Examine the Prime 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 an excellent night time’s sleep. If, in some way, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed below are a number of others now we have examined and what we considered them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Accountable Down Normal (RDS)-certified farms, however it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Inexperienced Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is constructed from 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 take a look at panel and I most well-liked different latex pillows over this one.
Bedgear Storm Pillow for $200: This mannequin from Bedgear is much like the Bedgear Stream above however with out the curve for facet sleepers. If you happen to sleep in your again 100% of the time, this could be a greater match, however I want the flexibility of getting one curved facet and one straight facet. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Different Pillow for $59: I appreciated this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency choice for testing.) I want 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 model ($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 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. If you happen to like a firm-ish design, although, you can be pleased with this one. The Snow model is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of an excellent winter choice for warm sleepers, as one in all my panel testers mentioned.
Eli & Elm On a regular basis Reminiscence Foam Pillow for $110: In comparison with the latex model beneath, 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 comfy to sleep on as a facet sleeper, because it as the next loft and good help.
Eli & Elm Aspect 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 quantity of help for you, however if you happen to’re the kind of facet sleeper who likes agency help, this could 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 particular person it is an excellent selection. —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 buddy and instantly purchased one after returning dwelling. 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 help than the Eli & Elm. It was somewhat smaller than the remainder, however it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip facet panels to make it greater or smaller. It was high quality to sleep on; I discovered it somewhat 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 Simple Breather Pillow for $119: This can be a in style 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 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 well-liked softer choices.
No Extra Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There is not any scarcity of novelty pillows, however as somebody who experiences a whole lot 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 matches your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than ideally suited for something apart from laying your head on it, however it’s nonetheless a stable decide 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 choice, however I feel you will be simply as pleased with a Purple or Coop cutout if you happen to want a excessive loft and facet sleeper help.
Pillow Dice Aspect 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’re 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 Aspect Dice and the Ice Dice. They had been supportive and a bit squishy, and I feel they’d be an excellent choice if you happen to sleep completely in your facet—along 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 well-liked place. And on the nights once I rolled onto my again, I wakened with neck ache. However if you happen to solely sleep within the ideally suited facet sleeper formation, this mannequin is rather more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure to decide 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 gives a superb center floor. Somewhat than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its peak, 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, however it 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 different. I most well-liked the help of Purple’s different fashions, however in order for you one thing softer with higher help than only a down or down different filling, it is a nice choice.
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 Different Pillow for $115: I like this down different, however no more than the less expensive Buffy. There are two loft peak choices which is good in order for you one thing particular.
Sleep Quantity True Temp Adapt Final Pillow for $150: I examined the Final form since it is a slight crescent-like fashion that is ideally suited for facet sleepers like myself. I like this as a facet sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as nicely. It is somewhat smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless sufficiently big for the average-sized particular person.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous gentle, much like a down or down different mannequin. If you happen to’re searching for one thing further cool and like the sunshine, malleable help 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 you could find it out there, it is an excellent choice crammed with shredded reminiscence foam that you may regulate to get your good peak.
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 characteristic, however what units it aside is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling supplies. The corporate makes a few 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 decide 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 take a look at this as a knee help 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 if you happen to want a firmer choice, or in order for you area to share it along with your cuddling accomplice. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair completely different pillow sizes you would possibly 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’ve 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 differ. (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 realize what to do with, listed below are the same old sizes you could find and what measurements they need to have:
Normal Dimension: 20 inches by 26 inchesSuper Normal Dimension: 20 inches by 28 inchesQueen: 20 inches by 30 inchesKing: 20 inches by 36 inchesBody: 20 inches by 54 inches
You will need 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 customary dimension. You will not need 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 now we have a separate information to these.
Continuously Requested Questions
What Type of Pillow Do You Want?
You would possibly suppose a pillow is a pillow. It simply needs to be gentle and match underneath your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting an excellent night time’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 rather a lot? Do you often have one pillow underneath your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is most likely a very powerful factor to bear in mind when deciding what kind works finest for you, and we have famous our picks beneath primarily based on sleeping fashion.
What’s the pillow product of? Pillows will be crammed with all varieties of supplies, from feathers to foam. Down and artificial down are fluffy clusters of fiber that may really feel gentle and cozy, whereas reminiscence foam is designed to compress with the burden of your head however nonetheless return to its earlier form. Natural latex will 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 concentrate on how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling sometimes comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. With a view to be certain that down feathers are ethically sourced—akin to by avoiding merciless practices like reside plucking—applications just like the Accountable Down Normal 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 Normal is a not too long ago overhauled system for inspecting the environmental influence and sustainability of bedding producers.
How agency is it? Nevertheless 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 help your head but gentle 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 up and about the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you would possibly find yourself along with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the night time. Most fashions sometimes fall into one in all three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively brief and ideally suited for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is best for facet sleepers (since your head will probably be additional up and about than if you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and finest if you happen to’re a mixture sleeper who does not stick to at least one specific sleep fashion.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You won’t suppose the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a sturdy guarantee, however many producers supply beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple affords a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has an analogous guarantee and a 30-day trial. If you happen to’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 must attempt earlier than you commit—and ensure you’re protected if one thing goes unsuitable.
What is the Greatest Pillow Fill for You?
Quite a lot 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 suggests 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 principle varieties 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 much like a comforter within the sense that it is gentle and squishy, and really malleable to form in any method you favor. (Nevertheless it additionally does not retain its form nicely.) Since these are crammed with down clusters or feathers, you will need to examine for certifications, just like the Accountable Down Normal (RDS), that affirm 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 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 in style since it could actually “bear 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 would possibly like or dislike. You will additionally need to examine 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 constructed from rubber, giving it a a lot bouncier, supportive really feel than different foam choices. Latex foam is turning into a well-liked choice due to 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 typically 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 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 might be utilized in a mix with different supplies above. Kapok and cotton are alleged to be on the fluffy finish, whereas wool is nice for temperature regulation. However none are as in style as foam or down choices, although you would possibly see these as components in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Normal and Queen the Similar Pillow Dimension?
No, a normal dimension is somewhat smaller at solely 26 inches broad, whereas a queen dimension needs to be 30 inches broad. You would possibly need to examine the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however in case you have the selection between the 2, I want a number of further inches with the queen dimension.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You could be stunned by a few of the value tags on these pillows. I bear in mind spending backside greenback on my pillows for years. However these bottom-dollar pillows wanted to be ceaselessly changed and did not present the long-term help (and even all-night help) my neck wanted.
Greater-quality pillows price extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial durations and warranties so that you could take a look at out the pillow of your selection and get a assure it’s going to final. Plus, whereas most of those aren’t low-cost, it is nonetheless an reasonably priced funding if you break down what number of hours you will be mendacity on them.
How Ought to You Look after Your Pillow?
The easiest way to scrub your pillow goes to rely on the pillow you’ve. You possibly can select handy wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you will need to examine the label and ensure it is protected to machine wash it. If it is not, spot or hand cleansing is the best choice.
The best 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 needs to be washed, in order that’s essential to examine earlier than throwing a whole 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 Evaluation?
We analysis all pillows we take a look at to verify we take a look at a wide range of kinds, fills, and shapes to seek out that are essentially 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 take a look at critiques and buyer suggestions when out there to see if it is price testing to match in opposition to pillows we all know we already like.
How Does WIRED Take a look at Pillows?
Each pillow on this information is slept on for no less than three nights, with our high picks getting not less than 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 members and 22 completely different fashions. The panelists all had completely 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 more than likely 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 offered by the corporate for us to evaluation, typically by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to think about, or extra ceaselessly, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular fashion 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 decide, or they’re donated.
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