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Like mattresses, pillows play a major role in how well you sleep — and finding the right one can be challenging. Your sleeping position and weight can all affect how your pillow feels. People with neck and shoulder pain may need a pillow that’s ergonomically shaped, while heavy snorers often require a high-loft pillow to keep their heads upright. 

Our team evaluates factors like shape retention, moldability, temperature control, and odor potential when testing pillows in our lab. We also look at each pillow’s density, firmness options, and ease of cleaning. We based our picks below on our testers’ scores along with in-depth research and analysis.

Best Overall

9.6 /10 Test Lab Score

Saatva Latex Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Saatva
Price: $165 – $185
Fill: Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative
Loft: Standard (4-5″), high (6 to 7″)
Firmness: Medium Soft
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who appreciate a moldable pillow with a high loft.
  • Feel: Medium soft firmness that lands at the perfect spot between support and plushness.
  • What It’s Made Of: Shredded Talalay latex, down alternative.
  • What We Don’t Like: In testing, stomach sleepers thought it was a bit too thick to comfortably sleep on.
  • Why Choose the Saatva Latex Pillow: The Saatva Latex Pillow is a great pick for side and back sleepers who are looking to prioritize spinal alignment and breathability. Its air-circulating design is a highlight for warm sleepers, while its huggable feel is soft enough to snuggle, yet firm enough to support your head and neck.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Our side sleepers enjoyed the Latex Pillow’s high-loft profile. We’ve found people who primarily use the side position need thick pillows to fill the gap between their head and downward-facing shoulder, which in turn promotes even alignment. Some of our back sleepers also enjoyed the pillow, while the stomach sleepers on our team found it a bit too thick.

Shredded fill makes the pillow quite moldable and snuggly, but we also noticed decent shape retention due to the chambered design. Temperature control was another highlight during our tests. Air circulates nicely throughout the inner chamber to minimize heat retention, and the breathable cover also helps ensure consistent cooling.

What It’s Made Of

The Saatva Latex Pillow features shredded Talalay latex in the core chamber, and down-like microdenier fibers in the outer chamber. Latex is highly responsive compared to foam, so the pillow shouldn’t sink too much beneath your head and neck, but the microdenier chamber keeps the surface invitingly plush. An organic cotton sateen cover encases the fill. After separating the three components, you can wash and dry the cover and microdenier in your household machines.

The Latex Pillow is competitively priced, and Saatva offers substantial discounts if you include two pillows with your purchase. Queen and king sizes are available. Shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Your order includes a 45-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty against structural and material defects.

Read Our Full Saatva Latex Pillow Review

Best for Neck Pain

9.3 /10 Test Lab Score

Layla Kapok Pillow

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Price: $109 – $129
Fill: Shredded memory foam and kapok tree fiber blend
Loft: Adjustable
Firmness: Medium Soft
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: A favorite across our testing team, the Layla Kapok Pillow scored high ranks with stomach, back, and side sleepers alike. We appreciate that its shredded memory foam and kapok tree fiber blend fill can be removed (or added), offering an ideal loft and firmness level to all kinds of sleepers.
  • Feel: We generally felt like this pillow had a medium firm feel, and breathability was a major highlight in testing. The shredded fill offered optimal airflow and its copper-infused cover was moisture-wicking, too.
  • What It’s Made Of: Shredded memory foam, kapok tree fibers.
  • What We Don’t Like: It may feel a bit too firm for some at first, but you can easily remove some fill to adjust it to your preferred firmness.
  • Why Choose the Layla Kapok Pillow: The Layla Kapok Pillow offers a moldable, snuggly feel thanks to its shredded memory foam fill. When we tested it out, we found that it was an excellent combination of plushness and support, and we love that you can adjust it depending on your preferred firmness and loft.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Since the Layla Kapok Pillow offers adjustable loft, our testers evaluated multiple profiles. The stomach sleepers on our team preferred a mid-level profile with roughly half of the fill removed. For our back sleepers, three-quarters of the fill provided enough loft without elevating the head too much, while our side sleepers preferred the pillow’s fill at full volume.

Breathability proved to be one of the pillow’s biggest strengths during our tests. The shredded fill promotes steady airflow, and the cover is both breathable and moisture-wicking. We also found the pillow quite moldable and snuggly. If the Kapok Pillow feels uncomfortable at first, try removing some of the fill to lower the profile.

What It’s Made Of

The fill consists of shredded memory foam and kapok fibers. This blend provides even contouring and exceptional softness, making this pillow the best of both worlds for people who need pressure relief and support. A cover made of poly-viscose encases the fill. The cover fabric is infused with copper for extra cooling. You can machine wash the cover, but first you should separate it from the inner pouch containing the fill. Queen and king sizes are available.

The Kapok Pillow is competitively priced and Layla offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each purchase includes a 120-night trial. If you decide to keep the pillow, you’ll also receive a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Read Our Full Layla Kapok Pillow Review

Most Comfortable

9.0 /10 Test Lab Score

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Price: $89 – $99
Fill: Talalay latex
Loft: 4″ or 5″
Firmness: Medium Firm
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Warm side and back sleepers who want a pillow with ample shape retention and medium firmness.
  • Feel: The latex construction of this pillow offers mid-point firmness that’s slightly bouncy. Ventilated air holes also deliver optimal air circulation.
  • What It’s Made Of: Talalay latex.
  • What We Don’t Like: Some of our testers experienced neck strain depending on the loft (4 or 5 inches) they chose.
  • Why Choose the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow: Add the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow to your cart if you’re in the market for a somewhat firm, supportive pillow that offers shape retention and breathability. You can pick from two loft options (low, high) for side or back sleepers.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Most of the side and back sleepers on our team awarded the pillow favorable ratings, though these testers were divided about which loft felt most comfortable. Side sleepers appreciated the extra cushioning of the 5-inch pillow, while back sleepers preferred the lower profile of the 4-inch model. Some of our stomach sleepers also liked the 4-inch design, though others experienced neck strain on both pillows.

Our tests show the pillow excels at temperature control. The ventilated core promotes plenty of air circulation, and the cover is made of breathable Tencel for added cooling. Shape retention was another testing highlight. The pillow never needs to be fluffed, and the latex bounces back quickly when not in use.

What It’s Made Of

The pillow’s core consists of solid Talalay latex. This material is more resilient than Dunlop latex, making it bouncier and less dense. The latex is ventilated with small holes allowing air to circulate throughout the interior. A Tencel cover encases the core. You can remove and machine wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned. The pillow is available in queen and king sizes, as well as lofts of 4 or 5 inches.

The Talalay Latex Pillow is affordably priced compared to the average latex model, and Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a 30-night trial period. If you decide to keep the pillow, it’s further backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Value

9.0 /10 Test Lab Score

Silk & Snow Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Silk & Snow
Price: $75 – $85
Fill: Shredded memory foam and down alternative fibers
Loft: Adjustable
Firmness: Medium
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Thanks to the adjustable loft levels, the Silk & Snow Pillow ranked decently well with side, stomach, and back sleepers across the board. It’s also a good choice for hot sleepers, or those who experience neck strain throughout the night.
  • Feel: The Silk & Snow Pillow feels different depending on how much fill is in it, but when it was at around 90% volume, it was very moldable with great shape retention. Its shredded memory foam core offered excellent contouring alongside the neck and shoulders.
  • What It’s Made Of: Shredded memory foam and down alternative fibers.
  • What We Don’t Like: Removing or adding the strands was pretty messy.
  • Why Choose the Silk & Snow Pillow: With options for nearly any kind of sleeper, the Silk & Snow Pillow boasts a comfortable, cushy feel that cradles the upper body while keeping you cool via a cotton cover.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

To accurately evaluate the Silk & Snow Pillow, our tests involved multiple loft adjustments. The side sleepers on our team preferred the pillow’s fill at maximum volume, whereas our back sleepers needed to remove some of the foam to avoid neck strain. For our stomach sleepers, the pillow felt most comfortable when the core chamber was half full.

For the remainder of our tests, we evaluated the pillow at about 90% volume. The shredded foam and synthetic down outer chamber gave the pillow an exceptionally moldable feel, and the chambered design helped to distribute the fill evenly and maintain a full shape. Thanks to the cotton cover, none of our testers felt excessively hot.

What It’s Made Of

The core contains shredded memory foam that provides deep cushioning and close contouring for your head and neck. In the outer chamber, microfiber fill creates a down-like softness. The cover is composed of crisp cotton percale. You may machine wash the cover, but should avoid exposing the other components to water.

To adjust the loft, simply unzip the cover and inner pouch containing the foam. We recommend using a receptacle if you are removing foam, as the strands can create a mess. Silk & Snow does not sell additional foam fill in bulk.

Not only does the Silk & Snow Pillow carry an affordable price-point, but shipping is free of charge to all customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. The company’s sleep trial runs for 100 nights, and you may return the pillow for a full refund after testing it for 30 nights. Those who keep their pillow also receive a 3-year warranty.

Best for Side Sleepers

8.9 /10 Test Lab Score

Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow

Price: $115 – $124
Fill: 75% shredded latex or shredded memory foam, 25% polyester fiber
Loft: Adjustable
Firmness: Adjustable
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers looking for an ergonomic, customizable pillow that feels responsive, supportive, and breathable.
  • Feel: The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is available in either latex or memory foam constructions, so the feel depends on which one you choose. In testing, we tried the latex option, which offered great temperature control that kept sleepers heads feeling cradled and supported. Its added fiber fill delivers cushiony softness.
  • What It’s Made Of: Shredded latex/shredded memory foam and polyester fiber.
  • What We Don’t Like: Additional bags of fill cost extra.
  • Why Choose the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow: If you’re looking to prioritize proper alignment, your best bet is likely this pick from Eli & Elm. Its unique oblong shape is meant to cradle your neck and shoulders, ideally reducing pressure in your spine and other sore spots.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Not surprisingly, the side sleepers on our team all felt comfortable on the pillow. We were particularly impressed with how the pillow’s ergonomic shape promoted even spinal alignment — a constant struggle for side sleepers who use traditional rectangular pillows. Our back sleepers also enjoyed the pillow, though they preferred less fill and lower loft than their side-sleeping counterparts.

The fill didn’t retain too much heat during our temperature control tests and the cotton-blend cover is highly breathable, so we recommend the pillow to hot sleepers and those who reside in warm or humid climates. We also found that the pillow provides above-average support compared to adjustable models with foam fill. The latex has some springiness to keep your head aloft and prevent uncomfortable sinkage.

What It’s Made Of

The Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow’s fill blend contains 75% shredded latex and 25% down alternative fibers. Although the higher ratio of latex makes the pillow feel responsive, the fibers add a touch of softness to cushion your head and neck. The oblong shape is designed to support your head and neck while bending around your shoulders to ensure even alignment for side sleepers.

You can unzip the cotton cover to add or remove fill as needed, and Eli & Elm sells extra fill if you want to replenish your supply. The cover is fully machine-washable. For added protection, you can purchase a matching pillowcase.

The Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is reasonably priced, and you’ll receive a substantial discount if you order two pillows. Standard ground delivery is free for most customers in the contiguous U.S., but California residents must pay shipping fees. Each purchase is backed by a 45-night trial period and a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Memory Foam

9.1 /10 Test Lab Score

Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Use this link for the most current Sleep Is the Foundation discounts Shop At Sleep Is the Foundation
Price: $90
Fill: Shredded memory foam (gel-infused)
Loft: Adjustable (8″ standard)
Firmness: Adjustable
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: All sleeping positions who are looking for a pillow with adjustable loft to contour to the natural curves of your head, neck, and shoulders.
  • Feel: Adjustable fill allows you to cater this pillow to your ideal support level and alignment.
  • What It’s Made Of: Gel-infused shredded memory foam.
  • What We Don’t Like: You have to remove all of the fill before washing the inner pouch.
  • Why Choose the Sleep is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: If you’re not quite sure what you want in a pillow, this pick offers you all the customization you could want. Great for side, stomach, and back sleepers alike, it’s affordable, easy to clean, and boasts a moisture-wicking cover for breathability.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Most of our testers enjoyed the Loft Pillow, though their opinions varied on how much fill felt most comfortable. Side sleepers preferred the pillow at or close to full volume, as this provided ample cushioning for their head and promoted even spinal alignment. Our back sleepers received adequate support when the pillow was at medium loft, whereas stomach sleepers emptied most of the fill to create a low profile that didn’t elevate their necks too much.

The fill is moldable and ideal for our testers who enjoy snuggling with pillows while they sleep. Temperature control proved to be another strength during testing, as the cover — made from a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric blend — offset excessive heat retention and kept us cool. The pillow’s outer cover is fairly easy to keep clean, though you’ll need to remove all of the fill before laundering the inner pouch.

What It’s Made Of

The Loft Pillow contains shredded memory foam infused with cooling gel to help you sleep cool. An inner pouch holds the foam, and the pouch is encased in a cover made of polyester and moisture-wicking viscose derived from bamboo. Both the cover and pouch are fully machine-washable.

When all fill is used, the pillow measures 8 inches thick and is considered very high-loft. Removing the fill gradually reduces the profile. Each Loft Pillow comes with a bag of supplemental fill whenever the original supply needs to be replenished. Queen and king sizes are available.

The Sleep Is the Foundation Loft Pillow is exclusively available through Amazon.com. All orders include 30-night trial periods, and Amazon Prime members qualify for free ground shipping.

Read Our Full Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Review

Best Luxury

8.4 /10 Test Lab Score

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

Price: $254 – $297
Fill: Long-strand mulberry silk
Loft: Adjustable
Firmness: Medium Soft
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Filled with long-strand mulberry silk (which sounds just as luxurious as it feels), Cozy Earth’s silk pillow is a great pick for sleepers who like a mid-range loft combined with breezy temperature regulation.
  • Feel: Surprisingly, the silk fill found in this pillow is not only soft, but offers excellent shape retention, too. In testing, we also found that the silk didn’t flatten or clump together during use, which is a defect Cozy Earth’s warranty covers for 10 years.
  • What It’s Made Of: Long-strand mulberry silk.
  • What We Don’t Like: You can machine wash this pillow, but Cozy Earth recommends spot or dry cleaning it.
  • Why Choose the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow: A solid, dependable option for all kinds of sleeping positions, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow offers a soft and plushy surface to sleep on without any sinkage. It’s also impressively breathable, thanks to silk’s natural cooling properties and the moisture-wicking cover that’s made from bamboo-derived viscose.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Our testers found the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow quite soft, yet the silk fibers didn’t sink too much and overall support was excellent. A mid-range loft made the pillow best suited to the back sleepers on our team, though it also earned favorable ratings from some of our side and stomach sleepers.

During our temperature control tests, we found the pillow very breathable. Our testers attribute this to silk’s natural cooling properties and the moisture-wicking cover. Shape retention is another strong point. The silk shouldn’t clump or flatten even after years of use — in fact, this is a defect covered under Cozy Earth’s warranty — but the fill still gives the pillow a plush, moldable feel.

What It’s Made Of

Long strands of mulberry silk comprise the pillow’s fill. Silk is an ideal pillow material if you enjoy soft surfaces for your head and neck, but also want consistent shape retention and breathability. The cover is made of viscose derived from bamboo. A sateen weave gives the cover fabric a silky-smooth feel that’s ideal if you have sensitive skin. You can machine wash the pillow if needed, but Cozy Earth recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning instead. Standard and king sizes are available.

Shipping is free for orders in the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a sleep trial spanning 100 nights in length. If you decide to keep your Silk Pillow, Cozy Earth backs your purchase with a 10-year warranty against shifting fill, pilling, and other material defects.

Best Soft Pillow

8.4 /10 Test Lab Score

Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Use code SF10 for 10% off sitewide Shop At Sweet Zzz
Price: $135 – $150
Fill: Plant-based down alternative fibers
Loft: 5-6″
Firmness: Medium
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers in the market for a plushy pillow with a medium (5- to 6-inch) loft.
  • Feel: The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow boasts a mid-range firmness that was thick enough for side sleepers to feel properly aligned, while back sleepers accredited the plush down alternative fill for its comfortable feel. Its fiberfill is both breathable and moldable, too.
  • What It’s Made Of: Plant-based down alternative fibers.
  • What We Don’t Like: Stomach sleepers may find that this pillow can crane their neck up a bit too high.
  • Why Choose the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow: Softer than your average pillow for side or back sleepers, the plant-based down alternative fibers deliver a cushy yet breathable feel that’s tough to find elsewhere. Its medium loft and firmness offer extra cushioning at the neck and head, relieving pressure found at frequent sore spots.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

A medium feel and 5- to 6-inch loft made the Plant-Based Pillow a hit with our side and back sleepers. Our side sleepers found the profile thick enough to maintain proper alignment, while the plush down alternative fill cushioned the head and neck to relieve pressure. Our back sleepers also felt comfortable. If you sleep on your stomach, you may find the pillow cranes your neck too high and causes discomfort.

We also recommend the pillow for hot sleepers, thanks to the naturally breathable materials. Our heat guns detected very little heat buildup on the pillow’s surface. The fiberfill also made the pillow quite moldable during our tests, which is great if you prefer to snuggle your pillow at night.

What It’s Made Of

The outer chamber is filled with plush fibers to give extra cushioning for the head and neck. Meanwhile, denser fibers in the inner chamber prevent the pillow from sinking too deeply. A breathable shell made from natural cotton keeps your head cool throughout the night. You can machine-wash the pillow for easy care. Simply wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat.

Standard and king sizes are available. Sweet Zzz ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. The pillow comes with a 50-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.

Best Support Options

9.2 /10 Test Lab Score

Brooklinen Down Pillow

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Price: $109 – $149
Fill: Canadian white down clusters or down/feather blend
Loft: 6″
Firmness: Medium Soft
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: All kinds of sleepers who prefer a softer, cushier sleeping experience. Despite the down fill, you can choose from three firmness levels (Plush, Mid-Plush, Firm) without breaking the bank.
  • Feel: Brooklinen’s down pillow is available in three density levels, but they’re all fairly moldable and soft thanks to the down fill. The Plush pillow is great for stomach sleepers and by far the plushiest option, though it still boasted minimal sinkage. The Firm option has a higher loft that’s recommended for side sleepers, and the Mid-Plush pick delivers mid-point softness and support for those who sleep on their backs.
  • What It’s Made Of: Canadian white down clusters or down/feather blend.
  • What We Don’t Like: Brooklinen recommends daily fluffing to get the best feel from this luxurious down pillow.
  • Why Choose the Brooklinen Down Pillow: The Brooklinen Down Pillow manages to offer a soft, cloud-like sensation with minimal sinkage. Its moldable fill can be adapted for different sleeping styles while its breathable cover keeps things cool.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Our testers evaluated all three of the Brooklinen Down Pillow’s density levels. The Plush pillow is the softest option, resulting in notable sinkage and minimal neck strain for our stomach sleepers. If you sleep on your side, we recommend the Firm pillow for its high loft. Our back sleepers awarded the highest ratings to the Mid-Plush feel, but this pillow is suitable for anyone who wants a compromise between soft cushioning and strong support.

Each density has a different construction, but we found all three pillows quite moldable and snuggly. The chambered design also helps maintain a full shape. That said, Brooklinen recommends daily fluffing to distribute the fill. While the down retains some heat, the breathable cover promotes cooling and none of our testers found the pillows overly warm.

What It’s Made Of

Each of the three Brooklinen Down Pillows has a unique construction. The Plush design only contains down, creating an exceptionally soft surface for your head and neck. Mid-Plush pillows are structured with feather cores and down outer chambers. Since feathers provide better support, this design provides excellent cushioning without sinking too much. The Firm pillow also has a chambered design, but with a higher ratio of feathers to elevate your head even further.

Silky-smooth cotton covers encase the fill. To avoid damaging the down and feathers, you should only spot clean the pillow if stains occur. Dry cleaning is another option. Standard and king sizes are available.

The Brooklinen Down Pillow is reasonably priced and you’ll receive a discount when ordering two or four. Shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Brooklinen’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest in the online bedding industry, and the pillow is backed by an additional year of warranty coverage against structural defects.

Best Cooling

8.9 /10 Test Lab Score

Luxome Dual Chamber Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Luxome
Price: $80 – $95
Fill: Down alternative fibers (side 1), shredded latex and down alternative fibers (side 2)
Loft: 5.5″
Firmness: Adjustable
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: The Luxome Dual Chamber Pillow features plush down alternative cushioning on one side and a more responsive fiber-and-latex blend padding the other. This pillow is ideal for people who prefer either type of surface for their head and neck, or want to switch between the two from night to night.
  • Feel: The side with down alternative cluster fill is luxuriously plush, creating a deep cradle for your head and neck. You’ll notice a firmer feel and more spring from the side cushioned with shredded latex and down alternative fibers.
  • What It’s Made Of: Both of the chambers contain down alternative fibers that mimic the lightness and softness of real down. One chamber also features shredded latex for extra support and springiness. A cover made of bamboo-derived viscose encases the chambers.
  • What We Don’t Like: Since this pillow has a high profile, it will probably be too thick for most stomach sleepers.
  • Why Choose the Luxome Dual Chamber Pillow: With the Luxome Dual Chamber, you can choose between plush and responsive surfaces. Both sides feature breathable materials that won’t trap too much heat, and the viscose cover has moisture-wicking properties to keep your skin dry. We also like this pillow for its approachable sticker price, especially if you opt for a two-pack bundle.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Most of our testing team thoroughly enjoyed the Luxome Dual Chamber Pillow, though the preferred side varied from person to person.Some enjoyed the ultra-plush cushioning down down alternative clusters, while others preferred the extra springiness and firmer feel of the latex-and-fiber chamber. Both sides retain little to no heat, so the pillow earned stellar ratings for temperature control.

The thick profile is especially well suited to side sleepers. Back sleepers should also get enough lift to keep their head and neck aligned with the rest of their spines, but stomach sleepers may experience neck strain – a thinner pillow will likely be a more comfortable bet.

What It’s Made Of

As its name implies, the Luxome Dual Chamber Pillow’s fill is divided into two separate compartments. One chamber contains 100% down alternative clusters, giving this side of the pillow a plush, lofty feel akin to authentic down. The other chamber blends down alternative fibers and shredded latex for a firmer, denser feel and a bit of responsiveness when your head hits the pillow.

Unlike many adjustable pillows we’ve evaluated, the Dual Chamber does not require unzipping and adding or removing fill to change the feel – simply flip over the pillow to the other side. A cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking viscose derived from bamboo encases the pillow.

The Luxome Dual Chamber Pillow is competitively priced, and you’ll save some money if you purchase a two-pack. You may return the pillow or pillows in like-new condition within 30 days for a full refund. Luxome extends the return window during the holiday season.

Best Hotel-Style

9.2 /10 Test Lab Score

Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow – Soft

Click this link for current Boll & Branch discounts Shop At Boll & Branch
Price: $159 – $219
Fill: White down, down/feather blend
Loft: Varies
Firmness: Soft
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Stomach sleepers with a preference for soft, flatter planes to rest on each night, which is great for preventing neck strain. Back and side sleepers can also enjoy this Boll & Branch pillow, though they’ll likely want to opt for different loft and firmness options.
  • Feel: The softest version of this pillow contains down in all three chambers, encased by a breathable organic cotton cover. Although it has a slightly cushier feel, we noted that it was able to retain its shape quite well in testing. It also ranked highly for temperature regulation.
  • What It’s Made Of: White down/down feather blend.
  • What We Don’t Like: You may need to fluff this pillow every now and then to prevent clumping.
  • Why Choose the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow: The compartment-style design of this pillow offers excellent shape retention, delivering on snuggle-worthy softness. Its breathable shell makes it a top pick for hot sleepers, too.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

The pillow’s soft, all-down design compresses very deeply. Our tests show stomach sleepers are the best candidates for this model — a flatter profile helps prevent neck strain for people who prefer the stomach position. Back sleepers on our team preferred the mid-range height and semi-plush feel of the medium pillow, while our side sleepers appreciated the full loft and sturdy support of the firm design.

Although you may need to fluff it from time to time, the chambered construction allows the pillow to retain shape better than many competing models. The fill also retains minimal heat and the shell is composed of breathable organic cotton, so the pillow should sleep nice and cool. We noticed a fair amount of initial odor, which is common for pillows with down and feather fill. These smells may persist for several nights, but washing the pillow can mitigate this issue.

What It’s Made Of

The soft Down Chamber Pillow contains pure down in all three compartments, whereas the medium and firm models contain feathers in the core chamber and down in the outer chambers. A shell made of smooth organic cotton encases the fill. An International Down Standard certification indicates the fill meets strict animal welfare guidelines at each stage of its supply chain.

You may wash the pillow in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble drying on low heat helps extend its lifespan, but this may require multiple cycles to remove all moisture. Standard and king sizes are available.

The Down Chamber Pillow is reasonably priced given its luxurious design, and Boll & Branch offers free ground shipping for domestic U.S. orders. The company’s standard return and exchange window runs 30 nights from the delivery date. This trial period is extended to 100 nights during the winter holiday season.

Best for Back & Stomach Sleepers

8.1 /10 Test Lab Score

Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Back & Stomach Sleeper

Use this link for the most current Helix discounts Shop At Helix
Price: $123 – $136
Fill: Solid memory foam
Loft: 4.75″ – 5.25″
Firmness: Medium
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Combination, back, and stomach sleepers who need midrange firmness and shape retention to keep them comfortable all night long.
  • Feel: Don’t be put off by this Helix pillow’s construction of solid memory foam — landing at a midpoint firmness level, it’s still soft and squishy, providing comfortable sinkage that’s most often associated with cushy memory foam. Copper-infused fibers also offer great temperature regulation for warm sleepers.
  • What It’s Made Of: Solid memory foam.
  • What We Don’t Like: Combination sleepers may be torn between the high or low loft options.
  • Why Choose the Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: It’s a super versatile pillow that’s made from effective materials that deliver on support, firmness, and temperature control. Side sleepers can opt for high loft (5.25 inches) and combination, stomach, and back sleepers may feel most comfortable on the low profile option at 4.75 inches.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Our team tested both of the GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow’s profiles. Back and stomach sleepers largely preferred the lower 4.75-inch design, which offered just enough support to prevent uncomfortable sinkage without lifting the neck to an excessive degree. Combination back and stomach sleepers also felt most comfortable on this design. If you’re a side sleeper or a combination sleeper who sometimes uses the side position, we recommend the 5.25-inch profile instead.

During our tests, thermal mapping technology revealed little to no heat buildup on the pillow’s surface — a rare quality for a solid foam model. The GlacioTex cover gets most of the credit for this pillow’s above-average temperature control. Shape retention is another major strength. Since the core contains a single piece of foam, you should never need to fluff the pillow for shape recovery.

What It’s Made Of

The pillow’s memory foam core is soft, squishy, and adaptive. This material responds slowly to movement, creating a cloud-like effect as your head and neck sink into the pillow. Copper fibers infused into the foam are intended to offset heat retention, but the GlacioTex phase change cover is the star of the show when it comes to regulating temperature. This proprietary fabric is engineered to capture and release body heat on contact. The cover is removable and fully machine-washable for easy care.

Standard and king sizes are available. Price-points are below-average compared to other memory foam pillows on the market, and Helix offers free ground shipping to shoppers in all 50 states. The company’s sleep trial runs for 100 nights, and those who keep their pillow receive an additional year of warranty coverage.

Best Goose Down

9.2 /10 Test Lab Score

Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Quince
Price: $120 – $159
Fill: 100% European white goose down
Loft: Adjustable
Firmness: Medium Firm
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: All different sleeping positions who like a softer, cradling sensation as they drift off each night. Down filling can usually absorb heat, but this pillow from Quince has a cotton cover that’s meant to help with temperature retention and keep you cool.
  • Feel: In testing, we noted that the goose down filling made it feel more on the snuggly side with many of our team members describing it as “cloud-like.” Despite needing a couple of fluffs, it was still pretty moldable, and it was definitely on the luxurious side, regardless of which loft or density you choose.
  • What It’s Made Of: European white goose down.
  • What We Don’t Like: The down filling required some fluffing during testing.
  • Why Choose the Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow: If you like a plushy, luxurious sleeping experience — think fancy hotel pillows — you’re likely a good candidate for Quince’s Luxe Goose Pillow. You can pick the firmness level (soft/medium, medium/firm, firm/extra firm) and size (standard, king), though the goose feather made them all feel decently soft. Still, we liked that the fluffy feel resisted deep sinkage.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Our team tested all three of the pillow’s density options. The soft/medium design feels quite plush and compresses deeply, making it a solid choice for stomach sleepers. Combination sleepers who switch between their stomach and back should consider the medium/firm pillow, which resists deep sinkage without elevating the head and neck too much. Since side sleepers need extra cushioning to fill the space between their head and downward-facing shoulder, we recommend the firm/extra firm for any combination sleeper who sometimes lies on their side.

The pure down fill makes this pillow feel quite moldable and snuggly. At the same time, you may need to fluff the pillow frequently to maintain a full shape. Down has a tendency to absorb and trap heat, but in this case, a breathable cotton cover helps to offset heat retention and keep you cool.

What It’s Made Of

European white goose down with 700 fill power gives the pillow a luxuriously plush and lofty feel. Many of our testing team members described the pillow as “cloud-like.” How dense or firm the pillow feels depends on which density you select, but all three feel somewhat soft — especially compared to models with other fill materials like memory foam or latex.

A shell made of smooth cotton sateen encases the fill. Thick piping along the seams helps protect the fabric from rips and tears. Standard and king sizes are available. The pillow is technically machine-washable, but may be too large for washers with agitators — dry cleaning is an alternative care method.

The Luxe Goose Down Pillow is approachably priced and standard ground shipping is free for all orders. Quince’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest in the online bedding industry, ensuring plenty of time to test out the pillow and decide if it’s right for you. During this time frame, you may exchange the pillow for a model with a different density if your initial selection doesn’t meet your needs.

Best for Shoulder Pain

9.1 /10 Test Lab Score

Noble Head Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Noble
Price: $349 – $399
Fill: Wool, shredded latex, or memory foam
Loft: Adjustable
Firmness: Medium Firm
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Sleepers who are experiencing shoulder pain should take the Noble Head Pillow out for a spin. Its adjustable loft, firmness, and fill can be catered based on your preferred sleeping position, ranging from medium soft to firm feels.
  • Feel: You can choose from wool, shredded latex, or shredded memory foam as your pillow’s fill, each of which has its own benefits. Generally, we recommend memory foam for sleepers looking for a plush, adaptive feel, latex for something more cushioned and responsive, and wool for a firmer, breathable experience.
  • What It’s Made Of: Wool, shredded latex, or shredded memory foam.
  • What We Don’t Like: It’s one of the more expensive pillows we’ve tested, but could definitely be worth it if you have consistent shoulder pain.
  • Why Choose the Noble Head Pillow: For a fully customizable experience, Noble’s head pillow is a great option. Side sleepers can opt for a high loft (up to 10 inches), offering fantastic spinal alignment and support for your neck and shoulders. Back and stomach sleepers can still get in on the experience by choosing a lower loft level. Pick your fill based on your preferred firmness, temperature control, and feel.
Full Breakdown

How It Performed

Depending on the size you choose, you can change the loft anywhere from 1 to 10 inches and sleep comfortably in the side, back, or stomach positions. The Head Pillow is also available with three types of fill. We recommend the shredded memory foam for those who prefer a plush, adaptive feel. If you want some light cushioning without a close hug, the shredded latex fill may be more comfortable. The shredded wool fill is fairly firm, and also has natural moisture-wicking properties to help prevent night sweats. Your Head Pillow is fully adjustable regardless of which fill you choose.

What It’s Made Of

A machine-washable organic cotton cover is included with your order. The fabric has Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, as does the wool fill, while the latex has earned certification from the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). These credentials ensure the materials have been sustainably sourced. Noble also allows customers to opt for plastic-free shipping containers during checkout.

Standard ground delivery is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. You may test out the pillow for up to 30 nights. Exchanges for size and fill type are also available during the trial period. A manufacturer’s warranty covers structural and material defects in the Head Pillow for up to five years.

Video: Best Pillows of 2025

Watch the video below to learn more about our Test Lab’s top pillows of 2025.

Why Do I Need a New Pillow?

Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who swears by your current pillow. Be that as it may, it’s not a bad time to start thinking about your next one. Whereas a mattress can have a lifespan of a decade, you really should swap out your pillow every couple years. Why? Even with a pillow case (you are using a pillow case, righhhtt?) your pillow absorbs all sorts of unpleasantries (hello dust mites, skin flakes, and plenty of sweat).

If that isn’t enough to convince you, we should also note that pillows wear out over time, even if that change has been too gradual for you to notice. What was once a high-loft skyscraper will eventually be whittled down to a sad pile of lumpy puffs. 

And given that mattresses are so expensive and pillows are so important, pillows are one of the most accessible entry points into improving your sleep system.

They’re the best bang for your buck.

Choosing Your Perfect Pillow

Finding the perfect pillow for you comes down to your sleeping position and personal preferences. The best way to zero in on the right choice is trial and error, which means sleeping on a wide variety of different types until you find your match. 

In an ideal world, you would be able to go to a store and lay on a mattress with whatever pillows you want to try. Since trying dozens of different pillows isn’t always realistic, here are a few things to consider when shopping.

You want your pillow to fill the gap between your head and neck based on how you sleep (back, side, stomach, or a combo of all three) to keep your neck aligned with the rest of your spine.

The pillow should meet your head where it naturally rests and have some compression, but it also needs to be supportive, firm, and comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep. 

It can be hard to find that perfect all-in-one pillow, so building your own pillow system can be a good compromise. “My daily driver is a shredded foam pillow. It’s comfortable five nights out of the week. If I need a firmer pillow, I have another that I interchange,” Sleep Foundation Test Lab Executive Product Director Jackson Lindeke says.

What Is Loft?

Loft refers to the height of the pillow – not necessarily the firmness – and it’s the interaction of firmness and loft that is crucial. Ultimately, you need to ask yourself: Does it feel right?

Your ideal loft will depend on factors such as preferred sleep position and head size.

For example, a high-loft down pillow might be so soft that it compresses all the way to the mattress, or a thin pillow like buckwheat might be so hard that it doesn’t move unless you do. 

Generally, you’ll see options for low, medium, and high loft, and each of these will complement different sleeping positions and needs. A low loft pillow measures 3 inches or less in height. A medium loft pillow measures between 3 and 5 inches thick. A high loft pillow measures over 5 inches in height.

Low-loft provides a thinner pillow profile. It’s a good choice for stomach sleepers since it keeps the angle of the head and neck low and aligned with the spine.

“Side sleepers tend to need a high-loft pillow for support and to fill the space beneath the head and neck to promote proper spinal alignment. Keep your head and neck in alignment at around 30 degrees with the help of a good pillow so your airway stays open during the night, allowing air to flow from your nose to your lungs without obstruction.”

Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.

Mid-loft provides more elevation, and is usually suitable for back sleepers, side sleepers, and those who switch between positions at night.

Sleepers who snore or who suffer from acid reflux often need additional elevation and can benefit from a high-loft pillow to keep their head more upright.

What Kinds of Fills Are There?

Fill refers to the material your pillow is filled with. There are many different types of fill, and each contributes to a different feel and firmness level.

Next we’ll discuss some of the most common fills you’ll encounter while pillow shopping, as well as what to expect from each. 

Down 

Down refers to the inner plumage of ducks and geese (the clusters typically found on the belly or chest of the bird). It’s soft, lightweight, and particularly moldable. The result is a plush feel that sinks around your neck and head. 

As Senior Product Expert Jeremy Klein describes it, down has “that luxury hotel feel to it. There’s a lot of airflow and it has a light, clean feeling. It feels fresh in a way foam or latex does not. It’s very much its own feeling.”

While some sleepers may enjoy the cloud-like luxury of down, for others, it may not be firm enough.

“On average, down is one of the least supportive materials,” Lindeke explains.

To get around this, some manufacturers either overstuff their pillows, or place down around a more traditional feather core.

For allergy sufferers, having an allergy to down can be a very real thing, but it’s more common to have an allergy to dust mites, which can live in either down or down alternative. So if you’re actually allergic to dust mites, you’re not avoiding them if you go with a down alternative over down. 

Feather

Feather fills use the outer plumage of ducks and geese and tend to be less expensive than down. While the fill comes from the same source as down, there are some key differences.

“While down comes from a cluster of soft, close-to-the body feathers, the downside of exterior feathers is that they can tend to poke you,” Lindeke says. 

Feathers typically come from the bird’s wings and back and are much more rigid than down since their purpose is to protect the bird from weather and predators and help with flight. 

Down Alternative

A lot of “down” pillows are really down alternative. What people mean by down alternative isn’t consistent, so it’s good to check your labels. 

Also known as polyester fiberfill or polyfill, this is the most prevalent of all pillow types on the market due to its cost, ease of maintenance, and wide availability. 

Polyfill attempts to mimic the feel of down, but has some nuance. “Down alternative feels kind of slippery,” Klein says. “There’s less friction when you rub it, where down seems to catch against itself.”

Down alternative is a viable choice if you’re looking for a pillow that’s machine washable, doesn’t use animal products, and is inexpensive.

“Down alternative is definitely the more accessible price point for most people,” Lindeke says. “If you go to a big box store, the majority of those pillows are down alternative.”

Memory Foam

Memory foam is made from polyurethane and compresses in response to heat and pressure, providing a supportive cradle for your head and neck.

“Pressure relief is probably the biggest benefit of memory foam,” Klein says. “I have a lofty shredded foam pillow that I sleep on, which is funny because, in my head, I prefer my down pillow. When I think of foam pillows, I think of them being kind of sweaty, but for whatever reason, I just get better support and relief on this. With my down pillow, my head sinks in too much, and I end up grabbing another pillow.”

Foam pillows come in blocks or as shreds encased in a cover. Since foam hugs closer to your head, you can expect memory foam to sleep warmer than other materials. To help combat heat retention, some companies engineer their foam with tiny air bubbles or add cooling gel or copper.

These pillows might not retain the shape that you need to fill the gap between your head and shoulder, so if you can’t live without memory foam, this is where your mattress-to-pillow interaction can really make or break your sleep system. 

As an aside, it’s worth noting that memory foam (and polyfoam) pillows do have a “new foam smell” upon unboxing, but it does dissipate after a couple days. 

Latex

If you’re a hot sleeper or an eco-conscious consumer, there’s a lot to love about latex. Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees and is breathable, durable, and resistant to mites and mildew. It’s also at the higher end, price-wise, of pillow materials. 

Like foam, latex pillows usually come in block or shredded form, and both have a buoyancy that’s airy and supportive. Latex is more breathable than other foams and sometimes even more breathable than down.

Latex doesn’t have the same compression as memory foam because it’s less reactive to heat. It maintains bounce and firmness, and your head isn’t going to sink in over time.

“Solid latex is great for side sleepers and back sleepers,” Klein says. “It might be a bit too thick for stomach sleepers, but if you want latex, go for shredded and take a bunch of the shreds out until it’s nice and thin.”

Buckwheat

This brings us to our bonus fill.

Buckwheat hulls feel firm individually, but are small enough to comfortably conform to the shape of your head and neck – similar to a bean bag. 

“It’s very moldable. Once you get a buckwheat pillow to how you want it, it will stay like that,” Lindeke says. “It’s definitely very firm, which is good for a side or back sleeper, and they’re also great at temperature regulation, so they’re good for hot sleepers”

Since the buckwheat hulls on the inside are replaceable over time, when they wear down, you can just buy more to replace them and toss or compost the old filling.

One buckwheat quirk: If you’re sensitive to sound and you change positions throughout the night, it will make noise and be quite annoying. Buckwheat also has a grainy smell, like a rye or stout, which may be comforting to some and obnoxious to others. 

Adjustable Fill 

If you’re paralyzed by choice, and don’t want to play a guessing game over whether or not firm means the same thing to you as it does to the manufacturer, adjustable and multi-chambered pillows are also a worthwhile option that you can find with most fill types. 

They come super full, and you can remove and add back filling until you create your perfect pillow.

“Layered pillars are a newer phenomenon with a legitimate niche in the market. They’re configurable, and you can interchange the layers to find the right comfort system,” Lindeke says.

How We Test: Rigor, Data, and Sleeper Feedback

Every sleeper has unique needs and preferences when it comes to choosing the best pillow for them. Our team of experts personally evaluates each pillow in our Seattle-based Test Lab. Each pillow undergoes the same hands-on process, which involves testing across different performance categories, including conforming, support, temperature regulation, and off-gassing. We also consider firmness, ease of care, and pricing when assigning ratings. Our test team is comprised of sleepers with various sleep preferences and body types to ensure that our testing represents a wide array of sleepers. Guidelines for our pillow testing system are listed below.

Construction analysis: Our team carefully reviews the loft, firmness, and material composition of each pillow. This helps us determine overall quality, expected lifespan, and ease of care.

Product testing: We take turns lying on each pillow in different sleep positions — this helps us determine whether it is best suited to side, back, stomach, or combination sleeping. We also hold and handle the pillow to measure qualities like temperature control, shape retention, and moldability.

Field testing: In addition to evaluations in our Seattle Test Lab, we assign performance ratings to pillows based on experiences of our field testers who use the pillows in their own homes. Field test data is collected over the course of several weeks to ensure accurate results.

User testing: We use feedback from real pillow owners collected from surveys and product reviews. This real-world data gives us insights into how each pillow performs over time, and whether our initial ratings reflect owner experiences.

More Pillow Guides

For more personalized pillow guides, check out the following pages:

Best Pillows by Price

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