The 9 best pillows of 2024, based on months of rigorous at-home testing --[Reported by Umva mag]

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Choosing the most comfortable pillow is a highly personal decision. While it can feel daunting, the best pillow will depend on your preferred sleep position, body type, specific sleep concerns, and even desired feel. 

We tested over 30 pillows filled with down, down-alternative materials, latex, foam, and even ones with untraditional materials, like buckwheat, silk, and bamboo to help you find your version of the perfect pillow, whether you seek fluffy, cloud-like comfort to cooling, cradling support. We also spoke to several sleep experts about what to look for when selecting the best pillow for your needs. Whatever you choose, the sleep experts we spoke with recommend picking your pillow with the same care and research you would devote to selecting the best mattress for your room. It can truly make or break your sleep.

Our long-standing top pick is the Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow, which we think appeals to the largest variety of sleepers because of its adjustable shredded memory foam fill. If you're not sensitive to down, our team also raves about the soft and fluffy Brooklinen Down Pillow, which offers a more traditional hotel pillow feel and is available in three firmness options. 

Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.

The best pillows for every sleep type

Best overall: Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow - See at Amazon

Best budget: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (Set of 2) - See at Amazon

Best down: Brooklinen Down Pillow - See at Brooklinen

Best for side sleepers: Casper Original Pillow - See at Amazon

Best for back sleepers: The Saatva Latex Pillow - See at Saatva

Best for stomach sleepers: Parachute Down-Alternative Pillow, Soft - See at Parachute

Best cooling: Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow - See at Amazon 

Best for neck pain: Layla Kapok Pillow - See at Layla

Best hotel: The Marriott Pillow - See at Amazon

Best pillow overall

It's rare to come across a product as thoughtfully designed as the Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow. Made from hypoallergenic shredded memory foam, the Coop pillow has an adjustable fill that lets you customize it to the perfect loft for your sleep preferences. Other thoughtful features like a washable cover, 5-year warranty, and 100-night trial make it our top recommendation. 

When you open the box, a bright yellow insert walks you through how to customize the pillow and suggests how much fill to add or remove (it's more than you think) based on your preferred sleeping position. While the pillow arrives almost overfilled, it also comes with a half-pound bag of additional stuffing in case you need even more support. 

I followed the package recommendations to remove about a third of the fill for back sleepers. The result felt deeply personalized, and it was very comfortable to sleep on with an outstanding balance of support and fluff. 

I think most people will love the customization, especially if you prefer the springy feel of memory foam.

The brand has also released more adjustable shapes targeted for side and back sleepers and a body pillow, which tops our guide to the best body pillows. 

One drawback? If you favor a softer, more down-like fill like I do, you may find the Coop Original pillow is on the firmer side and tends to get a bit hot during the night. However, the more premium Coop Eden pillow uses gel-infused memory foam and microfiber to sleep cooler and has a plusher, soft fill that mimics the feeling of down. For an even cooler sleeping pillow, there's our best cooling pillow pick below, The Eden Cool+. COOP also launched its first adjustable down-alternative design, The Essence, with a microfiber fill, which is sold as a two-pack. It bounces back into shape well while gently contouring to your head. 

Read our full review of Coop Sleep Goods' The Original Pillow.

Best budget pillow

If you're you're primarily concerned about price, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow is the best bang for your buck. 

These pillows are on the thinner side but have a gentle, down-like plushness that sets them apart from other inexpensive pillows I've tried. While they're more squishy than supportive, they're a good choice for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and anyone who likes to hug, fold, or stack their pillows at night.

I've spent several months sleeping with these pillows on and off, and they haven't gone flat or gotten lumpy. They are a little less lofty and bouncy than when I first got them, but I like that they have a more lived-in feel. 

"Gel pillow" is a bit of a misnomer; there's no liquid or cooling gel in these pillows like there is in some other cooling pillows. Instead, these pillows are filled with hypoallergenic polyester gel fiber, similar to a down alternative in both feel and performance. Compared to denser materials like memory foam, the pillows stay relatively cool but stop short of actively cooling you.

While these pillows aren't adjustable, each pack comes with two pillows, so you can easily stack them to your desired comfort level. The company also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — a rarity for Amazon-only pillow brands.

Best down pillow

Down makes for a very soft and comfortable pillow, but the material isn't for everyone. While experts told us that down allergies are less common than we've been made to believe, people with dust mite allergies may sleep easier with a hypoallergenic pillow. That's why, for this guide, we focused mostly on memory foam and down-alternative pillows.

For those who strongly prefer the feel of a down pillow, our guide to the best down pillow cover options across a number of styles and budgets. Our top pick is the Brooklinen's Down Pillow, which is plush and comfy for various sleeping styles. 

It's offered in three firmness options. We tried the mid-plush and think it's a great middle-of-the-road option if you're unsure what kind of pillow you like best. The mid has a dual chamber design with a feather core for support and is surrounded by fluffy down clusters at a ratio of 30% down to 70% feathers. Meanwhile, the firm also has a dual design but a ratio of 14% clusters and 86% feathers, ideal for side sleepers. The plush option is filled with 100% down clusters for the soft comfort stomach sleepers crave.  

The down compressed easily but bounced back up quickly and was easy to fluff up. This pillow had the most noticeable down smell of all the down pillows, but it did dissipate. Otherwise, we were pleased with the construction and feel of the pillow.

Read our full Brooklinen down pillow review.

Best pillow for side sleepers

A good pillow will align your neck with the rest of your spine. For side sleepers, this means bridging the gap between your ear and where your shoulder meets the mattress. But shoulder size and height can vary a lot from person to person, meaning one side sleeper might need a lofty pillow while another needs just a little lift.

The Coop pillow (our pick for best pillow overall) is ideal for side sleepers because it offers a lot of customization to help fill that gap. That's why we also named it the top overall pick in our guide to the best pillow for side sleepers. But if you prefer the soft, buoyant feel of down alternative,  you'll love the Casper Original Pillow. 

Made from down-alternative hypoallergenic fill with a percale cotton shell, the Casper pillow feels like the soft, plush pillows in hotel rooms. A 2-inch gusset (the strip of fabric between seams that gives the pillow a more boxy shape) keeps the pillow lofted for the supportive lift that side sleepers require, but the plush fill still provides the "sinking in" sensation when you lay your head down.

Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner has slept on the Casper Original Pillow for over a year. She is a combo sleeper, sleeping on her back and side, and appreciates that it has never lost its loft and provides the plush support she craves. 

Another side sleeper who tried the pillow over several weeks loved that it stayed cool throughout the night and kept its shape despite its softer fill. If you want a balance of support and softness, we recommend giving the Casper Original Pillow a try; just keep in mind that it's not as customizable or adjustable as other pillows.

Read our full review of the Casper Original Pillow.

Best pillow for back sleepers

The Saatva Pillow has a supportive shredded latex core surrounded by a plush, down alternative layer and a sateen cotton liner. Its unique construction makes it different from any pillow I've ever felt before — it's got the hefty weight and support of a memory foam pillow but with the plush, cool feel of a down pillow.

It's available in a standard loft of roughly 4-5" high, suggested for back and stomach sleepers, and a high loft of 6-7" high for side sleepers and those who require more plush pillows. 

I kept coming back to this pillow throughout testing, and it quickly became my go-to for nights when I wasn't actively testing anything new.

I've now been sleeping on this pillow for five months. I love how my head sinks into this soft pillow, but it's still supportive enough to keep its shape all night long. When I wake up, the pillow looks just as plush as when I fell asleep.

I'm a very active sleeper who likes to move around a lot in bed and take my bedding with me, so I love that the pillow is equally plush and comfortable from all sides and angles. It's still soft and supportive when I fold, scoop, or hug it throughout the night. It's dense but quickly goes back to its original shape. Finally, it's hypoallergenic, a must for allergy sufferers like myself. 

Multiple stomach sleepers who tried the pillow as part of our testing found it too lofty, even with the inner core removed. Some side sleepers might also find the pillow not quite lofty enough; we think it's best for back sleepers and those who prefer a plusher, cooler feel than memory foam. 

Best pillow for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers generally require the least pillow support since their head and spine are already pretty close to alignment when lying on their stomach. Most stomach sleepers would benefit from a soft pillow with just a bit of loft, and for that, the Parachute Down-Alternative Pillow is the top choice. 

This is the only pillow that received high marks for comfort from my husband, an avowed stomach sleeper who finds most pillows too lofty. The Parachute pillow elevates his head just enough to alleviate any neck strain, and the sateen cotton encasement keeps the pillow remarkably cool all night long, ideal for those like him who run hot.

We purchased four of these pillows in soft, and they were our mainstay before I started testing and evaluating pillows for this guide. They're also available in medium and firm variations. In many ways, this pillow hits all the marks for me: it stays cool, is incredibly soft and comfortable, and is hypoallergenic. But while my husband happily drifts asleep with one of these pillows tucked under his head, I (a back sleeper) need to stack two or three to get the loft I need to fall asleep comfortably. 

While the fill is thin enough that the pillow easily folds over for some support if you occasionally flip to your side or back during the night, it doesn't provide enough for those who spend most of the night in those positions. The pillow won't offer much lift if you want to prop yourself up to read or watch TV while lounging in bed. Still, it's a great personal pillow for any stomach sleeper who has found other pillows too lofty. 

Best cooling pillow

Whether you're a hot sleeper or battling heat waves, you'll never worry about having to flip to the cool side of the pillow when you select a pillow specifically designed to sleep cool and comfortable. Crafted specifically for individuals who sleep hot, the Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Cool+ Adjustable pillow blends cooling gel-infused memory foam and recycled polyester fibers to create a comfortable and adjustable pillow. 

In addition to being adjustable like our best overall, the Eden Cool+ is also dual-sided: One side features a cooling and firmer phase change gel layer, perfect for those warm nights, while the other side offers a softer, plush feel. Both sides feel incredibly refreshing. During testing in the middle of summer, our tester didn't notice any significant heat build-up and found that any warmth dissipated quickly. She also experienced unparalleled support sleeping on her side and maintained ideal spinal alignment without any hint of shoulder tension or headaches. The adjustable fill design allows you to add or remove fill according to your preferences. 

Our guide to the best cooling pillows has more breathable options to explore. 

Best pillow for neck pain

During testing, we found that the Layla Kapok Pillow is the best pillow for those who suffer from neck pain. Its adjustable design forms to your head and neck for a very comfortable night's sleep.

This customization makes the Layla Kapok great for many types of sleepers. Reporter James Brains preferred to use the pillow with all the fill inside, while Sally Kaplan, executive editor, removed two-thirds of the material, which made it easy to mold the pillow to support her head and neck. Kaplan said it took a few nights to get the fill level right, but then she slept much better than with her old memory foam pillow.

The pillow is made of CertiPUR-US-certified shredded memory foam and fibers from the Kapok tree. The fibers are light and buoyant and commonly used as a down alternative. The foam is hypoallergenic and made without ozone depleters, certain heavy metals, and formaldehyde.

Unzip the cover and internal case to adjust the pillow. Remove the fill until you reach your preferred loft (or height). Have a sealable container or bag handy to contain the fill and save it in case you want to add it back in later.

If the pillow doesn't work for you, you can return it within 30 days.

Check out our guide to the best pillow for neck pain for more options.

Best hotel pillow

Hotels make a business out of comfortable sleep, so it's no surprise that "hotel-like" is a term often used to describe an ideal pillow texture. As someone who spends more than 100 nights away from home in an average year, I know the pleasure of sinking into a plush, perfectly squishy hotel pillow. Since I'm also a pillow reviewer, I make it a habit to investigate the tags on any hotel pillows I find particularly comfortable. More often than not, it turns out to be The Marriott Pillow.

Fortunately, Marriott allows you to buy the exact pillows it uses in its rooms for your home bedroom. To ensure the pillows live up to their hotel counterparts, I tested both a king-size and standard-size model at home. I'm happy to report that they're identical in feel and comfort to the ones I've experienced in Marriott's hotels.

These pillows are incredibly plush and fluffy. The combination of down and lyocell fill results in a squishy feel that is soft without bottoming out. As a back and sometimes side sleeper, I have to double up on these pillows to get the right amount of support. However, my stomach-sleeping husband has completely commandeered these pillows, replacing our Parachute pillows as his personal pillow. Remember that you'll need to fluff these pillows daily for best results; they compact a bit during the night. Marriott also only offers a 30-day return policy, which is less than many of our other picks.

Other pillows we recommend

Under $100

• Sijo FlexCool Memory Foam Pillow: Sijo launched this adjustable pillow in fall 2024, and our first impressions of it are very positive. Thanks to a nylon cover with a 0.4 Q-Max score, it's cool to the touch. It comes overstuffed with a shredded memory foam polyester fiber blend that feels plusher than the Coop Original Pillow. It also comes with an extra bag of filling to find your most comfortable loft. Unlike Coop, it ships full-size, not vacuum sealed. It did have a slight odor, that dissipated after a few days.
• Coop Essence Down Alternative Pillow: Coop's first adjustable down-alternative pillow is sold as a value two-pack. It's filled with Phluff, which is described as Phluffballs and a down alternative blend that resists clumping and offers the soft, fluffy feel of down. Unlike other adjustable pillows I've used, I found the most comfort when I added half of the extra-fill bag, essentially maxing out the comfort.
• Turmerry Buckwheat Pillow: Buckwheat hulls are a traditional pillowfill used in Japan and many other Asian countries for centuries. Neither my husband nor I grew up with this type of pillow, so testing the Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow was a new experience for both of us. The sensation of the hulls can take a little adjusting to if this type of pillow is new to you. They rustle a bit and add some texture to the pillow. But I just love how malleable and yet supportive the pillow is. It sleeps cool, is completely adjustable (just add or remove hulls to find your ideal loft), is sustainable and hypoallergenic, provides plenty of support, and works for all sleep styles.
• FluffCo Down Alternative Pillow: FluffCo set out to create hotel-style pillows at an affordable price point. We liked its soft fluff pillow, which is an excellent option if you're looking for simple, high-quality pillows for your bed.
• CozyLux Pillows: A set of two CozyLux pillows is a true bargain, less than half the price of top picks from Coop or Casper, but our reviewer was pleasantly surprised by their softness and loft. She uses them as an extra layer of cushion against a wood headboard, so they have to support heavier, memory foam pillows. After two months, the CozyLux pillows have kept their shape and height, with the alternative down fill still evenly distributed. For a guest room bed or to provide extra support, the CozyLux pillows are a great buy.
• Zoma Pillow: Unlike other memory foam pillows I've tried, this one wasn't too hot or stiff and is a nice, moderate loft that works well for both side sleepers and back sleepers. The gray pillow encasement comes off for easy cleaning and also hides stains well, so the pillow still looks brand new even after many nights of sleeping on it. If you like a malleable, softer memory foam pillow (and don't mind that it's not adjustable), the Zoma pillow may be a good choice for you.
• Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro: A rectangular version of the popular cube-ish pillow, the polyurethane block is meant to keep your neck well aligned (if you sleep on your side). It's available in a few heights but lacks the adjustability of some of our other picks. Still, if one of the sizes happens to fit you, you'll probably find it soft and supportive. Read our full Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro review.

Over $100

• Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow: Like our best overall pick by Coop, this pillow is stuffed with shredded foam or latex that makes it easily adjustable to your sleeping preference — just remove fill as needed. However, it lacked many attributes that made our top pick a standout, like a pillow protector, a longer trial period, and additional foam right in the box for those who need even more loft. Comfort-wise, it was similar to other shredded foam pillows we tested: supportive, with some bounce, and runs a teeny bit hot. While it's a top choice with other consumer review sites, we think the Nest pillow offers fewer features than similar pillows do at a lower price point. It also has a denser feel and requires constant fluffing.
• Pluto Personalized Pillow: The Pluto Pillow is built exactly for your needs, and there's no adjustable fill for trial and error. The ordering process starts with a questionnaire and uses data and a special algorithm to help build a pillow tailored to you, with 40 possible variations. Each follows a hybrid design with a CertiPUR-US-certified foam core and a plush polyfill. I received my perfect pillow: a temperature-regulating cover with a pocket layer of fill for the plush factor I crave and a 2.5-inch high-performance inner foam core that's perfectly squeezable and supportive. I've had my Pluto Pillow for nearly two years, and I'm still frequently reaching for it. It beautifully holds its shape and cradles my head. The pillow is backed by a 125-night trial period and a one-year warranty. Read our Pluto Personalized Pillow review.

• Avocado Molded Latex Pillow: Avocado offers a lengthy 100-night trial to help you determine if it's perfect for you. It offers firmer support and features a molded charcoal-infused latex core, which helps regulate temperature while eliminating odors and excess moisture. The removable organic cotton cover is machine-washable.

• Boll and Branch Down Chamber Pillow: Available in soft, medium, and firm densities, Boll & Branch pillows have a three-chamber design that resists shifting and keeps pillows from going flat. The down is ethically sourced from farms in the US and triple-washed to guarantee a cleaner, longer-lasting loft.
• LAYR Pillow: This adjustable pillow offers three layers that can be added, removed, or independently adjusted for your perfect pillow. It's a good option for guests since each layer is made of a different material and firmness, but it feels pretty underfilled with layers removed.
• Saatva Memory Foam Pillow: Previously our pick for "best luxury pillow," we still think this is a great option, but feel you can get a "luxury" experience from any of our top picks. This pillow isn't adjustable, but it's supportive and firm and has a tremendous spa-like feel.
• Cozy Earth Bamboo Down Alternative Pillow: Eco-conscious sleepers will appreciate this pillow, filled with a 60% recycled polyester, and 40% viscose from bamboo blend. It was too lofty for me as a back sleeper, but retains its shape and has a nice buoyancy to it. Sometimes I feel it get warm under my head, but the heat does dissipate quickly.
• Cozy Earth Silk Pillow: This is one of the most luxurious pillows I've encountered. It's insanely breathable and cloud-like soft, filled with strands of mulberry silk and a bamboo shell. It's not fluffy like down, but it's still airy, light, and highly moldable. I recommend it for back and stomach sleepers. However, the cover pilled after a few weeks of use, which made us question its true longevity for such an investment piece.

Pillows we do not recommend

• Saatva Down Alternative Pillow: Saatva makes two of our top pillow picks, so I was surprised this one was such a miss. It was far too lofty, even for side sleeping, and left my neck in an uncomfortable position. It ended up straining my neck so much that I couldn't make it through the night before switching back to my regular pillow.
• Earthfoam Organic Pillow: This pillow has a ventilated natural foam rubber core and an organic cotton cover. It has a bouncy feel that's supportive but not exactly cradling. Its 6.5-inch loft is best suited for side sleepers, but it'll be too lofty for back and stomach sleepers. It is only offered in a single size, with no options for king-size beds.

• Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow: This memory foam pillow has a "comfort" side and a "support" side, but I found little difference between either. Both sides are relatively firm, and while the "comfort" side may offer a teeny bit more softness, both were quite stiff. It may be a good option for those who like a pillow that lays flat and provides a lot of support.
• Royal Hotel Goose Down Pillow: This goose-down pillow was featured and recommended in previous iterations of this guide, but we ultimately excluded it this time around because the company's return policy is unclear and makes returns a hassle. If you have your heart set on a down pillow, check out our guide to the best down pillows.

What to look for when choosing pillows

The experts recommended prioritizing three main criteria when shopping for a new pillow: sleep position, material, and trial period. To learn more about what to look for in the best pillows, we spoke with Dr. Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Below, find our recommendations for each consideration. 

Sleep position

Robbins told us the most significant consideration when picking a pillow is your preferred sleep position: side, back, or stomach. The goal of your pillow is to support your neck in a neutral position aligned with the rest of your spine. That alignment shifts depending on the position you're sleeping in. While we all move around during sleep, most of us spend the majority of our sleeping time in one position. 

Not sure what your sleep position is? Consider what position you typically fall asleep or wake up in. Robbins also has an exercise she performs with her clients: Imagine you've been up for 24 hours and are presented with a big, luxurious hotel bed; how would you lie down on it to go to sleep? The position you envision is likely your preferred sleep position and plays a significant role in what type of pillow will work best for you. 

Ideal pillow by sleep position

Side sleepers: Around 65% of the US population are side sleepers, according to Robbins, and this position requires the most loft and support to bridge the wide gap between the side of your head and where your shoulder rests on the mattress. If you're a side sleeper, choose a lofty pillow — ideally with an adjustable fill since there can be a lot of variability in the size of that shoulder gap from person to person. Robbins said hotels and sleep clinics outfit rooms with side sleepers in mind, so if you're buying pillows for a guest bedroom, a side-sleeper-friendly pillow is usually a good bet. 

Back sleepers: Back sleepers are the Goldilocks of pillow hunters — they need a pillow with just enough support to lift the back of the head to align with their shoulders. Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium pillow made from a down or down alternative, though an adjustable pillow with at least one-third of the fill removed may work as well. 

Stomach sleepers: In the minority are stomach sleepers, who need the least support from their pillow. Typically, a thin, very soft pillow works best for stomach sleepers — just enough fill to cushion their face from the flat surface of the mattress. 

Fill

The material a pillow is filled with has a big impact on the feel of your pillow. Here's an overview of the major fill types:

Down: Down consists of feathers taken from the underbelly of a goose or duck. It's an incredibly soft and comfortable material for pillows. While most modern down is triple-washed to remove dander, some allergy sufferers may want to avoid this material, as animal fibers are more prone to dust mites (which can exacerbate allergies) than synthetic fibers. You can read about our favorite down options in our best down pillows guide.

Down Alternative: Down alternative is typically any fibrous material that mimics the feel of true down. Microfiber is a popular and common down alternative, but bamboo or viscose fibers would also fall into the category, as well as polyfiber. The majority of the pillows in this guide are made from microfiber, which is generally hypoallergenic and breathable. 

Memory foam: Another popular fill is memory foam. We prefer pillows with shredded memory foam, which offer a more traditional and malleable pillow feeling. A solid block of memory foam may be preferred if you suffer from back and neck pain and need to keep your head immobilized during sleep. Read more about the best pillows for neck pain. 

Trial period

The only way to know if a pillow is right for you is to sleep on it. We recommend looking for pillows that offer at least a 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee. This will allow you several weeks to decide if the pillow is right for you.

How we tested the best pillows

Individual anatomy, sleep habits, and preferences profoundly impact how comfortable a pillow will be from person to person. Note that there is no one-size-fits-all best pillow.For that reason, our rating criteria for this guide relied heavily on the following considerations:

Return policy and trial period: It's impossible to know how comfortable a pillow is going to be for you until you sleep on it, despite how comprehensive our guide aims to be. "The most important thing is trying the pillows out to see what works for you," said Robbins, which includes being able to touch, lay on, and sleep with a pillow before deciding if it's right for you. For this guide, we only considered pillows that accept returns of used merchandise for a full refund with at least a 30-day trial window, which gives you ample time to decide if a pillow is right for you.

Adjustability: We prioritized adjustable pillows with removable inserts or shredded fill for dialing in your perfect loft. This creates a more custom pillow that would better suit your needs. We also favored pillows available in varying lofts and firmnesses if the removable fill was not an option.

Ease of use: We looked at how well each pillow fit a standard pillowcase, whether the pillow came with a case or protector, and whether all or parts of the pillow were washable for better hygiene and pillow longevity.

Comfort: I slept on all of the pillows for at least three (sometimes agonizing) nights. I also enlisted a side sleeper and a stomach sleeper to try the pillows for a couple of weeks. 

Pillow FAQ

How long do pillows last?

The National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing a well-used pillow every couple of years. If you fold your pillow in half and it stays put, it's probably time for a new pillow. (This may not work with thin pillows.)

What are the best pillows for people with allergies?

Robbins recommends looking for a hypoallergenic pillow with a synthetic filling if you're prone to allergies. Pillows with animal fillings (such as down) may trigger allergies since dust mites like fillings made from animal material.

Are pillows adjustable?

Not typically. Brands may offer their pillows in various lofts and firmness options. However, our top pick, the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow, is entirely adjustable, so you can find the loft that's right for you. Add or remove filling to reach your ideal comfort level.

What are the best pillows for hot sleepers?

Hot sleepers may find pillows with down alternative filling or shredded memory have have better airflow than down. Our guide to the best cooling pillows has several recommendations featuring options for sleepers who worry about overheating at night. 

How much do pillows cost?

Pillows cost anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars. Because of how much time we spend sleeping, Robbins recommends considering a pillow as an investment that will pay you back in better sleep. "No matter your budget, I really encourage people to splurge and invest in these products because they will help," she said.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

Sweat, oil, and skincare products can all turn your pillow yellow. Adding a pillow protector may help prevent the stains.

How often should I wash my pillow?

Typical recommendations range from every three to six months. Robbins recommends adding a pillow protector (an encasement that adds another level of protection from allergens, body oils, dust mites, and other pests), too.

How do you wash a pillow?

Not every pillow can be washed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to best care for and clean your pillow. You may also want to fluff your pillows daily to extend their life.

What is pillow loft?

Loft refers to the height of your pillow, which determines how far off the mattress it lifts your head. experts recommend a pillow that keeps your head and neck aligned with the rest of your spine. side sleepers need more loft, while stomach sleepers need minimal loft.

What are the different types of pillow sizes?

Most pillows for sleeping come in two sizes: standard and king, while queen is another size option that you may see.  Standard pillow sizes measure 20" x 26" inches, a queen measures 20" x 30" inches, and a king measures 20" x 36" inches. We recommend a standard or queen size for twin, full, and queen mattresses and king pillows for king or California king mattresses.

Best overall

It's rare to come across a product as thoughtfully designed as the Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow. Made from hypoallergenic shredded memory foam, the fill in the Coop pillow is adjustable so you can customize it to the perfect loft for your sleep preferences. Other thoughtful features like a washable cover, 5-year warranty, and 100-night trial make it our top recommendation. 

When you open the box, a bright yellow insert walks you through how to customize the pillow and suggests how much fill to add or remove (it's more than you think) based on your preferred sleeping position. While the pillow arrives almost overfilled, it also comes with a half-pound bag of additional stuffing in case you need even more support. 

I followed the package recommendations to remove about a third of the fill for back sleepers. The result felt deeply personalized, and it was very comfortable to sleep on with an outstanding balance of support and fluff. 

We think most people will love the customization, especially if you prefer the springy feel of memory foam.

The brand has also released more shapes targeted for side and back sleepers, specifically with the customizable fill. 

One drawback? If you favor a softer, more down-like fill (like I do), you may find the Coop Original pillow is on the firmer side and tends to get a bit hot during the night. However,  the more premium Coop Eden pillow uses gel-infused memory foam and microfiber to sleep cooler and has a plusher, soft fill that mimics the feeling of down. 

Read our full review of Coop Home Goods' The Original Pillow.

Best for side sleepers

A good pillow's goal is to align your neck with the rest of your spine. For side sleepers, this means bridging the gap between your ear and where your shoulder meets the mattress. But shoulder size and height can vary a lot from person to person, meaning one side sleeper might need a lofty pillow while another needs just a little lift.

The Coop pillow (our pick for best pillow overall) is ideal for side sleepers because it offers a lot of customization to help fill that gap, which is why we also named it top overall pick in our guide to the best pillow for side sleepers. But if you're not a memory foam fan, your next best bet is the Casper Original Pillow. 

Made from down-alternative hypoallergenic fill with a percale cotton shell, the Casper pillow feels a lot like the soft, plush pillows you'd find in hotel rooms. A 2-inch gusset (the strip of fabric between seams that gives the pillow a more boxy shape) keeps the pillow lofted for the supportive lift that side sleepers require, but the plush fill still provides the "sinking in" sensation when you lay your head down.

Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner has slept on the Casper Original Pillow for over a year. She is a combo sleeper between back and side sleeping and most appreciates how it has never lost its loft and provides the plush support she craves. 

Another one of the side sleepers who tried the pillow over several weeks also loved that it stayed cool throughout the night and kept its shape despite its softer fill. If you want a balance of support and softness, we recommend giving the Casper Original Pillow a try; just keep in mind that it's not as customizable or adjustable as other pillows.

Read our full review of the Casper Original Pillow.

Best budget

If you're the type of person who can fall asleep just about anywhere or you're primarily concerned about price, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow is the best bang for your buck. 

These pillows are on the thinner side but have a gentle, down-like plushness that sets them apart from other inexpensive pillows I've tried. While they're more squishy than supportive, they're a good choice for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and anyone who likes to hug, fold, or stack their pillows at night.

I've spent several months sleeping with these pillows on and off, and they haven't gone flat or gotten lumpy. They are a little less lofty and bouncy than when I first got them, but I like that they have a more lived-in feel. 

"Gel pillow" is a bit of a misnomer; there's no liquid or cooling gel in these pillows like there is in some other cooling pillows. Instead, these pillows are filled with hypoallergenic polyester gel fiber, similar to a down alternative in both feel and performance. Compared to denser materials like memory foam, the pillows stay relatively cool but stop short of actively cooling you.

While these pillows aren't adjustable, each pack comes with two pillows, so you can easily stack them to your desired comfort level. The company also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — a rarity for Amazon-only pillow brands.

Best for neck pain

The Layla Kapok Pillow is the best pillow for those who suffer from neck pain that we tested. It's adjustable and forms to your head and neck for a very comfortable night's sleep.

To adjust the pillow, unzip the cover and internal case. Remove the fill until you reach your preferred loft (or height). Have a sealable container handy so you contain the fill and save it in case you want to add it back in later.

That customization makes the Layla Kapok great for many types of sleepers. Reporter James Brains preferred to use the pillow with all the fill inside, while Sally Kaplan, executive editor for Insider Reviews, removed two-thirds of the material.

This made it easy to mold the pillow to support her head and neck. Kaplan said it took a few nights to get the fill level right, but then she slept much better than with her old memory foam pillow.

The pillow is made of CertiPUR-US-certified shredded memory foam and fibers from the Kapok tree. The fibers are light, buoyant, and commonly used as a down alternative. The foam is hypoallergenic and made without ozone depleters, certain heavy metals, and formaldehyde.

If you find the pillow doesn't work for you, you can return it within 120 days.

Check out our guide to the best pillow for neck pain for more options.

Best for back sleepers

The Saatva Pillow is made from a supportive shredded latex core surrounded by a plush, down alternative layer and a sateen cotton liner. Its unique construction makes it different from any pillow I've ever felt before — it's got the hefty weight and support of a memory foam pillow but with the plush, cool feel of a down pillow.

It's available in a standard loft roughly 4-5" high and suggested for back and stomach sleepers, as well as a high loft of 6-7" high for side sleepers and those who require more plush pillows. 

I kept coming back to this pillow throughout testing, and it quickly became my go-to for nights when I wasn't actively testing anything new.

I've now been sleeping on this pillow for five months. I love how my head sinks into this soft pillow, but it's still supportive enough to keep its shape all night long. When I wake up, the pillow looks just as plush as when I fell asleep.

I'm a very active sleeper who likes to move around a lot in bed and take my bedding with me, so I love that the pillow is equally plush and comfortable from all sides and angles. It's still soft and supportive when I inevitably fold it, scoop it, or hug it throughout the night. It's dense but quickly goes back to its original shape. Finally, it's hypoallergenic, which is a must for allergy sufferers like myself. 

Multiple stomach sleepers who tried the pillow as part of our testing found it too lofty, even with the inner core removed. Some side sleepers might also find the pillow not quite lofty enough; we think it's best for back sleepers and those who prefer a plusher, cooler feel than memory foam. 

Best for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers generally require the least amount of pillow support since your head and spine are already pretty close to alignment when lying on your stomach. Most stomach sleepers would benefit from a soft pillow with just a bit of loft, and for that, the Parachute Down-Alternative Pillow is our top choice. 

This is the only pillow that received high marks for comfort from my husband, who is an avowed stomach sleeper and finds most pillows too lofty. The Parachute pillow elevates his head just enough to alleviate any neck strain, and the sateen cotton encasement keeps the pillow remarkably cool all night long, ideal for those, like him, who run hot.

We purchased four of these pillows a little over a year ago, and they were our mainstay before I started testing and evaluating pillows for this guide. In many ways, this pillow hits all the marks for me: it stays cool, is incredibly soft and comfortable, and is hypoallergenic. But while my husband happily drifts asleep with one of these pillows tucked under his head, I (a back sleeper) need to stack two or three to get the loft I need to fall asleep comfortably. 

While the fill is thin enough that the pillow easily folds over for some support if you occasionally flip to your side or back during the night, it doesn't provide enough for those who spend most of the night in those positions. The pillow also won't offer much lift if you're looking to prop yourself up to read or watch TV while lounging in bed. Still, it's a great personal pillow for any stomach sleeper who has found other pillows too lofty. 

Best down

Down makes for a very soft and comfortable pillow, but the material isn't for everyone. While experts told us that down allergies are less common than we've been made to believe, people with dust mite allergies may sleep easier with a hypoallergenic pillow. That's why, for this guide, we focused mostly on memory foam and down-alternative pillows.

For those who strongly prefer the feel of a down pillow, check out our guide to the best down pillow. Our top pick was Brooklinen's Down Pillow, which was plush and comfy for various sleeping styles. 

It's offered in three firmness options. We tried the mid-plush and think it's a great middle-of-the-road option to try out if you're not quite sure what kind of pillow you like best. The mid has a dual chamber design with a feather core for support and is surrounded by fluffy down clusters at a ratio of 30% down to 70% feathers. Meanwhile, the firm also has a dual design but a ratio of 14% clusters and 86% feathers, ideal for side sleepers while the plush option is filled with 100% down clusters for the soft comfort stomach sleepers craved.  

The down compressed easily but bounced back up quickly and was easy to fluff up. This pillow had the most noticeable down smell of all the down pillows, but it did dissipate. Otherwise, we were pleased with the construction and feel of the pillow.

Best hotel

Hotels make a business out of comfortable sleep, so it's no surprise that "hotel-like" is a term often used to describe an ideal pillow texture. As someone who spends more than 100 nights away from home in an average year, I know the pleasure of sinking into a plush, perfectly squishy hotel pillow. Since I'm also a pillow reviewer, I make it a habit to investigate the tags on any hotel pillows I find particularly comfortable. More often than not, it turns out to be The Marriott Pillow.

Fortunately, Marriott allows you to buy the exact pillows it uses in its rooms for your home bedroom. To ensure the pillows live up to their hotel counterparts, I tested both a king-size and standard-size model at home. I'm happy to report that they're identical in feel and comfort to the ones I've experienced in Marriott's hotels.

These pillows are incredibly plush and fluffy. The combination down and lyocell fill results in a squishy feel that is soft without bottoming out. As a back and sometimes side sleeper, I found I have to double up on these pillows to get the right amount of support. However, my stomach-sleeping husband has completely commandeered these pillows, replacing our Parachute pillows as his personal pillow choice. Keep in mind that you'll need to fluff these pillows daily for best results; they do compact a bit during the night. Marriott also only offers a 30-day return policy, which is less than many of our other picks.

Best buckwheat

Buckwheat hulls are a traditional pillow fill used in Japan and many other Asian countries. Neither my husband nor I grew up with this type of pillow, so testing the Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow was a new experience for us.

And wow, we were both completely blown away by how comfortable this pillow was — so much so that I purchased an additional one because my husband and I would fight over who got to sleep on it each night.

The sensation of the hulls can take a little getting used to if this type of pillow is new to you. They rustle a bit and add some texture to the pillow. But I just love how malleable and yet supportive the pillow is.

Most nights, I mold the pillow to the shape of my neck and feel totally supported the whole night. The hulls are heavier than a standard pillow fill, yet I can comfortably tuck my arm underneath it without creating too much pressure or overheating.

There's a reason why this type of pillow has been a popular choice for centuries worldwide. The pillow sleeps cool, is completely adjustable (just add or remove hulls to find your ideal loft), is sustainable and hypoallergenic, provides plenty of support, and works for all sleep styles.

What to look for when choosing pillows

The experts we spoke to recommend prioritizing three main criteria when shopping for a new pillow: sleep position, material, and trial period. Below, find our recommendations for each consideration. 

Sleep position

Robbins told us the most significant consideration when picking a pillow is your preferred sleep position: side, back, or stomach. The goal of your pillow is to support your neck in a neutral position aligned with the rest of your spine. That alignment shifts depending on the position you're sleeping in. While we all move around during sleep, most of us spend the majority of our sleeping time in one position. 

Not sure what your sleep position is? Consider what position you typically fall asleep or wake up in. Robbins also has an exercise she performs with her clients: Imagine you've been up for 24 hours and are presented with a big, luxurious hotel bed; how would you lie down on it to go to sleep? The position you envision is likely your preferred sleep position and plays a significant role in what type of pillow will work best for you. 

Ideal pillow by sleep position

Sleep position	Softness	Loft	Material
Side	Supportive but not too firm	High (or with adjustable fill)	Down, down alternative, shredded memory foam, gel, buckwheat, microfiber
Back	Medium-firm	Medium	Almost any
Stomach	Soft	Low	Down, down alternative, shredded memory foam, buckwheat, microfiber

Side sleepers: Around 65% of the US population are side sleepers, according to Robbins, and this position requires the most loft and support to bridge the wide gap between the side of your head and where your shoulder rests on the mattress. If you're a side sleeper, choose a lofty pillow — ideally with an adjustable fill since there can be a lot of variability in the size of that shoulder gap from person to person. Robbins said hotels and sleep clinics outfit rooms with side sleepers in mind, so if you're buying pillows for a guest bedroom, a side-sleeper-friendly pillow is usually a good bet. 

Back sleepers: Back sleepers are the Goldilocks of pillow hunters — they need a pillow with just enough support to lift the back of the head to be in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium pillow made from down or down alternative, though an adjustable pillow with at least one-third of the fill removed may work as well. 

Stomach sleepers: In the minority are stomach sleepers, who need the least amount of support from their pillow. Typically, a thin, very soft pillow works best for stomach sleepers — just enough fill to cushion their face from the flat surface of the mattress. 

Fill

The material a pillow is filled with has a big impact on the feel of your pillow. Here's an overview of the major fill types:

Down: Down consists of feathers taken from the underbelly of a goose or duck. It's an incredibly soft and comfortable material for pillows. While most modern down is triple washed to remove dander, some allergy sufferers may want to avoid this material, as animal fibers are more prone to dust mites (which can exacerbate allergies) than synthetic fibers. You can read about our favorite down options in our best down pillows guide.

Microfiber/ Down Alternative: Microfiber is an incredibly popular down alternative. The majority of the pillows in this guide are made from microfiber. It's generally hypoallergenic and, when shredded finely, has a feel to mimic down.

Memory foam: Another popular fill is memory foam. We prefer pillows with shredded memory foam, which offer a more traditional and malleable pillow feeling. A solid block of memory foam may be preferred if you suffer from back and neck pain and need to keep your head immobilized during sleep. Read more about the best pillows for neck pain. 

Trial period

The only way to know if a pillow is right for you is to sleep on it. We recommend looking for pillows that offer at least a 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee. This will allow you several weeks to decide if the pillow is right for you.

How we tested the best pillows

To learn more about what to look for in the best pillows, we spoke with Dr. Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. However, there is no one-size-fits-all, best pillow for everyone.

Individual anatomy, sleep habits, and preferences profoundly impact how comfortable a pillow will be from person to person. For that reason, our rating criteria for this guide relied heavily on the following considerations:

Return policy and trial period: It's impossible to know how comfortable a pillow is going to be for you until you sleep on it, despite how comprehensive our guide aims to be. "The most important thing is trying the pillows out to see what works for you," said Robbins, which includes being able to touch, lay on, and sleep with a pillow before deciding if it's right for you. For this guide, we only considered pillows that accept returns of used merchandise for a full refund with at least a 30-day trial window, which gives you ample time to decide if a pillow is right for you.

Adjustability: We prioritized adjustable pillows with removable inserts or shredded fill for dialing in your perfect loft. This creates a more custom pillow that would better suit your needs.

Ease of use: We looked at how well each pillow fit a standard pillowcase, whether the pillow came with a case or protector, and whether all or parts of the pillow were washable for better hygiene and pillow longevity.

Comfort: I slept on all of the pillows for at least three (sometimes agonizing) nights. I also enlisted a side sleeper and a stomach sleeper to try the pillows for a couple of weeks. We will develop a diverse sleep panel and have them test our top picks for additional feedback for future updates.

Pillow FAQs

How long do the best pillows last?

The National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing a well-used pillow every couple of years. If you fold your pillow in half and it stays put, it's probably time for a new pillow. (This may not work with thin pillows.)

What are the best pillows for people with allergies?

Robbins recommends looking for a pillow with a synthetic filling if you're prone to allergies. Pillows with animal fillings (such as down) may trigger allergies since dust mites like fillings made from animal material.

Are pillows adjustable?

Many are not. However, our top pick, the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow is entirely adjustable, so you can find the loft that's right for you. add or remove filling to reach your ideal comfort level.

What are the best pillows for hot sleepers?

Hot sleepers may find pillows with down or down alternative filling have better airflow than memory foam. 

How much do pillows cost?

You can find pillows at a range of price points, anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars. Because of how much time we spend sleeping, Robbins recommends thinking of a pillow as an investment that will pay you back in better sleep.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

Sweat, oil, and skincare products can all turn your pillow yellow. Adding a pillow protector may help prevent the stains.

How often should I wash my pillow?

Typical recommendations range from every three to six months. Robbins recommends adding a pillow protector (an encasement that adds another level of protection from allergens, body oils, dust mites, and other pests), too.

How do you wash a pillow?

Not every pillow can be washed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to best care for and clean your pillow. You should also fluff your pillows daily to extend their life.

What is pillow loft?

Loft refers to the height of your pillow, which determines how far off the mattress it lifts your head. experts recommend a pillow that keeps your head and neck aligned with the rest of your spine. side sleepers need more loft, while stomach sleepers need minimal loft.

What pillow sizes are available?

Most pillows for sleeping come in two sizes: standard and king, while queen is another size option that you may see.  Standard pillow sizes measure 20" x 26" inches, a queen measures 20" x 30" inches and a king measures 20" x 36" inches. We recommend a standard or queen size for twin, full, and queen mattresses and king pillows for king or California king mattresses. 

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