Evaluate the Prime 5 PillowsHonorable MentionsThere are far too many pillows in the marketplace. We have listed our favorites above, however even that does not cowl the big selection of serviceable designs on the market for evening’s sleep. If, someway, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, listed here are a couple of others we now have examined and what we considered them.Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down mannequin does have feathers sourced from Accountable Down Normal (RDS)-certified farms, nevertheless it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep onAvocado Inexperienced Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is produced from GOLS-certified natural latex and GOTS-certified natural kapok, and is available in each a typical form and side-sleeper curved form. It felt a lot denser than others we tried, and my check 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 aspect sleepers. In case you sleep in your again one hundred pc of the time, this may be a greater match, however I want the flexibility of getting one curved aspect and one straight aspect. –Eric RavenscraftBrooklinen Down Various Pillow for $59: I appreciated this higher than Brooklinen’s precise down pillow, because it had higher spring and help. (I selected the agency possibility for testing.) I want the Buffy Cloud for a down different, however this can be a stable 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 appreciated sleeping on the Casper, particularly the cooling Snow model ($149), and it did properly in my panel exams, however each of my panelists who volunteered to long-term check it got here again with disappointing outcomes inside per week. My petite aspect sleeper discovered it too agency, and my taller, broader long-term tester discovered that the Casper wasn’t bouncing again fairly as a lot correctly for the worth after per week of sleeping on it. In case you like a firm-ish design, although, you might be pleased with this one. The Snow model is barely cooling, however not tremendous cooling; extra of winter possibility for decent sleepers, as certainly one of my panel testers mentioned.Eli & Elm On a regular basis Reminiscence Foam Pillow for $110: In comparison with the latex model under, 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 sweet and springy, and it’s a stable runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I discovered it comfy to sleep on as a aspect 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 quantity of help for you, however in the event you’re the kind of aspect sleeper who likes agency help, this may 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 count on to do a lot cuddling on this one, however for one particular person it is an excellent 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 pal 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 scorching, and she or he 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 slightly smaller than the remainder, nevertheless it additionally has a slight adjustment possibility, letting you unzip aspect panels to make it greater or smaller. It was superb to sleep on; I discovered it slightly agency for my liking, however my long-term tester says it has been supportive and cleared up her neck ache. It is a good possibility for the worth too.Nest Straightforward Breather Pillow for $119: This can be a standard mannequin, however I discovered it too dense and too lofty for me. It’s adjustable, so you’ll be able to 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 appreciated the firmer Marlow additionally appreciated 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 loads of neck ache, I am intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave heart for again, aspect, and abdomen sleeping, plus an indented edge that completely suits your arm. Its awkward form makes it lower than excellent for something aside from laying your head on it, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a stable choose 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 aspect sleepers. It is a good possibility, however I believe you may be simply as pleased with a Purple or Coop cutout in the event you want a excessive loft and aspect 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 are taking the quiz and get a suggestion for what measurement you want, you’ll be matched with the proper dice for you. I examined the Aspect Dice and the Ice Dice. They have been supportive and a bit squishy, and I believe they’d be possibility in the event you sleep solely in your aspect—along with your arms stretched in entrance of you or close to your chest. I often sleep with my arm stretched underneath 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 awoke with neck ache. However in the event you solely sleep within the excellent aspect sleeper formation, this mannequin is rather more supportive than others I’ve tried. Be sure you choose up a case! A traditional case is simply too roomy and doesn’t match the Dice properly. —Louryn StrampePurple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: In case you discover you turn between being a aspect sleeper and again sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow gives a wonderful center floor. Somewhat than utilizing adjustable fill to customise its peak, this mannequin comes with two foam inserts so you may 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, nevertheless it has just one aspect 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 different. I most popular the help of Purple’s different fashions, however if you’d like one thing softer with higher help than only a down or down different filling, this can be a nice possibility.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 Various Pillow for $115: I like this down different, however no more than the less expensive Buffy. There are two loft peak choices which is sweet if you’d like one thing particular.Sleep Quantity True Temp Adapt Final Pillow for $150: I examined the Final form since it is a slight crescent-like fashion that is excellent for aspect sleepers like myself. I like this as a aspect sleeper possibility, and it is properly cooling as properly. It is slightly smaller than the Coop, however nonetheless large enough for the average-sized particular person.Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is tremendous chilly and tremendous mushy, much like a down or down different mannequin. In case you’re searching for one thing additional cool and like the sunshine, malleable help of a down pillow, this can be a good selection.Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favourite pillow underneath $100, nevertheless it’s out of inventory all over the place proper now. If you could find it accessible, it is an excellent possibility stuffed with shredded reminiscence foam you can modify to get your excellent peak.Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill mannequin from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment the place you’ll be able to add or take away foam filling to get the proper quantity of help for you. That is an more and more frequent function, however what units it aside is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling supplies. The corporate makes a few of the finest cooling supplies in the marketplace, and this one managed to remain cooler than most I attempted. —Eric RavenscraftTempur Pedic Tempur Adapt ProHi for $175: Our earlier reminiscence foam choose did superb in my panel exams, however all of us most popular shredded reminiscence foam over a stable sheet. Somebody did volunteer to long-term check this as a knee help whereas they slept, although.Tempur-Breeze ProHi Pillow for $229: is a wider, extra spacious different to the Tempur-Adapt ProHi. It has a equally excessive loft, and the froth is firmer and extra proof against strain than the Adapt. It is a greater match in the event you want a firmer possibility, or if you’d like house to share it along with your cuddling associate. —Eric RavenscraftUnderstanding Pillow SizesThere are a pair completely different pillow sizes you would possibly discover when procuring. More often than not pillows are available a typical measurement and a king measurement, and you should purchase a typical measurement except you will have a king-size mattress. However there are a couple of extra measurement choices.All mattress pillows are often 20 inches vast, however the size can fluctuate. (That is why your pillowcases may appear too lengthy—they’re ready for bigger sizes!) In case 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 same old 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 wish to double-check listings to see what measurement you are actually working with if measurement is a matter for you. Buffy, for instance, lists a typical measurement for its pillows, however they’re 28 inches lengthy, making these pillows an excellent normal measurement. You will not wish 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 now have a separate information to these.Steadily Requested QuestionsWhat Sort of Pillow Do You Want?AccordionItemContainerButtonYou would possibly assume a pillow is a pillow. It simply needs to be mushy and match underneath your head, proper? Your head, neck, and again disagree. Getting evening’s sleep can rely closely in your pillow, so when selecting one, listed here are a couple of key inquiries to ask.What sort of sleeper are you? Do you sleep in your again, aspect, or abdomen? Do you keep comparatively nonetheless, or do you toss and switch quite a bit? Do you often have one pillow underneath your head, or do you cocoon your self right into a pillow chrysalis? That is in all probability crucial factor to remember when deciding what sort works finest for you, and we have famous our picks under based mostly on sleeping fashion.What’s the pillow product of? Pillows could be stuffed with all varieties of supplies, from feathers to foam. Down and artificial down are fluffy clusters of fiber that may really feel mushy and cozy, 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 usually comes from the stomach feathers of both geese or geese. To be able to be certain that down feathers are ethically sourced—reminiscent of by avoiding merciless practices like stay 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 substitute. The broader Materials Issues Normal is a lately overhauled system for inspecting the environmental impression 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. Which means you need one thing agency sufficient to help your head but mushy sufficient that it does not dig into your ear or face.How lofty is it? “Loft” is a time period usually used to explain how excessive away from bed the pillow retains your head. If it is too tall, for instance, you would possibly find yourself along with your neck tilted upward, straining it all through the evening. Most fashions usually fall into certainly one of three classes: Low loft, which is comparatively brief and excellent for again sleepers; excessive loft, which is best for aspect sleepers (since your head shall be additional away from bed than whenever you’re in your again); and medium loft, which is someplace within the center and finest in the event you’re a mix sleeper who does not stick to at least one specific sleep fashion.What’s the guarantee and return coverage? You won’t assume the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a strong guarantee, however many producers supply beneficiant insurance policies. For instance, Purple presents a one-year guarantee and even a 100-night trial interval. Casper has the same guarantee and a 30-day trial. In case you’re not sure whether or not your new pillow is best for you, try the corporate’s insurance policies to see what leeway you must attempt 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 a giant a part of how pillows are categorized. You have heard of down pillows, for instance, which implies it is filled 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 varieties of fill you may discover and the way they differ.Down: Down pillows, as I discussed above, are stuffed with 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 mushy and squishy, and really malleable to form in any means you like. (But it surely additionally does not retain its form properly.) Since these are stuffed with down clusters or feathers, you may wish to examine for certifications, just like the Accountable Down Normal (RDS), that verify if the down was ethically sourced.Down different: These pillows aren’t a set sort, 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 mix of reminiscence foam and latex foam. You will have to have a look to see what makes up any down different design, because it is not constant. However what’s constant is the completely different really feel. In my exams, I’ve discovered down different fashions are often extra supportive and do a greater job holding their form than a basic down.Reminiscence foam: Reminiscence foam is standard since it may well “bear in mind” its authentic form, letting it return to its earlier kind as soon as your head is off the pillow. Reminiscence foam does have a sinking sensation to it, which you would possibly like or dislike. You will additionally wish to examine if the reminiscence foam is a stable 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 produced from rubber, giving it a a lot bouncier, supportive really feel than different foam choices. Latex foam is turning into a well-liked possibility due to that good help, and it’s often discovered with a shredded sort of fill that offers loads of airflow.Hybrid: Hybrid is one other class gaining in reputation. It may be a mixture of any of the above fills, however I usually discover it is a sheet of froth mixed with both shredded foam or another sort 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 imagined to be on the fluffy finish, whereas wool is nice for temperature regulation. However none are as standard as foam or down choices, although you would possibly see these as elements in natural or hybrid choices.Are Normal and Queen the Identical Pillow Dimension?AccordionItemContainerButtonNo, a typical measurement is slightly smaller at solely 26 inches vast, whereas a queen measurement ought to be 30 inches vast. You would possibly wish to examine 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 couple of additional inches with the queen measurement.Why Ought to You Spend So A lot on a Pillow?AccordionItemContainerButtonYou may be shocked by a few of 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 continuously changed and did not present the long-term help (and even all-night help) my neck wanted.Greater-quality pillows price extra however will use higher supplies, last more, and include trial durations and warranties with the intention to check 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 inexpensive funding whenever you break down what number of hours you may be mendacity on them.How Ought to You Look after Your Pillow?AccordionItemContainerButtonThe finest method to wash your pillow goes to depend upon the pillow you will have. You’ll be able to select handy wash, spot clear, or machine wash pillows, although you may wish to examine the label and ensure it is secure to machine wash it. If it isn’t, spot or hand cleansing is your best choice.The best pillows to wash are ones that include detachable covers, as a result of you’ll be able to take away mentioned cowl and wash it with different sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill ought to be washed, in order that’s necessary to examine earlier than throwing a whole pillow into your washer. Our prime 5 picks all have detachable covers for simple washing, although for some (just like the Honeydew Delicious) you may should 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 Assessment?AccordionItemContainerButtonWe analysis all pillows we check to verify we check quite a lot of types, fills, and shapes to seek out that are probably the most supportive over an evening’s sleep. We check 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 check for). We additionally try critiques and buyer suggestions when accessible to see if it is value testing to check in opposition to 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 prime picks getting no less than per 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 types starting from basic aspect 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 could be most certainly to purchase for his or her sleep wants.How Does WIRED Purchase Pillows? What Occurs to the Assessment Items After Testing?AccordionItemContainerButtonMost of our pillows are supplied by the corporate for us to assessment, generally by that firm reaching out to supply its latest mannequin for us to contemplate, or extra continuously, us reaching out and asking to check it after researching that particular fashion or fill sort. We additionally buy some pillows for ourselves and can write about them.After we check pillows, they’re both positioned with a long-term tester if the mannequin is a choose, or they’re donated.Energy up with limitless entry to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and unique subscriber content material that is too necessary to disregard. Subscribe Right this moment.