The Best Pillows, According to Extensive Testing

Fill: Adjustable blend of memory foam and polyester down alternative | Outer cover: Polyester/rayon blend | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Queen, King

This pillow is filled with a blend of memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters to create an ideal balance between plush and firm. Because the height is adjustable by removing or adding fill, it's comfortable and supportive for all sleeping positions. It even outperformed dozens of other pillows, including ones significantly more expensive.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "Once I found the right height for me, it became my go-to pillow. I love that it's cushy while still offering enough support for side sleeping. We have had over 10 different sleepers test this pillow and they all said they prefer it over their previous pillows." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Testers unanimously said it helped improve their sleep quality: Our panel of at-home testers gave it high scores across the board, each one saying it was better than the pillows they had previously used and that it helped improve their sleep quality. One tester described it by saying, "It wraps around my head and I sink into it," while another told us she was "able to comfortably switch from side to back to stomach and still feel supported and comfortable." Multiple GH analysts choose to sleep on this pillow each night!

✔️ It maintains its shape after use: One of the most impressive aspects of this pillow is that it immediately bounced back to shape during our Lab's pressure tests, which means you can expect it to hold up to regular use.

✔️ The entire pillow (fill and cover) is machine washable: Unlike most shredded memory foam pillows, this pillow is entirely machine washable — yes, both the cover and the fill. It showed no signs of shrinkage after being washed and dried five times. The cover pilled a bit after laundering and with continued use, which is common with a polyester/rayon fabric blend.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow

Fill: Polyester down alternative | Outer cover: Cotton | Firmness: Soft | Sizes: Queen, King

This pillow is an Amazon best-seller and I can confirm that it lives up to the hype based on our extensive tests — and it costs about $30 per pillow. Though it's a basic pillow that may not be quite as luxurious as other models, it performed exceptionally well and costs a fraction of the price of others. And while most inexpensive pillows use entirely synthetic materials, this one uses a 100% cotton outer cover for an elevated look and feel.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "When I unboxed these pillows in Lab, I thought they'd cost triple the price based on their luxe look. Down alternative pillows tend to go flat quickly, but these kept their shape after pressure tests. Plus, they are very easy to clean." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Soft, fluffy fill stayed evenly distributed: Users agreed it was soft and fluffy — good for stomach and back sleepers or anyone who loves a plush pillow. They especially liked how well the fill stayed evenly spread out without clumping.

✔️ Designed for back and stomach sleepers: The feedback on support was mixed; several testers praised its support with one saying, "The down alternative filling is so fluffy and cushiony, yet still supportive." On the other hand, some said it felt too flat to be supportive enough for their needs. It was more well-liked by combination sleepers — i.e., people who switch between sleeping on their stomachs, backs and sides — than those who are strictly side sleepers. "The outer material is amazingly soft and looks so luxurious," noted one tester.

✔️ Sold in a set of two: During our pressure tests, the pillow maintained its shape without flattening out. It fits perfectly in a Standard size pillowcase. Because it's sold in a set of two, this pick is ideal to outfit a guest bed.

✔️ Washed well in Lab tests: It uses a down-alternative fill, which is great for easy care (it's machine washable and dryer safe!) at a lower cost. Our evaluations showed minimal shrinkage after five wash and dry cycles, though it did show some loose threads and puckering.

Fill: Memory foam | Outer cover: Polyester | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Standard

A game-changer for side sleepers who struggle to find the perfect alignment, this pillow's unique shape doesn't taper off like a traditional pillow and instead fills the gap between your shoulder and neck. The pillow itself is 5 inches tall, which is recommended for those 5'3" to 6'4" in height. And if you're a hot sleeper, check out the Ice Cube version of this pillow, which has an outer cover with a cool-to-the-touch feel.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "I noticed an immediate improvement in my neck alignment when I started sleeping on this pillow. Because it doesn't fit properly in my pillowcases, I don't like how it looks on my bed aesthetically. Function wise, it's great for side sleeping." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Innovative shape provides top-notch neck support: Our reviewers were amazed by how much the Side Cube improved their alignment. One said, "It perfectly holds up my head," while another said, "My neck is totally supported." It was best suited for true side sleepers in our tests — i.e., not for those who change position while they sleep — because it felt too tall for users when lying on their stomachs or backs.

✔️ Responsive foam: The foam returned to its original shape quickly after weights were applied and removed. Testers also agreed that the pillow maintained its shape well after sleeping on it. This pillow is only sold in one size, which fits in a Standard size pillowcase, but stuck out a bit at the end. The brand also sells a stretchy pillowcase made of polyester and spandex that's ultra soft and perfectly fits this pillow.

✔️ The cover showed some wear post-laundering: Because this pillow is made with solid foam, only the cover is washable, but not dryer safe. The brand recommends hanging the cover to dry. After laundering tests, the cover didn't shrink, but it did show some signs of wear with pills and fuzziness.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Pillow Cube

Fill: Adjustable blend of memory foam clusters and kapok fibers | Outer cover: Polyester/viscose blend | Firmness: Medium-plush | Sizes: Queen, King

This pillow is my personal favorite as a combination sleeper who enjoys soft bedding because it's both plush and supportive. It's filled with an innovative blend of shredded memory foam and soft, fluffy kapok. Due to its adjustable design and softer feel, it's especially good for stomach and back sleepers since a too-firm or too-high pillow can cause the neck to tilt in these positions.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "Kapok is a natural fiber that's similar to cotton, but silkier. It's a great natural option compared to traditional down alternative fill, which is polyester." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Testers gave it perfect comfort and support ratings: This one's a reviewer favorite and earned exceptionally high ratings during our sleep tests. Our testers gave it perfect scores for comfort, support and overall satisfaction, plus they said it kept its shape and had them waking up without feeling sore. A reviewer told us that she was able to stop using two pillows by switching to this one, while another summarized, "I like the softness, how supportive it feels and how it is moldable."

✔️ Plush yet supportive fill maintained its shape: Even though it's fairly plush, it easily bounced back to shape after we applied weights in our tests to mimic a head lying on it overnight. Just note that because the pillow uses a grey pattern on its outer cover, it can be visible through some white pillowcases.

✔️ Cumbersome care instructions: To wash the pillow cover, you have to remove all of the fill first and put it in a separate container. This step is cumbersome and challenging, so we recommend pairing this pillow with a pillow protector to keep it in great long-term condition.

Fill: Foam | Outer cover: Polyamide/polyester blend | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Standard, King

Tuft & Needle uses solid foam instead of foam clusters for a more supportive surface, and it has ventilated holes to make it breathable along with graphite and cooling gel to help prevent overheating. The brand describes the feel as "squishy while remaining supportive," and I fully agree based on our evaluations. The responsive foam is good for side sleepers with smaller frames or back sleepers because it's not too firm and has a lower height.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "Memory foam holds onto heat, which can make you feel sweaty if you're a hot sleeper. This pillow is perforated with holes and has cooling gel to help dissipate heat." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Sleep testers appreciated the stable support: This was a top-rated pillow among our sleep testers, who gave it perfect scores for comfort and keeping its shape. Plus, our reviewers unanimously said it felt like an upgrade from the pillows they had previously used.

✔️ Great balance of firmness: Its praise included comments like, "This pillow was firm enough that it kept its shape, but felt overall soft," and "It was comfortable in multiple sleeping positions and the perfect level of firmness."

✔️ Top-performing foam: In Lab evaluations, it aced our pressure tests; the foam bounced back to shape immediately after we removed the weights. It fit fairly well into a pillowcase, but it's a bit smaller than other pillows so the fit was slightly loose.

✔️ Machine washable cover: Only the cover is machine washable, but it laundered well without any shrinkage in our tests. Note the cover is not dryer-safe, so you must hang it up to dry.

RELATED: The Best Memory Foam Pillows

Fill: Polyester down alternative | Outer cover: Polyester microfiber | Firmness: Soft, Medium | Sizes: Standard, King

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, this Amazon-brand pillow is your best bet. It's sold in pairs and outperformed other styles on the market that cost over triple the price.

The pillow comes in two firmness levels, and the softer one is better for stomach or back sleepers. It's also perfect for kids who need a lower profile to match their smaller frames. In fact, it's the pillow I purchased for my own kids, and it has held up well to years of use. The medium one is designed for side and back sleepers, though it may not feel sturdy enough for larger frames that need more support.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "These have been my must-have guest pillows for years, and my guests have only had positive things to say about them. And since they're machine washable and dryer-safe, I can easily clean them between stays." — Amanda Constantine, Home and Apparel Reviews Analyst

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Plush, fluffy feel: Users told us they especially enjoyed how soft this pillow felt, with one saying, "I like how fluffy this pillow is and how well it maintains shape after continued use." Though some wished it were taller and denser, they gave it good scores for allowing them to wake up without soreness.

✔️ It performed decently well in our pressure tests. When weights were applied and then removed, it took a bit of time for the pillow to return to its original shape.

✔️ Aced Lab laundry tests: Even though the polyester down-alternative fill helps it cost less, we found it held up well to washing so you can clean your pillow without worrying that it'll fall apart.

RELATED: The Best Pillows to Buy on Amazon

Fill: Latex and breathable elastic grid | Outer cover: Nylon mesh | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Standard, King (with Low, Medium and Tall)

I've tried out many pillows over the years, and nothing feels like this one: It has Talalay latex on the inside that's surrounded by Purple's signature elastic grid material, which feels equally soft and supportive. Though it's expensive, it also comes in three heights to fit a range of body types and sleep positions.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "I've been struggling with neck and shoulder pain for months, and this pillow has helped greatly in alleviating that pain. There's truly nothing like this pillow. I love how supportive and breathable the GelFlex Grid is and like how easy it is to wash and maintain." — Grace Wu, Textiles Product Reviews Analyst

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Hot sleepers applauded its breathability: Our at-home reviewers praised its support, shape retention and breathability, with each one highlighting the fact that it stayed cool all night long. They also agreed that they wanted to continue using it after the test. One tester summarized it by saying, "I stayed cool all night and the texture of the pillow was very soft and supportive."

✔️ Bouncy latex offers ultimate neck support: One tester with chronic back pain said this is her new go-to pillow. She added, "I don't think there is such a thing as a magic pillow for back pain, but this one was supportive while also being really soft."

✔️ The latex core maintained its shape: The internal latex core bounced back to shape perfectly in our Lab evaluations, even after weights were left on top for eight hours.

✔️ Unique cover material washed well: The cover includes the brand's signature elastic grid and is entirely machine washable. After laundering five times, the cover looked nearly as good as new with no shrinkage and no noticeable changes in appearance. Note the cover is not dryer-safe and must be laid flat to dry.

RELATED: The Best Hotel-Quality Pillows

Fill: Polyester down alternative | Outer cover: Viscose with cooling Outlast technology | Firmness: Soft/Medium, Medium/Firm | Sizes: Standard, King

This down-alternative pillow stands out for its temperature-regulating cover. It's made with Outlast viscose, a phase-change material that stores and releases body heat to prevent hot sleepers from overheating while you sleep. Unlike other cooling pillows that feel initially cool to the touch, we found that this one works all night long to help keep you at a comfortable temperature.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "You really have to feel this pillow to believe the cooling effect. Outlast is a reputable cooling technology that was originally developed by NASA." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Phase change material kept testers cool: Hot sleepers unanimously said this pillow kept them at a comfortable body temperature all night. They also gave it high marks for overall comfort while sleeping and keeping its shape during use. One tester told us, "I was very skeptical about the cooling claims of the pillow and was so pleased to find them to be true! The pillow never became hot like my own pillows do."

✔️ Down alternative fill kept its shape: This pillow aced our pressure tests, immediately returning to its original shape in under one second after we removed the weights. This pillow fits well in a Standard-size pillowcase, but its blue color may be visible through white cases.

✔️ Durable pillow held up to laundering: It's easy to keep this down-alternative pillow fresh as it is entirely machine washable and dryer-safe. It held up beautifully to continued laundering. The durable material didn't show any shrinkage.

RELATED: The Best Cooling Pillows

Fill: Down | Outer cover: Cotton | Firmness: Soft, Medium, Firm | Sizes: Standard, King

For those who prefer real down, this indulgent pick outperformed all other down pillows in our test. The medium-density version was well-loved in our tests, but it's also available in soft and firm options (firmer options are more expensive). On top of that, we loved the luxe feel of its cotton sateen outer cover.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "I usually find down pillows too flat, but this one kept its shape. I prefer the firm density because I always sleep on my side. I use the brand's down side sleeper pillow too." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Fluffy down clusters and feathers: Testers praised the pillow's softness and gave it perfect scores for comfort and overall satisfaction. One even described it as "absolutely dreamy" and feeling "like a marshmallow." They also gave this pillow high marks for support and staying at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

✔️ Sturdy fill compared to most down pillows: Down pillows tend to feel flat, but this one has a sturdy fill that maintained its shape after pressure tests in our Lab. Double stitching around the hem helps ensure the down doesn't poke through during use.

✔️ Simple at-home care instructions: Many down pillows are dry clean only, but you don't need to worry about special care instructions with this pillow — it's machine washable and dryer-safe. We found it held up to repeated washings without showing signs of wear.

RELATED: The Best Down Pillows

Fill: Memory foam | Outer cover: Polyester | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Small, Medium, Large

If you need a firmer pillow or a supportive shape to help alleviate neck discomfort, this is the pillow for you. It's been on the market for years and has stood the test of time, thanks to its solid memory foam that's ergonomically designed to give back and side sleepers proper alignment. Unlike most other pillows, the shape is contoured to fit the curve of your head, neck and shoulders. It's available in small, medium and large sizes, each with different heights.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "After sleeping on this pillow for a few weeks, I noticed less soreness in the morning as it kept my head properly aligned. Although the firm foam is great for support, I didn't find it very comfy." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Unparalleled firm neck support: Testers who prefer firm pillows told us this one felt supportive and great to lie on. "It fit around my neck and shoulder perfectly," said one. Another tester called out how it sinks in very slowly to mold to individual shapes. Just note that it's much firmer than other pillows on our list, so it's not ideal for everyone.

✔️ Pressure-resistant contoured foam: The firm foam held up well in our pressure tests, maintaining its shape after weights were applied. But, it did take a bit of time to return to its original shape. Because of it's innovative design and smaller size, it fits awkwardly in a pillowcase.

✔️ The cover is hang dry only: The solid foam core cannot be washed, but the cover is removable and machine washable. However, the cover is not dryer-safe and the brand recommends hanging it to dry.

RELATED: The Best Pillows For Neck Pain

Fill: Adjustable shredded latex | Outer cover: Organic cotton | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Standard, Queen, King

This adjustable pillow is made with certified organic materials, making it a great buy for anyone who prefers organic bedding. Latex pillows are ideal for those who prefer organic materials or more bounce (i.e., less sinking in) than memory foam. Its latex fill is shredded so you can add or remove some to find the perfect height, but it can be a bit messy to adjust. Plus, it's reversible with different fabrics on each side. On one side, there's a stretchy, smooth material that's designed to conform to the shape of your head and neck, while the other has a fluffy quilted fabric filled with PLA batting to make it feel plush.

👩‍🔬What our expert says: "There can be a lot of mislabeling in the organic bedding space. Always look for trusted organic certifications like GOTS and GOLS to ensure it uses organic materials, like with this pillow." — Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director

How it performed in our tests:

✔️ Reputable organic certifications: This pillow is made with high-quality organic materials. The cover is 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton and the fill is certified organic by GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard). It's also made without any animal products or byproducts or animal testing.

✔️ Testers liked the customization options: Users said this pillow was comfortable, supportive and kept them at a good temperature. They all enjoyed the versatility between its adjustable fill and two-sided design, with one saying, "My initial reaction was just 'Wow!'" Another told us, "This is literally the greatest pillow I have ever slept on."

✔️ Shredded latex fill returned to its original shape: The bouncy latex fill immediately returned to its original shape after weights were applied for eight hours and then removed. The cover is machine washable and did not shrink after continued wash cycles, but did show some physical wear like loose threads.

RELATED: The Best Organic Pillows