Best Pillows
Best Pillows You Can Buy Right Now for Cooler, Healthier Sleep

Best Pillows You Can Buy Right Now

This guide focuses on what actually changes your sleep. Clear picks, fit by position, material tradeoffs, and easy care. The goal is fewer returns and better mornings.

Quick pick for cool sleeping

Malouf CarbonCool memory foam pillow with cooling layer

Malouf CarbonCool Pillow

Memory foam design with an activated carbon layer to help regulate temperature and reduce odor. Soft, breathable cover with rayon from bamboo blend. Multiple lofts to match side, back, and stomach sleepers.

  • Supportive cradle with pressure relief
  • Cooler feel through the night
  • Hypoallergenic with common allergen resistance
  • Loft options for a custom fit

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Why your pillow matters

  • Spinal alignment reduces morning stiffness and tension
  • Even pressure prevents hot spots and tingling
  • Breathable materials stabilize temperature and reduce wake ups

Shopping in person at our Encinitas showroom lets you test loft and feel with guidance. If you order online, review the return policy first so you can test at home with less risk.

What drives pillow pricing

Materials

  • Fill type shifts cost and feel. Natural latex, down, and feather often price higher than basic polyester or entry memory foam
  • Cover fabrics in organic cotton or silk price above standard cotton or polyester
  • Construction details such as multi chamber fill or phase change materials add cost

Brand and reputation

Trusted makers can charge more due to proven quality and service. Smaller specialty brands sometimes offer stronger value and consistency.

Features and functionality

Adjustable loft and targeted neck support add cost but can solve real fit issues for side and combination sleepers.

Retail channel and timing

Direct to consumer sites run periodic sales. Seasonal demand around back to school can lift prices.

How to choose your pillow

Match to your sleep position

  • Side sleepers fill the space from ear to shoulder with a medium high loft to keep the neck level
  • Back sleepers choose a medium loft that supports the base of the skull without pushing the chin forward
  • Stomach sleepers choose a soft, flat loft to limit neck strain
  • Combination sleepers benefit from adjustable loft or shredded fills that you can shape

Dial in temperature and feel

  • Hot sleepers consider ventilated latex, buckwheat, or open cell foam
  • Cold sleepers often prefer down, microfiber, or cotton fill for gentle warmth

Account for allergies

Choose hypoallergenic options such as latex, microfiber, or tightly woven covers if dust or dander trigger symptoms.

Browse all Yawnder pillows or see our Brooklinen down pillows and Four Seasons pillow review for brand specific picks.

Match pillow loft to mattress firmness

Mattress firmness Sleeping position Recommended loft
Soft All positions Low loft since the body settles deeper into the surface
Medium Back or stomach Low to medium loft
Medium Side Medium to high loft
Firm All positions High loft to fill the larger ear to shoulder gap

Body weight and head size

Heavier bodies compress the mattress more and often need a higher loft to keep the neck level. Lighter bodies compress less and often do best with a lower loft. Broad shoulders may need a touch more height even on a soft surface. Larger heads may prefer slightly more loft while smaller heads may prefer slightly less. Comfort and alignment decide the winner.

Pillow materials compared

Material Feel and traits Pros Cons Best for
Down Soft, airy, easy to shape Luxurious feel, great pressure relief, breathable Higher price, needs regular fluffing, possible allergy risk Back and stomach sleepers, hot sleepers
Feather Springy, more support than down Durable, good airflow Quills can poke, possible allergy risk Back and stomach sleepers
Memory foam Close contour, strong support Helps with neck pain, motion isolation Can feel warm, initial odor possible Side sleepers, targeted neck support
Latex Responsive, buoyant, breathable Supportive, cooler feel, long lasting Heavier and higher price All positions, allergy sensitive sleepers
Buckwheat Adjustable loft, very breathable Excellent cervical support, stays cool Audible hulls, needs periodic refills Side sleepers, hot sleepers
Cotton Light, natural, breathable Budget friendly, easy care Less contour, can flatten over time Back and stomach sleepers
Microfiber or polyester Soft, hypoallergenic, consistent Affordable, machine washable Less breathable for some, shorter lifespan Back and stomach sleepers, budget buyers

Care and quick test

  • Fluff daily to keep fill evenly distributed
  • Follow the care tag for washing and drying
  • Replace about every one to two years for support and hygiene

Quick test at home. Fold your pillow in half and place a shoe on top. If the pillow springs open and moves the shoe, it still has life. If it stays folded, replace it.

How we test

  • Comfort panels with diverse body types and sleep positions
  • Objective checks for pressure mapping, loft retention, and breathability
  • Durability cycles to see how shape and feel hold up over time

Notable affiliate pillow picks

Links below are affiliate. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Tempur Ergo neck pillow with firm contour

Tempur Ergo Neck Pillow

Defined curve to support the neck. Strong choice for back and side sleepers who want a stable contour.

Buy on Amazon

Malouf Shoulder Zoned Dough memory foam pillow for side sleepers

Malouf Shoulder Zoned Dough

Shoulder cutout improves alignment for side sleepers. Stable, pressure relieving foam feel.

Buy on Amazon

Zoey Sleep adjustable curved pillow with removable fill

Zoey Sleep Adjustable Curved Pillow

Adjust fill to tune loft. Flexible fit for combination sleepers and guest rooms.

Buy on Amazon

Copper Fit memory foam pillow

Copper Fit Ultimate Memory Foam

Balanced medium feel with copper infused foam. Easy care cover and consistent support.

Buy on Amazon

Mediflow waterbase pillow with adjustable chamber

Mediflow Waterbase Pillow

Water fill lets you fine tune firmness and height. Good option for persistent fit problems.

Buy on Amazon

Talalay latex pillow

Savvy Rest Natural Latex Pillow

Breathable, buoyant, and durable with a natural materials focus.

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Popular hotel and brand pillows

Brooklinen down pillows Brooklinen Four Seasons pillow Four Seasons Hilton pillows Hilton Westin pillows Westin Saatva pillow Saatva Pillow Guy Pillow Guy Parachute pillow Parachute

Travel pillow favorites

BCOZZY chin supporting travel pillow

BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

Buy on Amazon

Cabeau Evolution travel pillow

Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow

Buy on Amazon

trtl travel pillow

trtl Travel Pillow

Buy on Amazon

J Pillow for airplanes

J Pillow for Airplanes

Buy on Amazon

FAQ

How do I know if my pillow is the right height

Lie in your normal position and check that your nose and sternum stay in one line without chin tuck or tilt. If the head angles up, reduce loft. If it sags down, add loft.

What is the typical lifespan of a pillow

Most pillows perform best for one to two years. Latex and buckwheat can last longer with care. Replace when flattening, clumping, or morning stiffness becomes common.

Can a pillow fix neck pain

A suitable pillow can improve alignment and reduce strain. Persistent pain calls for medical advice and a trial with adjustable loft to fine tune support.

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