillows in the industry are constructed with copper and graphite to draw the body heat to sleep cooler.

Latex pillows are also known to be more breathable compared to materials like memory foam, which are denser and retain body heat. It’s also important to consider the material on the pillow cover, which should be breathable.

Warranty

Most pillow manufacturers back their products with a warranty to ensure you’re satisfied with the item. Warranties range from one year to five years, depending on the brand and the materials used. Use caution when purchasing a pillow that doesn’t come with a warranty, which can require paying out of pocket to replace it if it fails to hold up well long-term.

Trial Period

Buying a pillow that comes with a trial period is a great way to test it out if you can only purchase it online instead of in-store. This protects your investment and allows you to spend time using it to ensure you’re happy with it. Most companies will allow you to ship it back for free within the trial period.

Size

Pillows vary in size, making it necessary to consider how much support you need and if you’re prone to tossing and turning. The standard sizes include twin, queen, and king. If you prefer to sleep with more than one pillow, a larger king-size pillow can replace two pillows.

What Pillow Sizes are Available? 

There are multiple sizes of pillows available in the industry, depending on your size and the amount of support you need under your neck and head during the night. Researching the dimensions can allow you to determine the best fit for your specific needs and your preferred sleeping position.

Standard – Standard pillows measure 20 x 26 inches and are ideal for side and stomach sleepers because these types of consumers tend to bunch their pillows during the night. This is also an ideal size because it can fit most types of beds without taking up too much space.

Standard pillows can fit all types of pillowcases and can accommodate most sleeping positions. They may not provide sufficient support if you tend to move around a lot.

Queen – Queen pillows have a standard size of 20 x 30 inches and are ideal for restless sleepers who tend to move around a lot at night. This is also an ideal size for those who don’t want to spend as much on a king-size pillow. 

This is the best pillow for side sleepers who are prone to switching sides at night. They can also fit in most standard pillowcases and increase the pillow’s loft and firmness. Stomach sleepers may find this size to be uncomfortable.

King – King pillows measure 20 x 36 inches and are ideal for consumers who sleep on a king or California king mattress due to their width, which can be too large for twin or queen beds. Queen and king sizes are ideal for back sleepers and men due to their broad shoulders. Sleepers who need a higher loft will appreciate the height of this pillow size. King pillows are also versatile because they’re long enough to be used as a body pillow for shorter adults.

Euro – Measuring 26 x 26 inches, Euro pillows are the largest pillow size in the industry and are ideal for those who use their pillow as a backrest to read or watch TV in bed. They also work well as decorative pillows. Many people with chronic pain use them to alleviate pressure on the legs, hip, and back.

For long-term use, they don’t always deliver enough support to the neck and head. The center of Euro pillows is also softer than the outer edge, which can cause them to have a shorter lifespan.

What is Pillow Loft?

When you’re looking for a pillow, it’s important to consider pillow loft. Pillow loft is known as the fill weight of a pillow and ranges from three to five inches. The pillow loft determines how much support your head and neck will have while sleeping and the height it will lay at during the night.

There are three different types of loft, which include light, medium, and full. Side sleepers should consider a full pillow to fill in the gap from the shoulder to the head. The best pillow for back sleepers is a medium pillow for needed support without propping the head up too much for neutral spine alignment.

Stomach sleepers can benefit from a light loft for increased comfort.

The materials used in the pillow will determine the loft. If you’re a combination sleeper, consider purchasing an adjustable pillow that allows you to customize it based on your primary sleeping positions.

Get the Support and Rest You Need with a Quality Pillow

The Layla Kapok Pillow is the best pillow our team tested and reviewed during our extensive process. It accommodates more types of sleepers, especially combination sleepers, and is easy to adjust at any time. The adjustable pillow weighs four pounds and has more density, which allows it to accommodate sleepers who want a firmer pillow that delivers a higher level of support.

While reviewing some of the best pillows in the industry, our team discovered the Layla Kapok Pillow had unique hexagonal stitching, making it set apart from other pillows that may be on your bed. It comes with a thin polyester cover and is more advanced with the addition of copper fibers to remain cool and breathable.

Layla Kapok Pillow

Best Memory Foam Pillow

Layla Kapok Pillow

Check price

The polyfiber and memory foam allow the pillow to remain soft and pliable. With open-celled memory foam, it continues to be breathable. We also gave added points for the naturally-sourced materials, which are healthy to lay on for several hours at a time. 

The adjustable loft allows you to achieve the perfect height, depending on how you sleep. The tiny pores in the memory foam prevent the materials from trapping any heat compared to similar foams used in some of the best pillows in the sleep industry.