Forget yourmattressfor a min — what about where you rest your precious head? If yourpillowfeels more like a crumpled-up ball of socks or a pancake than apillow, it’s probtime to make a change.
Sleeping on the wrong pillow can be a realpain in the neck, but finding the right one canalsobe a huge pain in the neck.
To lend a hand in finding the right one, we compiled some of the best pillows of the year for every type of noggin.
So don’t sleep on these 14 pillows — er,dosleep on them.
A quick look at the best pillows of 2022
How we chose the best pillows
Choosing where to rest your head for the next few years is a big decision. Here’s how we narrowed down the best of the best:
Only the Greatist: The best pillows
Best pillow for back sleepers
Brentwood Home Zuma Foam Wedge Pillow
Back sleepers, rejoice: A pillow shaped like awedgeof cheese just might offer the restful slumber you need.
It might seem a little odd, but the pillow’s unique shape is designed to provide just the right amount of incline and support for back sleepers. The high part supports your head, while the dense, lower portion supports your neck without straining it by forcing it upward. The company also says it’s ideal forwatching TVon the floor orreadingin bed.
Researchshows that pillow height plays a big role in sleep comfort and potential neck pain — but there hasn’t been enough research to say for sure what height works best for back sleepers. Lucky for you, this pillow is available in three different heights, and the wedge shape gives you a little more height to play with.
Reviewers seem to find it super comfortable — especially back sleepers, those recovering from back, neck, or spinal surgery, and those who otherwise havesnoringorbreathing probs. Some side sleepers also swear by them. Reviewers also like the softbamboo coverand that the pillow lacks that “chemically” smell that others have.
You get 30 days to try it at home, which is shorter than others out there — but it also doesn’t cost as much as competitors.
Best pillow for stomach sleepers
Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow
Forstomach sleepers, there’s nothing as uncomfy as your face smooshed into a too-high, too-hard pillow. When you sleep on your tummy, a flatter, softer pillow tends to work best. If you opt for a higher or harder pillow, you risk neck discomfort or back pain.
This one fromCoop Home Goodsis adjustable — so the height and firmness are totally up to you. All you need to do is add or remove the hella soft shredded memory foam fill to reach Goldilocks-level comfort.
With over 50,000 glowing reviews on Amazon (and a Greatist editor that’s totally in love with it), it’s fair to say people love this pillow. Many praise the adjustability and say it’s one of the comfiest pillows they’ve ever used.
The pillow has a 30-day return policy and a 5-year warranty.
Best pillow for side sleepers
Layla Kapok Pillow
Made from shredded memory foam and fibers from kapok tree seeds, this adjustable pillow is designed to feel soft and firm at once. Whether you prefer a flat and firmpillowor something taller and softer, you can adjust this pillow’s height to suit your needs. Simply unzip and remove (or add) some of the fill.
As we mentioned, current research doesn’t provide any great guidelines for pillow height depending on sleep position, but height is def important. That’s why adjustable options like this work well forside sleepers— no matter your body size, shoulder width, or personal preference, you should be able to find a fill level that feels comfy AF.
Some reviewers call it the perfectside sleeper pillow. They say it’s comfy, supportive, and retains its shape, night after night. Some also rave about it for easing neck andshoulder pain.
Heads up, though: Some complain about a chemical scent that lasts for several days. It has a 120-day trial and 5-year warranty, so it might be worth a few sleeps.
Best cooling pillow
Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow
If you’re prone tonight sweats, thisTuft & NeedlePillow might be thecooling reliefyou need. Instead of being molded or shredded like other memory foam, this foam is specially cut forideal airflow.
It also contains graphite andcooling gelto help absorb heat so you can stay cool — even without flipping to the other side of the pillow.
Though this pillow is designed to support all types of sleepers, some stomach sleepers might find the height too high. Back and side sleepers seem to love it though.
Some sweaty sleepers complain this pillow isn’t exactly a miracle worker, but others say it really does the trick. Others dislike the charcoal smell but say the scent does eventually dissipate.
It has a 100-night sleep trial, so you can find out for yourself.
Best firm pillow
Purple Harmony Pillow
If you like your pillows firm,Purplehas the pick for you. It’s made from a gel material formed into a grid with a latex core, which is designed to feel firm yet cool and malleable.
It’s also available in 3 heights, so you may pick whatever is best for your needs. For reference,Purplesays the medium and tall heights are best for side and combo sleepers, while the tall is ideal for those with larger frames. Meanwhile, the low height is best forback and stomach sleepersand those with small to medium frames.
Some complain that it’s a little on the heavy side, but that might be expected from a firmer pick. It’s also a little spendy, but many say it’s worth it.
It has a 100-night free trial and a 1-year warranty.
Best memory foam pillow
Leesa Premium Foam Pillow
In a2020 study, researchers concluded that materials like memory foam reduce neck fatigue by aiding in spinal support, which in turn promotesbetter sleep. Whether you have naggingneck painor just want to enjoy a more restful slumber, this medium-firm memory foam MVP might be the thing you need.
There are loads of reviews raving about comfort. Reviewers who side sleep seem to love this baby in particular, though it’s designed for all types of sleepers. Some do say it’s a little too short in height and firm for their taste, though, but most seem to love it.
This one has a limited 1-year warranty and a 30-night free trial.
Best travel pillow
Sleep Artisan Natural Latex Travel Pillow
Need torest upon the go? This Sleep Artisan pillow will comfortably cradle your neck on everyplane, train and automobile.
Theeco-friendlyshredded fill is adjustable — simply zip it open and add or remove as desired. The latex is also designed to becooling, so you can count on this one during even the hottestsummer vacays.
It’s not quite the typicaltravelU pillow — that’s because the recessed shape is designed to relievepressure pointswhile you sleep sitting up.
Reviewers give it 5 stars for comfort. Some don’t love that it lacks apillowcase, though. You’ll have to buy one separately, and the shape isn’t the easiest to find.
Best pillow for pregnancy
Tempur-Pedic BodyPillow
Gettinggood sleepfor one is tough enough as it is — what about when you’resnoozing for two? ThisTempur-PedicBodyPillow might help.
Whilepregnancycan makefalling asleepin your usual position a challenge, this pillow is specially designed to support your bod as it grows and shifts. It’s a long, firm pillow designed torelieve pressureon your spine duringpregnancywhen you’re following doc’s orders and sleeping on your side.
It’s made from open-celled elastic memory foam, which is designed to cushion and contour your curves while also remaining firm enough to not turn into a crepe. There’s somelimited evidencethat suggests sleeping on a specially designed pillow like this one may relieve nighttimelower back painduring pregnancy.
Reviewers love it for both during and after pregnancy — many also say it’s legit for alleviatingback painunrelated to carrying a babe.
Some reviewers say the pillow started to break down after a year or so of hardcore use, which is a bummer. But it does come with a 5-year warranty, which means you could likely get a replacement if that happens to you.
Best breastfeeding pillow
Blessed Nest The Nesting Pillow
You,baby, and yourbreastsdeserve the very #Best. It might not be the cheapest option, but it’s definitely a consumer fave.
It’s made withbuckwheat, which is entirely moldable. That way, you can adjust its shape to conform to your bod and help prop up your lil babe.
Thecottoncanvas and terrycloth cover are designed to look minimalist and, dare we say, elegant. Plus, all of the pillow’s materials are certified organic.
A few reviewers say it’s a little on the heavier side, but other than that,breastfeedingpeeps everywhere are loving it.
Best pillow for neck pain
Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow (Curved)
Thispillowjust might mean the end of that pain in your neck. According to2011 research, switching to a new latex, polyester or foam contour pillow could reduce neck pain upon waking. Since this one’s curved and made from polyester, it just might do the trick.
The fabric is supposed to be breathable, cooling, and hypoallergenic, and reviewers seem to agree. It’s on the firmer side — some even say a littletoofirm. But others say it’s just right, especially when dealing with neck pain.
You have 100 nights to try it out, along with a 1-year limited warranty.
Best pillow for headaches
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow
Trying to get to sleep with athrobbing nogginis no one’s idea of a good time. According to reviewers withheadachesandmigraine, thispillowcan help.
It’s designed to contour to your head and neck, with a little extra height at the neck that makes it more ergonomic than most.
Reviewers love it for easing headache tension and lending back and neck pain relief — but keep in mind that some long-time Tempur-Neck sleepers complain the original pillow was superior to the newer model.
It has a 5-year limited warranty.
Best luxury pillow
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
If you’re feeling blessed andboujee, you obvs need a silk pillow. With a plush 100 percent long-strand mulberry silk fill and bamboo cover, this is a pillow that saysyou made it.
Both fabrics are transparently sourced. Thesilkmolds easily into your preferred shape, for a comfy and customizable experience.
Reviewers agree that they’re also highly breathable and moisture-wicking — a pro for hot sleepers. Those withsensitive skinalso say they’re a win.
One bummer: Even though the pillow’s cover is washable, the brand recommends spot cleaning inside of machine washing.
It has a 10-year warranty (!!!) and a 100-night sleep trial.
Best pillow on Amazon
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
For cushy, classic comfort, this pillow set gets the job done. It’s among the top-rated pillows on Amazon, with over 190,000 reviews at an average of 4.4 stars.
Reviewers rave about its plush-yet-firm feel. If you like the feel of a classic hotel-like pillow, but don’t want it to collapse under the weight of your head, this might be the plush pal of your dreams.
If you sleep hot, you might like the gel fiber’s cooling action. It’s also hypoallergenic.
Heads up that some reviewers describe it as too tall for their needs, though. you may’t buy just one, though, so plan to buy for you and (real or imaginary) boo, too.
Best pillow under $50
WayFair Sleep Medium Memory Foam Cooling Bed Pillow
This no-frills memory foam cooling pillow just might be the comfiest thing for under fifty bucks.
The company says it has cooling gel for cooler sleep, as well as ventilation for optimal airflow. That being said, we’re not seeing many reviews to back up this claim in particular.
The company recommends it for side, back, and stomach sleepers, though side and back sleepers seem to have a better time with it.
Even though it’s of medium firmness, some say it’s a little too firm for their liking. The majority seem to say it’s a soft n’ sturdy, durable and comfy option, especially for the price point.
It has a 3-year limited warranty.
Side-by-side comparison
How to pick the right pillow for you
Still pressed about how to pick the perfect pillow? (attempt to say that 5x fast.) Here’s what you might wanna consider:
Frequently asked questions
What kind of pillows do they use in 5-star hotels?
A lot of luxury pillows usedownor feather pillows with cotton or sateen weave covers. Common brands include Downlite, Pacific Coast, and Sealy.
How often should I buy new pillows?
Experts at theBetter Sleep Councilrecommend swapping out your pillow approximately every three years. But if you’re waking up with back, neck, or shoulder pain, or your pillow looks a little flat, you may be due for a change. On the flip side, if your pillow has retained its shape past three-ish years, you might be in the clear for a little longer.
What kind of pillow has the healthiest fill?
There’s no scientific consensus on the “healthiest fill” yet. Whilesome researchnotes the advantages of latex foam for neck pain, it’s obvi not the best choice if you have a latex allergy!Organiccotton orbuckwheatmay be a better alternative for some withallergiesor sensitivities.
The bottom line
Picking a pillow can be a pill — but doing your research can help. Understanding what’s best in terms of your budget,sleep position, and unique preferences will help guide you to your MVP.
If you have back or neck pain or headaches, though, it’s a good idea to talk with your doc, just in case.
