The 6 Best Pillows for Supportive Sleep − Picks for All Sleep Styles and Budgets, Vetted by Our Expert Testers

Finding the best pillow for you is one of the most important steps to getting a good night's sleep. You need something that supports your sleep position, keeps you comfortable all night long with no lingering neck pain, and doesn't cause any overheating. However, with so many different styles and materials to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

That's where I come in. As the Sleep Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I've curated this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect fit so you can shop with confidence and sleep better. Ahead, I'll cover everything from materials and sizes to types, and introduce you to our top six pillow picks, explaining exactly why they've earned their coveted spot.

Our reigning champion is the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow, which features adjustable firmness to suit any sleep style, but you might find that another of our tested pillows is a better match for you. In any case, whichever you choose will complement your best mattress and help you to create the ultimate sleep setup.

Best Pillows − At a Glance

Below, you'll find a summary of each pillow, including who it suits and what it costs. To learn more about a particular pillow, keep scrolling or click on 'read more below' to jump to that section. There, you will find the need-to-know specs, including each pillow's firmness and filling, plus detailed information from our expert reviews.

The Best Pillow Overall

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The best pillow should suit every style of sleeper, so that you can pass it around to each member of your household or place it in your guest bedroom to help your friends and family sleep comfortably. It tracks, then, that the best pillow in our guide is an adjustable option – the Marlow Pillow checks every box for comfort, cooling, and cost.

Some adjustable pillows have a series of pillow inserts or heaped handfuls of filling, which you can remove and replace until your pillow reaches your desired height. The problem with these methods is that they're a little messy. You'll need to find somewhere to store whichever inserts you aren't using and take care not to drop loose filling all over the floor.

Emilia Hitching, our former Sleep Editor, tested and reviewed the Marlow Pillow, which incorporates an intuitive design to maximize comfort and minimize mess. There are two zippers: one at the top and one at the bottom of the pillow. All you need to do is open and close the zippers, letting air in and out of the pillow until you reach your optimal firmness and feel. Brooklinen recommends that side sleepers should zip both sides for maximal support, back sleepers should unzip one side, and stomach sleepers should unzip both for a plush feel. This is just a guideline, though.

'It took me a few tries to achieve my ideal consistency, but once I'd found it, I knew I'd never slept on such a comfortable pillow,' says Emilia. 'The additional gel-infused memory foam kept me cool through my pillow cover, too.'

You can also buy the Marlow Pillow Protector, which has a cooling dual layer and an antimicrobial coating. The Marlow Cooling Bundle, which includes the pillow and cooling protector, represents the best value at $79.

As luck would have it, the best pillow in this buying guide is also the most affordable: at full price, the Marlow Pillow retails for just $65 for the standard, and it's often discounted, too. I'd recommend this pillow to everyone, unless you don't like the feel of memory foam. In that case, I'd encourage you to consider the Brooklinen Down Pillow as an alternative.

The Best Down Alternative Pillow

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For eco-conscious shoppers who prefer to shop for items for their sleep space that lack any kind of animal products, I'd always recommend the Cozy Earth Down Alternative Pillow, which I recently reviewed. It's impressively cool to the touch thanks to the bamboo viscose shell (so also my top recommendation for hot sleepers), and I found it to be plush and squishy.

While testing, I liked the way it cradled my head with a sink-in feel, and the fact that it's also hypoallergenic, as I tend to avoid down pillows, which trap dust and trigger my allergies. It's cruelty-free, too, and certified to meet the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, ensuring it's safely produced without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetics.

As I mentioned in my review, my only gripe is that it is available in one firmness. I still slept well on it, certainly, but as a side sleeper with small shoulders, I prefer something far flatter, and would have liked the option. Both my partner and father, though, who also tested it out and are most typically back sleepers, found it luxuriously comfortable.

In terms of price, this Cozy Earth option sits towards the higher end, at $128 for a Standard size, though I do find that price point to be justified. You're shopping a pillow that's incredibly popular online, with an overall rating of 4.4 stars on the Cozy Earth site, and the assurance of absolutely no harmful chemicals, synthetics, or animal-derived materials.

If, like me, you're a side sleeper with small shoulders, though, I'd opt for an adjustable pick, like the Marlow Pillow above, instead.

The Best Pillow for Neck Pain

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As detailed in our Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow Review, this pick allows you to adjust the firmness and loft by removing or adding the included down alternative and memory foam inserts. You'll just need somewhere to store any surplus inserts.

'I can confidently say this pillow is a game-changer,' says tester Devin Toolen. 'It arrives pre-configured in a naturally cooling bamboo viscose cover with the brand's most popular combination: one layer of ultra-soft down alternative and another layer of gel-infused shredded memory foam.' You'll also receive a third layer of solid memory foam if you prefer a firmer pressure. These layers can be mixed and matched or flipped for a different feel to suit any type of sleeper – front, back, or side.

There are more than 1,901 reviews on the Luxome site, with more than 1,700 rating the pillow five stars, giving an overall average rating of 4.9. Many reviewers had bought the pillow specifically to reduce neck pain. 'I have been sleeping on this pillow for the last week, and while this is still relatively new, I was surprised at all the things it came with. A week in and I have no more neck pain,' says one. 'The LAYR Pillow has been the only one that truly corrects my spinal alignment. I have been pain-free since the first night,' another reviewer writes.

It's not the most affordable pillow on our list, at $150, but Devin concluded that 'despite its steep price tag, this pillow is totally worth the money. Because of the many ways in which you can reconfigure this pillow, it's like getting multiple pillows in one.'

There's no need to fork out on an additional pillow protector either, as the pillow covers and insert covers are all machine washable. If you're looking for a more affordable adjustable pillow, however, I recommend the Marlow Pillow.

The Best Down Pillow

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For plush comfort, there's nothing like real down. Emilia tested and reviewed the Brooklinen Down Pillow, which is filled with fluffy clusters of filament-free duck down (as opposed to whole feathers, where the filaments can poke through and scratch the skin), and this creates that beautiful natural loft.

'While I was skeptical about trying a plush pillow – I usually prefer something flatter – the Brooklinen Down Pillow struck a balance between softness and support, and I felt comfortable all night long,' she says.

It comes in Soft, Medium, and Firm to suit every sleep style. Emilia tested the Medium, which I think is the brand's most versatile option. To keep your down pillow looking its best, be sure to fluff it every morning.

Down can also tend to retain heat more than alternatives and harbor dust mites, so if you're a hot sleeper or allergy sufferer, you may want to steer clear of a down-filled pillow like this.

And if you have ethical concerns, I can confirm that the down in the Brooklinen Down Pillow is responsibly sourced and certified by DOWNMARK. However, if you're vegan or suffer from allergies, you'd be better off with a down alternative, such as the Saatva Latex Pillow.

The Best Organic Pillow

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Of all the pillows in this guide, the Avocado Green Pillow boasts the most impressive collection of certifications, including GOTS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, MADE SAFE, and Greenguard Gold.

It comprises organic kapok fiber and shredded organic latex, encased in an organic cotton cover. I recently tested every Avocado pillow on a press trip to California, and liked this one so much I brought it home on the plane with me.

It's available in both a Standard and Side-Sleeper shape. As a dedicated side sleeper, I opted for the crescent-shaped profile, which is designed to cradle your head while filling the space between ear and shoulder, keeping the neck in a neutral alignment. As I'm only five foot two, with small shoulders, I found the filled pillow far too firm, but fortunately, it's cleverly adjustable. Simply unzip the pillow and remove as many ribbons of latex as needed.

Since testing it, I've been sleeping better than ever before. It's supremely supportive, breathable, and perfectly contours to my head and neck as I swap sides throughout the night.

Almost 5,000 shoppers, all of whom have left five-star reviews on the Avocado site, agree with me. One recent review from Patti, for example, reads, 'At last…a true side-sleeper pillow.

'I truly believe I’m getting better sleep with this pillow. From the contour for my neck to the sturdy but soft weight that cradles my head. I’m so pleased with this purchase!'

There are a couple of things to note: like the Luxome pillow, you'll need somewhere to safely store any filling you remove. Similarly, this is also an expensive pick. However, after testing it myself, I can say I'd say the price point is wholly justified. I'd pay extra for good materials in any case, and the organic certifications mean you can sleep happily, knowing you're not surrounding yourself with any harmful chemicals and materials, from the manufacturing process all the way to the final product.

The Best Latex Pillow

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If you love the sink-in comfort of down, but suffer from allergies or you are vegan, the Saatva Latex Pillow, which we've reviewed, presents a very good alternative.

Long-time allergy sufferer and expert bedding tester for Homes & Gardens, Meg St-Esprit, can't use down as it harbors dust mites and triggers her allergies. Having tried many down alternatives, Meg has never found anything to match the comfort of natural down whilst also providing the neck support she needs.

'From the moment I opened the box, I was impressed with the loft and feel of the Saatva Latex Pillow,' says Meg. 'This pillow has the luxurious 'sinking' feel of a nice down pillow, but it springs back up more quickly. I could tell from my first few squeezes that it would provide decent support in whatever position I decided to sleep in.'

The Saatva Latex Pillow is filled with shredded natural latex, which works a lot like memory foam to mold to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders. But unlike memory foam, natural latex is eco-friendly and suitable for hot sleepers, as the open-cell structure creates air pockets to keep you cool. Latex is also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial to resist the growth of dust mites and mildew, which, combined with the fact that the organic cotton-covered fill layer is machine washable, negates the need for a separate pillow protector.

The pillow comes in two heights: Standard Loft, which is roughly five inches tall, and High Loft, which goes up to seven inches. Back sleepers will likely prefer the Standard Loft, while the High Loft will suit side sleepers better. If you sleep on your stomach, you should shop for something flatter, such as the Brooklinen Down Pillow. As a back and side sleeper who has always used two pillows, Meg admits: 'I think it may have made me a one-pillow convert.'

At $165 for a Queen, it's an investment, but, as Meg points out, the Saatva Latex Pillow retains its shape well, has high-quality stitching and finishes that should pass the test of time, and, she adds, 'it's actually less expensive than some other latex pillows on the market.'

How to Choose the Best Pillow for You

Pillow Fill Types

There is a range of different pillow fill types, and the best one for you will be determined by your sleep position and particular needs, from whether you suffer from allergies to neck pain. Here's an overview of the main pillow fill types, although there are also many hybrid options, which combine a mix of fills or have adjustable layers of different fill types:

• Down pillows are filled with real duck and goose feathers. When clustered together, tufts of down are interspersed with tiny air pockets, which create natural loft. Down pillows look great on your bedspread, but they need regular fluffing to keep in good condition.
• Down alternative pillows are typically filled with synthetic materials, including polyester and microfiber, spun into soft, silky fibers. Premium designs can look and feel a lot like down, while cheaper models can feel firm and inflexible. It's worth spending that little bit extra for a good-quality down alternative. I'd recommend a down alternative pillow for vegan shoppers and anybody with dust mite allergies, which are exacerbated by down.
• Memory foam pillows are made to relieve pressure and ease pain. The foam molds to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders, and springs back into shape as soon as your weight is removed. Memory foam pillows are pretty affordable, but they tend to trap heat, so I wouldn't recommend them for hot sleepers. You can also get shredded memory foam pillows, which may be combined with a down alternative material and are less firm and more thermoregulating.
• Latex pillows share a lot of similarities with memory foam models, in that they're made to mold to the shape of your neck and shoulders to provide enhanced pain relief. Unlike memory foam, natural latex is an eco-friendly material that sleeps cool, so it's ideal for hot sleepers and eco-conscious shoppers. Out of all the pillow types, latex tends to be the most expensive.
• Wool: Wool is naturally breathable and thermoregulating, so it will keep you cool if you sleep hot and warm if you sleep cool. It's hypoallergenic, too, so ideal for anyone with allergies, and is also moisture-wicking to prevent hot sweats. It won't offer as much support as some other options, and it can go flat over time, though.
• Gel: Cooling gel layers, pods, or infusions are inserted into the pillow material to regulate temperature and reduce heat buildup.

Pillow Sizes Explained

We spend around eight hours each night sleeping on one, so it's crucial to choose the correct size and shape pillow for your needs. Too big and you could suffer from neck pain; too small and you won't have enough support. While there are standard pillow sizes, top-line pillows aren't a one-size-fits-all product. Sleep style, weight, and mattress size can alter whether a Standard, Queen, or King will best suit you. Stephen Light, CEO of mattress and bedding company Nolah, explains, 'Their exact dimensions may vary from brand to brand, but usually, they’re around 20x26 inches (Standard), 20x30 inches (Queen), and 20x36 inches (King).' Most hotels will use standard-size pillows as a comparison point. Queen-size pillows are generally larger and will feel thicker thanks to their wider edge. King-size pillows are ten inches longer than a standard pillow and will fit a corresponding king-size bed (or bigger). As a rule of thumb, go for two standard pillows for a twin bed, four standard pillows for a full or queen-size bed, and at least two king-size pillows for a king-size bed. If you are heavier, a king-size pillow (regardless of your bed size) will provide more support, while lighter-weight individuals will prefer smaller pillows. If you are tall, a larger pillow will help to fill the space between your head and shoulders for a more comfortable night.

Consider Your Sleep Style

It's worth considering what position you sleep in most regularly before spending out on a specialist pillow. Here are the pillow styles I'd recommend for different sleep styles:

• Side sleepers appreciate a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the gap between their head and shoulders while supporting their neck.
• Back sleepers tend to prefer a medium-height pillow with a plush feel, which allows their head to sink into the surface.
• Stomach sleepers benefit from a thin, soft pillow that squishes beneath their body weight and stops their neck from straining.

Pillow Firmness Levels

The pillow firmness you require will depend on your sleep position, weight, and whether you suffer from shoulder or neck pain. A single slab of memory foam tends to be the firmest pillow fill, while down and down alternatives are often very soft and may not provide enough support for heavier individuals or those who require a good level of neck support. Fills such as latex or shredded memory foam are good mid-level options, while adjustable pillows can be stuffed with extra filling or layers made from different fills to help you customize your firmness level.

Special Pillow Types:

As well as questions about fills, size, and firmness, you'll also want to consider whether to buy a specialist pillow that targets a particular complaint, such as hot flashes or neck pain. Here are some examples to think about:

• Adjustable pillows allow the user to create the perfect height and firmness for them, and come with zippers and either loose fill, which can be removed or added, additional layers in a combination of materials, or simply by letting air in or out. Adjustable Pillows do tend to be more expensive, but are a good choice for side sleepers or those who suffer from neck pain or discomfort.
• Cooling pillows can include options with a naturally cooling outer layer, such as bamboo, or a naturally breathable and moisture-wicking fill, such as wool or natural latex. Cooling pillows might also be infused with gel or even conductive graphite, which draws heat away from your head and body. These are a great choice if you sleep hot, live in a warm climate, or suffer from night sweats.
• Shaped pillows can be beneficial if you suffer from neck pain.

Ethics and Sustainability of Pillow Materials

If you're eco-conscious or vegan, the ethics and sustainability of the materials used to make pillows will be important to you. Materials such as bamboo, which is sustainable, and natural latex are a good, eco-friendly choice that you might favor over memory foam or other synthetic fillings.

When it comes to down-filled pillows, look for ones that clearly state the down has been ethically sourced. Feather pillows come with the same ethical questions – the only difference is where on the bird it’s gathered from. Feathers come from the wings and back of the bird, while down is found below these feathers and closer to the skin.

Look for products that are certified with the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and Global Traceable Down Standard (GTDS), which both confirm that farms are producing down without causing birds any harm. Look out, too, for the standard Downpass, which also confirms that down does not come from live-plucked or force-fed birds. Or you may prefer to skip down entirely in favor of an alternative.

If you're looking at Wool or cotton pillows, you can make sure it's organic and environmentally and socially responsible by checking it's Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. You can also look for the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 label, which certifies that the materials have been tested within globally standardized criteria for any substances that could be harmful to humans.

Set Your Budget

Before you start shopping, I suggest you set an upper and a lower limit for what you want to spend. Personally, I'd never spend less than $40 on a pillow at full price, though I might be tempted to go lower during sales season if the product is backed up by customer reviews. With that said, I'd hesitate to spend more than $120 on a pillow, unless I'm shopping for natural latex, organic materials, or a specialist pillow that offers customization or cooling, for example.

How We Test Pillows

As experienced product testers, we sleep on each pillow for at least 30 nights before publishing our initial review, often continuing to monitor its long-term performance beyond that.

For consistency, every pillow is assessed using the same criteria: comfort, support, thermoregulation, and durability. Our Homes & Gardens testing team spans different climates, ages, and sleep styles, ensuring well-rounded results.

To evaluate comfort and support, we switch between stomach, back, and side sleeping, scoring each position out of five for neck and shoulder support. We test thermoregulation with HVAC systems turned off, taking into account room temperature and the season. Durability is judged by how the pillow looks and feels over time – checking for lumps, flattening, and wash performance.

We also analyze verified customer reviews to gauge long-term satisfaction and weigh all findings against price to determine overall value for money.

Meet the Testers

Emilia Hitching

As our former resident Sleep Editor, Emilia led a team of expert testers across the country to rank and review the best pillows. Emilia looks for versatile pillows that are adjustable to suit every head in the household. In this guide, she tested the Marlow Pillow, and the Brooklinen Down Pillow.

Devin Toolen

As Style Editor at Homes & Gardens, Devin has an eye for spotting the most beautiful pieces for your home, but she also values quality. That's why, when she tests bedding for our buying guides and reviews, she has the highest standards when it comes to what both looks good and does the job well. In this guide, she tested the Luxome LAYR Pillow.

Meg St-Esprit

Meg is a freelance writer whose work features in publications such as Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. As a travel journalist, Meg writes all around the world and sleeps on all manner of mattresses. She's toured a mattress factory in Pittsburgh, PA, where she lives with her husband and their four children. In this guide, she tested the Saatva Latex Pillow.

FAQs

How Often Should I Change My Pillow?

Depending on your pillow's type, it can be necessary to replace it after only a year. Some materials do tend to last longer than others. Pocket sprung, memory foam, Geltex, hollow fiber, natural, wool, and bamboo pillows all have an effective lifespan of around one to two years – but latex can last up to five years.

Jill Zwarensteyn, a Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleep Advisor, shares, ‘If there is a noticeable decrease in the density and shape of your pillows, it’s time to consider getting new ones.

‘If you’re noticing an onset of allergies, it might be time to replace your pillows.' Equally, if your pillow feels lumpy, or starts to smell unpleasant, or looks discolored, it's time for it to go.'

How Many Pillows Should You Sleep With?

Even the best pillows can't correct a poor sleeping position if you don't use the right amount. But the answer to the question of whether you should sleep with one or two pillows is that it depends on your sleep position and the pillow size.

If you are a side sleeper, you should sleep with one deep pillow, or two shallower pillows, or a medium-high pillow, depending on how broad your shoulders are. For back sleepers, one medium-thick pillow is best to keep the head, neck, and spine nicely aligned. This is also a good choice for combination sleepers, who like to toss and turn in the night, as it offers all-around support. Front sleepers generally require one thin pillow under the head, although they can get away with sleeping without a pillow if their mattress is supportive.

There is an argument that sleeping without a pillow can help with skin, hair, and sleep, with some claims that sleeping without a pillow can even alleviate neck pain, particularly for stomach sleepers, as a flat surface can keep the neck and head aligned when lying on your front, but the scientific backing is limited. Conversely, sleeping without a pillow if you sleep on your side or back may overextend the neck and affect healthy spinal alignment.

Is it Worth Buying a Pillow Protector?

We use the best mattress protectors to prolong the life and freshness of our mattresses, so why not use a pillow protector, too? Pillow protectors are thin fabric encasements that protect pillows from moisture, bacteria, and allergens, and some have cooling benefits to help you sleep better and help your pillows last longer.

Some experts believe that if you have good quality pillows and regularly wash your pillowcases, a pillow protector isn't necessary. However, using a pillow protector (such as Coop Sleep Goods' Ultra-Tech Pillow Protector, which is waterproof yet soft) will help to keep your pillow in good condition by preventing hair oil, sweat, and other unwanted elements from staining your pillowcase, meaning you won't need to wash your pillows as frequently. A cooling option, such as the Marlow Pillow Protector from Brooklinen, can also help to regulate your temperature as you sleep. Or an antimicrobial coating like the one on the Brooklinen Pillow Protector Set can help to protect you from bacteria and allergy-causing dustmites, which can build up in a pillow that's not protected.

Should I Sleep With a Pillow Between My Legs?

If you're a side sleeper and suffer from aches and pains, sleeping with a pillow between your legs could help, as it assists in keeping one knee on top of the other, so that your hips and back do not rotate. Without a pillow between your legs, the top leg can pull the spine out of alignment. A firm pillow is best for ensuring a neutral hip position. If you don't like the bulkiness of a regular pillow, try a specialist pillow, designed exactly for this purpose to fit neatly between the knees, such as Amazon's best-selling Contour Legacy Pillow.

Now that you've chosen some of the best pillows, you'll want to invest in some of the best duvet inserts and comforters to complete your comfortable bed setup.

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