Best Memory Foam Pillow

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Buying Guide for Best Memory Foam Pillow

  • Contouring Support: Memory foam pillows conform to the shape of your head and neck, offering personalized support that helps relieve pressure points and maintain proper spinal alignment.
  • Pressure Relief: Ideal for those with neck or back pain, memory foam pillows evenly distribute weight, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders for a more restful sleep.
  • Durability and Longevity: High-quality memory foam pillows are designed to retain their shape over time, offering long-lasting comfort and support compared to traditional pillows.

What is the best pillow for a good night’s rest? For some sleepers, the answer is a memory foam pillow because it can provide a blend of pressure relief, support, and softness to help a sleeper achieve better rest.

In this guide, we cover the types of memory foam pillows, pillow sizes, and pillow lofts available. We go over the pros and cons of memory foam, the expected price and lifespan of a memory foam pillow, and which sleeping styles best benefit from using a memory foam pillow.

Best Pillow for Neck Pain
  • Price Range: $100-$120
  • Material: MicroCushions™ (Shredded Foam)
  • Available Sizes: Queen, King
  • Dimensions: Queen (16" x 27" x 6"), King (16" x 34" x 6")
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Zoned support for optimal neck alignment
  • Breathable design to keep you cool
  • Medium-firm comfort, ideal for various sleep positions
Recommended For
  • Athletes or active individuals needing targeted neck support
  • People who experience neck pain and stiffness
  • Those who prefer a medium-firm feel with responsive memory foam

The Zoma Sports Pillow has earned its place as the best overall pillow due to its adaptive design, perfect for athletes and those with active lifestyles. Its advanced cooling technology ensures you remain comfortable throughout the night, no matter your sleep position.

What makes the Zoma Sports Pillow stand out is its flexible shape, which provides targeted support to the neck and shoulders. This allows for better alignment and can reduce discomfort, making it an excellent option for people who wake up with aches or stiffness.

A noteworthy feature is its breathable, moisture-wicking cover that enhances airflow and keeps the pillow cool. Combined with the pillow’s adjustable loft, this ensures that sleepers can customize their experience to match their individual needs.

Additionally, the Zoma Sports Pillow comes with a 10-year warranty, offering peace of mind to those looking for a long-term investment in their sleep quality.

  • Cooling Technology: Zoma’s Sports Pillow is designed to stay cool throughout the night, ensuring undisturbed sleep even in warmer environments.
  • 10-Year Warranty: With a 10-year warranty covering defects, users can trust that this pillow is built to last.
  • Adjustable Loft: The pillow allows users to customize its height, catering to different sleep positions and preferences, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

The Zoma Sports Pillow is crafted from premium materials to deliver both comfort and durability.

Here’s what sets its construction apart:

  • Shredded Memory Foam: The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, allowing for better airflow while providing responsive support. The foam conforms to your head and neck, ensuring proper alignment and pressure relief.
  • Cooling Gel: Integrated cooling gel helps regulate temperature, keeping the pillow cool and preventing heat build-up during sleep.
  • Moisture-Wicking Cover: The pillow comes with a breathable, moisture-wicking cover, which helps to keep you dry and comfortable, even during hot nights.
  • Adjustable Loft: Users can easily adjust the pillow’s loft by adding or removing foam, providing a tailored experience that meets individual needs.

The Zoma Sports Pillow offers a supportive yet flexible feel, adapting to your neck and head’s natural contours. It provides excellent neck support for side, back, and stomach sleepers, while its cooling features ensure that you stay comfortable through the night.

Many users appreciate the way it molds to their sleeping position, offering an unmatched level of support that enhances both comfort and recovery.

Pros

  • Cooling Technology: The Zoma Sports Pillow stands out for its advanced cooling features, making it ideal for those who tend to sleep hot.
  • Customizable Support: The adjustable loft allows users to personalize the pillow’s height and firmness, catering to various sleep preferences and ensuring proper spinal alignment.
  • 10-Year Warranty: The 10-year warranty ensures long-term peace of mind for users who want a reliable, long-lasting pillow.


Cons

  • Price: The Zoma Sports Pillow is priced higher than traditional pillows, which may be a consideration for those on a tighter budget.

Best Adjustable Loft Pillow

2. Amerisleep Flex Pillow

amerisleep flex pillow
  • Price Range: $100-$120
  • Material: Microflex Cushions
  • Available Sizes: Queen, King
  • Dimensions: Queen (27” L x 16” W), King (34” L x 16” W)
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Adjustable loft for personalized support
  • Cooling cover and breathable design
  • Conforming memory foam for pressure relief
Recommended For
  • Sleepers who prefer customizable loft and firmness
  • Back, side, and stomach sleepers seeking personalized comfort
  • Those who value memory foam with cooling properties

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of customization and support, the Amerisleep Flex Pillow stands out as a top contender. This pillow is designed to cater to a wide range of sleeping preferences, offering adjustable loft options to ensure comfort for side, back, and stomach sleepers alike.

With its adjustable design, you can personalize the pillow’s loft to match your preferred sleeping position. Plus, its breathable materials prevent overheating, allowing you to enjoy a restful sleep. We found the Amerisleep Flex Pillow to be particularly effective in supporting the head and neck, making it an excellent choice for those seeking better spinal alignment.

  • Adjustable Loft: The Amerisleep Flex Pillow allows users to customize the height and firmness by adding or removing fill, ensuring a personalized sleep experience.
  • Cooling Technology: The pillow’s breathable cover helps to regulate temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
  • Shredded Memory Foam: The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, which adapts to the contours of your head and neck, providing responsive support while maintaining proper spinal alignment.
  • Cooling Cover: The pillow features a breathable, moisture-wicking cover that enhances airflow and helps prevent heat build-up.
  • Adjustable Fill: The adjustable fill allows users to tailor the pillow’s loft and firmness to suit their individual preferences, whether they sleep on their back, side, or stomach.

Our testers were impressed by the flexibility and support offered by the Amerisleep Flex Pillow. One user mentioned, “I love how I can adjust the loft to suit my sleep position. It provides just the right amount of support for my neck and shoulders, and the cooling cover keeps me comfortable all night.”

The ability to adjust the pillow’s height was another highlight, making it a great option for those who want a customizable sleep experience.

Pros

  • Customizable Comfort: The adjustable loft allows users to personalize the pillow’s height and firmness, ensuring proper support for different sleep positions.
  • Cooling Technology: The breathable cover helps to regulate temperature and keep you cool during the night.


Cons

  • Price: The Amerisleep Flex Pillow is priced at a premium, which may be a factor for budget-conscious buyers.

Best Value Pillow

3. Vaya Pillow

vaya pillow
  • Price Range: $65-$85
  • Material: UltraSoft Memory Foam
  • Available Sizes: Queen, King
  • Dimensions: Queen (16" x 27" x 6"), King (16" x 34" x 6")
Warranty
3 Years
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Affordable price with premium comfort
  • Adaptive foam that relieves pressure points
  • Breathable cover for a cool sleeping surface
Recommended For
  • Budget-conscious sleepers seeking comfort and durability
  • Side sleepers looking for gentle pressure relief
  • Sleepers who want a balanced, medium-firm pillow

The Vaya Pillow stands out as an excellent choice for sleepers seeking both comfort and value. Designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, this pillow provides the perfect balance of softness and support, ensuring a restful night’s sleep without the premium price tag.

Our team found the Vaya Pillow particularly effective in promoting spinal alignment and alleviating pressure, making it a great option for those who often wake up with neck or shoulder discomfort. Its adaptive foam construction ensures that it conforms to various sleeping positions, catering to a wide range of sleepers, whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper.

  • Pressure-Relieving Foam: The Vaya Pillow is crafted from plush, adaptive foam that molds to your head and neck, offering superior support and pressure relief.
  • Breathable Design: With its breathable foam and cooling cover, the Vaya Pillow helps regulate temperature throughout the night, keeping you cool and comfortable.
  • Affordable Price: Despite its high-quality construction, the Vaya Pillow is priced affordably, making it a great value for those looking for a comfortable and durable pillow without breaking the bank.
  • Comfort Foam: The Vaya Pillow features a single layer of soft, adaptive foam that contours to the shape of your head and neck, ensuring proper support and pressure relief.
  • Cooling Cover: The pillow’s cover is made from a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that enhances airflow and helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool and dry throughout the night.
  • Durable Foam Core: The foam core of the Vaya Pillow provides long-lasting support and maintains its shape over time, ensuring durability even with regular use.

Our testers were impressed by the Vaya Pillow’s soft yet supportive feel. One tester mentioned, “The pillow cradles my head perfectly without sinking too much. It provides the right amount of support for my neck, and I wake up without any stiffness or pain.”

The pillow’s adaptive foam construction allows it to conform to different sleep positions, making it a versatile option for various sleepers. Its breathable design also ensures that it stays cool, preventing overheating throughout the night.

Pros

  • Pressure Relief: The adaptive foam provides excellent contouring and pressure relief, promoting proper spinal alignment.
  • Cooling Technology: The breathable foam and cooling cover help regulate temperature, ensuring a comfortable and cool sleep experience.


Cons

  • Single-Foam Design: While the single foam layer provides solid support, it may not offer the same level of customization or adjustability as pillows with multiple layers or adjustable loft options.

ice cube deluxe
  • Price Range: $89.99
  • Material: Aeropluff Foam
  • Available Sizes: King
  • Dimensions: 24 "x12 "x5"
Warranty
N/A
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Advanced cooling technology keeps you cool
  • Perfect for side sleepers with firm support
  • Gel-infused foam for pressure relief
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers who need temperature regulation
  • Side sleepers looking for specialized support
  • People seeking a firm, cooling pillow for neck alignment

The Pillow Cube Ice Cube has become a go-to choice for sleepers seeking a superior cooling experience at an affordable price point. Our testers found that this pillow delivers a refreshing sleep surface while maintaining excellent support, thanks to its unique design tailored for side sleepers.

The pillow’s innovative cooling technology ensures a consistently cool and comfortable night’s sleep, even for hot sleepers. Whether you’re prone to night sweats or just looking for a pillow that keeps you cool and supported, the Pillow Cube Ice Cube stands out for its adaptability and comfort.

  • Affordable Cooling Solution: The Pillow Cube Ice Cube offers high-end cooling technology at a fraction of the cost of other specialized pillows, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
  • Targeted Support for Side Sleepers: Its unique cubed design is crafted specifically for side sleepers, providing targeted support that cradles the head and neck, helping to maintain spinal alignment.
  • Cooling Cover: The Pillow Cube Ice Cube features a breathable, cooling cover made with advanced temperature-regulating fabric that wicks away heat, ensuring a consistently cool surface.
  • Adaptive Foam Core: The core is composed of high-quality memory foam that contours to the shape of your head and neck, offering excellent pressure relief and support.
  • Supportive Shape: Its signature cube shape is designed to fill the gap between your neck and shoulders, providing ergonomic support for side sleepers and reducing the likelihood of neck pain.

The Pillow Cube Ice Cube offers a unique cooling sensation, combined with the firm, supportive feel side sleepers need. Our testers were impressed with how quickly the pillow adapted to the shape of their head and neck, without compromising on cooling performance. One tester commented, “This pillow keeps me cool all night while offering the perfect support for my neck. I no longer wake up feeling stiff or overheated.”

Its cooling cover works in tandem with the adaptive foam to create a pillow that feels fresh and supportive, providing relief from both heat and pressure.

Pros

  • Effective Cooling Technology: The breathable, temperature-regulating cover ensures you stay cool throughout the night, making it ideal for hot sleepers or those who experience night sweats.
  • Targeted Support: Its cubed design offers optimal support for side sleepers, helping to maintain proper neck and spine alignment, and reducing pressure points.


Cons

  • Firmness Level: The pillow’s firmness, while ideal for side sleepers, may not be as comfortable for those who prefer a softer, more malleable pillow.

Zoma Body Pillow
  • Price Range: $120
  • Material: Gel Memory Foam
  • Available Sizes: One Size
  • Dimensions: 52”x 17”x 6”
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Long, ergonomic design supports the whole body
  • Soft, breathable cover enhances comfort
  • Ideal for reducing pressure points during sleep
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers and pregnant individuals needing full-body support
  • People seeking pressure relief for hips, shoulders, and back
  • Sleepers who enjoy hugging a pillow for comfort

Our team of testers was particularly impressed by the Zoma Body Pillow’s ability to provide full-body support and alleviate pressure points, making it a top choice for sleepers seeking enhanced comfort. The pillow’s ergonomic design supports various sleeping positions, especially for side sleepers who benefit from the alignment it offers. Additionally, its adaptive foam construction ensures that it contours to the body’s natural curves, providing a balanced mix of support and softness throughout the night.

Furthermore, Zoma offers a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that users can rest easy knowing their purchase is protected.

  • Full-Body Support: The Zoma Body Pillow delivers excellent support for the entire body, helping to align the spine and reduce pressure points, especially for side sleepers.
  • Adaptive Foam: Its high-quality adaptive foam construction ensures a blend of softness and support, catering to a wide range of sleep preferences.
  • Cooling Cover: The Zoma Body Pillow features a breathable, cooling cover that helps regulate body temperature throughout the night, ensuring a refreshing sleep surface.
  • Responsive Foam: The pillow is filled with a responsive foam that contours to your body, providing pressure relief while maintaining its shape and support.
  • Ergonomic Shape: The elongated design of the Zoma Body Pillow is specifically crafted to support the entire body, making it ideal for side sleepers or those seeking additional support during sleep.

The Zoma Body Pillow offers a unique combination of comfort and support, providing a restful and balanced sleep experience. Our testers found that the responsive foam filling adapts to different sleep positions, delivering medium-firm support that is especially beneficial for side sleepers.

One user noted, “The pillow supports my hips and shoulders perfectly, which helps alleviate the pressure I usually feel in the morning.” The cooling cover further enhances the sleep experience, ensuring a consistently comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Pros

  • Full-Body Support: The ergonomic design provides excellent support for the spine, hips, and shoulders, making it ideal for side sleepers and those looking for extra support.
  • Durable Construction: The high-quality materials ensure that the pillow maintains its shape and support over time, providing long-lasting comfort.


Cons

  • Bulkier Design: Due to its full-body size, the Zoma Body Pillow may take up more space on the bed, which could be a consideration for couples or those with smaller beds.

amerisleep dual comfort pillow
  • Price: $130-$150
  • Material: Bio-Pur® foam
  • Available Size: Queen, King
  • Dimensions: Queen (27”x 16”x 5” or 6”), King (34”x 16”x 5” or 6”)
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Dual-sided design with soft and firm options
  • Bio-Pur® foam for pressure relief and cooling
  • Adaptive support for multiple sleep positions
Recommended For
  • Sleepers who enjoy alternating between soft and firm surfaces
  • Back and side sleepers who need versatile support
  • People looking for a customizable sleep experience

Our team of testers spent weeks evaluating this pillow, and their findings showcase why it’s an excellent choice for sleepers seeking versatility and adaptability. We were particularly impressed by the pillow’s dual-sided design, which allows users to choose between two distinct comfort levels, catering to a wide range of sleep preferences.

With its superior pressure relief, customizable firmness options, breathable materials, and durable construction, the Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow delivers on all fronts for a personalized sleep experience.

  • Tailored for Multiple Preferences: Our research and analysis led us to select the Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow for its impressive versatility. Its two-sided design offers both a soft and firm option, allowing users to choose the side that best suits their needs.
  • Customizable Comfort Levels: The ability to switch between two firmness levels makes this pillow ideal for those who enjoy changing up their sleep experience without needing to buy a new pillow.
  • Breathable and Cooling Design: The breathable cover and advanced foam materials work together to regulate temperature, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.
  • Quilted Cover: Soft and breathable fabric that promotes airflow, creating a cool and comfortable sleep surface.
  • Comfort Layer (Soft Side): Plush memory foam that adapts to your head and neck, providing a cradling feel and relieving pressure points.
  • Comfort Layer (Firm Side): A firmer foam layer that offers enhanced support and alignment for those who prefer a more structured feel.
  • Support Core: Both sides of the pillow are supported by a responsive core that adds durability and helps maintain the pillow’s shape over time.

Our team of testers found the Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow to offer a versatile, balanced feel suitable for a wide range of sleepers. The soft side provides a plush, pressure-relieving surface that cradles the head and neck, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle contour.

On the firmer side, the pillow offers more structured support, aligning the head and neck without sacrificing comfort. Whether you need extra softness or firmer support, this pillow adjusts to your preferences effortlessly.

Pros

  • Dual-Sided Design: Offers both a soft and firm option, catering to different sleep preferences in one pillow.
  • Pressure Relief: The soft side provides excellent contouring, making it ideal for those who need pressure relief around the neck and shoulders.


Cons

  • Firmness Adjustment: Switching between the two sides requires manually flipping the pillow, which might be an extra step for some users.

  • Price: $119
  • Material: Memory Foam
  • Available Size: Standard
  • Dimensions: 26”x 18”
Warranty
2 Years
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Adjustable fill for personalized loft
  • The soft, breathable cover prevents overheating
  • Contoured design for side sleeper comfort
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers seeking extra neck and shoulder support
  • People who want an adjustable, hypoallergenic pillow
  • Sleepers prone to overheating at night

This premium pillow is specifically designed to cater to side sleepers, combining a soft, adjustable loft with the right amount of support to ensure you experience a comfortable and restful sleep.

The Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow excels in providing customizable comfort, allowing sleepers to adjust the loft to their personal preference. This adaptability helps relieve pressure on the neck and shoulders, areas often strained in side-sleeping positions.

In addition, its breathable cover and high-quality materials ensure that the pillow stays cool throughout the night, preventing overheating and discomfort.

  • Tailored Comfort for Side Sleepers: This pillow is specifically designed for side sleepers who need extra support and cushioning, ensuring proper spinal alignment while relieving pressure on the neck and shoulders.
  • Customizable Loft: Our team of testers was impressed by the pillow’s adjustable design, allowing users to remove or add fill to achieve their preferred level of firmness and height. This ensures a personalized sleep experience that caters to individual comfort needs.
  • Breathable Cover: The pillow features a soft, Tencel-blend cover that enhances airflow, keeping the sleep surface cool and comfortable throughout the night.
  • Shredded Memory Foam Fill: The fill consists of shredded memory foam, which can be adjusted to provide customizable loft and firmness for optimal support.
  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from high-quality, eco-conscious materials, the pillow is both durable and sustainably crafted, providing long-lasting comfort.

Our team of testers described the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow as offering a perfect balance between support and softness. The adjustable shredded memory foam fill creates a plush feel that contours to the neck and shoulders, helping alleviate pressure points that side sleepers often encounter.

One reviewer noted, “This pillow provides the ideal amount of cushioning for my neck and shoulders, without feeling too firm or too soft. I love how I can customize it to my liking, making it a perfect fit for side sleeping.”

Pros

  • Customizable Loft: The adjustable fill allows users to tailor the pillow’s height and firmness to their personal preferences, ensuring optimal support for side sleepers.
  • Pressure Relief: The shredded memory foam contours to the body, relieving pressure on the neck and shoulders, which is especially important for side sleepers.


Cons

  • Frequent Fluffing Required: Due to the shredded memory foam, the pillow may require occasional fluffing to maintain its shape and loft.

weekender
  • Price: $49.99-$59.99
  • Material: Memory Foam
  • Available Size: Standard, Queen, King
  • Dimensions: Standard (25 x 16 x 5), Queen (29 x 16 x 5), King (35 x 16 x 5)
Warranty
3 Years
Sleep Trial
N/A
Shipping
Free
Highlights
  • Gel-infused memory foam for cooling
  • Pressure-relieving support for neck and shoulders
  • Affordable, high-quality option for Amazon shoppers
Recommended For
  • Budget shoppers who prioritize comfort and cooling
  • Back and side sleepers needing pressure relief
  • Sleepers who prefer medium-firm pillows

The Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow stands out as one of the top picks for online shoppers due to its balance of comfort, affordability, and cooling technology. This pillow is designed to provide superior support and pressure relief while maintaining a cool sleep surface throughout the night.

Its gel-infused memory foam ensures that sleepers don’t overheat, making it an excellent choice for those who tend to sleep warm. With its durable construction and positive feedback from thousands of online reviews, this pillow is a trusted favorite among Amazon customers looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly option.

  • Affordable and High-Quality: The Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow offers premium features at an accessible price point, making it a great value for those seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
  • Cooling Gel Technology: The gel infusion in the memory foam helps regulate temperature, preventing heat buildup and ensuring a comfortable, cool sleeping experience.
  • Trusted by Amazon Shoppers: With a large number of positive reviews on Amazon, this pillow has proven itself to be a reliable choice for those who prioritize both comfort and budget.
  • Gel-Infused Memory Foam: The pillow is crafted from high-quality memory foam infused with cooling gel, offering the perfect balance of comfort and temperature regulation.
  • Breathable Cover: A soft, ventilated fabric cover promotes airflow, enhancing the pillow’s cooling properties and providing a breathable, plush surface.
  • Durable Construction: The pillow is made to withstand regular use, maintaining its shape and supportive properties over time without flattening.

Our testers described the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow as providing a supportive and cooling sleep surface that is ideal for those who need pressure relief for the head and neck. The memory foam conforms to the body’s natural contours, helping to alleviate tension and pressure points, especially for side and back sleepers.

One tester noted, “The pillow feels soft yet supportive, and the cooling gel really makes a difference on warm nights. It’s a perfect combination of comfort and value.” The pillow’s medium-firm feel strikes a balance between plushness and support, making it versatile for various sleep preferences.

Pros

  • Cooling Gel Technology: The infusion of cooling gel ensures a comfortable, temperature-regulated sleep, making it ideal for warm sleepers.
  • Pressure Relief: The memory foam conforms to the head and neck, providing excellent support and relieving pressure points, which is especially beneficial for side and back sleepers.
  • Amazon Favorite: With numerous positive reviews, this pillow has earned its place as a best-seller on Amazon, reflecting its reliability and widespread customer satisfaction.


Cons

  • Single Firmness Option: Some users may find the medium-firm feel too soft or too firm depending on their personal preferences, as the pillow is not available in multiple firmness levels.

Why A Memory Foam Pillow?

Memory foam is created by adding materials to polyurethane to make it more viscous and elastic. This means memory foam contours to the body when a sleeper lies down, but quickly reverts to its original shape when the sleeper gets up and leaves the bed.

Memory foam’s ability to shape itself around the sleeper makes it one of the best materials to alleviate pressure and pain. While a memory foam mattress is the best way to relieve pressure points, a memory foam pillow can provide further support and relief for your head and neck.

Types of Memory Foam Pillow

There’s not just one shape when it comes to a memory foam pillow. While there is the traditional solid rectangle available, you can find a variety of other pillow shapes and lengths.

Solid

A solid memory foam pillow comes in different thicknesses to better suit various sleepers.

A one-piece memory foam pillow requires little maintenance— just the occasional spot-cleaning and regular vacuuming. It has a shorter expected lifespan than a shredded memory foam pillow.

Shredded

Instead of one solid block of memory foam, numerous pieces of memory foam fill a pillow for better customization. You can add or take away from the fill to change the pillow’s loft and firmness. The broken-up pieces mean more air can flow through, keeping the pillow cool throughout the night.

A shredded foam pillow can require frequent fluffing, like you would with a feather pillow. Unlike a solid memory foam pillow, many shredded pillows can be machine washed.

Contour

A contour pillow supports the neck’s muscles while you sleep. The pillow has two raised ends, one higher than the other, to let you choose which side provides better neck support. The head rests in the dip between the pillow’s two slopes.

While we recommend contour memory foam pillows for side and back sleepers, stomach sleepers should not use one. A stomach sleeper may aggravate their neck by resting on a contour pillow.

Wedge

A wedge memory foam pillow has a triangular shape made to elevate your head while you sleep.

Wedge pillows can help with a few different health issues. A wedge pillow can help control acid reflux or snoring when used as a head pillow.

For acid reflux, raising the head, neck, and shoulders helps keep stomach contents in place. For snoring, elevating the head prevents the throat’s soft tissue from blocking the airway.

If you have lower back pain, a wedge pillow can help if you place it underneath your knees, with the crook of your knees resting on the pillow’s right angle. This takes the pressure off the lower back area.

Body

A body pillow is large, typically 20 inches wide and 48 to 54 inches long. Twin-bed sleepers may feel cramped with a body pillow, but it should comfortably fit on a full-size mattress or larger.

Many side sleepers benefit from sleeping with a body pillow, as hugging a body pillow can prevent tossing and turning. A body pillow can also help a sleeper make the change to side sleeping.

Pros and Cons of Memory Foam Pillow

Like any material, memory foam has its pros and its cons. It’s one of the best materials for pressure and pain relief, but that might not be what a sleeper most needs from their pillow.

Pros

One of the biggest appeals of memory foam is its pressure and pain relief. If you wake up with neck pain or headaches, a memory foam pillow can help you get a painless night of sleep.

If you need silence to sleep, memory foam is one of the quietest bedding materials. It remains completely silent when you move, unlike a buckwheat or feather pillow.

Memory foam is one of the more versatile pillow fills on the market. Memory foam pillows are typically one solid piece of foam in varying thicknesses and firmnesses, or full of adjustable, shredded foam.

A memory foam pillow is easy to find— you can order one online or find one in the bedding aisle of most department stores.

Cons

The main downfall of traditional memory foam is how it can absorb too much body heat, disturbing sleep. Many brands solve this problem by adding cooling gels to the foam mix, creating gel memory foam. Others mix in graphite, charcoal, or copper for a similar effect.

A memory foam pillow can lack durability, but this mostly applies to a one-piece design. A shredded foam fill lasts about three or four years.

Many sleepers notice an unpleasant smell when first opening their memory foam pillow. This smell results from a process known as “off-gassing” and occurs when organic compounds in the pillow break down at room temperature. The smell should dissipate within a few weeks at most.

Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Pillow?

A memory foam pillow may not be for everyone; it depends on your preferences, sleeping position, and budget. However, a memory foam pillow can help others achieve a better night of sleep.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a mix of support and pressure relief. A high-loft, firm memory foam pillow can keep the neck aligned while soothing pressure points. And a knee or leg pillow between your calves can keep the hips aligned during the night.

Side sleepers spend the night with part of their face pressed into their pillow. We recommend a cooling pillow with a breathable cover to prevent heat retention.

Back Sleepers

A shredded memory foam pillow is a good way for a back sleeper to find their perfect loft and firmness without having to try out numerous pillows. A back sleeper who snores or has acid reflux can alleviate their symptoms with a wedge foam pillow.

Sleepers With Allergies or Asthma

A memory foam pillow can prevent and alleviate allergy or asthma symptoms. The dense structure of memory foam works to keep out allergens and pests such as dust mites and bed bugs. Dust mites, in particular, can worsen allergy symptoms.

A memory foam pillow is a good choice for any sleeper with a natural fiber, feather, or latex allergy. According to Sleep Like The Dead, a quality memory foam pillow should last longer than other hypoallergenic fills such as polyester or down alternatives.

You can use a mite-proof cover on your pillow to further prevent an allergen invasion. Washing your bedding every week can help, too, especially if you wash it in hot water to kill any lingering germs or dust mites.

Sleepers With Neck Pain

If you’ve woken up with a sore or stiff neck, a new memory foam pillow can be just what you need for a better night of rest. A traditional rectangular pillow can mold itself to your head and neck for relief. A contour pillow, however, can help you wake up pain-free by offering separate support for your neck and head.

We recommend staying away from a high-loft or stiff pillow if you experience frequent neck pain. A pillow that’s too high or stiff keeps your neck flexed throughout the night.

Common Sizes of a Memory Foam Pillow

You can find memory foam pillows in a few different sizes, as shown below.

Bed Pillow SizeCommon Pillow Dimensions
Standard20 inches by 26 inches
Super Standard20 inches by 28 inches
Queen20 inches by 30 inches
King20 inches by 36 inches
Body54 inches by 20 inches or 48 inches by 20 inches

Most mattresses can accommodate a standard, super standard, or queen size pillow.

Common Lofts of a Memory Foam Pillow

When we talk of pillow loft, we’re referring to the pillow’s height or thickness. Pillows come in low loft, medium loft, and high loft.

Pillow LoftPillow Height
Low loftLess than 3 inches
Medium loftBetween 3 to 5 inches
High loftMore than 5 inches

The right pillow for you promotes a healthy spine by keeping your head and neck aligned. Your sleeping position and type of mattress can help you figure out what your ideal loft is.

Sleep Styles and Pillow Lofts

Each sleep position works best with a different loft, as the height needed to keep the neck and head aligned changes with your body’s position.

A side sleeper often gets their best sleep on a pillow with a higher loft, between 4 to 6 inches. We recommend side sleepers shop for a firm pillow, rather than a plush pillow that might let their head sink in too deep.

Back sleepers sleep best on a memory foam pillow that falls in the middle when it comes to loft and firmness.

We do not recommend stomach sleeping, as it can cause or aggravate health concerns such as back pain, neck pain, and restless sleeping. We advise stomach sleepers try side sleeping or back sleeping instead.

However, those who choose to continue stomach sleeping should look for a low-loft pillow or skip the head pillow entirely. Instead, we recommend using a pillow underneath the abdomen to better keep the spine aligned.

How Does Mattress Type Impact Loft?

A memory foam mattress or latex mattress molds to your body, leaving less space between your neck and the mattress. So if you sleep on a foam bed, a lower loft pillow keeps your neck properly aligned with the rest of your spine.

If your bed is an innerspring mattress or a hybrid, you won’t sink in as deeply as you would on a foam bed. This creates more space between your neck and the mattress, requiring a higher loft to provide enough support.

How Much Should a Memory Foam Pillow Cost?

Many memory foam pillows fall into the $30 to $75 range, although a few cost more than $100. Extra features such as cooling gels and adjustable loft can increase the price.

Memory foam pillows typically rest in the middle when it comes to pillow prices. Often, a memory foam pillow costs less than a natural fill such as down or buckwheat, and more than a synthetic fill such as down alternative or polyester.

For a queen-size pillow, we recommend a budget between $50 to $80. A lower-cost memory foam pillow is unlikely to give you several years of use.

How Long Should a Memory Foam Pillow Last?

You can expect about three to four years of use from a pillow with memory foam filling. We recommend keeping the pillow receipt in a safe place so you’ll know exactly when you bought it.

This may seem like a short amount of time, but pillows need regular replacing because they absorb dead skin, hair, and sweat. These s inevitably attract dust mites, a microscopic pest many people are allergic to.

The weight of your head flattens your pillow over time, causing it to provide less support. A shredded memory foam pillow tends to last longer than a one-piece pillow since you can fluff the pillow to keep it in shape.

So how do you know when your memory foam pillow needs replacing? If any of the below describes your pillow, it’s probably time to shop around for a new one:

  • Your pillow has developed lumps or is otherwise losing its shape
  • Your pillow has stains that won’t wash out
  • You wake up with neck or shoulder pain
  • You wake up with headaches or have more headaches than normal
  • You wake up tired
  • You see an increase in allergy symptoms after you’ve slept

Taking Care of Your Memory Foam Pillow

To better protect your memory foam pillow, we recommend a pillow cover or protector. Some pillows come with a cover, but if not you may want to take the time to purchase one. A removable cover is easy to wash, and using one can help you get the most out of your pillow.

Wash any pillowcases and pillow covers once a week with your other bedding.

Solid

A solid memory foam pillow should be spot cleaned on a regular basis, ideally about every once every one to two months and at least every six months. Clean your pillow if you’ve recently spilled something on it or if you’ve just recovered from an illness.

Do not put your one-piece memory foam pillow in the washer or dryer, as the agitator may break the foam apart. Instead, gently clean it by hand and allow the pillow to air dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before you pull the cover and pillowcase back on.

To freshen up a one-piece memory foam pillow, sprinkle baking soda on it and give it some sunlight for a couple of hours. Then vacuum the pillow, flip it and repeat the process. Vacuuming your pillow regularly can keep it free of dead skin and allergens.

Shredded

Because a shredded memory foam pillow is already in pieces, it typically can go into a washer and dryer. Read any included care instructions for the recommended water temperature and wash cycle.

Fluff a shredded memory foam pillow regularly to help it keep its shape. You can fluff a pillow manually with your hands or by running it in the dryer for a few minutes.

Sleeping on the Right Mattress

Even the perfect pillow for you can only do so much when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. To get the most out of your bed, sleep on the best mattress for you.

Just as the right pillow works to keep your spine happy by keeping your neck and head supported, the right mattress maintains a healthy spinal alignment.

You don’t have to overspend to find a top-rated mattress, either. It’s possible to find a great mattress for under $1000.

Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Return Policy

Not every pillow comes with a sleep trial, warranty, or return policy. Warranties are far more common than return policies; it’s common for a pillow to be a final-sale item. We advise always shopping for a pillow with a warranty to protect your investment.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial is the time period you have to try out a new pillow. Not every pillow comes with one, particularly the more inexpensive ones.

Some pillow sleep trials last about a month, while others extend to between 90 to 120 days.

Warranty

Warranties provide security for the customer, assuring them the pillow they’re buying is a quality product.

Memory foam pillow warranties often include tears, rips, or splits in the foam extending beyond normal usage. If the pillow comes with a cover, the warranty may only protect the pillow and not any damage to the cover’s fabric or zipper.

Many memory foam pillows need to be replaced every two or three years, although a high-quality pillow may last you about five years. A good warranty will cover at least three years.

We strongly advise against buying a pillow that does not have an attached warranty. Warranties are a measure of the company’s faith, so what does it say if the company doesn’t include a warranty?

Return Policy

A return policy outlines how you process a return, the time period in which you can make a return, and for what reasons you can make a return. To make it easier on yourself, take the time to read through it before you buy rather than wait until you want to return your pillow.

If you still have questions after reading through the policy, contact customer service for answers. We advise choosing a pillow with a return policy that covers at least 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do memory foam pillows flatten?

Memory foam pillows can flatten over time. A shredded memory foam pillow is less likely to flatten than a solid memory foam pillow thanks to the hundreds of pieces inside. When it starts getting flat, you can just fluff it up so it will regain its shape.

Can you wash a memory foam pillow?

You shouldn’t wash a one-piece memory foam pillow because a washing machine can break up the foam. Instead, try vacuuming your pillow every three months.

A shredded foam pillow often is machine-washable.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

Pillows yellow as they age and trap dirt, debris, and sweat. Washing your pillow regularly can help keep it clean and stain-free. Just make sure your pillow is safe to toss into the washer.

What type of pillow is best for side sleeper?

Side sleepers should look for a high loft pillow to support their neck and head. Otherwise, they'll wake up with stiff neck muscles or a headache.

Shredded memory foam pillows are a good choice for side sleepers because their fill is adjustable. They can be fluffed up or flattened. The pillow also adapts as you toss and turn.

Should shoulders be on the pillow when sleeping?

It's better to keep your shoulders off your pillow while resting. If your shoulders are on the pillow, they'll likely create a gap between your neck and the pillow. Without support, your neck muscles will strain to hold up your head and feel sore the next morning.

Did We Help?

A memory foam pillow can provide many sleepers with a restful night of sleep. If you’re unsure what loft and firmness are right for you, we recommend a shredded foam pillow for its adjustability.

When it comes to pillows, what you pay for is typically what you get. Don’t be afraid to invest $10 to $30 more to ensure you get a pillow that will last for years to come.

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson is a sleep, health, and wellness writer and product reviewer. She has written articles on changing and improving your sleep schedule, choosing the right mattress for chronic pain conditions, and finding the best pillow for you. Sarah Anderson has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to working for Zoma, she wrote for a variety of news publications. Sarah's work has been featured on Bustle, PureWow, and other publications.

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