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Home » Decent Picks » Top 12 Pillows of 2023: Sleep Like a Baby!

A quality pillow, just like a good mattress, can enhance your sleep quality greatly.

When picking the right pillow for yourself, think about its filling, thickness, lifespan, and its ability to stay cool. Also, consider your personal needs.

For example, if you frequently have neck and shoulder tension, an orthopedic pillow might help. If you snore, a fluffier pillow might ensure your head stays in the best position. Remember, your sleep position, weight, and individual likes all play a role in your choice.

Basic Knowledge for Pillow Shopping

Types and Sizes of Pillows

From a functional perspective, there are mainly decorative pillows and sleeping pillows:

• Decorative pillows typically have shams or covers with openings usually in the middle of the back. These openings may overlap slightly like an envelope, or they might close with a concealed zipper. Some have edges adorned with fabric, pom-poms, or tassels.
• Sleeping pillows, on the other hand, often have pillowcases or covers that are like open-ended fabric sacks with the excess fabric draping from the side.

	Decorative Pillows	Pillows for Sleeping
Function	Decoration, adding color/style, elevating, back support, sleeping—use as you wish!	Provide support for the head and neck, helping to maintain the spine’s natural curve.
Design	Typically feature unique patterns, colors, textures, and various shapes, and might include decorative details.	More simplistic, focusing on comfort and support.
Construction	They might be firmer with tightly packed fillings.	Fillings can include down, memory foam, latex, etc., offering appropriate support.
Cleaning	Some might be challenging to clean, with certain ones only suitable for dry cleaning.	Most are washable or come with removable, machine-washable covers.
Price	Can be pricier, especially if handcrafted or uniquely designed.	Price range varies widely, depending on the material and brand.

Sleeping pillows are typically rectangular and come in 5 sizes. However, the most commonly used are Queen and King. Many well-known pillow brands only offer these two options, so we generally refer to the Queen size as “standard” and the King size as “large”. The sizes for decorative pillows, on the other hand, are more varied and flexible.

Types of Fillings

Based on fillings, the most common types are as follows:

• Cotton-filled: Cotton pillows are easy to care for, odor-free, comfortable, and suitable for those allergic to feathers. The downside is that they require regular cleaning and can form lumps as they age.
• Feather/down-filled: These are very soft and light. They can be used for a long time without forming lumps. The downside is they’re not easy to clean. Using them in the summer might be too warm, and they need occasional fluffing to maintain softness. Additionally, some people are allergic to feathers and shouldn’t use them.
• Latex-filled: Latex pillows, much like latex mattresses, are dry and breathable, mite-resistant, and antibacterial. The downside is that they’re not suitable for those allergic to latex, and they might have a distinct latex smell.
• Memory foam: Memory foam conforms to the user’s head, aligning the spine and reducing shoulder pressure. The downside is that the high-density material may lead to poor breathability, making it warmer as you sleep.

Suitable Sleeping Positions

Depending on your sleeping style, you should choose different types of pillows, as illustrated in the following table:

Sleeping Position	Appropriate Pillow Type and Thickness
Back Sleepers:	Suitable for cotton/feather/down pillows. Both thin and thick pillows work, but snorers or those with sleep apnea should opt for thicker pillows.
Side Sleepers:	Suitable for cotton/latex pillows. Thicker is better.
Stomach Sleepers:	Suitable for memory foam pillows. Thinner is better.
Depending on Mood:	Suitable for cotton/memory foam. Medium thickness is best.

The 12 Best Pillows

The prices below are for standard sizes. Larger sizes are typically $20-30 more expensive.

1. Overall Best: Saatva Latex Pillow

2. Most Comfortable: Brooklinen Down Pillow

3. Best for Neck Pain: Layla Kapok Pillow

4. Best Neck Support: Luxome Layr Adjustable Pillow

5. Best for Side Sleepers: ELI & ELM Cooling Side-Sleeper Pillow

6. Best for Back/Stomach Sleepers: TEMPUR-Cloud Foam Pillow

7. Best Cooling Pillow: GhostBed GhostPillow

8. Best Latex Pillow: Brooklyn Talalay Latex Pillow

9. Best Down Pillow: Luxe Down Pillow

10. Best Buckwheat Pillow: Hullo Buckwheat Pillow

11. Best Organic Cotton Pillow: OrganicTextiles All-Cotton Pillow

12. Best Luxury Pillow: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

Overall Best: Saatva Latex Pillow

• Two thickness options available, adjustable thickness.
• Fair Trade Certified organic cotton pillowcase, moisture-wicking, soft, breathable, and machine washable.
• Removable and washable filling layer, contains organic cotton and down-like microfiber filling, breathable and hypoallergenic.
• Natural latex core achieves the best balance between softness and support.
• Optional satin soft pillowcase available.
• Suitable for those who sleep hot, all sleeping positions, or those who prefer organic products.

The Saatva Latex Pillow has medium softness. The shredded natural latex core provides support for the head and neck, feeling more responsive and supportive than foam. It uses down-like microfiber fillings and a smooth, breathable Fair Trade Certified™ organic cotton pillowcase.

1. Organic pillowcase: Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making sleep cooler. Gusseted sides with contrast welting keeps the shape of the pillow. Machine washable.
2. Fluffy and thick filling layer: With an organic cotton cover, the filling is fluffy and down-like microfiber. It’s hypoallergenic and breathable, providing cool and peaceful sleep.
3. Hypoallergenic natural latex core: Recommended by chiropractors and orthopedic doctors, it provides ultimate support for the head and neck. It’s responsive, hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and mold-resistant, more breathable than synthetic foam. Not machine washable.

Your head might sink slightly into the pillow, but its thickness ensures most side and back sleepers have adequate height. The filling layer can be removed to reduce thickness, making it more comfortable for stomach sleepers. This design is also beneficial for those who frequently turn and change positions during sleep.

Another benefit of the Saatva Latex Pillow is its above-average temperature control. Latex doesn’t retain heat like foam, and the microfiber material is cooler than genuine down. The cotton cover further enhances the pillow’s breathability.

It used Global Organic Textile Standard certified cotton, ensuring it’s free from chemical pesticides. Both the pillowcase and the filling layer are machine washable. Additionally, there’s an option to add a smooth sateen pillowcase, priced at $55 for Queen size and $65 for King size.

Saatva offers a 45-night trial and a 1-year warranty, with free shipping for customers in the continental U.S.

Most Comfortable: Brooklinen Down Pillow

• Up to 365 nights trial.
• 3 firmness options: plush/mid-plush/firm.
• The pillowcase is made of 100% silky cotton sateen with double stitching on the edges for reinforcement, ensuring durability and comfort.
• The down/feather filling offers a soft, cloud-like sleeping experience.
• Suitable for those uncertain about their preferred pillow firmness.
• Suitable for those who want an extended trial period.

Many people love the luxurious softness of down pillows, but some find them lacking in support, causing the head and neck to sink too much. The Brooklinen down pillow is an outstanding product with three different firmness (and corresponding support) levels available. Each firmness level comes in standard and king sizes, making it comfortable for people of different weights and sleeping positions.

Plush	Mid-Plush	Firm
For stomach sleepers	For most people	For side sleepers
Single layer structure	Softer double layer	Firmer double layer
100% Down	30% Down 70% Feather	14% Down 86% Feather

The Plush version is filled with pure white down, offering exceptional softness and is an ideal choice for stomach sleepers. Mid-Plush has a feather inner layer with a down outer layer, adding support without sacrificing the plush feeling.

The Firm version has a higher proportion of feathers and less down to provide extra support around the head and neck. The pillowcase is woven from silky soft cotton sateen. While the Firm version is priced higher than other firmness models, the overall pricing is reasonable.

The pillow undergoes antibacterial treatment to prevent harmful bacteria. You can also spot-clean or dry-clean the pillow as needed. The double stitching around the edges ensures above-average durability. All Brooklinen down pillows are made in Canada.

Brooklinen offers free ground shipping for U.S. customers, with a flat rate for international orders. Each order includes a 365-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty, giving you ample time to decide whether to keep or return the pillow. If you’re not satisfied with your initial firmness choice, exchanges are available. There’s a $9.95 fee for returns and exchanges.

Best for Neck Pain: Layla Kapok Pillow

• Adjustable pillow thickness and firmness.
• Polyester/viscose fabric with a zipper pillowcase, paired with Layla’s signature hexagonal stitching, offers an excellent look and feel, breathable and heat-dissipating.
• Filled with shredded memory foam and natural kapok fibers, kapok is softer, more breathable than cotton or wool, with better loft and durability.
• High-quality perforated memory foam supports the head and neck, ensuring a refreshing awakening.
• Elevated angle design supports the neck, reducing pressure and aiding spinal alignment.
• Suitable for side and back sleepers.
• Suitable for those who like memory foam but tend to overheat during sleep.

The Layla Kapok pillow combines shredded memory foam with kapok fibers. Kapok fibers are sustainably harvested from the seed pods of the kapok tree native to Indonesia. These materials come together to achieve a balance of gentle softness and solid support, making it perfect for side sleepers.

The pillowcase is made of innovative polyester and viscose weave, which helps dissipate heat from the face and neck, reducing night-time heat buildup and ensuring a cooler sleep. Furthermore, the pillowcase features a zipper for easy removal and washing. The firmness and thickness of the pillow can also be adjusted, as demonstrated in the following video.

The pillow is generously filled, making it just right for heavier individuals or those who sleep on their sides. However, for lighter individuals or those who prefer sleeping on their backs or stomachs, it might feel too thick or firm.

You can unzip the pillow and remove some of the filling to reduce thickness and increase softness. This design makes it suitable for a wider range of users, including picky customers who want to tweak thickness and softness.

Layla offers a 30-night trial, a 5-year warranty, and free shipping for mainland U.S. customers.

Best Neck Support: Luxome Layr Adjustable Pillow

• Comes with soft, medium, and firm inserts, allowing for adjustments in firmness/loft and thickness.
• The pillowcase is made from natural, breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo material.
• Down alternative filling infused with shredded gel/solid gel memory foam.
• Suitable for those who like to adjust pillow thickness and firmness.
• Suitable for sleepers in various positions.
• Suitable for those who find memory foam pillows too warm.
• Often offers a “buy two get the second one half price” deal.

Nowadays, there are many adjustable pillows on the market that allow you to add or remove filling to achieve a more desirable thickness. However, the firmness often doesn’t change much. But Luxome Layr allows adjustments in both thickness and firmness because it comes with three inserts: soft, medium, and firm.

• The Soft insert is 100% ultra-luxurious down alternative, just like sleeping on a cloud, supporting the head and neck. It’s also the thickest among the three inserts, suitable for those who prefer to sleep on their side and those who like slightly thick pillows.
• The Medium insert is a mix of gel-infused shredded memory foam and down alternative, providing better support than the soft insert while being slightly thinner, suitable for most back sleepers.
• The Firm insert contains two layers of solid gel memory foam, 1 inch and 2 inches respectively.

You can use any of these inserts, or combine two or even all three to find the best combination for yourself, especially suitable for those who like to change sleeping positions.

The pillowcase is made of viscose fibers derived from bamboo, which is moisture-wicking and highly breathable, keeping you cool and dry at night. The open side mesh design promote air circulation, increasing breathability, so even if the insert is filled with memory foam, it won’t be too hot. Both the pillowcase and insert covers are machine washable.

Luxome Layr often has a “buy one get the second half-price” promotion. For instance, for the standard Queen size, one is priced at $129, while two are priced at $189, meaning the second one is just $60.

Amazon offers free shipping and a 30-day refund guarantee for customers in the US.

Best for Side Sleepers: Eli & Elm Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow

• Ergonomically designed shape helps align the spine for side sleepers.
• Breathable, temperature managing materials that are designed to dissipate heat. ensuring cooler sleep.
• Latex strips and fiber mix filling can be added or removed to optimize pillow firmness and height.
• Suitable for those who easily feel hot while sleeping.
• Ideal for side sleepers who often experience neck or shoulder pain.

Many high-quality pillows are suitable for side sleeping, but Eli & Elm is one of the few specifically designed for side sleepers. Its unique U-shaped design aligns the neck and shoulders with the spine while cushioning the head for comfort, offering ergonomic support. This can help alleviate pain and pressure points caused by misalignment, a problem especially prevalent among side sleepers.

The proprietary filling mixture is composed of latex strips and polyester fibers, providing the proper support for your neck and body and keeps things cool, comfortable and supportive. The pillow’s softness and height can be adjusted by adding or removing the filling. Eli & Elm also sells the pillow filling separately, with each 12-ounce bag priced at $13.39, which can be ordered with the pillow or purchased individually.

The pillowcase is made from incredibly smooth cotton, blended with ultra-fine polyester and spandex for maximum comfort. It is very breathable, ensuring the filling doesn’t retain too much heat, making it suitable for those who tend to get hot while sleeping. The cover is removable and machine washable, but the filling is not washable.

This pillow is priced lower than many similar latex pillows, offers free shipping within the US. There’s a free return policy within 45 days of receipt and a five-year warranty.

Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers: Tempur-Cloud Foam Pillow

• 100% polyester knitted fabric and hypoallergenic pillowcase, removable and washable.
• Single piece ultra-soft TEMPUR® foam conforms to your body, offering personalized comfort and support.
• Easy to compress and pack, making it portable and suitable for frequent travelers.
• Ideal for those who experience neck pain during sleep.
• Suitable for those who prefer sleeping on their back or stomach.

• The official statement mentions that the pillow is considered a “personal item” and, unless there’s a product defect, returns are not accepted.

The Tempur-Cloud uses a soft proprietary foam that strikes the perfect balance between cushioning support and body conformity. With a thickness of around 5 inches and its soft feel, it’s ideal for both back and stomach sleeping.

While it’s very soft, it offers adequate support (though some might find it too thick). This is one of the most affordable pillows in the Tempur-Pedic product line, making it attractive for budget-conscious customers.

	The cover is made of 100% polyester knit, hypoallergenic, and is removable and machine washable. The core is a single piece of ultra-soft TEMPUR® proprietary foam, providing ample comfort and support.
	Easy to compress: Roll the pillow with a scarf or belt and take it with you. It quickly regains its shape once unrolled.
	Travel-friendly: Fits into a suitcase, ensuring comfortable sleep no matter where you go.
	Easy to clean: The high-performance zippered cover can be removed and machine washed.

Due to its excellent balance of support and softness/conformity, this pillow suits a variety of sleepers. Although extremely soft, it still provides enough support to prevent neck pain and tends to last longer than other ultra-soft pillows. The cover is removable and machine washable, and the entire pillow can easily be compressed and placed in a travel bag.

The only downside is the lack of a trial or return policy, but it comes with a 5-year warranty and free shipping within the US.

Best Cooling Pillow: GhostBed GhostPillow

• 6 inches thick, medium soft/firm feel.
• Zippered cover with our cool-to-the-touch Ghost Ice Fabric, removable and machine washable.
• Patented phase-change material adjusts body temperature in real-time.
• Pillow core is a uniquely molded aerated gel memory foam for continuous airflow throughout the night.
• Suitable for all sleep positions.
• Suitable for those needing pressure relief for their head and neck.
• Suitable for those who like foam pillows but are heat-sensitive.

This GhostBed GhostPillow model, with gel memory foam, is soft on the outside, contours well to the body, and has strong core support, suitable for those who often suffer from neck pain during sleep and need a cushioning pillow.

It’s made from a single piece of gel memory foam with an aerated design that produces airflow when pressure is applied, keeping the pillow dry. The zippered outer pillowcase uses Ghost Ice cooling fabric; the inner pillowcase has a mesh design to further promote air circulation. A phase-change material layer is added between the pillowcase and foam to regulate body temperature.

The image above shows the 4-layer design of the GhostPillow: 1. Ice-feel outer pillowcase; 2. Mesh inner pillowcase; 3. Patented phase-change material; 4. Aerated gel memory foam.

This pillow is soft on the outside, firm on the inside, and 6 inches thick, providing enough support for most side and back sleepers. Memory foam pillows typically retain heat, but the GhostPillow uses a multi-cooling feature design that helps reduce heat retention. Those who like memory foam pillows but are heat-sensitive will love this balance.

GhostBed offers a 101-night trial, free shipping within the US, and a 5-year warranty.

Best Latex Pillow: Brooklyn Talalay Latex Pillow

• Two thickness options available.
• 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell fiber pillowcase is breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic.
• Talalay™ latex offers outstanding breathability, bounce, contouring, and support.
• Suitable for those who sleep hot.
• Suitable for those who find foam pillows too soft.

If you often wake up with neck and shoulder pain or stiffness, it might be the pillow’s fault. If a pillow doesn’t provide adequate support, it can affect your spinal alignment and produce additional pressure. Many foam pillows tend to sink in deeply, but the Brooklyn Talalay latex pillow offers good support and responsiveness. The availability of Low/High thickness options makes it suitable for all sleep positions.

	Side sleepers: Most side sleepers are advised to choose the 5″ high loft, which can support the head and neck.
	Back sleepers: A 4″ low loft is recommended, but those who snore or have sleep apnea should opt for a thicker pillow to open the airway better.
	Stomach sleepers: A 4″ low loft is recommended to avoid stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulder, and back areas.

The Low Loft model is 4 inches thick, offering adequate cushioning for most back sleepers without overly elevating the neck. If you prefer a thicker pillow or enjoy side sleeping, you can opt for the 5-inch High Loft model.

The Talalay latex core has small hole designs, providing seven times the breathability of other latex types. The Tencel™ pillowcase helps maintain an ideal temperature, making it stays cool. The pillowcase can be removed and machine washed, but only spot cleaning is recommended for the latex core.

Compared to other competitors, this pillow with Talalay latex is very affordable. It comes with free shipping within the US, a 30-night trial, and a 3-year warranty.

Best Down Pillow: Luxe Down Pillow

• High-quality 300-thread pillow protector and cotton pillowcase.
• White goose down outer layer provides a fluffy feel and soft contouring.
• Firmer waterfowl feather core provides structured support.
• Down and feathers are RDS certified.
• Suitable for side and back sleepers.
• Suitable for those who prefer soft down for sleeping.
• Suitable for those who like down but are concerned about allergies.

The Luxe Pillow® is designed with a structured core consisting of high-quality waterfowl feather then surrounded by luxurious white goosed down on both sides.  The combination provides a perfect balance of support and softness. It’s moderately soft with a thicker profile, making it suitable for side and back sleepers. If you prefer sleeping on your stomach, you might want a softer, fluffier pillow to maintain a healthy spinal alignment.

The Luxe Pillow comes with a high-quality pillow protector, which helps prevent wear and tear and reduces the intrusion of allergens, like dust mites. Although down and feather pillows are typically not recommended for people with allergies, the down and feathers in the Luxe Pillow undergo deep cleaning to minimize potential allergic reactions.

Luxe offers a 100-night trial and free shipping for orders within the US.

Best Buckwheat Pillow: Hullo Buckwheat Pillow

• 100% organic cotton twill pillowcase with high-quality hidden zipper.
• Filled with buckwheat hulls, offering high malleability and breathability.
• Adjust thickness by adding or removing buckwheat hulls.
• Suitable for those who prefer sleeping on their side or back.
• Suitable for those who tend to sleep hot.
• Suitable for eco-conscious consumers.

Hullo’s pillowcase is made from 100% organic cotton twill, with the interior filled with buckwheat hulls grown and sourced in the USA. The benefits of a buckwheat pillow include its strong support, excellent breathability, long lifespan, and comfort. Additionally, by adding or removing the buckwheat filling, its thickness and contour can be adjusted.

If you prefer sleeping on your back, you can reduce the amount of buckwheat hull filling, decreasing the pillow’s thickness and fluffiness. If you’re a side sleeper, you can add more buckwheat hulls to increase its thickness and fluffiness. This pillow is available for sale on Amazon and comes with a 30-day return period.

Best Organic Cotton Pillow: OrganicTextiles Cotton Filled Pillow

Cotton pillows are easy to manage, odorless, comfortable, and suitable for users allergic to feathers. However, they need regular cleaning, and as they age, they may become lumpy.

Also, if you search “cotton pillow,” whether on Google or Amazon, most results are actually “pillow cover” — where only the pillowcase is cotton, and the filling is of other materials. Only “cotton filled” indicates that the “pillow is filled with cotton.” For example, the following OrganicTextiles pillow is made of organic cotton both for the filling and the cover.

• Choose from 5 sizes, adjustable thickness.
• Both pillowcase and filling are 100% organic cotton, moisture-wicking and breathable.
• GOTS certified, hypoallergenic, comfortable and safe.
• Offers excellent contouring and support.
• Suitable for all sleeping positions.

Best Luxury Pillow: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

• The most generous 10-year warranty.
• The pillowcase is made from 100% high-quality bamboo viscose, moisture-wicking and breathable.
• Filled with 100% long-strand mulberry silk, soft and durable.
• Maintains its shape well, won’t easily deform.
• Suitable for those who tend to sleep hot.
• Ideal for those who enjoy a silky smooth sleeping experience.
• Suitable for high-end consumers.

• $9.78 processing fee for returns.

Mulberry silk has natural softness and exceptional durability. Pillows filled with silk are generally pricey. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is filled with top-quality 100% long-strand mulberry silk, providing a luxurious, breathable and cool experience for the head and neck. It holds its shape well, resists deformation, and it is priced lower than most competitor silk pillows.

The pillowcase is made of viscose derived from bamboo. This fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, ensuring coolness and dryness even on hot or humid nights. The sateen-woven pillowcase cover creates a silky smooth feeling against your skin. It may also be comfortable for those with acne, rashes, and other sensitive skin conditions.

Machine washing and drying may damage the silk. Cozy Earth recommends dry cleaning or spot cleaning to maintain the pillow’s integrity. Regularly fluff the silk pillow to keep its loftiness and shape. Occasionally airing it out in the sun helps to keep it fresh. Customers can also purchase additional bamboo/silk pillowcases (available in 13/2 colors) to protect the pillow from stains and contaminants.

Free shipping within the US, a 100-night trial, and a 10-year warranty are offered.

Disclosure: We are an Amazon Associate. Some links on this website are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or receive a referral fee when you sign up or make a purchase through those links.

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