Our Top-Tested Memory Foam Pillow Has Over 50,000 Amazon Reviews
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Finding the best pillow is no easy task with so many different types out there. For ultimate neck support and stability, look no further than a memory foam pillow: it cradles your head and neck giving you support, pressure relief and sometimes even neck pain relief. All memory foam is technically made of a “viscoelastic polyurethane” material, but you’ll find plenty of varieties ranging in firmness, height, cooling factors and other special features.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested over a hundred pillows with a variety of different fills, including memory foam, down, down alternative, latex and more. Our latest evaluations have resulted in over 4,000 data points from 400 different at-home testers! GH fiber scientists evaluate each pillow in the Lab by performing laundering evaluations, pressure recovery tests and even checking to see if each pillow fits in a Standard-size pillowcase. In addition to Lab analysis, at-home sleep testers give feedback on each pillow's comfort, cooling capabilities, support and more.
Our top picks:
We most recently updated this article in November 2022 to add a new pick from Pillow Cube and ensure all top-tested styles are in stock with accurate pricing. You can learn more about how we test and how to pick the best memory foam pillows and answers to your FAQs from fiber scientists at the bottom of this guide, but first, here's everything you need to know about our top-tested memory foam pillows.
If you want to skip the time and effort of shopping for your best fit, the Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow comes with extra stuffing that you can add or remove to create your own personalized fill. Testers raved that it's both supportive and plush thanks to its blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber clusters. Just be prepared for some spills: We found the process of adjusting the fill a bit like unpackaging a box with packing peanuts. We love that the fill and cover are machine washable and that the foam is CertiPUR-US certified. It’s also a bestseller on Amazon with more than 52,000 reviews. Did we mention that this pillow is not only our top-tested memory foam pillow, but also our best pillow ever tested?
Made from solid memory foam that's surrounded by a layer of cooling gel, this memory foam pillow has a sink-into-the-bed feel and is designed to keep you cool. In our Lab, the SmartClimate removable cover washed well without shrinkage and felt cool to the touch. Our testers gave it high scores for support and comfort, too. Because of the firm foam, it didn't return to its original shape as quickly as some other pillows, so it's not well suited for someone who tosses and turns during the night. The lower height is best suited for back sleepers while the higher height is designed for side sleepers or those with a larger frame. It’s also not returnable, though it is covered by a five-year limited warranty.
This pillow is perfect for anyone looking to reap memory foam benefits while on a tighter budget. The solid foam is firmer than a shredded or blended option, and the brand says it’s best for back and side sleepers. Our testers loved its contoured design that some said even relieved neck pain, and many were surprised to find out it only cost $20. Before buying, take note that it comes in only one size, which is smaller than the Standard pillowcase used in Lab testing, but it does include a machine-washable cover that held up great in evaluations. There are delivery fees, but the brand also offers free in-store pick-up.
Side sleepers need thicker pillows that'll keep their spine aligned. Unlike most memory foam pillows with tapered edges, this innovative pillow from Pillow Cube has 90-degree angled edges for unparalleled neck support when sleeping on your side. There are three different height options, and testers raved that this pillow was "life-changing" and some said they "couldn't sleep without it." One said this pillow “perfectly holds up my head,” and another said it “decreased my soreness.” Many noted that it takes some time to get used to and it’s not suited for those who toss and turn or change sleeping positions during the night, as it’s truly a side sleeper pillow. The foam quickly returned to its original shape during Lab evaluations. After wash testing, the cool-to-the-touch cover did show some signs of wear, so GH pros recommend hand washing the cover for best results. Because of its innovative design, it doesn't fit perfectly in a Standard-size pillowcase, but one GH analyst says, "It's so comfortable that it's worth the mismatch."
With one of the highest scores overall for memory foam pillows, this Tuft & Needle foam pillow was a top performer in our Lab — and testers loved sleeping on it. It was especially popular for being comfortable with "just the right amount of firmness" and a "great balance between firm and soft;" all testers said they would continue to use it. This pillow is designed for all sleeping positions but was a favorite among our back sleeper testers. With a machine washable cover, it showed no signs of wear after washing. When weights were applied in the Lab to mimic real use, the pillow quickly bounced back to its original shape. Although it's available in Standard and King sizes, there's only one height option. We love that the brand offers free shipping and a 100-night trial, too.
Like our best overall pillow, the Coop Home Goods Eden pillow has an adjustable shredded memory foam fill to customize your perfect height. As stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow, it's easy (albeit a bit messy!) to reduce the fill amount to your preferred comfort level. Because of the shredded memory foam and microfiber cluster fill, it's plush to grab and hold, which stomach sleeper testers loved. The fill also contains shredded cooling gel to keep you cooler as you sleep. In Lab testing, the pillow fit perfectly in a Standard pillowcase and bounced back to its original shape when weights were applied. The cover showed minimal signs of wear, but the fill showed a bit more wear after washing.
What is your best bet if you worry a memory foam pillow will be too firm and cause neck pain? This supportive-but-not-hard pick from Layla. The fill is a blend of shredded memory foam and kapok, a silky natural fiber that’s similar to cotton. Textiles Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs uses it at home and loves that the fill is adjustable and that it's not too high, because she changes sleeping positions throughout the night. This pillow received the highest overall score from testers, with all testers giving perfect scores for comfort and support, loving the comfy neck support. Note that the grey color may be visible if you have a light pillowcase.
Testers gave Casper's foam pillow a perfect score for keeping them cool all night long. This is likely because this pillow has perforated foam, allowing air to flow through it to prevent overheating. For an additional $50, you can add advanced cooling features called Snow Technology which features a cooling cover that GH analysts found adds an "icy feel" to the pillow. The machine washable cover showed no signs of wear during Lab evaluations, but it's not dryer safe, so it must be laid flat to dry. Side, back and stomach sleeper testers also gave it perfect scores for waking up without any soreness and maintaining its proper shape after use. Casper offers free shipping and a 100-night no-risk trial period.
Sleep Number contour pillows are popular among our tester panel for providing excellent neck support to promote proper alignment. It has three removable foam inserts to easily adjust the height and amount of support. The cover features 37.5 technology for a plush feel that will store and release heat throughout the night to keep you at a stable body temperature. Note that although the cover is machine washable, it was difficult to get back on the pillow after drying which is likely due to the nature of the contour design. Because of its shape, this pillow is best for back and side sleepers. Sleep Number also offers free shipping with a 30-night trial period.
For cool cushioning that keeps the neck fully supported, testers loved this Allswell pick. There's a thick layer of blue gel that has a cool-to-the-touch feel making it great for hot sleepers. Testers raved that the memory foam kept its original shape after continued use and felt very supportive of their neck and shoulders. One tester slept so soundly that she even said, "I actually overslept a few times with it." The cover washed well in Lab evaluations and the pillow fit nicely in a Standard size pillowcase, but the blue gel did show through some fabrics.
How we test the best memory foam pillows
Our Textile Lab pros have evaluated over 100 memory foam, down, latex and fiberfill pillows both in our Lab and with consumer testers. Each pillow is matched to a tester based on sleeping position and fill preference. Testers give feedback on comfort, support, pressure relief and more. In the Lab, we wash each pillow according to the care label multiple times to see how well it holds up to continued laundering. We determine pillow fit by putting every pillow in a Standard size pillowcase. To see if the foam will return to its original shape, we put weights on the pillows to mimic real-world use (as seen below). Our pros analyzed over 4,000 data points with feedback from more than 400 different testers before making these picks.
How to find the right memory foam pillow for you
✔️ Focus on your sleeping position. Your head, neck and spine should be aligned when you sleep, so when you lay your head on a pillow, it shouldn’t tilt in any direction. The best pillow for side sleepers is a higher, firm pillow; stomach sleepers need a thinner, soft one and back sleepers need something in between.
✔️ Look for cooling features. Memory foam gets a bad rap for retaining heat. If you sleep hot, look for foam options with clusters or holes for airflow, or you can opt for pillows with gel or cooling fibers.
✔️ Consider solid versus shredded foam. Solid foam is often firmer and intended for side or back sleepers, whereas shredded is plusher and the filling can be moved around with some fluffing. Many times shredded foam is mixed with fiberfill for an even plusher feel.
✔️ Check the cover. Unlike most down and fiberfill pillows, memory foam isn’t machine washable. Make sure to buy a pillow with a removable, washable cover if that matters to you. You can also use a pillow protector to keep it safe from spills and wear and tear.
How to care for a memory foam pillow
To keep your pillow in pristine condition, it's important to wash it regularly. Unlike most down and fiberfill pillows, you can't just toss your memory foam pillow in the washer. Good Housekeeping Institute cleaning pros recommend washing your pillows two to four times a year (about every four months).
To properly clean a memory foam pillow, first remove the cover and machine wash it according to its care label. For solid memory foam, spot-clean any soiled areas with a cloth and mild sudsy soap. Be very gentle when cleaning as wet foam can tear easily. Allow the foam and pillowcase to dry completely before putting the pillow back on your bed. Some pillows with shredded memory foam are entirely machine washable, but most shredded styles have only a washable cover or cannot be cleaned at all. If there's no washable cover, we highly recommend using a pillow protector.
Memory foam pillow FAQs
Do memory foam pillows make you hot?
Sometimes. Memory foam conforms to your body's shape when you lie on it and recovers more slowly to its original shape. With heat, it'll soften its shape more easily to conform to body contours. Therefore, it can trap heat, making you feel a bit hotter compared to other pillow materials. Many brands however add key cooling features to prevent overheating. Additionally, you may sometimes notice that in colder temperatures, your memory foam pillow can feel stiffer! Give it a good squeeze with your hands to help warm it up, so it'll more easily conform to your head's shape.
How long should you keep a memory foam pillow?
There isn't an exact timeline, but generally, you should think about replacing your memory foam pillows after around three years. Once you notice any staining, shedding, tears or changes in feel, it's time to buy a new pillow. To keep your pillows in excellent condition longer, GH pros recommend washing your pillow every few months and always using a pillowcase.
Do memory foam pillows off-gas?
Yes, one thing you may notice with memory foam pillows is an odor when you first unbox them. This happens because the smells get trapped in the package right off the production line, so we recommend airing out your new pillow for at least a day before you sleep on it. If you’re worried about the chemicals in your pillow, check to make sure it’s CertiPUR-US certified, which ensures it’s made without known harmful substances like formaldehyde, heavy metals and certain flame retardants.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Our most recent pillow tests have been performed by senior textiles analyst Emma Seymour. Emma has rigorously tested more than 100 pillows in the Textiles Lab in the past two years and she has coordinated pillow sleep testing with hundreds of at-home reviewers. Emma has a B.S. in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has been testing bedding for four years at Good Housekeeping.
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