We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 11 Best Foam Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Supportive pillows for a peaceful night’s sleep.

A person laying on bed with The Company Store Dual Memory Foam Gel Fiber Pillow

Real Simple / Monica Aguinaga

If you often wake up with shoulder, neck, or back pain, a memory foam pillow could be the solution you’ve been looking for. These pillows mold around your body in response to heat and pressure, creating a cradle for your head and neck that can minimize pain and lead to a better night’s rest. 

“Memory foam has a slow response rate (think of it as the ‘bounce-back’), and as the body sinks into the pillow, it gradually molds around the body’s weight, using the pillow’s density to create a firm support that stays in place all night long,” says Kelly Murray, a certified pediatric and adult sleep coach. “Many sleepers swear this gives them their best night’s sleep, as they’re no longer shifting around due to a pillow losing its shape throughout the night.”

We tested 51 foam pillows and evaluated each on quality, airflow, comfort, durability, and value. For expert tips and recommendations on what to look for in a foam pillow, we consulted Murray. Our top picks include options for every type of sleeper, whether you’re looking for solid memory foam, shredded foam, or cooling foam pillows.

Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Gel Cooling Pillow - Shredded Memory Foam Pillows for Side, Stomach & Back Sleepers - Keeps Shape - College Dorm Room...

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s breathable and offers adjustable fill to meet all sleep preferences.

What Could Be Improved
  • It flattens a bit overtime, so you may have to fluff it or add fill.  

This pillow stood out to us due to its impressive ventilation and support, earning it the spot as our overall top pick. We appreciate the adjustable fill, which allows you to remove or add shredded memory foam depending on personal preference. The pillow was comfortable when sleeping on our sides, stomach, or back, making it a great choice for combination sleepers who reposition frequently throughout the night. 

Crafted with a memory foam core, this pillow has impressive airflow and remains cool throughout the night. It’s so breathable that we could even feel the refreshing sensation through our hair on our scalp. The pillow’s bamboo cover also contributes to its breathability. 

It supported our neck well in testing, molding to our curves to relieve tension and pressure. We think this would be a good pick for hot sleepers or those with chronic pain, as it provides ample support without compromising softness. The pillow did get a bit flatter after six months of use, so we needed to fluff it up regularly in order to maintain its loft. Even so, we think this is a small price to pay given the pillow’s breathability and comfort. 

Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Viscose from bamboo | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Amazon 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 Stands Out
  • The pillow maintains its shape and hardly has to be readjusted throughout the night.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s firm and may not be well-suited for those who prefer a softer pillow.

If you’re looking for a high-quality yet cost-effective pillow, the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow is a great choice. Its ventilated design maximizes air circulation and temperature control, and the gel-infused foam helps dissipate body heat more effectively than regular memory foam. We found it to be firm, sturdy, and able to maintain its shape in any sleep position. After leaning on it, the pillow reverted immediately to its prior thickness and shape.  

Even after switching positions throughout the night, the pillow was consistently comfortable, and we never had to readjust it. Its supportive foam conforms to the head and neck, relieving pressure and providing maximum comfort. The pillow also comes with an ultra-soft and machine-washable cover for convenience. Keep in mind that it’s a little too long for most queen-sized pillowcases, so you may have to test it out before purchasing a case.   

Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Fill: Gel-infused memory foam | Cover: Polyester | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

Tempur-Pedic

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4.5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • The memory foam molds to your curves and regains its shape quickly.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s dense and heavy, so it may be difficult to lift when repositioning.

For those able to splurge on a pillow, we recommend the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow from Tempur-Pedic.  Made with the brand’s signature memory foam, the pillow conformed to our curves immediately and bounced back as soon as we lifted our head. The fill also features two layers of cooling gel designed to promote breathability. After testing the pillow, we can attest that it’s definitely cooling, as it keeps us comfortable every night. 

While we initially thought it might be too thick to be comfortable, we ultimately found it to have a luxurious feel. But since the material is dense, it’s a bit heavy, so we had trouble repositioning without needing to pick it up. Even so, we think this would be a good choice for those seeking a firm, sturdy pillow. After using it for six months, the pillow still looks and feels as though it’s brand new, a testament to its high-quality construction. 

Sizes: Queen and king | Fill: TEMPUR-Material and TEMPUR-Breeze gel layer | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: Non-returnable through manufacturer unless defective | Certifications: Not listed

Best Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers

Nolah Squishy Pillow

Nolah Squishy Pillow

Nolah

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s soft and full without any heaviness.

What Could Be Improved
  • It is only available in one size (queen).

If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll be happy to know that the Nolah Squishy Pillow is one of the most comfortable pillows we tested. Filled with shredded memory foam, the pillow encourages more airflow than solid foam alternatives. Plus, the fill didn’t separate as much as other shredded foam pillows we’ve tried. True to its name, we found it to be both squishy and supportive. And after six months of use, the pillow is still performing as it did when we started using it. 

This pillow has a nice heft to it and feels full without feeling too heavy. It remained plush as we slept, requiring no nighttime readjustments. The pillow’s dual-chamber, adjustable design provides the option to add or remove fill, allowing you to achieve the perfect level of firmness for your particular needs. Just keep in mind that the pillow is only available in the queen size, so it may not work for every bed. 

Sizes: Queen | Fill: Shredded foam mixed with polyester fiber | Cover: 65% polyester, 35% viscose from bamboo | Return Policy: 30-day trial period | Certifications: Oeko-Tex

Best Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow

Amazon Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s soft yet supportive, and not too thick for stomach sleepers.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t allow much airflow, so hot sleepers may need to flip it to the cool side throughout the night.

The Sealy Molded Memory Foam Bed Pillow offers the support and pressure-relieving properties of memory foam without being overly dense, making it well suited for stomach sleepers. We found that it cradled our heads comfortably, specifically supporting our neck and shoulder areas. After just one month of use, the pillow has already improved our sleep routine. 

The pillow comes with a solid memory foam insert and a machine-washable knit cover that, while supportive, doesn’t allow for much airflow. We did have to flip it over throughout the night to stay cool. However, after taking it on vacation, we found that it made the experience of sleeping on a lumpy rental bed much more comfortable. It didn’t lose its shape over time, either.

Overall, this pillow provides the support and structure of memory foam without being too firm, making it ideal for stomach sleepers who are in the market for a solid memory foam pillow. Plus, it’s very reasonably priced compared to the other foam pillows we tested. 

Sizes: Standard | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: 98% polyester, 2% spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Certification: Not listed

Best Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers

The Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow

The Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow

The Company Store

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s designed to cradle the neck and relieve muscle tension.

What Could Be Improved
  • While the solid-core memory foam is dense, it lacks breathability.

For those who struggle with neck pain, muscle tension, or stiffness, this contoured pillow from The Company Store is worth considering. It features a wing-shaped design that cradles your head and keeps your neck and spine in alignment. While it’s made with back sleepers in mind, side sleepers can use it comfortably too. Along with providing ample neck support, we found that it maintained its shape even after a full week of use. 

The pillow is made from solid memory foam and comes with two covers—one made from a blend of polyester and Tencel lyocell and one made with CoolMax moisture-wicking technology, both of which are machine-washable. We did notice that the solid-core memory foam wasn’t very breathable, which was a trade-off for its density and structure. Like all pillows from The Company Store, this one comes with a 90-day sleep trial so you can experience its neck support for yourself. 

Sizes: One size | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: Polyester/Tencel lyocell knit cover and CoolMax fiber cover | Return Policy: 90 days | Certifications: Not listed

A person laying down and resting their head on the Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow

Real Simple / Monica Aguinaga

Best Cooling Foam Pillow

Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow

Coop Home Goods The Eden

Coop Sleep Goods

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It is fully adjustable and ideal for combination sleepers.

What Could Be Improved
  • The pillow cover’s gray design shows through white pillowcases.

Hot sleepers are familiar with overheating, but this pillow kept us nice and cool throughout the night. It’s made with shredded gel-infused memory foam that is super breathable, and the polyester and bamboo rayon cover is soft and lightweight. The fill can be added or removed based on your preferences (it comes with an extra half-pound bag of fill), making it particularly ideal for combination sleepers who want a pillow they can tailor to their unique sleeping needs. 

The pillow cover is decorated with a tiled gray stitched pattern, which does show through white pillowcases. Still, we appreciate that both the inner pillow and the outer cover are entirely machine-washable. And, this pillow comes with both CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certifications, as well as a generous 100-day sleep trial. 

Sizes: Queen, king | Fill: Shredded gel-infused memory foam and microfiber | Cover: 60% polyester and 40% rayon from bamboo | Return Policy: 100 day-trial period | Certifications: CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold

Best Adjustable Foam Pillow

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

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 Stands Out
  • The adjustable fill can be changed to meet desired loft and firmness preferences.

What Could Be Improved
  • The pillow is plush, and may be too lofty for stomach sleepers.

Everyone has a different preference when it comes to comfort, and Nest Bedding’s adjustable Easy Breather Pillow caters to all sleeping needs. The adjustable fill gives you total control over the loft and firmness of your pillow, allowing you to customize it to meet your personal sleeping preferences. Nest suggests first removing a lot of the fill, and then adding some back until you reach your desired firmness. Although removing the fill can help flatten the pillow, we’d only recommend the Easy Breather for side and back sleepers, as it's quite plush and heavy, and may be too lofty for stomach sleepers. 

We were also impressed by the pillow’s luxurious feel—particularly the cooling cover, which is made with the brand’s temperature-regulating “Icecore” fabric. This, combined with the adjustable shredded memory foam, helped keep us cool all night long. 

Perhaps the most standout feature of this pillow, though, is the fact that it’s entirely machine-washable, thanks to the washable inner pouch that holds the foam together—a unique feature for a memory foam pillow. However, we would like to see a longer trial period, given the price of this pillow. 

Sizes: Standard/queen, side sleeper, king | Fill: Shredded memory foam and polyester fiber | Cover: 49% Icecore, 49% polyester, 2% spandex | Return Policy: 30 night-trial | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Casper Foam Pillow

Casper

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Support
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s firm and provides support on the neck and back.

What Could Be Improved
  • Since it’s dense and flat, it may not be suitable for those who prefer extra loft.

We were amazed by this pillow’s durability and density in our testing. The pillow features three layers of supportive foam designed to comfortably cradle your head and neck, and after using the pillow for six months, we never woke up with any discomfort. This is the heaviest pillow we tested though, which may pose issues for those who toss and turn throughout the night, though we think the substantial design contributed to its durability. While the pillow is plush, it’s pretty flat, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer more height. If you typically opt for a taller pillow, consider adding another one beneath for extra loft. 

We think this pillow is a great option for side and back sleepers because it holds its shape well and provides ample support. The pillow also stands out for its “Snow Technology," which is designed to pull heat away from your head and neck throughout the night. It kept us perfectly cool, even during 90 degree summer nights. Though the pillow itself cannot be washed, the pillowcase was easy to remove, clean, and put back onto the pillow, which was a nice added bonus.   

Sizes: Standard and king | Fill: 77% polyurethane foam, 23% viscoelastic polyurethane foam | Cover: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

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 Stands Out
  • This reversible pillow features one memory foam side and one cloud-like gel fiber side to appeal to all preferences. 

What Could Be Improved
  • It isn’t adjustable.

We were so impressed with the softness and support of this dual-sided pillow from The Company Store, we would even go as far to say it's one of our favorite pillows we’ve ever slept on. We found that it maintained a comfortable temperature for the duration of the night, which is largely thanks to its reversible design: One side features ventilated memory foam, which relieves pressure and provides support, while the other side is made from synthetic gel fiber, which helps to draw heat away from the head and neck and provides a softer feel. Choose one of the two sides (or alternate between them) in order to achieve the right level of comfort and support for your sleeping style. 

The memory foam insert is 3.25 inches tall, which makes it ideal for back and combination sleepers. The breathable cotton cover is machine-washable, but the pillow is spot-clean only. You can also take advantage of the 90-day sleep trial, which allows you to sleep on the pillow and wash it before you commit. We also love that it costs less than the average price of all the foam pillows we tested. Our only complaint is that it’s not CertiPUR-US-certified, and it’s not adjustable. 

Sizes: Standard | Fill: Solid memory foam with gel fiber | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: 90 day-trial | Certifications: Not listed

Closeup of The Company Store Dual Memory Foam and Gel Fiber Pillow on pillowcases on a white sheet

Real Simple / Monica Aguinaga

Best Orthopedic Foam Pillow

Uttu Sandwich Pillow

Amazon UTTU Sandwich Pillow

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
  • Support
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Comfort
    3/5
What Stands Out
  •  It has better airflow than other memory foam options, and it molds to provide ample neck support. 

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t have as much bounce-back as other alternatives.

The Uttu Sandwich Pillow is unique because it supports the natural contour of your neck, giving you better spinal alignment and pressure relief. We particularly appreciated the adjustable loft, which you can modify by removing the insert—a rare feature for a solid memory foam pillow. 

Unlike many other memory foam pillows, we found this orthopedic pillow to have great airflow. Plus, the polyester- and rayon-from-bamboo cover felt soft and cooling. There was a faint chemical odor when we first opened the package, but fortunately it dissipated quickly. 

Although this pillow molds to your body, we found that it doesn’t lose its loft over time (but you may have to give it a little time to fully expand after each use). The machine-washable cover did not sustain any damage after laundering, either. We were impressed with the accessible price point of this pillow and would recommend it to anyone looking for an orthopedic memory foam pillow that won’t break the bank. 

Sizes: Queen, king | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: 60% polyester, 40% rayon from bamboo | Return Policy: 30 days | Certifications: Oeko-Tex, CertiPUR-US

Final Verdict

Our top pick is Snuggle-Pedic Original Memory Foam Pillow because it’s supportive, breathable, and allows you to easily adjust the fill according to your sleep preferences. The shredded foam construction gives it more breathability and flexibility, and the cover is soft and easy to wash. For a more budget-friendly pick, we recommend the Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow, which stands out due to its sturdy construction and temperature-regulating gel that keeps you cool throughout the night. 

Our Testing Process

To compile our list of the best memory foam pillows, we sent out 51 foam pillows for real-world testing over a period of seven consecutive nights. First, we examined the quality of each pillow, including its material and construction. We also measured the loft, length, and width of each pillow prior to use. We then placed the pillow in a pillowcase and evaluated how well it fit in an appropriately sized pillowcase. For pillows with adjustable fill, we followed the manufacturer’s instructions for opening the pillow and removing or adding extra fill. 

Then came the real test: To evaluate the comfort, support, and temperature-regulating properties of each pillow, we slept on it for up to seven consecutive nights. We took note of whether the pillow began to lose its shape with use, and what effect it had on our neck pain, snoring, and allergies. 

We also washed and dried each pillow according to the manufacturer’s instructions, assessing whether there was any post-wash damage. We also took the measurements of each pillow again to see if there was any change in size or loft. Finally, we reviewed the price of each pillow and scored its overall value, considering how well it performed in the above tests. We then tested these memory foam pillows long-term, and updated our insights after one, three, and six months of testing.

Two people looking at foam pillows
Real Simple / Rachel Marek

How to Shop for Foam Pillows Like a Pro

Sleeping Position

As is the case with all types of pillows, you need to consider how you sleep before purchasing a foam pillow. Here are some general guidelines for choosing a foam pillow based on your preferred sleeping position, but keep in mind that other factors such as body type and personal preference will also affect how comfortable a pillow is for you:

Stomach Sleepers: Murray suggests a flatter foam pillow for stomach sleepers, so as to not prop your head up at an angle. We like the Sealy Molded Memory Foam Bed Pillow for stomach sleepers because it's not overly firm or lofty.

Back Sleepers: To keep a neutral spinal alignment without craning the neck forward, a pillow with a moderate loft is best for back sleepers. “Consider a curved/hill-shaped foam pillow for neck support,” says Murray—our top picks are The Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow and the Uttu Sandwich Pillow.

Side Sleepers: People who sleep on their side will require a loftier, firmer pillow to fill the gap between their head/neck and the mattress. Murray recommends an adjustable shredded memory foam pillow for side sleeping, so you can have control over the loft and shape without sacrificing the support of memory foam. We think the Nolah Squishy Pillow is particularly great for side sleepers because it provides ample support and loft.

Solid vs. Shredded Foam

Memory foam pillows generally come in one of two forms: solid or shredded. The latter refers to loose chunks of foam that can typically be added or removed to adjust the loft and firmness of the pillow as needed.

"Depending on the density of the foam, solid foam pillows tend to be firmer and absorb more heat," says Murray. Refer to the following chart for the pros and cons of each type of foam—just keep in mind that these may not apply to every pillow.

Pros Cons
Solid Foam -Retain their shape better 
-Firmer 
-More supportive
-Retain more heat
-Cannot be adjusted
-Heavier
Shredded Foam -Allows for more airflow
-Can be adjusted to fit your preferences
-Lightweight
-Require regular fluffing and adjustments

Cooling Properties

As we’ve already established, memory foam—particularly solid memory foam—has a reputation for absorbing and retaining body heat. But “even some of the densest memory foam pillows are breathable now thanks to advancements like perforated designs and copper gel,” Murray says. 

So if you are a hot sleeper but prefer the structure and support of memory foam, look for a solid foam pillow with cooling elements (like gel and graphite) that draw heat away from the head and neck. Or, consider opting for a shredded memory foam pillow instead, which allows for more airflow. (We like the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow, which is filled with gel-infused shredded foam.)

Person taking a temperature reading of a foam pillow
Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Product Certifications

Memory foam is a synthetic material, meaning it will release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a process known as “off-gassing,” which can contribute to poor indoor air quality and create an unpleasant, chemical odor. Fortunately, there are several third-party certifications that test for these emissions and ensure that products are safe from harmful substances:

CertiPUR-US: Foam pillows—as well as foam mattresses and furniture—must meet standards for content, emissions, and durability in order to receive the CertiPUR-US certification. All CertiPUR-US certified foams are made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, and more—and they must have low VOC emissions for indoor air quality.

Greenguard: The UL Greenguard Certification Program tests products for over 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions. The Greenguard Certification indicates that the product meets strict standards of low emission levels, while Greenguard Gold-certification products emit even fewer VOCs than standard Greenguard products.

Return Policy

Considering the above factors is a good starting point, but Murray says the best way to know if a pillow is right for you is to "take advantage of some of the amazing return policies that many companies offer these days and try several pillows out until you find the one you love." Many companies offer sleep trials, ranging from 30 to 100 days, in which you can typically return the pillow for a full refund.

More Foam Pillows to Consider

Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow: This pillow struck the perfect balance between softness and structure, comfortably conforming to our curves as we slept. The cloud-like material is not as supportive as traditional memory foam, though, so this isn’t a good choice for those who prefer a firmer pillow. 

QUTool 2-Pack Cooling Bed Pillows: We appreciated this pillow’s double-sided cover, which allows you to choose between the soft rayon side and the icy silk fabric side, and liked that we were able to adjust the fill. Since the filling is very lightweight, however, taking it in and out was a messier process than we expected.

Questions You Might Ask

How long do foam pillows last?

Generally, memory foam pillows have a longer lifespan compared to other types of pillows, such as down pillows. "So if you invest in a high-quality memory foam pillow, you may be making a steep investment for quite a long time," says Murray, who suggests replacing your foam pillows every two to three years

How do you wash foam pillows?

Most solid memory foam pillows are spot-clean only, while some shredded foam pillows are machine-washable (such as the Nest Easy Breather Pillow and the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow, which have an inner pouch that holds the foam inside). Most foam pillows have a machine-washable cover, but be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing your pillow and/or cover. And make sure you always let foam pillows dry completely before use to prevent mold.

Tag showing care instructions for a foam pillow
Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To make our selections, we sent 51 memory foam pillows out to real-world testers who evaluated them based on their quality, airflow, comfort, durability, and value. For tips on how to choose the right foam pillow for every sleeper, we tapped Kelly Murray, a certified pediatric and adult sleep coach.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles