Choosing the right pillow is just as important as choosing the right mattress.
The wrong pillow can cause neck pain, poor spinal alignment, and restless sleep.
This guide helps you choose the best pillow based on your sleeping position, firmness preference, and materials.
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Short on time? These are our top pillow picks right now.
Why Choosing the Right Pillow Matters
A pillow supports your head and neck while keeping your spine aligned.
If your pillow is too high or too flat, it can strain your neck and shoulders.
The right pillow improves comfort, reduces pressure, and helps prevent neck pain.
Best Pillow for Each Sleeping Position
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers usually need a higher and firmer pillow to fill the space between the head and mattress.
Best choice: Medium-firm to firm, high loft pillows.
See our recommended pillows for side sleepers below.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck without pushing the head forward.
Best choice: Medium firmness, medium loft pillows.
See our recommended pillows for back sleepers below.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers should choose a very soft, low-loft pillow to avoid neck strain.
Best choice: Soft, thin pillows.
See our recommended pillows for stomach sleepers below.
Pillow Loft Explained (Height)
Pillow loft refers to the height or thickness of a pillow.
Choosing the right loft helps keep your neck aligned with your spine.
• Low loft: Best for stomach sleepers
• Medium loft: Ideal for back sleepers
• High loft: Best for side sleepers
Best Pillow Materials Compared
Pillow material affects firmness, temperature, and durability.
• Memory foam: Contouring support, good for neck pain
• Latex: Responsive, breathable, durable
• Down: Soft and plush, adjustable feel
• Down alternative: Hypoallergenic, budget-friendly
• Buckwheat: Firm, adjustable, very supportive
How Pillow Choice Relates to Mattress Firmness
Your mattress firmness affects how much support your pillow needs to provide.
Softer mattresses usually require slightly higher pillows, while firmer mattresses pair well with lower loft pillows.
For a complete overview, see our mattress firmness guide.
Quick Pillow Recommendation
If you’re unsure, start with one of the pillows below – these work well for most sleepers.
Explore our recommended pillows based on comfort, support, and value.
- Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow is a great Amazon pick for side sleepers who need neck support and cooling comfort.
Its gel-infused memory foam promotes proper spinal alignment for side sleepers and helps reduce heat buildup compared to traditional foam.
- Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
The Original Adjustable Pillow by Coop Home Goods stands out thanks to its customizable fill. You can add or remove memory foam to adjust the loft and firmness, making it suitable for almost every sleeping position.
This pillow provides excellent neck and spine alignment, helping reduce stiffness and pressure points. It’s especially popular among side and back sleepers who need personalized support.
- Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow
The Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow offers a soft hotel style feel. It’s a great choice if you want comfort with memory foam firmness.
The plush fill provides gentle support and works best for back and combination sleepers. It’s also breathable, helping reduce heat buildup during the night.
- EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow
The Contour Memory Foam pillow by EPABO is designed to support the natural curve of your neck. Its ergonomic shape helps improve spinal alignment and reduce neck and shoulder tension.
This pillow keeps your head stable throughout the night, making it ideal for people suffering from chronic neck pain or stiffness.
- Sleep Innovations Pillow
The Sleep Innovations Pillow combines a supportive memory foam. This creates the perfect balance between plush comfort and proper support for side sleeping.
It keeps your head elevated enough to maintain neutral spine alignment, reducing pressure on shoulders and neck.
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