The Best Pillows to Instantly Upgrade Your Bed

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We updated this guide in March 2023 to include more information from our 2023 pillow tests. We also added a new video with pillow shopping tips.

Nothing's more frustrating than refluffing with your pillow all night in an attempt to make it feel comfortable. If that sounds familiar, chances are it's time for an upgrade. Choosing your pillow is a highly personal decision and has a big impact on how well you sleep. The most important thing to keep in mind is your sleep position: Side sleepers should choose a thick, firm pillow; stomach sleepers need a soft, thinner one; and back sleepers need something in between.

The fiber scientists and engineers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested more than 160 different pillows and reviewed over 5,000 data points to find the best pillow for every type of sleeper. Analysts evaluate them in the Lab for aspects like durability, washability and pillowcase fit, then have at-home testers weigh in on things like comfort, support, temperature regulation and more.

What's the best pillow for most people? The Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow is our pick for the best overall pillow. It blew away our experts with its shape retention in Lab tests and was a tester favorite for feeling comfortable and supportive in every sleep position. It's also adjustable so you can create your perfect height.

Our top pillow picks

You can learn more about how we test pillows and what to consider when you shop at the bottom of this guide, but first, here's everything you need to know about our top-tested pillows.

Best Cooling Pillows | Best Body Pillows | Best Memory Foam Pillows | Best Organic Pillows | Best Down Pillows | Best Down Alternative Pillows | Best Pillows for Side Sleepers | Best Pillows for Back Sleepers | Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers | Best Pillows for Neck Pain

Good Housekeeping's best pillow video

Who it's best for: The Coop Home Goods pillow is suitable for all sleep positions thanks to its adjustable fill that lets you create your perfect height. It's also great for people who aren't sure what type of pillow to choose because it's a hybrid that combines foam and fiberfill.

An ideal balance of soft and firm, this pillow is filled with a blend of memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters. As a result, we found that it feels surprisingly supportive and plush at the same time. And though many of our top-tested pillows cost over $100, this one offers a good value. Just be cautious when you're adjusting the fill to customize the height; it can get a bit messy and it's not something you'll want to redo on a regular basis.

It's machine washable so you can easily keep it clean, and it immediately bounced back to shape after our Lab's pressure tests. It's also a best-seller on Amazon with over 50,000 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating, with users calling it the "best pillow ever." And if you're a hot sleeper, the brand's Eden pillow has the same construction, but with cooling gel added to the memory foam.

Tester notes: Our panel of at-home testers all gave it high scores across the board, unanimously saying it was better than the pillows they had previously used and that it helped improve their sleep quality. One tester described it by saying, "It wraps around my head and I sink into it," while another told us she was "able to comfortably switch from side to back to stomach and still feel supported and comfortable."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Here's Why The Coop Home Goods Pillow Is Our Top-Tested Pillow

Who it's best for: Anyone who's looking to spend as little as possible on their pillows without sacrificing performance. The down alternative fill is also great for allergy sufferers because it's easy to wash on a regular basis. It's available in two firmness levels to support all sleep positions.

This Amazon-brand pillow offers the best bang for your buck: They're sold in pairs and outperformed other styles on the market that cost over triple the price in our tests. And even though the polyester down-alternative fill helps it cost less, we found it still washed well without shrinkage so you can clean your pillow without worrying that it'll fall apart.

The pillow comes in two firmness levels, with the softer one being more ideal for stomach or back sleepers. It's also perfect for kids, who need a lower profile to match their smaller frames. The medium one is designed for side and back sleepers, though it may not feel sturdy enough for larger frames that need more support.

Tester notes: Users told us they especially enjoyed how soft this pillow felt, with one saying, "I like how fluffy this pillow is and how well it maintains shape after continued use." Though some wished it were taller and denser, they gave it good scores for allowing them to wake up without soreness.

Who it's best for: This pillow is strictly for side sleepers. If you always sleep on your side then it could be a great fit, but if you change positions throughout the night it may not feel as comfortable.

A game-changer for side sleepers who struggle to find perfect alignment, this pillow's unique shape doesn't taper off like a traditional pillow and instead fills the gap between your shoulder and neck. To make sure it matches your body type, it's available in three heights, with standard being the most popular, as it is recommended for heights 5'3" to 6'4".

Pillow Cube also sells a stretchy pillowcase made of polyester and spandex that's ultrasoft and perfectly fits this pillow. (You can still use a regular pillowcase if you prefer. It just won't fit as well.) And if you're a hot sleeper, check out the Ice Cube version of this pillow, which has an outer cover with a cool-to-the-touch feel.

Tester notes: Our reviewers were amazed by how much the Side Cube Pro helped their alignment. One said, "It perfectly holds up my head," while another said, "My neck is totally supported." It was best suited for true side sleepers in our tests — i.e., not for those that change position while they sleep — because it felt too tall for users when lying on their stomachs or backs.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Pillow Cube Is the Answer for Side Sleepers

Who it's best for: People who like a cushy pillow feel, but don't want to sacrifice support. Its slight softness and lower height make it better suited for side, back or combination sleepers.

With comfort you have to feel to believe, we found this pillow to be surprisingly plush yet still supportive, thanks to its innovative blend of shredded memory foam with soft and fluffy kapok (a natural fiber that’s similar to cotton, but feels silkier). The fill is also adjustable, so it works for multiple sleep styles or for people who often change positions.

That said, we think its softer feel is especially suited for stomach and back sleepers because a too-firm fill can cause the neck to tilt. And even though it's plush, it easily bounced back to shape after we applied weights in our tests to mimic a head lying on it overnight. Just note that because the pillow uses a grey pattern on its outer cover, it may be visible under white pillowcases.

Tester notes: A reviewer favorite, it earned exceptionally high ratings during our sleep tests. 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. A tester highlighted how she was able to stop using two pillows by switching to this one, while another summarized, "I like the softness, how supportive it feels and how it is moldable."

Who it's best for: Anyone that enjoys the supportive and contouring feel of dense, solid foam instead of softer foam clusters. Despite being on the firmer side, it still doesn't feel hard.

Tuft & Needle uses solid foam instead of foam clusters for a more supportive surface, but it has ventilated holes to make it breathable along with graphite and cooling gel to prevent overheating. The brand describes the feel as "squishy while remaining supportive," and we fully agree based on our evaluations.

In Lab tests, it bounced back to shape immediately after we applied pressure. It fit fairly well into a pillowcase but is just a bit smaller than other pillows the fit was slightly loose. Only the cover is machine washable, but we found that it laundered well without any shrinkage.

Tester notes: It was a top-rated pillow from our sleep testers, who gave it perfect scores for comfort and keeping its shape. Plus, testers unanimously said it felt like an upgrade from the pillows they normally use. Its praise included comments like, "This pillow was firm enough that it kept its shape, but felt overall soft," and, "It was comfortable in multiple sleeping positions and the perfect level of firmness."

Who it's best for: This type of pillow is ideal for those who like the fluffy feel of down, but want an easy-cleaning or animal-free alternative. And though some down alternatives can feel cheap, this Tuft & Needle option impressed us with its standout quality. It's a taller pillow, so it's better suited for side and back sleepers.

Tuft & Needle makes our list again, but this time for its poly stuffing that's lightweight yet still significantly firmer than other down alternative pillows. It aced all of our Lab's evaluations including pillowcase fit, shrinkage after laundering and how well it kept its shape after we applied weight. This is especially important because it's designed for back and side sleepers who need their pillow to keep its shape all night for proper alignment.

On top of that, it uses a synthetic down alternative, which is ideal for easy care and a lower cost. In fact, this set of two pillows costs less than some individual ones we tested from other brands. The fill also prevents it from feeling too dense, which can sometimes be a downside to pillows made for side sleepers.

Tester notes: Our entire tester panel was impressed with how it stood up to pressure, and one user told us it "kept its shape better than any other pillow I've ever used." More importantly, they all rated it supportive and comfortable to sleep on. One even called out its luxurious attention to detail, saying it had "excellent quality with good materials and stitching."

Who it's best for: Anyone that enjoys the luxuriously fluffy feel of real down. It comes in three firmness levels so you can find the best fit for your sleep position.

For those who prefer the real deal, this indulgent pick outperformed all other down pillows in our test. It was a reviewer favorite, kept its shape well and fit nicely into a pillowcase. And you don't even need to worry about special care instructions: We found it held up to repeated washings without showing signs of wear.

The medium-density version was well-loved in our tests, but it's also available in soft and firm. On top of that, we love that its outer cover is a cotton sateen with double stitching around the hem to make sure the down doesn't poke through during use.

Tester notes: Testers raved about its softness and gave it perfect scores for comfort and overall satisfaction. One even described it as "absolutely dreamy" and feeling "like a marshmallow." They also gave this pillow high marks for support and staying at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Who it's best for: People experiencing neck pain, or anyone that prefers a firm pillow with ergonomic support. It comes in three sizes and can be used by back and side sleepers.

If you need a firmer pillow or the right shape to help alleviate neck discomfort, this is the pillow for you. It's been on the market for years and has stood the test of time thanks to its solid memory foam that's ergonomically designed to give back and side sleepers proper alignment. Unlike most other pillows, the shape is contoured so it’ll fit the curve around your head, neck and shoulders.

It also has a slimmer profile so it won’t feel too high, though we found that it does fit pillowcases a bit awkwardly. Still, it held up to our pressure tests and it comes in small, medium and large sizes to properly fit different body types. We also confirmed the outer cover is removable and can be machine washed.

Tester notes: Testers who prefer firm pillows told us this one felt supportive and great to lie on. "It fit around my neck and shoulder perfectly," said one. Another tester called out how it sinks in very slowly to mold to individual shapes. Just note that it's much firmer than other pillows on our list, so it's not ideal for everyone.

Who it's best for: Hot sleepers or people who want a pillow that can help regulate their body temperature all night. It's a down alternative option that isn't intended for a particular sleep position.

This down alternative pillow stands out for its temperature-regulating cover that's made with Outlast viscose which stores and releases body heat to prevent you from overheating while you sleep. Unlike other cooling pillows that feel initially cool to the touch, we found that this one works all night long to help keep you at a comfortable temperature.

Besides its cooling features, this pillow also aced Lab evaluations when we looked at how well it keeps its shape after use, how well it holds up to washing and how well it fits into a pillowcase. Even if you're not a hot sleeper, we think this one's a great choice because it's proven to be durable and long-lasting.

Tester notes: Our panel unanimously said this pillow kept them at a comfortable body temperature all night, and they also gave it high marks for keeping its shape during use and overall comfort while sleeping. One tester told us, "I was very skeptical about the cooling claims of the pillow and was so pleased to find them to be true! The pillow never became hot like my own pillows do."

Who it's best for: Sleepers who aren't satisfied with typical pillow offerings and want to try something new and innovative. This pillow feels totally different than foam, down or down alternative options.

Not too firm and not too plush, this pillow has Talalay latex on the inside surrounded by Purple's signature elastic grid material, which is super popular for its ability to feel equally soft and supportive. It also comes in three heights to fit a range of body types and combination sleepers.

The pillow bounced back to shape perfectly in our Lab evaluations, even after weights were left on top for eight hours. Only the cover is machine washable, but it held up to our laundering tests. And though it's pricey, the brand offers a 100-night trial so you can sleep on it for a few months to make sure you love it.

Tester notes: Our at-home reviewers praised its support, shape retention and breathability, with each one highlighting the fact that it stayed cool all night long. They also agreed that they wanted to continue using it after the test. One tester summarized it by saying, "I stayed cool all night and the texture of the pillow was very soft and supportive."

Who it's best for: Eco-conscious shoppers that prefer to buy organic bedding or anyone that wants a latex pillow with more resiliency than foam.

Latex pillows are ideal for those who prefer organic materials or more bounce (i.e., less sinking in) than memory foam. This one stands out for being certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard, and its latex fill is shredded so you can add or remove some to find the perfect height. Plus, it's reversible with different fabrics on each side: On one side there's a stretchy, smooth material that's designed to conform to the shape of your head and neck, while the other has a fluffy quilted side filled with PLA batting to make it feel plush.

The best part is that you don't have to sacrifice quality for sustainability: It earned high scores in both Lab and consumer tests. The pillow kept its shape even after pressure was applied and the outer cover washed well.

Tester notes: Users said this pillow was comfortable, supportive and kept them at a good temperature. They all enjoyed the versatility between its adjustable fill and two-sided design, with one saying, "My initial reaction was just 'Wow!'" Another told us, "This is literally the greatest pillow I have ever slept on."

How we test pillows

All pillows are evaluated in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab. We've tested more than 160 different pillows in recent years, and we review data and scores from these tests before deciding which pillows to recommend for every type of sleeper. Our evaluations start in the Lab:

In addition to Lab testing, we also have our consumer testers try them out at home for in-depth feedback on things like comfort, support, temperature regulation and more. Testers are assigned a pillow based on an initial survey to make sure they're getting a good match for their sleep styles, then they're given weeks to sleep on it before providing both scored and open-ended responses.

Our pillow buying guide video

Types of pillows

While there are many types of pillows to choose from, the fill is the most important aspect when it comes to comfort. Here are the key differences between the most common options:

• Down pillows tend to be the fluffiest, but a combination of down and feathers may be firmer and less expensive.

• Down alternative pillows can still feel soft and offer good support, but they're usually made with synthetic fill so they're more affordable than down.

• Memory foam pillows are thicker and often firmer. You can choose from solid memory foam or memory foam clusters, which feel plusher to lie on while still offering the support of foam.

• Latex pillows feel similar to memory foam, but they have more of a bouncy feel with less contouring. Another difference: Latex foam is typically made from rubber trees, so it's a good option for those that prefer organic materials.

• Hybrid pillows mix foam and fiberfill so you get the best of both categories – i.e., supportive yet plush.

There are other pillow types on the market, but they aren't as common and we don't recommend them for most sleepers. For instance, gel pillows are often marketed as cooling because the gel draws away body heat; however, the cooling effect is only temporary and may not last all night. Buckwheat pillows are gaining popularity as an option made of natural materials, but they aren't as durable or comfortable in our tests, and some users said they irritated their skin. Over-the-head pillows are new and said to promote relaxation, but we'd suggest using a weighted eye mask for the same effect.

How to pick your perfect pillow

After picking your favorite fill, before you get shopping for a new pillow, here's what to keep in mind as you pick out your best pillow:

✔️ Make sure it's the right height. There's no one-size-fits-all pillow, and "it’s important that your neck stays 'neutral,'" says Dr. Niamish Baxi, a physiatrist focusing on spine care and musculoskeletal medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. "It should not be flexed forward, extended back or rotated. Being in these positions will put a strain on the joints in your cervical spine as well as the muscles surrounding it."

According to Dr. Baxi, "Your ears should be aligned with your shoulders and your chin faced forward." To achieve this alignment, you'll need to factor in your body size and how you sleep. Here's how to pick your height:

• Body type: Larger-framed people should use a taller pillow, whereas smaller bodies need something flatter. Medium frames can use something in between.

• Sleep position: Side sleepers need a higher and more supportive pillow, while stomach sleepers should opt for a lower and softer style. Back sleepers (or anyone who switches positions through the night) should opt for a pillow that's somewhere in the middle.

✔️ Take a look at special features based on your preferences. You can browse for innovative specifications that come with some pillows, like cooling pillows with temperature-regulating properties if you tend to overheat, or adjustability if you want to personalize firmness level and height.

✔️ Consider any recent health changes. Physical shifts (like weight fluctuation, new aches and pains or other changes in your body as you age) affect the type of support you need, according to Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., a former environmental scholar at the National Sleep Foundation. If your previously-loved pillow is no longer feeling great, consider trying something new.

✔️ Don't overlook care instructions. Before purchasing a pillow, check the care label to make sure you're willing to wash your pillow as recommended. Most are machine washable, but some are dry clean only, have removable covers or only allow spot-treating. Your pillow will last longer if you wash it two to four times a year, and if you use a pillow protector to keep it clean and safe from wear.

Why you can trust Good Housekeeping

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing to find the best bedding, including pillows. Lexie has been analyzing pillow data since she joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and reviewed hundreds of pillow test scores before making these recommendations. She is often featured as a pillow expert for TV and other media segments.

Recent pillow testing has been managed by senior textiles analyst Emma Seymour. Emma has rigorously tested more than 100 pillows in the Textiles Lab 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 more than three years at Good Housekeeping.

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