We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Home Decorating Bedroom Decorating The 10 Best Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed We’ve tested 70 pillows to date, and these are the ones that have withstood the test of time. By Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher is a commerce editor with four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. She was the former SEO writer for Allrecipes, covering product reviews, cooking tutorials, and food news. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 19, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Real Simple / Rachel Marek A pillow is one of the most personal and important purchases you can make when it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep, but finding the right one can be a challenge. To narrow down the field, we put 70 different pillows through a series of tests in the Des Moines lab and at home, evaluating them on quality, breathability, effectiveness, durability, and overall value. We also spoke to Natalie D. Dautovich, Ph.D., who serves as the Environmental Fellow at the National Sleep Foundation, about the importance of choosing the right pillow: "A great pillow allows you to rest comfortably in your natural sleeping position, and supports your head and neck in a neutral alignment (centered over your shoulders),” says Dautovich. “The wrong pillow can worsen discomforts like neck or shoulder pain, headaches, and allergy symptoms like sneezing and congestion.” Although picking a pillow is highly subjective and it’s impossible to declare one pillow the best for every type of person, we assessed each pillow’s more objective features and made recommendations based on sleeping position and preference. Our Top Picks Best Overall Pillow: Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon ($103) Jump to Review Best Budget Pillow: Linenspa Memory Foam Pillows at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Splurge Pillow: Saatva Latex Pillow at Amazon ($185) Jump to Review Best Pillow for Side Sleepers: Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow at Nest Bedding ($118) Jump to Review Best Pillow for Back Sleepers: The Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow at The Company Store ($95) Jump to Review Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: L.L.Bean Down-Alternative Damask Pillow at L.L.Bean ($55) Jump to Review Best Cooling Pillow: Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow at Amazon ($87) Jump to Review Best Memory Foam Pillow: Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Down Pillow: Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow at Amazon ($199) Jump to Review Best Down Alternative Pillow: Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow at Amazon ($69) Jump to Review Best Overall Pillow Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $103 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This adjustable and cooling pillow is suitable for every sleeping position. What Could Be Improved It requires some fluffing to maintain its loft. Back, stomach, and side sleepers all loved this adjustable pillow, thanks to its malleability and lightweight construction. Like some other shredded memory foam pillows, you can add, remove, or adjust the foam in order to achieve your desired firmness, which is key to making this pillow work for your exact sleep needs. This also makes it a great middle-ground for those who like the softness of a down pillow but need the support that memory foam provides. And it’s a great option for anyone looking for extra support, because it cradles the head without compromising plushness or softness. This pillow even comes with a bag of additional foam if you want it to be even more firm. We also loved the breathable, perforated texture of the bamboo cover, which helps to keep you cool overnight. In fact, the surface temperature rose just 4 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes of lying on the pillow, and it succeeded in keeping us comfortable throughout the night. Additionally, this pillow is entirely machine washable—a definite standout for a memory foam pillow. Just keep in mind that after sleeping on the Snuggle-Pedic nightly for six months, it did lose some of its height, so you’ll need to fluff it regularly to maintain its loft. Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Bamboo | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Katelyn Chef Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Andrea Cable Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Budget Pillow Linenspa Memory Foam Pillows Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On QVC $25 View On Target $22 Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Breathability 3/5 Support 4.5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out It comes with two pillows for a low price, each of which can be fluffed and molded to your desired shape. What Could Be Improved The pillows aren't machine washable. This set comes with two pillows at an impressively low price and is designed with all types of sleepers in mind. The shredded memory foam can easily be fluffed and molded to your desired height and shape (although it cannot be removed or added to like some other pillows). The low price and customizable construction make it ideal for outfitting a guest bedroom, since guests can adjust the pillows to their preference. And we noticed it helped to reduce back and shoulder pain over time, thanks to the soft memory foam that cradles your head as you sleep. We found it to have a plush feel thanks to the shredded material, while still retaining the bounceback that’s signature to memory foam. It stayed relatively cool in our testing, rising only 6 degrees during use. And unlike some memory foam pillows, it does not produce a chemical odor, even on first use. Unfortunately, the cover is not machine washable, so be sure to protect it with a pillowcase and pillow protector. In short, we think this would make a great pillow for combination sleepers, as you can easily flatten it or fluff it depending on which sleeping position you’re in. Firmness: Medium-firm | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Polyester | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Splurge Pillow Saatva Latex Pillow Saatva View On Amazon $185 View On Saatva $165 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 4/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 4/5 What Stands Out Made from natural latex and organic cotton, this is a substantial pillow that doesn't flatten throughout the night. What Could Be Improved The cover shrunk in the wash. We immediately took note of the weight and loft of this luxury pillow. The shredded natural latex core is surrounded by a layer of soft, down-like microfiber so you get responsive neck support with a plush, lofty feel. It's tall, quick to rise, and buoyant, helping to relieve pressure and mold to the shape of your head. This pillow is probably a little too tall for stomach sleepers, but side and back sleepers will appreciate how it helps to maintain a neutral spine position. In fact, one of our sleep testers was pregnant while testing this pillow, and found it made her transition from stomach-and-side sleeping to back-and-side sleeping much easier. The latex construction also provides ample airflow. We found the pillow to be cool to the touch and to absorb the heat under the head, rising about 8 degrees Fahrenheit over 15 minutes. And there was no odor or off-gassing. In terms of care, the cover shrunk a bit after washing, making it a little difficult to squeeze the plump pillow back in. Even though the care instructions say it’s safe to tumble dry the cover on low heat, we’d suggest laying the cover flat to dry. This is the most expensive pillow on our list, but it comes with a 45-day sleep trial, so you can test it out before you commit. Firmness: Medium | Fill: Shredded natural latex | Cover: Organic cotton | Return Policy: 45 days | Machine Washable: Cover only Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow Nest Bedding View On Nest Bedding $118 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 3.5/5 Support 4.5/5 Durability 4/5 Comfort 4/5 What Stands Out You can add or remove filling to suit your needs. What Could Be Improved The loft decreases a bit with time. This supportive shredded memory foam pillow offers a high loft right out of the box, making it a great choice for side sleepers. Even better—you can adjust the pillow by removing or refilling the stuffing to reach your desired firmness and height. It arrives overstuffed, but if you want it to be extra firm it does come with a fill bag with extra stuffing (or you can use the bag to store excess stuffing). Take note, however, that the loft does decrease a bit with time, so you might want to wait before you change any stuffing. Still, we found that even with much of the stuffing removed, this pillow had a fairly firm feel and a lot of resistance, so it’s not ideal for people who want a very flat pillow. Initially, the fabric was cool to the touch, thanks to the cooling cover. Over the long-term testing span, we found that it remained very breathable through the night, and never resulted in night sweats or discomfort. It even reduced the amount of headaches we experienced, thanks to the increased neck support. The pillow’s cover held up well to washing and drying, making it ideal for the person who likes to clean their bedding essentials often. Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Icecore/polyester/spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Cover only Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Izzy Seely Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Katelyn Chef Real Simple / Katelyn Chef Best Pillow for Back Sleepers The Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow The Company Store View On The Company Store $95 View On Home Depot $83 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 4/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 What Stands Out It contours to the natural curve of the neck, helping to keep the neck and spine in alignment. What Could Be Improved It's not very comfortable for side or stomach sleepers. This firm, solid memory foam pillow from The Company Store features a wing design that contours to the natural curve of the neck, helping to keep the neck and spine in alignment all night long. One of our testers who suffers from chronic neck pain and stiffness found this pillow to take the stress off their neck, thereby alleviating any pain. And even after months of at-home use, this pillow continued to provide pressure relief, thanks in part to its solid memory foam construction that maintains its shape over time. In general, solid memory foam tends to be less breathable than other types of fill, but fortunately the cover of this pillow is made with a cooling fiber, called CoolMax, a type of polyester designed to draw heat and moisture away from the body. Do note that because of the design of this pillow, it’s best suited for back sleepers (although we did find it usable when sleeping on our side, albeit not as comfortable). Its contoured design will likely not work for stomach sleepers. If you’re still on the fence, be sure to take advantage of The Company Store’s 90-day return policy. Firmness: Firm | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: Polyester/Tencel lyocell knit cover and CoolMax fiber cover | Return Policy: 90 days | Machine Washable: Cover only Real Simple / Monica Aguinaga Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers L.L.Bean Down-Alternative Damask Pillow L.L. Bean View On L.L.Bean $55 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 4/5 Support 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 What Stands Out This fluffy, down-like pillow comes in multiple levels of firmness. What Could Be Improved It holds onto body heat. The L.L. Bean Down Alternative Damask Pillow is similar to what you’d find at a luxury hotel, thanks to the plush and fluffy down alternative fill. The material is great for those who prefer to sink into their pillow at night, and it’s available in three different firmness levels so you can choose your level of support. Soft is the best choice for stomach sleepers, medium is best for combination and back sleepers, and firm is best for side sleepers. Unlike memory foam, down or down alternative pillows require regular fluffing to maintain their shape. The flip side of this is that they’re easier to flatten, making them particularly well suited for stomach sleepers who don’t need a pillow with a lot of height. We found this pillow to conform to our heads without completely losing its shape—even after months of use—much like a real down pillow would. It does not claim to be a cooling pillow and we would not recommend this pillow to those who tend to sleep hot, because it did hold onto heat somewhat in our testing. However, it’s easy to wash and maintain—both the cover and pillow came out of the washer and dryer perfectly formed and fluffy. It’s also one of the least expensive out of all the pillows we tested, and can be returned up to one year after purchase, making it an excellent choice for those who want the feel of a down pillow without the price. Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm | Fill: Down alternative | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: 365 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Cooling Pillow Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow Coop Sleep Goods View On Amazon $87 View On Walmart $96 View On Coopsleepgoods.com $96 Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 What Stands Out The adjustable, gel-infused shredded memory foam helps to evenly distribute the pillow’s cooling properties. What Could Be Improved The foam had a slight odor when we first opened it, but this dissipated with time. Our favorite cooling pillow, The Eden, is filled with gel-infused shredded memory foam, which helps to evenly distribute the gel’s cooling properties, unlike many other cooling pillows that feature a layer of gel on one side of the pillow. Not only does the gel provide an immediate cooling sensation, but the shredded memory foam allows for ample air flow, so you stay cool all night long. Plus, the outer cover is made with polyester and bamboo-derived viscose, the latter being a semi-synthetic fiber that’s both cooling and moisture-wicking. We never have to flip to the “cool side” when using this pillow, which says a lot about its cooling abilities. What’s more, this pillow can be adjusted to suit any sleeping position by simply removing or adding to the shredded memory foam (it comes with a bag of additional fill should you prefer it more firm). Coop Home Goods also provides guidelines as to how to fill the pillow based on your sleep positions, which can be a helpful starting point. This pillow is also entirely machine washable, including the inner pillow that contains the shredded memory foam. The Eden is one of the more expensive pillows on our list, but it comes with a 100-day sleep trial, so you’re not stuck with it if you aren’t satisfied. However, it’s still holding up well after six months of nightly use and now feels as though it's been custom-made for us. Firmness: Medium-soft | Fill: Cross-cut, gel-infused memory foam and microfiber | Cover: 60 percent polyester, 40 percent bamboo-derived viscose rayon | Return Policy: 100 days | Machine Washable: Yes, delicate cycle Best Memory Foam Pillow Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Wayfair $33 View On Boscovs.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 4/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 What Stands Out It provides the support of solid memory foam without being overly firm. What Could Be Improved We needed to flip it over to stay cool. Solid memory foam pillows help to reduce strain on the neck and spine, but the trade-off is they can be very firm, and sometimes downright uncomfortable. We found the Sealy Molded Memory Foam Pillow to be the best of all worlds, because it provides sufficient support without being too dense to sleep on. In fact, we found that sleeping on this pillow helped us to fall asleep even faster. It’s also not as lofty as many other memory foam pillows, which makes it suitable for more than just side sleepers. This pillow cradled our heads without causing strain on our necks. And though it molds to your body, it never loses its shape, even after months of use. One tester even brought it on vacation rather than go without it temporarily, and found it kept them well rested for the duration of their trip. Our one complaint is that we had to flip it over throughout the night to stay cool (another trade-off of solid memory foam). The polyester knit cover can be unzipped and tossed in the washing machine for easy cleanup, too. And the fact that this is one of the most affordable pillows we tested is just a bonus. Firmness: Medium | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: Polyester and spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Cover only Real Simple / Andrea Cable Best Down Pillow Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow Boll & Branch View On Amazon $199 View On Nordstrom $179 View On Bollandbranch.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 4/5 Durability 3/5 Comfort 4/5 What Stands Out It has all the cushion of real down, but the inner feather-blend prevents the pillow from flattening out over time. What Could Be Improved The trial period is only 30 days. This pillow from Boll & Branch is technically a down chamber pillow, meaning it has a feather-blend inner layer surrounded by a down-filled outer layer. It comes in three different firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. Although the soft pillow is made with 100 percent down, the medium and firm pillows have an inner chamber containing a feather-blend for added support and an outer layer of down for cushion. The inner feather-blend also prevents the pillow from flattening out over time. Overall, this pillow molds well to your body while providing enough support even for side sleepers. It never bunched up or got lumpy, but should you want a refresh, we found that a quick machine wash and dry made the pillow just as firm and lofty as when we first took it out of the box. Plus, we never overheated when sleeping on this pillow and found it provided plenty of airflow. It’s important to note that the pillow is made with International Down Standard (IDS) certified—meaning ethically sourced—and triple-washed down. Our only complaint is we wish the trial period was longer than 30 days, given the price. Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm | Fill: IDS-certified down and feathers | Cover: Organic cotton | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes, gentle cycle Real Simple / Andrea Cable Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Andrea Cable The 8 Best Down Comforters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Down Alternative Pillow Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow Slumbercloud View On Amazon $69 View On Slumber Cloud $64 Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 What Stands Out This plush pillow has yet to lose its shape after six months. What Could Be Improved It does absorb some heat. This pillow is made with a down-alternative polyester fiber filling, giving you the plush, soft feel of a traditional down pillow without the animal products or price tag. It does not lose its shape during use, and provides substantial support yet still has plenty of give. According to the manufacturer, the pillow uses NASA-developed temperature regulation technology, which absorbs excess heat from the skin and then releases it back as the temperature drops. We found the pillow did absorb some heat during testing, with the surface temperature rising approximately 14 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes of use. We found that the Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow is comfortable to use in all sleeping positions. That being said, you can choose between two different levels of firmness depending on your preferences: Soft-medium is ideal for stomach or back sleepers, while medium-firm is ideal for side or back sleepers. One major advantage of down and down alternative pillows is they can be washed and dried. Post washing and drying, there was some shrinkage to this pillow, but it remained just as plush. Its long-lasting and easy-to-maintain construction, as well as its temperature-regulating technology make this pillow a steal for the price. Plus, it has a 60-day trial period during which you can return it for a full refund. But we doubt you’ll need to: After six months of use, we’re still sleeping on this pillow every night, and it has yet to lose its shape. Firmness: Soft-medium or medium-firm | Fill: Down alternative | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: 60 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Lesly Bernal Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Lesly Bernal Final Verdict Our top pick is the Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow because it's adjustable, suitable for all sleep positions, and retains its shape while providing support. Plus, its bamboo cover helps keep you cool throughout the night. Our budget pick is the Linenspa Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, which comes in a set of two for less than half the price of the Snuggle-Pedic pillow. It features a moldable, shredded memory foam fill that’s easy to adjust based on your sleeping position. Our Testing Process To date, we have put 70 different pillows through a series of lab testing and at-home testing. Every sleeper is different, which is why our testers reflect the varying sizes, sleeping positions, and preferences out there. In the lab, we first evaluated the quality based on the material and construction of both the pillow and cover. We also took note of whether there was an obvious odor coming from the pillow. Next, we placed each pillow inside a standard pillowcase to see how well it fit and whether the pillow’s cover was visible through the pillowcase. For pillows with an adjustable filling, we tested how easy it was to add or remove fill material. To test the temperature and breathability of each pillow, we used an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature both before and after laying on it for 15 minutes. For cooling pillows, we tested whether each pillow offered a cool-to-the-touch sensation. The real test of each pillow was its effectiveness at matching its proposed firmness and support. For pillows designated for all sleeping positions or those with no specified sleeping style, we used the pillow for five minutes in each major sleeping position—back, side, and stomach—and recorded how comfortable it was to sleep in each. For pillows designated for a specific sleeping position, we tested it in the specified sleeping style, noting whether it was comfortable and helped us to maintain a neutral spine position. After those tests, we measured the dimensions of each pillow before and after washing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to assess its durability, in addition to any change in consistency or firmness. Finally, we received the price of each pillow, and were asked to score its overall value based on the cost relative to its performance in our testing. Once lab testing was complete, we brought the top performing pillows home with us and provided updates as to how well they held up after one, three, and six months of use. Real Simple / Rachel Marek How to Shop for Pillows Like a Pro Firmness and Loft Your desired firmness and loft (aka the pillow's height) is going to come down to how you sleep. What's most important is that your pillow keeps your neck aligned with your spine in a neutral position, rather than tilting it at an angle. Here are some general guidelines based on your preferred sleeping position: Back Sleepers: Look for a pillow with a medium loft and firmness, in order to keep your neck aligned with your spine without craning it forward.Stomach Sleepers: Look for a softer, thinner pillow. A pillow that is too high will prop the head up at an angle and cause neck pain. "Stomach sleepers tend to like a very thin pillow, which can be used under the head, chest, or stomach," says Dautovich.Side Sleepers: A side sleeper will require the most height and firmness in order to fill the gap between the neck and the mattress.Combination Sleepers: If you switch positions throughout the night, finding comfort can be a bit more difficult. A medium-firm pillow is generally best for back and side sleepers, while those who often sleep on their stomach may want a softer pillow with a lower loft. Fill Pillows can be filled with a number of materials, from down to memory foam. Here's a quick guide to the different types of pillow fillings: Down: A down pillow contains the soft, quill-less feathers from the underbelly of a goose or duck. These pillows are durable, breathable, and soft, and contour to the shape of your head and neck. However, they tend to be more expensive and don't maintain their shape well. You'll need to regularly fluff them to ensure they don't get too compressed. A down-and-feather combo pillow will feature both down feathers and feathers from the back and wings of a bird, which contain quills. Down-and-feather pillows will be less expensive than 100-percent down pillows, but they're also more prone to flattening and the quills may poke through the cover. Either way, be sure your down pillow comes with a certification for quality and ethical animal practices. Common certifications include the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Downmark, and the IDFL Down Standard (IDS). (Our favorite down pillow, the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow, comes with the IDS certification.) Down Alternative: This is a synthetic fill made to mimic the softness of a real down pillow. They're less expensive than real down pillows, and make a great alternative to those with sensitivities to down products and those who want to avoid any animal-sourced materials. Down alternative pillows are also usually machine washable, unlike down pillows. Solid Memory Foam: If you prefer a pillow with more structure and support that won't lose its shape overnight, a solid memory foam pillow is a great choice. These pillows provide the support needed to keep your neck and spine in alignment, particularly for side and back sleepers. Shredded Memory Foam: This filling is made with loose chunks of memory foam that can be adjusted to fit your preferences. Oftentimes, you can add, remove, or reposition the memory foam to create a pillow with the right loft and firmness for your needs. Compared to solid memory foam, shredded memory foam tends to be more breathable, too. These pillows make a great choice for combination sleepers who need a pillow that can be customized to their unique sleeping style. Keep in mind that memory foam pillows are usually not machine washable. Latex: Available in both synthetic and natural forms, latex is similar to memory foam but bounces back quicker and is usually a bit softer. Like memory foam, latex pillows are available in either solid or shredded material. Breathability If you tend to sleep hot, breathability is an important factor when it comes to choosing a pillow. Down pillows tend to be the most breathable, while shredded memory foam is more breathable than solid foam. Look for a breathable cover material too, such as cotton. Some pillows even feature a cooling gel layer that helps to prevent the pillow from absorbing heat, providing a cooling sensation, or cooling technology that absorbs heat away from the skin. (Our top cooling pillow, the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow, is made of gel-infused memory foam.) Care Consider whether your pillow can be washed—some are machine washable, while others must be spot treated, hand washed, or dry cleaned. Oftentimes, pillows have machine washable covers only. If that's the case, consider adding a pillow protector to increase the longevity of your pillow. Return Policy Choosing a pillow is personal. Even if you've done all your research and considered all the factors, sometimes a pillow is just not right for your sleeping style and environment. That is why the return policy on a pillow is so important. Many pillows come with trial periods ranging from 30 days to up to a year, so you can try it in your own bed before committing. More Pillows to Consider Amazon Basics Down Alternative Pillows: These pillows are a less expensive alternative to our best overall pick, as they feature a down alternative fill that combines fullness, comfort, and support. Plus, it comes in a set of two, so you can fully outfit your bed for less. Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow: Made from a blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber, this pillow can easily adjust to your sleep position and is great for combination sleepers. It’s a firmer, non-cooling version of The Eden, which is our favorite cooling pillow. Like The Eden, it comes with a bag of additional stuffing for side or back sleepers, or those with neck pain who require extra support. Overall it makes a good alternative to The Eden for firm pillow lovers, but it doesn’t come with gel-infused memory foam. Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow: This solid memory foam pillow provides support without sacrificing comfort, thanks to its patented “Adaptive Foam,” which bounces back immediately. However, side sleepers wished it had a bit more support and loft to keep their neck and spine in alignment. Real Simple / Rachel Marek Questions You Might Ask Which pillows are best for neck pain? To alleviate neck pain, make sure you are sleeping on a pillow that's right for your sleeping position. In other words, whichever pillow you choose should keep your neck and spine in alignment. Generally, side and back sleepers will require more height and firmness to achieve this, while a pillow that's too lofty or firm can cause increased neck pain in stomach sleepers. "A pillow that is responsive yet supportive, a medium-firm variety, can help to support your neck if you're experiencing pain," says Dautovich. When should you replace your pillow? It is generally recommended that you replace your pillows every one to two years. Overtime, a pillow can become lumpy, develop stains and odors, collect allergens, and begin to lose some of its loft, all of which can affect your sleep. If you notice stains and odors, allergy symptoms, or increased neck pain, these can be a sign that it’s time to replace your pillows. In general, down alternative pillows have the shortest lifespan, while memory foam and latex last the longest. How should you care for a pillow so that it lasts as long as possible? Be sure to default to the care label when it comes time to clean your pillows. If your pillows are machine washable, try to wash them two to three times a year to eliminate allergens and odors. If your pillows are not machine washable, spot clean stains or hand wash pillows with mild detergent and lay flat to dry. Dautovich also suggests airing out your pillow monthly in sunlight to help them stay fresh. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To date, we have put 70 different pillows through a series of lab testing and long-term testing in our homes, evaluating them on their quality, breathability, effectiveness, durability, and value. We also spoke to Natalie D. Dautovich, Ph.D, who serves as the Environmental Fellow at the National Sleep Foundation, for expert tips on how to choose the right pillow for your sleeping style. 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? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit