Evaluate the High 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 range of serviceable designs on the market for evening’s sleep. If, someway, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed below are a number of others we’ve got examined and what we considered them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Accountable Down Commonplace (RDS)-certified farms, but it surely felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Inexperienced Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is comprised of GOLS-certified natural latex and GOTS-certified natural kapok, and is available in each a normal form and side-sleeper curved form. It felt a lot denser than others we tried, and my check panel and I most well-liked different latex pillows over this one.
Bedgear Storm Pillow for $200: This mannequin from Bedgear is just like the Bedgear Movement above however with out the curve for facet sleepers. In case you sleep in your again 100% of the time, this is perhaps a greater match, however I want the flexibility of getting one curved facet and one straight facet. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Various Pillow for $59: I appreciated this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency possibility for testing.) I want the Buffy Cloud for a down various, however this can be a stable 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 appreciated sleeping on the Casper, particularly the cooling Snow model ($149), and it did nicely in my panel exams, however each of my panelists who volunteered to long-term check it got here again with disappointing outcomes inside per week. My petite facet 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 worth after per week of sleeping on it. In case you like a firm-ish design, although, you could possibly be pleased with this one. The Snow model is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of winter possibility for warm sleepers, as certainly one of my panel testers mentioned.
Eli & Elm On a regular basis Reminiscence 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 On a regular basis Latex Pillow for $110: This shredded latex-filled pillow is good and springy, and it’s a stable runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it snug to sleep on as a facet sleeper, because it as a better loft and good help.
Eli & Elm Facet Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is nearly shockingly agency out of the field. You possibly can customise the quantity of fill inside to present it the correct quantity of help for you, however when you’re the kind of facet sleeper who likes agency help, this is perhaps 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 count on to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one individual it is an amazing alternative. —Eric Ravenscraft
GhostBed Reminiscence 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 pal and instantly purchased one after returning house. 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 evening.
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 slightly smaller than the remainder, but it surely additionally has a slight adjustment possibility, letting you unzip facet panels to make it greater or smaller. It was high-quality to sleep on; I discovered it slightly agency for my liking, however my long-term tester says it has been supportive and cleared up her neck ache. It is a good possibility for the worth too.
Nest Straightforward Breather Pillow for $119: This can be a well-liked mannequin, however I discovered it too dense and too lofty for me. It’s adjustable, so you possibly can simply make it much less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to retailer your additional fill. The fill is a mixture of foam and polyester fiber. My panelist who appreciated the firmer Marlow additionally appreciated this pillow, whereas the remainder of us most well-liked softer choices.
No Extra Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There isn’t any scarcity of novelty pillows, however as somebody who experiences numerous neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave middle for again, facet, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely matches your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than supreme for something aside from laying your head on it, but it surely’s nonetheless a stable choose for neck ache. —Eric Ravenscraft
Parallel Excessive Profile Pillow for $150: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft was a fan of the Parallel’s excessive profile for taller facet sleepers. It is a good possibility, however I believe you will be simply as pleased with a Purple or Coop cutout when you want a excessive loft and facet sleeper help.
Pillow Dice Facet Dice ($70) and Ice Dice ($90): The Pillow Dice has a bizarre little rectangular design. It appears unusual at first, however as soon as you are taking the quiz and get a advice for what dimension you want, you’ll be matched with the right dice for you. I examined the Facet Dice and the Ice Dice. They have been supportive and a bit squishy, and I believe they’d be possibility when you sleep solely in your facet—together with your arms stretched in entrance of you or close to your chest. I often sleep with my arm stretched beneath 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 well-liked place. And on the nights after I rolled onto my again, I wakened with neck ache. However when you solely sleep within the supreme facet sleeper formation, this mannequin is way more supportive than others I’ve tried. Ensure you choose up a case! A traditional case is just too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice nicely. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: In case you discover you turn between being a facet sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow offers a wonderful center floor. Somewhat 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, but it surely has just one facet with the grid as a substitute 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 well-liked 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 possibility.
Saatva Graphite Reminiscence 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 Various Pillow for $115: I like this down various, however no more than the less expensive Buffy. There are two loft top choices which is good if you’d like one thing particular.
Sleep Quantity True Temp Adapt Final Pillow for $150: I examined the Final form since it is a slight crescent-like type that is supreme for facet sleepers like myself. I like this as a facet sleeper possibility, and it is properly cooling as nicely. It is slightly smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless sufficiently big for the average-sized individual.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous gentle, just like a down or down various mannequin. In case you’re in search of one thing additional cool and like the sunshine, malleable help of a down pillow, this can be a sensible choice.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow beneath $100, but it surely’s out of inventory in all places proper now. If yow will discover it obtainable, it is an amazing possibility full of shredded reminiscence foam that you would be able to regulate to get your excellent top.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill mannequin from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment the place you possibly can add or take away foam filling to get the right 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 choose did high-quality in my panel exams, however all of us most well-liked shredded reminiscence foam over a stable sheet. Somebody did volunteer to long-term check 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 proof against stress than the Adapt. It is a greater match when you want a firmer possibility, or if you’d like area to share it together with your cuddling companion. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair totally different pillow sizes you may discover when purchasing. More often than not pillows are available in a normal dimension and a king dimension, and you should purchase a normal dimension except you will have a king-size mattress. However there are a number of extra dimension choices.
All mattress pillows are often 20 inches broad, however the size can range. (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 yow will discover and what measurements they need to have:
- Commonplace Measurement: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Tremendous Commonplace 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 a normal dimension for its pillows, however they’re 28 inches lengthy, making these pillows a brilliant normal dimension. You will not wish to order king-size pillows and not using a 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 information to these.
Regularly Requested Questions
What Form of Pillow Do You Want?
You may assume a pillow is a pillow. It simply needs to be gentle and match beneath your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting evening’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed below are a number of key inquiries to ask.
What sort of sleeper are you? Do you sleep in your again, facet, or abdomen? Do you keep comparatively nonetheless, or do you toss and switch so much? Do you often have one pillow beneath your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is in all probability an important factor to remember when deciding what kind works finest for you, and we have famous our picks under based mostly on sleeping type.
What’s the pillow made from? Pillows might be full of all kinds of supplies, from feathers to foam. Down and artificial down are fluffy clusters of fiber that may really feel gentle and comfy, whereas reminiscence foam is designed to compress with the burden of your head however nonetheless return to its earlier form. Natural latex might 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 pay attention to how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling sometimes comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. So as to be sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—comparable to by avoiding merciless practices like reside plucking—applications just like the Accountable Down Commonplace set standards that producers should adhere to. An alternative choice is to search for artificial down options, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as an artificial substitute. The broader Materials Issues Commonplace is a lately overhauled system for analyzing the environmental influence and sustainability of bedding producers.
How agency is it? Nevertheless you sleep, you will desire a pillow that retains your backbone straight and your head aligned together with your again. Which means you need one thing agency sufficient to help your head but gentle sufficient that it would not dig into your ear or face.
How lofty is it? “Loft” is a time period usually used to explain how excessive out of bed the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you may find yourself together with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the evening. Most fashions sometimes fall into certainly one of three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively quick and supreme for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is best for facet sleepers (since your head can be additional out of bed than whenever you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and finest when you’re a mixture sleeper who would not stick to 1 specific sleep type.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You may not 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 gives a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has an identical guarantee and a 30-day trial. In case you’re uncertain whether or not your new pillow is best for you, try the corporate’s insurance policies to see what leeway you need to strive earlier than you commit—and be sure you’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 a giant a part of how pillows are categorized. You’ve got heard of down pillows, for instance, which implies it is filled with down undercoating or feathers, and listening to the phrases “reminiscence foam” often invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam may give. Here is a fast explainer of the primary kinds of fill you will discover and the way they differ.
Down: Down pillows, as I discussed above, are full of 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 gentle and squishy, and really malleable to form in any approach you like. (However it additionally would not retain its form nicely.) Since these are full of down clusters or feathers, you will wish to test for certifications, just like the Accountable Down Commonplace (RDS), that affirm if the down was ethically sourced.
Down various: These pillows aren’t a set kind, 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 mixture 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 totally different really feel. In my exams, I’ve discovered down various fashions are often extra supportive and do a greater job holding their form than a traditional down.
Reminiscence foam: Reminiscence foam is well-liked since it may “keep in mind” its authentic form, letting it return to its earlier kind as soon as your head is off the pillow. Reminiscence foam does have a sinking sensation to it, which you may like or dislike. You may additionally wish to test if the reminiscence foam is a stable sheet or shredded; I’ve discovered shredded and lower reminiscence foam to have extra bounce and help and fewer sinkage than a reminiscence foam sheet.
Latex foam: Latex foam is comprised of rubber, giving it a a lot bouncier, supportive really feel than different foam choices. Latex foam is changing into a well-liked possibility because of that good help, and it’s often discovered with a shredded kind of fill that offers loads of airflow.
Hybrid: Hybrid is one other class gaining in reputation. It may be a mixture of any of the above fills, however I usually discover it is a sheet of froth mixed with both shredded foam or another sort of softer filling. Casper, for instance, makes use of each sheets of reminiscence foam after which has a core of shredded foam on the middle 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 may very well be utilized in a mix with different supplies above. Kapok and cotton are purported to be on the fluffy finish, whereas wool is nice for temperature regulation. However none are as well-liked as foam or down choices, although you may see these as substances in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Commonplace and Queen the Similar Pillow Measurement?
No, a normal dimension is slightly smaller at solely 26 inches broad, whereas a queen dimension must be 30 inches broad. You may wish to test the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however when you’ve got the selection between the 2, I want a number of additional inches with the queen dimension.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You is perhaps shocked by a number of the worth tags on these pillows. I keep in mind spending backside greenback on my pillows for years. However these bottom-dollar pillows wanted to be regularly changed and did not present the long-term help (and even all-night help) my neck wanted.
Increased-quality pillows value extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial intervals and warranties so that you could check 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 inexpensive funding whenever 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 best ways to scrub your pillow goes to rely upon the pillow you will have. You possibly can select at hand wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you will wish to test the label and ensure it is protected to machine wash it. If it is not, spot or hand cleansing is the best choice.
The simplest pillows to scrub are ones that include detachable covers, as a result of you possibly can take away mentioned cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill must be washed, in order that’s necessary to test earlier than throwing a whole 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 must 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 Evaluation?
We analysis all pillows we check to verify we check a wide range of kinds, fills, and shapes to search out that are essentially the most supportive over an evening’s sleep. We check each costly and affordably priced fashions to see how the standard stacks up, and often look to check new designs and choices to see what’s coming subsequent (and each different class we check for). We additionally try critiques and buyer suggestions when obtainable to see if it is price testing to match towards pillows we all know we already like.
How Does WIRED Check Pillows?
Each pillow on this information is slept on for no less than three nights, with our prime picks getting at the least 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 contributors and 22 totally different fashions. The panelists all had totally different sleep kinds starting from traditional facet and again sleepers to chaotic sleepers who find yourself beneath their pillows each evening, and the panel judged which choices they discovered most snug and can be probably to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Evaluation Models After Testing?
Most of our pillows are supplied by the corporate for us to assessment, typically by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra regularly, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular type or fill kind. We additionally buy some pillows for ourselves and can write about them.
After we check pillows, they’re both positioned with a long-term tester if the mannequin is a choose, or they’re donated.
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