Best Memory Foam Pillow of 2023 | bed base (2023)

Also known as memory foam, memory foam adapts to heat and pressure. The material provides a cradle of support and pressure relief, making it ideal for pillow use.

Memory foam pillows can be solid or crinkled, and many of today's best pillows feature cooling techniques to combat the heat retention inherent in traditional memory foam. Cushions made from this extremely versatile and malleable material are available for every budget.

If you suffer from neck pain or are just looking for a pillow that will support your spine and help you sleep better, look no further. We've rounded up some of our top picks and put together a complete guide to choosing the best memory foam pillow.

Product Details

The Saatva Memory Foam Pillow is another great choice for sleepers whose preferences change from night to night. Features a removable graphite memory foam inner pillow as well as a shredded memory foam core. Simply remove the inner pillow to adjust the pillow's thickness and feel.

The cover is made of breathable organic cotton quilted with phase change material, which allows the pillow to maintain a cool temperature. This makes this pillow suitable for those who find memory foam generally too hot. Air also circulates freely through the crushed core, and this foam is enriched with gel to draw away body heat. The double layers of memory foam also ensure a consistent fit and relief from neck or shoulder pain.

The cover is machine washable and suitable for tumble drying, however it is recommended that you clean the inside of the memory foam pillow. Saatva offers free ground shipping to all customers in the contiguous US. The pillow can be returned up to 45 days after delivery, even if it has been used or washed. It's also backed by a one-year warranty against defects in materials.

Quality memory foam pillows can be pricey, but the Nectar Resident Pillow is a great example of an affordable foam-filled model that can still hold its own against its top competitors. The filling is made of shredded foam that adapts perfectly to the head and neck. You can open the cover and add or remove padding to adjust loft and firmness. Nectar does not sell extra foam in bulk, so keep the pads you remove in case your preferences change in the future. At full volume, the pillow is approximately 6 inches thick.

A mesh cover surrounds the foam. The fabric is very breathable and encourages enough airflow to offset the foam's heat dissipation properties, allowing you to sleep cool despite the deep contour. We recommend the pillow for those who normally sleep warm with memory foam. You should not machine wash the cover or padding, so spot cleaning may be required if stains or stains appear. A pillowcase or protector can help protect your resident's pillow from contamination and physical damage.

Nectar offers free ground shipping within the contiguous United States. Every purchase comes with a generous 50-night sleep trial, during which you can return your resident pillow if you're not satisfied. If you keep your pillow, you still have a 5-year guarantee against certain defects.

The Marlow Pillow is elevated and comfortable, making it a comfortable choice for side sleepers or those with neck pain. The pillow also features an adjustable design that allows sleepers to choose the firmness and height that best suit their needs.

The pillow is filled with a blend of memory foam and polyester that molds perfectly to your head and neck. The pillow is wrapped in a cotton cover that provides a soft, breathable surface. While most pillows only offer one firmness, the Marlow has a unique zipper construction that allows sleepers to adjust firmness and height with a simple zipper. Those who prefer a firmer, taller pillow can close the side of the pillow. If you like softer, thinner pillows, just unzip the side.

Side sleepers need a pillow high enough to support their head but firm enough to cradle their neck and prevent pressure buildup. With its memory foam filling and adjustment options, the Marlow is a great choice for side sleepers to find the perfect fit for their needs. The pillow is also ideal for people whose volume and firmness preferences may change overnight.

The Marlow pillow comes with a 2-year warranty and a generous 365-day return policy, which is rare for a pillow. Pillows are shipped free within the contiguous United States.

Memory foam pillows are known for their excellent contouring, but the Original Groove pillow stands out from other memory foam pillows we've tested thanks to a unique shape that improves contour while adding support where it's needed most. This combination makes the pillow a good choice if spinal alignment is important to you.

The pillow is made entirely of memory foam, which fits perfectly to our head and neck during the test. The ergonomic design features a soft recess that wraps around the head and effectively reduces pressure buildup. Meanwhile, the raised parts of the pillow ensured that our testers' heads were properly supported. We've found that this combination of contouring and support works best for side and back sleepers.

Dip-style polyester cover is soft to the touch and removable. You can wash it in a household machine. When compared to other memory foam pillows we've tested, the Groove is reasonably priced. It comes with a 100-night trial and free shipping on orders over $150.

Memory foam is known to retain heat. Brooklyn Bedding's luxurious memory foam pillow features a proprietary fabric cover that promotes airflow and a fresh night's sleep. By drawing heat away from your body, this material can offset the uncomfortable heat that often occurs when memory foam traps heat.

The core is made of firm memory foam that fits evenly around the head and neck. In terms of strength, customers can choose between two options. The 4.5-inch thickness is mid-range loft that should be fine for back sleepers, while the thicker 6-inch design provides the increased support many side sleepers need. A medium feel ensures that most people can enjoy the soft cushioning of the foam without sinking too far into the pillow. You can remove the cover and machine wash it whenever it needs cleaning.

Brooklyn Bedding offers the pillow in queen and king sizes. The price points for both are quite affordable compared to memory foam pillows from competing brands, and all customers in the contiguous US are eligible for free ground shipping. The sleep test lasts for 30 nights and all orders are guaranteed for 1 year against structural defects.

The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow has a unique design that fits most people, regardless of their primary sleeping position or general firmness preferences. The pillow's reversible design features a quilted side with alternating tufts of plush. Shredded memory foam pillows on the other side provide a slightly firmer feel to help prevent neck pain. Your purchase also comes with a firm memory foam insert that can be added to increase loft and make the pillow firmer.

During our tests, the side sleepers on our team agreed that the insert made a big difference in their comfort level. People who occupy this position generally prefer thicker pillows that keep the head and neck in line with the spine. Our back and stomach sleepers felt more comfortable without the pillow. As the insert can be inserted and removed without any problems, the pillow is also suitable for combination sleepers who change position at night.

A layer composed of bamboo viscose surrounds the filling. This fabric is highly breathable and has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable on muggy nights. Mesh panels along the edge also promote airflow throughout the interior. As a result, the LAYR should be a good choice for people who normally sleep warm on memory foam.

The cover and insert covers can be washed in your home washing machine. You can also put the soiled pillow in the dryer to help it regain its shape if it becomes flattened with prolonged use. Standard/queen and king sizes are available. Customers who order two pillows with purchase receive 50% off the second model.

The customizable LAYR pillow is competitively priced and offers free standard shipping to customers in the contiguous US. Luxome allows pillows to be returned as new and undamaged within 30 days from the date of delivery.

If you're a mixed sleeper, the most comfortable pillow probably depends on the position you're using. Side sleepers usually need a tall, thick pillow, back sleepers generally prefer a medium profile, and belly sleepers are often comfortable with thin pillows that don't lift the neck too much. Silk & Snow Pillow's adjustable design allows you to use any position you like. Simply add or remove shredded memory foam from the pillow's core to achieve the ideal thickness for your current position.

Alternative down fibers fill the outer chamber of the pillow. These fibers mimic the natural softness of real down without causing allergy symptoms, using animal-derived materials or storing excessive heat. A 100% cotton cover provides breathability and extra softness. You can machine wash the outer chamber, but the memory foam should not be washed under any circumstances.

Our test team was impressed with the pad's adjustability. Side sleepers prefer the full-coverage padding that cushions the space between your head and your downturned shoulders. Most of our back sleepers have 20-40% of the padding removed to ensure proper height without straining the neck. For our team's stomach sleepers, the pillow is most comfortable when at least 50% of the filling is removed.

The Silk & Snow pillow is competitively priced compared to many competing models, and shipping is free to customers in the contiguous US and Canadian provinces. Your order includes a sample of 100 nights of sleep with a mandatory 30-night break-in period. If you decide to keep the pillow after the trial period, you also get a 3-year warranty against material defects.

If you're a side sleeper, you'll probably need a thick, tall pillow that fills the space between your head and your downturned shoulder. Lower profile pillows may not provide enough cushioning, which can lead to poor spinal alignment and pressure points. The Layla Memory Foam Pillow is fully adjustable so you can sleep comfortably no matter how much space you need. An interior pocket contains the shredded foam and fiberfill so you can easily adjust the thickness.

Since the filling is made from alternative fibers, this pillow doesn't feel overly huggable or "hugging" your head and neck. This can be an advantage if you don't like the qualities common in traditional memory foam pillows. However, the foam provides good cushioning if you live with frequent neck or shoulder pain. A breathable polyester pad surrounds the stuff bag. You could technically wash the entire pillow in the machine, but that might require multiple drying cycles. Layla recommends separating the bag from the cover and washing just the cover.

Side sleepers on our test team generally liked the pillow. Most preferred the pillow at full or near full volume. Back sleepers are comfortable with less padding and a lower profile, while stomach sleepers remove most of the padding to minimize neck strain. We found the pillow to be quite pliable during our testing and would recommend it to anyone who likes to snuggle up to a pillow while they sleep.

The memory foam pillow is well priced and the Layla ships free to all customers in the contiguous US. The company's generous sleep test lets you try the pillow for up to 120 nights before deciding whether to return it for a refund or keep it.

Memory foam pillows can be beneficial if you frequently wake up with a stiff or sore neck, especially those with firm foam cores. The Nectar Graphite Pillow is a standout model, thanks in part to its cover, which is woven with cooling fibers to reduce heat build-up common in foam pillows. A graphite infusion in the core provides additional temperature control.

Due to its medium feel (5), the pillow should have a firm contour without sagging too much. The cover is soft to the touch to accentuate the foam's deep cushioning. At 5 inches thick, the pillow is a great choice for side and back sleepers who need a little more height. The lid is non-removable so a spot cleaning is required if the lid becomes stained or stained. Standard and king sizes are available.

An affordable price and free shipping to the contiguous US make the graphite pillow a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers. You also get a 50-night trial with your order, as well as a 5-year manufacturer's warranty if you decide to keep the pillow.

If you sleep on your side, it's important to choose a pillow that promotes spinal alignment; Otherwise, you will likely experience neck and shoulder pain. The DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow offers a high profile with a 5.5-inch loft and a reinforced design to maintain a full shape. Generous padding to bridge the gap between the head and the turned-down shoulder helps ensure proper alignment throughout the night.

Our tests also show that back sleepers may find the Best Rest comfortable, as long as they prefer their pillows on the thicker side. People who sleep on their stomachs, on the other hand, may need a lower profile pillow to reduce the likelihood of neck strain. A breathable mesh cover surrounds the foam. You can remove the cover and spot clean if smudges or smudges appear. We recommend using a pillowcase or pillow protector to protect the insert from permanent damage. Standard and king sizes are available.

The Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow is priced below average for this type of pillow, and shipping is free in the continental United States. Your order includes a generous 50-night trial, during which return shipping is also free.

How to choose a memory foam pillow

Viscoelastic is a type of polyurethane foam that has been treated with chemicals to give it special properties. It's also known as memory foam, a nickname that accurately describes how the material softens and forms in response to heat and pressure, and gradually regains its shape once the heat and pressure are dissipated.

Memory foam is popular in pillows because it conforms to the head and neck and provides a support surface that can be adjusted to the user. This form-fitting material is unrivaled in its ability to relieve pressure points.

In this section, we'll look at the pros and cons of memory foam and cover some of the most important things to consider when shopping for a memory foam pillow.

What should be considered when purchasing a memory foam pillow?

The market is flooded with manufacturers toying with their memory foam to give it different qualities, such as using gel infusions to achieve better temperature neutrality. Some proprietary foams are successful in their goals, but it can be very hard to tell until you try the pillow for yourself.

Before purchasing a memory foam pillow, it's important to understand the basics of how it's constructed and what your options are. By focusing on the following factors, you can beat the hype to choose the best memory foam pillow for you.

Memory foam pillows come in two types: one-piece and shredded.

• One piece:One Piece Memory Foam Pillows are made from a single solid block of memory foam. It can be shaped like a traditional pillow or a custom shape that mimics the curves of your head and neck. One-piece memory foam pillows are very comfortable and slow to respond to pressure. They tend to spring back to their original shape when you lift your head off the pillow.
• Cracked:Shredded memory foam pillows may contain 100% memory foam or may be blended with other materials such as latex or fiberfill. The benefit of using memory foam in a shredded form is that users can add or remove filling material to adjust the pillow's fill level to their liking, as well as customize the pillow's shape to some extent. Shredded memory foam generally allows more room for airflow than a one-piece memory foam pillow.

Here are some other factors to consider when shopping for your pillow:

• sleeping position:Your sleeping position is one of the most important factors that determine what type of pillow you should choose. One-piece memory foam pillows tend to be taller and better suited for side sleepers, while stomach sleepers often prefer shredded memory foam pillows that have removed most of the loft.
• Preis:Memory foam pillows are mid-range in price, with shredded memory foam pillows being slightly more expensive than one-piece pillows. Some companies offer free pillows with the purchase of a mattress, which can be a good option if the pillow fits your needs.
• Pressure relief:The memory foam provides exceptional pressure relief, and the one-piece, crinkled memory foam pillows fit snugly to prevent pressure buildup on the head and neck. Because of its adaptability, memory foam is often used in special orthopedic pillows to help people with neck pain or other problems.
• Quality materials:Memory foam eventually loses its ability to return to its original shape, which in turn affects its ability to relieve pressure. A higher quality foam pillow will last longer than an inferior one, a difference that is often reflected in the price.
• Degree of hardness:The ideal firmness of your pillow depends on your sleeping position, body type and personal preferences. Most memory foam pillows are medium to medium soft. One-piece memory foam pillows only offer one level of firmness, but many crinkled memory foam pillows allow users to adjust the firmness level slightly by adding or removing filling.
• Attic:A pillow of the right height or height will help keep your head and back in line and prevent neck pain. One-piece memory foam pillows generally have a medium to high filling power, while crushed memory foam pillows can adjust the filling power to virtually any level. While not as customizable as shredded memory foam pillows, some solid foam pillows have removable inserts, allowing users to choose between two or more configurations.
• Cooling properties:Heat build-up in the pillow can make you feel uncomfortably hot and disturb your sleep. Memory foam is known for its ability to retain heat, although manufacturers today employ many techniques to address this issue. Of course, crushed memory foam naturally allows more room for airflow, so a crushed pillow sleeps cooler than a one-piece pillow, all other things being equal.

What are the pros and cons of a memory foam pillow?

Memory foam has unrivaled contouring abilities that make it one of the best pillow materials for pressure relief and support. However, memory foam also has some disadvantages, the most notable being its tendency to retain heat. The material is also slow to respond to pressure, which some people like, but can be limiting when changing positions.

One piece x shredded memory foam pillows

Here are some of the key differences between one-piece and shredded memory foam pillows:

• Personalization:Both the one-piece and shredded memory foam pillows can be customized to some extent. Shredded memory foam pillows usually have a zipper that allows users to open the pillow and add or remove filling to adjust the height. It's a good idea to save the stuffing in case you want to make your pillow bigger. While they cannot be adjusted in the same way as crushed memory foam pillows, one-piece pillows sometimes have removable inserts that give the user multiple loft options.
• malleability:Crushed memory foam pillows have the distinct advantage over one-piece pillows in that they can be molded into virtually any shape. This is very convenient for people who like to use the pillow in different positions.
• Weight:Memory foam pillows weigh more than fiber or down filled equivalents, many weighing 2.5 pounds or more. By design, shape-cut memory foam weighs less than the equivalent volume of solid foam.
• heat storage:Shredded memory foam pillows generally maintain a more neutral temperature because the design allows space for air circulation between the pieces. That said, some one-piece memory foam pillows have cutouts or channels that allow air to flow freely and dissipate heat.
• Fluff:One-piece memory foam pillows are easy to care for and don't need to be fluffed. Shredded memory foam pillows can become lumpy if not fluffed regularly, but the benefit of shredded pillows is that many of them are machine washable.
• Support:One-piece memory foam pillows tend to be firmer and hold their shape better than crushed memory foam pillows, which may need to be readjusted whenever you change positions.

Who is a memory foam pillow best for?

Memory foam pillows are generally best for side sleepers, back sleepers, and anyone who suffers from neck pain or prefers a pillow with a higher loft. while youbest pillowThis depends in part on your body type and personal preference. Here are some general considerations when choosing a memory foam pillow based on sleeping position and other factors.

• Sleepers with neck pain:Many sleepers are able to reduce neck pain with a memory foam pillow. Thanks to the shape memory foam's moldability, these pillows are able to cradle the natural curves of your neck and head to provide the support you need.
• side slats: extra bedsYou need a taller, firmer pillow that supports your head and relieves pressure on your shoulders. Memory foam pillows are just the ticket, especially the firmer memory foam pillows, and can often be adjusted to individual preferences.
• back sleepers:Back sleepers do best with a moderately high pillow that keeps the spine at a natural angle. Memory foam's ability to compress in response to pressure makes it a perfect candidate for manyback sleepers, as the sleeper's head can sink low enough to reach a comfortable height relative to the body.
• High Loft Bedroom:Most memory foam pillows are quite large and crushed memory foam pillows can be stuffed to the brim to make them even bigger. This makes them ideal for people who like a tall pillow.

Who is not eligible:

• hot platters:Memory foam is known to trap heat, so it's not the best choice for those who are naturally hot or live in hot climates. If you're a hot sleeper but like the feel of memory foam, you have the option of using a shredded memory foam pillow or a one-piece pillow with vents or air channels cut out. These techniques help improve airflow and reduce heat retention. have some pillowscooling elementsand extract heat from the sleeper through gel, graphite or copper infusions, or get a cool surface with phase change material.
• stomach numbness: SleeperThey usually require a flatter pillow to keep the neck in line with the spine. While some shredded memory foam pillows are fine, it's not usually the best material. That said, stomach sleepers use their pillows differently, so the ideal height varies from person to person. Some stomach sleepers may be satisfied with the adjustability of a shredded memory foam pillow, which allows them to form a lower loft pillow.

What memory foam pillow sizes are available?

Memory foam pillows generally come in the following sizes, although exact dimensions may vary by manufacturer:

• Standard (20" x 26"): Standard pillows are the smallest and most commonly used and can be used on any size bed.
• Super Standard (20" x 28"): Super Standard pillows are relatively rare. At half the length of a standard and queen pillow, they can accommodate any mattress up to a queen.
• Queen (20" x 30") - Queen size pillows are usually available as an alternative to standard pillows. They give a little more room to play for those who move around at night or like to sleep with their pillow folded or crumpled.
• King (20" x 36") - King pillows not only provide plenty of space when sleeping, but are also one of the most comfortable sizes to lean against when sitting up in bed. Most online bedding companies offer king size pillows.
• Body Pillow (54" x 20" OR 48" x 20"): Body pillows are long and thin and designed for snuggling. They are most commonly used by side sleepers, who place them between their legs to keep their hips in line and reduce stress on their lower back. Body pillows can also be an invaluable sleeping aid for pregnant women, providing comfortable back support when seated.

Memory foam pillows FAQ