Top 15 Best Pillow Reviews – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

1Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow The Best Cooling Pillow

Okay, the first one up is one of the most popular models by Snuggle-Pedic, the Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow.

Features

And it’s not popular without reason, either – the pillow features a shredded memory foam fill, both CertiPUR-US certified and bio-green, which can be customized so that it fits your sleeping style, whether you’re a stomach, back, or a side sleeper!

Moreover, if you have any trouble adjusting the pillow’s loft, you can ask for personal customization – for free!

Here it goes from “good” to “great,” though – the bamboo-based cover is made with breathability in mind. It features the Snuggle-Pedic Kool-Flow technology, a micro-vented design that’s sure to keep you cool throughout the night.

Now, this Snuggle-Pedic model isn’t the most affordable option out there. That said, I firmly believe that it’s worth every penny you spend on it – you can’t put a price on quality sleep, now, can you?

The only real downside is that the fill doesn’t maintain its fluff for long, which means you’re going to have to get in the habit of fluffing your pillow more regularly – a couple of times a week, if not daily.

Emily’s Take:

If you’re a hot sleeper, finding a pillow that won’t retain your body heat should be a priority. That’s why I’d like you to consider getting this Snuggle-Pedic pillow! In case you want to know more, you can find my detailed review here.

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2ComfySleep Rectangular Buckwheat Hull Pillow Best Natural And Organic Pillow

If you haven’t tried it before, the idea of having a pillow full of buckwheat seed shells might sound strange, but hear me out:

A pillow like this will conform to the unique curve of your neck without going flat in the process.

Moreover, because the hulls don’t compress and flatten out, the circulation of air throughout the pillow is never compromised. Paired with an organic cotton cover, the ComfySleep pillow’s becomes every hot sleeper’s dream!

Features

The loft is completely customizable, too, thanks to the invisible zipper that gives you direct access to the pillow’s eight-pound filling. On top of that, you get two more pounds of buckwheat hulls on the side, in case you need them.

As you can imagine, it’s massive – ten pounds total, if you pour in all that extra filling!

However, if you tend to toss and turn a lot in your sleep, they’re going to make some noise. It won’t be enough to wake you up, but it will take some time to get used to the sound.

That’s something you can expect from a buckwheat pillow, though, but more on that later on in the article.

Emily’s Take:

Getting used to the sound and weight of this ComfySleep pillow might take some time, but if you’re big on natural sleep remedies, you should know that this is, by far, one of the best natural and organic pillows currently available on the market!

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3Coop Home Goods Shredded Hypoallergenic Certipur Memory Foam PillowBest Pillow For Allergies

Filled with Coop Home Goods’ proprietary combination of shredded memory foam, and neatly wrapped up in a pillowcase that combines polyester with bamboo-based rayon, this pillow is all about comfort and breathability. It’s no wonder it always ends up on my round-ups of the best pillow reviews!

Features

The foam is not only CertiPUR-US certified but visco-elastic, as well, meaning it conforms to your body’s temperature. More importantly, the loft is fully customizable, so if its contouring properties weren’t enough for you, there’s always the option of customizing it yourself.

One thing I noticed is that the filling keeps forming clumps, which, as you can imagine, is neither comfortable or supporting. That said, you do have access to the pillow’s insides, and while it’s a bit of a drag, you can adjust it yourself when it does happen.

Also, you should probably know that it’s not the most affordable pillow out there. And while I always encourage you to not buy into the whole „expensive is better“ thing, sometimes spending more is worth it – and that’s the case with this Coop Home Goods pillow.

Emily’s Take:

If you’re interested in reading an in-depth review of this particular pillow, and learn more about my personal experience with it, you can do so here.

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4PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow with Jersey Cover, C Shaped Body PillowBest Pregnancy Pillow

Now, here’s a little twist – since I’m not pregnant, I asked a trusted friend to help me out with this one. I still tried it myself, but I wanted to hear her opinions on the matter, too.

So, moms-to-be, now that you have not one, but two people vouching for this particular model, let’s see what makes this C-shaped pillow the one that will change your sleeping experience throughout the pregnancy – and maternity.

Features

The polyfill in the pillow will contour to your back and belly, whether it is for sleeping, reading, or nursing your newborn, while the 100-percent cotton jersey-knit cover will ensure you stay comfy.

And while washing the cover is a breeze, putting it back on the pillow is anything but – you’re going to need some help with that. I’m not joking; it’s quite a workout, even for two people!

Another thing I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations thickness-wise. I found several spots where there was hardly any filling at all, too. So, while it’s, by all means, a good pregnancy pillow, you’ll probably have to fold it to get some extra height.

Emily’s Take:

Every pregnancy is a unique experience, but one thing’s always the same – the lack of sleep every mom-to-be goes through. One of the surest ways to address this is to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, and this C-shaped body pillow by PharMeDoc will take care of that.

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5The Water Pillow by Mediflow Original Waterbase PillowBest Pillow For Neck Pain

Yes, you read that right – a water-based pillow! Waterbeds were all the rage back in the day, so it was about time for water pillows to enter the scene, don’t you agree? I admit that it was a bit unconventional, even for me, but once I got over the initial adjustment period, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Features

It seems to works with every sleeping position, because the water moves with your head and adjusts to you, instead of working against you. On top of that, if you change the water level a bit, you get to customize your pillow firmness level – from soft all the way to firm.

And no, there’s no risk of leaking –the insulated and sealed water pouch is topped off with a layer of Dacron Hollofil fiber.

Now, you have to remember that there’s water in there, and it will make some noise when you move – that’s pretty much unavoidable. It wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, but I thought I should mention it, nonetheless.

Lastly, you can forget about carrying this thing around with you. With all that water inside, it’s neither lightweight nor portable.

Emily’s Take:

When you’re suffering from neck pain, a regular pillow won’t cut it – and if that’s the case with you, I’d suggest to keep an open mind and give a water-based pillow a try!

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6BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel PillowBest Travel Pillow

If your lifestyle is all about traveling, either for work or leisure, I don’t have to tell you how uncomfortable napping on the plane can be. You probably know it better than most of us. Here’s what I can tell you, though:

There’s a way to improve the situation. That’s right; I’m talking about the Bcozzy chin-supporting travel pillow!

Features

These ergonomically-shaped pillows will wrap around your neck and not only help support your chin to prevent those awkward drooping moments but keep your neck and head in a comfortable position, as well.

Most importantly, they come in sizes suitable for both adults, and kids. I mean, why would we be the only ones who get to experience the comfort of a good travel pillow, right?

However, I feel like having a clasp, or a Velcro strap would’ve been useful because right now, nothing is stopping the pillow from unwinding. It doesn’t happen very often, but it’s still a problem.

Furthermore, you should know that things will get sweaty. The material isn’t very breathable; combine that with a tight fit and warm weather, and you have a sauna around your neck.

Emily’s Take:

I have a feeling that this one’s going to be my trusted travel companion for years to come, and I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for you, too!

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7Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Best Pillow For Side Sleepers

This one’s marketed as a pillow for side sleepers, which made me wonder:

Can it do more than that?

Features

The fact that it features a shredded memory foam fill (CertiPUR-US certified foam, in case you were wondering) is nothing new, but the new inner zipper is quite an innovation in their line of sleep products. Now you have a chance to adjust the pillow’s loft the way it suits you the most.

That’s why I’m pretty confident that it would work not only for side sleepers but back and stomach sleepers, as well.

On top of that, they incorporated Kool-Flow technology into the bamboo cover for improved breathability and minimal heat retention.

Being able to adjust your pillow’s loft is always a plus, but having to readjust it pretty much every day is not. Unfortunately, that’s a problem I’ve had with the Xtreme Comforts pillow – it kept going flat, so fluffing it and re-adjusting the fill was a daily task.

Also, I should warn you that the pillow does have a weird initial smell, almost like a chemical odor. It’s not overbearing one, though, and it doesn’t last more than a week or so, but it’s there.

Emily’s Take:

Getting the best pillow for side sleepers, such as this one, is only a part of the solution – you can find the rest in my article about shoulder pain, a common problem among people who sleep on their side!

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8Nature’s Guest Cervical Support PillowBest Pillow For Back Sleepers

Okay, since I’m already talking about ground-breaking pillow designs that have a potential to change the way we sleep, it’s only fair to mention the Nature’s Guest Cervical Support Pillow, a model recommended by both chiropractors and orthopedic doctors.

Features

What makes its cervical support design so special is the fact that it has an integrated neck roll cushion, paired with a gusseted edge design. As a result, you get a pillow that’s not only perfect for back sleepers but for those that tend to switch from back to side sleeping, too.

To make matters even more comfortable, you can customize the pillow to fit your needs by adjusting the fill in both the back and side-sleeping areas.

One thing I noticed straight away was that the pillow was pretty heavy. That’s not an issue in itself, because it was made with a more substantial filling for a reason, but it could turn out to be a problem portability-wise.

Also, keep in mind that it’s not the most affordable model on the market, either. Proper cervical support is an essential part of recovering from chronic neck pain, though, and in that aspect, it’s worth every penny.

Emily’s Take:

I know this is a bit off-topic, but did you know back sleepers are more likely to have lucid dreams? If you want to give it a try, my comprehensive guide to lucid dreaming could help!

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9Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (2-Pack)Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers

Okay, it’s time to discuss pillow sets, and the first one up is a two-piece set from Beckham Luxury Linens Hotel Collection.

The pillows contain gel-filled fiber encased in a polyester cover, so right off the bat, you can expect these to have a plush feel to them. Moreover, the pillows feature a no-shift construction, which means you can throw them in the washing machine and not worry about the filling clumping up and ruining the pillows.

Features

Most importantly, though, they’re free of any chemicals and allergens, as well as resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, and that’s always a plus in an allergy sufferer’s book.

That said, I have to be honest with you – there are some pretty severe downsides to be noted here, too.

One of my main concerns was the firmness level – or the lack of it, thereof. As mentioned previously, these are medium-loft pillows, having around four to five inches in thickness, which looked promising until I laid my head on it and it sank all the way to the mattress. They’re too soft and, as a result, won’t be nearly as supportive for your head and neck.

Emily’s Take:

The only scenario in which I could see these pillows work, and keep your spine correctly aligned, is if you were a stomach sleeper, and needed as low of a loft as possible – they’re perfect for the job! If you want to learn more about your sleeping position, check out my definitive guide for stomach sleepers!

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10Utopia Bedding Gusseted Quilted Pillow (Set of 2)Best Pillows For Back And Stomach Sleepers

Just because you don’t have a substantial pillow-shopping budget at your disposal, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a decent set of pillows – and this Utopia Bedding two-piece set is here to prove that!

These microfiber pillows are filled with a blend of medium-firm fibers, but at the same time, they’re soft enough for you to mold them whichever way you want. More importantly, they’re 100-percent free of chemicals that could potentially be harmful to your health.

Features

They’re marketed as suitable for every sleeping position, but since there’s no way to adjust the loft, I’d suggest you stay away from them if you’re a side sleeper.

These pillows can be both washed by hand and machine-washed, but if you want them to last longer, it’s recommended to dry clean them, instead. So, you have two options here – either you take the easy route, and cut your pillow’s lifespan short, or you pay for dry cleaning every few months. What’s it going to be?

Also, watch out for the pillow sizes. The dimensions are off, and they run small. I’d recommend going a size up if you want to be on the safe side.

Emily’s Take:

Expensive isn’t always better – and these Utopia Bedding pillows are a perfect example of that. Not only are they affordable but they’re pretty comfortable, as well. The only downside is that they don’t have an adjustable loft, so finding out if they’ll work for you is a bit of a gamble.

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11Digital Decor Two 100% Cotton Hotel Down-Alternative PillowsThe Budget-Friendly Choice

You’re convinced that comfortable pillows are only reserved for the time you spend in a hotel?

Well, I’d say these Digital Decor Hotel Down-Alternative Pillows beg to differ. The two-piece set is one of the most affordable ones on my round-up of the best pillow reviews, so before we go any further, I’d like you to remember that you can experience that hotel-like comfort at a budget-friendly price.

Features

The pillows feature down-alternative filling – virgin polyester, to be exact – and 100-percent cotton covers, which work together to give you not only a durable, comfortable, and breathable pillow, but a hypoallergenic one, as well. Moreover, you can choose between three firmness levels, or rather, fill weights, which should help you find one that’s optimal for your sleeping position.

The fill clumps up, though, making the entire pillow flat and thus, less comfortable. It wouldn’t be a problem if you could fluff it back into its original state, but without any access to the filling, it’s impossible to get rid of the clumps once they form.

You get what you paid for, huh?

Emily’s Take:

If you feel like you can never get your pillows to be as comfortable as the ones you see in hotels no matter what you do, chances are you merely haven’t found the right ones for the job yet. The Digital Decor two-piece set is here to change that, though. These down-alternative pillows will make every night at home feel like a vacation!

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12WonderSleep PREMIUM Adjustable LoftBest Pillow Set For Couples

Next one up is a set of two pillows by WonderSleep – ideal for sleeping partners!

I’m usually against couples buying identical pillows, because, as individuals, you have different needs, but this is a set for two even I would recommend!

Features

The secret is in the shredded memory foam filling and the fact that you get to customize it whichever way you want. Maybe one of you requires a low loft, while the other prefers pillows with a medium thickness level – and you can both get what you want from the same model!

Furthermore, the cover is a polyester and bamboo combination, which means two things – it’s breathable, and it’s hypoallergenic.

Does the fact that it took me almost ten whole minutes to open the package count as a downside? I recognize and appreciate the effort that went into the packaging, but this was too much, even for me. And once I finally managed to open one, I was greeted with a not so pleasant chemical smell.

All jokes aside, though, here’s what bothered me – they tend to go flat during the night, leaving your head and neck with virtually no support.

Emily’s Take:

I don’t like the one-size-fits-all idea that goes into buying a set of pillows, but with their customizable loft, the WonderSleep Premium two-piece set might be what you and your sleeping partner need.

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13Down Alternative PillowBest Down Alternative Pillow

You love the fluffiness of down pillows, but your allergy to feathers is stopping you from experiencing their plushness? You’re not alone – after all, down alternative pillows are there for a reason!

Features

In many ways, this MASTERTEX is raising the bar on what it means for a pillow to have a „down alternative“ fill. The down-like fibers are so soft and fluffy, but at the same time, they manage to hit that thin line between squishy and firm. You get the comfort of down pillows, without dealing with the actual feathers.

Moreover, that soft fiber fill is encased in 100-percent cotton, a material known for its breathability and minimal heat retention.

All in all, this is a pillow you can use throughout the year without worrying about allergies or nighttime sweating.

Even though they look amazing, all that thickness isn’t for everyone. I won’t go into details right now, but an extremely high loft could do more harm than good if used by the „wrong“ sleepers, as it could push your spine out of alignment, rather than support you. And sadly, you can’t adjust the amount of filling – it is what it is.

Emily’s Take:

When you’re allergic to feathers, but enjoy the fluffiness of feather down pillows, finding an alternative fix that feels just as good as the real deal can be tricky – but it’s not impossible. Give this down-alternative pillow a try, and you’ll see for yourself!

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14Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel-Infused Memory Foam PillowBest Solid Memory Foam Pillow

I get that not everyone’s a fan of shredded foam, which is why I decided to look into pillows with molded memory foam filling – and I wasn’t disappointed. The Bluewave Bedding has a phenomenal low-loft pillow targeted at back and stomach sleepers.

Besides the ultra slim profile, it also features a dual sleeping surface, one side being round, and the other completely flat, which gives you a chance to choose based on what feels more comfortable to you.

Features

And speaking of comfort, there’s no need to worry about this solid piece of memory foam getting hot – the foam is not only gel-infused but additionally ventilated through the holes in its body, too. Thanks to all the air circulating throughout the pillow, heat retention won’t be a problem.

Now, let’s talk about the pillow’s firmness level.

The molded memory foam was slightly too firm for me, but that’s a matter of personal preference, rather than a downside. I know a lot of you could benefit from a firm, supportive pillow like this Bluewave Bedding model (back sleepers, I’m looking at you), so if you’re a fan, by all means, give it a go.

Emily’s Take:

You already know my thoughts on this, so let’s not beat around the bush – it’s, without a doubt, one of the best pillows out there for back and stomach sleepers. The ultra-low profile combined with the firmness will keep your spine aligned, and your neck supported properly, which already brings you a step (or two) closer to getting a good night’s rest.

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15Original Bamboo Luxury PREMIUM Shredded Memory Foam PillowBest Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Okay, it’s time for the last model in my round-up of the best pillow reviews. Did I save the best for last, though?

Well, keep on reading and find out for yourself!

Features

The Luxury Diamond series memory foam pillow by Original Bamboo features, as many other models on this list do, a customizable shredded memory foam filling. But here’s what makes it stand out – instead of throwing together a bunch of shredded foam without paying attention to quality, they handcrafted a mixture of different density level foam that makes their pillows comfortable, supportive, and breathable.

And since I already mentioned breathability, you should know that the fill is encased in hypoallergenic bamboo-based fabric, known for its ability to help keep heat retention under control.

Now, I’d like to point out that this “downside” is mostly a matter of preference:

There’s nothing wrong with the pillow itself, but it seems to me that it’s a tad bit too firm. As I said, it’s not necessarily a bad thing, as some of you might find the firmness enjoyable, but if you prefer your pillows plush and fluffy, move along – this is not it.

Emily’s Take:

Shredded memory foam pillows might seem like they’re all the same, but it’s the kind of memory foam they contain that makes all the difference. Original Bamboo recognized that and made sure their Luxury Diamond series is all about finding a blend of different density level foam that will be comfortable, breathable, and supportive, at the same time.

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