Shopping for a memory foam pillow? These 7 are the best

Memory foam pillows can transform your sleep, but there's a lot to consider when finding the one that’s right for you. These unique pillows use foam to conform to your head and shoulders, keeping them aligned throughout the night to promote healthy posture and restful sleep.

Upgrading your pillow takes just a few minutes, and you could feel immediate benefits.  Let's take a look at our top picks for the best memory foam pillow to find the perfect one for your sleep habits, favorite position, and more. Once you try one, you’ll never go back to a regular pillow again. 

Read more: Browse the best mattress toppers for a comfortable night's sleep

Shop to find your perfect pillow

Our top pick overall

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow

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$79.99 at Sleep Number

Best value-for-money option

Standard Molded Memory Foam Bed Pillow

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$30.99 at Target

Best-rated memory foam pillow

Layla Memory Foam Pillow

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$34 at Layla Sleep

Best for side sleepers

Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow

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$49.99 at Amazon

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Our top pick overall

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow

You save $20 (20%)

$79.99$99.99

$79.99 at Sleep Number

Pros & Cons

• CertiPUR-US certified for safety 

• Available in three shapes for comfort

• Restores its shape daily

• Curved pillows for side sleepers cost more 

• Classic shape not designed for stomach sleepers

The memory foam pillow from Sleep Number uses a blend of foam and down alternative memory fibers designed to suit multiple types of sleepers. The lyocell blend cover keeps sleepers cooler and is hypoallergenic.

The classic style pillow is best for back and side sleepers. For more options, upgrade to the ultimate pillow, which has removable inserts to create the perfect amount of support.

Best value-for-money option

Standard Molded Memory Foam Bed Pillow

$30.99

$30.99 at Target

Pros & Cons

• Affordable without sacrificing quality

• Removable cover works alone or with other pillowcases

• Provides good support for side and back sleepers

• May be too firm for some

• Classic memory foam doesn't have cooling effects

Sealy’s standard pillow offers a medium density suitable for all styles of sleepers. It comes with a plush cover that's removable and machine washable. The pillow also fits other standard-sized cases. 

The premium memory foam blend conforms to your head and neck to remove pressure while you sleep. It is on the firmer side, which is excellent for back and side sleepers in particular. It holds its shape well and is an affordable alternative to more expensive pillows. 

Best-rated memory foam pillow

Layla Memory Foam Pillow

You save $55 (61.80%)

$34$89

$34 at Layla Sleep

Pros & Cons

• Features customizable height 

• Open-cell memory foam and a poly blend fill for cooling

• CertiPUR-US certified for safety

• May be slightly too big for standard pillowcases

• Some reviewers say it’s too firm

With hundreds of five-star reviews, this pillow is an absolute crowd favorite. It features a blend of memory foam designed to keep sleepers cool, and it retains its shape throughout the night. It includes a removable cover that's machine washable to help the pillow stay fresh longer. 

The pillow loft, or height, is adjustable, so back, side and stomach sleepers can customize their position. Plus, the company allows sleepers to try out the pillow risk-free for 120 nights to determine if it's right for them. If it isn't, it’s easy to return it. 

Best for side sleepers

Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow

You save $10 (16.67%)

$49.99$59.99

$49.99 at Amazon

Pros & Cons

• CertiPUR-US certified for safety 

• Curved design fits either right-or left-side sleepers 

• Variety of colors

• Has a light smell

• May be too firm for some, according to reviews

Side sleepers have specific considerations when it comes to the best memory foam pillow. This option features an ergonomic design to reduce pressure on the shoulder and support the neck. It is made from 100% Polyester to help with air circulation and keep you cool during the night.

It is also CertuPUR-US certified for added safety. It's also hypoallergenic, stain resistant and can be unzipped for easy washing.   

Best cooling option

Cold Touch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow

You save $50.99 (41.12%)

$73.01$124

$73.01 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Specially designed foam doesn't trap heat

• CertiPUR-US certified materials are safe for all users

• The medium loft is suitable for all side sleepers 

• Pricier than other options at full price

• Memory foam may be too firm for some 

Feeling hot while trying to sleep at night is the worst. Traditional memory foam can trap heat and make sleeping uncomfortable, but this choice solves that issue. It uses a hypoallergenic cooling gel, SensorGel, to enhance breathability and quickly move heat away from your head. 

A proprietary foam design offers medium support and helps remove pressure points. It keeps the head in optimal position no matter what side you sleep on.  

Best for neck pain

Cross Sleeper

You save $35.00 (23.33%)

$114.99$149.99

$114.99 at Pillow Cube

Pros & Cons

• Features cooling channels for a comfortable temperature

• Helps remove neck pain

• Made for both back and side sleepers 

• Require a special pillowcase

• Not designed for stomach sleepers

This might be the strangest pillow you've ever seen and looks like something you’d find playing Minecraft. It's designed specifically to remove pressure points that cause pain in the neck and shoulders. Back sleepers settle into the central channel for perfect positioning, while side sleepers use one of the flatter sections for more support.

Comfort cooling channels eliminate hot spots and provide better airflow. The pillow size is suitable for people of almost any height.

Best firm memory foam pillow

EnerPlex Memory Foam Firm Pillow (2-pack)

You save $6.64 (11.65%)

$50.35$56.99

$50.35 at Target

Pros & Cons

• Comes in a set of two

• Shredded foam is customizable

• Adjustable loft is great for stomach sleepers

• May require some trial and error to get the loft just right 

• No cutout or curved edge for side sleepers

This pillow uses shredded foam to create a firmer loft that’s especially supportive for back sleepers. Sleepers  can mold the shape into one that’s perfect for their ideal sleeping position. It also comes with a zippered case, allowing you to add or remove foam to adjust the loft.

The machine washable cover, made of a polyester and rayon blend, removes hot spots and channels heat away from the body.  

Memory foam pillow FAQs

Ready to invest in a memory foam pillow? You won’t be disappointed. To ensure you select the right one for you, our editors answer a few commonly asked questions.

How do I choose my pillow? 

First, think about your sleep position. Whether you prefer to sleep on your side or back, this decision will help you determine how thick the pillow is and the firmness you’ll need to get your head and neck positioned correctly. 

Next, look at the materials the pillows are made from. All the pillows on our list used materials that have been certified for safety. You can also choose from shredded foam, which is moldable, or solid foam that keeps its shape.

Finally, decide how much you want to spend. While you don't need to break the bank to buy a good pillow, you should explore pillows at different price ranges. That way, you’ll find one that suits your wallet and your sleep habits so that you can get a good night’s rest.

Are they worth it?

Everyone has different pillow preferences. Memory foam can be a good choice for people who like a slightly firmer pillow and need ergonomic positioning when they sleep. It is also a good choice for those who don't want to squish their pillow into the correct position every night. the foam can keep its shape. With the right care, memory foam pillows will keep their shape and last several years without going flat. With the right one, you’ll get many nights of good sleep.

Are they good for side sleepers?

Side sleepers need a higher loft to keep pressure points off their shoulders and necks. Because they’re firmer,  memory foam pillows can be comfortable for side sleepers. They keep their shape overnight and ensure that side sleepers stay in the optimum position. 

Do you need to use a pillowcase?

Although many memory foam pillows have a soft exterior material, you should use a pillowcase cover. A pillowcase keeps the surface of the pillow clean and reduces allergens. Memory foam pillows can’t be thrown in the washing machine,  so a cover is an excellent way to keep your pillow fresh.

Should you wash memory foam pillows? 

Although they aren't machine washable, spot cleaning or handwashing is recommended every few months. Cleaning them removes stains and reduces the presence of dust mites on the pillow's surface. Using a pillow cover and pillowcase will keep them fresh and help them last longer. 

What is the difference between memory foam and gel memory foam? 

Traditional memory foam can be hot for some sleepers. Manufacturers use tiny gel beads or a gel layer to help reduce heat. It's a good option for sleepers who want to try memory foam but have found it too warm in the past.

Which memory foam pillows get our vote? 

There's a pillow for just about anyone on our list of the best memory foam pillows. Although we'd be happy with any option on the list, two stand out. These choices are definitely our top pillow picks: 

• Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow: With a good loft, medium firmness, and a cover included, this option covers all your bases. It's a well-rated design that users can also upgrade if they need more height for side sleeping. You can't go wrong with this choice.

• Cold Touch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow: This pillow keeps  sleepers cooler than traditional memory foam. It has a soft cover with a comfortable loft and is good for multiple sleeping positions. This memory foam option is designed to keep you cool.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.