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Is a Memory Foam Pillow Better for Me?
Do you wish you had a pillow that cradles your head and neck without sacrificing support? The best memory foam pillows do just that by conforming to your body. Made of polyurethane, memory foam may help you sleep comfortably and wake up without morning stiffness. If you wish your pillow offered more pressure relief and support, a memory foam pillow could be a good option for you
What Should I Keep in Mind When Searching for the Best Memory Foam Pillow?
From sleep style to temperature regulation, here are some things to keep in mind in your search for a top memory foam pillow.
Shop for Your Sleep Style
Before you shop for a top memory foam pillow, consider your sleep style. Your usual sleep position is an important factor when choosing the best foam pillow for your sleep preferences. A foam pillow should relieve pressure and fill gaps between your neck and pillow while keeping your neck at a neutral angle. Avoiding a sharp angle upwards or downwards when you lie on your pillow makes sense to help avoid discomfort and possible soreness.
Although personal preference is a key factor, keep in mind the following for each sleep position:
- Side sleepers: Look for a firm memory foam pillow with a high loft or thickness over 5”.
- Back sleepers: A firm pillow with a medium loft between 3" and 5" can properly align the head and neck.
- Stomach sleepers: To keep your midsection, neck, and head aligned, consider a softer pillow with a lower loft (under 3”).
Solid vs. Shredded: Decide if You Want Solid or Shredded Foam
In the best memory foam pillows, the foam may be solid or shredded. Understanding more about the two main memory foam types helps you decide which is most likely to suit you.
Solid (Molded) Foam – This type of pillow features one solid piece of memory foam fill, cut or molded into shape. Solid foam pillows tend to be firmer, and the foam bounces back when you change position. If you want consistent, firm neck support and a pillow that maintains its shape well, solid foam may be right for you. Hot sleepers, however, may find that the solid foam becomes too warm as it retains body heat, unless it is gel-infused or has other cooling properties. Side and back sleepers may find a solid foam pillow to be the best option for its contouring comfort and support.
Shredded (Adjustable) Foam – Small foam pieces are packed inside this type of pillow. Shredded memory foam has a softer, plush feel that can be a good choice for certain stomach sleepers. Known for its custom loft and breathability, shredded foam suits a range of sleep positions. In many shredded foam pillows, you can add or remove foam to adjust the firmness of the pillow for personalized support. Since shredded foam pillows can flatten quickly, you typically have the option to add more foam or occasionally fluff it up. Unlike traditional solid foam, shredded foam allows air circulation to prevent overheating. If you sleep hot, a shredded memory foam pillow might be more comfortable.
Look for Memory Foam Pillows with Cooling Features
As mentioned above, traditional solid memory foam tends to trap body heat as it conforms to the body. However, many of the best foam pillows include cooling features, such as gels and graphite. For example, gel-infused memory foam draws heat away from the body. Other foams may be perforated with tiny, breathable air holes.
The pillow cover can also help keep things cool. Some covers are made with fibers that feel cool to touch, while others are made of 100% cotton or other breathable, moisture-wicking material.
Find Out if the Cover is Removable and Washable
Regarding pillow covers, many people look for memory foam pillows that have removable, washable covers to help maintain a hygienic bedroom. Memory foam is typically not machine washable and must be spot cleaned. It helps, therefore, to be able to toss the cover in the washing machine once a month, as many leading brands online recommend.
Leading Memory Foam Pillows: Other Considerations
Other considerations come into play when shopping for a memory foam pillow. You may need a firm memory foam pillow. Or you're looking for a pillow made with eco-friendly foam. Read on to learn more about additional considerations.
Size and Loft
Pillow loft is one of the most important factors when shopping for the best foam pillow. We've already noted the importance of choosing the right loft for your sleep style. High and medium loft pillows are generally suitable for side and back sleepers, while low loft memory foam pillows are often best for stomach sleepers.
The correct pillow size is another important consideration. You want a foam pillow that will match the size of your mattress and leave enough room to stretch out. For example, a king size memory foam pillow will typically fit king and California king mattresses. Standard size pillows fit most other mattress sizes, such as twin, full, and queen. Some memory foam pillow brands offer queen size pillows for queen or king size mattresses.
Although pillow sizes can vary slightly among brands, the general dimensions for each size are:
- Standard: 20" x 26"
- Queen: 20" x 30"
- King: 20" x 36"
Firmness
Top memory foam pillows are available in a range of firmness levels. The ideal memory foam firmness depends on your sleep style, body type, and mattress firmness. A medium to firm pillow is often a good choice for people who sleep on their side or back or who have a larger body frame. Stomach sleepers and smaller-framed people may find a softer pillow more comfortable. Shredded memory foam pillows tend to be softer than solid foam.
A firm foam pillow may be best with a softer mattress that is already cushioning and conforming to your body. Similarly, you may want a softer, conforming memory foam pillow if you sleep on a firmer mattress.
Pressure Relief and Support
Many leading memory foam pillows offer pressure relief balanced with support by contouring your shape, relieving pressure as it cradles your head and neck, and providing enough support to properly align your spine. Shredded memory foam, with its moldable, plush feel, offers excellent pressure relief and can often be adjusted by adding or removing foam. Solid foam tends to be firmer and provide more support than shredded foam.
Safety Certifications
Some pillow companies use foams that are certified free of several harmful chemicals. A CertiPUR-US® label shows that a pillow contains foam that has passed rigorous testing for certain chemicals, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. When you see this safety certification on the label, you can rest easier knowing the pillow is made with safer foam.
What is a Gel Memory Foam Pillow?
We briefly discussed the cooling capabilities of gel-infused memory foam earlier. Given the popularity of gel memory foam pillows, this topic deserves more attention. A gel memory foam pillow has gel designed to absorb and disperse heat. The gel can be infused into the foam, or the pillow may have gel layers. It could be right for you as a hot sleeper, especially in combination with a breathable cover or ventilated design.
Like regular memory foam, a gel memory foam pillow conforms to the head and neck, helping maintain spinal alignment. The material contours and cradles sensitive areas like the shoulders, neck, and back. Some people find that using this type of pillow prevents neck stiffness, given its firm, stable support, although, of course, we cannot guarantee this result.
A gel memory foam pillow with a medium-to-high loft suits many side sleepers by filling the shoulder-to-head gap, keeping the neck aligned. One with a medium loft suits certain back sleepers by keeping the spine neutral and preventing chin tucking. A low-profile version may suit those who prefer sleeping on their stomach. Combination sleepers often appreciate how gel foam pillows mold and adapt when changing positions for consistent support.
How Do I Shop for the Best Memory Foam Pillows?
Our goal is to make your search for the best memory foam pillow easier. Below, we offer tips on how to find the foam pillow that's right for you.
Read Our Memory Foam Pillow Reviews and Shop Online
These days, you can read reviews and shop for a memory foam pillow online in the comfort of your home. We understand your time is valuable, so we do the time-consuming part. Our team researches memory foam pillows. Then, we post our reviews of the best foam pillows on this website. Just click one of the brands at the top of this page and read our review. Check out our comparison table above to quickly compare top memory foam pillow brands. Whether you're looking for a pillow with cooling technologies or a king size memory foam pillow, our convenient table can help.
Our reviews are intended to help you find one that suits your sleep needs and preferences. There's no one to pressure or rush you. Some brands even offer discounts exclusively for online shoppers.
Look for Risk-Free Trials and Warranties
Before you buy a new memory foam pillow, find out if you can try the pillow at home, risk-free. Many companies offer sleep trials that typically last 30 to 60 days or more. During the trial, you can test the pillow for pressure relief and support. If you decide the pillow isn't right for you within this period, the company will arrange a return and refund, upon meeting its policy guidelines.
A manufacturer warranty shows that the company stands by the quality of its product. Always read the warranty before you make your purchase. For a memory foam pillow, the warranty usually lasts for about 1 to 5 years, with some exceptions. If the memory foam is defective because of faulty workmanship, the company may replace or repair the defective product, based on its respective policy.
Best Memory Foam Pillows
Our memory foam pillow reviews and comparisons can help your search for the best memory foam pillow. Our detailed reviews and 2026 recommendations make the search easier for thousands of consumers. Check out our best memory foam pillow 2026 reviews above. Our top choices are:
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow
TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow
Bear Pillow
