Memory foam pillows on blue background

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When you think of putting together the most comfortable bed, your mattress and sheets are probably front of mind. Unfortunately, all too often we overlook a major element of the equation for a perfect night’s sleep: the humble pillow.

Rather than spending your 7 to 9 hours counting sheep, consider resting your head on something that really supports you. Read on for our top memory foam pillow picks.

We considered what the best memory foam pillows were.

  • Real-world testing. Our writer and the Healthline editorial team tried out some memory foam pillows and picked the best of the best.
  • Sleep styles. We made sure to test the pillows in various sleeping positions so you can find a comfortable pick no matter your preferred sleeping style.
  • Warranties and company policies. Finding the perfect pillow may take some trial and error. We included pillows with good return policies and warranties to help alleviate any testing concerns.
  • Variety. We included both solid and shredded memory foam pillows on our list.

Pricing guide

The majority of prices are based on a standard-size pillow. Some pillows are only available in queen or king-size. We used a queen-size pillow to calculate the price.

  • $ = under $100
  • $$ = $100–$150
  • $$$ = over $150

Best memory foam pillow for side sleepers

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: solid foam
  • Available sizes: queen or king
  • Pros: free shipping, 5-year warranty
  • Cons: doesn’t offer returns or trial periods

“The pillow is named after the combination of a medium-firm solid memory foam piece and two layers of Tempur-Pedic’s patented breeze gel, which provides a cooling touch.”

Although the company claims their pillow is beneficial for any sleeping position, one of our editors said it works particularly well for side sleeping. She also appreciated the removable, washable cotton cover, which may be especially helpful for those with allergies.

“Although they don’t offer returns or trial periods, they do offer a 5-year warranty and free shipping.”

Buy the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow online.

Best cooling memory foam pillow

DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: solid foam
  • Available sizes: standard or king
  • Pros: financing available, 50-night trial, free shipping and returns
  • Cons: cover is not machine washable

The DreamCloud pillow is designed to support your head, shoulders, and neck while you sleep.

The foam is infused with a copper gel to create a cooling effect, and after a few nights in the writer’s bed, she can attest to the fact that it really does stay cool.

She used the pillow the same way she used it, no matter how much she changed sides and slept in different positions.

The memory foam pillow comes with a 50-night, risk-free trial and free shipping and returns within that trial period window. Financing options are available.

Buy the DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow online.

Best cooling adjustable memory foam pillow

The Nectar Memory Foam Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: adjustable foam
  • Available sizes: standard
  • Pros: cooling pillow, can adjust firmness
  • Cons: some reviewers mention the adjustable foam can be messy

The pillow has a design that makes it changeable. If you want the inner pillow to be less firm, you can remove some of the fill.

Our writer tested this pillow and says it has a soft and squishy texture. The pillow’s foam contours to fit your head and neck while still providing adequate support. It also features a cooling outer Tencel cover.

Buy The Nectar Memory Foam Pillow online.

Best memory foam pillow for back sleepers

Leesa Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: solid foam
  • Available sizes: standard or king
  • Pros: temperature regulated, washable cover
  • Cons: some reviewers describe the pillow as “bouncy”

The Leesa Pillow is made of foam to promote temperature regulation. The company says their pillow works well.

One of our editors tried this pillow and said it was a good combination of squishy foam and support. She says she could have slept without a pillowcase because she loved the quilted pillow cover. The cover is not permanent.

“Leesa’s pillow is made in the US. The pillow comes with a number of perks, including free shipping, a 30-night free trial, and a limited warranty.”

Buy the Leesa Pillow online.

Best memory foam pillow for combination sleepers

Amerisleep Flex Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: shredded foam
  • Available sizes: queen or king
  • Pros: washable cover, good contouring support
  • Cons: no trial period

The CertiPUR-US certified foam is in this pillow. The memory foam pillow has support but it still has the soft and squishy feel of a traditional pillow, says a copy editor.

Amerisleep calls this pillow a “moldable” and “reshapable”. It is great for changing positions because it does adjust throughout the night. She found that it works for stomach sleeping without causing neck pain.

The pillow has a cover.

Buy the Amerisleep Flex Pillow online.

Best memory foam pillow for people who snore

The Zoma Sports Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: blend of shredded foam and polyester fill
  • Available sizes: queen or king
  • Pros: 10-year warranty, doesn’t keep heat
  • Cons: no trial period

“The pillow doesn’t take long to expand to its full size.”

“One Healthline editor was skeptical of the pillow due to the texture of Zoma’s shredded foam. She said she felt no lumpiness after putting a pillowcase on it. The pillow is soft and works well for back sleeping.”

Our editor also asked her partner, who snores at night, to test the pillow in order to provide a more diverse review. It altered the angle of his head just enough that he stopped snoring.

The pillow cover has a good elasticity and is easy to clean. You will get a 10-year warranty and free shipping with your purchase.

Buy The Zoma Sports Pillow online.

Best adjustable memory foam pillow

Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: adjustable shredded foam
  • Available sizes: standard, queen, or king
  • Pros: 100-night trial, washable cover
  • Cons: some reviewers mention strong odor, can retain heat

The pillow that is designed by Coop Home Goods can be tailored to fit the sleeping style of the person. The fill is made of foam and microfiber. It comes with a half-pound bag of extra fill so you can add more volume if you have a place to store it.

Coop Home Goods claims the pillow works best for those who prefer a firmer feel, but since the foam level is adjustable, the pillow can really work for any kind of sleeper.

One of our editors has a pillow that she says is one of the comfiest pillows she has ever owned.

The Original Pillow is made in the United States. It comes with a trial, 5-year warranty, and machine-washable cover.

Buy the Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow online.

Best budget memory foam pillow

Sealy Memory Foam Contour Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: solid foam
  • Available sizes: standard
  • Pros: moisture wicking, washable cover
  • Cons: no clear warranty or trial period

One of our editors uses this pillow and says it’s comfortable for both side and back sleeping. Despite the soft, plush feel, she notes that it still provides plenty of support, as she doesn’t wake up with neck pain. The contour design is meant to better align your spine to its natural shape.

The pillow cover can be removed and washed. It is also absorbent.

Buy the Sealy Memory Foam Contour Pillow online.

Best fully washable memory foam pillow

Snuggle-Pedic Original Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Type: shredded foam
  • Available sizes: standard, queen, or king
  • Pros: cooling features, entire pillow is washable, 120-night trial
  • Cons: some reviewers mention an odor

Our writer has this pillow — and didn’t even realize all its features until she started working on this assignment! As a side sleeper and tosser and turner, she says this pillow is comfortable and easily adapts to whatever position she’s currently sleeping in.

The shredded memory foam design gives the pillow a light and airy feel, without the tendency to clump.

The shredded foam provides a cooling feature that many people look for when sleeping. The entire pillow is machine washed.

The Original Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow is made in the United States and comes with a 20-year warranty. Users get a 120-night free trial.

The original ultra-luxury bamboo pillow is available for purchase.

Best contour memory foam pillow

Sleep Number True Temp Pillow

  • Price: $$
  • Type: solid foam
  • Available sizes: standard or king
  • Pros: three different styles, 30-night trial, temperature balancing
  • Cons: some reviewers find this pillow too firm

The Sleep Number True Temp Pillow comes in three different styles: classic, contour, or ultimate. All three are made from CertiPUR-US certified foam and come with a removable cover.

The classic style is best for stomach or back sleeping. The ultimate style has foam inserts that can be changed to fit your needs. The style is advertised as being able to work for any sleeping position.

The editor tried the different versions. She was initially skeptical about how comfortable the style would be. She found that the pillow was comfortable for both side and back sleeping.

“The pillow is made of a piece of foam with a layer of fill sewn into the cover. The editor notes that she couldn’t feel the foam’s shape due to the layer ofPolyester. This may not work for you if you are looking for a traditional pillow.”

There is a risk-free 30-night trial for the pillow. Sleep Number also offers free shipping.

“Our editor says that the pillow’s temperature-balancing technology helped it remain cool to the touch.”

The Sleep Number True Temp Pillow is available for purchase.

Name Price Sizes available Type/material Best for Warranty Trial period
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow $$$ queen and king solid foam side sleepers 5 years no
DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow $ standard or king solid foam cooling no 50 nights
Nectar Memory Foam Pillow $ standard adjustable foam cooling properties and adjustability 5 years 50 nights
Leesa Pillow $ standard or king solid foam back sleepers 3 years 30 nights
Amerisleep Flex Pillow $ queen or king shredded foam combination sleepers 10 years no
The Zoma Sports Pillow $ queen or king blend of shredded foam and polyester people who snore 10 years no
Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow $ standard, queen, or king adjustable shredded foam adjustability 5 years 100 nights
Sealy Memory Foam Contour Pillow $ standard solid memory foam budget-conscious folks n/a n/a
Snuggle-Pedic Original Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow $ standard, queen, or king shredded foam fully washable pillow 20 years 120 nights
Sleep Number True Temp Pillow $$ standard or king solid foam contour memory foam 1 year 30 nights

“It is important to keep in mind the pillow style when shopping for a memory foam pillow. Some pillows have a fill and some have a shred. If the foam has layers, they provide a slightly different texture. When you lie on shredded memory foam, it shouldn’t feel like it’s been there a long time.”

The shape of the pillows is designed to promote proper alignment of the spine. Consider the type of sleep you have when researching memory foam pillows.

“If you’re looking for a pillow that will help you sleep at night, memory foam pillows that have a cooling feature are worth a look.”

All memory foam pillows are different. Some have gel layers, while others have foam and fills. Some are shaped in a certain way to cradle the neck.

Solid foam, shredded foam, foams, cooling agents, and blends can be used in filling.

“Picking the right pillow is doable despite all the options. Many companies offer a variety of services. Don’t feel like you have to keep a pillow that isn’t good for you. Give it a few nights and decide if it is what you are looking for.”

Still searching for the right sleep products?

Let us help. Shop our top picks for pillows by condition or sleeping position to help you get the sound sleep you deserve.

Anyone can benefit from using a memory foam pillow. The amount of time a person spends sleeping helps prevent aches and pains.

Some healthcare professionals caution against using memory foam pillows if you have asthma or are sensitive to smells, as new memory foam pillows might have a slight chemical smell or dust mites before they’re used.

Memory foam pillows aren’t machine washable. So the first step for caring for a memory foam pillow is purchasing a pillowcase. Clean the case regularly to remove dead skin and dust mites.

Many of the pillows on this list come with a machine washable cover. For deep cleaning, a simple hack is to apply a layer of baking soda to the bare pillow, then vacuum it.

How much do memory foam pillows cost?

The cost of a memory foam pillow can be determined by the material, size, and cooling agent. The Leesa Pillow is one of the affordable options, as is The Original Pillow by Coop Home Goods.

Do some research and compare options. The best pillow is not expensive.

What’s the best memory foam pillow for neck pain?

The best memory foam pillows for neck pain are ergonomic, meaning they provide cervical support without raising your head at too much of an angle. This list contains a few pillows that specifically address neck pain, such as the Sealy Memory Foam Contour Pillow and the Amerisleep Flex Pillow.

Do memory foam pillows really help?

The memory foam pillows are meant to help with alignment. Depending on your situation, they can help you fall asleep faster or sleep better. They can provide the support you need for a full night.

A 2021 review of 11 studies found “moderate evidence” that memory foam pillows with latex and a contoured design can help provide a good night’s sleep.

How do I choose the best memory foam pillow for me?

The first thing to consider when choosing a memory foam pillow is what kind of sleeper you are, as many companies make pillows specifically for back or side sleepers, for example.

From there, consider whether you run hot at night. If you do, then narrow your search to cooling pillows. Lastly, decide what material you’d prefer, such as a solid memory foam pillow, shredded, adjustable, or something with a polyester fill.

“It’s equally important to find a supportive mattress and a pillow that cradles and supports your head. When shopping for a memory foam pillow, make sure you look for a pillow that is designed to support the kind of sleeping you do, whether you are a back, side, or stomach sleeper.”

Alexandra Shimalla grew up writing princess stories on her family’s laptop in their makeshift laundry room/office. She’s now a freelance journalist based in Georgia. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and enjoys writing about health and wellness, gluten-free living, and higher education. Her writing has appeared in print and digital publications, such as Paste and Georgia Magazine. If she’s not at her computer, then she’s at the gym. Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website (www.alexshimalla.com).