Best Pillows

Not all pillows are created equal. Pillows can affect posture, energy levels, sleeping disorders, and even short and long-term health. On top of that, pillow requirements differ on an individual basis. That’s why it’s important to distinguish the best pillows from those that are better left out of the cart. There’s no better way to understand the diversity and complexity of what a pillow can offer than by comparing some of the best pillows around. The Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow, Original Casper Pillow, and Hullo Pillow are three examples of luxurious pillows with a wide array of distinguishable features. They offer variability, from fill to firmness to price, while illustrating some of the most important factors to consider when buying a pillow. Acquiring the right pillow is likely one of the most important purchase decisions you’ll make for your bedroom. It’s the last thing you’ll feel at night and the first thing you’ll feel the effects of in the morning. Choosing wisely is fundamental to your sleep health, which is why we’re taking the guesswork out of finding the best pillows.

Our Top Picks

Parachute’s Down Side Sleeper Pillow is an enviable pillow on the market thanks to its use of European white down and 750 fill power. Soft and fluffy, down is known for its superior comfort and malleability. Specifically, the 85% down and 15% down and feather blend in Parachute’s Side Sleeper Pillow combine to create an ideal environment for those struggling with neck and shoulder pain. Piping is double-stitched to reinforce the seam so no bothersome feathers stick through. Parachute’s Side Sleeper Pillow is great for just that- those who sleep on their sides. Rating excellent on weight, moldability and all side sleeper ratings, this pillow is crafted with comfort in mind. The 100% sateen cotton shell further drives home comfort by ensuring a smooth, sheen finish without compromising on durability. This is thanks to the sateen treatment process, wherein the long fibers are sealed making them last longer. Made with high-quality, breathable materials, this pillow excels at design and support. The Side Sleeper Pillow molds with you and remains fluffy yet supportive. Reviews rave about instant relief of neck and spinal pain, providing a luxurious sleeping experience. This product may not be best for those interested in a firmer pillow option. Never scrimping on quality, this pillow rings in at about $129 for the standard option.

The Original Casper Pillow is for the versatile sleeper. Comfortable and breathable, the Casper Pillow is great for those who shift positions often while sleeping. A polyester microfiber fill creates a plump yet supportive surface that is resistant to clumps and easy to fluff up. The unique pillow-in-pillow design provides sturdiness on the inside and softness on the outside, offering sleepers the best of both comfort styles. A 100% cotton cover with percale weave was designed to maximize airflow and cooling. This makes the Casper Pillow great for customers who live in warmer climates, have a tendency to get hot overnight, or simply enjoy having the pillow stay cool all night without having to flip it. Firmness for this pillow is medium soft, with reviews emphasizing its extreme comfort and supportiveness. Those who have neck pain would particularly benefit from this product. The Original Casper Pillow is great for stomach, back, or side sleepers. It’s easy to clean and highly adaptable, making it an instant fan favorite. Listed at $65 for the standard size, this pillow is also subject to a 1-year limited warranty. Additionally, Casper offers a 25% discount on all products during the month of October with the code UPTONVIP.

The Hullo Pillow is a step above an ordinary pillow containing feathers or foam. Unique buckwheat hulls provide unparalleled support to the head and neck, allowing weight to be evenly distributed. Highly conformable, the Hullo Pillow cradles your body all night in the coveted “neutral alignment” and will never collapse under your head. Plus, customization is refreshingly easy. The zippered opening allows Hullo sleepers the option to add or remove buckwheat hulls to find that perfect thickness and feel. Those who prioritize environmental sustainability might consider The Hullo Pillow an especially great find. Unlike other pillow types containing chemical foams that can emit toxins and carcinogens, buckwheat crops are free of contaminants. They’re also compostable and vegan-friendly, as they contain no animal products. Hullo buckwheat hulls are selected with consideration and care. For example, all hulls are grown exclusively by American farmers in the USA. Premium materials such as the 100% organic cotton twill case make this product perfect for those that sleep hot or prefer the cold side of the pillow throughout the night. Overall, the Hullo Pillow is a great option for sleepers looking to maximize comfort, pain relief and environmentalist efforts. The standard pillow costs $65.

How to Choose a Pillow

There are many important factors to consider before making a pillow purchase, and thus plenty of information online to sift through. However, not all information is created equal. Factors such as firmness, price, and materials are of highest relative importance. This is because these aspects directly affect how a pillow will feel, how much it’ll cost, and how long it’ll last. Other features worth consideration are possible customizations, certifications, warranties, and unique features.

What to Consider: Pillows play a significant role in our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, some mattress and bedding companies know this, and use shockingly long names or made-up industry terms to discreetly mislead customers. To help avoid misinformation, the list below has been compiled explaining the most important items to focus on while pillow searching. When scrolling through this list it’s best to keep an individual’s distinct needs and preferences in mind, as the perfect pillow will always be the one best suited to its user.

Sleeping Position: Each person sleeps differently at night. Many alternate between sleeping on their back, sides, and stomach. The best pillow will keep the neck parallel to the mattress, so the spine is aligned no matter the sleeping position. This supports the spine’s natural curve and can help avoid misalignments that cause aches and pains.

Loft: Loft determines the pillow’s thickness or height. It’s typically broken down into the categories of low (3 inches thick or less), mid (between 3 and 5 inches thick), and high (5 inches thick or more). A sleeper should take sleep position, body type and firmness of pillow and mattress into consideration in order to determine optimal loft; a crucial factor in aligning the spine.

Support: A pillow’s primary purpose is to support the upper body during sleep. This is achieved by keeping the head and neck parallel to the mattress and the spine aligned. Settling for a pillow without proper support puts your spinal health at risk. A good pillow will provide not only comfort but optimal support.

Firmness Level: Firmness accounts for how much a pillow maintains its shape when weight is applied. Pillows are often rated on a firmness scale, from very soft to very firm with several variations in between. To determine what firmness is right, sleeping position should be taken into account. For example, it’s recommended that side sleepers pair with a firmer pillow for optimal support.

Shape: Pillows come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from basic rectangular to Ushaped body pillows. The pillow’s material can often determine its shape. For example, a cotton pillow will typically be soft but less likely to contour the head and neck in comparison to a pillow made of buckwheat hull.

Price: In addition to comfort and support, a pillow’s price is often a significant deciding factor for consumers. Since pillows can vary so widely in quality and popularity, price often varies in accordance. Thankfully, with a little research and testing, the perfect pillow can be found within every budget.