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 selection of serviceable designs on the market for a great night time’s sleep. If, one way or the other, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed here are just a few others we’ve got examined and what we considered 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 comprised of 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 facet sleepers. If you happen to sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this is likely to be a greater match, however I favor the flexibility of getting one curved facet and one straight facet. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow for $59: I preferred this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and assist. (I selected the agency choice for testing.) I favor the Buffy Cloud for a down different, however it is 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 nicely in my panel exams, however each of my panelists who volunteered to long-term take a look at it got here again with disappointing outcomes inside every 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 appropriately for the value after every week of sleeping on it. If you happen to like a firm-ish design, although, you may be proud of this one. The Snow version is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of a great winter choice for warm sleepers, as one in every of my panel testers mentioned.
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 good and springy, and it’s a strong runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it comfy to sleep on as a facet sleeper, because it as a better loft and good assist.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is nearly shockingly agency out of the field. You possibly can customise the quantity of fill inside to offer it the correct amount of assist for you, however in the event you’re the kind of facet sleeper who likes agency assist, this is likely to 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 ideal selection. —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 pal and instantly purchased one after returning residence. 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 assist than the Eli & Elm. It was a little bit smaller than the remaining, however it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip facet panels to make it larger or smaller. It was wonderful to sleep on; I discovered it a little bit 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: This can be a well-liked 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 additional 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 not any 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, facet, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely suits your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than ultimate for something apart from laying your head on it, however it’s nonetheless a strong choose 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 facet sleepers. It is a good choice, however I feel you will be simply as proud of a Purple or Coop cutout in the event you want a excessive loft and facet sleeper assist.
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 measurement you want, you’ll be matched with the right dice for you. I examined the Aspect Dice and the Ice Dice. They have been supportive and a bit squishy, and I feel they’d be a great choice in the event 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 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 once I rolled onto my again, I awakened with neck ache. However in the event you solely sleep within the ultimate facet sleeper formation, this mannequin is rather more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure you choose up a case! A traditional case is simply too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice nicely. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: If you happen to discover you turn between being a facet sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow supplies a superb center floor. Relatively than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its top, this mannequin comes with two foam inserts so you will get precisely the extent of assist 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 facet 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 different. I most popular the assist of Purple’s different fashions, however if you would like one thing softer with higher assist than only a down or down different filling, it is 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 different, however no more than the less expensive Buffy. There are two loft top choices which is good if you would 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 ultimate for facet sleepers like myself. I like this as a facet sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as nicely. It is a little bit 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 smooth, just like a down or down different mannequin. If you happen to’re searching for one thing additional cool and like the sunshine, malleable assist of a down pillow, it is a sensible choice.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow underneath $100, however it’s out of inventory in all places proper now. If yow will discover it out there, it is an ideal choice crammed with shredded reminiscence foam which 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 right quantity of assist for you. That is an more and more widespread characteristic, however what units it aside is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling supplies. The corporate makes a number of the greatest 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 wonderful in my panel exams, 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 assist whereas they slept, although.
Tempur-Breeze ProHi Pillow for $229: is a wider, extra spacious different 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 in the event you favor a firmer choice, or if you would like house 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 an ordinary measurement and a king measurement, and you should purchase an ordinary measurement until you’ve got a king-size mattress. However there are just a few extra measurement choices.
All mattress pillows are often 20 inches huge, however the size can fluctuate. (That is why your pillowcases may appear too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) If you happen to’re inquisitive about extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than you recognize what to do with, listed here are the standard sizes yow 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 will wish to double-check listings to see what measurement you are actually working with if measurement is a matter for you. Buffy, for instance, lists an ordinary measurement for its pillows, however they’re 28 inches lengthy, making these pillows a brilliant normal measurement. 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 guide to those.
Incessantly Requested Questions
What Form of Pillow Do You Want?
You may assume a pillow is a pillow. It simply must be smooth and match underneath your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting a great night time’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed here are just a few 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 underneath your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is in all probability crucial factor to remember when deciding what kind works greatest for you, and we have famous our picks under based mostly on sleeping type.
What’s the pillow product of? Pillows could be crammed with all kinds of supplies, from feathers to foam. Down and artificial down are fluffy clusters of fiber that may really feel smooth and comfy, whereas reminiscence foam is designed to compress with the load of your head however nonetheless return to its earlier form. Natural latex could 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 usually comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. In an effort to be sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—comparable to 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 alternative. The broader Material Matters Standard is a not too long ago overhauled system for inspecting the environmental influence and sustainability of bedding producers.
How agency is it? Nonetheless you sleep, you will need a pillow that retains your backbone straight and your head aligned together with your again. Meaning you need one thing agency sufficient to assist your head but smooth sufficient that it does 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 night time. Most fashions usually fall into one in every of three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively brief and ultimate for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is best for facet sleepers (since your head might be additional out of bed than whenever you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and greatest in the event you’re a mixture 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 strong guarantee, however many producers provide beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple gives a one-year warranty and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has a similar warranty and a 30-day trial. If you happen to’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 a must to strive earlier than you commit—and be sure you’re protected if one thing goes unsuitable.
What is the Greatest 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 have heard of down pillows, for instance, which implies it is stuffed with down undercoating or feathers, and listening to the phrases “reminiscence foam” often invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam may give. This is a fast explainer of the principle kinds of fill you will discover and the way they differ.
Down: Down pillows, as I discussed above, are crammed 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 smooth and squishy, and really malleable to form in any approach you favor. (However it additionally does not retain its form nicely.) Since these are crammed with down clusters or feathers, you will wish to verify for certifications, just like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), that verify if the down was ethically sourced.
Down different: 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 will have to have a look to see what makes up any down different design, because it is not constant. However what’s constant is the totally different really feel. In my exams, I’ve discovered down different 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 possibly “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 will 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 assist 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 preferred choice due to that good assist, and it’s often discovered with a shredded kind of fill that provides 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 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 offer 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 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 elements in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Customary and Queen the Identical Pillow Measurement?
No, an ordinary measurement is a little bit smaller at solely 26 inches huge, whereas a queen measurement must be 30 inches huge. You may wish to verify the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however when you have the selection between the 2, I favor just a few additional inches with the queen measurement.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You is likely to be 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 continuously changed and did not present the long-term assist (and even all-night assist) my neck wanted.
Greater-quality pillows price extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial durations and warranties to be able to take a look at out the pillow of your selection 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 Look after Your Pillow?
One of the best ways to clean your pillow goes to rely upon the pillow you’ve got. You possibly can 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 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 may take away mentioned cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill must 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 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 take a look at to ensure we take a look at quite a lot of kinds, fills, and shapes to search out that are probably 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 often 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 evaluations and buyer suggestions when out there to see if it is value testing to match towards 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 not less than every 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 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 night time, and the panel judged which choices they discovered most comfy and can be almost definitely to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Evaluation Items After Testing?
Most of our pillows are supplied by the corporate for us to overview, generally by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra continuously, 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 take a look at pillows, they’re both positioned with a long-term tester if the mannequin is a choose, or they’re donated.
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