9 Best Pillows (2025) Tested For Side, Back, and Stomach Sleepers Leave a comment
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 very good night time’s sleep. If, one way or the other, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed here are a number of others we’ve got 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, but it surely 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 much like the Bedgear Circulation above however with out the curve for facet sleepers. In the event you sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this may be a greater match, however I choose the flexibility of getting one curved facet and one straight facet. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Various Pillow for $59: I favored this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency choice for testing.) I choose 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 favored 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 per week. My petite facet sleeper discovered it too agency, and my taller, broader long-term tester discovered that the Casper wasn’t bouncing again fairly as a lot correctly for the worth after per week of sleeping on it. In the event you like a firm-ish design, although, you might be pleased with this one. The Snow model is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of a very good winter choice for warm sleepers, as one in all 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 stable runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it snug to sleep on as a facet sleeper, because it as the next loft and good help.
Eli & Elm Facet 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 quantity of help for you, however should you’re the kind of facet sleeper who likes agency help, this may 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 particular person it is an important 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 pal and instantly purchased one after returning house. 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 a bit of smaller than the remaining, but it surely additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip facet 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 choice for the worth too.
Nest Simple Breather Pillow for $119: It is a in style mannequin, however I discovered it too dense and too lofty for me. It’s adjustable, so you possibly can simply make it much less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to retailer your 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 popular softer choices.
No Extra Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There is not any scarcity of novelty pillows, however as somebody who experiences a variety 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, but it surely’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 should 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 are taking the quiz and get a advice for what measurement you want, you’ll be matched with the right 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 should 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 beneath 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 after I rolled onto my again, I awakened with neck ache. However should you solely sleep within the best facet sleeper formation, this mannequin is far 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 offers a superb center floor. Quite 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, but it surely 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 in order for you one thing softer with higher help than only a down or down different filling, it is a nice choice.
Saatva Graphite Reminiscence Foam Pillow for $165: This mannequin is barely cooling, and has a fluffier really feel in comparison with extra sinkage-style reminiscence foam.
Saatva Down 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 good in order for you one thing particular.
Sleep Quantity True Temp Adapt Final Pillow for $150: I examined the Final form since it is a slight crescent-like model that is best for facet sleepers like myself. I like this as a facet sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as nicely. It is a bit of 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 the event you’re in search of 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 beneath $100, but it surely’s out of inventory all over the place proper now. If yow will discover it accessible, it is an important choice full of shredded reminiscence foam that you may regulate 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 possibly can add or take away foam filling to get the right 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 available on the market, and this one managed to remain cooler than most I attempted. —Eric Ravenscraft
Tempur Pedic Tempur Adapt ProHi for $175: Our earlier reminiscence foam decide did high quality in my panel exams, however all of us most 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 proof against stress than the Adapt. It is a greater match should you choose a firmer choice, or in order for you house 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 measurement and a king measurement, and you should purchase a normal measurement until you’ve a king-size mattress. However there are a number of extra measurement choices.
All mattress pillows are normally 20 inches large, however the size can range. (That is why your pillowcases might sound too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) In the event you’re interested by extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than you realize what to do with, listed here are the standard sizes yow will discover 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 may wish 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 normal measurement for its pillows, however they’re 28 inches lengthy, making these pillows an excellent customary measurement. You will not wish to order king-size pillows with no 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.
Steadily Requested Questions
What Form of Pillow Do You Want?
You may assume a pillow is a pillow. It simply must be comfortable and match beneath 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 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 beneath your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is most likely crucial factor to remember when deciding what sort works greatest for you, and we have famous our picks beneath based mostly on sleeping model.
What’s the pillow product of? Pillows will be full of all kinds 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 will be heavy and spongey, holding a side-sleeper’s head in place. There are additionally hybrid pillows that use a number of layers of various supplies for a extra structured really feel.
How are the supplies sourced? Since some supplies like down feathers come from animals, you may want to concentrate on how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling sometimes comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. With the intention to be sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—akin 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 substitute. The broader Materials Issues Normal is a not too long ago overhauled system for analyzing the environmental affect 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 comfortable 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 one in all three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively brief and best for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is healthier for facet sleepers (since your head shall be additional out of bed than if you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and greatest should you’re a mix sleeper who does not stick to 1 explicit sleep model.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You won’t 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 affords a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has an analogous guarantee and a 30-day trial. In the event you’re not sure 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 be sure you’re protected if one thing goes improper.
What is the Finest Pillow Fill for You?
A wide range of filling supplies are used, and the kind of fill is a giant a part of how pillows are categorized. You have heard of down pillows, for instance, which 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 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 comfortable and squishy, and really malleable to form in any manner you favor. (But it surely additionally does not retain its form nicely.) Since these are full of down clusters or feathers, you may wish 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 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 “keep 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 verify 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 preferred choice due to that good help, and it’s normally 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 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 could possibly 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 substances in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Normal and Queen the Similar Pillow Measurement?
No, a normal measurement is a bit of smaller at solely 26 inches large, whereas a queen measurement must be 30 inches large. You may wish to verify the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however when you have the selection between the 2, I choose a number of additional inches with the queen measurement.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You may 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 continuously 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 in an effort 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 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 simplest ways to clean your pillow goes to rely on the pillow you’ve. You possibly can select at hand wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you may wish to verify the label and ensure it is secure to machine wash it. If it is not, spot or hand cleansing is your best choice.
The simplest pillows to scrub 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 must be washed, in order that’s essential to verify earlier than throwing a whole pillow into your washer. Our prime 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 Evaluate?
We analysis all pillows we check to verify we check a wide range of kinds, 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 normally 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 opinions and buyer suggestions when accessible 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 prime 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 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 snug and can be most certainly to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Evaluate Models After Testing?
Most of our pillows are offered by the corporate for us to overview, typically by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra continuously, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular model 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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