Nov 26, 2025 5:36 AM
The Best Pillows for a Restful Night’s Sleep
Finding the right pillow is a Goldilocks-style hunt: not too soft or firm, but just right for you. Luckily, we’ve found the best pillows to fit the bill, depending on your preferences and sleeping style.
There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing a pillow. But no matter what kind of pillow you’re looking for or style of sleeper you are, we’re here to help. Our favorite overall is the Purple Freeform, an adjustable, super-springy pillow that nearly every kind of sleeper I showed it to liked, and it has cooling features to boot. If you’re one of the many side sleepers out there, our recommendation is the Coop Cool+ Adjustable Pillow in the cutout shape, which leaves plenty of room for your shoulders while supporting your head.
If you want to get even better sleep, check out our other guides, including the Best Mattresses, Best Sheets, Best Body Pillows, and Best Mattress Toppers. If you suffer from aches and pains while you sleep, check out our guide to the Best Mattresses for Back Pain.
Update November 2025: We’ve updated the accolades for Coop’s Cool+ Cut Out Adjustable Pillow and Original Crescent adjustable pillow, added Lagoon Sleep’s the Fox adjustable pillow as a pick, and ensured up-to-date links and prices.
Jump to Section
- Honorable Mentions
- Understanding Pillow Size
- Compare Our Top 10 Pillows
- What Kind of Pillow Do You Need?
- What’s the Best Pillow Fill for You?
- Are Standard and Queen the Same Pillow Size?
- Why Should You Spend So Much on a Pillow?
- How Should You Care for Your Pillow?
- How Does WIRED Choose Pillows to Review?
- How Does WIRED Test Pillows?
- How Does WIRED Acquire Pillows? What Happens to the Review Units After Testing?
-
Best Overall
-
Photograph: Nena Farrell
-
Photograph: Nena Farrell
-
Photograph: Purple
Purple’s lofty Freeform pillow is incredibly bouncy and supportive, and feels unlike any other I’ve tried thanks to the honeycomb-shaped gel layer that sits between the outer shell and the core. It’s made with a mixed fill of high-density memory foam and polyester fill that gives it a malleable center, and it’s adjustable, allowing you to remove some of the fill to make it a little less lofty—which you might want, since this pillow comes stuffed to the brim! But you can also buy more fill ($29) if you wish it to be loftier. The pillow actually comes with a little lumbar pillowcase, so you can repurpose the fill you remove into an extra pillow around the house.
I thought this pillow would be seen as weird when I tested it with my panel, especially the gridlike gel layer, but the Freeform was the favorite of the night. We also liked the similar Purple Harmony ($209), which has the same gel grid layer with a Talalay latex core. (It’s nonadjustable, but you can choose from three different lofts.) All of my testers loved how supportive and bouncy it was, and one commented how she likes the gel layer texture, since it reminds her of quilted bedding she used as a child. The gel grid layer and cooling cover also provide a cooling experience, keeping Purple’s pillows nice and chilly as you sleep.
The only downside of the pillow was the off-gassing scent, which this model still had after a week of being unboxed. It’s been a few more weeks since then, and I haven’t noticed the gassing scent any longer. Amazon lists the king size as frequently returned, likely because people may not realize the different sizes pillows can be. The standard size doesn’t have the same return issues. The base price on this pillow recently went up, likely due to tariffs, but it’s often on sale.
Fill Material High-density memory foam and polyester fill blend, plus hyper elastic polymer gel layer Shell Material Polyester stretch knit with proprietary cooling fibers Cooling? Yes Sizes Available Standard and king Loft Height Starts at 7.5 inches, but depends on fill level Adjustable? Yes, comes with a lumbar pillow to repurpose and store the fill you remove Trial 100-night trial Warranty 1 year WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Bouncy and supportive
- Adjustable, and starts with a nice high loft
- Has cooling layers
TIRED- Needs a week or two to lose off-gassing scent
-
-
Best Cooling Pillow
-
Photograph: Nena Farrell
-
Photograph: Nena Farrell
-
Courtesy of Coop
Coop’s Cool+ Adjustable Pillow comes in three different shapes, and the cutout version has been my go-to pillow for months now. It’s designed to be cooling and has kept my head nice and chilly through two Southern California summers, but hasn’t been so chilly that I can’t enjoy it during the winter months. As a side sleeper, I love the cutout shape that makes it easy to get plenty of head and neck support while keeping my shoulders on the bed—an impressive feat for my short frame.
The pillow’s adjustable filling uses a blend of cooling gel and memory foam, and the cover is super chilly to the touch with a ventilated phase-change gel memory foam layer on one side to help keep heat out of your pillow. I don’t love the feel of the Cool+’s synthetic chilly cover on my face, so I always cover it with a pillowcase, but you could sleep right on the cover for the coolest experience. Coop’s pillows have two shell layers, so you can remove the outermost layer and wash it without needing to pull out all of the fill. Coop also includes a bag of extra fill so that you can refresh your pillow, but in the year I’ve had it, I haven’t needed to refill it yet.
Fill Material Gel-infused memory foam and microfiber Shell Material Nylon and polyester shell with a memory foam pad and gel, plus a pillowcase made of polyethylene, polyester, and spandex Cooling? Yes, both cover and fill Sizes Available Queen and king Loft Height 2 inch center gusset; full height depends on fill level Adjustable? Yes, and comes with bag of extra fill Trial 100-night trial Warranty 5 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Super cooling
- Supportive and adjustable, retains shape well
- Has three shapes to fit sleeping style
TIRED- Outer shell feels synthetic, but is easy to ignore with a pillowcase
-
-
Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers
The Honeydew Scrumptious is a nice, lower-loft, firmer pillow that’s a great fit for back and stomach sleepers. It’s not too fluffy or high up, so it’s easier to keep your spine aligned, and the firm feel is great for support too. It’s also adjustable, with a discreet zipper that lets you take out the copper-infused foam fill. The copper-infused foam promises a cooler sleep, and though I wouldn’t call it a cooling pillow by any means, it shouldn’t retain heat like other foam models do. I found it a little firm as a side sleeper, but my stomach-sleeping long-term tester has been happy with this pillow.
Honeydew overall makes pretty great pillows. They also make the Scrumptious in a side sleeper shape, but my side-sleeper panelists and I preferred Honeydew’s Essence Side Sleeper Pillow ($130) over the Scrumptious side sleeper, since it’s fluffier and has a higher loft, thanks to a fill of shredded gel foam. Honeydew also makes the Classic Essence Pillow ($130), which has the classic shape to it but a more fluffy feel, which can be a nice choice for combination sleepers who want more fluff.
Fill Material Copper-infused foam Shell Material Organic bamboo viscose and spandex Cooling? Fill is slightly cooling Sizes Available Queen and king Loft Height Depends on fill level Adjustable? Yes Trial 60-day trial Warranty 3 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Nice, low loft for back and stomach sleepers
- Firm and supportive
- Adjustable
TIRED- Has copper foam, but isn’t particularly cooling
-
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
Both WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell and I have tested our fair share of Coop pillows, but the Original Crescent pillow is a side sleeper’s dream. While a typical pillow design isn’t exactly uncomfortable for side sleepers, I love having some space for my shoulder to nestle into. As a side sleeper, Nena really likes Coop’s Cool+ Adjustable Pillow (above), but the Original Crescent will allow combination sleepers to not feel as set in place.
True to its name, the Original Crescent has a curve to its bottom, allowing a full range of motion for flipping between sides or other sleeping positions. The shredded memory foam and microfiber fill also cradle the head and neck to preserve cervical alignment. The pillow is also adjustable and can be opened to add or remove fill, making it softer or firmer. It comes with extra fill, so if I ever need a boost, I have it available. —Julia Forbes
Fill Material Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill Shell Material Polyester shell, plus included polyester and bamboo viscose pillowcase Cooling No, but you can upgrade to the Cool+ version for a cooling fill and shell Sizes Available Queen and king Loft Height Depends on fill level Adjustable? Yes, and comes with a bag of extra fill Trial 100-night trial Warranty 5 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Soft and supportive with shredded memory foam
- Nice, high loft; adjustable
- Comes in three shapes for different sleep styles
- Has softer cover than the Cool+ version
TIRED- Not cooling like the Cool+ version
-
Best Down Alternative
Look, you’re probably wondering why I didn’t lead with a real down pillow before suggesting an alternative. Let me explain: I think down pillows might be terrible. Down pillows aren’t nearly as supportive as other options, can’t retain their shape on their own, and raise the question of ethical sourcing more than other pillow categories do. My entire testing panel voted down pillows to be their least favorite, so I know it’s not just me. Instead, you could get a similar experience with better support and more thoughtful materials— namely, recycled water bottles.
That’s right, Buffy’s Cloud Pillow uses a fill made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate from plastic water bottles. You’d never guess it’s recycled, since it has such a supportive, bouncy feel that worked for a side sleeper. (I tested the medium fill option, and you can choose the lower fill if you want a lower loft.) It has a Tencel lyocell sateen shell that feels silky-soft like Buffy’s fantastic bedding. I didn’t miss down for a minute after switching from real down to this pillow.
Fill Material Recycled polyethylene terephthalate from plastic bottles Shell Material Tencel lyocell sateen shell Cooling? No Sizes Available Standard and king Loft Height Depends on firmness level (three to choose from) Adjustable? No, but multiple sizes and firmness offered Trial 7-night free trial Warranty 50-night return window ★ A side sleeper version: WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe loves the curve in the side-sleeper version ($59) of the Buffy Cloud Pillow. Even while rotating a bunch in her sleep, she says she can always get comfortable. She says it’s stayed cool on 90-degree nights, too.
WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Soft and comfortable
- Holds it shape better than regular down
- Made from recycled materials, with a silky soft lyocell shell
TIRED- Not as supportive as others we tested, but still more supportive than other down and down alternatives we tried
-
Best Down Pillow
If you’re sure you want real down, then Brooklinen’s Down Pillow is the only one I’d consider out of the down pillows I’ve tried. It uses Canadian down clusters and feathers, and I tested the firmest option, which is probably why I liked it more than other plush options that felt flat an hour later. It’s Downmark certified, which certifies that it’s authentic Canadian down, but Brooklinen does not have the Responsible Down Standard certification, so we can’t guarantee how ethical the sourcing is.
Fill Material Canadian down clusters and feathers Shell Material 100 percent cotton sateen Cooling? No Sizes Available Standard and king Loft Height Varies by support level, three to choose from Adjustable? No, but multiple sizes and firmnesses offered Trial Most products can be returned within 365 days Warranty Submit quality claim here WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Soft and malleable
- Retained shape and support better than other down pillows we tested
- Downmark certified
TIRED- Doesn’t retain shape as well as other pillow types
-
Best for Chaotic Sleepers
“Chaotic sleeper” can mean a lot of things. Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft liked this pillow since it could balance his switching among being a side, back, and stomach sleeper. My most chaotic test panelist loved this pillow since she says sometimes her pillows end up cradled in her arms, or even on top of her head, and the curved, breathable Flow Cuddle Curve pillow from Bedgear felt comfortable for her to sleep on no matter what position she was in.
The “curve” in the name is for the small curve it has to accommodate a shoulder; nothing as extreme as the Coop cutout shape above, but still a comfy addition for any side sleeper. It has a washable, jersey cotton-feeling cover (though no cotton is used) and has air vents with breathable mesh to help it stay cool throughout the night. Rather than typical pillow sizes, Bedgear uses a sizing system tailored to your gender, shirt size, and typical sleeping position, so be sure to check the size chart before choosing a size.
Fill Material Polyurethane foam crown, plus a blend of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber Shell Material Polyester, rayon, and elastane fabric Cooling? Has air vents on the side Sizes Available Four sizes, which depend on your gender, shirt size, and sleeping position Loft Height Depends on size chosen Adjustable? No, but multiple sizes and firmnesses offered Trial 30-day returns Warranty 1 year WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Soft and malleable for sleepers who use their pillow in unique positions
- Shell feels like a T-shirt
- Very snuggle friendly
TIRED- On the small side (but has multiple unique size options)
-
Best Travel Pillow
The Travelrest Nest Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people. It’s flat on the back and the 5-inch sides lend enough support to cradle your head, no matter how you like to sleep. The memory foam body holds its shape for hours, and there’s a hook-and-loop fastener near the chin that’ll come in handy if you prefer to lean your head forward rather than back or to the side. It also has a soft, removable, washable microfiber cover that helps you stay warm on drafty planes. —Louryn Strampe
Fill Material Memory foam Shell Material Microfiber Cooling? No Sizes Available Two sizes, but we only recommend the Nest size Loft Height 5 inches Adjustable? No Trial 30-day returns Warranty 1 year WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Great size and shape for naps in multiple positions while you travel
- Holds its shape for hours
- Has a removable, washable cover
TIRED- A little expensive for a travel pillow
-
Best Orthopedic Neck Pillow
If the shape of this pillow doesn’t throw you off, the price will. But let me explain! If you frequently wake up with a stiff neck because you sleep on it wrong, Kanuda’s unique Primo Air pillow might be helpful. It has firm contours designed to support your neck while you’re lying on your back, holding your head in position. What makes this pillow unique is that it also accommodates side sleepers, with extra contours designed to cradle the side of your face, while still nudging your head into proper alignment. I was surprised how much I could roll over without moving the pillow and still feel supported.
However, if you don’t think you can stick to sleeping on either your side or back, this might not be a great option for you. Unlike other pillows, this one doesn’t accommodate atypical sleeping positions—you won’t want to clutch it in your arms or use it to support your legs, for example. —Eric Ravenscraft
Fill Material Polyurethane foam Shell Material Polyester, rayon, and cotton cover, with a polyester liner Cooling? No Sizes Available One size Loft Height 4.6 inches Adjustable? No Trial 60-night trial Warranty 1 year WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Firm contours will support you in back or side sleeping positions
- Stays supportive when you roll between positions or sides
TIRED- Not good for stomach sleepers or atypical positions
-
Best Adjustable Pillow
Lagoon Sleep’s pillows allow you to change their firmness and loft any time by opening up the outer cover to access an inner pouch and add or subtract fill. Each comes with extra of the fill that’s used in that specific pillow, and a drawstring bag to store it in. You get a generous amount of fill—more than I’ve seen with other adjustable pillows. If you choose to use all of it, the change in height and loft is dramatic.
My favorite in Lagoon’s lineup is the medium-soft Fox. The Fox’s shredded memory foam fill contours around my head and neck to help with cervical alignment. I’ve taken some fill out of my Fox pillow to achieve a lower loft for stomach sleeping, but I like that I can add it back whenever I want. —Julia Forbes
Fill material Shredded memory foam and polyester microfibers Shell material Outer cover is a bamboo-polyester blend with a polyester inner pouch Cooling No Sizes available Queen and king Loft height Depends on fill level Adjustable? Yes, comes with extra bag of fill and drawstring storage bag Trial 100-night trial Warranty 5 years WIRED/TIREDWIRED- Adjustable loft and firmness
- Excellent pressure relief from memory foam fill
- Soft cover adds to the malleable feel
TIRED- No cooling materials
Compare the Top 10 Pillows
| Pillow | Fill Material | Shell Material | Adjustable? | Cooling? | Sizes Available | Trial | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Freeform Adjustable Pillow | High-density memory foam and polyester fill blend, plus hyper elastic polymer gel layer | Polyester stretch knit with proprietary cooling fibers | Yes | Yes | Standard and king | 100-night trial | 1 year |
| Coop Cool+ Adjustable Pillow | Gel-infused memory foam and microfiber | Nylon and polyester shell with a memory foam pad and gel, plus a pillowcase made of polyethylene, polyester, and spandex | Yes | Yes | Queen and king | 100-night trial | 5 years |
| Honeydew Sleep Scrumptious Classic | Copper-infused foam | Organic bamboo viscose and spandex | Yes | Not really | Queen and king | 60-day trial | 3 years |
| Coop Original Adjustable Pillow | Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill | Polyester shell, plus included polyester and bamboo viscose pillowcase | Yes | No | Queen and king | 100-night trial | 5 years |
| Buffy Cloud Pillow | Recycled polyethylene terephthalate from plastic bottles | Tencel lyocell sateen shell | No, but three firmness options | No | Standard and king | 7-night trial | 50-night return window |
| Brooklinen Down Pillow | Canadian down clusters and feathers | 100 percent cotton sateen | No, but multiple sizes and firmnesses offered | No | Standard and king | Most products can be returned within 365 days | Submit quality claim here |
| Bedgear Flow Cuddle Curve Pillow | Polyurethane foam crown, plus a blend of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber | Polyester, rayon, and elastane fabric | No, but multiple sizes and firmnesses offered | Has air vents on the side | Four sizes, which depend on your gender, shirt size, and sleeping position | 30-day returns | 1 year |
| Travelrest Nest Ultimate Travel Pillow | Memory foam | Microfiber | No | No | Two sizes, but we only recommend the Nest size | 30-day returns | 1 year |
| Kanuda Primo Air Pillow | Polyurethane foam | Polyester, rayon, and cotton cover, with a polyester liner | No | No | One size | 30-night trial | 1 year |
| Lagoon Sleep the Fox Pillow | Shredded memory foam and polyester microfibers | Outer cover is a bamboo-polyester blend with a polyester inner pouch | Yes, comes with extra bag of fill and drawstring storage bag | No | Queen and king | 100-night trial | 5 years |
Honorable Mentions
There are far too many pillows on the market. We’ve listed our favorites above, but even that doesn’t cover the wide array of serviceable designs out there for a good night’s sleep. If, somehow, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, here are a few others we have tested and what we thought about them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down model does have feathers sourced from Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified farms, but it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on.
Avocado Green Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is made from GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok, and comes in both a standard shape and side-sleeper curved shape. It felt much denser than others we tried, and my test panel and I preferred other latex pillows over this one.
Bedgear Storm Pillow for $200: This model from Bedgear is similar to the Bedgear Flow above but without the curve for side sleepers. If you sleep on your back 100 percent of the time, this might be a better fit, but I prefer the versatility of having one curved side and one straight side. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow for $59: I liked this better than Brooklinen’s actual goose down feather pillow, since it had better spring and support. (I chose the firm option for testing.) I prefer the Buffy Cloud for a down alternative, but this is a solid runner-up.
Casper Hybrid Pillow for $129: This hybrid uses a mix of thick foam and a core of shredded foam for its marshmallow-like, dense-yet-soft feel. I liked sleeping on the Casper, especially the cooling Snow version ($149), and it did well in my panel tests, but both of my panelists who volunteered to long-term test it came back with disappointing results within a week. My petite side sleeper found it too firm, and my taller, broader long-term tester found that the Casper wasn’t bouncing back quite as much as it should be for the price after a week of sleeping on it. If you like a firm-ish design, though, you could be happy with this one. The Snow version is slightly cooling, but not super cooling; more of a good winter option for hot sleepers, as one of my panel testers said.
Eli & Elm Everyday Memory Foam Pillow for $110: Compared to the latex version below, the memory foam version feels lumpy. Most of my panelists disliked it, including myself, but my chaotic sleeper was a fan of its malleable shape for her haphazard sleeping patterns.
Eli & Elm Everyday Latex Pillow for $110: This shredded latex-filled pillow is nice and springy, and it’s a solid runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I found it comfortable to sleep on as a side sleeper, since it as a higher loft and nice support.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is almost shockingly firm out of the box. You can customize the amount of fill inside to give it the right amount of support for you, but if you’re the type of side sleeper who likes firm support, this might be the one for you. It even comes with a separate removable cover for easy washing. It’s smaller than the Scrumptious one, so don’t expect to do much cuddling on this one, but for one person it’s a great choice. —Eric Ravenscraft
GhostBed Memory Foam Pillow for $95: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has been using the memory foam GhostBed pillow since 2020—she slept on it while visiting with a friend and immediately bought one after returning home. It’s medium-firm and works for her side-, back-, and stomach-sleeping rotation. GhostBed’s claim of it being the “Coolest Pillow in the World” is exaggerated, but Medea sleeps hot, and she says the gel-infused foam does stay cool all night.
Marlow Pillow for $49: This is another shredded memory foam model, though it was less lumpy and had better support than the Eli & Elm. It was a little smaller than the rest, but it also has a slight adjustment option, letting you unzip side panels to make it bigger or smaller. It was fine to sleep on; I found it a little firm for my liking, but my long-term tester says it’s been supportive and cleared up her neck pain. It’s a good option for the price too.
Nest Easy Breather Pillow for $119: This is a popular model, but I found it too dense and too lofty for me. It is adjustable, so you can easily make it less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to store your extra fill. The fill is a mix of foam and polyester fiber. My panelist who liked the firmer Marlow also liked this pillow, while the rest of us preferred softer options.
No More Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There’s no shortage of novelty pillows, but as someone who experiences a lot of neck pain, I’m intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave center for back, side, and stomach sleeping, plus an indented edge that perfectly fits your arm. Its awkward shape makes it less than ideal for anything other than laying your head on it, but it’s still a solid pick for neck pain. —Eric Ravenscraft
Parallel High Profile Pillow for $135: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft was a fan of the Parallel’s high profile for taller side sleepers. It’s a good option, but I think you’ll be just as happy with a Purple or Coop cutout if you need a high loft and side sleeper support.
Pillow Cube Side Cube ($70) and Ice Cube ($90): The Pillow Cube has a weird little rectangular design. It seems strange at first, but once you take the quiz and get a recommendation for what size you need, you’ll be matched with the perfect cube for you. I tested the Side Cube and the Ice Cube. They were supportive and a bit squishy, and I think they’d be a good option if you sleep exclusively on your side—with your arms stretched in front of you or near your chest. I usually sleep with my arm stretched under my pillow, so my head is resting on my shoulder (with a pillow in between), and I found the Cube was less supportive if I slept in my preferred position. And on the nights when I rolled onto my back, I woke up with neck pain. But if you only sleep in the ideal side sleeper formation, this model is much more supportive than others I’ve tried. Make sure you pick up a case! A normal case is too roomy and doesn’t fit the Cube well. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: If you find you switch between being a side sleeper and back sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow provides an excellent middle ground. Rather than using adjustable fill to customize its height, this model comes with two foam inserts so you can get exactly the level of support you need. —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 Harmony, but it has only one side with the grid instead of two. It’s described as having a down-alternative core, and it does feel much softer, like a down alternative. I preferred the support of Purple’s other models, but if you want something softer with better support than just a down or down alternative filling, this is a great option.
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow for $165: This model is slightly cooling, and has a fluffier feel compared to more sinkage-style memory foam.
Saatva Down Alternative Pillow for $115: I like this down alternative, but not more than the much cheaper Buffy. There are two loft height options which is nice if you want something specific.
Sleep Number True Temp Adapt Ultimate Pillow for $150: I tested the Ultimate shape since it’s a slight crescent-like style that’s ideal for side sleepers like myself. I like this as a side sleeper option, and it’s nicely cooling as well. It’s a little smaller than the Coop, but still big enough for the average-sized person.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is super chilly and super soft, similar to a down or down alternative model. If you’re looking for something extra cool and like the light, malleable support of a down pillow, this is a good choice.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favorite pillow under $100, but it’s out of stock everywhere right now. If you can find it available, it’s a great option filled with shredded memory foam that you can adjust to get your perfect height.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill model from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment where you can add or remove foam filling to get the perfect amount of support for you. This is an increasingly common feature, but what sets it apart is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling materials. The company makes some of the best cooling materials on the market, and this one managed to stay cooler than most I tried. —Eric Ravenscraft
Tempur Pedic Tempur Adapt ProHi for $175: Our previous memory foam pick did fine in my panel tests, but we all preferred shredded memory foam over a solid sheet. Someone did volunteer to long-term test this as a knee support while they slept, though.
Tempur-Breeze ProHi Pillow for $229: is a wider, more spacious alternative to the Tempur-Adapt ProHi. It has a similarly high loft, and the foam is firmer and more resistant to pressure than the Adapt. It’s a better fit if you prefer a firmer option, or if you want space to share it with your cuddling partner. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a couple different pillow sizes you might find when shopping. Most of the time pillows come in a standard size and a king size, and you should buy a standard size unless you have a king-size bed. But there are a few more size options.
All bed pillows are usually 20 inches wide, but the length can vary. (That’s why your pillowcases might seem too long—they’re prepared for larger sizes!) If you’re curious about more sizes or found a model that has more options to choose from than you know what to do with, here are the usual sizes you can find and what measurements they should have:
- Standard Size: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Super Standard Size: 20 inches by 28 inches
- Queen: 20 inches by 30 inches
- King: 20 inches by 36 inches
- Body: 20 inches by 54 inches
You’ll want to double-check listings to see what size you’re really working with if size is an issue for you. Buffy, for example, lists a standard size for its pillows, but they’re 28 inches long, making those pillows a super standard size. You won’t want to order king-size pillows without a king-sized bed, especially since you’ll need king-size pillowcases with your sheets. Body pillows are the longest of all, and we have a separate guide to those.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Pillow Do You Need?
You might think a pillow is a pillow. It just has to be soft and fit under your head, right? Your head, neck, and back disagree. Getting a good night’s sleep can depend heavily on your pillow, so when choosing one, here are a few key questions to ask.
What kind of sleeper are you? Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? Do you stay relatively still, or do you toss and turn a lot? Do you usually have one pillow under your head, or do you cocoon yourself into a pillow chrysalis? This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind when deciding what type works best for you, and we’ve noted our picks below based on sleeping style.
What is the pillow made of? Pillows can be filled with all types of materials, from feathers to foam. Down and synthetic down are fluffy clusters of fiber that can feel soft and comfortable, whereas memory foam is designed to compress with the weight of your head but still return to its previous shape. Organic latex can be heavy and spongey, holding a side-sleeper’s head in place. There are also hybrid pillows that use multiple layers of different materials for a more structured feel.
How are the materials sourced? Since some materials like down feathers come from animals, you might want to be aware of how manufacturers get their fill (literally). Down filling typically comes from the belly feathers of either ducks or geese. In order to ensure that down feathers are ethically sourced—such as by avoiding cruel practices like live plucking—programs like the Responsible Down Standard set criteria that manufacturers must adhere to. Another option is to look for synthetic down alternatives, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as a synthetic replacement. The broader Material Matters Standard is a recently overhauled system for examining the environmental impact and sustainability of bedding manufacturers.
How firm is it? However you sleep, you’ll want a pillow that keeps your spine straight and your head aligned with your back. That means you want something firm enough to support your head yet soft enough that it doesn’t dig into your ear or face.
How lofty is it? “Loft” is a term often used to describe how high off the bed the pillow keeps your head. If it’s too tall, for example, you might end up with your neck tilted upward, straining it throughout the night. Most models typically fall into one of three categories: Low loft, which is relatively short and ideal for back sleepers; high loft, which is better for side sleepers (since your head will be further off the bed than when you’re on your back); and medium loft, which is somewhere in the middle and best if you’re a combination sleeper who doesn’t stick to one particular sleep style.
What is the warranty and return policy? You might not think the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a robust warranty, but many manufacturers offer generous policies. For example, Purple offers a one-year warranty and even a 100-night trial period. Casper has a similar warranty and a 30-day trial. If you’re unsure whether your new pillow is right for you, check out the company’s policies to see what leeway you have to try before you commit—and make sure you’re protected if something goes wrong.
What’s the Best Pillow Fill for You?
A variety of filling materials are used, and the type of fill is a big part of how pillows are categorized. You’ve heard of down pillows, for example, which means it’s full of down undercoating or feathers, and hearing the words “memory foam” usually invokes the sinking sensation that good memory foam can give. Here’s a quick explainer of the main types of fill you’ll find and how they differ.
Down: Down pillows, as I mentioned above, are filled with either down clusters (an undercoating on ducks) or down feathers, or a mix of both. It’s a fill that’s been around for ages, and it feels similar to a comforter in the sense that it’s soft and squishy, and very malleable to shape in any way you prefer. (But it also doesn’t retain its shape well.) Since these are filled with down clusters or feathers, you’ll want to check for certifications, like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), that confirm if the down was ethically sourced.
Down alternative: These pillows aren’t a set type, but use other materials to replicate the down experience. Buffy, for example, uses recycled plastic to create their fill, while Saatva uses a combination of memory foam and latex foam. You’ll have to take a look to see what makes up any down alternative design, since it isn’t consistent. But what is consistent is the different feel. In my tests, I’ve found down alternative models are usually more supportive and do a better job holding their shape than a classic down.
Memory foam: Memory foam is popular since it can “remember” its original shape, letting it return to its previous form once your head is off the pillow. Memory foam does have a sinking sensation to it, which you might like or dislike. You’ll also want to check if the memory foam is a solid sheet or shredded; I’ve found shredded and cut memory foam to have more bounce and support and less sinkage than a memory foam sheet.
Latex foam: Latex foam is made from rubber, giving it a much bouncier, supportive feel than other foam options. Latex foam is becoming a popular option thanks to that nice support, and it is usually found with a shredded type of fill that gives plenty of airflow. Latex is also effective at preventing allergens like dust mites from accumulating in the pillow.
Hybrid: Hybrid is another category gaining in popularity. It can be a mix of any of the above fills, but I often find it’s a sheet of foam combined with either shredded foam or some other kind of softer filling. Casper, for example, uses both sheets of memory foam and then has a core of shredded foam at the center to give it its marshmallow-like feel.
Cotton, kapok, and wool: These fills are all natural fibers that take less processing than foam, and could be used in a blend with other materials above. Kapok and cotton are supposed to be on the fluffy end, while wool is great for temperature regulation. But none are as popular as foam or down options, though you might see these as ingredients in organic or hybrid options.
Are Standard and Queen the Same Pillow Size?
No, a standard size is a little smaller at only 26 inches wide, while a queen size should be 30 inches wide. You might want to check the measurements in case it’s mislabeled to be the same thing, but if you have the choice between the two, I prefer a few extra inches with the queen size.
Why Should You Spend So Much on a Pillow?
You might be surprised by some of the price tags on these pillows. I remember spending bottom dollar on my pillows for years. But those bottom-dollar pillows needed to be frequently replaced and didn’t provide the long-term support (or even all-night support) my neck needed.
Higher-quality pillows cost more but will use better materials, last longer, and come with trial periods and warranties so that you can test out the pillow of your choice and get a guarantee it’ll last. Plus, while most of these aren’t cheap, it’s still an affordable investment when you break down how many hours you’ll be lying on them.
How Should You Care for Your Pillow?
The best way to wash your pillow is going to depend on the pillow you have. You can choose to hand wash, spot clean, or machine wash pillows, though you’ll want to check the label and make sure it’s safe to machine wash it. If it’s not, spot or hand cleaning is your best option.
The easiest pillows to clean are ones that come with removable covers, because you can remove said cover and wash it with other sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill should be washed, so that’s important to check before throwing an entire pillow into your washing machine. Our top five picks all have removable covers for easy washing, though for some (like the Honeydew Scrumptious) you’ll have to manually remove the filling and store it in a bag, while others like the Purple have a separated cover and fill section.
How Does WIRED Choose Pillows to Review?
We research all pillows we test to make sure we test a variety of styles, fills, and shapes to find which are the most supportive over a night’s sleep. We test both expensive and affordably priced models to see how the quality stacks up, and usually look to test new designs and options to see what’s coming next (and every other category we test for). We also check out reviews and customer feedback when available to see if it’s worth testing to compare against pillows we know we already like.
How Does WIRED Test Pillows?
Every pillow in this guide is slept on for a minimum of three nights, with our top picks getting at least a week if not closer to a month of sleep testing from either us, other staffers, or long-term testers. WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell also hosted a testing panel in March 2025 with six participants and 22 different models. The panelists all had different sleep styles ranging from classic side and back sleepers to chaotic sleepers who end up underneath their pillows every night, and the panel judged which options they found most comfortable and would be most likely to buy for their sleep needs.
How Does WIRED Acquire Pillows? What Happens to the Review Units After Testing?
Most of our pillows are provided as review samples by the manufacturer, with no promises made for coverage or type of coverage. Other pillows are purchased and expensed.
After we test pillows, they’re either placed with a long-term tester if the model is a pick, or they’re donated.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
Comments
Wired Coupons
Exclusive 10% Off Squarespace Promo Code
10% off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
Samsung Promo Code: 10% off TVs
10% off Canon promo code with upgrade
$25 off $25+ DoorDash Promo Code for New Customers
LG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order
Credit: Original Article
