Examine the Prime 5 Pillows
Honorable Mentions
There are far too many pillows available on the market. We have listed our favorites above, however even that does not cowl the big selection of serviceable designs on the market for a superb night time’s sleep. If, in some way, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed below are just a few others we’ve got examined and what we thought of them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified farms, however it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Green Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is constructed from GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified natural kapok, and is available in each an ordinary form and side-sleeper curved form. It felt a lot denser than others we tried, and my take a look at panel and I most popular different latex pillows over this one.
Bedgear Storm Pillow for $200: This mannequin from Bedgear is just like the Bedgear Circulate above however with out the curve for aspect sleepers. In case you sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this may be a greater match, however I want the flexibility of getting one curved aspect and one straight aspect. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow for $59: I preferred this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency choice for testing.) I want the Buffy Cloud for a down various, however this can be a strong runner-up.
Casper Hybrid Pillow for $129: This hybrid makes use of a mixture of thick foam and a core of shredded foam for its marshmallow-like, dense-yet-soft really feel. I preferred sleeping on the Casper, particularly the cooling Snow version ($149), and it did properly in my panel checks, however each of my panelists who volunteered to long-term take a look at it got here again with disappointing outcomes inside per week. My petite aspect sleeper discovered it too agency, and my taller, broader long-term tester discovered that the Casper wasn’t bouncing again fairly as a lot accurately for the value after per week of sleeping on it. In case you like a firm-ish design, although, you may be pleased with this one. The Snow version is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of a superb winter choice for warm sleepers, as one in all my panel testers stated.
Eli & Elm Everyday Memory Foam Pillow for $110: In comparison with the latex model under, the reminiscence foam model feels lumpy. Most of my panelists disliked it, together with myself, however my chaotic sleeper was a fan of its malleable form for her haphazard sleeping patterns.
Eli & Elm Everyday Latex Pillow for $110: This shredded latex-filled pillow is sweet and springy, and it’s a strong runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it snug to sleep on as a aspect sleeper, because it as a better loft and good help.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is nearly shockingly agency out of the field. You may customise the quantity of fill inside to present it the correct amount of help for you, however should you’re the kind of aspect sleeper who likes agency help, this may be the one for you. It even comes with a separate detachable cowl for straightforward washing. It is smaller than the Delicious one, so do not anticipate to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one individual it is an important alternative. —Eric Ravenscraft
GhostBed Memory Foam Pillow for $85: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has been utilizing the reminiscence foam GhostBed pillow since 2020—she slept on it whereas visiting with a buddy and instantly purchased one after returning dwelling. It is medium-firm and works for her side-, back-, and stomach-sleeping rotation. GhostBed’s declare of it being the “Coolest Pillow within the World” is exaggerated, however Medea sleeps sizzling, and he or she says the gel-infused foam does keep cool all night time.
Marlow the Pillow for $49: That is one other shredded reminiscence foam mannequin, although it was much less lumpy and had higher help than the Eli & Elm. It was a bit of smaller than the remainder, however it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip aspect panels to make it greater or smaller. It was high quality to sleep on; I discovered it a bit of agency for my liking, however my long-term tester says it has been supportive and cleared up her neck ache. It is a good choice for the value too.
Nest Easy Breather Pillow for $119: It is a in style mannequin, however I discovered it too dense and too lofty for me. It’s adjustable, so you may simply make it much less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to retailer your further fill. The fill is a mixture of foam and polyester fiber. My panelist who preferred the firmer Marlow additionally preferred this pillow, whereas the remainder of us most popular softer choices.
No More Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There is no scarcity of novelty pillows, however as somebody who experiences lots of neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave heart for again, aspect, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely suits your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than superb for something aside from laying your head on it, however it’s nonetheless a strong decide for neck ache. —Eric Ravenscraft
Parallel High Profile Pillow for $150: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft was a fan of the Parallel’s excessive profile for taller aspect sleepers. It is a good choice, however I believe you will be simply as pleased with a Purple or Coop cutout should you want a excessive loft and aspect sleeper help.
Pillow Dice Side Cube ($70) and Ice Cube ($90): The Pillow Dice has a bizarre little rectangular design. It appears unusual at first, however as soon as you’re taking the quiz and get a suggestion for what dimension you want, you’ll be matched with the proper dice for you. I examined the Aspect Dice and the Ice Dice. They had been supportive and a bit squishy, and I believe they’d be a superb choice should you sleep completely in your aspect—together with your arms stretched in entrance of you or close to your chest. I normally sleep with my arm stretched underneath my pillow, so my head is resting on my shoulder (with a pillow in between), and I discovered the Dice was much less supportive if I slept in my most popular place. And on the nights after I rolled onto my again, I wakened with neck ache. However should you solely sleep within the superb aspect sleeper formation, this mannequin is way more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure to decide up a case! A traditional case is simply too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice properly. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: In case you discover you turn between being a aspect sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow gives a superb center floor. Fairly than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its top, this mannequin comes with two foam inserts so you will get precisely the extent of help you want. —Eric Ravenscraft
Purple GridCloud Pillow for $149: This pillow is a softer, squishier design with the grid layer we love from the Purple Freeform and Concord, however it has just one aspect with the grid as an alternative of two. It is described as having a down-alternative core, and it does really feel a lot softer, like a down various. I most popular the help of Purple’s different fashions, however if you’d like one thing softer with higher help than only a down or down various filling, this can be a nice choice.
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow for $165: This mannequin is barely cooling, and has a fluffier really feel in comparison with extra sinkage-style reminiscence foam.
Saatva Down Alternative Pillow for $115: I like this down various, however no more than the less expensive Buffy. There are two loft top choices which is sweet if you’d like one thing particular.
Sleep Number True Temp Adapt Ultimate Pillow for $150: I examined the Final form since it is a slight crescent-like type that is superb for aspect sleepers like myself. I like this as a aspect sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as properly. It is a bit of smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless large enough for the average-sized individual.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous mushy, just like a down or down various mannequin. In case you’re searching for one thing further cool and like the sunshine, malleable help of a down pillow, this can be a good selection.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow underneath $100, however it’s out of inventory all over the place proper now. If you will discover it accessible, it is an important choice stuffed with shredded reminiscence foam you could modify to get your good top.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill mannequin from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment the place you may add or take away foam filling to get the proper quantity of help for you. That is an more and more frequent function, however what units it aside is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling supplies. The corporate makes a number of the finest cooling supplies available on the market, and this one managed to remain cooler than most I attempted. —Eric Ravenscraft
Tempur Pedic Tempur Adapt ProHi for $175: Our earlier reminiscence foam decide did high quality in my panel checks, however all of us most popular shredded reminiscence foam over a strong sheet. Somebody did volunteer to long-term take a look at this as a knee help whereas they slept, although.
Tempur-Breeze ProHi Pillow for $229: is a wider, extra spacious various to the Tempur-Adapt ProHi. It has a equally excessive loft, and the froth is firmer and extra immune to strain than the Adapt. It is a greater match should you want a firmer choice, or if you’d like house to share it together with your cuddling associate. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair completely different pillow sizes you would possibly discover when purchasing. More often than not pillows are available in an ordinary dimension and a king dimension, and you can purchase an ordinary dimension until you will have a king-size mattress. However there are just a few extra dimension choices.
All mattress pillows are normally 20 inches broad, however the size can differ. (That is why your pillowcases might sound too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) In case you’re interested by extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than what to do with, listed below are the same old sizes you will discover and what measurements they need to have:
- Customary Measurement: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Tremendous Customary Measurement: 20 inches by 28 inches
- Queen: 20 inches by 30 inches
- King: 20 inches by 36 inches
- Physique: 20 inches by 54 inches
You may wish to double-check listings to see what dimension you are actually working with if dimension is a matter for you. Buffy, for instance, lists an ordinary dimension for its pillows, however they’re 28 inches lengthy, making these pillows an excellent customary dimension. You will not wish to order king-size pillows with no king-sized mattress, particularly since you will want king-size pillowcases together with your sheets. Physique pillows are the longest of all, and we’ve got a separate guide to those.
Incessantly Requested Questions
What Type of Pillow Do You Want?
You would possibly assume a pillow is a pillow. It simply needs to be mushy and match underneath your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting a superb night time’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed below are just a few key inquiries to ask.
What sort of sleeper are you? Do you sleep in your again, aspect, or abdomen? Do you keep comparatively nonetheless, or do you toss and switch rather a lot? Do you normally have one pillow underneath your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is most likely a very powerful factor to bear in mind when deciding what sort works finest for you, and we have famous our picks under based mostly on sleeping type.
What’s the pillow made from? Pillows will be stuffed with all sorts of supplies, from feathers to foam. Down and artificial down are fluffy clusters of fiber that may really feel mushy and comfy, whereas reminiscence foam is designed to compress with the load of your head however nonetheless return to its earlier form. Natural latex will be heavy and spongey, holding a side-sleeper’s head in place. There are additionally hybrid pillows that use a number of layers of various supplies for a extra structured really feel.
How are the supplies sourced? Since some supplies like down feathers come from animals, you may want to concentrate on how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling usually comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. In an effort to be sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—resembling by avoiding merciless practices like stay plucking—applications just like the Responsible Down Standard set standards that producers should adhere to. Another choice is to search for artificial down options, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as an artificial substitute. The broader Material Matters Standard is a not too long ago overhauled system for inspecting the environmental impression and sustainability of bedding producers.
How agency is it? Nonetheless you sleep, you will desire a pillow that retains your backbone straight and your head aligned together with your again. Meaning you need one thing agency sufficient to help your head but mushy sufficient that it does not dig into your ear or face.
How lofty is it? “Loft” is a time period typically used to explain how excessive up and doing the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you would possibly find yourself together with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the night time. Most fashions usually fall into one in all three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively brief and superb for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is best for aspect sleepers (since your head might be additional up and doing than while you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and finest should you’re a mix sleeper who does not stick to 1 specific sleep type.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You won’t assume the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a sturdy guarantee, however many producers supply beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple affords a one-year warranty and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has a similar warranty and a 30-day trial. In case you’re not sure whether or not your new pillow is best for you, try the corporate’s insurance policies to see what leeway it’s important to strive earlier than you commit—and be sure to’re protected if one thing goes unsuitable.
What is the Finest Pillow Fill for You?
A wide range of filling supplies are used, and the kind of fill is an enormous a part of how pillows are categorized. You have heard of down pillows, for instance, which implies it is stuffed with down undercoating or feathers, and listening to the phrases “reminiscence foam” normally invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam may give. Here is a fast explainer of the principle sorts of fill you will discover and the way they differ.
Down: Down pillows, as I discussed above, are stuffed with both down clusters (an undercoating on geese) or down feathers, or a mixture of each. It is a fill that is been round for ages, and it feels just like a comforter within the sense that it is mushy and squishy, and really malleable to form in any manner you favor. (Nevertheless it additionally does not retain its form properly.) Since these are stuffed with down clusters or feathers, you will wish to verify for certifications, just like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), that affirm if the down was ethically sourced.
Down various: These pillows aren’t a set sort, however use different supplies to duplicate the down expertise. Buffy, for instance, makes use of recycled plastic to create their fill, whereas Saatva makes use of a mix of reminiscence foam and latex foam. You may have to have a look to see what makes up any down various design, because it is not constant. However what’s constant is the completely different really feel. In my checks, I’ve discovered down various fashions are normally extra supportive and do a greater job holding their form than a traditional down.
Reminiscence foam: Reminiscence foam is in style since it might probably “bear in mind” its unique form, letting it return to its earlier type as soon as your head is off the pillow. Reminiscence foam does have a sinking sensation to it, which you would possibly like or dislike. You may additionally wish to verify if the reminiscence foam is a strong sheet or shredded; I’ve discovered shredded and reduce reminiscence foam to have extra bounce and help and fewer sinkage than a reminiscence foam sheet.
Latex foam: Latex foam is constructed from rubber, giving it a a lot bouncier, supportive really feel than different foam choices. Latex foam is changing into a preferred choice because of that good help, and it’s normally discovered with a shredded sort of fill that offers loads of airflow.
Hybrid: Hybrid is one other class gaining in recognition. It may be a mixture of any of the above fills, however I typically discover it is a sheet of froth mixed with both shredded foam or another type of softer filling. Casper, for instance, makes use of each sheets of reminiscence foam after which has a core of shredded foam on the heart to present it its marshmallow-like really feel.
Cotton, kapok, and wool: These fills are all pure fibers that take much less processing than foam, and could possibly be utilized in a mix with different supplies above. Kapok and cotton are presupposed to be on the fluffy finish, whereas wool is nice for temperature regulation. However none are as in style as foam or down choices, although you would possibly see these as components in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Customary and Queen the Similar Pillow Measurement?
No, an ordinary dimension is a bit of smaller at solely 26 inches broad, whereas a queen dimension needs to be 30 inches broad. You would possibly wish to verify the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however if in case you have the selection between the 2, I want just a few further inches with the queen dimension.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You may be shocked by a number of the worth tags on these pillows. I bear in mind spending backside greenback on my pillows for years. However these bottom-dollar pillows wanted to be ceaselessly changed and did not present the long-term help (and even all-night help) my neck wanted.
Greater-quality pillows price extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial intervals and warranties in an effort to take a look at out the pillow of your alternative and get a assure it will final. Plus, whereas most of those aren’t low cost, it is nonetheless an reasonably priced funding while you break down what number of hours you will be mendacity on them.
How Ought to You Take care of Your Pillow?
One of the simplest ways to scrub your pillow goes to rely upon the pillow you will have. You may select handy wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you will wish to verify the label and ensure it is secure to machine wash it. If it isn’t, spot or hand cleansing is your only option.
The best pillows to wash are ones that include detachable covers, as a result of you may take away stated cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill needs to be washed, in order that’s vital to verify earlier than throwing a complete pillow into your washer. Our prime 5 picks all have detachable covers for straightforward washing, although for some (just like the Honeydew Delicious) you will should manually take away the filling and retailer it in a bag, whereas others just like the Purple have a separated cowl and fill part.
How Does WIRED Select Pillows to Evaluate?
We analysis all pillows we take a look at to verify we take a look at quite a lot of types, fills, and shapes to seek out that are essentially the most supportive over an evening’s sleep. We take a look at each costly and affordably priced fashions to see how the standard stacks up, and normally look to check new designs and choices to see what’s coming subsequent (and each different class we take a look at for). We additionally try opinions and buyer suggestions when accessible to see if it is value testing to check in opposition to pillows we all know we already like.
How Does WIRED Take a look at Pillows?
Each pillow on this information is slept on for at least three nights, with our prime picks getting a minimum of per week if not nearer to a month of sleep testing from both myself, different staffers, or long-term testers. I additionally hosted a testing panel in March 2025 with six individuals and 22 completely different fashions. The panelists all had completely different sleep types starting from traditional aspect and again sleepers to chaotic sleepers who find yourself beneath their pillows each night time, and the panel judged which choices they discovered most snug and could be almost certainly to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Evaluate Items After Testing?
Most of our pillows are supplied by the corporate for us to evaluate, typically by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra ceaselessly, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular type or fill sort. We additionally buy some pillows for ourselves and can write about them.
After we take a look at pillows, they’re both positioned with a long-term tester if the mannequin is a decide, or they’re donated.
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