Evaluate 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 range of serviceable designs on the market for a great night time’s sleep. If, someway, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed here are a number of others we’ve got examined and what we considered them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Accountable Down Commonplace (RDS)-certified farms, nevertheless it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Inexperienced Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is created 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 check panel and I most popular different latex pillows over this one.
Bedgear Storm Pillow for $200: This mannequin from Bedgear is just like the Bedgear Movement above however with out the curve for facet sleepers. In the event you sleep in your again one hundred pc 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 Various 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 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 preferred 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 check 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 the event you 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 a great 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 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 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 sort of shockingly agency out of the field. You possibly can customise the quantity of fill inside to provide it the correct amount of help for you, however in the event you’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 anticipate to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one particular person it is an awesome 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 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 help than the Eli & Elm. It was somewhat smaller than the remaining, nevertheless it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip facet panels to make it greater or smaller. It was tremendous 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 value too.
Nest Straightforward 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 may 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 popular softer choices.
No Extra Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There is no 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 ultimate for something apart from laying your head on it, nevertheless 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 believe you may be simply as pleased with a Purple or Coop cutout in the event you 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 suggestion for what dimension 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 great choice in the event you sleep solely in your facet—along 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 popular place. And on the nights once I rolled onto my again, I awakened with neck ache. However in the event you solely sleep within the ultimate facet sleeper formation, this mannequin is rather more supportive than others I’ve tried. Ensure you 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: In the event you discover you turn between being a facet sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow gives a superb center floor. Fairly than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its top, 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 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 popular the help of Purple’s different fashions, however if you would like 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 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 would 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 type that is ultimate 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 mushy, just like a down or down different mannequin. In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing additional 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 below $100, nevertheless it’s out of inventory in every single place proper now. If yow will discover it obtainable, it is an awesome choice stuffed with shredded reminiscence foam that you may modify to get your excellent top.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill mannequin from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment the place you may add or take away foam filling to get the proper quantity of help for you. That is an more and more frequent function, however what units it aside is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling supplies. The corporate makes a number of the greatest 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 tremendous in my panel exams, however all of us most popular shredded reminiscence foam over a stable sheet. Somebody did volunteer to long-term check 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 strain than the Adapt. It is a greater match in the event you want a firmer choice, or if you would like area to share it along with your cuddling companion. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair totally different pillow sizes you may discover when buying. More often than not pillows are available a normal dimension and a king dimension, and you should purchase a normal dimension except you may have a king-size mattress. However there are a number of extra dimension choices.
All mattress pillows are normally 20 inches large, however the size can fluctuate. (That is why your pillowcases might sound too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) In the event you’re inquisitive about 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 same old sizes yow 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 wish 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 commonplace dimension. You will not wish 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 we’ve got a separate information to these.
Incessantly Requested Questions
What Type of Pillow Do You Want?
You may suppose a pillow is a pillow. It simply needs to be mushy and match below your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting a great night time’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed here 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 normally have one pillow below your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is in all probability a very powerful factor to remember when deciding what sort works greatest for you, and we have famous our picks under based mostly on sleeping type.
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 mushy and cozy, 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 pay attention to how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling sometimes comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. In an effort to make sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—equivalent to by avoiding merciless practices like reside plucking—applications just like the Accountable Down Commonplace 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 Commonplace is a not too long ago overhauled system for inspecting 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. Meaning you need one thing agency sufficient to help your head but mushy 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 out of bed the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you may find yourself along 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 quick and ultimate for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is best for facet sleepers (since your head can be additional out of bed than if you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and greatest in the event you’re a mix sleeper who does not stick to 1 specific sleep type.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You may not suppose the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a sturdy 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 an identical guarantee and a 30-day trial. In the event you’re not sure whether or not your new pillow is best for you, try 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 mistaken.
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’ve got heard of down pillows, for instance, which implies it is stuffed with down undercoating or feathers, and listening to the phrases “reminiscence foam” normally invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam may give. Here is a fast explainer of the principle 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 just like a comforter within the sense that it is mushy and squishy, and really malleable to form in any approach you favor. (However it additionally does not retain its form nicely.) Since these are stuffed with down clusters or feathers, you may wish to examine for certifications, just like the Accountable Down Commonplace (RDS), that verify 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 mix 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 totally 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 in style since it could actually “bear in mind” its unique form, letting it return to its earlier kind 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 may additionally wish 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 created 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 sort 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 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 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 may see these as components in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Commonplace and Queen the Similar Pillow Measurement?
No, a normal dimension is somewhat smaller at solely 26 inches large, whereas a queen dimension must be 30 inches large. You may wish to examine the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however when you have the selection between the 2, I want a number of additional inches with the queen dimension.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You could be stunned by a number 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 continuously 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 with the intention to check 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 reasonably priced funding if 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 rely upon the pillow you may have. You possibly can select at hand wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you may wish to examine the label and ensure it is secure to machine wash it. If it isn’t, spot or hand cleansing is the best choice.
The simplest pillows to wash are ones that include detachable covers, as a result of you may take away stated cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill must 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 may should 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 a wide range of kinds, fills, and shapes to seek out that are probably the most supportive over an evening’s sleep. We check 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 check for). We additionally try evaluations and buyer suggestions when obtainable to see if it is value testing to match towards pillows we all know we already like.
How Does WIRED Check Pillows?
Each pillow on this information is slept on for no less than three nights, with our high picks getting no 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 members and 22 totally different fashions. The panelists all had totally 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 comfy and could be probably 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 supplied 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 continuously, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular type 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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