Evaluate the High 5 Pillows
Honorable Mentions
There are far too many pillows in the marketplace. We have listed our favorites above, however even that does not cowl the big selection of serviceable designs on the market for night time’s sleep. If, someway, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed below are just a few others we have now 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, nevertheless it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Green Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is made out of GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified natural kapok, and is available in each a typical form and side-sleeper curved form. It felt a lot denser than others we tried, and my check 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 Stream above however with out the curve for aspect sleepers. In case you sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this may be a greater match, however I favor the flexibility of getting one curved aspect and one straight aspect. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow for $59: I appreciated 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 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 version ($149), and it did nicely in my panel assessments, however each of my panelists who volunteered to long-term check it got here again with disappointing outcomes inside every week. My petite aspect sleeper discovered it too agency, and my taller, broader long-term tester discovered that the Casper wasn’t bouncing again fairly as a lot appropriately for the worth after every week of sleeping on it. In case you like a firm-ish design, although, you can be proud of this one. The Snow version is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of winter choice for warm sleepers, as one among 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 sweet and springy, and it’s a stable runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it comfy to sleep on as a aspect sleeper, because it as the next loft and good assist.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is nearly shockingly agency out of the field. You may customise the quantity of fill inside to present it the correct amount of assist for you, however for those who’re the kind of aspect sleeper who likes agency assist, this may be the one for you. It even comes with a separate detachable cowl for straightforward washing. It is smaller than the Delicious one, so do not count on to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one individual it is an important 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 buddy 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 scorching, 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 just a little smaller than the remaining, nevertheless it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip aspect panels to make it larger or smaller. It was nice to sleep on; I discovered it just a little 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 worth too.
Nest Easy Breather Pillow for $119: It is a fashionable mannequin, however I discovered it too dense and too lofty for me. It’s adjustable, so you may simply make it much less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to retailer your further fill. The fill is a mixture of foam and polyester fiber. My panelist who appreciated the firmer Marlow additionally appreciated this pillow, whereas the remainder of us most popular softer choices.
No More Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There isn’t any scarcity of novelty pillows, however as somebody who experiences plenty of neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave middle for again, aspect, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely suits your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than ultimate for something aside from laying your head on it, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a stable decide for neck ache. —Eric Ravenscraft
Parallel High Profile Pillow for $150: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft was a fan of the Parallel’s excessive profile for taller aspect sleepers. It is a good choice, however I feel you will be simply as proud of a Purple or Coop cutout for those who want a excessive loft and aspect 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 proper dice for you. I examined the Aspect Dice and the Ice Dice. They had been supportive and a bit squishy, and I feel they’d be choice for those who sleep completely in your aspect—along with your arms stretched in entrance of you or close to your chest. I often sleep with my arm stretched below my pillow, so my head is resting on my shoulder (with a pillow in between), and I discovered the Dice was much less supportive if I slept in my most popular place. And on the nights after I rolled onto my again, I awakened with neck ache. However for those who solely sleep within the ultimate aspect sleeper formation, this mannequin is far more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure you decide up a case! A standard case is simply 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 aspect sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow offers a wonderful center floor. Slightly than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its top, this mannequin comes with two foam inserts so you may 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, nevertheless it has just one aspect 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 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 sweet 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 model that is ultimate for aspect sleepers like myself. I like this as a aspect sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as nicely. It is just a little 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 comfortable, just like a down or down different mannequin. In case you’re in search of one thing further cool and like the sunshine, malleable assist of a down pillow, it is a good selection.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow below $100, nevertheless it’s out of inventory in every single place proper now. If you’ll find it obtainable, it is an important choice full of shredded reminiscence foam that you may regulate to get your good top.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill mannequin from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment the place you may add or take away foam filling to get the proper quantity of 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 in the marketplace, and this one managed to remain cooler than most I attempted. —Eric Ravenscraft
Tempur Pedic Tempur Adapt ProHi for $175: Our earlier reminiscence foam decide did nice in my panel assessments, however all of us most popular shredded reminiscence foam over a stable sheet. Somebody did volunteer to long-term check 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 strain than the Adapt. It is a greater match for those who favor a firmer choice, or if you would like house to share it along with your cuddling companion. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair completely different pillow sizes you may discover when buying. More often than not pillows are available a typical measurement and a king measurement, and you should purchase a typical measurement until you might have a king-size mattress. However there are just a few extra measurement choices.
All mattress pillows are often 20 inches vast, however the size can fluctuate. (That is why your pillowcases may appear too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) In case you’re interested in extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than what to do with, listed below are the same old sizes you’ll find and what measurements they need to have:
- Commonplace Dimension: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Tremendous Commonplace Dimension: 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 a typical 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 with out a king-sized mattress, particularly since you will want king-size pillowcases along with your sheets. Physique pillows are the longest of all, and we have now 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 comfortable and match below your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting night time’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed below are just a few key inquiries to ask.
What sort of sleeper are you? Do you sleep in your again, aspect, or abdomen? Do you keep comparatively nonetheless, or do you toss and switch loads? Do you often have one pillow below your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is most likely a very powerful factor to remember when deciding what kind works greatest for you, and we have famous our picks under primarily based on sleeping model.
What’s the pillow fabricated 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 comfortable 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 usually comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. With the intention to be sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—reminiscent of by avoiding merciless practices like dwell plucking—packages just like the Responsible Down Standard set standards that producers should adhere to. Another choice is to search for artificial down alternate options, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as an artificial alternative. The broader Material Matters Standard is a lately overhauled system for inspecting the environmental impression 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 along with your again. Meaning you need one thing agency sufficient to assist your head but comfortable sufficient that it does not dig into your ear or face.
How lofty is it? “Loft” is a time period typically used to explain how excessive away from bed the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you may find yourself along with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the night time. Most fashions usually fall into one among three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively quick and ultimate for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is healthier for aspect sleepers (since your head might be additional away from bed than whenever you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and greatest for those who’re a mixture sleeper who does not stick to at least one explicit sleep model.
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 supply beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple presents a one-year warranty and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has a similar warranty and a 30-day trial. In case you’re uncertain whether or not your new pillow is best for you, take a look at the corporate’s insurance policies to see what leeway you need to attempt earlier than you commit—and be sure to’re protected if one thing goes mistaken.
What is the Greatest Pillow Fill for You?
Quite a lot of filling supplies are used, and the kind of fill is an enormous a part of how pillows are categorized. You have heard of down pillows, for instance, which implies it is filled with down undercoating or feathers, and listening to the phrases “reminiscence foam” often invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam can provide. 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 comfortable and squishy, and really malleable to form in any means you like. (But it surely additionally does not retain its form nicely.) Since these are full of down clusters or feathers, you will wish to test 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 copy 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 completely different really feel. In my assessments, I’ve discovered down different fashions are often extra supportive and do a greater job holding their form than a basic down.
Reminiscence foam: Reminiscence foam is fashionable since it will probably “keep in mind” its authentic form, letting it return to its earlier type as soon as your head is off the pillow. Reminiscence foam does have a sinking sensation to it, which you may like or dislike. You will additionally wish to test if the reminiscence foam is a stable 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 made out of rubber, giving it a a lot bouncier, supportive really feel than different foam choices. Latex foam is turning 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 typically discover it is a sheet of froth mixed with both shredded foam or another type of softer filling. Casper, for instance, makes use of each sheets of reminiscence foam after which has a core of shredded foam on the 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 fashionable as foam or down choices, although you may see these as elements in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Commonplace and Queen the Identical Pillow Dimension?
No, a typical measurement is just a little smaller at solely 26 inches vast, whereas a queen measurement needs to be 30 inches vast. You may wish to test the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however you probably have the selection between the 2, I favor just a few further inches with the queen measurement.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You may be shocked by a number of the value tags on these pillows. I keep in mind spending backside greenback on my pillows for years. However these bottom-dollar pillows wanted to be incessantly changed and did not present the long-term assist (and even all-night assist) my neck wanted.
Increased-quality pillows value extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial intervals and warranties so as to check 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 scrub your pillow goes to rely upon the pillow you might have. You may select handy wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you will wish to test 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 needs to be washed, in order that’s necessary to test earlier than throwing a complete pillow into your washer. Our high 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 Overview?
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 take a look at opinions 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 at least three nights, with our high picks getting at the least 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 contributors and 22 completely different fashions. The panelists all had completely different sleep kinds starting from basic aspect and again sleepers to chaotic sleepers who find yourself beneath their pillows each night time, and the panel judged which choices they discovered most comfy and could be most definitely to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Overview Items After Testing?
Most of our pillows are offered by the corporate for us to evaluate, generally by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra incessantly, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular model 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 decide, or they’re donated.
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