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 evening’s sleep. If, in some way, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed below 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 Customary (RDS)-certified farms, however it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Inexperienced Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is made out of 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 well-liked 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 aspect sleepers. For those who sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this may be a greater match, however I desire the flexibility of getting one curved aspect and one straight aspect. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Different Pillow for $59: I appreciated this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency choice for testing.) I desire the Buffy Cloud for a down different, however this can be 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 appreciated 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 every 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 correctly for the worth after every week of sleeping on it. For those who like a firm-ish design, although, you possibly can 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 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 help.
Eli & Elm Facet 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 help for you, however in the event you’re the kind of aspect sleeper who likes agency help, this may 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 count on to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one individual it is a fantastic 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 evening.
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 just a little smaller than the remaining, however it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip aspect panels to make it larger or smaller. It was advantageous to sleep on; I discovered it just a little 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 Straightforward Breather Pillow for $119: It is a standard 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 appreciated the firmer Marlow additionally appreciated 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 plenty of neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave heart for again, aspect, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely suits your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than supreme for something apart from laying your head on it, however it’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 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 aspect 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’re taking the quiz and get a advice for what measurement you want, you’ll be matched with the proper 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 in the event you sleep solely in your aspect—together 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 well-liked place. And on the nights once I rolled onto my again, I awoke with neck ache. However in the event you solely sleep within the supreme aspect sleeper formation, this mannequin is way more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure to decide up a case! A traditional case is simply too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice properly. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: For those who discover you turn between being a aspect sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow gives a wonderful center floor. Quite than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its peak, 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, however it 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 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, this can be 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 Different Pillow for $115: I like this down different, however no more than the less expensive Buffy. There are two loft peak 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 fashion that is supreme for aspect sleepers like myself. I like this as a aspect sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as properly. It is just a little smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless large enough for the average-sized individual.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous delicate, just like a down or down different mannequin. For those who’re searching for one thing additional cool and like the sunshine, malleable help of a down pillow, this can be a good selection.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow below $100, however it’s out of inventory in all places proper now. If you could find it accessible, it is a fantastic choice full of shredded reminiscence foam you can alter to get your good peak.
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 help 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 advantageous 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 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 strain than the Adapt. It is a greater match in the event you desire a firmer choice, or if you would like area to share it together with your cuddling associate. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a pair completely different pillow sizes you may discover when purchasing. More often than not pillows are available in a normal measurement and a king measurement, and you can purchase a normal measurement except you’ve got a king-size mattress. However there are a number of extra measurement choices.
All mattress pillows are normally 20 inches huge, however the size can differ. (That is why your pillowcases might sound too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) For those who’re inquisitive about extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than you realize what to do with, listed below are the same old sizes you could find and what measurements they need to have:
- Customary Measurement: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Tremendous Customary 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 together with your sheets. Physique pillows are the longest of all, and we’ve got a separate information to these.
Continuously Requested Questions
What Type of Pillow Do You Want?
You may suppose a pillow is a pillow. It simply needs to be delicate and match below your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting a very good evening’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 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 most likely crucial factor to remember when deciding what kind works finest for you, and we have famous our picks under based mostly on sleeping fashion.
What’s the pillow fabricated from? 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 delicate and comfy, whereas reminiscence foam is designed to compress with the burden 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 usually comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. So as to make sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—akin to by avoiding merciless practices like reside plucking—packages just like the Accountable Down Customary set standards that producers should adhere to. An alternative choice is to search for artificial down alternate options, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as an artificial substitute. The broader Materials Issues Customary is a not too long ago overhauled system for inspecting the environmental influence 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 together with your again. Meaning you need one thing agency sufficient to help your head but delicate 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 together with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the evening. Most fashions usually fall into one in every of three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively quick and supreme for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is healthier for aspect sleepers (since your head might be additional out of bed than whenever you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and finest in the event you’re a mixture sleeper who does not stick to 1 specific sleep fashion.
What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You won’t suppose the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a sturdy guarantee, however many producers supply beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple presents a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has an analogous guarantee and a 30-day trial. For those who’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 you must strive earlier than you commit—and ensure you’re protected if one thing goes flawed.
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’ve got heard of down pillows, for instance, which suggests it is filled with down undercoating or feathers, and listening to the phrases “reminiscence foam” normally invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam can provide. This is a fast explainer of the principle 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 just like a comforter within the sense that it is delicate and squishy, and really malleable to form in any approach you like. (However it additionally does not retain its form properly.) Since these are full of down clusters or feathers, you may wish to verify for certifications, just like the Accountable Down Customary (RDS), that affirm if the down was ethically sourced.
Down different: These pillows aren’t a set kind, however use different supplies to copy 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 normally extra supportive and do a greater job holding their form than a basic down.
Reminiscence foam: Reminiscence foam is standard since it could actually “keep in mind” its authentic 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 strong sheet or shredded; I’ve discovered shredded and reduce reminiscence foam to have extra bounce and help and fewer sinkage than a reminiscence foam sheet.
Latex foam: Latex foam is made out of 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 kind 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 form of softer filling. Casper, for instance, makes use of each sheets of reminiscence foam after which has a core of shredded foam on the heart 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 may very well be utilized in a mix with different supplies above. Kapok and cotton are purported to be on the fluffy finish, whereas wool is nice for temperature regulation. However none are as standard as foam or down choices, although you may see these as components in natural or hybrid choices.
Are Customary and Queen the Identical Pillow Measurement?
No, a normal measurement is just a little smaller at solely 26 inches huge, whereas a queen measurement must be 30 inches huge. 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 desire a number of additional inches with the queen measurement.
Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?
You may 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 steadily 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 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 whenever you break down what number of hours you may be mendacity on them.
How Ought to You Take care of Your Pillow?
One of the best ways to scrub your pillow goes to rely upon the pillow you’ve got. You may select at hand wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you may wish to verify the label and ensure it is protected to machine wash it. If it isn’t, spot or hand cleansing is your only option.
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 must be washed, in order that’s vital to verify earlier than throwing a complete 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 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 Overview?
We analysis all pillows we check to ensure we check quite a lot of kinds, fills, and shapes to search 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 take a look at evaluations and buyer suggestions when accessible to see if it is value testing to match in opposition to 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 not 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 contributors and 22 completely different fashions. The panelists all had completely different sleep kinds starting from basic aspect and again sleepers to chaotic sleepers who find yourself beneath their pillows each evening, and the panel judged which choices they discovered most comfy and can be probably to purchase for his or her sleep wants.
How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Overview Items 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 think about, or extra steadily, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular fashion or fill kind. 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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