Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to review more than 50 pillows. These products have spanned a wide range of fillings, cover materials, innovative designs, as well as one-of-a-kind features I honestly didn’t know existed.
With all this in mind, I’ve created a comprehensive list of the best pillows for 2022 that address all sleep needs and preferences! The seemingly unending options can seem daunting, but I’ve included a list of my favorite tips and tricks for narrowing down the many choices out there and making it simpler to find the best match.
The Best Pillows of 2022 Detailed
Here is our comprehensive list of the best pillows:
- Saatva Natural Latex Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Brooklinen Down Pillow – Best Down Pillow
- Nolah Squishy Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow – Best Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Pillow Cube – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Layla Kapok – Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- Purple Cloud – Best Soft Pillow
- TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Pillow for Neck Pain
- Sleep Number True Temp – Best Cooling Pillow
- Birch – Best Organic Pillow
Editor’s Pick – Saatva Natural Latex Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Pillow has an organic cotton cover that is removable. Underneath is an outer pillow made up of hypoallergenic microfibers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
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If you’re looking for a hotel quality pillow, the Saatva Latex pillow is for you. It combines a plush down alternative that surrounds a shredded latex core. This combo provides plush comfort and great support.
It works best for back sleepers, but side sleepers will enjoy this pillow, too! Back sleepers will be able to sink in a bit, but the shredded latex foam provides good support to keep you from bottoming out. And this pillow is tall enough to keep your head in a neutral alignment while you sleep.
It’s full of hypoallergenic materials, and all the materials are incredibly breathable, so it won’t trap heat — meaning hot sleepers can stay cool.
What Makes the Saatva Natural Latex Pillow Stand Out?
- It combines plush comfort and supportive shredded latex that will keep you sleeping in a comfortable position all night.
- It’s made of high-quality, hypoallergenic materials.
- Saatva provides a 45-night trial period and a one-year limited warranty.
Read our full Saatva Natural Latex pillow review.
Best Down – Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen’s Down pillow is a nice option for those who love the feel of down but want more than the typical amount of loft and support. Based on my experience, I think it’s best for side sleepers or those who want a good amount of thickness – perhaps individuals with larger body frames or broader shoulders.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full Review
Down clusters provide exceptional plush comfort, and Brooklinen sells a high-quality down pillow for down lovers out there. This pillow comes in three different firmnesses making it a great option for all sleeping positions and all body types.
The plush version is great for stomach sleepers who need a low pillow, while the mid-plush and the firm pillows will be better for back and side sleepers. Animal lovers can rest easy knowing that the down is responsibly and humanely sourced.
What Makes the Brooklinen Down Pillow Stand Out?
- Three firmness levels make it a truly universal pillow for all bodies and sleeping positions.
- The down is humanely sourced.
- The pillow has been treated with antimicrobial protection to make it fight allergens and bacteria in your sleep environment.
Read our full Brooklinen Down pillow review.
Best Memory Foam – Nolah Squishy Pillow
Nolah Squishy Pillow
If you love that squishy, slow-moving feel of memory foam in your pillows, then the Nolah Squishy Pillows are for you. These cooling foam pillows come in a double pack and are super comfortable but equally supportive.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
The Nolah Squishy pillow is a great option for fans of slow-moving memory foam. True to its name, this pillow feels incredibly squishy and is full of shredded foam.
Memory foam has been known to trap heat in the past. However, Nolah designed this foam pillow for cooling. The foam is shredded so it has room for airflow, and the outer cover is made from bamboo viscose which is breathable and moisture-wicking.
This pillow comes to you in a double pack, and you have the option to take out or add in the shredded foam. This means you can adjust the height to match your sleeping position.
What Makes the Nolah Squishy Pillow Stand Out?
- Fans of slow-moving memory foam will get exactly what they love in this pillow.
- It’s a foam pillow that has been optimized for cooling and won’t trap heat.
- An adjustable fill makes it great for all three sleeping positions.
Read our full Nolah Squishy pillow review.
Best for Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding's Talalay Latex Pillow is a supportive and pressure relieving blended latex foam pillow. It has a ventilated core and removable soft knit cover. It comes in two loft options, making it a good choice for any sleep position.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
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Latex foam is much more responsive and bouncy than traditional memory foam. Brooklyn Bedding uses this type of foam in its Talalay Latex pillow.
We love this pillow for back sleeping because of the latex foam’s responsiveness, but it’s incredibly supportive, too. This will keep your head in a neutral position and keep your chin in line with your chest.
This pillow comes in two lofts, a low and high loft, which work for different body types. Lightweight sleepers will enjoy the low loft pillow, while heavier back sleepers will enjoy the high loft. Average weight back sleepers will enjoy either one depending on your preference.
What Makes the Brooklyn Bedding Pillow Stand Out?
- Talalay latex is soft, but very responsive and supportive.
- Two loft options makes it a great choice for back sleepers of all body types.
- It won’t trap heat because the latex has been perforated with holes to allow for airflow.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow review.
Best for Side Sleepers – Pillow Cube
Pillow Cube Sidekick
Side sleepers, are you looking for a pillow made just for you? Look no further than the Pillow Cube! This uniquely shaped pillow fits your "shoulder gap" (the space between your neck and your shoulder) perfectly! Get the best rest you can get with the Pillow Cube!
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
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Side sleepers need a tall pillow to keep their head from craning too low, while also accommodating their shoulder. That’s why the Pillow Cube was invented — it’s made specifically for side sleepers!
This pillow boasts a single piece of tall memory foam (either 5” or 6” depending on your height) that lets you sink in a little, but still gives good support.
The unique shape of this pillow has been designed to fit into your “shoulder gap,” or the space between your neck and shoulder. This makes it feel very natural and comfortable to sleep on while side sleeping.
What Makes the Pillow Cube Stand Out?
- It’s been designed specifically for side sleepers.
- It’s a tall pillow that will keep your head from craning too far down, which means you won’t have to worry about developing neck pain.
- Pillow Cube also sells this in a variety of options, like the longer Side Sleeper Pro for people who change positions, and hot sleepers can opt for a cooling cover!
Read our full Pillow Cube review.
Best for Combo Sleepers – Layla Kapok Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla Kapok pillow combines shredded foam and natural kapok tree fibers to give you a great balance of comfort and support. You can also take out some of this fill to adjust the height of the pillow to make it work for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Combo sleepers need a pillow that can work with whatever sleeping positions they find themselves in. The Layla Kapok pillow has an adjustable fill that can fit whatever sleeping positions you sleep in.
The shredded foam fill, mixed with natural kapok tree fibers, provides a good combo of plush comfort and support. You’ll sink in a little bit, but this pillow should still be easy enough to move around on.
Back/side combo sleepers will want to keep this on the taller side, while back/stomach sleepers will want to remove a good portion of the fill to make it fairly low.
What Makes the Layla Kapok Pillow Stand Out?
- The adjustable fill makes it great for combination sleepers. Play around with the height to find a match for you!
- Hot sleepers will also love this pillow because the cover has copper infused into it, which will draw away body heat.
- You have a 120-night trial period to test it out, and an impressive 5-year warranty if you keep it!
Read our full Layla Kapok Pillow review.
Best Soft Pillow – Purple Cloud Pillow
Purple Cloud Pillow
If you love plush down alternative pillows, the Purple Cloud is for you! This soft, plush pillow is tall and supportive and works best for back and side sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
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Soft pillows can be just as supportive as a firm one! The Purple Cloud feels like sleeping on a soft cloud, but will still give good head and neck support.
The pillow is 6” tall, making it good for side sleepers and some back sleepers. It’s full of gel fiber down alternative that gives it a really plush feel.
Better yet, out of all of Purple’s pillows, this is the most affordable!
What Makes the Purple Cloud Pillow Stand Out?
- It’s full of plush down alternative that makes it a fairly soft pillow.
- It’s full of breathable materials, with a cotton cover and down alternative that won’t trap heat. This makes it a good option for hot sleepers.
- Out of Purple’s four pillows, this is the most affordable for budget shoppers out there!
Read our full Purple Cloud pillow review.
Best Pillow for Neck Pain – TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
The ergonomic shape to the TEMPUR-Neck pillow makes it an ideal pillow for anyone dealing with neck pain. This solid slab of memory foam will contour to your head and neck, giving you good support and will alleviate neck pain.
Mattress Clarity Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
No one likes waking up with neck pain in the morning. The TEMPUR-Neck pillow has a unique shape to it that contours to your head and neck that will help alleviate neck pain.
The pillow does this by keeping your neck elevated and in a neutral position thanks to this shape. It works best for side and back sleepers, and comes in three different sizes to accommodate all body types!
What Makes the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow Stand Out?
- The ergonomic shape will keep your head and neck in a neutral position while you sleep, which will eliminate neck pain over time.
- It’s made of a single piece of dense, supportive foam that still provides good comfort.
- TEMPUR offers a five-year limited warranty on this pillow!
Read our full TEMPUR-Neck pillow review!
Best Cooling – Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
With advanced cooling technology, the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow is a luxurious option. It has a plush and supportive feel, so it's great for back and side sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.60 / 5
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Many Sleep Number products feature something called 37.5 active particle technology. This unique feature allows products to adapt to your body temperature, and will dissipate heat if you start to get hot.
Naturally, Sleep Number incorporated the material into its True Temp pillow! This is a great cooling feature on its own, but Sleep Number optimized this pillow to keep you cool.
It features a breathable cotton cover, that is full of down alternative that surrounds a perforated memory foam core.
What Makes the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow Stand Out?
- This pillow has many breathable components and will work to keep you cool at night. It won’t trap any heat!
- It provides a great balance of comfort and support with plush down alternative surrounding a supportive memory foam core.
- This pillow also comes in different models to accommodate different needs, such as a contoured version for head and neck support.
Read our full Sleep Number True Temp Pillow review.
Best Organic Pillow – Birch Pillow
Birch Organic Pillow
The Birch Pillow is an eco-friendly and sustainably made pillow that has an organic cotton cover and fill made with Birch Wool and Talalay Latex shreds. It will work for all sleep positions and needs to be spot cleaned only.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
Read Full Review
Sometimes, you rest a lot easier when you know you have a fully organic product. Just like the company’s mattresses, Birch has stuffed its pillows full of organic materials.
This pillow features organic New Zealand wool, organic cotton, and natural Talalay latex. These materials have been Greenguard Gold and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified.
These certifications mean that the materials are ethically and sustainably sourced, and are made without harmful chemicals as well as ensuring that there are safe working conditions for the manufacturing process.
What Makes the Birch Pillow Stand Out?
- It features breathable wool and Talalay latex, so this pillow shouldn’t trap heat.
- It’s full of natural products for eco-conscious shoppers.
- The materials make for a plush, but supportive feel making it a great choice for back sleepers.
Read our full Birch Pillow review.
How to Choose a Pillow
In this buyer’s guide section, I’ll explain everything you need to know and look out for when you’re shopping for your next pillow.
Alignment
One way to reduce the risk of neck pain is to ensure that your head is resting on a pillow that allows for the head, neck, and spine to be in a straight line. This is also referred to as neutral alignment.
If you sleep on your back or stomach, make sure your chin lines up with your sternum. If you fall out of this neutral alignment, you may develop neck pain over time.
Side sleepers, you’ll also want to make sure your chin lines up with your sternum. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure your ear lines up with your shoulder. Otherwise, you may crane your neck into an unnatural position.
Sleeping Position
I always suggest that people start by looking at their primary sleep position. This is the position a person typically wakes up in every morning.
Side sleepers need a thicker, more supportive pillow to keep their neck properly aligned. Side sleepers can be comfortable on any type of pillow as long as it provides enough loft and support.
RELATED: Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow for neutral alignment. I generally recommend softer pillows like down, down alternative, and feather pillows for stomach sleepers. If stomach sleepers want a foam pillow, they should look for shredded foam for a less dense feel, or adjustable pillows that allow you to remove excess filling.
RELATED: Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Back sleepers, like stomach sleepers, also need a thinner pillow to keep their neck in proper alignment. Avoid pillows that are extra firm or extra-soft. Many of the pillows that work for stomach sleepers will also work well for back sleepers.
RELATED: Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
Pro Tip: Those who wake up in different positions consistently can consider themselves to be combination sleepers!
Body Type
When you’re buying a new mattress, it’s always a good idea to find something that suits your body type. The same thing applies to pillows. Larger people may apply more pressure to a pillow, causing it to fall flat. Because of this, heavier people over 230 lbs will want to find a pillow made of supportive materials. Oftentimes, down pillows aren’t supportive enough for people with larger frames.
Because lightweight people won’t compress a pillow as much, they’ll want to make sure to find a pillow with a lower loft. Many pillows allow sleepers to adjust the height by removing the interior filling.
Firmness
A pillow’s firmness will also greatly impact how comfortable it feels. Side sleepers, generally, need pillows that feel more supportive and firm. Oftentimes, soft pillows compress as the night goes on, causing the sleeper to get out of a neutral alignment.
Stomach sleepers should look for an especially soft pillow, because this will help them maintain the proper spine alignment. Back sleepers, however, should find a pillow that feels medium firm. It’s important for the head to gently compress the center of the pillow without bottoming out.
Feel
How a pillow feels is a matter of personal preference. Some people love the slow-moving feel of memory foam. Others prefer a malleable and soft pillow stuffed with goose down. Many people opt for a traditional pillow stuffed with microfiber.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow
In addition to the elements we outlined above, it’s valuable to consider the pillow’s practical details. How long will it last? Is it difficult to maintain? Find out below!
Shape
Most pillows have a traditional rectangular shape, but you’ll occasionally come across products with different dimensions.
The Eli & Elm Side Cotton Sleeper Pillow, for example, as a U-shape design, which specifically helps side sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Wedge pillows have a triangular shape, making them especially useful for lounging.
Loft
Loft, also known as height, greatly impacts how comfortable a pillow feels. A side sleeper will need a loftier pillow than a stomach sleeper, because taller pillows usually create more support.
If you’re unsure what loft size you need, purchase a pillow you can customize.
RELATED: Snuggle-Pedic vs Coop Home Goods Customizable Pillow
Cover
Whether or not you use a pillowcase, it’s important to pay attention to the pillow’s cover. If you’re a hot sleeper, pillow covers can help dissipate heat. Oftentimes, companies use breathable fabrics to aid in airflow. Some products have special materials sewn in.
Many pillow covers also have zippers around the edges, which allows sleepers to easily remove them for cleaning. Sometimes, you can even take out the filling to adjust the pillow’s firmness level.
RELATED: How to Clean Your Pillow
Core
You’ll find all kinds of different materials inside pillows. Sometimes, you’ll find shredded pieces of memory foam and microfiber. This gives the pillow a malleable feel, almost like down feathers. If a pillow has a thick piece of latex or memory foam inside, it usually feels especially supportive. This works well for many side sleepers, although these types of pillows are more difficult to customize.
Budget
Some pillows are especially budget-friendly, but they may not last a long time. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to spring for the luxurious model. However, it’s not impossible to find affordable pillows that don’t sacrifice on quality. When shopping for new pillows, make sure to keep your budget in mind.
Durability
Most pillows last at least three years, but if they aren’t made well, they may not have a long lifespan. If you’re especially concerned about a pillow’s durability, check the warranty information. Oftentimes, companies will replace your pillow if it gets severely damaged during the first year.
Care Instructions
Most pillows have machine-washable covers, but sometimes you’ll come across a pillow that does not. Before buying a new pillow, make sure you fully understand how to care for it and keep it fresh.
Types of Pillows
With so many different types of pillows on the market, the selection can feel daunting. To make sure you get the right one, it’s always helpful to understand the different materials and constructions. Keep reading to learn about the most popular types of pillows.
Dual Profile
Dual profile pillows allow you to easily change the loft by adding inserts underneath the cover. Because they’re so versatile, they work well for a variety of different sleeping positions and body types.
Adjustable
Adjustable pillows are quite similar to dual profile models. With both types, you can easily adjust the construction and change the loft. Adjustable pillows, however, don’t use foam inserts. With an adjustable pillow, you’ll take out some of the interior fluff or filling to change how it looks and feels.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows have a soft, cushioning feel. These pillows offer nice pressure relief, so they’re especially good for sleepers with neck pain. Some pillows contain shredded memory foam, creating a less dense feel. Memory foam pillows can also contain materials like gel to add cooling features to the pillow.
Latex
Latex pillows offer great support like memory foam pillows, though they have a different feel. Latex pillows will offer pressure relief, but you won’t feel like you’re “sinking in” to them as much as a memory foam pillow because latex is resilient and bouncy. Latex pillows can contain completely natural, synthetic, or blended materials, and are generally pretty cooling.
Microfiber
Pillows stuffed with microfiber tend to feel soft and plush. And because microfiber is completely synthetic, these pillows tend to cost less than memory foam or down pillows. If you’re a budget, this could be a great pick!
Neck Pillow
Often used for traveling, neck pillows have a special U-shape that allows people to sleep in tight spaces. These pillows gently cradle the neck, and they’re typically made out of memory foam.
RELATED: Best Travel Pillows
Down
Down pillows have a classic, soft feel that many sleepers are accustomed to. If you’ve ever slept on a hotel pillow, you’ve probably slept on a down pillow. These pillows are less dense and supportive than memory foam and latex pillows, so they make a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
Down Alternative
Down alternative pillows have the same soft, classic feel of down pillows, but instead contain a synthetic down alternative material. Down alternative pillows are cheaper than down pillows. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic.
Summary
| Pillow | Best For |
| Saatva Natural Latex | Editor’s Pick |
| Brooklinen Down Pillow | Best Down Pillow |
| Nolah Squishy Pillow | Best Memory Foam Pillow |
| Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex | Best Pillow for Back Sleepers |
| Pillow Cube | Best Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Layla Kapok | Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers |
| Purple Cloud | Best Value |
| TEMPUR-Neck | Best Pillow for Neck Pain |
| Sleep Number True Temp | Best Cooling Pillow |
| Birch | Best Organic Pillow |
FAQs
Which is the best pillow for sleeping?
There is no single best pillow for everyone out there. We wish it was that easy! The best pillow for sleeping is going to depend on a person's primary sleeping position and their personal preferences — whether they prefer down or foam, cotton, or a different knit blend.
How do I pick the right pillow?
To pick the best pillow, individuals need to figure out what sleep position they most often wake up in. In general, stomach sleepers tend to need the flattest pillows that are the softest or most plush. Back sleepers do best with a medium-sized lofted pillow and a medium range of support. Lastly, side sleepers tend to need the most loft (height) and support to fill the gap between their shoulders and their heads and necks.
What are the best affordable pillows?
The right pillow doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive one. There are plenty of options for under $50 including a few on our list: Sleepgram and Purple Plush. Other options include:
What is the best kind of pillow for a side sleeper?
Side sleepers need to fill a 4" to 6" gap of space between their shoulder and their head and neck when sleeping on their sides. For this reason, side sleepers tend to need the most height, loft and overall support from a pillow. Look for pillows that are labeled for side sleepers and/or come overstuffed. Adjustable pillows that offer additional filling can also be a good option.
What is the best type of pillow?
There is no “best” pillow. Depending on your preferences, your body, sleep position and more, you will like different things. Check our many lists of the best pillows, including the best pillows for side sleepers, best foam pillows and best pillows for neck pain.
Tony Klespis
Tony is a staff writer at Mattress Clarity where he analyzes sleep products and appears in review videos. He earned a B.A in English from Sam Houston State University and a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University.
When he isn’t writing about sleep products, Tony loves to unwind with a good book or can be found playing Pokemon Go outside with his friends, or cuddling with his cat, Penguin. He’s always down to try a new, local restaurant and try new foods.