Examine 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 a very good night time’s sleep. If, by some means, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed below are a number of others now we have examined and what we thought of them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Accountable Down Commonplace (RDS)-certified farms, but it surely 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 regular form and side-sleeper curved form. It felt a lot denser than others we tried, and my check 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 Movement above however with out the curve for aspect sleepers. Should you sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this is likely to be a greater match, however I favor the flexibility of getting one curved aspect and one straight aspect. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Various Pillow for $59: I favored this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and assist. (I selected the agency possibility for testing.) I favor the Buffy Cloud for a down different, however it is a strong runner-up.
Casper Hybrid Pillow for $129: This hybrid makes use of a mixture of thick foam and a core of shredded foam for its marshmallow-like, dense-yet-soft really feel. I favored sleeping on the Casper, particularly the cooling Snow model ($149), and it did properly in my panel assessments, however each of my panelists who volunteered to long-term check it got here again with disappointing outcomes inside per 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 accurately for the worth after per week of sleeping on it. Should you like a firm-ish design, although, you would be proud of this one. The Snow model is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of a very good winter possibility for warm sleepers, as one in every of my panel testers stated.
Eli & Elm On a regular basis Reminiscence 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 On a regular basis Latex Pillow for $110: This shredded latex-filled pillow is sweet and springy, and it’s a strong runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it comfy to sleep on as a aspect sleeper, because it as a better loft and good assist.
Eli & Elm Aspect 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 when you’re the kind of aspect sleeper who likes agency assist, 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 count on to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one individual 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 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 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 a bit of smaller than the remaining, but it surely additionally has a slight adjustment possibility, letting you unzip aspect panels to make it larger or smaller. It was high quality to sleep on; I discovered it a bit of agency for my liking, however my long-term tester says it has been supportive and cleared up her neck ache. It is a good possibility for the worth too.
Nest Simple 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’ll be able to 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 favored the firmer Marlow additionally favored this pillow, whereas the remainder of us most well-liked softer choices.
No Extra Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There is no scarcity of novelty pillows, however as somebody who experiences lots of neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave middle for again, aspect, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely suits your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than very best for something apart from laying your head on it, but it surely’s nonetheless a strong 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 aspect sleepers. It is a good possibility, however I believe you may be simply as proud of a Purple or Coop cutout when you want a excessive loft and aspect sleeper assist.
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 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 have been supportive and a bit squishy, and I believe they’d be a very good possibility when you sleep solely 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 well-liked place. And on the nights once I rolled onto my again, I awoke with neck ache. However when you solely sleep within the very best aspect sleeper formation, this mannequin is rather more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure you decide up a case! A standard case is just too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice properly. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: Should you discover you turn between being a aspect sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow offers a superb center floor. Slightly than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its top, this mannequin comes with two foam inserts so you will get precisely the extent of assist you want. —Eric Ravenscraft
Purple GridCloud Pillow for $149: This pillow is a softer, squishier design with the grid layer we love from the Purple Freeform and Concord, but it surely 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 well-liked the assist of Purple’s different fashions, however if you’d like one thing softer with higher assist than only a down or down different filling, it is a nice possibility.
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 Various 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’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 fashion that is very best for aspect sleepers like myself. I like this as a aspect sleeper possibility, and it is properly cooling as properly. It is a bit of smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless sufficiently big for the average-sized individual.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous gentle, much like a down or down different mannequin. Should you’re in search of one thing additional 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, but it surely’s out of inventory in every single place proper now. If you will discover it accessible, it is an excellent possibility full of shredded reminiscence foam which you could modify to get your good top.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill mannequin from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment the place you’ll be able to add or take away foam filling to get the proper quantity of assist for you. That is an more and more widespread function, however what units it aside is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling supplies. The corporate makes a few of the finest 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 high quality in my panel assessments, however all of us most well-liked shredded reminiscence foam over a strong 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 when you favor a firmer possibility, or if you’d like area to share it along with your cuddling companion. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair completely different pillow sizes you would possibly discover when buying. More often than not pillows are available a regular measurement and a king measurement, and you can purchase a regular measurement except you’ve a king-size mattress. However there are a number of extra measurement choices.
All mattress pillows are often 20 inches large, however the size can range. (That is why your pillowcases might sound too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) Should you’re interested in extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than you understand what to do with, listed below are the standard sizes you will discover and what measurements they need to have:
- Commonplace Measurement: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Tremendous Commonplace 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 may 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 regular measurement for its pillows, however they’re 28 inches lengthy, making these pillows a brilliant customary measurement. You will not need to order king-size pillows and not using a king-sized mattress, particularly since you may want king-size pillowcases along with your sheets. Physique pillows are the longest of all, and now we have a separate information to these.
Incessantly Requested Questions
What Type of Pillow Do You Want?
You would possibly assume a pillow is a pillow. It simply must be gentle 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 below are a number of 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 so much? Do you often have one pillow below your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is in all probability an important factor to bear in mind when deciding what sort works finest for you, and we have famous our picks under based mostly on sleeping fashion.
What’s the pillow product of? 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 gentle 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 concentrate on how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling usually comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. With the intention to make sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—similar to by avoiding merciless practices like reside plucking—packages just like the Accountable Down Commonplace 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 substitute. The broader Materials Issues Commonplace is a not too long ago overhauled system for analyzing the environmental impression and sustainability of bedding producers.
How agency is it? Nonetheless you sleep, you may desire a pillow that retains your backbone straight and your head aligned along with your again. Which means you need one thing agency sufficient to assist your head but gentle sufficient that it would not dig into your ear or face.
How lofty is it? “Loft” is a time period usually used to explain how excessive out of bed the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you would possibly find yourself along with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the night time. Most fashions usually fall into one in every of three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively brief and very best for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is healthier for aspect sleepers (since your head might be additional out of bed than while you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and finest when you’re a mixture sleeper who would not stick to 1 specific sleep fashion.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You won’t assume the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a strong guarantee, however many producers provide beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple provides a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has the same guarantee and a 30-day trial. Should 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 it’s a must to strive earlier than you commit—and be sure you’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 may 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 much like a comforter within the sense that it is gentle and squishy, and really malleable to form in any manner you favor. (Nevertheless it additionally would not retain its form properly.) Since these are full of down clusters or feathers, you may need to verify for certifications, just like the Accountable Down Commonplace (RDS), that affirm if the down was ethically sourced.
Down different: These pillows aren’t a set sort, however use different supplies to duplicate the down expertise. Buffy, for instance, makes use of recycled plastic to create their fill, whereas Saatva makes use of a mixture of reminiscence foam and latex foam. You may 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 well-liked since it could “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 would possibly like or dislike. You may additionally need to verify if the reminiscence foam is a strong sheet or shredded; I’ve discovered shredded and lower reminiscence foam to have extra bounce and assist 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 turning into a preferred possibility due to that good assist, and it’s often discovered with a shredded sort of fill that provides loads of airflow.
Hybrid: Hybrid is one other class gaining in reputation. It may be a mixture of any of the above fills, however I usually discover it is a sheet of froth mixed with both shredded foam or another type of softer filling. Casper, for instance, makes use of each sheets of reminiscence foam after which has a core of shredded foam on the 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 might be utilized in a mix with different supplies above. Kapok and cotton are speculated 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 would possibly see these as elements in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Commonplace and Queen the Similar Pillow Measurement?
No, a regular measurement is a bit of smaller at solely 26 inches large, whereas a queen measurement ought to be 30 inches large. You would possibly need to verify the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however when you have the selection between the 2, I favor a number of additional inches with the queen measurement.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You is likely to be shocked by a few of the worth tags on these pillows. I keep in mind spending backside greenback on my pillows for years. However these bottom-dollar pillows wanted to be ceaselessly 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 to check 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 inexpensive funding while you break down what number of hours you may be mendacity on them.
How Ought to You Look after Your Pillow?
One of the best ways to scrub your pillow goes to depend upon the pillow you’ve. You may select at hand wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you may need to verify the label and ensure it is protected 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’ll be able to take away stated cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill ought to be washed, in order that’s essential 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 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 Assessment?
We analysis all pillows we check to ensure we check quite a lot of types, 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 evaluations and buyer suggestions when accessible 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 at least three nights, with our high picks getting a minimum of 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 contributors and 22 completely different fashions. The panelists all had completely different sleep types 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 can be almost certainly to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Assessment Models After Testing?
Most of our pillows are offered by the corporate for us to assessment, generally by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra ceaselessly, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular fashion or fill sort. 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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