When we chose this list of the best pillows, we also considered cooling materials—namely, how well pillows let air flow through their fibers to keep you from getting sweaty in the middle of the night—and other important factors like hypoallergenic properties, durability, and warranty options.
What to Look for in a Pillow
Materials
Memory foam: Shelby Harris, PhD, a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep, says memory foam pillows are ideal for anyone looking to ease pressure. While memory foam can trap too much heat for some sleepers, the contouring and support could save neck and back pain sufferers.
Latex: Chiropractor Ben Carvosso says latex is his pillow material of choice, thanks to its durability, support, breathability, and ability to keep the spine in alignment. But all that support comes at a cost—and it’s a high one. Latex pillows tend to be the most expensive option on the market.
Hybrid: The best of both worlds, hybrid pillows are made with two or more materials to provide specific support and comfort. While the mix can be pricey, hybrid pillows are a great option if you’re looking for more advanced materials. They often come with features like gel-infused memory foam to help with cooling or other needs.
Down: Sleeping on a down pillow is the closest you’ll get to sleeping on a marshmallow. While they offer a softer level of support that can feel ah-mazing, Carvosso warns that they tend to flatten over time, retain heat, and can cause allergy flare-ups.
Down alternative: These pillows typically look and feel like traditional down but provide a hypoallergenic alternative for allergy sufferers. However, they may not be as fluffy or long-lasting as traditional down.
Firmness and Loft
While personal preference is the driving force of finding the best pillow for you, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind regarding firmness and loft. According to Dr. Purdy, side sleepers should opt for a firm pillow, stomach sleepers can get away with something softer, and back sleepers should aim for something in the middle.
Cooling
Since body temperature plays a critical role in getting quality sleep, cooling features are another important factor to consider when shopping for a pillow. Look for pillows made with breathable materials like bamboo or memory foam infused with gel to help regulate your body heat and keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Durability
No one wants to replace their pillows every few months, so we recommend memory foam or latex if you’re looking for the most durable materials. If neither of those materials is up your alley, some companies offer wildly generous warranties and sleep trials, so you’ll have plenty of time to sample out your new pillow. Just be sure to read the fine print before making any purchases.
Ease of Cleaning
If you don’t regularly clean your pillow (like once a quarter), now is the time to start. Dust mites and other allergens can quickly build up inside your pillow, causing irritation and poor sleep. Look for pillows with removable, machine-washable covers that will make cleaning a breeze.
FAQs
What type of pillow is best? You know we can’t tell you that exactly. But we can tell you that the “best” pillow is the one that works with your sleeping position, keeps your spine in alignment, and accounts for any unique needs you may have—like allergies or running hot.
What is the best pillow for neck pain?
If your pillow-shopping priority is to reduce a stiff or achy neck, Dr. Carvosso says to look for one that promotes a neutral neck position. Aligning your neck allows the muscles to relax, easing pressure elsewhere.
What pillows do they use in five-star hotels?
No one knows for sure. But there’s a good chance these dreamy, cloud-like pillows are a down-and-feather mix. Contact the Four Seasons to be sure.
What pillows do chiropractors recommend?
The chiropractors we interviewed recommend latex pillows because they’re supportive, durable, and breathable. A memory foam pillow also works well—it contours to your body and provides good support and pressure relief for your neck and spine curves.
Resources
- Caggiari G, et al. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655046/
- Gong J, et al. (2018). Processing and thermal response of temperature-sensitive-gel. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6415423/
- Hong TT, et al. (2022). The influence of mattress stiffness on spinal curvature and intervertebral disc stress-an experimental and computational study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9311775/
- Jin G, et al. (2018). Processing and Thermal Response of Temperature-Sensitive-Gel(TSG)/Polymer Composites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6415423/
- Kim, Hyun-Ah. (2021) Moisture Vapor Permeability and Thermal Wear Comfort of Ecofriendly Fiber-Embedded Woven Fabrics for High-Performance Clothing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8539243/
- Kim, Young-Hee. (2018). A comparative study on body pressure and subjective comfort for the mattress forms. https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201809253682594.page
- Thomas S, et al. (2023) Modified Polyethylene Foams for Insulation Systems. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10610372/
- Zhang J, et al. (2023) Graphite Flows in the U.S.: Insights into a Key Ingredient of Energy Transition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9979652/
- Zhu J, et al. (2022). Thermal conductance of copper-graphene interface: a molecular simulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9654340/
