Best Pillows of 2023

The Best Pillows: Top Picks for All Types of Sleepers

Nothing quite beats the pure bliss of sinking into a comfy spot to rest your head after a long day.
But with so many different types of pillows on the market these days, it can be hard to know which one best meets your sleeping needs.

That’s why we’re breaking down the best pillows by type, material, size and firmness level, while also taking into account sleep issues or special situations.

So whatever your sleeping style, you can rest easy knowing a good night’s sleep is all but guaranteed.

Best Pillows to Prevent Pain

If you suffer from neck pain, shoulder pain or back pain, you may want to consider a pillow that is specifically designed to help alleviate these issues.

For neck pain

The best pillow is the one that will support your neck and head at just the right height to prevent any strain or pain. Latex or memory foam pillows, like the customizable LAYR pillow from Luxome, are a good option for people with neck pain because they provide the comfort you want with the support you need.

For shoulder pain

The best pillow is similar to what you’d need to help alleviate neck pain, which is a firmer, supportive pillow that keeps the shoulders in the right alignment to reduce pressure and pain points. Memory foam or latex filling is your best bet here as well.

For back pain

If you suffer from back pain, the best pillow for you is one that contours to your body, keeps your spine in the proper alignment and prevents unnecessary arching. Opt for a firmer pillow like memory foam, over a softer alternative like a down pillow, which may not provide enough support.

Best Pillows by Sleeper Type

There are four main types of sleepers: Side, stomach, back and combination. Your sleep position is arguably the most important factor when it comes to choosing a pillow, as each type of sleeper has different needs when it comes to pillows.

For Side Sleepers

If you prefer sleeping on your side, you’re not alone—it’s the most popular sleep position. It’s important for side sleepers to maintain the right head, neck and shoulder position to promote spine alignment. Choose a medium firm, higher-loft (ie, higher-height) pillow to help your head stay in the optimal position while you sleep.

For Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a pillow that is on the thinner (or low-loft) side to avoid pushing their neck and head into an uncomfortable position. The best pillows for stomach sleepers are often latex or memory foam pillows, like the soft yet supportive Saatva Latex pillow, because they provide the necessary support without being too thick. Down pillows are also a good choice since they can be easily compressed.

For Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a pillow that is supportive without being too high or too low; a pillow that is too soft can cause the head to sink down and the neck to bend in an uncomfortable position. The best pillows for back sleepers are often memory foam or latex pillows because they provide both support and comfort.

Combination sleepers, like the majority of us, need a pillow that is versatile and can be used in multiple positions. The best pillow for combination sleepers is often a down alternative pillow because it is soft and supportive, but can also be fluffed up or compressed as needed. Many foam or latex pillows also now come with adjustable inserts so you can get just the right fit and firmness level for any position you prefer.

Best Pillows by Material

While there are several different options available, four of the most popular pillow materials include memory foam, latex, down/feather and down alternative.

Memory Foam

The best memory foam pillow will contour to your head and neck to provide just the right level of support and comfort. They can come in one solid foam piece in varying levels of firmness or as a cluster of smaller memory foam pieces that can be adjusted as needed. Memory foam pillows can sometimes hold heat, so look for cooling fabrics and features if you tend to run hot.

Down & Feather

The best down pillow is one that is filled with 100 percent goose down made up of the soft undercoating versus the flatter outer quills. While down is a soft, fluffy material that provides both support and comfort and can be easily compressed for stomach sleepers, down pillows can be expensive and may not be suitable for people with allergies.

Down Alternatives

The best down alternative pillow is filled with a synthetic material that mimics the properties of down, like high-quality polyester. Down alternative pillows are a good option for people with allergies or those who want the softness of a down feather pillow in a more budget-friendly buy.

Latex

The best latex pillow is filled with 100 percent natural latex, which is one of the more sustainable materials on the market. Latex is a firm, dense material, like memory foam, that provides support and can help to keep the spine in alignment. It has more give than foam, so may be a great choice for those wanting the softness of down but the support of foam.

Best Pillows by Firmness Level

Pillows also come in different firmness levels to accommodate various preferences. The most common firmness levels are firm, medium firm and soft.

Firm

The best firm pillow is dense and supportive, contouring to your head and neck and providing the necessary support for a good night’s sleep. Firm pillows are often memory foam or latex pillows and are particularly beneficial for side sleepers.

Medium Firm

The best medium firm pillow is a pillow that is soft and supportive. It is well-suited for all sleep positions and is also typically made of memory foam or latex.

Soft

The best soft pillow is a pillow that is fluffy and comfortable. Best suited for stomach sleepers, soft pillows are often down or down alternative pillows.

Since people often change their sleep positions or preferences, some pillows like the Sleepgram Pillow are designed to be adjustable so you can add or remove layers to ensure you always have the perfect place to lay your head.

Best Pillows for Sleep Issues

People can struggle with many types of sleep issues, including snoring, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. And while no pillow can solve them entirely, the type of pillow you choose may have an effect on the overall quality of your shut-eye.

For Snoring

For many people, sleep position is a major factor when it comes to snoring. A pillow with a higher loft and medium firmness can help keep the head and neck properly lifted, preventing the airway from becoming compressed from the head falling too far back or forward.

For Sleep Apnea

It’s recommended that people with sleep apnea try to sleep on their sides, so a pillow made for side-sleepers may help to provide the proper support and ease the transition if that’s not your preferred position. There are also pillows specifically made to accommodate CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines commonly used to help manage sleep apnea, which can help alleviate the pressure from the mask.

For Other Sleep Issues

No pillow can treat or cure sleep conditions, so it’s always best to consult with your doctor in order to determine the best pillow for you to use depending on the material, firmness level and use case to help promote overall better sleep quality.

Best Pillows for Specific Situations

When picking the perfect pillow, you also sometimes need to consider where or how you’re going to be using it.

Cooling

Since overheating can have a major impact on your sleep, cooling pillows have become a popular pick to help regulate body temperature. The best cooling pillow is typically made up of gel, latex, ventilated memory foam, or a combination of these materials to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep.

Traveling

The best travel pillow is a pillow that is small and portable. Some of the most common travel pillows are the U-shaped versions that go around your neck, or mini flat pillows that are great for propping against a window, on a tray table, or using as lumbar support. Memory foam travel pillows are a top pick for packability and support.

Camping or Backpacking

When you’re braving the elements, the best pillow is one that is durable, easy to clean and comfortable. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to camping or backpacking pillows, from compressible, stuffable, hybrid and inflatable, that can help ensure a good night’s sleep no matter where you lay your head.

Lumbar Support

Whether you tend to slouch or you just spend too long in that office chair, sometimes your back could use a little more support. The best lumbar support pillows should hug the natural curve of your spine. You also want to make sure you pick one that’s firm enough to hold its shape when you lean against it, so you know it’s working.

Final Thoughts on the Best Pillows

Pillows are an essential, and sometimes overlooked, component to getting a good night’s sleep. The right pillow will complement your preferred sleep position and provide the necessary support for your head, neck and shoulders, helping to prevent pain and discomfort.

And in today’s market, it’s not hard to find a pillow that meets all of your sleep needs. To find the perfect pillow for you, keep in mind how you like to sleep (side, stomach, back, all of the above), the materials that are best for your body, firmness level, and any special scenarios.

Once you’re narrowed it down to that perfect pick, you may be surprised how much of a difference having the right resting spot can make on your nighttime routine.

The Best Pillows for Sleeping FAQ

What is the best overall pillow?

Truth is, there’s not really a one-side-fits-all perfect pillow, because the “best pillow” really comes down to your specific needs as a sleeper.

Generally speaking, people should try out a few different types of pillows to see what feels best for them. Some people prefer down pillows, some people prefer memory foam pillows, and others prefer buckwheat hull pillows. It’s important to find a pillow that supports your head and neck in the right way for your preferred sleeping position so that you can get a good night’s sleep.

A good place to start your search would be to browse some highly-rated pillow brands like Saatva, Luxome and Casper.

What is the best pillow for neck pain?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pillow for neck pain, such as loft, aka height, and firmness. You’ll want to choose a pillow that keeps your head high enough to promote proper spine alignment to avoid that dreaded stiff feeling the next morning.

Another important factor is the type of pillow filling. A down or feather pillow may be comfortable, but it’s not the best choice if you’re trying to avoid neck pain. These types of pillows can lose their shape and create a lumpy sleeping surface, which can aggravate neck pain.

A better option is a pillow filled with memory foam or latex. These materials provide support and keep their shape all night long. They also contour to your neck, essentially cradling your head and helping to prevent pain and stiffness in the morning.

What is the best pillow for a side sleeper?

The best pillow for a side sleeper is one that conforms to the curves of your head and neck while also keeping them elevated to align with the spine. Side sleepers generally need a thicker pillow that fills the space between their head and neck to help take the pressure off of their shoulders. Your best bet is a medium firm pick that’s dense enough to support your head and neck plus prevent sinking while you sleep.

What is the best cooling pillow?

There are a lot of different cooling pillows on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is the best for you. A good cooling pillow should be made of a soft, breathable fabric that allows air to circulate through it.

Materials like gel, latex or memory foam with ventilated or gel layers are all popular fills to help regulate body temperature and promote restful sleep.

The best way to find out which type of cooling pillow is right for you is to try a few different ones and see which fƒfeels the coolest and most comfortable.