The 10 Best Memory Foam Pillows of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

These pillows balance plushness and support for ultimate comfort

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The Nine Best Memory Foam Pillows of 2022

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

A restful night’s sleep starts with the quality of your pillows, which must provide both support and comfort to get the job done. Memory foam, which is a popular material used in bedding and filling, can contour to the body and accommodate any sleeping position.

Chiropractor Anish Bajaj, D.C., recommends that shoppers identify the positions they tend to sleep in the most, as that will affect what qualities they should focus on when buying a new pillow. “Regardless of material, when you sleep on your back, the contour, positioning, and size of the pillow are quite different from what you need if you're sleeping on your side,” he says. “Memory foam does offer adaptability where areas of greater pressure can get some relief and support, but the shaping of the pillow, whether it comes from the predetermined shape of the filling or the way that it’s encased, determines what position your head will be in.”

After hours of research, we put top-rated memory foam pillows to the test at both The Lab and in our homes, evaluating them based on their quality, temperature and airflow, comfort, durability, and value. Read on for the best memory foam pillows, backed by our testing.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

The Company Store Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow

The Company Store Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow

The Company Store

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What We Like
  • Two-in-one design for both support and comfort

  • Feels cool and maintains a comfortable temperature

  • Luxuriously soft fabric

What We Don't Like
  • Limited sizing options

  • Memory foam side is not as firm as in some other options

If you have trouble deciding between support and comfort when pillow shopping, look no further than The Company Store Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow. Earning its title as our best overall pick, this pillow offers the best of both worlds with its two-in-one design. One side is constructed with a ventilated memory foam that molds to your head, providing ergonomic support while you sleep. The other side is made of a synthetic gel fiber that is cushiony and offers tons of comfort throughout the night.

Overall, we enjoyed how easily you can switch between the two different sides, depending on your preference and needs. However, we also noted that because of the cloud-like gel fiber side, the pillow overall was not as firm as some other options on our list. So if you prefer an ultra-firm pillow, you may want to consider an alternative that doesn’t include the plush gel fiber this one has.

During testing, we were immediately impressed by the pillow’s quality, as the texture of the removable cotton cover felt soft and luxurious. Even though this product isn’t marketed as a cooling pillow, we loved how the pillow stayed cool and maintained a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

How It Performed Long-Term

In addition to its extremely comfortable design, it held up well after a month of consistent use, maintaining its shape and overall quality. All in all, if you’re looking for a high-quality, well-designed pillow that will last you for years to come, this pillow’s versatility, comfort, and durability make it a stand-out option that we can’t recommend enough.

Price at time of publish: $59 for a standard pillow

Sizes: Standard | Material: Memory foam and synthetic gel fiber fill; 300-thread count cotton shell | Care: Cover is machine washable, inner pillow is spot clean only | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 90 days

Best Budget

Qutool Cooling Adjustable Gel Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Qutool Cooling Adjustable Gel Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Support
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Dual design with cooling fibers and bamboo fabric

  • Can add or remove filling for more customization

  • CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified

What We Don't Like
  • May need to adjust and fix filling occasionally to maintain comfort

For those who are in the market for a more affordable pillow that rivals pricier options, the QuTool Cooling Bed Pillows deliver on that and more. Sold individually and as a two-pack, these pillows have a similar design to The Company Store Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow: One side is made with cooling fibers, while the other is made with bamboo fabric. The pillow’s cooling capabilities definitely impressed us—we enjoyed having the ability to adjust temperatures quickly and effectively by flipping the pillow to the cool side whenever we got too warm.

Considering their low price point, the overall quality of these pillows is excellent. The quilted texture gives the pillows a high-end feel, and we appreciated the soft and supportive construction in our testing. However, while the pillow provided us with an overall enjoyable and restful experience, we did have some trouble finding our preferred amount of loft, so we had to adjust the filling a few times before we were comfortable. To do that, you simply add or remove the shredded memory foam through the zippered inner and outer cover. We like that this feature provides more customization in terms of loft and density, so anyone can adapt the pillow to their personal preference. 

After washing the cover and adjusting more of the filling, we noted that the pillow felt brand new again, a good sign of the product’s durability. Especially when you consider this product’s CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications, these pillows offer a ton of value at a relatively low price point, making them a great option for those who want a high-quality pillow that won’t break the bank.

Price at time of publish: $30 for a standard pillow

Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Material: Gel-infused memory foam and microfiber fill; polyester and bamboo-derived rayon cover | Care: Machine wash cover | Certifications: CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Firm

Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow

Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What We Like
  • Extremely supportive

  • Good for stomach and side sleepers

  • Quilted texture and weighty design

What We Don't Like
  • Limited sizing options

A firm pillow can provide a ton of support to your head and neck while you sleep, helping to alleviate discomfort and prevent soreness. Constructed with memory foam and a plush knit cover, the Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow is an exceptional pick for anyone who prefers a firmer option. Every person's preferences are highly personal when it comes to pillows—but still, after a month of consistent use, we found that this option effectively cradled our head and supported our neck and shoulders, helping us to fall asleep sooner and even stay asleep longer.

The Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow features a quilted texture and a weighty design, giving it a high-quality feel. This product doesn’t offer specific cooling properties; however, we didn’t face any problems with temperature throughout the night. While softer pillows may provide more plushness and give, the Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow proves you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for adequate support.

How It Performed Long-Term

Throughout the duration of our long-term testing, this pillow held up very well, with no change in the shape or other signs of wear over time. Plus, we appreciated that it didn't make us too warm while sleeping, and it felt unexpectedly cool.

Price at time of publish: $47 for a standard pillow

Sizes: Standard | Material: Memory foam fill; knit cover | Care: Machine wash cover | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 30 days, free returns through Amazon

Best Soft

Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow

Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow

Tuft & Needle

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What We Like
  • Well made with quality stitching, subtle pattern, and rounded corners

  • Good balance of softness and structure

  • Pillowcase is extremely soft

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Not as cooling as other options

If you prefer a softer pillow, the Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow is a great option that offers a plush, cushiony feel without compromising support. While it’s on the pricier side, we think a restful night’s sleep is well worth the investment. When testing this product, its quality immediately stood out to us, and we appreciated the product’s well-constructed pillowcase, rounded corners, and subtle pattern.

In addition to its luxurious quality, we also loved how comfortable this pillow felt, as it was soft and squishy while still providing support. Made with T&N Adaptive foam infused with graphite and cooling gel, this product’s cloud-like feel makes it one of the plushest pillows we tested.

How It Performed Long-Term

After one month of consistent use, we found that this pillow helped prevent tossing and turning, and we didn't need to rearrange or fluff the pillow as much as others we've tried. We think the Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow is the perfect option for those willing to splurge on an ultra-soft pillow that both looks and feels luxurious.

Price at time of publish: $100 for a standard pillow

Sizes: Standard, King | Material: Custom cut T&N Adaptive foam, graphite, and cooling gel fill; micro polyamide and polyester cover | Care: Machine wash and hang dry cover  | Certifications: CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD Gold | Return Policy: 100 days plus 3-year warranty

Best Shredded

Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Breathability
    3/5
  • Support
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
What We Like
  • Moderately firm yet plush

  • Can add or remove filling for more customization

  • Cooling aspect works well

What We Don't Like
  • Awkwardly long

  • Pillowcase may slide off

Rather than using a single piece of foam to fill a pillow, shredded memory foam is deconstructed and torn into smaller pieces, allowing for increased moldability and airflow. Our favorite shredded option is the Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow, which is filled with a blend of latex and memory foam with a cooling gel infusion that can be added or removed to adjust the pillow’s loft and firmness. The pillow also comes with a cooling cover, aimed at drawing out heat and regulating temperature. 

During testing, we found the pillow to look and feel high-quality due to its solid, heftier construction and a minimal yet pleasing design. Overall, this pillow is very comfortable, and we loved how plush and squishy it felt. We also appreciated how cooling it was.

However, this pillow was by far the longest option we tested at 31 inches, and we found the pillow to be somewhat awkward and cumbersome at times due to its size. While this product might not work for all bed sizes, this is a great option for those who like a larger pillow. The Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow is a top-notch pick, offering a customizable sleeping experience, contouring comfort, and sufficient airflow.

Price at time of publish: $54 for a queen pillow

Sizes: Queen, king | Material: Latex, memory foam, and cooling gel foam fill; cover materials not listed | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry cover | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 30 days plus 3-year warranty

Best Adjustable

Coop Sleep Goods The Original Pillow

Coop Sleep Goods The Original Pillow

Coop

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    3/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What We Like
  • Extremely plush yet sturdy

  • Extra fill included for more customization

  • Can buy in a two-pack or four-pack to save money

  • CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold Certified

  • Fully washable

What We Don't Like
  • On the expensive side

  • Tiled pattern shows through pillowcase

When shopping for a pillow, adjustability and customization are important features to consider, since taste in loft, firmness, and density vary greatly from person to person. Being able to adapt the form of a pillow to your taste can also increase its longevity, as you won’t have to buy a new one as your preferences change over time. After testing the Coop The Original, we appreciate that it comes with an extra half pound of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill, so you can do just that. Simply add or remove as much as you want until you reach your desired amount.

We were impressed by the overall quality of this pillow, which is both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. The casing is made of the brand’s signature Lulltra fabric, which is composed of a super-soft blend of 60 percent polyester and 40 percent bamboo-derived viscose rayon. Coop's The Original achieved the perfect balance of plushness and sturdiness, and we loved how the shredded filling conformed to one's body, while still maintaining its structure and support. We think it'd be ideal for a back or side sleeper who prefers a supportive yet cushy pillow. Plus, when it needs a deep clean, both the cover and case can be machine washed and dried for ultimate convenience.

Price at time of publish: $72 for a queen pillow

Sizes: Queen, king | Material: Medium-firm memory foam and microfiber blend fill; polyester line; polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon cover | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry cover and inner pillow | Certifications: CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD Gold | Return Policy: 100 days plus 5-year warranty

Best Cooling

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

Nest Bedding

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    3.5/5
  • Support
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
What We Like
  • Comes with extra fill for easy adjustability

  • Lofty and supportive construction that doesn’t deflate

  • Extremely luxurious pillowcase fabric

  • Stays cool throughout the night

What We Don’t Like
  • On the expensive side

  • Slight smell out of the package

For those who tend to run hot while sleeping, a reliable cooling pillow offers an effective solution to keep you at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. The Nest Easy Breather Pillow's fill material consists of a 70/30 blend of CertiPUR-US-certified foam and smooth polyester fiber, while its cooling cover is made of two percent spandex, 49 percent polyester, and 49 percent Icecore, which is Nest’s proprietary adaptive cooling fabric made with a performance yarn technology. In both our lab and at-home testing, we noted that we felt very cool as we used the pillow, and we never overheated or felt stuffy. The Nest Easy Breather Pillow also includes a fill bag and comes overstuffed, so you can easily remove as much as you want until it reaches your desired loft and density.

We were impressed with the overall quality of this option, as the pillow itself was hefty and sturdy while the fabric felt luxuriously soft. We also enjoyed just how much loft and support the pillow provided throughout the night. While this pillow hit the mark in both quality and comfort, its real standout feature was its cooling capabilities.

How It Performed Long-Term

This pillow held up well during our long-term testing, too. We appreciated the adjustability, as well as how it conformed to our head without compressing too much. We found it to be very supportive over the course of our month-long testing.

Price at time of publish: $107 for a standard pillow

Sizes: Standard, queen, king, side sleeper | Material: Foam and polyester fiber fill; knit cotton inner pouch; Icecore, polyester, and spandex cover | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry cover | Certifications: CertiPUR-US | Return Policy: 30 days plus 2-year warranty

Best Gel

WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    3/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What We Like
  • Holds its shape extremely well

  • Feels comfortable without having to adjust throughout the night

  • Firm and supportive

  • Stays cool throughout the night

What We Don’t Like
  • Might be too long for some pillowcases

  • Might not be plush enough for some people

Both gel memory foam and traditional memory foam excel in contouring to the sleeper’s body, but gel memory foam features cooling properties that can help prevent overheating. Our favorite gel option is the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow, which features a mid-loft, ventilated design.

We found the pillow to be aesthetically pleasing, with an understated yet tasteful quilted design that gave the pillow a high-end look. This pillow's sturdy construction felt high-quality right from the start, and we continued to be blown away by the product in our long-term testing (see more on that below). While this pillow is on the firmer side, we raved about how supported we felt in every position, as we never needed to shift positions or re-adjust throughout the night during our tests.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over the course of a month, this pillow was able to hold its thickness and shape impressively well. We sent this pillow home with someone who had previous experience with gel foam pillows, and we can confirm that the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow outperforms some other gel foam options. It provided immediate support, plus it stayed cool through the night.

Price at time of publish: $32 for a standard pillow

Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Material: Memory foam fill infused with cooling gel | Care: Machine wash cover | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 30 days, free returns through Amazon

Best for Side Sleepers

Marlow The Pillow

Marlow The Pillow

Marlow

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    4.5/5
  • Support
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Tons of airflow and ventilation

  • Side zip features for customizable loft

  • Free shipping within continental US

  • Can buy in a two-pack or four-pack to save money

What We Don’t Like
  • Pillowcase not as soft as some other options

  • Slight learning curve when figuring out adjustability features

The position you tend to sleep in can greatly affect the amount of support, loft, and firmness you may require from a pillow, so it’s important to consider this while shopping. Marlow’s The Pillow includes a hidden zipper channel designed to adjust the pillow’s loft without the mess of loose filling, providing adequate volume to suit side sleepers. According to Jan Lefkowitz, D.C., founder and owner of Body In Balance Chiropractic, people who sleep on their side are often more comfortable with a different amount of support in a pillow than those who sleep on their back or stomach. “Side sleepers need a pillow that is a bit thicker, as you need to fill all of the space from the outside of the shoulder to the side of the neck,” he said. 

While the pillow felt well-made and featured an innovative adjustable design, we did note that the pillowcase could be softer. However, we think that because of its unique adaptability, Marlow’s The Pillow is still well worth the investment. In terms of comfort, we found that the pillow provided ample support for side sleepers throughout the night and was on the firmer end of the spectrum. Marlow’s The Pillow was also one of the most breathable options we tested, as its ventilated zipper gussets and low-density percale shell allow for adequate airflow throughout the product.

Price at time of publish: $65 for a standard pillow

Sizes: Standard, king | Material: Memory foam and polyester fiber fill; cotton sateen shell fabric; polyester fabric mesh gussets | Care: Spot clean only | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 365 days plus 2-year warranty

Best Set

Nolah Squishy Pillow

Nolah Squishy Pillow

Nolah

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Great for side sleepers

  • Breathable and cool to the touch

  • Adjustable shredded fill

  • Two-pack is often discounted

What We Don't Like
  • Can't buy an individual pillow

  • Only available in queen size

Unlike the other options on this list, the Nolah Squishy Pillow is only sold in a two-pack. But if you're looking for a set of two high-quality, adjustable foam pillows with a cool-to-the-touch feel, we think it's a great option after testing it at home. We sent the pillows home with a side sleeper to assess their performance. In our testing, we noted each pillow was supportive and extremely comfortable.

The pillows have a 6-inch loft, according to our hands-on measurements, which we found to be a great height for side sleeping. The pillows didn't flatten—and we didn't have to re-fluff them in the middle of the night. In our initial testing, we didn't need to adjust the fill amount when we used the pillows, but we appreciate that doing so is an option if you need more or less loft. Nolah describes the fill as "shredded foam"—so while these may not be constructed with memory foam, we think they offer a similar experience for someone searching for a memory foam option.

We liked the soft, quilted cover, which is constructed from a blend of materials, including bamboo-derived fibers. We attributed some of the pillow's coolness to the cover—we were impressed with the airflow of the whole pillow.

We wish the pillows were available individually and in more than one size (queen), but we think they're a fantastic choice if you're looking for a set of adjustable pillows. While the list price of these pillows is close to $200, we've frequently seen them discounted to as little as half that. After our long-term testing (more on that can be found below), we'd willingly pay full price for them—but if you can grab them on sale, they're absolutely worth a try, especially if you're looking for a pillow for side sleepers.

How It Performed Long-Term

We used these pillows for side sleeping for about six months, and we didn't observe any major issues during that time. We found that we did occasionally need to fluff the pillows up, but generally, we were impressed with how they maintained their structure and loft. If you can snag them on sale and you tend to sleep on your side, we think they're an easy choice to make.

Price at time of publish: $198 for two queen pillows

Sizes: Queen | Material: Shredded foam filling; bamboo blend cover | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry cover, spot clean inner liner | Certifications: No specific certifications listed | Return Policy: 30 days plus 2-year warranty

Final Verdict

Of all the options we tested, our top pick is The Company Store Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow. With its versatile two-in-one design, this pillow offers both the comfort of gel fiber and the support of memory foam. Its silky smooth fabric, quality construction, and overall comfort earned this pillow perfect scores across the board. If you’re in the market for a more budget-friendly pick, we loved the QuTool 2-Pack Cooling Bed Pillows because of their adjustable filling and cooling capabilities.

Saatva Memory Foam

The Spruce / Katelyn Chef

How We Tested the Pillows

We've tested 117 bed pillows (and counting), spanning all different types of fill types to the test, in The Lab and in our homes. To compile this list, we referred to results from our foam pillow-specific testing, as well as other pillow tests we've completed. For our memory foam test, we took home 21 popular pillows and slept on them, evaluating each option on the basis of its quality, temperature and airflow, comfort, durability, and value. We also assessed the pillows’ adjustability, firmness, density, and case fabric.

In addition to our standard real-world testing of memory foam pillows, we also conducted long-term testing for 15 of the foam pillow options. We asked testers to rate the pillows based on the same attributes we used in the standard real-world tests, but this time for an entire month. (After all, the best way to really assess the quality of a pillow is by seeing how it holds up over a long period of time.) We also asked how the pillows may have affected their sleeping routine and other general thoughts they had about the product.

We supplemented our results from real-world testing with insights drawn from testing in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. After compiling all of our external research with the testing data gathered at The Lab and at home, our editors came up with this list.

What to Look for in a Memory Foam Pillow

Firmness

While most memory foam pillows are designed to accommodate various sleeping positions, you should still keep your preferred sleeping style in mind when shopping around. Firmer and contoured options that maintain their shape tend to be best for back sleepers and side sleepers—and back sleepers should choose a thinner pillow than side sleepers. On the other hand, those who doze on their stomachs will want to look for something a little less firm and a bit more squishy, like shredded memory foam. Adjustable picks, like Marlow's The Pillow (our Best for Side Sleepers), are designed to work with all sleeping styles and can be a good option for combination sleepers looking to find that perfect amount of loft.

Adjustability

When browsing memory foam bed pillows, you'll find shredded options and those featuring a single piece of foam. If you're looking for an adjustable pillow (like our Best Adjustable pick, the Coop Original), go with the former. In most cases, the case will have a zipper opening, where you can add or remove the shredded fill to adjust the firmness. Bear in mind, though, that not all shredded memory foam pillows are adjustable, so be sure to check the product description.

One thing about memory foam pillows is that they can be quite warm, says Robert Hayden, DC, chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. "I can think of no contradiction for foam pillows other than possible allergies and the fact that they can get warm: they reflect your body heat," he shares. To combat this by adjusting your preferences yourself, he recommends adding a cotton pillowcase.

WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

The Spruce / Kaya Abrahamson

Shape and Size

You'll also want to consider the size and shape of the pillow. Memory foam pillows often come in standard, queen, and king sizes to accommodate regular pillowcases and shams. However, some are on the smaller side, contoured, or otherwise oddly shaped. With this in mind, many folks have a designated pillow for sleeping and a more decorative option for making the bed.

Care

You'll also want to consider the care instructions for memory foam pillows. Some memory foam pillows have removable covers, which are typically machine washable. With others, you can toss the entire pillow—fill, case, and all—into your washing machine and dry it in your dryer. Most importantly, the pillow should be easy to clean, as this will help it last longer. Some of our testers deducted points for difficult care instructions, despite how much they enjoyed the pillow.

Certifications

One certification for memory foam that you can look out for is CertiPUR-US, which tells you that the foam component of your pillow meets rigorous standards for emissions and durability. This means it's been independently tested to confirm the product is made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals.

FAQ
  • What are the benefits of a memory foam pillow?

    Memory foam conforms to the shape of your head, neck, and upper shoulders. This relieves pressure on these areas and can create a more comfortable sleeping environment. Some people appreciate the soft plushness of memory foam pillows, while others believe they offer ergonomic benefits.

    Depending on the shape, thickness, and specific contouring, some can help support your natural alignment. As such, memory foam pillows can help prevent a stiff neck and sore muscles.

  • How can I find the pillow that fits my body best?

    Think about how you are most comfortable when you sleep. Are you primarily a side or back sleeper? Different pillows may be specifically designed for the sleeping position you prefer. Look for a pillow company that notes whether its product is for side sleepers or back sleepers. If you're looking for even more customization, choose a memory foam pillow that has removable shredded foam or extra foam sheets. This will allow you to shape and mold your pillow to your body as needed.

  • What are the easiest memory foam pillows to travel with?

    When you are traveling you don't always have a lot of space; compact items are ideal. Small memory foam pillows will be easy to pack and use in small places like airplanes. They can be squished into a book bag or carry-on luggage and easily retrieved to help you get some rest on your journey. In general, you'll want to stay away from standard, queen, or oversized pillows while you are traveling (unless you plan to have a suitcase just for your pillow).

  • What is the most durable memory foam pillow?

    Memory foam pillows should be replaced about every three years but to ensure their longevity, spot-clean them instead of putting them in the washing machine. Many people state shredded memory foam pillows are more durable than solid pillows since they can be "fluffed," but make sure they also have a removable cover that can be washed. Once the memory foam starts to smell, retain stains, or doesn't offer the same level of sleeping support, it's time for a new one.

  • How often should you change your memory foam pillow?

    Generally speaking, you should replace your memory foam pillow every two or three years. There will be various signs your pillow is on its last leg, including permanent stains from sweat and body oils, noticeable lumps throughout the fill material, or an overall flattened appearance that doesn't re-fluff. Additionally, if you wake up with a sore neck or shoulders, it might be a good time to update your pillow.

Foam pillow testing

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor at the Spruce. For this roundup, she consulted both lab and real-world testing insights to analyze the performance of each product. She also conducted supplemental research about the topic, assessing numerous customer reviews, product specs, key features, and material certifications to compile this list of our top picks. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our lab and real-world tests.

In addition, Pineda also spoke to experts in the field in order to gather some guidance regarding the benefits of memory foam pillows on overall sleep quality. Insight was provided by Jan Lefkowitz, D.C., founder and owner of Body In Balance Chiropractic, and Anish Bajaj, D.C., a New York City-based chiropractor specializing in spinal correction. Expert advice was also provided by Robert Hayden, D.C., chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. About Certified Foam. CertiPUR-US.

  2. OEKO-TEX Standard 100. OEKO-TEX.

  3. What Does "GREENGUARD Certified" Mean? UL Solutions.

  4. Say Good Night to Neck Pain. Harvard Health Publishing.

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