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It's no secret that your pillow can make or break a good night's sleep, which is why our fiber scientists and engineers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly put them to the test using specialized equipment and feedback from at-home sleep testers. I've been testing and writing about pillows for over a decade and my advice would be to start by thinking about your sleep position. Pillows for side sleepers should be thicker and firmer, pillows for stomach sleepers should be softer and thinner and pillows for back sleepers can fall somewhere in between.
You can learn more about how we test pillows and what to consider when you shop at the end of this article, but first, here's everything you need to know about our top-tested pillows.
Pros
- Hybrid fill is supportive yet cozy
- Adjustable for multiple sleep positions
- Good shape retention
Cons
- Outer cover pills over time
This pillow is filled with a blend of memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters to create an ideal balance between plush and firm. Our analysts and testers all agreed that it feels surprisingly supportive and cushy at the same time. And though many high-performing pillows can cost over $100, this one offers a good value.
One of the most impressive aspects of this pillow is that it immediately bounced back to shape during our Lab's pressure tests (so you can expect it to hold up to use). I also love that it's fully machine washable so you can easily keep it clean, unlike other foam styles that can't be washed. Just note that the outer cover showed signs of pilling over time when I used it at home, but that's typical for a poly/rayon fabric blend.
TESTER NOTES: Our panel of at-home testers gave it high scores across the board, unanimously saying it was better than the pillows they had previously used and that it helped improve their sleep quality. One tester described it by saying, "It wraps around my head and I sink into it," while another told us she was "able to comfortably switch from side to back to stomach and still feel supported and comfortable."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Here's Why Coop Home Goods Is Our Top-Tested Pillow
Fill | Adjustable blend of memory foam and polyester down alternative |
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Outer cover | Polyester/rayon blend |
Firmness | Medium-firm |
Sizes | Queen, King |
Pros
- Great price for a set of two
- Soft and fluffy
- Filling was clump-resistant in at-home tests
Cons
- Side sleepers said they wished it felt more supportive
This pillow is Amazon's best-seller and I can confirm that it lives up to the hype based on our extensive tests. Though it's a basic pillow that may not be quite as luxurious as other models, it performed exceptionally well and costs a fraction of the price of others. And while most inexpensive pillows use entirely synthetic materials, this one uses a 100% cotton outer cover for an elevated look and feel.
Its down alternative fill is plush, making it ideal for those who prefer softer pillows instead of firmer ones. In Lab evaluations, it held up fairly well to machine washing and pressure tests. It also fit into a standard pillowcase beautifully.
TESTER NOTES: Users agreed it was soft and fluffy. They especially liked how well the fill stayed evenly spread out without clumping. The feedback on support was mixed; several testers praised its support, while some said it felt too flat to be supportive enough for their needs. It was more well-liked by combination sleepers — i.e., people who switch between sleeping on their stomachs, backs and sides — than those who are strictly side sleepers.
Fill | Polyester down alternative |
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Outer cover | Cotton |
Firmness | Soft |
Sizes | Queen, King |
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Pros
- Unique shape supports proper alignment
- Foam held up under pressure in our tests
- Fits a wide range of body heights
Cons
- Not ideal for sleepers who change position
A game-changer for side sleepers who struggle to find the perfect alignment, this pillow's unique shape doesn't taper off like a traditional pillow and instead fills the gap between your shoulder and neck. The pillow itself is 5 inches tall, which is recommended for those 5'3" to 6'4" in height.
Pillow Cube also sells a stretchy pillowcase made of polyester and spandex that's ultra soft and perfectly fits this pillow. (You can still use a regular pillowcase if you prefer. It just won't fit as well.) And if you're a hot sleeper, check out the Ice Cube version of this pillow, which has an outer cover with a cool-to-the-touch feel.
TESTER NOTES: Our reviewers were amazed by how much the Side Cube improved their alignment. One said, "It perfectly holds up my head," while another said, "My neck is totally supported." It was best suited for true side sleepers in our tests — i.e., not for those who change position while they sleep — because it felt too tall for users when lying on their stomachs or backs.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Pillow Cube Is the Answer for Side Sleepers
Fill | Memory foam |
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Outer cover | Polyester |
Firmness | Medium-firm |
Sizes | Standard |
Pros
- Plush fibers combined with supportive foam
- Kept its shape under pressure
- Not too high; suitable for multiple sleep positions
Cons
- Grey pattern may be visible under pillowcases
This pillow is my personal favorite as a combination sleeper who enjoys cushy bedding. I find that it's surprisingly plush yet still supportive, thanks to its innovative blend of shredded memory foam and soft, fluffy kapok (a natural fiber that’s similar to cotton but feels silkier). The fill is also adjustable, so it works for multiple sleep styles or for people who often change positions.
Its lower profile and softer feel make it especially good for stomach and back sleepers because a too-firm or too-high pillow can cause the neck to tilt in these positions. And even though it's fairly plush, it easily bounced back to shape after we applied weights in our tests to mimic a head lying on it overnight. Just note that because the pillow uses a grey pattern on its outer cover, it can be visible through some white pillowcases.
TESTER NOTES: This one's a reviewer favorite and earned exceptionally high ratings during our sleep tests. Our testers gave it perfect scores for comfort, support and overall satisfaction, plus they said it kept its shape and had them waking up without feeling sore. A reviewer told us that she was able to stop using two pillows by switching to this one, while another summarized, "I like the softness, how supportive it feels and how it is moldable."
Fill | Adjustable blend of memory foam clusters and kapok fibers |
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Outer cover | Polyester/viscose blend |
Firmness | Medium-plush |
Sizes | Queen, King |
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Pros
- Supportive without feeling too firm
- Easily bounces back to shape
- Comfortable in multiple sleep positions, per testers
Cons
- Pillowcases fit slightly loose
Tuft & Needle uses solid foam instead of foam clusters for a more supportive surface, and it has ventilated holes to make it breathable along with graphite and cooling gel to help prevent overheating. The brand describes the feel as "squishy while remaining supportive," and I fully agree based on our evaluations.
In Lab tests, it bounced back to shape immediately after we applied pressure. It fit fairly well into a pillowcase, but it's just a bit smaller than other pillows so the fit was slightly loose. Only the cover is machine washable, but it laundered well without any shrinkage in our tests.
TESTER NOTES: This was a top-rated pillow among our sleep testers, who gave it perfect scores for comfort and keeping its shape. Plus, our reviewers unanimously said it felt like an upgrade from the pillows they had previously used. Its praise included comments like, "This pillow was firm enough that it kept its shape, but felt overall soft," and, "It was comfortable in multiple sleeping positions and the perfect level of firmness."
RELATED: The Best Memory Foam Pillows for Support
Fill | Foam |
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Outer cover | Polyamide/polyester blend |
Firmness | Medium-firm |
Sizes | Standard, King |
Pros
- Affordable set of two
- Soft and fluffy
Cons
- A few testers wished it was denser
If you're looking to spend as little as possible, this Amazon-brand pillow is your best bet. It's sold in pairs and outperformed other styles on the market that cost over triple the price. And even though the polyester down-alternative fill helps it cost less, we found it held up well to washing so you can clean your pillow without worrying that it'll fall apart.
The pillow comes in two firmness levels, and the softer one is better for stomach or back sleepers. It's also perfect for kids who need a lower profile to match their smaller frames. In fact, it's the pillow I purchased for my own kids, and it has held up well to years of use. The medium one is designed for side and back sleepers, though it may not feel sturdy enough for larger frames that need more support.
TESTER NOTES: Users told us they especially enjoyed how soft this pillow felt, with one saying, "I like how fluffy this pillow is and how well it maintains shape after continued use." Though some wished it were taller and denser, they gave it good scores for allowing them to wake up without soreness.
RELATED: The Best Pillows to Buy on Amazon
Fill | Polyester down alternative |
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Outer cover | Polyester microfiber |
Firmness | Soft, Medium |
Sizes | Standard, King |
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Pros
- Supportive yet plush
- Noticeably cool
- Easily bounces back to shape
Cons
- Expensive
I've tried out many pillows over the years, and nothing feels like this one: It has Talalay latex on the inside that's surrounded by Purple's signature elastic grid material, which feels equally soft and supportive. It also comes in three heights to fit a range of body types and sleep positions.
The pillow bounced back to shape perfectly in our Lab evaluations, even after weights were left on top for 8 hours. Only the cover is machine washable, but it held up to our laundering tests. And though it's pricey, the brand offers a 100-night trial so you can sleep on it for a few months to make sure you love it.
TESTER NOTES: Our at-home reviewers praised its support, shape retention and breathability, with each one highlighting the fact that it stayed cool all night long. They also agreed that they wanted to continue using it after the test. One tester summarized it by saying, "I stayed cool all night and the texture of the pillow was very soft and supportive.
RELATED: Hotel-Quality Pillows for a Luxurious Bed
Fill | Latex and breathable elastic grid |
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Outer cover | Nylon mesh |
Firmness | Medium |
Sizes | Standard, King (with Low, Medium and High) |
Pros
- Temperature-regulating cover
- Durable and keeps its shape
- High ratings for overall comfort from testers
Cons
- Less supportive than other pillows
This down alternative pillow stands out for its temperature-regulating cover. It's made with Outlast viscose, a phase-change material that stores and releases body heat to prevent you from overheating while you sleep. Unlike other cooling pillows that feel initially cool to the touch, we found that this one works all night long to help keep you at a comfortable temperature.
This pillow also aced Lab evaluations. We looked at how well it keeps its shape after use, how well it holds up to washing and how well it fits into a pillowcase. Even if you're not a hot sleeper, it's still a great choice because it's proven to be durable and long-lasting.
TESTER NOTES: Our panel unanimously said this pillow kept them at a comfortable body temperature all night. They also gave it high marks for overall comfort while sleeping and keeping its shape during use. One tester told us, "I was very skeptical about the cooling claims of the pillow and was so pleased to find them to be true! The pillow never became hot like my own pillows do."
RELATED: The Best Cooling Pillows for Hot Sleepers
Fill | Polyester down alternative |
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Outer cover | Viscose with cooling Outlast technology |
Firmness | Soft/Medium, Medium/Firm |
Sizes | Standard, King |
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Pros
- Perfect comfort ratings from sleep testers
- Three firmness levels available
- Quality materials held up to durability tests
Cons
- Some testers wished it was more supportive
For those who prefer real down, this indulgent pick outperformed all other down pillows in our test. It was a reviewer favorite, kept its shape well and fit nicely into a pillowcase. And you don't need to worry about special care instructions. We found it held up to repeated washings without showing signs of wear.
The medium-density version was well-loved in our tests, but it's also available in soft and firm options. On top of that, we loved the luxe feel of its cotton sateen outer cover. Double stitching around the hem helps make sure the down doesn't poke through during use.
TESTER NOTES: Testers praised its softness and gave it perfect scores for comfort and overall satisfaction. One even described it as "absolutely dreamy" and feeling "like a marshmallow." They also gave this pillow high marks for support and staying at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
RELATED: Expert-Approved Soft and Fluffy Down Pillows
Fill | Down |
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Outer cover | Cotton |
Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
Sizes | Standard, King |
Pros
- More supportive than other down alternative fills
- Easy to clean and keeps its shape
- Good value for two pillows
Cons
- Not intended for stomach sleepers
Tuft & Needle makes our list again, but this time for its synthetic stuffing that's lightweight yet still significantly firmer than other down alternative pillows. It aced all of our Lab's evaluations including pillowcase fit, shrinkage after laundering and how well it kept its shape after we applied weight. This is especially important because it's designed for back and side sleepers who need their pillow to keep its shape all night for proper alignment.
On top of that, it uses a down alternative fill, which is ideal for easy care and a lower cost. In fact, this set of two pillows costs less than some individual ones we tested from other brands. The fill also prevents it from feeling too dense, which can sometimes be a downside to pillows made for side sleepers.
TESTER NOTES: Our entire tester panel was impressed with how it stood up to pressure, and one user told us it "kept its shape better than any other pillow I've ever used." More importantly, they all rated it as supportive and comfortable to sleep on. One even called out its luxurious attention to detail, saying it had "excellent quality with good materials and stitching."
RELATED: The Best Down Alternative Pillows
Fill | Polyester down alternative |
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Outer cover | Cotton |
Firmness | Medium-firm |
Sizes | Standard, King |
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Pros
- Firm foam that keeps its shape
- Available in three sizes to match different body frames
- Contoured for proper alignment
Cons
- Loose fit in standard pillowcases
If you need a firmer pillow or a supportive shape to help alleviate neck discomfort, this is the pillow for you. It's been on the market for years and has stood the test of time thanks to its solid memory foam that's ergonomically designed to give back and side sleepers proper alignment. Unlike most other pillows, the shape is contoured to fit the curve of your head, neck and shoulders.
It also has a slimmer profile so it won’t feel too high, though we found that it has a bit of an awkward fit inside a pillowcase. Still, it held up to our pressure tests, and it comes in small, medium and large sizes to properly fit different body types. Its outer cover is removable and can be machine-washed.
TESTER NOTES: Testers who prefer firm pillows told us this one felt supportive and great to lie on. "It fit around my neck and shoulder perfectly," said one. Another tester called out how it sinks in very slowly to mold to individual shapes. Just note that it's much firmer than other pillows on our list, so it's not ideal for everyone.
RELATED: The Best Pillows to Use For Neck Pain
Fill | Memory foam |
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Outer cover | Polyester |
Firmness | Firm |
Sizes | Small, Medium, Large |
Pros
- Certified organic materials
- Adjustable latex fill
- Reversible design
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be a bit messy to change the fill
Latex pillows are ideal for those who prefer organic materials or more bounce (i.e., less sinking in) than memory foam. This one is certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard, and its latex fill is shredded so you can add or remove some to find the perfect height. Plus, it's reversible with different fabrics on each side. On one side there's a stretchy, smooth material that's designed to conform to the shape of your head and neck, and the other has a fluffy quilted side filled with PLA batting to make it feel plush.
The best part is that you don't have to sacrifice quality for sustainability. It earned high scores in both Lab and consumer tests. The pillow kept its shape even after pressure was applied, and the outer cover washed well.
TESTER NOTES: Users said this pillow was comfortable, supportive and kept them at a good temperature. They all enjoyed the versatility between its adjustable fill and two-sided design, with one saying, "My initial reaction was just 'Wow!'" Another told us, "This is literally the greatest pillow I have ever slept on."
RELATED: The Best Organic Pillows, According to Sustainability and Bedding Experts
Fill | Adjustable shredded latex |
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Outer cover | Organic cotton |
Firmness | Medium |
Sizes | Standard, Queen, King |
Good Housekeeping's Best Pillow Video
How we test pillows
My team and I evaluate dozens of pillows each year in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. We also send them home with sleep testers to make sure they'll perform in real-life settings. Testers are assigned a pillow based on a screening survey to make sure they're getting a good match for their sleep styles. In recent years, we've tested more than 175 different pillows. Here's how we evaluate each:
Some pillows are not machine washable, so we first check the care labels to make sure the pillows are washable. If they are, we wash them five times to see whether they'll hold up to laundering.
We also look at how well they fit into a standard pillowcase to check whether they'll work well with most home bedding.
Finally, we perform support and recovery tests that mimic the pressure from your head lying on it all night. A weight is left on the pillow for an extended period, then we measure how quickly it returns to its original shape.
When consumer testers try them at home, they sleep on the pillows for at least a month and then fill out an in-depth survey with both scored and open-ended responses. This helps us gain insight into aspects like comfort, support, temperature regulation and more.
How to Choose Your Type of Pillow
While there are many types of pillows to choose from, I recommend first focusing on the fill to help you narrow it down. Here are the key differences between the most common options:
- Down pillows tend to be the fluffiest, but a combination of down and feathers may be firmer and less expensive.
- Down alternative pillows can still feel soft and offer good support, and they're usually made with synthetic fill so they're more affordable than down.
- Memory foam pillows are thicker and often firmer. You can choose from solid memory foam or memory foam clusters, which feel plusher to lie on while still offering the support of foam.
- Latex pillows feel similar to memory foam, but they have more of a bouncy feel with less contouring. Another difference: Latex foam is typically made from rubber trees, so it's a good option for those who prefer organic materials.
- Hybrid pillows mix foam and fiberfill so you get the best of both materials — i.e., supportive yet plush.
There are other pillow types on the market, but they aren't as common, and I don't recommend them for most sleepers. For instance, gel pillows are often marketed as cooling because the gel draws away body heat; however, the cooling effect is usually temporary and may not last all night. Buckwheat pillows are gaining popularity as an option made of natural materials, but they aren't as durable or comfortable in our tests, and some users said they irritated their skin. Over-the-head pillows are newer and said to promote relaxation, but we'd suggest using a weighted eye mask for the same effect.
More pillow shopping tips
After picking your fill, here's what I suggest you keep in mind:
✔️ Make sure it's the right height. There's no one-size-fits-all pillow, and "it’s important that your neck stays 'neutral,'" says Niamish Baxi, M.D., a physiatrist focusing on spine care and musculoskeletal medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. "It should not be flexed forward, extended back or rotated. Being in these positions will put a strain on the joints in your cervical spine as well as the muscles surrounding it."
According to Dr. Baxi, "Your ears should be aligned with your shoulders and your chin faced forward." To achieve this alignment, you'll need to factor in your body size and how you sleep. Here's how to pick your height:
- Body type: Larger-framed people should use a taller pillow, whereas smaller bodies need something flatter. Medium frames can use something in between.
- Sleep position: Side sleepers need a higher and more supportive pillow, while stomach sleepers should opt for a lower and softer style. Back sleepers (or anyone who switches positions through the night) should opt for a pillow that's somewhere in the middle.
✔️ Take a look at special features based on your preferences. You can browse for innovative specifications like cooling pillows with temperature-regulating properties if you tend to overheat or adjustability if you want to personalize firmness level and height.
✔️ Consider allergies. Certain pillow types should be avoided if you have sensitivities to specific materials, such as latex or buckwheat. If you suffer from environmental allergies, opt for a pillow that can be machine-washed in warm water and consider using a pillow protector to prevent dust, pet dander, pollen and other allergens from sinking in.
✔️ Don't overlook care instructions. Before purchasing a pillow, check the care label to make sure you're willing to wash your pillow as recommended. Most are machine washable, but some are dry clean only, have removable covers or only allow spot-treating. Your pillow will last longer if you wash it two to four times a year and if you use a pillow protector to keep it clean and safe from wear.
Our pillow buying guide video
Why you can trust Good Housekeeping
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of testing strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing to find the best bedding, including pillows. Lexie has been analyzing pillow data since she joined Good Housekeeping over a decade ago and has extensively reviewed test data before making these recommendations. She is often featured as a pillow expert for national TV segments and other media features.
Associate Textiles Lab director Emma Seymour manages pillow testing. Emma has rigorously evaluated more than 100 pillows in the Textiles Lab, and she has coordinated pillow sleep testing with hundreds of at-home reviewers. Recent pillow testing has also been performed by textiles product reviews analyst, Grace Wu.
More on the best pillows to buy:
- Types of Pillows
- Best Down Pillows
- Best Down Alternative Pillows
- Best Latex Pillows
- Best Memory Foam Pillows
- Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
- Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
- Best Organic Pillows
- Best Cooling Pillows
- Best Pillows for Neck Pain
- Best Body Pillows
- Best Pregnancy Pillows
Lexie Sachs
Executive Director, Strategy & Operations
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Expert consulted:Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.