I Thought An Affordable Pillow Couldn't Be Comfortable, But This $3.49 IKEA Pick Is Giving Shoppers Their 'Best Sleep in Years'

It proves a perfect night's sleep doesn't have to come at a high price

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A split hero image with a pink bedroom with blue floral wallpaper, large four-poster bed with blue headboard and white bedding on the left, and a close-up of a white IKEA pillow against a white wall on wooden flooring on the right
(Image credit: Future / IKEA)
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Pillows can be expensive. Whether you opt for one filled with memory foam, stuffed with down feathers, or a plush polyester fiberfill variant, getting a good night's sleep often doesn't come cheap.

Or at least, that's what I thought – until I came across this IKEA SANDGRÄSMAL Pillow, which costs just $3.49.

Shoppers Love This $3.49 IKEA Pillow

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

As a Sleep Editor, the IKEA SANDGRÄSMAL Pillow is genuinely the cheapest pillow I think I've ever seen. So, you can imagine my delight when I saw how highly rated it is on the IKEA site, with shoppers even saying this humble pick has helped them to sleep better.

Too often, I've fallen into the trap of thinking investing in the bedding luxury hotels use is the only way to enjoy a luxurious night's sleep. Now, I see how wrong I was.

True, with this affordable pillow, you won't be resting on your head on a mulberry silk cover, or enjoying the moisture-wicking, thermoregulating comfort of a wool or down filling. But, with a construction that's made of one hundred percent recycled polyester fabric and filling, this pillow is durable, easy to wash, and when it reaches the end of its life cycle and needs replacing, you can simply recycle the whole product – perfect for being more sustainable at home.

It's also conveniently machine-washable on hot washes at temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a pillow protector, available at Amazon, will reduce how often you have to wash, dry, and care for your pillow.

At such a budget-friendly price point, this is the perfect guest bedroom essential for a comfortable night's sleep (and you could even let your guests keep the pillow if they love it!), and it definitely deserves a spot on any college dorm room checklist if you or your child is starting college in the fall.

I'll be honest, despite all the good credentials, I was still a little doubtful about the performance of this pillow, so I decided to take a closer look at the reviews that shoppers have left on the site about their experience. Needless to say, I was impressed.

One recent review, from verified shopper Agnes, says it's provided the 'Best sleep in years.' They explain, 'I love this pillow for the simple reason that it is loosely packed, and no matter what sleep position I sleep in, it hugs my head and neck. I own four of these pillows, and everyone loves to sleep on them!'

Another, from Brigette, says it's 'very soft,' while a third, from Ann, echoes that they love it, adding, 'This is just the pillow I was looking for. I wanted a flatter pillow. Its great!'

I'm just like Ann, and prefer a flatter pillow, so I am assured that this IKEA SANDGRÄSMAL Pillow would suit me and my sleep style. If you prefer something with a little more loft, you can stack two in one pillowcase, or invest in the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow, our top overall recommendation, although it will set you back an extra $61.51 when not reduced during sale periods.

Shop My Pillow Perfection Picks

While this pillow is a great deal all year round, you can also nab some brilliant reductions on luxury items in the bedding sales.

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Ottilie Blackhall
Ottilie Blackhall
Sleep Editor

Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens in 2024 as the News Writer on Solved, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. Now, as the Sleep Editor, she spends her days hunting deals and producing content on all things sleep – from mattresses and sheets to protectors and pillows, all of which she tests in her own home. She also has particular expertise in home fragrance, covering everything from candles to reed diffusers.

Previously, she has written for Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, and also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.