Examine the Prime 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 a very good night time’s sleep. If, someway, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed here are a couple of others we’ve examined and what we thought of them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Accountable Down Normal (RDS)-certified farms, nevertheless it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Inexperienced Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is produced from GOLS-certified natural 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 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. In case you sleep in your again 100% 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 Different Pillow for $59: I preferred this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency choice for testing.) I favor the Buffy Cloud for a down different, however this can be 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 model ($149), and it did properly 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. In case you like a firm-ish design, although, you could possibly be pleased with this one. The Snow model is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of a very good winter choice for decent sleepers, as considered one of my panel testers stated.
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 strong runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it snug to sleep on as a facet sleeper, because it as a better loft and good help.
Eli & Elm Facet Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is nearly shockingly agency out of the field. You’ll be able to customise the quantity of fill inside to provide it the correct amount of help for you, however when you’re the kind of facet sleeper who likes agency help, this is likely to be the one for you. It even comes with a separate detachable cowl for simple washing. It is smaller than the Delicious one, so do not anticipate to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one particular person it is a fantastic alternative. —Eric Ravenscraft
GhostBed Reminiscence Foam Pillow for $85: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has been utilizing the reminiscence foam GhostBed pillow since 2020—she slept on it whereas visiting with a good friend 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 help than the Eli & Elm. It was slightly smaller than the remainder, nevertheless it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip facet panels to make it greater or smaller. It was fantastic to sleep on; I discovered it slightly agency for my liking, however my long-term tester says it has been supportive and cleared up her neck ache. It is a good choice for the value too.
Nest Straightforward Breather Pillow for $119: This can be a well-liked mannequin, however I discovered it too dense and too lofty for me. It’s adjustable, so you possibly can simply make it much less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to retailer your additional fill. The fill is a mixture of foam and polyester fiber. My panelist who preferred the firmer Marlow additionally preferred 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 plenty of neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave middle for again, facet, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely matches your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than best for something aside from laying your head on it, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a strong choose for neck ache. —Eric Ravenscraft
Parallel Excessive Profile Pillow for $150: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft was a fan of the Parallel’s excessive profile for taller facet sleepers. It is a good choice, however I believe you may be simply as pleased with a Purple or Coop cutout when you want a excessive loft and facet sleeper help.
Pillow Dice Facet Dice ($70) and Ice Dice ($90): The Pillow Dice has a bizarre little rectangular design. It appears unusual at first, however as soon as you’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 Facet Dice and the Ice Dice. They have been supportive and a bit squishy, and I believe they’d be a very good choice when you sleep completely in your facet—together with your arms stretched in entrance of you or close to your chest. I normally 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 well-liked place. And on the nights after I rolled onto my again, I awoke with neck ache. However when you solely sleep within the best facet sleeper formation, this mannequin is rather more supportive than others I’ve tried. Ensure you choose up a case! A traditional case is simply too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice properly. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: In case you discover you turn between being a facet sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow gives a superb center floor. Somewhat than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its peak, this mannequin comes with two foam inserts so you may 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, nevertheless 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 well-liked the help of Purple’s different fashions, however if you’d like one thing softer with higher help than only a down or down different filling, this can be 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 if you’d like one thing particular.
Sleep Quantity True Temp Adapt Final Pillow for $150: I examined the Final form since it is a slight crescent-like model that is best for facet sleepers like myself. I like this as a facet sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as properly. It is slightly smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless large enough for the average-sized particular person.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous comfortable, much like a down or down different mannequin. In case you’re in search of one thing additional cool and like the sunshine, malleable help of a down pillow, this can be a sensible choice.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow below $100, nevertheless it’s out of inventory in all places proper now. If you’ll find it accessible, it is a fantastic choice stuffed with shredded reminiscence foam that you would be able to alter to get your excellent 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 proper quantity of help 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 choose did fantastic in my panel exams, however all of us most well-liked shredded reminiscence foam over a strong 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 immune to stress than the Adapt. It is a greater match when you favor a firmer choice, or if you’d like house to share it together with your cuddling companion. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair completely different pillow sizes you may discover when purchasing. 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 a couple of extra measurement choices.
All mattress pillows are normally 20 inches huge, however the size can differ. (That is why your pillowcases might sound too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) In case you’re interested by extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than you already know what to do with, listed here are the standard sizes you’ll find and what measurements they need to have:
- Normal Measurement: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Tremendous Normal 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 need 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 an excellent customary measurement. You will not need to order king-size pillows with out a king-sized mattress, particularly since you may want king-size pillowcases together with your sheets. Physique pillows are the longest of all, and we’ve a separate information to these.
Continuously Requested Questions
What Sort 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 a very good night time’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed here are a couple 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 lots? Do you normally 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 bear in mind when deciding what kind works greatest for you, and we have famous our picks beneath primarily based on sleeping model.
What’s the pillow made from? Pillows might be stuffed with all forms of supplies, from feathers to foam. Down and artificial down are fluffy clusters of fiber that may really feel comfortable and cozy, whereas reminiscence foam is designed to compress with the load of your head however nonetheless return to its earlier form. Natural latex might be heavy and spongey, holding a side-sleeper’s head in place. There are additionally hybrid pillows that use a number of layers of various supplies for a extra structured really feel.
How are the supplies sourced? Since some supplies like down feathers come from animals, you may want to pay attention to how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling sometimes comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. With the intention to be certain that down feathers are ethically sourced—corresponding to by avoiding merciless practices like stay 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 alternative. The broader Materials Issues Normal is a lately overhauled system for analyzing the environmental influence and sustainability of bedding producers.
How agency is it? Nonetheless you sleep, you may need a pillow that retains your backbone straight and your head aligned together with your again. Which means you need one thing agency sufficient to help your head but comfortable 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 up and doing 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 sometimes fall into considered one of three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively brief and best for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is healthier for facet sleepers (since your head might be additional up and doing than while you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and greatest when you’re a mixture sleeper who does not stick to 1 explicit sleep model.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You may not assume the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a sturdy guarantee, however many producers provide beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple presents a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has an analogous guarantee 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 ensure you’re protected if one thing goes incorrect.
What is the Finest 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” normally invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam may give. This is a fast explainer of the primary forms of fill you may discover and the way they differ.
Down: Down pillows, as I discussed above, are stuffed 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 comfortable and squishy, and really malleable to form in any method you favor. (Nevertheless it additionally does not retain its form properly.) Since these are stuffed with down clusters or feathers, you may need to verify 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 normally extra supportive and do a greater job holding their form than a basic down.
Reminiscence foam: Reminiscence foam is well-liked since it may well “keep in mind” its unique 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 need to verify if the reminiscence foam is a strong sheet or shredded; I’ve discovered shredded and minimize reminiscence foam to have extra bounce and help and fewer sinkage than a reminiscence foam sheet.
Latex foam: Latex foam is produced from rubber, giving it a a lot bouncier, supportive really feel than different foam choices. Latex foam is changing into a well-liked choice because of that good help, and it’s normally 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 sort of softer filling. Casper, for instance, makes use of each sheets of reminiscence foam after which has a core of shredded foam on the middle to provide 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 imagined 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 Normal and Queen the Similar Pillow Measurement?
No, a typical measurement is slightly smaller at solely 26 inches huge, whereas a queen measurement needs to be 30 inches huge. You may need to verify the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however when you’ve got the selection between the 2, I favor a couple of additional inches with the queen measurement.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You is likely to be stunned 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 often changed and did not present the long-term help (and even all-night help) my neck wanted.
Greater-quality pillows value extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial intervals and warranties with the intention to take a look at out the pillow of your alternative and get a assure it’s going to final. Plus, whereas most of those aren’t low-cost, it is nonetheless an inexpensive funding while you break down what number of hours you may be mendacity on them.
How Ought to You Take care of Your Pillow?
The easiest way to scrub your pillow goes to rely upon the pillow you might have. You’ll be able to select handy wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you may need to verify the label and ensure it is secure to machine wash it. If it isn’t, spot or hand cleansing is your only option.
The best pillows to wash are ones that include detachable covers, as a result of you possibly can take away stated cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill needs to be washed, in order that’s vital to verify earlier than throwing a whole pillow into your washer. Our high 5 picks all have detachable covers for simple washing, although for some (just like the Honeydew Delicious) you may need to 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 take a look at to verify we take a look at quite a lot of kinds, fills, and shapes to search 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 normally 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 accessible to see if it is price testing to check 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 high 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 completely different fashions. The panelists all had completely different sleep kinds starting from basic 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 snug and could be more than likely to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Overview Models After Testing?
Most of our pillows are supplied by the corporate for us to evaluate, typically by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra often, 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 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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