Studies show that the pillow you use can have a direct impact on neck pain, spinal alignment, and the overall quality of your sleep1. Whether you sleep hot, you’re regularly waking up with neck or back pain, or you’re just looking for something that’s a little more comfortable, there are a ton of options out there for the best pillows to improve your sleep. If the variety of choices seems daunting, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of the best pillows of 2023, with real user feedback, expert input, and everything you need to know about how to pick out the right pillow for you. Sleeping position: The position in which you sleep should be a guiding light for all your mattress and pillow choices. Matthew Cobb, D.C., of Innate Balance Chiropractic in Beverly Hills, California, explains: “If you are a side sleeper, you should consider a pillow on the thicker side that will maintain a 90-degree angle of your neck. Back sleepers need a medium or slightly less pillow to prevent the neck from being elevated, causing neck tension.” For stomach sleepers, “A thinner pillow will help reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain.” Temperature control: For those who sleep hot, a temperature-regulating pillow is essential. Natural, breathable materials like latex and cotton are moisture-wicking and will help you stay cool through the night. Material: With options like memory foam, latex, down, and down-alternative pillows, choice in material really comes down to personal preferences. If you have certain allergies or sensitivities, it will be important to seek out a pillow that is all-natural and hypoallergenic. Keep in mind, some materials strongly outrank others on the sustainability scale (more on that in a minute). Price & warranty: Investing in your health beats shopping for the best bargain—but knowing that your purchase is protected is even better. Look for pillows from brands that offer a warranty so you can feel confident in your choice. Latex: One of the biggest perks of latex is that it’s natural and sustainable. Latex pillows tend to be very breathable, too, and they’re great for someone who has allergies or who sleeps hot. The material offers good support but tends to be a bit more expensive than other pillows. Memory Foam: Memory foam is much less sustainable, but some people do love it for its signature sink-in feeling and the neck support it offers. Made from polyurethane, this material will contour to your head shape, making it a solid choice for those who want that custom-made feel. Down: Down pillows tend to be much softer, and a good option for stomach sleepers who need more give. Down is made from the inner feathers of a duck or a goose, so you want to be particularly sure you are looking for ethically sourced materials. The best part about down is that it’s naturally cooling in the summer due to its breathability but is able to retain heat in the winter. Hybrid: Hybrid pillows seek to capitalize on the best of both worlds by combining two or more materials to provide the most comfort and support. What Customers Say: It has an overall score of 4.3 out of five stars on the company’s website, with over 2,000 five-star ratings. One satisfied customer writes, “Since I and my wife bought two of this great pillow our neck pain disappeared, we got up well and with a restful sleep. Excellent pillow!” One drawback is that this pillow is a bit heavy for some and prohibitively expensive for others. What our editor says: “Finding a pillow that supports spinal alignment as you sleep is the key to waking up pain-free. I’m a side sleeper, and this Parachute option is perfect for me. It’s supportive but soft, and just the right thickness to let my head rest comfortably all night. And as a sustainability editor, I gotta call out that it’s made from recycled materials!” —Emma Loewe, senior sustainability editor The brand’s signature latex is known for its contouring ability, which makes this pillow perfect for keeping your neck and head aligned and supported during the night. Plus, if you need a little extra support, you can add or remove fill to meet your preferences. What customers are saying: With close to 6,000 reviews and an overall 4.5 out of five-star rating, it’s fair to say this pillow is top of the line. Reviewers love how comfortable it is and the brand’s next-level customer service. One side sleeper says, “The best pillow I have ever used. I’m a side sleeper and have neck problems. Very comfortable and enhances my sleep.” Some customers find it to be too expensive, and some experienced an off-gassing odor upon arrival. Just because this pillow is thin doesn’t mean it isn’t durable. The shape holds up over time, and it still offers plenty of support for many sleep styles. What Customers Say: While this pillow only has a handful of reviews so far, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Unsurprisingly, many customers are pleased with the high-quality, eco-friendly materials and the overall comfort of the pillow, as well as durability. One person writes, “Seriously, I haven’t had a pillow this good in ages. They usually flatten out in no time but this one feels like it will hold up for quite a while. It’s squishy in an almost springy way. Hard to explain but I like it! Seems to help with neck pain.” Just note, this is definitely a thinner option, and some wish it had more stuffing. What Customers Say: This pillow has nearly 1,500 reviews on the company’s website, and the consensus is that it helps with snoring, is high-quality, and really holds its shape over time. Some customers found that it was slightly too firm for their own needs, while others felt that the firmness was just right to provide them with the support they needed. “I grew up sleeping on latex mattresses and pillows so I am accustomed to the springy but supportive feeling. I gave the high loft pillow to my husband and he is snoring less. A win-win situation for me!” one person writes. What Customers Say: Not a back sleeper but want to be? According to reviewers, this pillow may help you get there. One person raves, “I was at a hotel stay and the pillow I was using was the most comfortable thing I had ever laid my head on. So naturally I looked at the label and ordered one. I highly recommend the Sahara pillow. I am a side sleeper but also enjoy sleeping on my back with this one which is not usual for me.” Another adds, “I love this pillow—it is of high quality; delivery was prompt and it is living up to the company’s description of best for side or back sleepers. I have struggled to find the ‘right’ pillow, I have found mine!” Some users express frustration that the pillow needs to be fluffed every morning. What Customers Say: With over 3,000 reviews on the company’s website, this pillow received a perfect five-star rating from 74% of customers. While some back and side sleepers want (and need) more support, stomach sleepers are clearly satisfied with the sleep this pillow provides. One writes, “Love this pillow! No strong scent like some other down pillows. The pillow is good for a side sleeper or stomach sleeper. It could use a bit more loft for the side sleeper. Tried the firm and was not as happy with it. Was a little too feathery feeling and not so much a down feeling. Would buy again!” The best part about this pillow is how customizable it is: By simply unzipping the cover, you can either remove or add the fill to fit your sleeping needs. That customization is further enhanced by memory foam’s natural contouring ability, which will shape around your head and neck. What Customers Say: Stomach, back, and side sleepers are all fans of this pillow—and with nearly 15,000 reviews, it still boasts a 4.5 out of five-star rating. While it is one of the more expensive options, reviewers are confident about their choice. “Definitely worth the investment! I tried multiple pillows in the mid-price range to ease my neck pain. This one costs more but is the clear winner!” one person confirms. What Customers Say: This pillow has a 4.8 out of five-star rating, and customers enjoy it for its eco-friendliness, comfort, and support, as well as for the brand’s customer service. While some complain about the higher price tag, many feel that it is a worthy investment, with one reviewer saying just that: “My Saatva pillow wasn’t cheap, but it is worth every penny for the comfort and enjoyment it gives me every night.” What Customers Say: The reviews speak for themselves, with over 6,000 people granting this pillow five out of five stars on the company’s website. One in particular says, “I have ZERO back issues, ZERO neck issues, and have slept so well since purchasing this pillow.” Others praise the customization options for allowing them to create their own ideal pillow. A drawback for some is the “crinkling” sound the pillow makes, and others say it doesn’t keep shape quite as well as they would hope.
