How do I choose a memory foam pillow
William Harris
Updated on March 25, 2026
Sleeping Position: Your sleeping position is one of the main things that will dictate what type of pillow you should choose. One-piece memory foam pillows tend to be higher and better-suited to side sleepers, while stomach sleepers often prefer shredded memory foam pillows with most of the loft taken out.
How do I choose a good memory foam pillow?
Hot sleepers who want memory foam should choose a pillow with specific cooling technologies to improve the pillow’s airflow and temperature regulation. Otherwise, hot sleepers should skip memory foam and look at more breathable materials, such as latex, cotton, or buckwheat.
Which is better down or memory foam pillow?
Down pillows are ideal for those who like softness, but they may fall short when it comes to support. … If support is your top priority, you may want to opt for memory foam pillows. That’s because memory foam is firmer, providing more head and neck support while you sleep.
Are memory foam pillows good for your head?
Retains Contours Memory foam retains excellent contour to your head, neck and shoulders. Pillow Advisor explains how the pillow molds to your head. This is important since it assists in keeping your spine aligned.How high should a memory foam pillow be?
Based on the body’s measurements and personal preference, the pillow should maintain a height of 4 to 6 inches, properly supporting the head and neck (and shoulders when lying on back).
Which my pillow is best for side sleepers?
MyPillow uses a color-code system to help you choose the firmness of the pillow. Yellow means the pillow is soft, which is best for stomach sleepers. For back and side sleepers, consider white (medium-firm), green (firm), and blue (extra-firm).
Are memory foam pillows good for side sleepers?
The best pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, buckwheat hulls, and other components that offer sufficient support without feeling too firm. … Memory Foam: Memory foam, or viscoelastic polyurethane foam, is engineered to feel softer when it comes into contact with body heat.
Do you put a pillowcase on a memory foam pillow?
Because memory foam pillow is also hypoallergenic, covering it with a pillowcase will provide better results. Pillowcases provides a smooth and silky surface for extra comfy nights. A set of soft pillow covers will give your head a perfect resting place to enjoy your memory foam pillow’s maximum benefits.Does memory foam pillow get softer over time?
Does a memory foam pillow get softer over time? Of course, you don’t have to try these methods to break in your memory foam pillow, because it will soften over time as you sleep on it. Simply lying on your pillow at night will allow the memory foam to adapt to your body shape, naturally breaking it in.
Which side of memory foam pillow is up?Memory foam pillows are designed to be used alone. Place the pillow at the head of the bed, with the flat side down and the larger of the two curves facing the foot of the bed. This will offer the greatest support for your head and neck, regardless of whether you sleep on your side or your back.
Article first time published onWhat type of pillow is best?
- Best pillow overall: Original Casper Pillow.
- Best pillow for pregnancy: Tempur-Pedic BodyPillow.
- Best cooling pillow: Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow.
- Best pillow for side sleepers: Layla Kapok Pillow.
- Best pillow for back sleepers: Brentwood Home Zuma Foam Wedge Pillow.
Are goose down pillows better?
Duck. While both animals provide high-quality materials, goose is the rarer and more expensive of the two. Goose down is known to be more plush and resilient than duck, providing a more luxurious experience as well as a longer life.
Are feather pillows good for neck support?
The best pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to hold the head at a healthy angle, but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Most sleepers find success with either a memory foam, latex, buckwheat, or feather pillow, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief.
Should my shoulders be on my pillow?
Your shoulders should not be on the pillow. Not So Great: On your side, with your legs curled up towards the chest. This does not provide spine alignment for the shoulders and neck. It also does not evenly distribute weight throughout your body and can lead you to waking up in the morning with back pain.
How thick should a pillow be for back sleepers?
Back sleepers tend to prefer medium-loft pillows, which are those that measure between 3 and 5 inches thick. With a medium-loft pillow, most back sleepers will maintain spinal alignment.
How do I know if my pillow is too firm?
The simplest way to tell if your pillow is too high is by checking where your chin is when lying on your back in bed. Does your chin point upwards because your head is tilted back very far? If so, your pillow might be too high and could cause discomfort.
What kind of pillows do chiropractors recommend?
With a supportive waterbase core, the Mediflow Water Pillow is the top choice when it comes to chiropractic pillows. The placement of the waterbase allows for evenly distributed support for your head and neck, regardless of the sleeping position you choose.
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
A side sleeper should use a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress. Side sleepers should watch out for hip and shoulder pain and a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress can give the correct support while gently cradling the hips and shoulders to prevent stress and injury.
What are the most comfortable pillows to sleep on?
- Original Casper Pillow.
- Layla Kapok Pillow.
- Avocado Green Pillow.
- The Muse Pillow.
- Sealy Conform Medium Memory Foam Pillow.
- Wayfair Sleep Medium Memory Foam Cooling Bed Pillow.
- Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow (Curved)
Is it better to sleep on right side or left?
Which side is the best to sleep on: Left or right? Sleeping on your left side is thought to have the most benefits to your overall health. In this position, your organs are freer to get rid of toxins while you sleep. Still, either side can offer benefits in terms of sleep apnea and chronic lower back pain relief.
How do I choose my pillow?
Look for one that’s as thick as the distance between your ear and outside shoulder. Stomach sleepers may need a soft pillow—or no pillow at all—underneath their head. A pillow under your stomach and pelvis may help prevent back pain. Back sleepers may need a flatter pillow, to keep your head and neck in alignment.
Is my pillow a ripoff?
– The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has revoked the accreditation of Minnesota-based MyPillow, lowering its rating to an F based on a pattern of complaints by consumers. The BBB made the decision after reviewing MyPillow’s ongoing “buy one get one free” offer, which violates the organization’s code of advertising.
Why did my memory foam pillow get hard?
Why are memory foam pillows so hard? Memory foam pillows will feel hard at first, when the foam is cold. The viscosity of the foam are designed to adapt to the shape of your head and neck once your body heat softens up the foam. This leads to great support and comfort for all sleeping positions.
What happens if I wash my memory foam pillow?
Do not put your memory foam pillows in the washing machine or dryer. The motions of a washing machine and dryer could tear apart the padding of your memory foam pillow. Not only will it weaken the material but it will also cut the pillow’s usual life span of 18 to 36 months.
Does memory foam pillows go flat?
Memory foam, a material commonly used for mattresses, conforms to your head and neck while still providing support — and now you can even find memory foam pillows with adjustable fillings to get the right amount of fluff, firmness, and shape for you. …
How long does it take to adjust to a memory foam pillow?
Use It Regularly. It may take several days for you to use a memory foam pillow and feel comfortable. However, the more you use it, the better it becomes.
What is the best pillow for side sleepers UK?
- Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow.
- Snuggledown Goose Feather & Down White Pillow.
- WoolRoom Natural British Wool Pillow.
- Silentnight Geltex Pillow.
- BedStory 2Pack Pillow.
- Emma Original Pillow.
- Simba Hybrid pillow.
Is memory foam good for your back?
Yes, memory foam mattresses are the best for relieving back pain. They conform to your body providing pressure-point relief, reducing aches. Memory foam’s body-conforming feature is the best in all mattress types. This viscoelastic foam forms to the natural curvature of your spine, promoting lumbar support.
Which pillows do 5 star hotels use?
- Best Overall – Saatva Down Alternative Pillow.
- Best Value – Brooklinen Down Pillow.
- Most Comfortable – Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow.
- Best Luxury – Pacific Coast Hotel TRIA Down & Feather Pillow.
- Best for Side Sleepers – Standard Textile Firm Down Alternative Pillow.
Which pillow is better microfiber or polyester?
The difference between polyester and microfiber is that polyester is any polymer whose monomers are linked together by ester bonds while microfiber is very fine synthetic fiber; cloth made of such fiber. Obviously microfiber pillows will be a little more expensive than your standard polyester range. …
What is the best pillow filling?
Hungarian goose down (otherwise known as European white goose down) is considered to be the best quality. These down clusters are pure white and larger than most other types. A real down pillow contains down only — no feathers. Frequently “down” is sold as a combination of down and feather fill.