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Memory foam pillows conform to the head and neck, offering supportive sleep that changes with a person’s sleep position.
People choose memory foam products for a variety of reasons. For example, some individuals like the soft cushioning that memory foam offers.
Moreover, the best memory foam pillow may make sleep more comfortable without triggering back or neck pain.
A quick look at the best memory foam pillows of 2022
- Best cooling: TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
- Best for combination sleepers: Leesa Premium Foam Pillow
- Best low cost: Ikea Ergonomic Pillow
- Best eco-friendly: Coop Home Goods Adjustable Original Pillow
- Best for allergies: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
- Best supportive: Nectar Graphite Pillow
- Best for side sleepers: DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow
- Best for stomach sleepers: Casper Foam Pillow – Low Loft
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness: MNT selects mattresses available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best cooling: TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
The TEMPUR-Cloud pillow contains internal cooling gel on both sides to help prevent overheating.
The company says the pillow is cooler than traditional foam options. This may suit people prone to sleeping hot or those who experience night sweats.
Learn about more cooling pillows options here.
The pillow comes with these features:
- removable cotton quilted cover
- adaptive support for all sleep positions
- free shipping
- 5-year warranty
The pillow offers medium support, and the removable cotton cover is machine washable.
The TEMPUR-Cloud pillow is available in queen and king sizes and costs $199–239.
Learn more about Tempur-Pedic pillows here.
Pros
- supports all sleeping positions
- may suit people who have night sweats
- helps reduce neck pain and headaches
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- relatively high cost
- may be too firm for some people
- cooling sensation may not last
Best for combination sleepers: Leesa Premium Foam Pillow
This premium memory foam pillow by Leesa may offer firm support for the head and neck.
Reviewers say the pillow works well for all sleeping positions, including combination sleepers who switch positions throughout the night.
Learn about the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
The cover is washable and breathable, and the foam contains cooling chambers to prevent overheating.
The Leesa pillow also comes with:
- 30-day in-home trial
- 1-year limited warranty
The Leesa Premium Foam Pillow is available in two sizes, standard and king. It costs $89-109.
Learn about Leesa mattresses here.
Pros
- supports any sleeping position
- available in two sizes
- company offers 30-day home trial
Cons
- may lose firmness over time
- customer service may not be very helpful
- may be too stiff for some sleepers
Best low cost: Ikea Ergonomic Pillow
The Ikea Ergonomic Pillow is low cost in comparison with many other memory foam pillows.
This pillow features a slight curve to support the neck and head.
The solid foam core offers firm support that may be suitable for side sleepers with neck pain.
This ergonomic pillow also features:
- a machine-washable cover
- moisture-wicking fabric
- a 236 thread count
The pillow is smaller than standard pillows, measuring 13 x 20 x 4 inches. Some reviewers note that the pillow is too small to fit standard pillowcases.
Ikea sells this memory foam pillow for $21.99.
Pros
- machine-washable cover
- soft fabric
- suitable for traveling
Cons
- may be too soft for some
- may not provide enough support for some
- may give off an unpleasant smell
Best adjustable: Coop Home Goods Adjustable Original Pillow
This pillow uses shredded foam, offering the support of traditional foam but in a customizable form. To adjust the pillow, remove some foam for a lower, less supportive pillow.
Learn about adjustable mattresses here.
The pillow boasts a CertiPUR certification. It comes with a 100-night home trial and a 5-year warranty.
The company says this pillow is ideal for people who prefer firm pillows and sleep on their sides or backs.
Reviewers say that shredded foam does not retain heat as much as traditional memory foam.
The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Original Pillow is available in queen and king sizes, costing $72-78.
Learn more about Coop pillows here.
Pros
- breathable design
- comes with additional filling to adjust if needed
- suitable for light sleepers
Cons
- may have an unpleasant smell
- foam may not be consistent
Best for allergies: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding’s memory foam pillow may suit people who experience allergies. It features an antimicrobial material designed to resist allergens, bacteria, and dust mites.
Learn about the best hypoallergenic pillows here.
The pillow has a circular knit cover that the manufacturer says provides breathability. It is medium-firm and available in low or high loft versions.
The company offers a 30-day return policy and a 3-year warranty on pillows.
Brooklyn Bedding states that this pillow suits all sleeping positions.
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is available in queen and king sizes, costing $129-149.
Pros
- may be suitable for those with allergies
- machine-washable cover
- breathable design
- responsive contouring
Cons
- may be too soft for some sleepers
- slippery — may easily slide out of the case
Best supportive: Nectar Graphite Pillow
This pillow by Nectar comes with a gusset designed to cradle the head and neck for support. It’s also infused with graphite to offer a cooling effect.
The company recommends this bedding product for all sleepers.
Individuals can clean the pillow with water and mild soap and let it air dry. The pillow is not machine washable, however.
Customers receive a 5-year warranty, a 50-night home trial, and free shipping and returns.
The Nectar Graphite Pillow is available in standard and king sizes, costing $105-110.
Learn more about Nectar pillows here.
Pros
- designed to offer head and neck support
- antimicrobial material
- the company offers a 50-night home trial
Cons
- not machine washable (spot clean only)
Best for side sleepers: DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow
DreamCloud’s pillow is made with gel-infused memory foam, offering a cushion-like feel. It has a removable cover for easy cleaning.
The company says it provides full neck support and helps keep the body cool during sleep.
Customer reviews suggest that this pillow is suitable for side sleepers.
Learn about the best pillows for side sleepers here.
The manufacturer offers free shipping, a 50-night risk-free trial, and a lifetime warranty.
The DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow is available in standard size and costs $99.
Learn about Dreamcloud mattresses here.
Pros
- may be suitable for hot sleepers
- said to return to its shape after every use
- comes with a 50-night trial
- best warranty
Cons
- cover is not machine-washable
- not budget-friendly
Best for stomach sleepers: Casper Foam Pillow – Low Loft
Casper’s foam pillow features a combination of low-and high-density foams. It has a low loft, meaning it is relatively flat. This may make it suitable for stomach sleepers.
Learn about the best pillows for stomach sleepers here.
The three foam layers are also may help align the neck during sleep. The foam is also perforated, meaning it has tiny holes that offer breathability to keep the body cool during sleep.
Casper offers a 30-night risk-free trial, a 1-year limited warranty, and free shipping.
The Casper Foam Pillow – Low Loft is available in standard and king size, costing $89-119.
Learn more about Casper pillows here.
Pros
- home trial for 30 days
- prevents overheating
- relieves neck pain
- keeps its shape after use
Cons
- may be too firm for some people
- can be heavy
The table below compares the features of the best memory foam pillows in this article:
| Price | Sizes | Best for | Sleeping positions | Sleep trial | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEMPUR-Cloud | $199–239 | queen, king | cooling | all | none | 5-year |
| Leesa | $89-109 | standard, king | combination sleepers | all | 30-day | 1-year |
| Ikea | $21.99 | 13 x 20 x 4 in | low cost | side and back sleepers | not available | not available |
| Coop Home Goods | $72-78 | queen, king | eco-friendly | side and back sleepers | 100-night | 5-year |
| Brooklyn Bedding | $129-149 | queen, king | allergies | side, back, and stomach sleepers | 30 days | 3-year |
| Nectar | $105-110 | standard, king | support | all | 50-night | 5-year |
| Dream Cloud | $99 | standard | side sleepers | side sleepers | 50-night | lifetime |
| Casper | $89-119 | standard, king | stomach sleepers | stomach sleepers | 30-night | 1-year |
Some things to look for when shopping for a memory foam pillow include:
- Toxic chemical certifications: Some memory foam pillows have earned the CertiPUR-US designation, which indicates they are nontoxic and free from many harmful chemicals. Learn about nontoxic mattresses here.
- Support: The size and shape of a pillow and the amount of foam it contains can affect how supportive it is. People who want more support might choose a thicker, wider pillow.
- Cover and materials: Some people prefer organic or washable covers. Check to ensure the cover is removable and safe to wash before buying.
- Price: Less expensive memory foam pillows may be a better option for those who are unsure whether they like memory foam. However, these pillows might not last as long and may not carry organic or CertiPUR-US certifications.
- Warranty and in-home trial: Especially for more expensive pillows, a warranty or an in-home trial can help a person save money if the pillow is not a good fit for their needs.
People can choose to shop for memory foam pillows online or in-store.
Individuals may prefer to shop online for convenience and the possibility to view a wider variety of products at once. However, a person should consider checking warranty and returns policies if the product does not meet their expectations when it arrives.
A person may prefer to shop in-store so they can feel how firm and supportive a pillow is before buying it. They may also find it easier to determine which pillow size they prefer. However, rural areas may have a smaller range of stores and products to choose from.
Before a person buys a memory foam pillow, it may be helpful to review the materials it uses.
Memory foam is made from polyurethane and other chemicals affecting weight and density. This material gives memory foam its ability to conform to a person’s shape and rebound when it moves.
Memory foam has limited airflow because it is a dense material. Therefore, some memory foam pillows may retain more heat than pillows using other materials. However, some manufacturers offer memory foam pillows designed to be cooler.
Some memory foam pillows contain internal cooling gel, which may suit people who tend to get hot during sleep.
Memory foam can also be shredded before use in pillows, improving airflow.
Individuals may wish to purchase a memory foam pillow with a CertiPUR-US designation. The nonprofit organization that runs the CertiPUR-USprogram uses independent certified laboratories to analyze foams and certify that they are not made with and do not contain dangerous materials.
Possible health risks
Some advocates argue that memory foam may contain volatile organic compounds. These chemicals may be harmful to a person’s health, increasing their risk of cancer and leading to other health issues.
There is no conclusive scientific evidence that memory foam is dangerous. However, people who worry about toxic chemicals may want to choose a pillow that is certified as being free of such chemicals.
Memory foam pillows sometimes feel hot, especially for people who sweat in their sleep.
Some options to consider instead of memory foam pillows include:
- Adjustable pillows: Adjustable pillows come with removable inserts, often containing different materials, to adapt to a person’s comfort level. Buckwheat pillows are an example of adjustable pillows.
- Down pillows: Down pillows offer plush support, and individuals can fluff or move the pillows to adjust their level of support and the pillow’s height. Learn more about down pillows here.
- Hybrid pillows: Some pillows use a combination of memory foam and other fillers, such as gel or down. These pillows offer high support but may feel plusher or offer cooling benefits.
People may also want to consider a memory foam mattress or mattress topper.
A memory foam pillow is not a medical device and will not treat any underlying medical condition.
A person should consult a doctor if they:
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about memory pillows.
Are memory foam pillows bad for your neck?
A pillow’s most important
A memory foam pillow that is the right height for a person’s size and sleeping style can benefit the neck.
Are memory foam pillows good for side sleepers?
To enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep, a side sleeper needs a pillow that can keep their head and neck in a neutral alignment. This can mean a thicker pillow, particularly for people with broader shoulders.
Some side sleepers may find the firmness of a memory foam pillow very helpful.
How long does it take to get used to a memory foam pillow?
Memory foam pillows gradually mold around an individual’s body. They might seem very firm, especially when a person first puts their head on the pillow and if they sleep in a cold room.
However, since memory foam responds to heat and pressure, a memory foam pillow will adapt to a person’s body as they lie on it.
Some individuals may want to soften their pillows more quickly each night with an electric blanket, a heating pad, or by applying pressure. People get used to them after a few weeks of sleeping on them.
A memory foam pillow offers an alternative to traditional pillows, molding to a person’s body and preferred sleeping position.
As with most pillows, it helps to try the pillow first and compare how a person feels after using it a few times.