The 8 Best Memory Foam Pillows of 2021

What to Look for in a Memory Foam Pillow

Sleeping Position

While most memory foam pillows are designed to accommodate various sleeping positions, you should still keep your preferred sleeping style in mind when shopping around. Firmer and contoured options that maintain their shape tend to be best for back sleepers and side sleepers—and back sleepers should choose a thinner pillow than side sleepers. On the other hand, those who doze on their stomachs will want to look for something a little less firm and a bit more squishy, like shredded memory foam.

Adjustability

When browsing memory foam bed pillows, you'll find shredded options as well as those featuring a single piece of foam. If you're looking for an adjustable pillow, go with the former. In most cases, the case will have a zipper opening, where you can add or remove the shredded fill to adjust the firmness. (Bear in mind, though, that not all shredded memory foam pillows are adjustable, so be sure to check the product description.)

Size/Shape

You'll also want to consider the size and shape of the pillow. Memory foam pillows often come in Standard, Queen, and King sizes to accommodate regular pillowcases and shams. However, some are on the smaller side, contoured, or otherwise oddly shaped. With this in mind, lots of folks have a designated pillow for sleeping and a more decorative option for making the bed.

Care Instructions

You'll also want to consider the care instructions. Some memory foam pillows have removable covers, which are typically machine-washable. With others, you can toss the entire pillow—fill, case, and all—into your washing machine and dry it in your dryer. Most importantly, the pillow should be easy to clean, as this will help it last longer.

Certifications

As Sullivan explains, a CertiPUR-US certification tells you that the foam component of your pillow meets rigorous standards for emissions and durability. This means it's been independently tested to confirm the product is made "without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP ('Tris') flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals." Additionally, Sullivan says that "certified foams [have] low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions for indoor air quality."

FAQs

What are the benefits of a memory foam pillow?

Memory foam conforms to the shape of your head, neck, and upper shoulders. This relieves pressure on these areas and ultimately creates a more comfortable sleeping environment. Some people appreciate the soft plushness of memory foam pillows, while others believe they offer ergonomic benefits.

Depending on the shape, thickness, and specific contouring, some can help support your natural alignment. As such, memory foam pillows help prevent a stiff neck and sore muscles.

How do you clean a memory foam pillow?

The proper way to clean a memory foam pillow depends on whether it's solid or shredded, though you'll always want to check the care instructions. Shredded foam pillows can often be washed in a washing machine and dried in a dryer.

Solid memory foam pillows can be hand-washed in a large sink or tub. Fill the basin with lukewarm water, add a drizzle of gentle detergent, submerge the pillow, and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Next, thoroughly rinse the pillow and let it air-dry on a flat surface in a ventilated area.

How often should you change your memory foam pillow?

Generally speaking, you should replace your memory foam pillow every two or three years. There are various signs your pillow is on its last leg. This includes permanent stains from sweat and body oils, noticeable lumps throughout the fill material, or an overall flattened appearance that doesn't refluff. Additionally, if you wake up with a sore neck or shoulders, it might be a good idea to spring for a new pillow.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in home design, bedding essentials, and lifestyle. For this roundup, she interviewed a flexible polyurethane foam expert and researched the key features of memory foam pillows, including size, shape, firmness, and case fabric. She pored over user reviews, combed through product specs, checked material certifications, and considered the price, density, fill style, and contouring of dozens of options before landing on her final picks.

Theresa has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers sleep products, furniture, and cleaning supplies. You can read more of her stories on Verywell, MyDomaine, and Byrdie.