9 Best Pillows (2025) Tested For Side, Back, and Stomach Sleepers

Evaluate the High 5 PillowsHonorable MentionsThere are far too many pillows available on the market. We have listed our favorites above, however even that does not cowl the big selection of serviceable designs on the market for a superb evening’s sleep. If, one way or the other, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed here are a number of others we have now examined and what we thought of them.Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Accountable Down Normal (RDS)-certified farms, however it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep onAvocado Inexperienced Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is constituted of GOLS-certified natural latex and GOTS-certified natural kapok, and is available in each an ordinary form and side-sleeper curved form. It felt a lot denser than others we tried, and my take a look at panel and I most popular different latex pillows over this one.Bedgear Storm Pillow for $200: This mannequin from Bedgear is much like the Bedgear Stream above however with out the curve for facet sleepers. In the event you sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this could be a greater match, however I want the flexibility of getting one curved facet and one straight facet. –Eric RavenscraftBrooklinen Down Different Pillow for $59: I preferred this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency choice for testing.) I want the Buffy Cloud for a down various, however it is a strong runner-up.Casper Hybrid Pillow for $129: This hybrid makes use of a mixture of thick foam and a core of shredded foam for its marshmallow-like, dense-yet-soft really feel. I preferred sleeping on the Casper, particularly the cooling Snow model ($149), and it did properly in my panel assessments, however each of my panelists who volunteered to long-term take a look at it got here again with disappointing outcomes inside every week. My petite facet sleeper discovered it too agency, and my taller, broader long-term tester discovered that the Casper wasn’t bouncing again fairly as a lot accurately for the value after every week of sleeping on it. In the event you like a firm-ish design, although, you can be pleased with this one. The Snow model is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of a superb winter choice for warm sleepers, as one among my panel testers stated.Eli & Elm On a regular basis Reminiscence Foam Pillow for $110: In comparison with the latex model beneath, the reminiscence foam model feels lumpy. Most of my panelists disliked it, together with myself, however my chaotic sleeper was a fan of its malleable form for her haphazard sleeping patterns.Eli & Elm On a regular basis Latex Pillow for $110: This shredded latex-filled pillow is good and springy, and it’s a strong runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it comfy to sleep on as a facet sleeper, because it as a better loft and good help.Eli & Elm Aspect Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is sort of shockingly agency out of the field. You’ll be able to customise the quantity of fill inside to offer it the correct amount of help for you, however for those who’re the kind of facet sleeper who likes agency help, this could be the one for you. It even comes with a separate detachable cowl for simple washing. It is smaller than the Delicious one, so do not anticipate to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one individual it is an important selection. —Eric RavenscraftGhostBed Reminiscence Foam Pillow for $85: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has been utilizing the reminiscence foam GhostBed pillow since 2020—she slept on it whereas visiting with a buddy and instantly purchased one after returning dwelling. It is medium-firm and works for her side-, back-, and stomach-sleeping rotation. GhostBed’s declare of it being the “Coolest Pillow within the World” is exaggerated, however Medea sleeps sizzling, and he or she says the gel-infused foam does keep cool all evening.Marlow the Pillow for $49: That is one other shredded reminiscence foam mannequin, although it was much less lumpy and had higher help than the Eli & Elm. It was somewhat smaller than the remaining, however it additionally has a slight adjustment choice, letting you unzip facet panels to make it greater or smaller. It was tremendous to sleep on; I discovered it somewhat agency for my liking, however my long-term tester says it has been supportive and cleared up her neck ache. It is a good choice for the value too.Nest Simple Breather Pillow for $119: This can be a well-liked mannequin, however I discovered it too dense and too lofty for me. It’s adjustable, so you may simply make it much less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to retailer your additional fill. The fill is a mixture of foam and polyester fiber. My panelist who preferred the firmer Marlow additionally preferred this pillow, whereas the remainder of us most popular softer choices.No Extra Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There isn’t any scarcity of novelty pillows, however as somebody who experiences a number of neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave heart for again, facet, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely suits your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than preferrred for something aside from laying your head on it, however it’s nonetheless a strong decide for neck ache. —Eric RavenscraftParallel Excessive Profile Pillow for $150: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft was a fan of the Parallel’s excessive profile for taller facet sleepers. It is a good choice, however I feel you may be simply as pleased with a Purple or Coop cutout for those who want a excessive loft and facet sleeper help.Pillow Dice Aspect Dice ($70) and Ice Dice ($90): The Pillow Dice has a bizarre little rectangular design. It appears unusual at first, however as soon as you’re taking the quiz and get a suggestion for what dimension you want, you’ll be matched with the proper dice for you. I examined the Aspect Dice and the Ice Dice. They had been supportive and a bit squishy, and I feel they’d be a superb choice for those who sleep completely in your facet—along with your arms stretched in entrance of you or close to your chest. I often sleep with my arm stretched beneath my pillow, so my head is resting on my shoulder (with a pillow in between), and I discovered the Dice was much less supportive if I slept in my most popular place. And on the nights after I rolled onto my again, I wakened with neck ache. However for those who solely sleep within the preferrred facet sleeper formation, this mannequin is far more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure you decide up a case! A traditional case is just too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice properly. —Louryn StrampePurple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: In the event you discover you turn between being a facet sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow offers a superb center floor. Fairly than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its peak, this mannequin comes with two foam inserts so you will get precisely the extent of help you want. —Eric RavenscraftPurple GridCloud Pillow for $149: This pillow is a softer, squishier design with the grid layer we love from the Purple Freeform and Concord, however it has just one facet with the grid as an alternative of two. It is described as having a down-alternative core, and it does really feel a lot softer, like a down various. I most popular the help of Purple’s different fashions, however in order for you one thing softer with higher help than only a down or down various filling, it is a nice choice.Saatva Graphite Reminiscence Foam Pillow for $165: This mannequin is barely cooling, and has a fluffier really feel in comparison with extra sinkage-style reminiscence foam.Saatva Down Different Pillow for $115: I like this down various, however no more than the less expensive Buffy. There are two loft peak choices which is good in order for you one thing particular.Sleep Quantity True Temp Adapt Final Pillow for $150: I examined the Final form since it is a slight crescent-like model that is preferrred for facet sleepers like myself. I like this as a facet sleeper choice, and it is properly cooling as properly. It is somewhat smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless sufficiently big for the average-sized individual.Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous smooth, much like a down or down various mannequin. In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing additional cool and like the sunshine, malleable help of a down pillow, it is a good selection.Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow beneath $100, however it’s out of inventory in all places proper now. If you could find it obtainable, it is an important choice full of shredded reminiscence foam you could alter to get your good peak.Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill mannequin from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment the place you may add or take away foam filling to get the proper quantity of help for you. That is an more and more widespread characteristic, however what units it aside is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling supplies. The corporate makes among the finest cooling supplies available on the market, and this one managed to remain cooler than most I attempted. —Eric RavenscraftTempur Pedic Tempur Adapt ProHi for $175: Our earlier reminiscence foam decide did tremendous in my panel assessments, however all of us most popular shredded reminiscence foam over a strong sheet. Somebody did volunteer to long-term take a look at this as a knee help whereas they slept, although.Tempur-Breeze ProHi Pillow for $229: is a wider, extra spacious various to the Tempur-Adapt ProHi. It has a equally excessive loft, and the froth is firmer and extra immune to strain than the Adapt. It is a greater match for those who want a firmer choice, or in order for you area to share it along with your cuddling accomplice. —Eric RavenscraftUnderstanding Pillow SizesThere are a pair completely different pillow sizes you may discover when purchasing. More often than not pillows are available an ordinary dimension and a king dimension, and you can purchase an ordinary dimension except you may have a king-size mattress. However there are a number of extra dimension choices.All mattress pillows are often 20 inches huge, however the size can range. (That is why your pillowcases might sound too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) In the event you’re interested by extra sizes or discovered a mannequin that has extra choices to select from than you understand what to do with, listed here are the standard sizes you could find and what measurements they need to have:Normal Dimension: 20 inches by 26 inchesSuper Normal Dimension: 20 inches by 28 inchesQueen: 20 inches by 30 inchesKing: 20 inches by 36 inchesBody: 20 inches by 54 inchesYou’ll need to double-check listings to see what dimension you are actually working with if dimension is a matter for you. Buffy, for instance, lists an ordinary dimension for its pillows, however they’re 28 inches lengthy, making these pillows a brilliant commonplace dimension. You will not need to order king-size pillows with no king-sized mattress, particularly since you may want king-size pillowcases along with your sheets. Physique pillows are the longest of all, and we have now a separate information to these.Steadily Requested QuestionsWhat Sort of Pillow Do You Want?AccordionItemContainerButtonYou may suppose a pillow is a pillow. It simply must be smooth and match beneath your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting a superb evening’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed here are a number of key inquiries to ask.What sort of sleeper are you? Do you sleep in your again, facet, or abdomen? Do you keep comparatively nonetheless, or do you toss and switch loads? Do you often have one pillow beneath your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is in all probability an important factor to bear in mind when deciding what kind works finest for you, and we have famous our picks beneath based mostly on sleeping model.What’s the pillow product of? Pillows could be full of all forms of supplies, from feathers to foam. Down and artificial down are fluffy clusters of fiber that may really feel smooth and comfy, whereas reminiscence foam is designed to compress with the burden of your head however nonetheless return to its earlier form. Natural latex could be heavy and spongey, holding a side-sleeper’s head in place. There are additionally hybrid pillows that use a number of layers of various supplies for a extra structured really feel.How are the supplies sourced? Since some supplies like down feathers come from animals, you may want to concentrate on how producers get their fill (actually). Down filling sometimes comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. As a way to make sure that down feathers are ethically sourced—akin to by avoiding merciless practices like reside plucking—applications just like the Accountable Down Normal set standards that producers should adhere to. Another choice is to search for artificial down alternate options, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as an artificial alternative. The broader Materials Issues Normal is a not too long ago overhauled system for inspecting the environmental influence and sustainability of bedding producers.How agency is it? Nonetheless you sleep, you may need a pillow that retains your backbone straight and your head aligned along with your again. Meaning you need one thing agency sufficient to help your head but smooth sufficient that it does not dig into your ear or face.How lofty is it? “Loft” is a time period typically used to explain how excessive up and about the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you may find yourself along with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the evening. Most fashions sometimes fall into one among three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively quick and preferrred for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is best for facet sleepers (since your head might be additional up and about than whenever you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and finest for those who’re a mixture sleeper who does not stick to at least one explicit sleep model.What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You may not suppose the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a strong guarantee, however many producers provide beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple gives a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has the same guarantee and a 30-day trial. In the event you’re uncertain whether or not your new pillow is best for you, try the corporate’s insurance policies to see what leeway you must strive earlier than you commit—and be sure to’re protected if one thing goes incorrect.What is the Greatest Pillow Fill for You?AccordionItemContainerButtonA number of filling supplies are used, and the kind of fill is an enormous a part of how pillows are categorized. You have heard of down pillows, for instance, which suggests it is stuffed with down undercoating or feathers, and listening to the phrases “reminiscence foam” often invokes the sinking sensation that good reminiscence foam may give. Here is a fast explainer of the primary forms of fill you may discover and the way they differ.Down: Down pillows, as I discussed above, are full of both down clusters (an undercoating on geese) or down feathers, or a mixture of each. It is a fill that is been round for ages, and it feels much like a comforter within the sense that it is smooth and squishy, and really malleable to form in any approach you favor. (Nevertheless it additionally does not retain its form properly.) Since these are full of down clusters or feathers, you may need to test for certifications, just like the Accountable Down Normal (RDS), that verify if the down was ethically sourced.Down various: These pillows aren’t a set kind, however use different supplies to duplicate the down expertise. Buffy, for instance, makes use of recycled plastic to create their fill, whereas Saatva makes use of a mixture of reminiscence foam and latex foam. You may have to have a look to see what makes up any down various design, because it is not constant. However what’s constant is the completely different really feel. In my assessments, I’ve discovered down various fashions are often extra supportive and do a greater job holding their form than a traditional down.Reminiscence foam: Reminiscence foam is well-liked since it may well “bear in mind” its unique form, letting it return to its earlier type as soon as your head is off the pillow. Reminiscence foam does have a sinking sensation to it, which you may like or dislike. You may additionally need to test if the reminiscence foam is a strong sheet or shredded; I’ve discovered shredded and lower reminiscence foam to have extra bounce and help and fewer sinkage than a reminiscence foam sheet.Latex foam: Latex foam is constituted of rubber, giving it a a lot bouncier, supportive really feel than different foam choices. Latex foam is turning into a preferred choice because of that good help, and it’s often discovered with a shredded kind of fill that offers loads of airflow.Hybrid: Hybrid is one other class gaining in recognition. It may be a mixture of any of the above fills, however I typically discover it is a sheet of froth mixed with both shredded foam or another type of softer filling. Casper, for instance, makes use of each sheets of reminiscence foam after which has a core of shredded foam on the heart to offer it its marshmallow-like really feel.Cotton, kapok, and wool: These fills are all pure fibers that take much less processing than foam, and may very well be utilized in a mix with different supplies above. Kapok and cotton are purported to be on the fluffy finish, whereas wool is nice for temperature regulation. However none are as well-liked as foam or down choices, although you may see these as components in natural or hybrid choices.Are Normal and Queen the Identical Pillow Dimension?AccordionItemContainerButtonNo, an ordinary dimension is somewhat smaller at solely 26 inches huge, whereas a queen dimension needs to be 30 inches huge. You may need to test the measurements in case it is mislabeled to be the identical factor, however if in case you have the selection between the 2, I want a number of additional inches with the queen dimension.Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?AccordionItemContainerButtonYou could be stunned by among the value tags on these pillows. I bear in mind spending backside greenback on my pillows for years. However these bottom-dollar pillows wanted to be often changed and did not present the long-term help (and even all-night help) my neck wanted.Increased-quality pillows value extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial durations and warranties to be able to take a look at out the pillow of your selection and get a assure it will final. Plus, whereas most of those aren’t low-cost, it is nonetheless an reasonably priced funding whenever you break down what number of hours you may be mendacity on them.How Ought to You Take care of Your Pillow?AccordionItemContainerButtonThe finest method to wash your pillow goes to rely on the pillow you may have. You’ll be able to select handy wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you may need to test the label and ensure it is secure to machine wash it. If it isn’t, spot or hand cleansing is your best choice.The simplest pillows to wash are ones that include detachable covers, as a result of you may take away stated cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill needs to be washed, in order that’s essential to test earlier than throwing a whole pillow into your washer. Our high 5 picks all have detachable covers for simple washing, although for some (just like the Honeydew Delicious) you may must manually take away the filling and retailer it in a bag, whereas others just like the Purple have a separated cowl and fill part.How Does WIRED Select Pillows to Overview?AccordionItemContainerButtonWe analysis all pillows we take a look at to ensure we take a look at a wide range of kinds, fills, and shapes to search out that are probably the most supportive over an evening’s sleep. We take a look at each costly and affordably priced fashions to see how the standard stacks up, and often look to check new designs and choices to see what’s coming subsequent (and each different class we take a look at for). We additionally try critiques and buyer suggestions when obtainable to see if it is value testing to match towards pillows we all know we already like.How Does WIRED Check Pillows?AccordionItemContainerButtonEvery pillow on this information is slept on for at least three nights, with our high picks getting a minimum of every week if not nearer to a month of sleep testing from both myself, different staffers, or long-term testers. I additionally hosted a testing panel in March 2025 with six contributors and 22 completely different fashions. The panelists all had completely different sleep kinds starting from traditional facet and again sleepers to chaotic sleepers who find yourself beneath their pillows each evening, and the panel judged which choices they discovered most comfy and can be most probably to purchase for his or her sleep wants.How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Overview Models After Testing?AccordionItemContainerButtonMost of our pillows are offered by the corporate for us to overview, generally by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra often, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular model or fill kind. We additionally buy some pillows for ourselves and can write about them.After we take a look at pillows, they’re both positioned with a long-term tester if the mannequin is a decide, or they’re donated.Energy up with limitless entry to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and unique subscriber content material that is too essential to disregard. Subscribe At the moment.