No one can argue with the benefits of a good night’s sleep: It’s common knowledge that a lack of sleep is bad for your health. Yet a restful snooze is something many Americans can only dream about these days. To achieve this elusive goal, having the best pillow, along with appropriate lighting, sound and temperature, and the right mattress, is one of the most critical factors. But what exactly makes the “best” pillow?
Today, consumers have lots of choices when it comes to pillows, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options. Some are willing to pay good money for “just one night of perfect sleep.” There are pillows for the various sleeping positions, cooling pillows, fluffy pillows, down pillows, organic pillows… How to make the right choice? Do not despair! To make your decision easier (and to leave you with more time for sleep), StudyFinds scoured expert reviews to come away with a list of the best pillows on the market.
While pillow testing may sound like a literal dream job, expert researchers put some serious work into it. The researchers at the Sleep Foundation, for instance, employed a multi-stage process during which its “testers lie on and handle the pillow to gauge its shape retention, moldability, and conforming ability. Additional tests evaluate the pillow for temperature control and odor potential, and [the testers] also take the weight, firmness options, and ease of cleaning into account.” All so you can sleep better.
Fun fact, sharing your bedroom with a pet can also improve your sleep. Sleeping with their dog in their room “helped [the owners] achieve 83 percent sleep efficiency.” If you don’t have a dog, how about losing those PJs? Sleeping naked could double your chances of a restful night!
But let’s get to how pillows can improve your sleep. StudyFinds researched 10 expert websites to find the best pillows by seeing which were most frequently recommended. Here is our list of the pillows that are most likely to give you sweet dreams:
The List: Best Pillows, According To Experts
1. The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow
This pillow gets the highest praise from the experts for its versatility and comfort. At Forbes, “the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow stood out as a clear winner,” as “the ease of adjustability set the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow apart.”
Good Housekeeping describes the pillow as “an ideal balance of soft and firm” and “suitable for all positions because it comes with extra stuffing that you can add or remove at home to create your own perfect height.”
And Insider praises the pillow’s “thoughtful features like adjustable fill, a washable pillow cover, and an unparalleled 100-night trial that make it the best choice for most people.”
2. Saatva Latex Pillow
It’s not a dream: The Saatva Latex pillow combines comfort with eco-consciousness! It’s no surprise it made the list either, considering their classic mattress is considered among the best mattresses by experts.
Sleepopolis experts love this pillow for its feel and sustainability. Instead of feathers, it “is made from a mix of down alternative and Talalay latex. We think this construction makes it extremely cozy and cool. As an added bonus, the cover is 100% organic cotton, and the latex core is made from renewable, natural resources. If you’re an eco-conscious shopper who likes the feel of feathers, then this pillow is a solid choice.”
The Strategist points out that “the weighty latex fill is uniquely supportive and buoyant,” while the Sleep Foundation liked how it “nicely balances cushioning, responsiveness, and support” and referred to the pillow as “a prime example of the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainable production.”
3. The Layla Kapok Pillow
If you wake up sore and with neck pain, this one is for you. According to the Sleep Foundation, this pillow is the best pillow for neck pain. During their testing, “breathability proved to be one of the pillow’s biggest strengths […] The shredded fill promotes steady airflow, and the cover is both breathable and moisture-wicking.”
TechRadar calls the Layla Kapok pillow “an excellent choice for side and back sleepers seeking an adjustable, medium firm pillow that can be made as shallow or as deep as needed,” while Good Housekeeping notes that “testers gave it perfect scores for comfort, support, and overall satisfaction, plus they said it kept its shape and had them waking up without feeling sore.”
4. Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
Experts frequently list the Beckham Hotel Collection gel pillow as a good, if not the best, budget option. The Strategist calls it “wallet-friendly, plush, and pleasantly bouncy” and points out that the pillow can be “tossed in the washer and dryer, no special settings required.”
TechRadar testers had the highest praise for the Beckham: “Whilst the initial feel is soft, there’s a real core of firmness to the pillows, making them a particularly good choice for side sleepers who need a balance of each. In fact, our side-sleeping tester declared the pillow the most comfortable they’ve ever slept on.”
Insider sums it up by calling the pillow an “inexpensive option that still offers a comfortable, supportive night’s sleep.”
5. The Purple Harmony Pillow
While not always at the top, experts regularly list this pillow in their “best pillow” reviews. Tom’s Guide calls the Purple Harmony pillow a “luxury sleep pillow.”
Good Housekeeping even lists it as the best luxury pillow, stating that reviewers “praised its support, shape retention and breathability, with each one highlighting the fact that it stayed cool all night long.”
U.S. News also recommends it for “people who sleep hot” and “who want a pillow that keeps its shape.”
You may also be interested in the list of Best Mattresses, According To Experts.
Sources
- Sleep Foundation
- The Strategist (New York Magazine)
- Good Housekeeping
- Insider
- Forbes
- U.S. News
- TechRadar
- Tom’s Guide
- Sleepopolis
- CNN
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
I have a pinched nerve in my vertebra. My physical therapist told me to buy a MyPillow. I hate the commercials but it’s a great pillow. No scrunchy sounds either.