How to choose the best memory foam pillow for a perfect night’s sleep
If you are looking for the best memory foam pillows for 2020, I am guessing you understand the benefits of using one of these pillows. I don’t know about you, but I can certainly feel the difference in the quality of sleep I get when I use one of these.
Memory foam was originally used to improve the safety of aircraft cushions in 1966 at a NASA research center. It eventually was opened up to the public starting with memory foam mattresses around 1991.
After that, they became really popular, and are used in different types of mattresses and pillows all over the world.
You have a lot of different choices when it comes to memory foam pillows, and it can be difficult to know what the best memory foam pillow is. I did a lot of research and wanted to make this decision easier.
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
What is the best memory foam pillow?
If you’re curious (or in a hurry)
It’s a super comfortable, fully adjustable, hypoallergenic memory foam pillow that comes with washable removable cover.
This memory foam pillow promotes proper alignment to facilitate a deeper sleep. It has CertiPUR-US certified foam and it’s made in the US. It’s also very affordable especially when you think about the value of a good night’s sleep.
If you can get it for under $100, grab it. That’s one heck of a deal on a GOOD memory foam pillow (check current price).
What is the best memory foam pillow for your budget?
The best choice for a memory foam pillow will likely come down to knowing what features you find most important and your budget.
Because there are options in all price ranges, I’ve broken the top choices down by cost, which I think will make choosing the best pillow for your needs quick and easy.
Remember that you get what you pay for, of course. In my opinion, even the lowest quality memory foam pillow still far surpasses a cotton or down alternative, regardless of the price point.
The best memory foam pillows overall
Premium adjustable loft memory foam pillow
If you have ever shopped for a memory foam pillow in the past, you’ve probably heard about Coop Home Goods pillows.
There’s a reason for that. They have over 16,000 reviews on Amazon, and most of these are very positive.
They use a mix of shredded Visco elastic memory foam, so you can add and remove foam to adjust to your comfort.
The biggest (maybe only) downside to this pillow is that it is one of the more expensive options you’ll find. But when you consider the value of a good night’s sleep, it’s still an amazing investment.
This pillow is, of course, CertiPUR-US certified foam. It meets the standards for content, emissions, and durability.
B.E.D Memory Foam Pillow with Orthopedic Inserts
If expense isn’t a question and you’re in it for the perfect cooling experience, this B.E.D. gel-infused pillow leaves positively nothing to be desired.
The washable bamboo cover allows for incredible ventilation. The gel-infused memory foam wraps around orthopedic inserts that increase neck support and ensure proper positioning throughout the night.
This pillow is easily my favorite pick. Absolutely nothing beats cuddling into the supportive comfort of a gel-infused pillow and staying exactly the right temperature all night.
Snuggle-Pedic shredded memory foam pillow
A Snuggle-Pedic memory foam pillow has a cover that is partially made from Viscose from bamboo.
Like many other pillows in its class, it also allows for the addition or removal of foam. The difference is this company can customize the foam blend (which affects support, firmness, weight, and buoyancy).
If you decide to purchase from this company, you can be sure that you are supporting US workers, as all of the manufacturing is done in the United States.
Eden shredded memory foam pillow
The Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow by Coop Home Goods is a fantastic buy, making this a mid-range expense with phenomenal benefits.
This shredded pillow features gel-infused foam, giving you a cool night’s sleep while still offering the flexibility of fluffing.
The polyester/bamboo-derived cover adds extra cooling to ensure your head stays dry and your sleep uninterrupted if you tend to sleep hot.
The best mid-range memory foam pillows for sale
Save&Soft gel memory foam pillow
Save&Soft gel memory foam pillowThis budget-friendly little pillow acts as both cooling and orthopedic support.
One side features cool gel pads that will easy keep you cool enough to sleep, while the other side features contoured memory foam designed to provide perfect head and neck support.
At the price, you really can’t go wrong with this clever pillow.
WonderSleep adjustable memory foam pillow
The WonderSleep pillow comes in a pack of two, making this a very reasonable cost per pillow.
This pillow uses shredded memory foam, so it’s easy to add or remove what you need to make it comfortable.
The pillow is wrapped in a material that is made of 40% Viscose Rayon (via Bamboo), which helps improve its breathability.
Cr comfort & relax sleep reversible cool gel memory foam pillow
Cr comfort & relax sleep reversible cool gel memory foam pillowCr Comfort puts together a great reversible pillow. This anti-microbial pillow can be flipped for support or cooling.
Consumers who bought this pillow make a huge point of how great it is for chronic pain.
This pillow also comes at a low price point, which makes it a fantastic choice without compromising quality or durability.
EPABO contour memory foam pillow
This memory foam pillow is a little unique in that it has an insert that can be removed if you want the pillow to be lower.
If you are getting a pillow to help with chronic neck or back pain, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Remember that it can take a while for your body to adjust to the pillow, so give it a couple of weeks to adjust.
The best memory foam pillows for a tight budget
LunaBLUE ventilated hole-punch bed pillow
LunaBLUE ventilated hole-punch bed pillowThis clever little pillow by PharMeDoc combines gel technology with a unique design, offering free-flowing air via holes punched into the surface of the gel-infused memory foam.
The pillow comes with a machine washable cover that is incredibly soft, and the pillow itself comes in your choice of blue or green, which is a nice touch.
This pillow is fantastic for the price, making it one of the most affordable cooling pillows available without sacrificing support or comfort.
Comfortac memory foam pillow
This premium memory foam pillow company is kind of neat, as they add 20% extra foam so that you can add or remove it depending on what’s comfortable for you.
Keep the foam and customize your pillow based on your sleeping position.
The cover is made from cotton, which is a breathable fabric that some people prefer over polyester, the other common fabric used for pillowcases.
This memory foam pillow has fantastic reviews and is also one of the most budget-friendly options.
Ventilated memory foam pillow
This gel-infused memory foam pillow is fantastic for neck and shoulder pain. It is appropriate for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
One side of it has incredibly silky and soft fabric to keep you cool during the summer, while the other side is made from polyester and tencel for winter.
The foam in this pillow is CertiPUR-US certified for both safety and performance. There aren’t any toxic ingredients (which is sometimes seen in some memory foam pillows) and it has a protective barrier against allergens.
What are the benefits of owning a memory foam pillow?
We’ve all probably touched or used a memory foam pillow, so it isn’t hard to imagine why you will like having one. But simply enjoying the feel of a memory foam pillow is only one benefit of finding the best memory foam pillow for your needs.
Durability
Memory foam is incredibly durable. You will be able to use the memory foam pillow of your choice for years.
Unlike regular pillows, which become bunched up with washing and lose their shape and support over time, memory phone will return to it’s manufactured size time and time again.
Hygienic & anti-allergenic
We’ve all (hopefully) put our regular pillows through the wash. They come out clumpy and out of shape, take a mortal age to dry, and tend to never be quite as fluffy again.
A memory foam pillow is incredibly easy to clean, and remains firm despite hundreds of wash cycles.
A regular pillow will also retain dust and skin particles, and at least trace amounts of other things like sweat. The unenclosed design of most memory pillows allows the washing process direct access to its surfaces.
Stress point relief/alignment of spinal vertebrae
Because of their unique shape and support, the best memory foam pillows will relieve important stress points along your spine. Other pillows raise your head too high or don’t offer enough support, causing you to toss and turn in order to take that pressure away.
When you use a great memory foam pillow, you will find that you don’t need to roll over to find the position that relieves stress from these major stress points.
A lot of the stress on these pressure points results from the fact that these pillows offset your spinal posture. Correctly aligning the bend of your upper spine with the rotation of your neck relieves huge amounts of pressure for a great night’s sleep.
Improved airways
If you have sleep apnea or find that your regular pillow makes it hard to breath easily, a nice firm memory foam pillow will help reduce constriction of those airways.
Not only that, but it is notoriously difficult to toss and turn if you use a CPAP. Finding the best memory foam pillow for your preferred sleeping position will reduce the need never turn during the night, making your breathing support solution more convenient and a more sustainable and comfortable solution for your condition.
Ultimate relief from neck and shoulder pain
A lot of our daily aches and pains come from improper sleeping positions. As you can imagine, crimping your neck or hunching your shoulders to keep that low quality pillow in the right place can cause wear and tear on your joints.
This kind of unsupported sleep also puts a strain on your tendons and ligaments and can build knots in your muscles. We carry most of our tension in the neck and shoulders, and how we sleep is a large contributor to this.
By finding the best memory foam pillow possible, you will alleviate these tensions and reduce your daily pain tenfold. All while unlocking access to the best night’s sleep you will ever have.
Pros and cons of a memory foam pillow
There are definitely pros and cons to every type of product you can purchase, and memory foam pillows are no different.
Personally, we believe the pros outweigh the cons, but it’s important to make an informed decision before you buy. Below we will outline some of the most common pros and cons.
Advantages of memory foam pillows:
- Back pain relief
- Neck pain relief
- Pressure relief
- Availability
- Variety
- Support
Disadvantages of memory foam pillows:
- Long-lasting bad smell (with some pillows)
- Questionable durability
- Heat retention
- Takes time to get used to
- Can develop mold if not maintained
Best places to buy memory foam pillows online
My top recommendations is Amazon as they tend to have the broadest selection and the best prices. Check out their memory foam pillows here. I also love the convenience and speed of working with Amazon.
Here are some other great online options. If you click these links, it will take you straight to their memory foam section for pillows:
What type of memory foam pillow should I buy?
When considering the best memory foam pillow for your needs, there are definitely some considerations to make.
Do you prefer a stiff pillow with very little give? Would you rather have a soft outer layer with a stiff core? Do you still prefer to fluff your pillow into a particular shape?
Do you sleep hot or cold? There are memory foam pillows designed to keep you cool if you get too hot during the night.
The best memory foam pillow for me is one that has a nice amount of give to cradle my head and neck, while giving me a lot of support to keep my neck straight. I sleep hot, so a cooling pillow is a must for me.
Types of memory foam pillows
Memory foam technology has been used in a lot of different ways to create myriad options when it comes to the perfect memory foam pillow for your needs.
Standard memory foam pillows
You can get a pillow made exclusively out of viscoelasic–the material that comprises memory foam. These straight forward and durable pillows are usually heavier than there shredded counterparts, but you don’t have to worry about them becoming lumpy.
These pillows offer great support, but tend to retain a lot of heat. The result is that you may toss and turn to find the cool places on your pillow instead of the most comfortable position
Our pick
Sleep Innovations memory foam pillow
This Sleep Innovations memory foam pillow is a good option if you don’t need any bells or whistles.
The contour of the pillow is good and will adjust to adapt to your head and neck position. There is both a high and a low contour, which means you can choose what is the most comfortable for you.
Overall people like this pillow, but if you are looking for something more firm and less soft, this is probably not the pillow for you.
Shredded memory foam pillows
As the name implies, these pillows are made from the same standard memory foam, but it has been shredded to emulate a standard down pillow. If you like to shape your pillow, this is the only option that will allow for fluffing and reshaping.
The downside is that these pillows are prone to some of the same pitfalls as a standard down pillow. They will retain more dust particles and will be less supporting than a solid block of memory foam.
They are also typically prone to the same heat retention concerns as standard memory foam.
Our pick
Premium adjustable loft memory foam pillow
We already rated this memory foam pillow as one of the top choices, and it’s definitely our favorite as far as shredded memory foam pillows go.
The company who produces this pillow, Cooper Home Goods, uses a mix of shredded Visco elastic memory foam, so you can add and remove foam to adjust to your comfort.
This pillow is, of course, CertiPUR-US certified foam. It meets the standards for content, emissions, and durability.
Gel-infused memory foam pillows
These pillows are similar to your standard memory foam pillow. During manufacturing, gel beads are added to the mix, creating cooling pockets that allow your heat to be transferred from the solid foam to the liquid beads.
Our pick
Eden Cooper Home Goods memory foam pillow
Our top pick is this gel-infused memory foam pillow.
It is also one we have already talked about and is manufactured by Cooper Home Goods, who is well-known for producing quality memory foam pillows.
We love this pillow for multiple reasons. Not only is it made from fluffy shredded foam, but the gel beads will help keep you cool!
Wrapping up the best memory foam pillows
Once you decide what you are looking for in a memory foam pillow, you can made an educated decision that you won’t regret. I encourage you to read reviews of some of the best memory foam pillows, as those can be telling of whether a certain pillow is a good fit for you.
Switching to memory foam can truly be life-changing – as a better night’s sleep can increase productivity and general well-being. And, once you have one, you’ll never want to go back.
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What about foam pillows or inserts for under your legs? If you have a bad back sometimes elevating your legs helps. Are there any particularly good picks for this situation?
Are there any good options for memory foam pads for the entire bed? Can they give new life to an older mattress?