Importance Score: 15 / 100 🟠
Achieving adequate nightly sleep is crucial for overall well-being. If restful sleep eludes you, several factors might be at play, chief among them the quality of your sleep surfaces like mattresses and pillows. Selecting the best pillow tailored to your individual needs involves considering elements such as your preferred sleeping position—whether you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper—along with personal preferences and budgetary constraints. Finding the best pillow for side sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers or even hot sleepers can vastly improve sleep quality.
A FASTNET survey indicates that over half of adults in the US are willing to invest close to $1,000 annually for quality rest. For those seeking to enhance their sleep without a significant upfront expenditure, smaller, incremental improvements can be beneficial. Given the typically high cost of mattresses, opting for a superior pillow can be a more economical and straightforward approach to ensure proper spinal alignment, alleviate discomfort, maintain coolness, and facilitate the rest necessary for daily functioning.
Drawing upon years of practical pillow evaluations, brand and material expertise, and user testimonials, we have curated a selection of top-rated pillows designed to suit every sleeper. Whether you are a side sleeper, hot sleeper, back sleeper, mindful of your budget, or experience neck pain, we have a pillow to meet your requirements.
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What is the Top Pillow Overall?
Our rigorous testing process has determined the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow Ultimate as the best overall pillow. This adjustable pillow features three removable inserts, rendering it suitable for diverse sleep positions, including side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers. Constructed from hypoallergenic memory foam and down-alternative fibers, the Sleep Number pillow also caters to allergy sufferers. While it is a premium-priced item, it is advisable to watch for potential Sleep Number promotional offers.
Top Pillows of 2025
The Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow Ultimate is an exceptionally comfortable pillow designed for all sleep positions. Its versatility earns it our designation as the best overall pillow. Available in classic, curved, or ultimate shapes, this pillow is designed to appeal to everyone.
It is also recognized as a leading hypoallergenic pillow, incorporating memory foam and premium down-alternative fibers. The cover of the Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow is noticeably soft and breathable to the touch.
A distinctive feature of the Sleep Number Comfortfit Ultimate model is its three removable inserts, enabling customized support. Side sleepers are recommended to use two inserts, while back sleepers may find two or three inserts optimal, and stomach sleepers should consider one or two.
Priced around $100, it represents a higher investment, yet its quality and personalization features may justify it as the only pillow you require.
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Materials: Memory foam
- Machine-washable?: Cover only
- Hypoallergenic?: Not specified
- Loft: Customizable
Pros:
- Includes three removable inserts
- Suited for all sleeper types
- Constructed from high-quality materials, including memory foam
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Lacks cooling features
For hot sleepers or those who appreciate the sensation of a cold side of the pillow,
the Casper Hybrid is recommended as the best cooling pillow. From the well-known mattress brand Casper, this pillow features perforated poly foam, polyester fibers, and gel. It incorporates Casper’s Snow Technology, which includes phase change material designed to maintain a temperature-neutral environment around your head and neck, while promoting airflow. This pillow effectively combines the desirable attributes of a memory foam pillow with added cooling benefits.
Distinguished from other cooling pillows, the Casper Hybrid offers a genuinely cool-to-the-touch experience. Upon contact, it provides an immediate cooling sensation. Although a pillow case may slightly diminish this effect, it remains substantial. The cover is removable and machine-washable for easy maintenance of the cooling effect. For optimal cooling performance, consider using a light and breathable pillow case made of silk, bamboo, or Tencel.
- Firmness: Medium
- Materials: Polyfoam
- Machine-washable?: Cover only
- Hypoallergenic?: Not specified
- Loft: Low
Pros:
- Authentically cool to the touch
- Soft, machine-washable cover
- Features four layers of foam, fiber, and gel with Snow Technology
Cons:
- Higher price range
- Not ideal for stomach sleepers or those who prefer to avoid foam
The Cosy House shredded foam pillows, with dual layers of supportive foam and a cooling, antibacterial bamboo cover, address common sleep issues: overheating and pressure points. Its relatively firm structure aids in maintaining shape during sleep, while the removable shredded memory foam filling in the base layer allows for density customization—a feature absent in most solid foam pillows. Its affordable price point positions it as one of the best budget pillows available.
One reviewer noted its substantial weight and the need to remove filling for optimal comfort, suggesting that at full capacity, it may be too firm and bulky for some sleep positions. Personal experience mirrored this, requiring adjustment for a softer feel, typical of many adjustable pillows. Once adjusted, the spongy foam delivered both softness and support.
While a subtle cooling effect was observed, the ultrasoft, machine-washable quilted bamboo cover, naturally resistant to allergens and dust mites, was a notable feature. Coupled with the customizable fill, the pillow offers significant value at $55.
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Materials: Shredded memory foam
- Machine-washable?: Cover only
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Loft: Customizable
Pros:
- Cooling bamboo cover
- Antibacterial and hypoallergenic
- Supportive, spongy shredded memory foam
Cons:
- Stomach sleepers may find it excessively lumpy
- Heavy pillow
You might be familiar with Coop Sleep Good’s Eden Pillow, a frequent top pillow recommendation. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow represents an enhanced iteration of the Eden Pillow, maintaining a cool-to-the-touch cover while adding a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer, and shredded gel-infused memory foam—ideal for hot sleepers. The filling is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified.
This pillow remains adjustable, including extra filling and allowing for fill removal to customize firmness, provided the height is not excessive. The memory foam conforms to body contours, offering slight sinkage regardless of fill level. Back sleepers will find ample support in this pillow.
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Materials: Shredded memory foam
- Machine-washable?: Cover only
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Loft: Customizable
Pros:
- Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified
- Cool to the touch and heat-resistant
- Customizable firmness
Cons:
- Stomach sleepers require significant fill removal
- Not suited for those disliking pillow sinkage
Similar to the Purple Mattress, the Purple Pillow uses a unique, one-piece polymer grid to support your head and neck during sleep. This grid efficiently distributes weight and resists heat retention, unlike foam, maintaining a consistently cool and comfortable temperature throughout the night. Its design and loft make the Purple Harmony Pillow the best pillow for side sleepers.
The Purple Harmony Pillow is priced at $199, but sales are common. The polymer grid, now thinner, lines the microfiber outer case and surrounds a spongy latex core, enhancing airflow and cooling by creating separation between the head and latex.
Despite expectations, the Harmony pillow felt lighter and softer than anticipated. While the springy, rubbery texture slightly elevated the neck when lying on the back, it proved more suitable for stomach sleeping, which aligns with personal preference, resulting in sound sleep.
- Firmness: Medium
- Materials: Hyper-elastic polymer grid and Talalay latex
- Machine-washable?: Cover only
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Loft: Available in three heights
Pros:
- Springy texture and distinctive honeycomb grid design
- Cool to the touch and heat-resistant
- Soft, washable cover
Cons:
- The hyper-elastic polymer grid may not suit all preferences
- Highest priced on this list
The Parachute Down Alternative Pillow, available in soft, medium, and firm densities, is our choice for the best pillow for stomach sleepers. Filled with superfine microfiber, it replicates the qualities of a premium down pillow without allergen concerns. This standard pillow is designed with a lower profile, ensuring stomach sleepers can sleep comfortably, preventing neck pain. Optimal pillows for stomach sleepers feature a lower loft to maintain spinal alignment through the night.
For additional allergy protection, Parachute’s washable cotton pillow protector is also available. Fluffy, soft, and warm thanks to its down-like fill, this pillow has been praised by side, stomach, and back sleepers for its lightweight feel and down-like squishiness.
Similar to traditional down pillows, Parachute’s pillow can be adjusted to a comfortable shape for various sleep positions.
- Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm
- Materials: Microfiber
- Machine-washable?: Cover only
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Loft: Multiple options
Pros:
- Available in three firmness options
- Hypoallergenic due to microfiber fill
- Suitable for all sleeper types
Cons:
- May be too flat for those preferring a lofty pillow
- Not ideal for those who dislike down pillows
The Buffy Wiggle Pillow stands out as a supportive and playful option for lounging on a couch or bed. Measuring 8 by 82 inches, this elongated, floppy pillow features a eucalyptus lyocell fabric and a soft sherpa cover. Its filling consists of spun recycled plastic, with approximately 55 recycled plastic bottles in each pillow. Environmentally conscious, it is also cruelty-free and BPA-free.
Ideal for lounging, cuddling, and pregnancy support, this long pillow can be knotted, used for nighttime support, or as a body pillow. It enhances couch aesthetics as a decorative pillow and improves overall comfort. Note that the soft cover is sold separately.
- Firmness: Medium
- Materials: TENCEL lyocell fiber
- Machine-washable?: Cover only
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Loft: N/A
Pros:
- Versatile for bed or couch use
- Filled with recycled plastic water bottles
- Supportive and includes a soft cover
Cons:
- Cover sold separately
- Premium price point
For individuals suffering from neck pain, a supportive pillow that correctly aligns the spine is essential. Overly lofty or flat pillows can exacerbate discomfort. The Pluto Pillow is designed to address this, recognized as the best pillow for neck pain due to its hybrid construction, supportive foam, and personalization options.
The Pluto Pillow caters to all sleep positions and body types through a custom-built process. By completing Pluto’s sleep habit and preference quiz, you receive a pillow specifically designed to your needs. FASTNET sleep editor Caroline Igo, testing a thinner Pluto Pillow for her combination stomach and side sleeping preferences, reported waking up with a sense of proper neck support throughout the night.
- Firmness: Personalized
- Materials: Hybrid (foam and down-alternative fibers)
- Machine-washable?: No
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Loft: Customizable
Pros:
- Customized built-to-order design
- Supportive hybrid construction
- Excellent for all sleeper types
Cons:
- Not for those who prefer down or latex
- Higher price bracket
The Nectar pillow, similar to the Nectar mattress, ranks as one of the best memory foam pillows. It features adjustable filling exclusively in its outer layer, while the inner pillow is constructed from robust memory foam that maintains its shape and structure. The exterior, made of quilted foam, is spot-cleanable and air-dryable. Beyond its dual-pillow design and supportive gusset, the Nectar pillow’s key selling point is its comfortable memory foam fill. This memory foam pillow contours to the neck, shoulders, and head, providing support without collapsing, a balance not universally achieved by memory foam pillows. A noted drawback is its lack of machine washability.
FASTNET’s Sharon Profis tested the memory foam pillow for ten days and, after removing a minimal amount of filling, deemed it a comfortable choice for her side sleep position. She observed that the memory foam pillow retained its shape and height, sustaining neck support throughout the night.
Personal testing corroborated these findings. The central memory foam creates a dense pillow, yet the fill layer prevents excessive firmness. Sound sleep was achieved even before adjusting the outer fill. After customization, the Nectar Pillow became a personal top-scoring favorite for comfort, justifying a slightly higher price. Features like the Tencel quilted exterior and oversized design were appreciated, although an oversized pillow case is recommended.
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Materials: Memory foam
- Machine-washable?: No
- Hypoallergenic?: Not specified
- Loft: Customizable
Pros:
- Adjustable firmness with a durable inner pillow
- Cooling Tencel cover
- Often available on sale for $50
Cons:
- Available only in standard size
- Not machine-washable
Other Pillows Worth Considering
While the following pillows haven’t been tested by us yet, their strong reviews and reputable company histories make them noteworthy for consideration during your shopping process.
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
This plush pillow is vegan and allergen-free and features the longest trial period (365 days) of any product listed. This extended period allows ample time to adapt to changes or ensure the pillow’s comfort, proving beneficial particularly if firmness preferences require adjustment.
While some find it slightly too firm, others report softening after a few weeks, with side sleepers adapting quickly to its firmness.
DreamNorth Pillow
Sold in pairs on Amazon with machine-washable covers, DreamNorth’s soft pillows are the most budget-friendly option here. Their breathability, down-free fluffiness, and supportive gel fiber fill suggest quality beyond their economical price. While described as ultrasoft,
those seeking firm support may find other options more suitable, though their shape retention despite softness is impressive.
As one reviewer stated, They came vacuum-sealed and squished flat, but as soon as you take it out of the package, they fluff up like marshmallows and stay that way. I’ve only noticed some slight, very slight flattening in the four months I’ve had them.
Others highlighted their fluffiness combined with maintained neck support, noting, I highly recommend these pillows if you are [prone] to waking up with neck aches or headaches because the pillow conforms nicely to give you the support you need while being soft enough to make you comfortable.
The Luxe Pillow
The $129 Luxe Pillow lives up to its name with high-quality, sustainably sourced goose down and waterfowl feathers, delivering undeniable luxury. It stands as a top-tier pillow choice. Goose down offers fluffiness, while waterfowl feathers add support; both are hypoallergenic and Responsible Down Standard-certified. This combination caters to all sleep positions, validated by customer reviews. One user noted, I love this pillow. It helps me sleep in any position, on my back, stomach or side.
Snowe Down Alternative Pillow
Snowe’s down alternative pillow is also hypoallergenic and ultra-plush, available in three density options with a washable sateen cover. A reviewer praised its down alternative fill, stating, The alternative down used in these pillows is like magic. Maximum compression but they always puff back up. Auto-fluffing pillows!
Snowe suggests the softer version for stomach sleepers, and firmer options for side sleepers for optimal nighttime rest.
How We Evaluated the Best Pillows
Our team of experts assessed these pillows through practical sleep tests. Key factors considered included feel, firmness, comfort, breathability, filling, cover materials, and performance. We sought pillows with adaptable designs, distinctive features, and supportive profiles.
Testing spanned various sleep styles to ensure comprehensive pillow recommendations for everyone. Loft or height was measured to determine optimal sleep positions, and internal fillings were examined. Pillows were also compared based on price, adjustability, and trial periods.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Pillow
The pillow market is saturated with numerous options featuring expert marketing; therefore, it’s easy to be swayed by promises of sleeping on a cloud.
However, suitability varies individually; the ideal pillow depends on personal preferences, budget, and sleep position. Several additional factors merit consideration when shopping for the best pillows.
Pillow Material
Popular pillow materials include memory foam, polyfill, down alternative, and feathers. No single material universally suits all; selection depends on individual needs. Allergy sufferers should avoid feather pillows. Researching material pros and cons is vital in determining the best pillow material for you.
Pillow Loft
Pillow loft refers to its height or thickness without pressure. While preference-based, it is crucial for neck support. Heights range from 4 to 7 inches in three standard sizes:
- Low loft: 5.5 inches or less
- Mid loft: 5.5 to 6.5 inches
- High loft: 6.5 to 7.5 inches
Choosing the right loft involves considering your sleep style and neck posture. Side sleepers require higher lofts to bridge shoulder-to-head distance on the mattress. Stomach sleepers need thinner pillows to prevent unnatural neck positioning. Sleeping position, body weight, and head size determine optimal pillow loft. General guidelines:
- Side sleepers: High or mid-loft
- Stomach sleepers: Low loft
- Back sleepers: Mid loft
- Combination sleepers: Mid loft
Pillow Size
Pillow size is straightforward but important. Common sizes are standard, queen, and king. Shapes also vary (curved, extra fluffy), complicating decisions. Size and shape depend on personal preference. Dimensional guidelines:
- Standard: 20×26 inches (twin or full mattresses)
- Queen: 20×30 inches (queen mattresses)
- King: 20×36 inches (king or California king mattresses)
Sleep Position
Sleep position is critical, just as with mattresses. It dictates optimal pillow loft and firmness. Stomach sleepers benefit from softer, thinner pillows to prevent unnatural neck strain. Side sleepers need higher, firmer pillows for spinal alignment. Back sleepers have the most flexibility, generally suited to mid-range pillows.
Can pillows be washed?
Due to material variations, pillow washability differs. Some are fully machine washable (cool water), while many have washable covers. Always check labels for cleaning instructions. Some top pillows, like memory foam, are hand wash only.
How frequently should pillows be washed?
Pillows need less frequent washing than sheets/pillowcases (washed bi-weekly). Clean pillows every 3-6 months, or sooner if spills occur. Spot clean between washes.
Which pillow is best for neck pain?
The best pillow for neck pain supports spinal alignment, preventing unnatural neck positions. The Pluto Pillow or Original Casper Pillows are highly recommended for neck support. Incorrect pillow choices (wrong loft/firmness) can worsen neck/shoulder pain, hence, choose pillows suitable for your sleep position.
What type of pillow is suitable for side sleepers?
Side sleepers need medium-to-high loft pillows (5.5-7.5 inches height) to cradle head and maintain neutral spine alignment. Material preference varies.
When should pillows be replaced?
Replace pillows every 1-2 years ideally, though washing can extend lifespan. Older pillows accumulate allergens, lose shape, offering less head support and hygiene.
Which pillow is best for hot sleepers?
For hot sleepers, consider cooling pillows like the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology. Cooling pillows utilize breathable materials for temperature regulation.