Let’s face it – It’s easy to make the argument that there really is no “best pillow” for everyone. Every person out there is an individual and most of us have different sleeping patterns and sleeping needs when it comes to both pillows and mattresses. However, there are a number of pillows out there that are of substantially better in quality than the run of the mill retail pillow. These are the pillows you won’t find as you are walking through the aisles of a bulk discount store on your Sunday grocery run.
We want to start off by saying that this is a monster article. If you are the type of person that wants a straight-up “cut to the chase” approach to research, check out our comparison grid where we’ve broken down our favorite pillows into three different categories. If you want extreme detail, please continue and enjoy the read.
Below you will see that we’ve compared our favorite pillows, their brands, preferred sleeping positions for each pillow, overall rating, and cost.
If you are the type of consumer that likes additional detail, you can rest easy. We will give you a comprehensive run down below the comparison chart that gives you every detail you should be thinking through when you go and purchase a pillow.
Comparison Grid:
| Pillow Name | Material | Sleeping Position | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Rest Shredded Memory Foam | Memory Foam | Side Sleepers | $$ |
| Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow | Memory Foam | Side/Back/Stomach | $$ |
| Snuggle Pedic Memory Foam Pillow | Memory Foam | Side Sleepers | $$ |
| Extra Soft Down Filled Pillow | Down | Side Sleepers | $$$ |
| Iso Cool Memory Foam Pillow | Memory Foam | Side Sleepers | $ |
| Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper | Memory Foam | Back/Stomach | $$ |
| Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow | Latex Foam | Back/Stomach | $$ |
| Slim Sleeper Made with Latex Foam | Memory Foam | Back/Stomach | $$ |
| Bluewave Bedding Cool Gel Memory Foam | Memory Foam | Back Sleepers | $$ |
| Xtreme Comforts Slim Hypoallergenic Pillow | Memory Foam | Stomach Sleepers | $$ |
| Extra Soft Down Pillow | Down Filling | Stomach Sleepers | $$$ |
Now that you’ve had a chance to browse through our favorites, let’s take a look at pillow material, sleeping positions and some different statistics to help you figure out what pillow suits your needs. We’ve broken down our article in to several sections that detail the differences in different types of pillows. We will look at the following in more detail:
- Internal Pillow Materials
- The Types of Sleepers (and the best pillows for their sleeping position)
- A Comprehensive Guide to the Top 15 Pillows
Table of Contents:
Contents
- Internal Pillow Materials:
- 1. Down Feather Pillows
- 2. Cotton Filled Pillows
- 3. Polyester & Other Synthetic filled pillows
- 4. Memory Foam Pillows
- 5. Latex Foam Pillows
- 6. Buckwheat Pillows
- The Types of Sleepers and Their Pillows:
- A Comprehensive Guide to The Top 15 Pillows:
- Conclusion – Helping you get a better night’s sleep:
Internal Pillow Materials:
The insides of Pillows are usually made from several different kinds of materials. We are going to take a look at the following internal pillow materials in detail:
- Down Feathers
- Cotton
- Synthetic Material
- Memory Foam
- Latex Foam
- Buckwheat
Let’s look at each type of material and how they are typically manufactured.
1. Down Feather Pillows
Down is the undercoating (feathers) that comes from both ducks and geese. Down has been used for many years and is one of the most popular types of internal pillow material. It’s also used in comforters and other types of home good products.
Most manufacturers follow voluntary standards to ensure that their down is not coming from any “live plucking” of feathers, which is a controversial method of getting down by ripping it directly from ducks and geese that are alive.
Down Pillow Pros
Down feathers are one of the most popular type of bedding and pillow material currently in production. People who use down pillows usually swear by them because they are durable, moldable and can usually be somewhat flattened out for sleepers that prefer to sleep on their stomach or back.
Pro #1: Softness: Down pillows are ridiculously soft. Let’s face it, you are sleeping on feathers and feathers are soft. While synthetic foam and other filling materials are getting much better about their softness, down pillows pretty much corner the market in terms of consistency.
Pro #2: Moldable: Down pillows are completely moldable. While you are restricted to the confines of how moldable the pillow is by the casing it’s in, you can still pretty much bend and position a down pillow however you want.
Pro #3: Durability: Down pillows are extremely durable. If you care for them and wash them properly, you can get years of mileage out of a down pillow. Again, you’ll need to make sure you can keep them clean properly and avoid clumping, but they can take a beating and keep on going.
Pro #4: Retain Heat: We have this as both a pro and a con. If you like to sleep with a cooler pillow (most people do when sleeping indoors), then this is a con for you and you should avoid a down pillow. If you like pillows that retain heat and live someplace that’s cold most of the year, a down pillow is a wise investment.
Down Pillow Cons
There are drawbacks to owning a down pillow. They include cleaning (cleaning them in the washer and dryer can cause feather clumping), allergic reactions to down, animal cruelty (small pockets but it’s there) and pillow temperature. Let’s look at each.
Con #1: Cleaning: As mentioned, cleaning a down pillow can be a huge chore. You will deal with feather clumping, which is a complete pain to try and unravel once it’s occurred. Let’s not forget what happens when you let a load of laundry sit in your washer overnight – a down pillow will not only smell worse but may retain mold.
Con #2: Animal Cruelty: As we mentioned earlier, not all down is harvested humanely. While most manufacturers do hold to a voluntary standard, this is much harder to monitor and effectively manage when you are talking about overseas-based manufacturing.
Con #3: Allergic Reactions: While somewhat uncommon, some people are in fact allergic to goose/duck feathers. Because down is dense, they tend to collect bacteria and can cause allergies to flare up in people who may be sensitive to pollen, dust and other sinus irritants.
Con #4: They are Hot: Down pillows retain heat. If you have a down pillow today, you understand this fact because you probably flip your pillow at least once or twice per night during your slumber. Nobody wants to flip their pillow and interrupt a perfect night’s sleep – but the fact is you almost have to in order to stay comfortable.
2. Cotton Filled Pillows
Cotton filled pillows provide a very soft and gentle alternative to down pillow filling if you are someone that doesn’t care for the way a down pillow feels. Cotton filling also comes with both pros and cons of ownership.
There aren’t as many standards to stick to when you have a cotton pillow as there aren’t live animals used in production. This is a bonus if you are someone that adamantly disagrees with using animal products that could be considered somewhat controversial. Let’s look at the pros and cons in a little bit more detail.
Cotton Pillow Pros
There are a few reasons why a Cotton/Synthetic filled pillow makes a lot of sense. First and foremost, cotton pillows are typically Hypo-Allergenic. They also typically stay cooler when next to the skin, and are extremely easy to care for. We are going to look at each of these in more detail below.
Pro #1: Hypoallergenic: Cotton filled pillows are naturally hypo-allergenic. While the down that’s used inside down pillows usually has to go through some strict cleaning requirements, the down can still agitate the allergies of allergy sufferers. People that suffer from any type of feather allergy should stick to a cotton or other synthetic material for their pillows.
Pro #2: Temperature: Pillows filled with cotton naturally stay cool against the skin. They stay cooler longer than down and unlike other synthetic filling, are less likely to overheat. Cotton filled pillows make a great choice for people that can’t stand to have heat near them while they sleep.
Pro #3: Ease of Care: While you should always check the tags on your pillows for the care instructions, in most cases you can just toss cotton filled pillows in the wash. This makes caring for them exponentially easier than caring for other types of pillows, including down.
Pro #4: Firmer and Flatter than Down: Cotton pillows are both firmer and flatter than down pillows. The cotton can compress over time making them better suited for sleepers who sleep on their backs or their stomach from a comfort perspective. Down pillows can have more loft, making it less comfortable to support your neck and spinal structure.
Cons of Cotton Pillows
Just like every pillow, cotton filled pillows also have a few cons that go a long with them. While they are cheaper to replace than down pillows, they don’t last as long so you’ll be cycling through pillows faster than if you purchased a down pillow. Let’s take a look at some of the negatives.
Con #1: Too Firm: Over time, cotton can compress and start to feel very hard. They also heavier than other pillows, which contributes to the overall firmness. Because they are firm, they are less likely to shape to your neck, making them less comfortable overall for some sleepers. If you like a firm pillow, then cotton is a far better filler choice.
Con #2: Retains Moisture: Cotton is a fabric that absorbs moisture. As a result, the moisture can create a hospitable environment for mites or other types of fungus/molds to grow, which is not what you want. You’ll need to wash and dry your pillows appropriately, and you should always look to the manufacturer’s recommendation for care on the pillow.
Con #3: Does Not Conform To Your Body: Because cotton isn’t as soft as other types of filling, it doesn’t conform to your body as well. Some people do prefer this though, as it gives the pillow a firmer feel. If you like a soft pillow, stick with Down or even a latex/memory foam pillow as they tend to be softer than cotton.
Con #4: They Get Lumpy: Cotton tends to get lumpy over time. Down can do the same if not properly cared for, but it can happen more aggressively with cotton because of the moisture retention. You can help avoid this by making sure that you properly care for your pillow, and fluff/flip it regularly during use.
3. Polyester & Other Synthetic filled pillows
Polyester and other synthetically filled pillows are cheap to buy and cheap to replace. Just like each type of pillow we’ve looked at, synthetics have both positives and negatives as well. Synthetic fillers are also used in comforters and other types of bedding.
Manufacturers typically have their own quality standards and testing, and most brands manufactured and mass produced today are of superior quality than even 20 years ago. Synthetics have negatives as well, so we will look at each.
Synthetic Pillow Pros
Synthetics have several reasons why they are popular. Let’s start off with cost – they are cheap to buy and replace. Even though you will have to do it more often, it’s easy and cheap to do so. They are hypoallergenic and are usually pretty lightweight as well. Let’s dive in a little deeper to the benefits and drawbacks.
Pro #1: Hypoallergenic: Like cotton pillows, synthetics are hypoallergenic. The material used is usually lightweight and dries quickly, making them less hospitable for allergy causing bacteria or mites to find a place to call home. This also makes it so they can go a little longer in between cleanings.
Pro #2: Cost: Synthetic pillows are usually much cheaper to buy than cotton pillows or down pillows. The material doesn’t’ last as long so you’ll be buying more pillows but the reduction of cost will help you stomach that from an affordability factor.
Pro #3: They Dry Quickly: This makes cleaning your pillow easy – you don’t need to wait in most cases after washing your pillow. You can run it through the wash, and immediately run them through the dryer. The fact that these pillows dry quickly make them more resistant to bacteria and mites.
Pro #4: Support: Synthetic materials like polyester usually provide a good level of support. They don’t mash together over time and stay fluffier than cotton does as it clumps together. Side sleepers usually benefit the most from this as they typically like a fuller pillow.
Synthetic Pillow Cons
Synthetic pillows have several cons to go along with the pros, so it’s important to choose wisely when selecting the best pillow for your sleeping needs. Synthetic pillows tend to hold heat, contain chemicals with the material and have a longer break in period. Let’s look at the drawbacks in more detail.
Con #1: The Heat: Synthetic pillows hold heat. If you like to sleep on a cool pillow at night, you can pretty much rule out having a synthetic filled pillow. While they do breathe well compared to other pillows, the material locks in the heat from your body and face and doesn’t let it go until you flip sides.
Con #2: Chemical Sensitivity: If you are sensitive to chemicals, it may be a good idea to look at other pillows with different types of filling. Man made synthetics do tend to have higher concentrations of chemicals in the filler, so Down or cotton are usually better choices.
Con #3: Longevity: Cheaper pillows mean they don’t last long. Sure, you may get some good mileage out of a pillow if you take really good care of it, but the average shelf life of a synthetically filled pillow is 1-2 years. You should expect to replace them during that timeline.
Con #4: Uneven Wear & Break In: Cheaper synthetic materials can take longer to break in than down or cotton and can also wear unevenly. This causes “lumpy pillow” syndrome and can push you to getting a newer pillow sooner than you had initially expected to do so.
4. Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows have gained immensely in popularity over the last several years. Memory foam is usually molded to help contribute to excellent neck, back and spine support. This has become a popular option for both stomach and back sleepers that require a different type of support than side sleepers.
Memory foam is usually about the same price as a good cotton pillow or down pillow and is usually on the firmer side. Some sleepers need the firm pillow support to get adequate neck and back support for alignment. Memory foam pillows do contour well, but can be less supportive than down pillows.
Memory Foam Pros
Memory Foam Pillows have a few pros and a few cons. The pros are support, available shapes and contours, quick break in periods and more. Let’s dive in and look at the benefits of a good memory foam pillow in detail.
Pro #1: Shapes: Memory Foam Pillows come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This allows for a fully customizable sleeping experience. Memory foam pillows can be shaped to contour the neck, shaped thinly or even an ultra-thin layout which caters to back and stomach sleepers.
Pro #2: Support: Memory Foam gives great support for the contour or shape that they are made. They aren’t like a down pillow that is a “one size fits all” function – you need to specifically buy the memory foam pillow that has the shape you are looking for. This allows memory foam to be highly specialized, unlike other pillows.
Pro #3: Quick Break in Period: Memory foam usually has a break in period of 1-2 weeks. This is a much shorter timeframe than pillows and gets you to sleeping comfortably with your pillow in a quicker timeframe.
Pro #4: Firmness: Memory foam is notorious for being a firm pillow. As mentioned prior, this is more important for back and stomach sleepers to maintain appropriate neck and spinal support. It’s also critical for people who prefer a thinner pillow as having something that has a soft feel when it’s incredibly thin, would be basically like sleeping on an extra blanket or comforter.
Memory Foam Cons
Now that we’ve taken a look at the pros, let’s consider the cons. Memory foam, like any pillow material has some drawbacks. While we belive that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, let’s take a look at who should really be considering a foam pillow and why. Some of the cons include chemical smell, heat and durability.
Con #1: The Smell: Memory foam is a man made synthetic. It may have a smell when you get it home and first get it out of the package – there’s usually no way around it. What we suggest (specifically with our pillows as well) is that you take it out of the package, and air it out. Some people prefer to do this outside and report the smell goes away after a day in the fresh air.
Con #2: The Heat: Like other synthetics, memory foam isn’t particularly great at expelling heat from the pillow. Even if you buy a pillow that’s been permeated by holes (a common practice with memory foam), it’s still a dense material that will not expel heat as well as a down pillow. Most modern memory foam is getting better though at moving airflow, which does contribute for a better night’s sleep.
Con #3: The Durability: Memory Foam Pillows are not as durable as down pillows. They are lighter and they are specifically contoured to fit a certain shape. This doesn’t allow for a lot of pliability and pillows that are abused should expect to be replaced within a couple of years.
Con #4: The Cost: Memory Foam pillows can cost slightly more than other pillows. While they are usually on par with a good quality down pillow, they are more expensive than synthetic fiber filled pillows as well as pillows made from a cotton filling.
5. Latex Foam Pillows
Latex foam pillows are similar to memory foam pillows in that they come in all sizes and shapes of support. Latex pillows are a fantastic choice for people that love foam pillows and enjoy memory foam support but prefer to have something with a little bit more surface comfort.
Latex pillows have a little bit more “give” to them over memory foam, making them a great choice for anyone that’s in-between a foam pillow and a down pillow. Most latex infused foam is made naturally so you’ll also have a less likelihood of having a smelly pillow upon pulling it out of the box.
Latex Foam Pros
Like all the materials we’ve covered, Latex pillows have a few benefits over regular foam pillows, but also have a few drawbacks. Latex pillows typically have more durability than regular memory foam while providing a little bit more cushion.
Latex pillows are also manufactured with natural materials which is a big deal for some people that prefer to not deal with pillows that have been made with harsher chemicals. Let’s take a look at the pros in a bit more detail.
Pro #1: Surface Comfort: Latex foam pillows are usually reported by consumers to be more comfortable than memory foam. They provide the same neck and spine support as foam pillows do and are made in a similar fashion where they are cut to provide support for specific types of sleepers.
Pro #2: Cooler Pillows: People that prefer a cooler pillow may benefit from going the latex route. Latex has been engineered to have slightly more breathability in the material, making them have better airflow and retain less heat. Most modern memory foam pillows are catching up with their designs and getting closer to the coolness of Latex.
Pro #3: Durability: Latex has more give. It’s softer and more pliable than memory foam, making it an easier pillow to use and abuse without worrying about the shelf life. You can take a latex pillow pretty much anywhere and beat it down, and it’ll still have decent longevity.
Pro #4: Less Smelly: Latex foam is less smelly than memory foam. While we’d still recommend airing it out for a day or two, it may not be entirely necessary as most latex foam is made with natural materials and that usually prevents it from smelling too terrible out of the box.
Latex Foam Cons
So now that we’ve looked at the pros, let’s take a look at the cons. Latex foam pillows typically come with a lot of the same complaints that memory foam pillows do. Typically what you’ll find from anyone that’s complained about a latex pillow is a comment around the motion transfer or “bounciness” of the material.
While latex pillows usually have the pros outweigh the cons, let’s take a look at the drawbacks in more depth and find out if a latex pillow is a better fit for you.
Con #1: Motion Transfer: Latex pillows are softer and unlike regular memory foam, can move around when your partner or significant other is sleeping next to you in bed. Memory foam tends to be more stationery and allow you to go undisturbed, latex pillows by default do not have the same feel.
Con #2: People with a Latex Allergy Should Avoid Them: If you have a latex allergy, you can forget about using a latex foam pillow unless you want to trigger an allergic reaction. It’s just a bad idea. Even with a secure case, it’s not worth the risk of triggering a reaction.
Con #3: Latex is less moldable: Latex is pretty dense. While it’s still pliable and soft, it doesn’t necessarily mold to the contour of your neck or head like a memory foam pillow does. While they do stay cooler than traditional foam pillows, you can’t fold it over like you can a down or cotton filled pillow.
Con #4: The Smell: The smell is usually less invasive than a regular memory foam pillow, but the bottom line is that even when made from natural materials, there’s still a smell. This can be remedied by letting the pillow air out either outside or inside.
6. Buckwheat Pillows
Buckwheat pillows are one of the oldest yet newest pillow trends over the last few years. Japanese buckwheat pillows have been around for many years. Buckwheat is not a grain but rather similar to a seed and is a crop that has been around for generations.
Buckwheat is used in the alternative medicine world to treat many different ailments, and is also used in pillows! Buckwheat does provide support and is an interesting concept for anyone looking for a not so mainstream type of pillow.
Buckwheat Pillow Pros
Buckwheat pillows have a number of pros which include support, breathability, life span and material construction. Buckwheat pillows are generally a good choice for people that sleep on their side, as those who prefer to sleep on their backs or stomachs will find that the pillows may be too thick.
If you remove some of the buckwheat filling, the thinner content will spread out which will cause a sparsely filled pillow and a slightly less comfortable night’s sleep than if you went with a memory foam or latex foam pillow. With that now out of the way, these pillows are excellent options for side sleepers. Let’s look at why.
Pro #1: Support: Buckwheat pillows provide solid support for your neck and head. When you have a pillow that is filled with material like buckwheat, it molds around your neck and spinal column, making a very personalized sleeping experience.
Pro #2: Breathability: Buckwheat pillows stay cool. Because they aren’t made of material that retains heat, they keep your pillow much cooler than memory foam or synthetic fibers. The closest material you’ll find from a breathability standpoint is a down pillow, so if you are allergic to down – Buckwheat hull filled pillows are a great alternate option.
Pro #3: Life Span: Buckwheat hull pillows will last a long time. You can beat them up and they get more acclimated to you as a person. When the buckwheat hulls start to break down, they become more comfortable. This makes the buckwheat hull pillows an excellent travel companion as they can take years of abuse.
Pro #4: Natural Material Construction: Buckwheat isn’t man made. It’s a crop that’s grown and harvested. If you are someone that values having home goods products made out of material that only comes from the earth, the buckwheat hull pillow is a great option for you.
Buckwheat Pillow Cons
The positives outweigh the negatives with buckwheat, but let’s look at some of the drawbacks. Some people report that buckwheat hulls aren’t “fluffy” enough and that you can hear the buckwheat settle in as you start to use the pillow. Buckwheat hull pillows are also locked in tightly which means that you’ll get a lot of support. Some people like this, but some people want a little more “give” in their pillow.
Con #1: Not “Fluffy” Enough: Buckwheat hulls are tightly packed. With this being the case, it’s not really a fluffy pillow like you’d think of when considering a down pillow or even a cotton filled pillow. While that doesn’t mean you won’t get a solid amount of comfort out of it, it does mean that it’s just not quite as soft as other pillows.
Con #2: Crunchy Filling: As you settle in with your buckwheat hull pillow, you can expect to hear the crunching and grinding while you break it in. This isn’t a big deal for most people as it usually settles a bit after a couple weeks. Just expect that initially you might be woken up at night due to the rattling of the material inside the pillow.
Con #3: Too Much Support: Because buckwheat pillows are not “fluffy” you can expect to get the maximum support and firmness from a buckwheat hull pillow. This is both good and bad. Side sleepers that get a better night’s sleep with full support for their neck and spinal column may actually like this, but those that prefer a softer pillow won’t.
Con #4: Difficult to Clean: Unfortunately buckwheat can’t just be thrown in the wash. Typically you’ll need to dump the buckwheat contents of your pillow into another pillow case or bag, and then wash the shell that contains the buckwheat. If you get buckwheat wet it can be a hospitable environment for mold and other bacteria.
The Types of Sleepers and Their Pillows:
What type of sleeper are you? Do you sleep on your back, side or stomach? The founder of the Elite Rest Brand is a stomach sleeper. You can hear why he created some of the Elite Rest pillow brand in the video below.
The fact is that most sleepers fall into one of these three categories. Let’s take a look at each and what type of pillow typically fits the best with each sleeping position.
Side Sleepers (Fetal Position, Arms by the Side, and extended arms)
If you sleep on your side, you are part of 69% of sleepers that sleep like you do. This is the most common sleeping position. Typically side sleepers will benefit most from having a more supportive pillow. Having too little or too much support can cause neck, spinal and shoulder pain.
With too much support your head will be pushed further up at an angle that can cause discomfort. Too little support and your head will be going the opposite direction, also causing discomfort. For this reason, you should be looking for a pillow with just enough support to keep your neck and spinal column aligned perfectly straight as you sleep.
For side sleepers, down pillows are usually the top choice but memory foam, latex foam, cotton and synthetics are all becoming more frequently used. Any of the materials should do the trick for you as a matter of personal preference. What you should typically avoid is a “thinner” pillow as they may not provide you the support that you need.
Back Sleepers (Arms by your side, arms above your head)
Congrats Back Sleepers! You make up about 13% of a study that was conducted by the UK. If you sleep on your back, you typically need a little less support than your counterparts that sleep on their side. Too much support can put your head in an awkward position with your chin too close to your chest. Not enough support and your neck will strain to overcompensate.
Back sleepers typically do best with a thinner pillow. Typically this is a memory foam pillow (our Ultra Slim Sleeper is extremely popular with back sleepers). Latex foam is also another great option for back sleepers that will have a little bit more “give” than a thin memory foam pillow.
Usually down, buckwheat and cotton pillows are made to provide a premium level of neck support, so these choices typically aren’t best for a back sleeper. You’ll want to test to see what works, but we highly recommend memory foam and latex foam as options.
Stomach Sleepers: (arms above your head, at your side, under your pillow)
Stomach Sleepers – you make up the rest of the sleeping population. Stomach sleepers are in the same camp as back sleepers when it comes to pillow choices. Too much support and you’ll find that you suffer from some neck strain. Too little support and you’ll feel like you might as well be sleeping on another comforter.
We recommend that stomach sleepers try a firmer pillow, specifically a memory foam or latex foam pillow. Our slim sleeper gives more support than our ultra slim and is a very good option for a memory foam pillow. You don’t want to go too thin as a stomach sleeper as most people prefer to at least feel like there is a pillow there. We’d recommend staying around the 2.5 inch loft height for maximum comfort.
A Comprehensive Guide to The Top 15 Pillows:
Below you’ll find a more detailed breakdown of the 15 pillows we looked at in our comparison grid. We’ve broken down Cost, Pillow Size, Weight and more in each section. We’ve broken down the cost into three categories – budget, average and luxury. Budget is the cheapest, average is median in the industry and luxury priced pillows are top end pillows.
Top Pillows for Side Sleepers:
First we will take a look at the top pillows for side sleepers. Just as a reminder, side sleepers should typically look for a fuller and more supportive pillow. Let’s take a look at our top 5 choices and why we chose them.
#1: Elite Rest Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Specifications:
Length: 19.5 inches
Height: 6 inches
Weight: 3.5 Pounds
Cost: Average
The Elite Rest Shredded Memory Foam Pillow was designed for the side and back sleepers in mind, specifically for people looking for support that is more soft than a typical memory foam pillow. The pillow has no pressure points and durably conforms to your head/neck to provide optimal support. The pillow is not nearly as firm as a traditional memory foam pillow making this a great option for those that are typically looking for a down pillow.
The Elite Rest Shredded Memory Foam pillow is a solid choice for any side sleeper and with the Elite Rest 5 year product guarantee, there’s virtually no risk with giving it a test run.
>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE PRICES & RATINGS ON AMAZON.COM<<<
#2: Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Specifications:
Length: 30 inches (Queen Size)
Height: Adjustable
Weight: Adjustable
Cost: Average
The Coop Home Goods Premium adjustable loft pillow is a shredded memory foam pillow that’s hypoallergenic. Because the insides of the pillow are made as a shredded memory foam, it allows you to fully customize your sleeping experience. You can add or remove as much pillow filler as needed, which increases or decreases the height on the pillow as well as adjusts the weight.
The Coop Home Goods adjustable pillow is a top seller in the memory foam pillow industry and has a solid reputation. The Coop home goods guarantee is a 30 day refund guarantee, with a 5 year product warranty on all defects.
>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE PRICES & RATINGS ON AMAZON.COM<<<
#3: Snuggle Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Specifications:
Length: 17.2 Inches (Queen)
Height: 5.7 Inches
Weight: 3.5 Pounds
Cost: Average
The Snuggle Pedic Ultra Luxury Bamboo shredded memory foam pillow is filled with a shredded memory foam material. Snuggle Pedic does have a great warranty of 20 years and a 90 day no hassle refund guarantee. They will also customize your pillow after testing, so you can send it to them to have them make adjustments if the pillow is not fitted to your liking.
Snuggle Pedic makes their pillows in the USA and makes it a hard pillow to pass on due to the warranty and refund policy that they offer.
>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE PRICES & RATINGS ON AMAZON.COM<<<
#4: Extra Soft Down Filled Pillow by eLuxury Supply:
Specifications:
Length: 28.5 inches
Height: 7 inches
Weight: 1.2 Pounds
Cost: Luxury
The extra soft down pillow by eLuxury Supply is our top choice for a down pillow. The filling is composed of an 80% down and 20% feather blend designed to allow the pillow to breathe. The pillow is hypoallergenic (rare with down pillows) and the pillow boasts that it’s easily cared for.
eLuxury has a standard 30 day return policy like most pillow manufacturers.
>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE PRICES & RATINGS ON AMAZON.COM<<<
#5: Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers
Specifications:
Length: 22 Inches
Height: 4 inches
Weight: 3.6 pounds
Cost: Average
The Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow for side sleepers is a good option for folks that like a thinner pillow without sacrificing support. The 4 inch height is lower than most of our recommended side sleeper pillows, but due to the fact that it’s a memory foam pillow, you can expect more support than a down pillow or cotton filled pillow. It’s a firmer pillow, so if you need support then this is a great choice for you as a side sleeper.
The pillow is made in the USA, and the manufacturer doesn’t mention the logistics of the return policy.
>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE PRICES & RATINGS ON AMAZON.COM<<<
The Top Pillows for Back Sleepers:
Back sleepers unite! Typically back sleepers need a thinner pillow and just enough support to keep their head and spine well supported without going too much in either direction. Let’s take a look at our top 5 picks and the reasons why we chose them.
#1: Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow by Elite Rest
Specifications:
Length: 24 inches
Height: 2.5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Cost: Average
The Ultra Slim Sleeper is Elite Rest’s claim to fame. This pillow was manufactured by the founder of Elite Rest specifically to help back and stomach sleepers get a better night’s sleep. One of the top rated pillows on Amazon.com for back sleepers, this pillow gives you just enough support to help keep your neck and spinal structure well supported while sleeping on your back. It’s a firmer pillow with just enough softness to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Elite Rest offers a 5 year no questions asked refund/return policy. If at anytime during the next 5 years you are unsatisfied with your pillow, return it at no cost to you.
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#2: The Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow by Elite Rest
Specifications:
Length: 24 inches
Height: 3.1 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Cost: Average
The Slim Sleeper memory foam pillow is the perfect pillow for any back or stomach sleeper that needs just a little bit of additional loft. The Slim Sleeper is the original flagship pillow of Elite Rest. People that change positions during their sleep typically say that the Slim Sleeper suits them better than the Ultra Slim Sleeper.
The Slim Sleeper is backed by the same 5 year warranty as all Elite Rest pillows are. You get your money back no questions asked if you are unsatisfied with your pillow in a 5 year time frame – one of the top warranties/refund policies on the pillow market today, making a trial risk free.
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#3: The Slim Sleeper Natural Latex Foam Pillow by Elite Rest
Specifications:
Length: 24 inches
Height: 2.75 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Cost: Average
If you couldn’t tell, Elite Rest specializes in thin pillows. The founder is a stomach sleeper himself which is why he came up with the slimmer pillow design specifically to help stomach and back sleepers that prefer a thinner pillow. The Latex Slim Sleeper is almost as thin as the ultra slim sleeper. It’s about 2.75 inches thick, and the pillow has a little bit more “give” to it than the Ultra Slim Sleeper in Memory foam.
Most consumers that have purchased the Latex edition have said that it provides them with additional softness over most traditional memory foam models. This pillow is ideal for back sleepers that are looking to keep their neck and spine supported properly.
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#4: Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Specifications:
Length: 30 inches (Queen Size)
Height: Adjustable
Weight: Adjustable
Cost: Average
We featured the Coop Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow in our side sleeper section. Because of the fact that the pillow has an adjustable loft, it makes this pillow extremely versatile. While it does not specifically cater to the thinner pillow crowd, you can modify it by removing some of the foam to get a thinner overall pillow.
We’ve already covered the reputation as well as the Coop goods warranty – both are excellent making this pillow a solid choice for back sleepers as well.
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#5: Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Specifications:
Length: 24 inches
Height: 2.5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Cost: Average
Bluewave bedding has a thin specialty pillow that comes in at 2.5 inches. It’s the slimmest pillow of the group and it’s also made with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. It’s hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and dust mite resistant. They infused cooling gel with their memory foam to create a pillow that stays cooler than typical memory foam which is known to get hot.
The Bluewave thin pillow is a solid option if you are looking for an extremely thin pillow with a more firm support feel to it.
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Pillows for Stomach Sleepers:
Stomach sleepers can be a picky group of people! You want a pillow that’s not too thin but not too thick and something that won’t get too warm to wake you up at night. Usually you prefer softness over firmness, but the height of the pillow still plays an important part here. Let’s dig into our 5 favorites for Stomach Sleepers.
#1: Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow by Elite Rest
Specifications:
Length: 24 inches
Height: 2.5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Cost: Average
You might say we are a little biased here, but the Ultra Slim Sleeper is just that good. Stomach sleepers rave about the fact that you can sleep with your arm under the pillow without it getting squashed by the weight of a much thicker pillow.
The Ultra Slim Sleeper is a great pillow for back and stomach sleepers alike. You’ll get the firm support that your head and neck need to stay properly aligned along with the warranty and guarantee that ensures you’ll stay satisfied with your purchase for 5 years.
>>>CLICK HERE TO SEE PRICES & RATINGS ON AMAZON.COM<<<
#2: The Slim Sleeper Natural Latex Foam Pillow by Elite Rest
Specifications:
Length: 24 inches
Height: 2.75 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Cost: Average
Again we have a bias here because the Natural Latex Foam pillow we manufacture is extremely popular with stomach sleepers. It really comes down to what type of material you prefer the most – latex foam or memory foam. If you are a latex foam type of person that sleeps on their stomach, try the latex slim sleeper with virtually no risk to you.
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#3: Extreme Comforts Slim Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Specifications:
Length: 17 inches
Height: 5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Cost: Budget
Extreme Comforts makes a shredded thin memory foam pillow that’s quality. This pillow is double the size of the Latex Slim Sleeper and the Ultra Slim Sleeper by Elite Rest.
It’s backed by a 6 year warranty and a 30 day refund guarantee policy. Xtreme Comforts guarantees this pillow will never go flat, so if you are a stomach sleeper that prefers a little bit of extra loft, this is an excellent choice.
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#4: Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Specifications:
Length: 30 inches (Queen Size)
Height: Adjustable
Weight: Adjustable
Cost: Average
We featured the Coop Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow in our side sleeper section and our back sleeper section. It’s hard to go wrong with this pillow due to the fact that it’s adjustable.
The Ultra Slim Sleeper and Thin Latex Sleeper pillows will both give more firm support as they are not made of shredded foam, but the Coop Goods Shredded pillow has the distinct ability to be customized to your own sleeping habits, which is extremely valuable.
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#5: Downlite Extra Soft Down Pillow (Standard Sized)
Specifications:
Length: 26 Inches
Height: 6 Inches
Weight: 1 pound
Cost: Average
Downlite created a pillow that’s a little loftier than most others on our list, but because it’s soft and moldable, it makes it a great option for down pillow enthusiasts on a budget.
The pillows themselves are specifically designed for face or stomach sleepers and provide all the support that you need to ensure that your neck and spine are properly taken care of. This pillow does a great job of compressing once your head hits the pillow, making it one of the thinner down pillows on the market when in use.
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Conclusion – Helping you get a better night’s sleep:
We’ve covered a number of the top pillows on the market today and provided details/benefits of each. The nice thing about pillows shopping is that while most manufacturers want you to buy their products, the competition is so aggressive that most pillows can be tested risk free as companies become more secure in their brand and their followings.
Overall, you won’t go wrong with any of the picks on our list, no matter what your sleeping position is or how long you like to sleep for. All of these pillows offer premier support and comfort while ensuring that you’ll be satisfied with your purchase over the long haul.
