Best Pillows of 2025
By Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach 
Trust Zoma for expert insights on sleep wellness. Our dedicated team, including sleep science coaches, engineers, and product evaluators, meticulously investigates mattresses using our athlete-informed product methodology. We provide precise and trustworthy articles, continually updating content with the latest scientific breakthroughs. Count on us for top-rated, personally reviewed mattresses that prioritize comfort and performance, elevating your rest to its highest potential.
For something we sleep on every night, how much thought do we put into choosing a new pillow? While you can easily pick up pillows at your local department store, what you find there may not be the best pillow for you. The wrong pillow can leave you groggy and sore the next morning, so it’s crucial to find your perfect match. We’ve put together this guide to cover the different pillow types, sizes, heights, and fills you can find and what sleepers they might pair best with. We go over the health concerns the right pillow can alleviate, how much to budget for a pillow, and how to take care of your pillow to get the most out of it. All of this information can help you find the right pillow for you. Our team of sleep experts found the Zoma Sports Pillow to be the top performer across the board. Designed with athletes in mind, this pillow excels in offering a blend of support and comfort that truly enhances sleep quality. Its responsive design cradles the head and neck, adapting to various sleep positions effortlessly. We particularly appreciated the breathable cover that helps regulate temperature, ensuring a cool and restful night. The Zoma Sports Pillow’s ability to maintain its shape, even under pressure, impressed us during testing. It’s perfect for those with active lifestyles who need a pillow that can keep up with them, providing the right balance of firmness and cushioning. Optimal Support Breathable and Cool Memory Foam Core: Breathable Cover: The Zoma Sports Pillow provides a balanced feel that perfectly blends support and comfort. It feels responsive, contouring gently to your head and neck without sinking too deeply. The pillow offers a medium-firm feel, which our testers found ideal for maintaining spinal alignment while still being soft enough to feel luxurious. Its breathable cover adds a cool and refreshing touch, making it particularly comfortable for those who tend to sleep hot. One of our users Jessica T. shared: “This pillow has been a game-changer for my sleep! As someone who works out regularly, I needed something that supports my neck without feeling too stiff. The Zoma Sports Pillow strikes the perfect balance. Plus, it stays cool all night!” When it comes to customization, the Amerisleep Flex Pillow stands out as the best in its class. Our team was particularly impressed with the pillow’s adjustable loft feature, allowing users to fine-tune the height and firmness to suit their individual sleep needs. Whether you prefer a flatter pillow or something more substantial, the Flex Pillow adapts seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for all sleep positions. The soft, breathable cover also adds to its appeal, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. During our testing, we noticed how easily this pillow can be adjusted, making it perfect for those who frequently change positions or who share a bed with someone who has different sleep preferences. Customizable Comfort: Superior Temperature Control: Adjustable Microfiber Fill: Cooling Cover: The Amerisleep Flex Pillow feels incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust it to your perfect level of comfort. It offers a soft, plush feel when filled generously while reducing the fill gives it a flatter, firmer sensation. Our testers appreciated the pillow’s ability to adapt to different sleep positions, providing a comfortable experience whether you prefer a loftier cushion or a more compact surface. The pillow’s cover is smooth and cool to the touch, enhancing the overall sensation of a comfortable, tailored sleep experience. Mark L. shared: “I love that I can adjust this pillow to exactly how I like it. Whether I’m sleeping on my side or back, I can tweak the loft to make it just right. It’s super soft and breathable too!” When we tried to find the best value pillow, the Vaya Pillow emerged as a clear winner. Despite its budget-friendly price, this pillow offers a level of comfort and support that rivals much more expensive options. Our testers were particularly impressed by its plush feel and ability to maintain consistent support throughout the night. The pillow’s breathable foam helps to regulate temperature, making it a great option for those who sleep hot. Its responsive nature ensures that it adapts to your head and neck, providing the right amount of give without sacrificing support. High-Quality at an Affordable Price: Plush Yet Supportive: Plush Foam Core: Breathable Cover: The Vaya Pillow offers a plush, inviting feel that strikes a perfect balance between softness and support. When you lay your head on it, the pillow feels instantly comfortable, cradling your head without excessive sinking. The foam core is responsive, offering a gentle bounce-back that keeps your neck and head well-supported throughout the night. Emma S. commented: “For the price, this pillow is unbeatable! It’s super comfortable, and I feel supported no matter how I sleep. It’s soft but doesn’t flatten out like some other pillows I’ve tried.” For those who struggle with overheating at night, our team found the Pillow Cube Ice Cube to be the ultimate cooling solution. This pillow is specifically designed to keep you cool and comfortable, thanks to its advanced cooling technology and breathable materials. Our testers noticed a significant difference in temperature regulation compared to other pillows, making it an excellent choice for hot sleepers. The pillow’s unique shape is also perfect for side sleepers, offering targeted support to the neck and shoulders while ensuring proper spinal alignment. Advanced Cooling Technology: Ideal for Side Sleepers: Cooling Gel-Infused Foam: Cool-to-the-Touch Cover: The Pillow Cube Ice Cube feels uniquely cool and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for those who tend to overheat at night. The gel-infused foam core creates a cooling sensation that’s noticeable as soon as you lay your head down. It has a firm yet supportive feel, particularly suited for side sleepers who need a pillow that maintains its shape and supports the neck and shoulders. David R. shared: “This pillow is a must-have for anyone who sleeps hot. I’ve never had a pillow that stayed this cool throughout the night.” If you’re someone who appreciates versatility in a pillow, the Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow is likely to impress. Our team was excited by its dual-sided design, offering two distinct comfort options in one pillow. One side provides a firmer feel, ideal for those who need more support, while the other offers a softer, more plush experience. During our tests, we found this dual-sided feature to be incredibly convenient, allowing users to switch between firmness levels depending on their mood or sleep position. The pillow’s breathable cover also helps in maintaining a cool sleeping environment, enhancing overall comfort. With its adaptable design and thoughtful construction, it is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys having options. Two Comfort Options in One: Adaptable and Versatile: Dual-Sided Foam Core: Breathable and Soft Cover: This pillow offers two distinct sensations in one pillow, making it versatile and adaptable to different comfort needs. The firmer side feels supportive and structured, ideal for those who prefer more resistance and need solid neck support. The softer side, on the other hand, provides a plush, cushioned feel that’s perfect for sinking into after a long day. Our testers loved the ability to switch between the two, depending on their mood or sleep position, making it a truly versatile pillow. Our team’s testing revealed the Zoma Body Pillow as the top choice for those seeking full-body support. This pillow is designed to cater to those who prefer hugging or positioning a pillow alongside their body for extra comfort. We found that the Zoma Body Pillow offers the perfect balance of softness and support, making it a great companion for side sleepers and pregnant individuals alike. The pillow’s ergonomic design helps alleviate pressure points, promoting better spinal alignment, and reducing discomfort. Its breathable cover also ensures a cool sleep experience, even when snuggled close. Comprehensive Body Support: Ergonomic Design: Shredded Microfiber Fill: Cooling Cover: The Zoma Body Pillow feels like a full-body hug, offering a comforting and supportive experience from head to toe. It’s soft and pliable, allowing you to mold it to your body for customized support. Whether you’re a side sleeper looking to cradle the pillow or someone who enjoys the extra comfort of a body pillow, it provides a cushioned, cozy sensation that helps alleviate pressure points. Amanda C. shared: “This body pillow is amazing! It’s so soft and supports me perfectly when I’m sleeping on my side. It really helps with my back pain, and I can’t sleep without it now.” — Side sleepers often face the challenge of finding a pillow that provides adequate neck support without compromising comfort. Our team found the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow to be the perfect solution. This pillow is specifically crafted to contour to the unique shape of side sleepers, offering excellent support for the head, neck, and shoulders. During testing, we were impressed by its adjustable fill, which allows users to customize the pillow’s height and firmness to their liking. The breathable, soft cover adds to its overall appeal, keeping the pillow cool throughout the night. We highly recommend this pillow for side sleepers looking to improve their sleep quality with a pillow tailored to their needs. Tailored for Side Sleepers: Adjustable Fill for Custom Comfort: Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam: Cooling and Soft Cover: The Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow feels tailor-made for side sleepers, offering a plush, supportive sensation that cradles the head and neck perfectly. The pillow feels soft yet substantial, providing just the right amount of give to maintain comfort without compromising on support. Our testers loved how it contours to the neck and shoulders, helping to reduce tension and promote proper spinal alignment. The adjustable fill allows for further customization, ensuring a sleep experience that feels personalized and deeply comfortable. One of our users John D. reviewed: “As a side sleeper, I’ve always struggled to find a pillow that supports my neck properly. The Easy Breather is perfect—it’s adjustable and feels just right. My neck pain is gone!” For those who prefer shopping on Amazon, the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow offers a reliable and convenient option. Our team was particularly impressed with the pillow’s cooling gel-infused memory foam, which provides excellent support while helping to regulate temperature. We found that this pillow adapts well to different sleep positions, making it a versatile choice for various sleepers. The soft, breathable cover enhances overall comfort, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. During our testing, we appreciated the pillow’s balance of firmness and plushness, which contributes to its wide appeal. Given its accessibility and performance, we believe the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow is the best choice for those seeking a high-quality pillow available on Amazon. Cooling Gel-Infused Memory Foam: Versatile for All Sleep Positions: Gel-Infused Memory Foam: Soft and Breathable Cover: The Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow feels cool and supportive, with a medium-firm texture that adapts to your head and neck. The gel-infused memory foam creates a balanced sensation, combining the contouring comfort of memory foam with a cooling effect that prevents overheating. Our testers found it comfortable across various sleep positions, appreciating its ability to provide a consistent, supportive feel throughout the night. The pillow feels soft to the touch, yet it offers enough resistance to keep your head and neck properly aligned. Lisa W. reviewed: “This pillow is a great find on Amazon! It’s cool and comfortable, and I like how it supports my head without being too firm. It’s been a big improvement in my sleep quality.” What image first pops into your mind when you think of pillows? In all likelihood you think of the standard white, rectangular pillow. But there are many more types of pillows available, from bolster pillows to wedge pillows. This is the everyday, common bed pillow. The super standard is typically two inches longer. A body pillow is designed to be between 4 to 4 ½ feet long. Holding onto one can keep you from tossing and turning while you sleep. Many side sleepers find they sleep better with a body pillow placed between their arms and legs. A neck pillow is shaped like a “U” and wraps around your neck to support your head and neck muscles. Travelers often use it as a carry-on pillow, but it can soothe chronic pain in day-to-day living. A wedge pillow has a sloped shape with triangles for its sides. It elevates your head while you sleep. A wedge pillow can help alleviate a few different health issues: A bolster pillow is a long and narrow pillow, usually cylindrical although it can also be rectangular, half-circular, or bow-shaped. A bolster pillow is often used as a head pillow or under the knees. Some people hold a bolster pillow while they sleep, use it as an exercise prop, or keep it on the bed as a decorative pillow. A pregnancy pillow is a U-shaped pillow meant to wrap around the body. The pillow’s design can prevent tossing and turning and relieve pregnancy pains. To use a pregnancy pillow, place the pillow between the knees so the curve of the “U” cushions your head. Your stomach and back should be resting on opposite sides of the “U.” A lumbar pillow is thin and rectangular, designed to comfortably fit between your spine and the mattress. If your mattress cannot contour to your spine, then a gap forms between the small of your back and the mattress. A lumbar pillow can provide the support needed to prevent chronic back pain. A contour pillow is designed to support and relieve pressure in your neck muscles. A contoured pillow has two curves or slopes at each end, with one resting higher than the other. The shallow curve between the two slopes is where the head rests. A sleeper chooses which slope they find more comfortable for their neck. While a contoured pillow is a good way for side and back sleepers to alleviate neck pain, stomach sleepers should not use one. The pillow’s design can cause neck pain rather than relieve it if you use it while on your stomach. A European pillow is square, not rectangular. They are often used as decoration around the home, or as headrests and backrests when you’re on the couch or sitting up in bed. There’s a wide variety of materials you can fill a pillow with. The fill of a pillow can determine its feel, durability, and price. Some fills are natural, others synthetic. There is no one “best” pillow fill, and often what’s best for you comes down to personal preference. Down pillows come from the soft plumage underneath the feather coats on geese or ducks. Down is often preferred as a fill over other feathers because it lacks quills that may poke through a pillowcase. To qualify as a down pillow, the fill must be at least ¾ down. Down pillows are some of the fluffiest pillows available. Down is a lightweight and moldable fill that can last for quite a few years. Signs a down pillow grows old are an increased softness and down feathers falling out of the pillow. The main drawback to a down pillow is its price tag. Down pillows can also require more maintenance than other pillow types, as you may have to fluff a pillow often to keep it in shape. A down alternative pillow contains synthetic material, often polyester fibers, made to mimic the feel of a down pillow. There are many different types of synthetic fibers used as down alternative fills, such as gel fiber and microfiber. A down alternative pillow is typically cheaper than a down pillow but often comes with the trade-off of not lasting as long as a real down pillow would. It may require frequent fluffing to keep in shape and the material is prone to developing lumps. However, down alternative can be a great substitute for a sleeper with a down allergy. A feather pillow feels firmer than a down pillow, and the feathers also come from geese and ducks. Feather pillows typically have no more than 10 percent down in their fill for added softness. A feather pillow is less expensive than a down pillow while still providing softness and malleability, but the fill comes with its own setbacks. The feathers’ quills may poke the sleeper, disturbing sleep. A small percentage of feather pillow owners complain of a lingering smell. While a feather pillow can last a while, they typically do not last as long as a down pillow would. Like down, feather pillows can require frequent fluffing to keep their shape. Memory foam is a popular material for sleepers suffering from chronic pain, as the foam molds to the body for pressure and pain relief. If you experience frequent neck pain, a memory foam pillow can be the key to a better night of sleep. There are two main types of memory foam pillows: a pillow containing one large block of memory foam or a pillow with shredded memory foam. A one-piece memory foam pillow contours to your neck and head. They’re available in different lofts to suit different types of sleepers. Traditional memory foam can overheat, disturbing your rest. Many manufacturers counter this by infusing the foam with cooling gels, creating a gel memory foam pillow. A shredded memory foam pillow allows for more customization; you can remove the shredded fill or add some more for a softer or firmer feel. Shredded memory foam stays cool more naturally than a solid foam pillow, as the space between the shredded pieces allows for better airflow. Like memory foam, latex contours to the head and neck for pressure and pain relief. Latex is more durable than memory foam, keeping its shape after extended use. It’s a breathable material unlikely to overheat the sleeper. However, latex is typically not as adjustable as other foam pillows, thanks to its density and bounciness. Its density also makes latex one of the heavier pillows you’ll find. Some sleepers find latex is a firmer pillow than they thought it would be. A buckwheat pillow is filled with the hulls from buckwheat seeds. The fill is natural, hypoallergenic, and adjustable. Like memory foam, the hulls should mold to the head and neck for pressure and pain relief. Buckwheat hulls retain little heat, which makes for a cooling pillow. The main drawback of a buckwheat pillow is the noise it makes as you move about, so it may not be the fill of a choice for a restless sleeper. Buckwheat is also one of the more expensive pillow types, averaging about $75. Caring for a buckwheat pillow can be difficult, as buckwheat hulls cannot be washed. To freshen up a buckwheat pillow, you can air out it out in the sun for a few hours. Microbeads are the synthetic counterpart to buckwheat, mimicking buckwheat’s breathability and malleability. However, the chemicals making up microbeads can emit an unpleasant smell. Like other synthetic alternatives, microbeads have a shorter expected lifespan than their natural counterparts. Microbeads work as a budget-friendly option, but they aren’t made to last. Cotton is a natural, breathable material. It’s affordable and keeps you cool while you sleep. However, it is not the most durable of materials, and cotton pillows tend to clump up or flatten with use. Wool is an all-natural pillow fill. While soft and breathable, wool is not the most responsive of pillows and may be unable to mold to your shape. Much like cotton, wool can clump up or flatten with use, compromising its support. The material for a Kapok filling comes from the fibers inside the pods of the Kapok tree. It is an all-natural filling with a feel similar to a down or feather pillow. Kapok is free of harmful chemicals, unlike some synthetic fillings such as microbeads or polyester. Polyester is an inexpensive, lightweight, and shapeable filling. You can find polyester-filled pillows in the bedding section of many department stores, often costing less than $20. However, these pillows often develop lumps or grow flat quickly after use, leaving them unable to provide good support. Some sleepers may find their bodies irritated by the harsher chemicals typically found in polyester pillows. Overall, we do not recommend polyester pillows unless you’re looking for a temporary pillow or you’re shopping on an extremely tight budget. A water pillow operates like a water bed, where you fill it with water. It’s a conforming, customizable pillow and you can add as much or as little water as you want for the perfect loft and firmness. However, it can take some experimentation to find what firmness and loft work best for you. Pillows come in a wide range of sizes to better fit a wide range of beds. We break them down by name and size below. A standard, super standard, and queen size pillow can comfortably fit on most mattresses. A pillow’s loft is its height or thickness. There are three different pillow lofts— low, medium, and high. The best pillow loft for you supports the neck and head, keeping your spine in a healthy alignment. How you sleep determines the correct loft for you. If you sleep with only part of your head on the pillow, you may need a higher loft for better support, whereas if you sleep with your head entirely on the pillow, a lower loft should suffice. The type of mattress you have can impact what pillow loft is right for you. If your mattress lets you sink into it, like a latex or memory foam mattress does, then you likely won’t need a high-loft pillow. But if your bed doesn’t sink down much (a common feature of innerspring mattresses), a higher loft is needed to support your neck. Your preferred sleeping position can play a part in what type of pillow is best for you. Each sleep style works best with a different pillow loft, and some pillows pair better with certain sleep styles. Your pillow must keep your neck in a neutral position, so your spine doesn’t slip out of alignment. Side sleeping is one of the more common sleep positions and provides quite a few health benefits. Sleeping on your side helps your brain flush out waste proteins more efficiently, which researchers hypothesize halts the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. By sleeping on your right side, you reduce the pressure on your heart. A firm pillow with a high loft, often around 4 to 6 inches, helps a side sleeper keep their neck in line. We recommend avoiding soft, plush pillows because they might let your neck sink in too deeply, leaving your neck at an uncomfortable angle. We recommend a pillow with an adjustable loft if you’re a side sleeper so you can customize it to your perfect height. Shredded memory foam or down pillows are often available in adjustable versions. A contoured pillow can also support the neck and head of a side sleeper with two different edge heights the sleeper can choose between. Side sleepers press their faces into their pillows while they sleep, so we recommend a soft and breathable pillowcase to keep cool while sleeping. Back sleeping helps keep your spine in a healthy alignment by evenly distributing your body weight. Back sleepers sleep best on a medium-loft pillow. When lying on your back, you want your neck to reinforce the spine’s natural alignment. A pillow that’s too tall or too thin can upset the spine’s curvature. The best firmness for a back sleeper’s pillow is often a medium as well, and not a pillow that’s too soft or too firm. We do not recommend stomach sleeping and advise any stomach sleeper to make the switch to another sleep position as soon as they can. Stomach sleeping can cause health problems such as chronic lower back pain, neck pain, and restless sleeping. If you wish to remain a stomach sleeper, you should sleep on a soft pillow with a low loft. A flat pillow will prevent your neck from angling upward while you sleep. A stomach sleeper may even benefit from sleeping without a pillow under their heads. We recommend a second pillow for stomach sleepers to keep under their lower abdomen to better keep the spine in a neutral alignment. During the day, the pillows can be arranged on the bed for a nicer look. Like side sleepers, stomach sleepers press their faces into their pillow as they sleep and do best with a breathable pillowcase. If you feel in pain, tired, or sick after you sleep, your pillow might be responsible. A pillow can make or break your health, so we cover some common medical conditions that disrupt sleep and how the right pillow can help. If you’re waking up with neck pain, you might need a new pillow. To prevent neck pain, stay away from a thick or firm pillow. Sleeping on your side or back are the best positions for your neck, especially if partnered with a contoured pillow for head and neck support. Sleeping on your stomach can strain your neck, especially if you have to twist it at an unnatural angle to breathe. A sleeper with chronic neck pain needs a pillow than can mold to their neck for the best pressure relief. A high-quality memory foam or latex pillow can help reduce pain. There are many reasons you might wake up with a headache, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. But sometimes it’s as simple as sleeping on a bad pillow. If your neck and head muscles fall outside of the neutral position, the strain can cause headaches. A good pillow should keep your neck and head in healthy alignment. Sleep apnea and snoring are similar conditions with similar treatments, though snoring is far less serious. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway is blocked. A pillow that elevates your head, such as a wedge pillow, can prevent the collapse of soft tissues in your throat, allowing your airway to remain clear. Allergies can be difficult enough to handle without having a pillow aggravating your allergic reactions. Pillows absorb and attract irritants such as bacteria and dust mites over time. If you see an uptick in allergy symptoms after you sleep, it may be time for a new pillow. Using a hypoallergenic pillow with a mite-proof cover is a good strategy to keep your allergies in check while you sleep. You can take steps to extend your pillow’s life by washing and cleaning it on a regular basis. Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, occurs when your stomach acid rushes back up the esophagus. The stomach acid can irritate your esophagus and cause heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is when the condition is chronic. Sleeping with your head and shoulders on a wedge pillow can help mitigate acid reflux. When you lie flat on your back, it’s easier for stomach acid to flow up your esophagus. Sleeping on a slope helps gravity keep your stomach acid where it belongs. Pillows vary greatly when it comes to prices. Some cost less than $5, while others cost more than $100. Often when you’re buying a new pillow, how much you’ll pay for it reflects what you’ll get out of it. A $5 pillow saves you money now, but it might fall apart after only a few months. This might be fine for a decorative pillow that’s you’ll arrange, but if you’ll be sleeping on it, you want something sturdier. So how much should you pay? For a queen-size pillow, we recommend a budget between $25 to $100. The fills inside a pillow may influence how much you can expect to pay for one. A pillow made with natural material such as down or buckwheat will typically be higher priced, between $50 to $100. Durable and conforming materials such as latex and memory foam fall into the middle budget range, averaging around $40 to $60. How long a new pillow will last depends on the materials it’s made out of. Often you can expect a pillow with a synthetic fill to wear out sooner than a pillow with a natural fill. A quality synthetic pillow might last two or three years, while a natural pillow such as down might go for five or more years. Using a pillow will eventually wear it out. The pillow goes flat and is unable to provide the support your head and neck need. But that’s not the only reason to buy a new pillow every few years. Replacing your pillow on a regular basis is a matter of good hygiene. Your pillow absorbs a lot of stuff as you sleep, such as dead skin and sweat. This bodily waste not only irritates your skin but can attract dust mites, which can cause allergy symptoms to flare up. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your pillow? The age of the pillow can be a clue, and if you can’t remember when you bought your pillow, it’s likely due for replacement. Here are some other signs it’s time to start shopping for a new pillow: Comfort is key— if it isn’t a comfortable pillow to lie on anymore, then it’s time to get rid of it. If your pillow does not come with a pillow cover, we recommend investing in a pillow cover or a pillow protector. Covers and protectors can protect your pillow from dust mites, bed bugs, spills, sweat, and everyday wear and tear. A cover is easier to wash and cheaper to replace. Like other types of bedding, you should wash and change your pillowcase and pillow protector every week if possible, or at least every two weeks. If you have a pillow filled with a material such as down, feather, or shredded memory foam, fluff your pillow on a regular basis. You can fluff your pillow by hitting it, massaging it, or by holding both ends and pushing them inward. If your pillow is machine washable, you should wash it about every six months. You can wash it more frequently if you want to. If you’ve been sick or have spilled something on your pillow, you should wash it as soon as you can. If your pillow isn’t washable, you can still take care of it by spot cleaning and vacuuming it on a regular basis. You can further freshen the pillow up by sprinkling baking soda on it and taking it outside on a clear, sunny day to air out. Leave it be for a few hours, then vacuum off the baking soda. Much like you would with a mattress, you can rotate and flip your pillow to even out its wear. The right pillow can only do so much. For the best night of sleep, it needs to be paired with the best mattress for you. The goal of a pillow and mattress is to keep you cool, comfortable, and supported. Your spine should stay in a neutral alignment while you sleep. If you’re unhappy with your mattress but living on a tight budget, no worries. You can still find a quality mattress for under $1000. A sleep trial, warranty, and return policy may or may not come included with your new pillow. Many do not come with a sleep trial, and some lack a warranty or a return policy. However, we recommend you look for a pillow with a warranty to protect your investment. A sleep trial is the attached trial period where you can test your pillow to be sure it’s the right one for you. Not every pillow comes with a sleep trial. Some offered sleep trials are relatively short, about 45 days. Other sleep trials are comparable to a mattress sleep trial, lasting between 90 to 120 days. A warranty is the mark of a company’s assurance that they’re selling a quality product. A pillow’s warranty covers manufacturing defects such as tears or cracks in the material. The length of a pillow’s warranty can vary greatly. Some can be as short as a year, while other companies may offer lifetime warranties. As a quality pillow will need to be replaced about every three to seven years, we recommend you shop for a warranty lasting five or more years. We strongly advise against the purchase of any pillow that comes without a warranty. As a warranty is the mark of a company’s faith, a pillow without a warranty can mean the company has no faith in its product. It’s a good idea to read through a return policy before buying, to make it easy to return an unwanted pillow. Reading through the return policy should tell you how you can make a return, how long you have to make a return, and under what circumstances you can make a return. Some companies will only take a pillow back if it’s damaged in shipping. Other companies will not refund your original shipping costs. If you have any lingering questions after reading through the return policy, reach out to customer service. For a good night’s sleep, it’s best to rest your head on one pillow. More pillows can mean a night spent tossing and turning. The answer to this question depends on your sleep style. Side and back sleepers should sleep with a pillow, but stomach sleepers might benefit from skipping the pillow. The right pillow can be just as important as the right mattress when it comes to getting a restful and restorative night of sleep. A pillow that’s too soft, too firm, too high, or too low can cause you to wake up tired and in pain. While shopping for your perfect pillow, remember it’s better to get a quality one that lasts a long time versus a cheap one that deteriorates quickly. Often, it’s easier to find quality pillows online, but you can still find plenty of good pillows at a furniture store, bedding store, or a department store. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional. 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.Buying Guide for Best Pillows of 2025
Best Pillow Overall
1. Zoma Sports Pillow
Our testers found the Zoma Sports Pillow to provide exceptional support, making it ideal for athletes and those with active lifestyles. Its design focuses on maintaining proper neck and spinal alignment, crucial for recovery and performance.
The breathable cover and responsive foam work together to ensure a cool and comfortable sleep environment, which impressed our team during testing. This pillow is a standout for those who want to stay cool while getting a restful night’s sleep.Best Adjustable Loft Pillow
2. Amerisleep Flex Pillow
We picked it for its impressive adjustable loft feature, allowing users to customize the pillow’s height and firmness. This makes it suitable for a wide range of sleepers, regardless of their preferred sleep position.
The pillow’s soft, breathable cover enhances its comfort by keeping it cool throughout the night. Our team noticed how effective it was in maintaining a pleasant sleep temperature, making it a great choice for those who tend to sleep hot.Best Value Pillow
3. Vaya Pillow
It offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Our team was impressed by how well this pillow performed, delivering the same level of comfort and support as higher-priced options.
Despite its budget-friendly price, it provides a plush feel that doesn’t sacrifice support. It’s responsive and adapts to your head and neck, ensuring consistent comfort throughout the night.Best Cooling Pillow
4. Pillow Cube Ice Cube
Our testers chose it for its remarkable cooling abilities. The pillow’s design incorporates advanced cooling technology that keeps sleepers comfortable, even in warmer environments.
The Pillow Cube Ice Cube’s unique shape and structure make it perfect for side sleepers. It offers targeted support to the neck and shoulders, promoting proper alignment and reducing discomfort.Best Dual-Sided Pillow
5. Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow
We picked it for its innovative dual-sided design. This feature allows users to choose between a firmer or softer side, catering to different comfort preferences or changing needs.
The versatility of this pillow impressed our team, making it suitable for various sleep positions and preferences. Whether you need extra support or a plusher experience, this pillow adapts to your needs effortlessly.Best Body Pillow
6. Zoma Body Pillow
The Zoma Body Pillow was selected for its ability to provide full-body support, which is especially beneficial for side sleepers and pregnant individuals. Our testers found that it alleviates pressure points and enhances overall comfort.
Designed to promote better spinal alignment, this pillow impressed our team with its ergonomic shape. It helps reduce discomfort by providing support exactly where it’s needed, making it a top choice for those seeking full-body comfort.Best for Side Sleepers
7. Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow
We chose this pillow because it’s specifically designed to meet the needs of side sleepers. Its contoured shape offers excellent support for the neck and shoulders, enhancing sleep quality.
Our testers appreciated the adjustable fill feature, which allows users to modify the pillow’s height and firmness to their liking. This customization ensures that side sleepers can find the perfect level of comfort and support.Best on Amazon
8. Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow
The Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow stood out to our team for its cooling gel-infused memory foam, which offers excellent support while keeping sleepers cool. It’s a reliable option for those who tend to overheat at night.
We picked this pillow for its versatility, as it adapts well to different sleep positions. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, this pillow provides balanced support and comfort, making it a popular choice on Amazon.Common Types of Pillows
Standard
Body
Neck
Wedge
Bolster
Pregnancy
Lumbar
Contour
European
Common Types of Pillow Fills
Down
Down Alternative
Feather
Memory Foam
Latex
Buckwheat
Microbeads
Cotton
Wool
Kapok
Polyester
Water
Common Pillow Sizes
Pillow Size Common Pillow Dimensions Standard 20 inches by 26 inches Super Standard 20 inches by 28 inches Queen 20 inches by 30 inches King 20 inches by 36 inches Body 54 inches by 20 inches or 48 inches by 20 inches European A square-shaped pillow between 16 to 26 inches on all sides Pillow Loft
Pillow Loft Pillow Thickness Low loft Less than 3 inches Medium loft Between 3 to 5 inches High loft More than 5 inches Sleep Styles
Side Sleeping
Back Sleeping
Stomach Sleeping
A Pillow to Improve Health
Neck Pain
Headaches
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Allergies
Acid Reflux (GER and GERD)
How Much Should A Pillow Cost?
How Long Should A Pillow Last?
Signs a Pillow Needs Replacing
Taking Care of Your Pillow
Sleep on the Right Mattress
Sleep Trial, Warranty and Return Policy
Sleep Trial
Warranty
Return Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to sleep with one or two pillows?
Is sleeping without a pillow better?
Did We Help?
Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
