Top 10 Pillows 2023
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#1
10.0
Beckham Luxury Linen Hotel Collection Pillows
- Size: Queen & king
- Support: Plush
- Cover Material: Cotton
- Fill Material: Gel-fiber down alternative
- Ideal For: Neck pain, keeping cool
Picked by 632 people today!
#2
9.7
Zibroges Cervical Pillow
- Size: Queen
- Support: Adjustable
- Cover Material: Silk
- Fill Material: Memory foam
- Ideal For: Neck & back pain, keeping cool
#3
9.4
Fern and Willow Luxury Plush Cooling Pillows
- Size: Standard, queen, & king
- Support: Adjustable
- Cover Material: Cotton
- Fill Material: Down alternative
- Ideal For: Neck & back pain, keeping cool
#4
9.3
Cozsinoor Cozy Dream Series Bed Pillows
- Size: Standard, queen, & king
- Support: Plush
- Cover Material: Plush microfiber
- Fill Material: Down alternative
- Ideal For: Side, back, & stomach sleepers
#5
9.0
Osteo Cervical Pillow
- Size: Standard & queen
- Support: Adjustable
- Cover Material: Mesh fiber
- Fill Material: Memory foam
- Ideal For: Neck & back pain
#6
8.9
Cozsinoor 2-Pack Dream Series Pillows
- Size: Standard, queen, & king
- Support: Plush
- Cover Material: Plush microfiber
- Fill Material: Down alternative
- Ideal For: Side, back, & stomach sleepers
#7
8.8
Elegear Cervical Pillow
- Size: Queen
- Support: Adjustable
- Cover Material: Polyester
- Fill Material: Memory foam
- Ideal For: Neck pain
#8
8.7
Zamat Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillow
- Size: Standard
- Support: Adjustable
- Cover Material: Cotton
- Fill Material: Memory foam
- Ideal For: Neck & shoulder pain
#9
8.5
AmazonBasics Pillows
- Size: Standard & king
- Support: Plush
- Cover Material: Polyester microfiber
- Fill Material: Down alternative
- Ideal For: Side, back, & stomach sleepers
#10
8.4
Emircey Adjustable Neck Pillow
- Size: Queen & king
- Support: Adjustable
- Cover Material: Polyester
- Fill Material: Memory foam
- Ideal For: Neck & back pain
We also considered 10 other:
Our Top Choice
#1
10.0
Beckham Luxury Linen Hotel Collection Pillows
- Size: Queen & king
- Support: Plush
- Cover Material: Cotton
- Fill Material: Gel-fiber down alternative
- Ideal For: Neck pain, keeping cool
Picked by 632 people today!
About Our Rankings:
Our recommendations are based on expert comparisons between available products in each product category. For pillow, we chose the topics that we think matter most to our users, and provide consise, clear comparisons of the features that matter. Our rankings change day-to-day based on our proprietary algorithms, that crunch data to identify top-performing products and tailor recommendations to exactly what our readers are looking for.
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Pillow Buyer's Guide
A pillow is designed to provide optimal comfort and support to enhance sleep quality. It keeps your neck and head in line with your spine to promote proper alignment and relieve pressure.
Pillows feature many different sizes and materials to match different body types, sleep positions, and other personal preferences. They are also available at different price points to cater to different budgets. The right pillow ensures optimal relaxation and undisturbed sleep so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
In this guide, we highlight some of the key things you need to consider when buying pillows. Firstly, you need to decide what size pillow is suitable for your bed. Secondly, you need to know what type of support you require depending on your primary sleep position.
Apart from these, you also need to consider the fill and cover material of a pillow depending on your skin type and personal preference.
Considerations
Size
The size of a pillow is a key factor that can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep. What pillow size is best suited to you is determined by your sleep position, mattress size, and personal preference. Pillows are available in 4 different sizes – standard, queen, king, and body. Below are details of each size that will help you decide which one is right for you.
- Standard: Standard pillows typically measure 20’ x 26’; however, some brands may offer a super standard size with dimensions of 20’ x 28’. A standard pillow is quite compact and is suitable for a twin bed. A standard pillow may be fine for back, side, and stomach sleepers. However, it may not be ideal if you toss and turn while you sleep because your head may slide off the pillow.
- Queen: Queen pillows measure 20’ x 30’ and easily fit into a standard pillowcase. A queen pillow can easily be placed on a twin-size bed, whereas 2 queen pillows fit comfortably across a queen or king-sized bed.
- King: King pillows have dimensions of approximately 20’ x 36’. The extra length provides better lumbar support and also prevents you from sliding off while turning in your sleep. You can place 1 king pillow comfortably across a twin or full bed and 2 on a queen, king, or California king bed.
- Body: Body pillows measure 20’ x 54’ and are designed to conform to the shape of your body. They are a great choice for side sleepers and pregnant women as they provide enhanced support and prevent you from rolling onto your back or stomach.
Support
The main purpose of a pillow is to provide support for your neck and back while you sleep. It also helps maintain proper alignment by supporting the natural curve of your spine.
A pillow’s height and thickness are key factors in determining whether you are getting proper support. A pillow should ideally have a height of between 4’ and 6’ and a thickness of around 3’ to 6’ – which provides adequate support to your back, neck, and shoulders. The firmness level of a pillow is also important for the type of support you require. Soft pillows offer plush comfort and ensure that your head is not too propped up. Medium-firm pillows support your head just enough to keep it aligned with your spine. Firm pillows ensure that your head and neck are in line with your spine.
Cover Material
The cover material of a pillow is vital when it comes to the quality of sleep. Different materials have different pros and cons and are suitable for different skin types and sleepers. You can choose from a variety of pillow cover materials depending on your specific needs and preferences.
- Cotton: Cotton is the most popular cover material for pillows because of its soft texture and breathability. It does, however, wrinkle easily and may require frequent ironing.
- Linen: Linen pillow covers are naturally hypoallergenic, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin. They are also breathable, durable, and easy to wash. However, they get wrinkled easily and tend to be quite expensive.
- Nylon: Nylon pillow covers offer great stretch and easy care; however, they are not very breathable and may cause sweating at night.
- Bamboo: Bamboo pillow covers offer excellent breathability and anti-bacterial properties, making them perfect for vegans and those with sensitive skin. They also offer easy care but do tend to wrinkle after every wash.
- Rayon: Rayon is a popular material for pillow covers because of its affordability and breathability. However, it is not very durable.
- Polyester: Polyester offers great flexibility, easy cleaning, and high durability, making it a fantastic choice for pillow covers. It is also wrinkle and water-resistant as well as budget-friendly. However, it is not very breathable and may aggravate allergies.
- Microfiber: Microfiber pillow covers are extremely soft, smooth, and lightweight. They are also breathable and durable but can be prone to shrinkage.
- Silk: Silk pillow covers are highly luxurious and breathable; however, they are also very expensive and need extra care and maintenance.
- Satin: Satin pillow covers are suitable for all skin types because of their soft and cool texture. However, they can be quite expensive and a little slippery.
Fill Material
The fill material of a pillow is another crucial factor that needs to be considered. Pillows feature a wide variety of fill materials to suit different sleep positions and preferences so that you can choose one according to your specific requirements.
- Down Pillow Filling: Down-filling fibers are derived from the underbelly of a bird such as a duck or a goose. They are extremely soft and fluffy and adapt well to your head and neck. Pillows with down filling can easily be refilled and offer high durability. However, they can be more expensive as compared to other fill materials.
- Polyester Fiberfill Pillow Filling: Polyester fiberfill is made using curled polyester fibers and is an extremely popular filling material due to its soft and fluffy feel. Polyester fiberfill pillows typically offer great affordability and easy cleaning. They are also a good choice for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. However, polyester fiberfill pillows may clump easily and are not very durable.
- Feather Pillow Filling: Feather pillow filling is made using feathers from the backs and wings of birds. Feather pillows are extremely affordable and lightweight. However, they tend to lose their shape quickly; hence they may be combined with down to help retain their shape.
- Memory Foam Pillow Filling: Memory foam pillows are designed to conform to the shape of your head to provide optimal comfort and pressure relief during the night. They do not clump over time and are suitable for all types of sleeping positions. The only drawback of memory foam pillows is that they absorb heat which may result in sweating, and hence not a good choice for hot sleepers.
- Cotton Pillow Filling: Cotton is the most commonly used fill material for pillows due to its soft yet firm texture. It is also eco-friendly and keeps you cool and comfortable while you sleep. However, cotton pillow filling tends to clump quickly and needs to be replaced frequently.
- Wool Pillow Filling: Pillows with a wool filling offer excellent insulation and breathability, making them suitable for both summer and winter. They are also warm, fluffy, and non-toxic, which is ideal for people who suffer from allergies. On the flip side, wool pillow filling tends to get lumpy and is not very durable.
- Latex Pillow Filling: Latex fill material offers high quality, which is why it can be very expensive. Latex pillows also offer enhanced breathability and firm support to keep you cool and relaxed while sleeping.
- Buckwheat Hull Pillow Filling: Buckwheat hull filling is made out of buckwheat seeds and is thicker than most other fill materials. It also offers good breathability and high durability. However, it may be too firm for some sleeper types.
- Kapok Pillow Filling: Kapok is a non-toxic and 100% organic material that is an excellent choice for people with allergies. While kapok pillows offer smooth comfort, they are not moldable.
- Microbead Pillow Filling: Microbead pillow filling features small polystyrene beads. Pillows with microbead fill material are affordable and breathable but may not be very durable.
Ideal For
Pillows feature different textures and firmness levels to match different requirements. Choosing a pillow that is right for you depends on a few factors, such as your sleeping position, body type, and personal preference.
- Back Sleepers: A medium-firm pillow with a medium loft is the ideal choice for back sleepers. This is because it will keep your head supported throughout the night without losing its shape. It will also provide a comfortable distance between you and your mattress to relieve pressure from your neck and shoulders.
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers typically require extra support, which is why a firm, high-loft pillow is ideal for them. This type of pillow will keep relieve pressure from your shoulders and keep your neck and head aligned with your spine.
- Stomach Sleepers: Soft, low-loft pillows are generally considered ideal for stomach sleepers because they prop your head just enough to maintain neutral spine alignment while you sleep.
- Combination Sleepers: Combination sleepers shuffle between different sleep positions; however, they do have a preferred sleep position. Depending on which of the above is their primary sleep position, they can choose their pillow accordingly.
- Hot Sleepers: A cooling memory foam pillow would be ideal for hot sleepers looking for cool comfort during the night. Other fill materials such as down, wool, and latex also offer good breathability and increased airflow.
FAQS
Is a thinner or thicker pillow better?
A pillow’s thickness creates a gap between your mattress and neck to ensure proper support while you sleep. Most pillows have a thickness of between 3’ and 6’; however, your sleeping position will determine whether you require a thin or thick pillow. A low-loft pillow is suitable for stomach sleepers, a mid-loft pillow is ideal for back sleepers, and a high-loft pillow is best suited for side sleepers.
Should I choose a soft or firm pillow?
Whether you should choose a soft or firm pillow depends on your sleeping position. Your personal preference also plays a role – maybe you like a soft feel, or perhaps you require firm support. Side sleepers typically prefer a firm pillow for enhanced neck support. On the other hand, back and stomach sleepers may prefer a softer pillow for a plush feel.
When should you replace your pillow?
Pillows tend to lose their shape over time and may not remain as supportive as before, so it is recommended that you replace them every 2 years. However, you can extend the life of your pillows with proper care and maintenance. You should dust them off regularly to remove any dirt and wash them every 3 to 6 months.
ABOUT BUYER'S GUIDE
Navigating the many choices for every consumer purchase can be challenging. Our team spends hours doing research, combing through forums, and reading consumer reviews on even the most basic of household items, and we summarize that information in clear, precise comparisons.
Join the millions that have trusted Sotaku.com to help them make smarter buying decisions. We help our readers spend their money wisely and find the right product to suit their specific needs. Our independent expert reviews and data-driven shopping recommendations empower you find the product that’s right for you.
We leverage user data to understand decision-making and put the best products in front of each user. We tailor our comparisons to what matters to our user’s needs, specific or broad. We keep our content up to date, we are constantly looking for new merchants and products to compare, and we are quick to remove any that are outdated or no longer meeting our standards.
Our rankings change day-to-day based on our proprietary algorithms that crunch data to identify top-performing products and tailor recommendations to exactly what our readers are looking for.
Written By Mike
Meet Mike, a distinguished tech product reviewer with a knack for exploring the latest innovations. With years of experience under his belt, Mike possesses a deep understanding of technology and a keen eye for design. Through his insightful reviews, he has helped countless individuals in finding the perfect products to suit their needs. Mike’s enthusiasm lies in thoroughly examining new gadgets, delving into their features and performance to provide valuable insights. When he’s not immersed in the world of tech, you can find Mike enjoying quality time with his family and embracing outdoor adventures.
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