Best Memory Foam Pillow (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Second to choosing the best mattress for your needs, a comfortable pillow is one of the most important pieces of bedding to promote spinal alignment and alleviate chronic back pain. A lousy pillow can cause sleep deprivation, headaches, and neck pains— leading to productivity loss at work and in your personal life.

In this article, we’ll review five memory foam pillows and describe the different types of foam pillows available today. From there, we’ll offer tips on buying the best memory foam pillow.

Best Memory Foam Pillows

Amerisleep’s Comfort Classic Pillow consists of 6 inches of solid Bio-Pur®—a plant-based memory foam. Bio-Pur® sleeps cooler and has less odor potential than traditional memory foam because it’s partially plant-based and manufactured using eco-friendly processes.

The cooling channels and the moisture-wicking cover foster breathability, allowing air to flow through the materials and pulling heat from the sleeper.

The Comfort Classic pillow is not adjustable or moldable; however, this pillow alleviates chronic pain in the neck and shoulders through responsive pressure relief, which caters to back and side sleepers who need better contouring and support.

We recommend Amerisleep’s latest Flex Pillow for all sleepers, especially those who don’t really know their sleep style or sleep needs (or what they want in a pillow) because it contains adaptable MicroFlex cushions to fluff or flatten any which way.

MicroFlex cushions are high-tech memory foam designed to hold their shape and never lose support, so you can easily adjust this pillow to fit below your head perfectly and it won’t start sagging.

Plus, these MicroFlex cushions are ultra-contouring and pain-relieving, so they mold to your head and neck to offer cushiony comfort and prevent stiffness and other neck aches.  If you need a one-size-fits-all pillow for neck pain, the Flex fits the bill.

Amerisleep recommends their Flex for side, back, combo, and stomach sleepers alike since it can mold to fit any sleeper’s position and body type, so you really can’t go wrong choosing the Flex. Plus, Amerisleep backs this pillow—in addition to their Comfort Classic and Dual Comfort Pillows—with a 10-year warranty, which is lengthy in comparison to most other pillow warranties.

The third pillow on our list, and the third in Amerisleep’s line-up, is their innovative, flippable firmness pillow: Amerisleep Dual Comfort.

We see flippable firmness in mattresses, as Nolah carries a bed with a firm side and a soft side, but this feature is rare to find in pillows. And though it’s rare, it’s quite convenient.

Not everybody absolutely loves a firm pillow or is totally committed to using a soft pillow. Sometimes, you want options. Maybe one night you have a killer migraine and want to lay your head down on a soft cushion, or another night, you may want the added neck support of a firmer pillow.  With Dual Comfort, you have options.

Amerisleep uses the same Bio-Pur® memory foam found in their mattresses for their Dual Comfort Pillow; one side is designed to feel firm, the other soft—giving you two pillow options in one. Not to mention, this pillow is also available in different lofts, so shoppers can choose between 5- and 6-inch Dual Comfort models.  We recommend this pillow for side and back sleepers, and of course, combination sleepers will like the versatility of this pillow.

The Zoma Pillow is made in the USA and is great for all sleeping styles. Its performance cover and moldable MicroCushions™ let the sleeper adjust the pillow to their specific needs.

The CertiPUR-US® certified shredded foam and polyester fiber filling is moldable and ensures the pillow won’t go flat.

Meanwhile, the polyester and spandex cover wicks away heat and moisture. The lightweight mesh fabric increases airflow through the pillow’s core and wicks away moisture at the surface, promoting cool sleep.

SEE ALSO: Zoma Mattress Review

The Vaya Pillow is another comfortable pillow designed to suit most sleepers. Even better? It’s our most budget-friendly “luxury” pillow and still comes with a lengthy 10-year warranty.

Vaya Sleep is a relatively new mattress in a box brand, and like their pillow, they design their mattresses to suit the majority of sleep needs. They do this with proprietary Vaya Foam, a responsive yet contouring foam designed to mimic the best of latex and memory foam—all while minimizing their drawbacks.

Vaya Foam is not only cushioning and pain-relieving, bouncy and supportive, but it’s also notably durable and CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it’s free of harmful chemicals and low in VOCs. (Perfect for allergy sufferers!)  The blended Vaya Foam in Vaya’s pillow molds to your head to keep your neck in a healthy position, and since it has a bit of bounce back, it never goes flat. As a finishing touch, Vaya wraps their pillow in a lightweight, soft cover to boost overall comfort.

SEE ALSO: Vaya Mattress Review

Coop Homes Goods semi-circle bolster pillow contours and adjusts depending on how you use it. The Four Position Support Pillow can alleviate osteoarthritis and other chronic pain (such as nerve pain, sciatica, and cervical pain) by promoting pressure relief.

The medium-firm bolster can support other pillows at an angle, increasing support for reading or watching TV. The Four Position Support Pillow can be used as a knee or head pillow.

Removing the insert in the Coop Homes bolster pillow will make the cushion 1 inch shorter.

The Lulltra™ cover is hypoallergenic and kills bacteria because it’s made with bamboo-derived viscose rayon, which is moisture and heat-wicking.

Types of Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows come in all shapes and sizes, although there are two common types— solid one-piece and shredded foam — both are engineered to enhance sleep.

All memory foam pillows are made with open-cell foams, enhancing breathability. Unlike traditional memory foam, open-cell foam is cushy and reduces the chances of off-gassing and heat retention. Open-cell construction is less dense, offering more resilience and deeper contouring.

Solid Core Memory Foam Pillow

Solid core memory foam pillows are single pieces of foam cut to fit the measurements of the cover. This type has better support and pressure-relieving qualities compared to traditional pillows perfect for side and back sleepers. Most solid pillows have air holes throughout the surface, eliminating heat retention.

Unfortunately, solid memory foam pillows usually can’t be adjusted or molded, which can be problematic for combination sleepers since the height of the pillow isn’t compatible with all sleeping positions.

Contour Memory Foam Pillow

Made of one or two solid pieces of foam glued together, this ergonomically designed pillow has high and low lofts supportive to side and back sleepers. Contour pillows are meant to relieve chronic pain.

Unfortunately, contouring pillows tend to sleep hot and do not always mold to fit a sleeper’s needs. Stomach sleepers would find this pillow uncomfortable as the variable height isn’t low enough for support or pressure relief.

Wedge Memory Foam Pillow

Taking the shape of a triangular prism, wedge pillows or reading cushions can prop up your back while you read or watch TV. If used as a sleeping pillow, you can relieve lower back pressure by placing a pillow under the knees. You can also use a wedge pillow to elevate your torso for potential snoring and acid reflux relief.

These pillows can increase blood circulation and help some users switch from side to back sleeping.

Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Shredded memory foam pillows are usually made from leftover materials or foam mattresses. The shredded foam cores cultivate better airflow— perfect for those who overheat.

Depending on the pillow’s construction, the pillow could have adjustable or moldable qualities, which allows the user to adapt the pillow to fit their sleeping style. With moldable pillows, you shift the pillow filling around. Adjustable pillows allow you to pull out or add filling, adjusting the pillow’s firmness.

What Memory Foam Pillow Suits You?

Your sleeping preferences can dictate what type of pillow and the firmness you will find most comfortable. For instance, a side sleeper won’t find a plush pillow comfortable because it will make breathing difficult. But that doesn’t mean all side sleepers will enjoy the firmness. Learning what type of pillow and firmness is best for your sleeping position will help you get a better idea of your firmness preference.

A pillow should align the spine, meaning your shoulders should line up with your hips and your head should face forward when you’re using one.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need firm, contoured pillows to promote neck support and spinal alignment. The neck needs a higher loft to relax the neck muscles. A knee pillow between the knees can align the hips. Body pillows can take the place of multiple pillows while offering support— preventing back strain that comes from balancing on one side.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need medium-firm pillows to preserve the natural curvature of the neck and alleviate neck or shoulder pain. Contoured and traditional solid foam pillows will produce better alignment and reduce chronic pain.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need thin pillows to prevent straightening of the spine. The spine has a natural curve to it, that if straightened, can cause an influx of pain. We suggest sleeping without a pillow under your head if possible; instead, place a pillow under your hips to prevent muscle and skeletal strain.

Solid memory foam pillows are too thick for stomach sleepers, and contoured pillows are uncomfortable because of their odd shape. An adjustable shredded pillow will alleviate pressure points and lift your hips enough to support alignment.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers prefer two or more sleeping styles, and they alternate between them all night. A contoured or moldable pillow will provide spinal alignment, preventing chronic pain. We suggest a body pillow shaped into a C as it will cradle your body and prevent restless shifting during sleep.

Buying Tips

The pillow’s comfort, support, and sizes will help you narrow your options, but the price, return policy, warranty, and washability can also determine your decision.

Pillow Sizes and Shapes

Memory foam pillows come in all shapes and sizes. You can get a traditional pillow in a king, queen, standard, or travel size.

Body pillows can be more than twice as long as traditional king size pillows. They come in J, U, or C shapes. A body pillow cradles the body and helps people change their sleeping preferences. The body pillow is also great for surgery recuperation and supporting athletes or pregnant women.

Wedges, neck pillows, and knee pillows are uniquely shaped and align the spine.

Comfort and Support

An unsupportive pillow won’t support sufficient sleep hours, which you need to restore your muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems.

Just like down pillows, memory foam pillows have different densities and support levels. Plush pillows can do more harm than good as they don’t give much support. Side and back sleepers need much firmer pillows that will conform to and support the head and neck simultaneously.

Price

Normally, you can find a good memory foam pillow for $40 to $60.

Your budget and the value you place on proper support and comfort will determine your new pillow’s quality. Extra features, such as cooling technologies, will raise the cost of a standard foam pillow. The size will also factor into the pillow’s value.

Return Policies and Warranties

Since memory foam pillows cost more, customers should ensure their purchase is protected.

Most return policies ask you try out the pillow for at least 30 days to test the product’s compatibility with your sleeping style. Return policies of at least 100 days will give you adequate time to test the product and return it if you need to.

Warranties offer protection against defects in material and workmanship. Confirm if there are transportation or shipping fees in the case of repairs or replacements.

Care and Maintenance

The cleanliness of your pillow is important since you have your face pressed against it every night. Read the care instructions to ensure you know how to wash the pillow properly. Some pillows can be too high maintenance for a busy lifestyle. Ignoring the washing guidelines can damage the material and render the pillow useless.

Most solid memory foam pillows are hand wash only. Too much pressure and harsh chemicals can damage the pillow, and washing a solid memory foam pillow by hand can be too much for a packed schedule.

Shredded memory foam pillows can only have their exterior covers washed. Companies may sell replacement filling; if so, we suggest replacing the filling every six months.

Cooling Technologies

Memory foam pillows retain heat better than other pillow types due to their density. Cooling technologies such as gel, copper, or graphite infusions and air passages foster better, deeper sleep, while wicking away heat.

Pros and Cons of Memory Foam Pillows

There are pros and cons to any product. Memory foam pillows are no different.

FAQ’s

Is memory foam good for pillows?

Yes. Memory foam contours and evenly distributes weight, allowing the head and neck to align with the rest of the spine, relieving stress and chronic pain.

How long do memory foam pillows last?

Memory foam pillows are built to last 18 to 36 months— as long as they are taken care of properly.

Is a memory foam pillow toxic or carcinogenic?

Foams with CertiPUR-US® certifications have passed standard product tests and are safe to sleep on.

Are memory foam pillows good for side sleepers?

Memory foam pillows are firm and keep their shape. Their supportive qualities are perfect for side sleepers.

How do you wash a memory foam pillow?

Washing a memory foam pillow changes depending on the care tag or the brand’s website information. Following manufacture care guidelines will show you how to best wash the pillow without damaging the material.

Conclusion

Choosing a memory foam pillow doesn’t have to be complex. The range of available sizes, shapes, and fillings guarantee there is a pillow that fits your needs. Look for cooling technologies to counteract hot nights and antimicrobial covers to preserve a hygienic sleep environment. Remember to look at the warranty to guarantee coverage meets your expectations.