Best Memory Foam Pillows in 2020

Best Memory Foam Pillows

While finding a quality mattress is airflow key to getting a good night’s sleep, having a comfortable pillow to go along with it is just as important. Having a poor quality pillow can result in a number of different pains in the neck – literally – which can leave you feeling hurt and tired.

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But with so many types of pillows out there, how do you know which one is the best? The most popular choice on the market today is the memory foam pillow. As with the mattress, these pillows conform to both the head and neck of the sleeper, aiding in spinal alignment and support while keeping the user comfortable. Just as with memory foam mattresses, the pillow comes in a variety of sizes and firmness styles to choose from. Read on for a compilation of the top 10 best memory foam pillows in 2020!

Top Memory Foam Pillow Comparison

Table of Contents

1. Top-Rated Memory Foam Pillow: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

snuggle pedic- memory foam pillows

Most of the reviews for this pillow mention how comfortable the pillow is, offering the perfect balance between support and comfort and ensuring sleepers get a wonderful night of sleep and wake up to a pain-free morning. Made from a combination of hypoallergenic and low V.O.C. Biogreen memory foam and CertiPUR-US certified foam, the company shreds the filling in order to provide customers with a light and fluffy pillow that is still capable of giving the support that memory foam pillows are known for.

The combination of materials offer a balance between comfort and support so that the head and neck muscles remain aligned throughout the night while at the same time allowing the pillow to conform to the position of the sleeper. The company also offers customers the opportunity to customize their pillow prior to purchase. Foam can either be added to the pillow or removed, all at no cost to the consumer. In addition, the entire pillow is machine washable and able to be run through the dryer.

Customers do have some concerns with regards to the pillow. In addition to being a bit expensive, the pillow requires some time to breathe after opening as some off-gassing can occur which results in an unpleasant odor. Also, the pillow needs to be re-fluffed on occasion. The pillow comes with a 20-year warranty and 90-day money back guarantee. Checkout for everything you ever wanted to know about bamboo pillows.

Why We Like It

  • Shredded filling is light and fluffy
  • Conforms to the shape and position of the sleeper
  • Comfortable and supportive

Pros

  • Made with shredded foam for a light and fluffy effect
  • Conforms to the sleeper’s position
  • Supportive and comfortable
  • Machine-washable
  • Comes with a 20-year warranty

Cons

  • May emit some off-gassing odors
  • Filling may be prone to lumpiness

2. Top-Rated Memory Foam Pillow: InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow

Runner-Up

Intevision foam pillow- Best Memory Foam Pillow

Sleepers who deal with sleep apnea, acid reflux, or breathing problems could benefit from a sleep wedge, as it helps to elevate the head and upper body throughout the night. This particular wedge is made up of two layers, a base layer of support foam with 1.5 inches of memory foam on top. In addition, both layers include built-in channels for airflow. The top layer conforms to the shape of the head and upper body of the person who is laying on it, offering comfort to whoever is using it.

The wedge comes with a machine washable cover, although the wedge itself cannot be washed in a machine. While the wedge can be used for multiple purposes, including elevating your legs, it is best suited for back sleepers as, at 12 inches, it is quite high for those who sleep on their side or stomach.

Even after multiple hours of use, reviews suggest this wedge continues to hold its shape, support and comfort level. Some reviews suggest the pillow could be too firm, although this is a matter of personal taste and something that each user will need to try out for themselves. In addition, some reviews suggest that the pillow sleeps hot.

Why We Like It

  • Promotes airflow with its ventilation system
  • Relieves upper body, head, and neck pain
  • Will not fall flat to merit re-fluffing

Pros

  • Has an advanced ventilation system
  • Relieves head, upper back, and neck pain
  • Works well for side and back sleepers
  • Does not need re-fluffing
  • Comes with a three-year warranty

Cons

  • May take some time to break in
  • May emit some odor initially

3. Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers: Conforma Cushion Firm Memory Foam Pillow

conforma memory foam pillow

For those seeking a memory foam pillow with a medium amount of firmness, the Conforma offers an open cell structure in addition to ventilated holes that aid in the flow of air through the pillow itself. Put together, these features allow for pressure relief as well as head, neck, and upper back support by contouring to the natural shape of your head and neck.

At the same time, the holes promote airflow for a cooler night of sleep. While it was created to offer contoured support for all sleep positions, side sleepers and back sleepers may find this pillow best suited to their needs, as it does not allow for as much sinking in as other memory foam pillows, which results in your head better staying aligned with your body.

While some users enjoy the five inches of thickness that accompany the pillow, stomach sleepers may not appreciate it as much. In addition, some users have noted that the pillow may take some time to break in, as well as an odor upon first use. The pillow comes with a three year warranty, and the company states it will not go flat or require any re-fluffing. However, some reviews suggest the pillow may not last too much longer than the warranty.

Why We Like It

  • Conforming, supportive, and comfortable
  • Enhances breathability through airflow channels
  • Best suited for back sleepers

Pros

  • Conforms to the head and upper body
  • Has airflow channels for improved breathability
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Suitable for back sleepers
  • Can hold its shape for hours

Cons

  • Prone to sleeping hot
  • It may be too big and too firm for some users

4. Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers: Sleep Innovations Cool Memory Foam Contour Pillow

Runner-Up

sleep innovations contour pillow- Memory Foam Pillows Best

This open cell memory foam pillow features a contoured shape filled with anti-allergy three-pound density foam which works as an ergonomic cradle to add additional support to your head, neck, and shoulders as you sleep and give further support to spinal alignment. The design of the pillow has a high curve on one side and a low curve on the other, making it a great choice for both side and back sleepers.

The pillow is made from SuperTemp foam which works to regulate temperature through airflow maintenance. The machine washable cover is made from a blend of materials, including 75% cotton and 25% polyester.

While it is available at a lower price than most other highly rated memory foam pillows, some users have noted that if a lot of weight is placed on the pillow, such as with people with heavy heads, it tends to squish down and not offer enough support. Other reviews suggest that the pillow gives off an odor that takes a few days to completely go away. Also, some people have said that despite the cooling technology it still sleeps hot. A five year warranty is included with purchase.

Why We Like It

  • Has better breathability than conventional memory foam pillows
  • Aligns the spine naturally
  • Ideal for back and side sleepers

Pros

  • Sports ergonomic features
  • Supports spinal alignment
  • Great for both back and side sleepers
  • Maintains airflow and regulates temperature
  • More affordable than other models here
  • Comes with a five-year warranty

Cons

  • May not cater to heavyweight individuals
  • May have some off-gassing smells

5. Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Malouf Z Zoned Memory Foam Pillow

Malouf Z travel memory foam pillow

The Malouf Z is different from other memory foam pillows available for multiple reasons. The included foam is softer than regular memory foam, allowing you to sink down into the pillow while still offering support. The pillow includes pinholes of several sizes located in different areas that have been shown to aid in sleep. The small holes located around the border help to create a firmer feel so your neck is properly supported.

Meanwhile, larger holes are placed in the middle to allow for a softer surface so your head can sink in and be comfortable. All of this is done while maintaining proper alignment.

Lastly, the pillow comes in a variety of sizes and firmness options in an effort to allow users to find the right level of comfort and support for their individual needs and sleeping positions. However, the company does not offer a guide of any sort to help customers determine which pillow would be best suited for them. Much like other memory foam pillows mentioned above, this pillow also has an open cell technology that allows for air flow and a cooler night of sleep.

Also Check out our post on- 10 Best Mattress for Heavy People.

The pillow also features a rayon and bamboo velour cover that is soft to the touch. Despite all of this, there are a few issues. Like most pillows in this category, the Malouf Z comes with a slight smell that may take several days to dissipate. In addition, the price tag is almost twice as much as other memory foam pillows currently available.

Why We Like It

  • Offers proprietary cooling properties
  • Conforms to your head, neck, and shoulders
  • Has pressure-relieving effects

Pros

  • Contains Tempur-Breeze cooling gel for a cool sleep
  • Contours to your body shape
  • Relieves pressure 
  • Soft and lightweight

Cons

  • Can be pricey for some people
  • Does not come with a sleep trial

6. Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow

Runner-Up

Elite rest ultra slim- Memory Foam Pillow

Made for back and stomach sleepers, as well as people with a thin body frame, this slim 2.5-inch thick pillow does not include as much foam so as to better support the natural alignment of the body while also preventing pressure points from forming. This is especially important for people with less body weight, as a thicker pillow could cause your head to be pushed too far forward or back, resulting in neck pain or a strained back. Featuring a flat side and a fluffy side, the pillow does contour to the head of the user in order to provide proper support for both head and neck.

While the slim design and flat shape of the pillow do not allow for the pillow to breathe as much as others currently available on the market, the included cover is made from 100% cotton, allowing for a cool night of sleep. Although great for stomach sleepers and thin people, heavier people and side sleepers may not appreciate the slim design as it could cause neck and back pain. In addition, the pillow also comes with a chemical smell that takes a few days to go away, as with most other memory foam pillows.

Why We Like It

  • Supports the head, neck, and spine
  • Relieves pressure points
  • Promotes cool sleep

Pros

  • Supports the alignment of the neck and spine
  • Features a flat and a fluffy side
  • Relieves pressure points
  • Comes with a cooling cover
  • Ideal for stomach and lightweight sleepers

Cons

  • Has a chemical smell
  • Not ideal for a side sleeper

7. Best Firm Memory Foam Pillow: Xtreme Comforts Hypoallergenic Pillow

extreme comforts king size- memory foam pillows

This pillow features a micro-vented kool-flow soft bamboo cover and is filled with shredded CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam. Resistant to both mold and dust mites, the pillow comes overstuffed but is easily customized to your preference of fluffiness based on your sleeping position. With a soft cover and firm filling, the pillow offers users both comfort and support to ensure your head stays in alignment with your spine and neck.

Online reviews suggest that the pillow does keep it shape throughout the night, although you will need to re-fluff quite often, possibly at the start of each night. The pillow is best suited for back and side sleepers, as well as stomach sleepers who sleep half on their stomach and half on their side or people who sleep with their arms curled up under their upper body. All of this comes at a cost though as this pillow tends to be more expensive than others available. In addition, users have suggested the initial smell present could last a while.

Why We Like It

  • Has soft cushion with a firm feel
  • Supports the neck
  • Uses open cell technology

Pros

  • Combines soft and firm feels
  • Supports the neck properly
  • Sports an open cell technology for better airflow
  • Uses an elegant rayon and bamboo velour cover
  • Comes in various sizes

Cons

  • Has a smell that takes a few day to dissipate
  • Twice the price of other models

8. Best Firm Memory Foam Pillow: Xtreme Comforts Slim Hypoallergenic Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Runner-Up

extreme comforts slim hypoallergenic- Foam pillow

The slim version of the Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, this is also filled with shredded CertiPUR-US Certified foam and comes with a micro-vented kool-flow technology bamboo cover for a cool night of sleep. The difference between these two pillows is that this one is only five inches thick and is fluffier than the original version. While those who feel the original is too thick may enjoy this version instead, stomach sleepers may find the slim version to still be too thick. This may not be the right pillow for these sleepers, as it does not have the ability to be customized for each customer, meaning it cannot be made any thinner.

In addition, some reviews suggest the initial odor takes several days to go away, and the pillow tends to get a little bit “lumpy” over time. The pillow features a six year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee.

Why We Like It

  • Aligns your head and neck with your spine
  • Firmness is customizable
  • Accommodates all types of sleepers

Pros

  • Keeps your head, neck, and spine in alignment
  • Firmness can be customized
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Dust mite- and mold-resistant
  • Caters to all kinds of sleepers

Cons

  • Comes initially with a chemical smell 
  • More expensive than other models

9. Best Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Classic Brands Ventilated

classic brands conforma memory foam pillow

The vents featured on this thick memory foam pillow help to ensure a cool night of sleep for users. However, it is worth noting that the coolness does not seem to last all night long, although it will be helpful with the first few hours which should help you initially fall asleep in hot temperatures.

While the thick pillow comes in a variety of sizes, they were all created to be very firm, which may not make it the best option for people who prefer a softer feel.

Why We Like It

  • Comes with a customizable thickness
  • Promotes a cool and comfortable sleep
  • Caters to side and back sleepers

Pros

  • Thickness and feel can be customized
  • Uses a cooling technology to provide a comfortable sleep
  • Ideal for back and side sleepers
  • Comes with a six-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee

Cons

  • Can get a bit lumpy over time
  • Has an initial strong odor

10. Best Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Coop Home Goods Shredded Hypoallergenic Certipur Memory Foam Pillow

Runner-Up

Coop home goods- Best memory foam pillows

Much like the name suggests, this memory foam pillow contains a mix of shredded visco elastic memory foam which the company will put more or less of in depending on the needs of each individual customer, helping to relieve any back pain that those who use it may be experiencing. The machine washable foam is hypoallergenic, CertiPUR-US Certified, and resistant to dust mites. Customers also appreciate that the cover, which is made of 60% polyester and 40% bamboo is breathable, allowing the user to sleep cool. The pillow is currently one of the best rated among memory foam pillows. Customers are offered a 30-day trial period to determine whether the pillow meets their needs, after which there is a five year warranty that goes into effect against the pillow going flat.

Why We Like It

  • Filling can be customized
  • Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust
  • Has a CertiPUR-US certification

Pros

  • One of the memory foam pillows with customizable filling
  • Comes with a sleep trial
  • Hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant
  • Certified by CertiPUR-US
  • Backed by a generous warranty

Cons

  • May be too heavy for some users
  • May emit a terrible odor

11. Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: Layla Kapok Memory Foam Pillow

Layla memory foam pillow

The first option on this list, and possibly the best memory foam pillow available, is the Layla Kapok Memory Foam Pillow. This comes with a kapok fiber-infused filling that makes it stand out from the others found in this guide. Aside from shredded foam, the company has infused the pillow with fibers from the kapok tree. The fibers’ downy texture and lack of heat retention help regulate the foam’s temperature. 

The cover of the pillow is infused with copper, an element that has shown promise in improving the sleepers’ blood flow. The impressive 120-night trial is also supplemented with a 5-year warranty, making this a winning product.

Why We Like It

  • Customizable height foam pillow for side, back, and belly sleepers
  • Improves blood flow and dissipated body heat
  • Offers aa 120-night trial

Pros

  • Has an adjustable height to accommodate belly sleepers
  • Cover is copper-infused to improve blood flow
  • Dissipates body heat
  • Comes with a generous sleep trial

Cons

  • May reek of chemical smell
  • May lose its shape over time

12. Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Foam Pillow

Runner-Up

Tempur-cloud Foam Pillows

If budgetary constraints are something you don’t need to worry about, the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Foam Pillow is definitely worth a try. You will be getting a design that is well worth the money you’re spending. This is built using Tempur memory foam, which is an extremely lightweight material that can give you superior contouring combined with pressure relief. 

The layer of Tempur-Breeze gel that is placed on the sides of the pillow helps keep you cool as you sleep. The cover is soft and stylish, built with quilted cotton, which allows you to remove and clean it separately in a washing machine. However, there is no sleep trial.

Why We Like It

  • Supportive, responsive, and ergonomic
  • Firm enough for tummy sleepers
  • Comes in multiple sizes

Pros

  • Responsive and ergonomic
  • Offers pressure relief and support
  • Firm enough for people who sleep on their stomach
  • Comes in various sizes

Cons

  • Tends to get warm as the night goes by
  • Does not work for those who prefer a softer pillow

13. Best King Size Memory Foam Pillow: Nest Bedding The Easy Breather Pillow

Nest bedding pillows

If you are a side sleeper, you need a pillow that helps in alleviating the pressure points that build up around the neck and shoulders. This is exactly what the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow does for you. Built with good circulation to keep it relatively cool, this pillow can be easily molded to whatever position you like. 

If you are looking for a medium-firm level pillow that can handle different weight categories, this is a good option to consider. In addition to this, the cover made of Tencel lyocell is extremely breathable. The 100-night free trial is also a welcome addition.

Why We Like It

  • Alleviates pressure points
  • Has balanced firmness
  • Caters to side sleepers

Pros

  • Alleviates pressure points
  • Has a medium-firm feel
  • A good pillow for side sleepers
  • Keeps you cool at night
  • Does not have a strong smell
  • Comes with a 100-night free trial

Cons

  • May be overstuffed
  • May offer less support for some people

14. Best King Size Memory Foam Pillow: Bear Pillow

Runner-Up

Bear Pillow

If you are a hot sleeper, the wrong kind of mattress or pillow can lead to many sleepless nights. This, however, isn’t something you need to worry about with the Bear Pillow. This particular product is built using just one piece of aerated “Loft X” polyfoam, which works like magic when it comes to air circulation within the pillow. 

The cover of the pillow — built with a polyester blend — comes with mesh panels that improve the pillow’s breathability. With its impressive shape retention abilities and 5-inch loft, this pillow can be used by consumers of different body types. Additionally, the 100-night sleep trial and decent warranty make it a great deal.

Why We Like It

  • Promotes airflow 
  • Accommodates people on the heavier end
  • Comes with a generous sleep trial

Pros

  • Facilitates air circulation with aerated polyfoam
  • Has a breathable cover
  • Caters to heavyweight and active users
  • Comes with a 100-night sleep trial

Cons

  • May emit some off-gassing odors
  • May be too heavy for some users

Know Before You Buy

Things to Look for in a Memory Foam Pillow

Construction & Materials

We are mostly talking about the fill in this case. As we mentioned earlier, you may find pillows made of one piece of shredded pieces of memory foam. An example of fill would be the kapok fiber-infused one found in the Layla Kapok Memory Foam Pillow. There are also bamboo-infused and copper-infused foams on our list.

Most of the brands in this guide also make mattresses. It follows that they found a way to use the same proprietary material, or something similar, in their pillows. Tempur is a quick reference in this regard. In other cases, sleep accessories are built to complement bed models.

You may also note the integration of layers of materials into a few pillows. For instance, the InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow has a foam base topped by memory foam. When you encounter this, it’s best to ask what the layers are for. Of course, check out the cover’s specifications as well.

Read our Best Memory Foam Mattress Review in 2020.

Firmness & Feel

If you shopped mattresses before, you’re probably familiar with the firmness scale used to determine how soft or hard the surface would be. If not, then that’s all right. The firmness scale used for beds ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 as the softest and 10 as the hardest. This may or may not be applied to pillows.

The good thing about memory foam pillows is that their firmness levels often come with definitions. You may also check out what other users are saying–but we’ve already done that for you, correct? Just keep in mind that firmness levels allow you to tailor the feel to your needs and wants.

And don’t be confused! Medium is different from medium-firm. Medium falls in between medium-firm and medium-soft. That’s pretty similar to the customization you can get from a mattress. We’ve mentioned firmness levels in our recommendations where the information is available.

Special Design

In some cases, memory foam pillows are designed for a specific customer segment. You have the InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow as the perfect example. It is made for people who have conditions affecting their sleep, such as sleep apnea, acid reflux, or breathing problems. If you are suffering from these issues, consider buying a personalized version such as this one.

Another way to look at this is if the pillow’s loft can be customized. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow allows this. However, instead of letting you adjust it on your own, the maker requires you to send back the product to them. And then they will adjust the loft for you. It may take time, but at least you’re assured it’s professionally done.

Size and Thickness

The typical sizes for memory foam pillows are standard, queen, and king. Here is the breakdown of dimensions for these 3 sizes:

  • Standard – 20 x 26 inches
  • Queen – 20 x 30 inches
  • King – 20 x 36 inches

Your preferred pillow size may fall more or less within those dimensions. This is particularly useful when you’re shopping for pillowcases to go with your pillows. For sheets, you can find standard and king sizes anywhere. Queen sizes can be replaced by standard ones if the former is elusive.

How about thickness? Pillows with a single thickness can typically range from 4.5 to 7 inches. Pillows with middle-thickness include Classic Brands Conforma Firm Memory Foam Pillow at 5 inches. On the other hand, some models sport dual thickness. For instance, one side can be around 2 inches and the other is 4 inches. That totals to 6 to 7 inches.

Pricing

Memory foam pillows already sound like special versions of ordinary pillows. But trust us: there are traditional memory foam pillows that often fall within the inexpensive category. Then there are the ones within the midpoint range. Others can be more expensive, such as the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Foam Pillow. 

Your budget and the quality of the product, as well as the reputation of the company, can help you determine the choice that offers the best value for your money. Just make sure to spare $50 to $60, the average cost for queen-size memory foam pillows.

Definitely, you can get a bang for your buck when you shop online. That’s because e-commerce is happy to have discounts, promos, and sales come your way. And you can get access to high-quality yet affordable options by just clicking buttons these days.

Other Factors

Don’t skip this part. The sleep trials, shipping, and return terms, and warranties are just as important as the price and design of your pillow. For one thing, you have these perks now! There have never been a better time shopping memory foam pillows than in 2020. 

Sleep trials often last from 30 nights to 100 nights. The longest we’ve found is 120 nights–which is really generous. But it’s also pretty standard if you’re buying a memory foam pillow online. After all, this sleep accessory is not just an “accessory”. It is meant to help you sleep better. 

Meanwhile, the average coverage for warranties is 3 to 5 years. Not bad for a pillow. The typical length for beds is 10 years. Now, if your purchase isn’t fit, some companies will allow you to return the product and give you a full refund–provided you make the request within the trial period.

Complaints received about the pillow include an off-gassing that can take multiple days to dissipate. In addition, there seems to be a lot of re-fluffing needed. Side sleepers appear to have the most issues with the pillow, as they have difficulty finding the right amount of support from their pillows and state that the pillow is too soft. While choosing the “best” memory foam pillow could be a difficult task, as it all depends on the needs and sleeping positions of the individual. There is no “one-size-fits-all” pillow out there.

However, the list we have put together for you features top-rated pillows in each category and, depending on your needs, we have no doubt that you will be able to find the perfect pillow for you on this page. For example, those who sleep on their side, which is the most common sleep position, will want to look for a pillow that offers more firm support for your head and neck. Meanwhile, if you sleep on your back you should look for a pillow with medium firmness. Stomach sleepers need a thin pillow to help maintain the natural curve of the neck.

For those who do not know what type of pillow they may want, or who go through several sleep positions throughout the night, a recent study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics suggests that 10 centimeters provides the optimal level of thickness in a pillow and provides the most comfort.

In the end, we suggest that, even after you finish your initial research, you take the time to test out these pillows before you buy them, even if it is just a few minutes in the store.