Top Memory Foam Pillows Reviewed and Ranked for Your Best Sleep Experience

Selecting the right pillow tailored to your individual sleep needs and body shape is almost as crucial as finding the right mattress. Imagine spending around eight hours each night resting your head on this one item – it’s no surprise that the pillow you choose plays a significant role in your sleep quality and overall health.

Memory foam pillows have become a popular choice for many because they hold their form well and offer excellent support to your upper body. They help relieve discomfort, promote proper spinal alignment, and can even help regulate temperature to keep you cool through the night. These qualities make memory foam pillows a favorite, regardless of your preferred sleep position.

Memory foam pillows function by filling in the spaces around your head and neck, helping to align your spine properly during sleep. A well-aligned spine is essential not only for restful nights but also for maintaining overall health, reducing muscle soreness, and minimizing aches caused by pressure points.

Experts in sleep and spine health emphasize that the right pillow should support your head and neck without pushing them out of alignment. This reduces stress on muscles and ligaments, improving your comfort and potentially lowering the risk of chronic pain. Whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper, choosing a pillow that suits your sleep style can drastically improve your sleep quality and energy during the day.

Not all memory foam pillows are made the same. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide which type might be best suited for you:

• Traditional memory foam pillows are made from a solid piece of foam that molds to your head and neck, offering contouring support. They’re particularly beneficial for anyone who experiences neck or back pain, though some lower-quality versions can trap heat. If you’re prone to overheating, consider models with built-in cooling technology.

• Shredded memory foam pillows contain small foam pieces that provide adjustable loft and breathability, allowing more airflow than solid blocks. This makes them a great choice if you like customizing your pillow thickness to find your perfect fit.

• Gel-infused pillows combine memory foam with cooling gel to dissipate heat and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night, ideal for hot sleepers.

• Hypoallergenic memory foam options are treated to resist allergens such as dust mites and mold, perfect for those with sensitivities or allergies.

• Wedge-style pillows elevate your upper body significantly and can offer relief for health issues like acid reflux, heartburn, or sleep apnea.

Just as a mattress needs to suit your sleeping style, the pillow you choose should align with how you sleep at night. Your sleeping posture determines the pillow height (loft) and firmness you require to maintain natural spinal alignment.

Stomach sleepers often benefit from a low-profile pillow, typically under four inches, to prevent neck strain by keeping the head close to the mattress.

Side sleepers generally need a higher, firmer pillow—around five inches or more—to fill the gap between the mattress and neck, ensuring spine alignment and reducing discomfort.

Back sleepers usually do well with a low to medium loft pillow (four to five inches) that cradles the head without over-flexing or extending the neck, which can cause pain or compression sensations.

If you tend to change positions throughout the night, a medium-loft pillow designed for versatility offers a balanced level of support to accommodate your movements.

Firmness should complement your sleep position: softer or medium pillows work well for back and stomach sleepers to gently support the neck, while side sleepers might prefer firmer pillows to prevent sinking and ensure proper support.

Cleaning can be a practical concern. Most memory foam pillows require spot- or surface-cleaning, but many come with removable, machine-washable covers for convenience and hygiene. If ease of washing is a priority for you, seek out pillows with washable components.

Because pillows are a highly personal purchase, a generous return policy or in-home trial can make all the difference. Some brands offer risk-free trial periods allowing you to test the pillow for several weeks at home, increasing your confidence in the investment.

Pricing varies widely from affordable options under $50 to premium models exceeding $125. Midrange choices typically fall between $75 and $100, offering a balance of quality and value. Consider what fits your budget while still delivering comfort and durability.

After extensive research and testing, a few models stand out for their comfort, support, cooling features, and value.

Best Overall: Saatva's Cloud Memory Foam Pillow combines shredded gel-infused memory foam with latex foam for a supportive yet soft feel suitable for all sleep styles. Its organic cotton cover is removable and easy to wash, and it offers a reassuring 45-day risk-free trial. This pillow holds shape well over time and works especially well for side sleepers with its loft of seven inches.

Best for Stomach and Back Sleepers: Tempur-Pedic's Tempur-Cloud Pillow features a solid piece of proprietary Tempur material that offers soft responsiveness and excellent cooling. Its low five-inch profile suits stomach and back sleepers perfectly. Though it can’t be returned once opened, it comes with a five-year repair or replace warranty. Its compressibility makes it travel-friendly, packing down smaller than expected.

Best for Side Sleepers: My Sheets Rock Cooler Memory Foam Pillow provides firm, supportive comfort thanks to its solid memory foam core with built-in cooling gel pads. With a six-inch loft, it fills the space from head to shoulder perfectly. It also features a removable bamboo rayon cover that fights odors and wicks moisture, along with a generous 90-day sleep trial. Initial off-gassing may occur but dissipates quickly.

Best Budget Buy: Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow offers a unique copper-infused foam core combined with a phase-changing fabric cover to keep you cool and comfortable. It has a firm feel with good responsiveness and natural antimicrobial properties. When regularly on sale, it represents excellent value alongside free shipping and a 100-night trial.

Most Comfortable Option: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow uses a copper-infused memory foam core and a phase-changing cover for superior temperature regulation and support. It comes in both low and high loft versions to suit back, stomach, and side sleepers. Despite a shorter 30-day trial, its comfort and cooling features make it a strong contender for those seeking premium quality.

While memory foam pillows provide excellent support and comfort, they do come with a few drawbacks. Traditional memory foam often retains heat and lacks the breathability of materials like latex or down, which can contribute to discomfort from overheating. To address this, look for models with cooling gel infusions or breathable covers designed to regulate temperature.

Off-gassing is another common issue, where new pillows emit odors due to manufacturing chemicals. Although this can be off-putting, the smell typically fades within a few days if the pillow is aired out properly before use.

Memory foam pillows are generally denser and heavier than other types, which might feel cumbersome if you frequently shift your pillow during sleep.

Finally, memory foam tends to cost more than traditional fiberfill or down pillows, especially premium versions that include advanced cooling or hypoallergenic features. Considering your budget and prioritizing features most important to your comfort will help ensure you make the best choice.

Most memory foam pillows are not designed for full machine washing since water can damage the foam’s structure. Instead, the recommended cleaning method is spot-cleaning with a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Use a damp cloth rather than soaking the pillow, gently blotting stains from the outer edges inward to avoid spreading.

Many pillows come with removable, machine-washable covers, which should be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions regularly to keep your sleep environment fresh and hygienic.

For deeper cleaning, you can occasionally air out your pillow in sunlight to reduce moisture and odors, but avoid prolonged exposure that could degrade the foam.

Proper care not only extends your pillow’s lifespan but also helps maintain its supportive qualities, ensuring you continue to experience restful nights.