The Best Editor-Tested Pillows That You Can Buy Now

Selecting the perfect pillow is a lot like the process of finding the right partner — you may have to give a few prospectives a go before you settle on your ideal match. You can’t just select one at random. In that case, you run the risk of seriously regretting it later. After all, we spend a significant amount of time snuggling up in our beds — ideally eight hours every night — and a pillow can either make or break our rest. Not to mention, it has an impact on our necks and backs and how much pain we have to endure during the day.

Not all pillows are created equal, so selecting the right one can be a lengthy process. Different pillows are designed to meet the unique needs of sleepers, so the challenge begins with a self-audit of your own sleep style, movement, and preferences.

To give you a helping hand, we’ve done the heavy lifting when it comes to product research and testing and have uncovered the very best pillows for every type of sleeper. Read on to find yours and discover just how much better your sleep can really be.

Finding the best pillow match depends on several factors, and the truth is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. Some people with neck pain may insist on a firm feel, while others find a plush pillow more beneficial. It all depends on your go-to sleeping position and where your pain is localized.

Alternatively, cloud-like plushness isn’t a universal desire when it comes to pillows, and many of us could actually need something firmer and not yet realize it. In short, there are a whole lot of factors, which made compiling this list fairly difficult. As always, we did our best to be unbiased, and what worked for us might be a little different for you. (That’s also why we included many categories and a whole lot of editor opinions.)

With that said, the two main things you should keep in mind while pillow shopping are fill and firmness. Fill refers to the material that makes up the inside of the pillow, such as foam, gel, and down. As for firmness, most pillows are considered either firm, plush, or somewhere in the middle.

• Memory foam: This is a super popular material in both mattresses and pillows. Known for being plush and soft, memory foam is great if you want to really sink into your pillow — although there are definitely thicker foam options that feel much firmer. Foam pillows can also hold in heat (depending on what else the fill is composed of), making them less ideal for people who sleep hot.

• Gel: Gel is actually a form of memory foam — its longer name is “gel-infused memory foam.” The main benefit of gel is that it makes the foam much more breathable, which is ideal for sweaty sleepers who need a cooling material. It’s also a bit denser than memory foam, so it offers greater support.

• Down and down alternative: If you prefer a more traditional feel, try a down or down alternative pillow. Down pillows are filled with the material found under the feathers of birds (usually geese and ducks) and are typically much more expensive than other pillows. They have a luxe feel but could trigger allergies — not to mention, you may have ethical concerns about using animal products. If you want the same feel, there are plenty of down alternative options that feel nearly identical to the real thing.

• Latex: For something more natural, consider a latex pillow. Latex comes from the rubber tree and is a chemical-free alternative to foam. Soft, bouncy, and durable, it’s a high-quality material that typically has a higher price tag. It’s also hypoallergenic, antifungal, and doesn’t absorb heat like foam does. Most organic pillows are made from latex.

This is where things get tricky. We’d always thought of “firm” pillows as being hard and uncomfortable, but it turns out that’s not always the case. For example, a firm down pillow feels very different from a firm foam pillow. On the other hand, we thought “soft” translated to “thick, plush, and oh so comfy,” but again, that’s not always the case. In fact, soft pillows tend to be pretty flat or flatten over time, especially those filled with down.

• Firm: If you suffer from neck or head pain, consider a firm (or firmer) pillow. These have less give than soft options, which doesn’t mean less comfort, but rather that your head won’t sink into it unsupported. Stomach sleepers are advised to avoid firmer pillows, as they’ll keep your head elevated, slightly bending your neck backward and putting you in an uncomfortable position.

• Soft: Maybe you don’t experience neck pain or love sinking into a fluffy pillow. With a barely there feel and the ability to easily conform to your head and neck, soft pillows are best for stomach and back sleepers. That said, side sleepers most likely won’t get the proper support they need from a soft pillow.

Tip: If you sleep in multiple positions, consider two pillows of different firmness levels: one suited for the position you fall asleep in and another nearby in case you toss and turn and need more or less support in the position you wake up in.

• Side sleeper: If you sleep on your side, you have a lot of freedom when choosing a pillow — but that also means you have an overwhelming number of options. The only thing you really need to look out for is pillow height. Softer, plush pillows tend to be less supportive, even if they appear tall. So, if you’re a side sleeper, soft pillows likely won’t keep your head and neck aligned. Go for something medium-firm for slight give but ample support and be sure the pillow’s thickness works for you to keep your alignment in check.

• Back sleeper: If you sleep on your back, look for a pillow that’s flatter with less fill. Firmness depends on your preference — those with pain might opt for something firm to keep the head in the same place throughout the night and relieve the neck. Otherwise, something soft and flat that’ll mold to your head is best.

• Stomach sleeper: You’ll want something super soft if you sleep on your stomach — if you use a pillow at all. Picking a pillow that’s flat is best so you don’t mess up your spine and neck alignment, and you definitely don’t want one that’s firm.

• CertiPUR-US: Ensures the foam is free from harmful chemicals, flame retardants, heavy metals, and more.
• GREENGUARD: Ensures the foam has low chemical emissions.
• Responsible Down Standard (RDS): Confirms that the down used comes from animals not subjected to any harm.
• eco-INSTITUT: Ensures the brand goes beyond usual standards and mandatory legal, national, and international requirements on health-agreeable home products.
• Intertek’s Clean Air: Ensures products comply with low VOC emission requirements and certifies on behalf of BIFMA e3, California CDPH, LEED, and WELL.
• Downmark: Ensures the authenticity and high quality of down-labeled products.
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Confirms the ecological and social responsibility with which textile products are made.
• MADE SAFE: Ensures everyday products are non-toxic, made with safe ingredients and materials, and are family-safe.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Ensures every component of a product has been tested and is free of harmful chemicals.
• CPSIA: Ensures a product is safe for children and meets general consumer product safety rules.
• Fair Trade Certified: Meets rigorous standards of environmental protection, sustainability, safe working conditions, and social and economic betterment.

We tested a wide range of pillows for our list, judging them on the following criteria:

• Feel: How comfortable is the pillow? Do we remain comfortable all night, or do we wake up with neck pain? Does it feel cool, or do we feel warm?
• Support: How supportive is the pillow? Do we wake up feeling sore? Do we feel comfortable in all positions? Do we sink into the pillow, or does it feel firm?
• Size: Does the pillow fit into a standard-size pillowcase? Does it have an odd shape?

If you want to take your quality of sleep to the next level, allow us to point you in the direction of Cushion Lab’s CloudLoft Pillow. Its expert blend of softness and support makes it suited for all kinds of sleepers. It has topped our list for a number of reasons.

• Its unique blend of foam and fluffy microfiber makes you feel like you’re actually resting your head and neck on a cloud.
• The material contours to your shape, keeping you elevated and cocooned all night long.
• It comes with a cover that’s smooth and cooling, and it claims to reduce hair frizz and sleep lines.

Allison, AT’s Director of Brand Activation, is a back and side sleeper, and she swears that the pillow is as lofty as it claims, allowing her “to sleep comfortably without sinking down or waking up with a stiff neck.”

“This pillow never flattened out, and while it was filled and supportive, it wasn’t too stiff. It was the perfect balance and conformed to my neck and shoulders,” she continues. “I never had to re-fluff the pillow in the middle of the night like I typically had to do with my other pillows that would flatten easily. 

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a pillow that works for all sleeping positions; those who prefer a super-fluffy feel.

Specifications:

• Material: Nylon-spandex cover with microfiber and memory foam fill
• Sizes: Queen, king
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US memory foam

The Sijo Fluffbase Eucalyptus Pillow really does tick all the boxes — its eucalyptus down alternative ensures cloud-like sleeping conditions, and ensures you’ll have a cool and dry sleep all night long. “It caught me by surprise how well I slept with this pillow!” says senior shopping editor Britt. “It’s soft but not too soft, so it provides great support whether I’m on my back, stomach, or side. It also stays cool, which is fantastic for me as a hot sleeper, especially since I’ve been using it during some of the hottest days of the year.”

The super breathable eucalyptus materials also boast natural antibacterial properties, and Sijo goes the extra mile by adding a silver-ion antimicrobial treatment to reduce the spread of fungus and bacteria on top of it. 

Read our full review of the Sijo Fluffbase Eucalyptus Pillow.

Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers; those who want a down-like feel without the feathers.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% TENCEL lyocell cover with recycled polyester down alternative fill
• Sizes: Standard/queen, king
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

We’re of the opinion that bedding is worth investing in — elevating your quality of sleep will also improve your mood during the day, after all. If you’re of the same mind, then you might be after the most luxe pillow out of them all. In that case, the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow will make you feel like you’re snoozing in a five-star hotel.

It mimics the feel of down — incredibly plush — without all of the drawbacks that come with the real thing. Instead, it’s hypoallergenic, and the filling creates pockets of air to keep your head cushioned. The clusters of memory foam help, too, which delivers in the support department. All of that is encased in a breathable cotton cover, with satin piping around the edges for that extra glam factor.

“As a mainly side sleeper, I found this pillow extremely comfortable,” says brand activation manager Reece. “There is a lot of fill, and it is very soft, but has great support for my head and neck. Because it isn’t the tallest pillow out there, I found it to be best for side sleeping since it kept my head and neck elevated at the perfect height. The look and feel of the pillow are very luxurious, and it has a high-quality cover over it that has a silky feel.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who like a pillow with a traditional — yet elevated — feel; those who are allergic to regular down.

Specifications:

• Material: Cotton cover with down alternative and memory foam fiber fill
• Sizes: Standard/queen, king
• Certifications: Fair Trade Certified

*Honorable Mention: If you’re after real down, Quince’s version is a great bet, and it’s available in everything from soft to extra firm. “If you’re looking for a basic, comfortable pillow that will support your head and neck as you sleep, the Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow is the one for you,” according to former commerce SEO writer Haley.

“I chose the medium/firm option and found that I slept quite comfortably all night long, and I’ve owned it for months now! Overall, this pillow doesn’t have any fancy design features — like extra fluff or zip closures — but it’s a solid pillow for the price!”

Hot sleepers know that temperature-regulating bedding can make a major difference — even when it comes to something as seemingly small as your pillow. Instead of flipping the pillow to get the cool side, the Coop Cool+ Adjustable Pillow will feel that way all of the time. Filled with cooling gel-infused memory foam and microfiber, it’s breathable and has a cooling effect that starts from the inside. A heat-wicking liner with a phase change gel memory foam layer and cooling outer cover also keep you cool no matter which side you use. It’s also fully customizable — from the design to the fill. You can choose between a standard pillow, crescent-shaped pillow, and cut-out pillow, making it suitable for any type of sleeper. The fill is also removable, so you can adjust the height. If you love a lofty pillow, it comes with an extra half-pound of fill to work with.

As someone who sleeps extremely hot, former commerce SEO editor Sarah was immediately intrigued by the pillow, noticing how “cool to the touch it was” instantly. “Without any intervention on my part, it was already at the perfect height (no adjusting needed!), and it was icy cold.” As a side sleeper, she opted for the cut-out version of the pillow, saying it kept her neck cool, cradled, comfortable, and pain-free.

Read our full review of the Coop Cool+ Adjustable Pillow.

Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers; those who want customizable support.

Specifications:

• Material: Polyethylene, polyester, and spandex cover; nylon, polyester, visco polyurethane foam pad with gel liner; visco polyurethane foam with gel and microfiber fill
• Sizes: Queen, king
• Certifications: GREENGUARD and CertiPUR-US

Made by in-house ergonomists to conform to the shape of your head, the Cushion Lab Neck Relief Ergonomic Cervical Pillow is “an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive pillow that can help alleviate neck and shoulder pain,” according to AT commerce and branded content social media manager Brian.

This pillow allows the neck to maintain its natural curve to release pressure and allows for a healthier alignment. “Additionally, the breathable cover keeps you cool throughout the night, allowing you to sleep comfortably without waking up sweaty. Overall, the Cushion Lab Ergonomic Cervical Pillow is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to improve their sleep quality and reduce neck and shoulder pain,” says Brian. 

Who It’s Best For: Those who suffer from neck and/or back pain; those who prefer an ergonomic pillow design.

Specifications:

• Material: Organic cotton cover with polyester lining and gel-infused memory foam fill
• Sizes: One size
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US

With the TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow, you’ll get the best of both worlds, thanks to its two-in-one design that boasts an arched side for back and stomach sleepers and a flatter side for side sleepers.

“This pillow is a hybrid sleeper’s dream!” says editor-in-chief Charli. “I’m a side sleeper who often winds up on my back in the middle of the night. I love that I can flip it over to meet whichever need I have. I have a lot of neck pain at night, and this pillow made me forget that was even a thing.”

The TEMPUR material is designed to conform to your shape, ensuring a truly personalized sleep experience. Plus, it’s great for hot sleepers, as Charli can attest: “As a hot sleeper, it was also cooling and sleek and easy to swap in and out of a pillowcase. Five stars all around!”

Who It’s Best For: All sleep styles, but especially combination sleepers; those who prefer memory foam pillows.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% polyester cover and TEMPUR memory foam fill
• Sizes: One size
• Certifications: CPSIA

A thin yet supportive pillow is necessary for stomach sleepers in order to prevent neck straining, and Sobel Westex’s is a high-quality, affordable option that does just that.

This soft-medium pillow is filled with a gel fiber that is perfect for propping up stomach sleepers like our senior shopping editor, Britt. Right out of the package, she says it feels like “the same downy feel of pillows [she] loves to use on vacation.” This plush pillow helps combat back pain, awkward sleeping positions, as well as tossing and turning in your sleep.

“Thanks to the gel-infused microfiber fill, it has cloud-like comfort with a bit of support to keep me from feeling like my head is directly on my mattress,” she adds. “It’s also durable and malleable: I have the pillow in a Queen size and was able to stuff it into a standard pillowcase without a problem. I didn’t think I could sleep as deeply as I do when I’m traveling, but the Sahara Nights pillow showed me that it’s not where you are, but what you use to sleep.”

Read our full review of the Sahara Nights Pillow.

Who It’s Best For: Stomach and back sleepers; those who prefer a softer pillow.

Specifications:

• Material: 233-thread count cotton cover with gel-infused microfiber fill
• Sizes: Standard, queen, king
• Certifications: N/A

Family-owned and made in the USA for over 30 years, this successful business strives to bring comfort in every pillow it creates. “This side-sleeper pillow blew me away,” says editor-in-chief Charli. “Not only is it beautifully made, but it’s also the softest side sleeper pillow I’ve ever used that doesn’t sacrifice pressure relief or neck support. I was impressed with the unboxing, the cooling, and the night-after-night softness and support. This side sleeper is officially a believer!”

Designed with cooling copper gel memory, the Honeydew Scrumptious Side Pillow not only works to cool you down at night, but it also adds softness to the overall feel. The fill is fully adjustable to your firmness needs, too, with help from the pillow’s hidden zipper.

“From my neck to my shoulders and even my back, I could instantly feel my body being aligned,” says former commerce SEO editor Sarah. “Needless to say, I was excited to get to bed. That night I got what I can only describe as the best sleep of my life.”

However, the proof is really in how she felt afterward. “The next morning, I woke up with no pain whatsoever, and more than four months later, I’m still sleeping the same. If I had to sum up my thoughts on this pillow in two words, it would be this: miracle worker.”

Read our full review of Honeydew Side Sleeper Pillow.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who have neck pain.

Specifications:

• Material: Cotton and TENCEL cover with gel memory foam, microfiber, and down alternative fill 
• Sizes: Queen, king
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 

With a tagline of “The Greatest Pillow Ever Invented,” we had high expectations of the Purple Harmony Pillow. Luckily, it lives up to the hype, according to former commerce assistant editor Morgan. There’s an option for every kind of sleeper, thanks to the range of heights available, including low, medium, and high.

Morgan, who alternates between her stomach, side, and back throughout the night, has found that the medium version is stellar for all three positions. It has to do with the brand’s unique Honeycomb GelFlex Grid layer and spongy interior, making your head feel like it’s weightless. The Grid is also temperature-regulating, enhanced by airy Talalay Latex and a moisture-wicking mesh cover.

“I always thought I was a down alternative or nothing kind of person, but man, did this pillow prove me wrong,” Morgan says, who’s ended up with two Harmony pillows on her bed. “It’s so comfortable in every position, and I’m a restless sleeper that moves around quite a bit before actually falling asleep. Usually, I have to fluff my pillow over and over again throughout. However, this one retains its shape no matter what. I’ve even noticed less aches in my neck in the morning!”

Read our full review of the Purple Harmony Pillow.

Who It’s Best For: Combination sleepers; those who prefer a soft and squishy pillow texture.

Specifications:

• Material: Nylon and spandex cover with hyper-elastic polymer grid and Talalay latex core
• Sizes: Standard, king
• Certifications: Clean Air GOLD and CertiPUR-US

If you are looking for the perfect pillow made exactly for you, look no further than the Pluto Pillow. Pluto has you complete an quiz to make sure you’re getting the pillow of your dreams that will meet all your needs. It asks about you, your current pillow, and your pillow preferences, including your sleeping habits. “I admit I was skeptical about my ideal pillow being determined by an online quiz, but as soon as I got my hands on it, all of my concerns flew out the window,” says Britt.

Based on your results, you’ll receive a pillow with a foam core with the perfect thickness for your sleeping style; it comes wrapped in a plush cover with a thickness based on your answers to whether you’re a hot sleeper or just need some basic regulation. “When it comes to comfort, my Pluto Pillow certainly delivered. It’s not too bulky or too firm, and it’s just as nice to lay on it on my back while scrolling my phone in bed, as it is to fall asleep on my stomach or roll over onto my side,” says Britt. 

Read our full review of the Pluto Pillow.

Who It’s Best For: All sleep types; those who prefer a customized pillow made specifically for their preferences.

Specifications:

• Material: Cotton or quilted down alternative microfiber cover with foam core
• Sizes: Standard, king
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Additional reporting by Kendall Cornish, Samantha Hunter, and Pauline Lacsamana.