The Best Memory Foam Pillows Support Spinal Alignment All Night Long

Height: 5 or 6.6 inches | Washable: No, cover only | Key features: Dual-sided cooling gel, removable cover, medium feel

Pros:

• Two height options
• Strong support
• Washable cover

Cons:

• Too heavy for some
• Thick foam interior isn’t for everyone

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud offers up two different height options—high and low—so you can choose the level that’s just right for you. The pillow is filled with a medium-support foam that cradles your head, neck and shoulders while you snooze. Worth noting: In true Tempur-Pedic style, this foam doesn’t lose it shape or pancake out on you with time. It also has a removable (and washable) cover with a cooling gel layer to help keep nighttime sweatiness at bay.

What the reviews say: The Tempur-Cloud has plenty of happy customers who praise its cooling comfort in all sleeping positions. One calls it the “the best pillow I have ever slept on,” adding that the “cooling is second to none.” Another fan noted that it’s “soft and firm at the same time.”

Height: 6.5 inches | Washable: Cover only | Key features: CertiPUR-US certified, choice of king and queen sizes, removable cover made with organic cotton

Pros:

• Very breathable
• Supportive core
• High-quality materials

Cons:

• Too heavy for some
• Thick foam interior isn’t for everyone

Saatva’s Graphite Memory Foam Pillow is a great option for those looking for a firm pillow that doesn’t skimp on comfort. This pillow has an ultra-supportive core made from natural latex and nontoxic shredded memory foam. The result? Sturdy support for your head and neck. Moving outward, the pillow’s middle layer contains graphite-infused memory foam for extra breathability. The combination of these layers gives the pillow a dense feel that holds the body without flattening. If you’re hesitant to buy the pillow without trying it first—especially since it’s on the pricier side—Saatva offers a 45-day trial period so you can try it in the comfort of your home. 

What the reviews say: Owners repeatedly rave about the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow, with one calling it “heavenly.” They added, “It feels like you’re sleeping on your own mini Euro Top mattress.” Another said this was their first upscale pillow experience, noting, “This experience was like buying your first good pair of sneakers—with real padding and support.”

Height: Adjustable | Washable: Machine-washable cover | Key features: CertiPUR-US certified, choice of queen, side sleeper and king sizes, extra fill bag, cooling cover

Pros:

• Easy to adjust
• Machine washable cover
• Three style options

Cons:

• May feel heavy when overstuffed
• Foam adjustments can be messy

Shredded memory foam tends to have a softer feel than other types, and it’s also highly breathable. The Nest Bedding Easy Breather is adjustable and easy to tweak—just unzip the cover and inner pouch, and pull out or add foam as needed. This pillow comes with an additional fill bag to suit a range of loft preferences, but be aware that it arrives overstuffed. The pillow’s cover is machine-washable, making for easy cleanups. The Easy Breather has a 30-day return policy and two-year warranty—just in case.

What the reviews say: One fan raved that the Easy Breather “helped my shoulder and neck pain,” adding, “I like the fact that the shredded foam can be adjusted and vigorously fluffed.” Another calls this the “best pillow I’ve had. Holds its shape, right amount of filling.”

Height: 3.9, 4.6, 4.8 or 5 inches | Washable: Cover only | Key features: Ergonomic design, breathable foam, choice of sizes 

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Molded design for neck stability
• Four height options

Cons:

• Some feel it’s too firm
• You may have an adjustment period

This pillow from Epabo has an ergonomic design that’s specifically contoured to help support your head, neck and shoulders while you sleep. Thanks to these features, it’s one of the best pillows for neck pain available today. The pillow works for side, back and stomach sleepers, and its breathable memory foam helps keep night sweats at bay. Happen to spill something on your pillow? Just zip off the cover and put it in the wash. Choose between four different heights of standard, queen sizes and “near king” for that just-right fit.

What the reviews say: Several owners say this is the pillow they’ve been waiting for. “I would give this pillow 50 stars,” one said. “I feel like Goldilocks. I finally found the one that is just right.” Another user who said they’ve had the Epabo pillow for three years reports that it “stays fairly cool and has kept its shape and softness without change during this time.”

Height: 6.4 inches | Washable: Cover only | Key features: Dual layers of cooling gel, removable cover, works for all sleep styles

Pros:

• Several cooling layers
• Durable design
• Two size options

Cons:

• Too firm for some
• May feel heavy

If you’re always flipping to the cool side of the pillow, this option from Tempur-Pedic might just save you the trouble. Two layers of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary cooling gel sandwich a single piece of Tempur foam, making for an adaptive and supportive pillow that feels cool to the touch. Because of this, it’s our favorite cooling pillow right now.

According to the company, the pillow has a medium feel and stable support accommodates any sleeping position (though stomach sleepers may find it’s a bit too thick for comfort). Plus, the Tempur foam means it doesn’t lose its shape or require fluffing, like some down and down-alternative pillows do. The Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow comes in king and queen sizes, and while you can’t chuck the whole pillow in the machine, the quilted cotton cover can be zipped off for easy machine washing. 

What our editors say: “If you overheat at night, the Tempur-Cloud Breeze is a great option,” says senior strategy editor Katie Simpson. “I’ve woken up hot for as long as I can remember. I’d flip my pillow over countless times, trying to find the cool side. But with the Tempur-Cloud Breeze, I find that the surface stays cool all night.”

Height: Not listed | Washable: Cover and insert only | Key features: Adjustable, reversible design, cooling 

Pros:

• Plush feel
• Adjustable
• Reversible

Cons:

• Some say it’s not fluffy enough
• May need to air out before using

Created by popular mattress company Leesa, this plush pillow is ideal for side sleepers. It’s adjustable and reversible: One side features a down-like quilted pattern, while the other is cooler and helps regulate temperature. There is also an additional removable insert that slides between the layers to give you more or less height, for perfect alignment. You can remove the gel insert for spot cleaning and toss the outer cover and inner insert in the wash. Choose between standard or queen sizes, depending on your personal preference.

What the reviews say: One fan said this pillow is “like sleeping on a cloud.” A self-described side sleeper also said that the pillow’s quilted side “allows that ‘buffer’ zone for my arm” to prevent it from falling asleep.

Height: 5 inches | Washable: Cover only | Key features: CertiPUR-US–certified foam, ventilated design, choice of sizes

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Breathable
• No-shift construction

Cons:

• Not thick enough for some
• Needs to air out before use

Made from CertiPUR US-certified memory foam, this soft, fluffy foam pillow is designed to contour your neck and shoulders for a comfortable night’s sleep. While other memory pillows tend to trap heat, this one’s ventilated design promotes breathability, resulting in cooling effects. It also features a no-shift construction, so you don’t have to re-arrange your pillow throughout the night. Available in standard, queen, king and camping sizes, you can easily find the version that best suits your needs.

What the reviews say: This pillow repeatedly gets high marks for its cooling comfort. “The gel really is cool and super comfortable. Quickly forms to any part of your head and cradles you in comfort,” one owner shared. “I wish we had bought these years ago.” A fellow happy customer wrote that the pillow is “really comfortable and highly conforming to all the contours of your head and neck.”

Height: Adjustable | Washable: Yes | Key features: Adjustable, choice of sizes, bamboo cover

Pros:

• Low cost
• Adjustable
• Soft, cooling cover

Cons:

• Logo can be seen through white pillowcases
• May have a smell at first

Finding high-quality pillows at a lower price can be a challenge, but this affordable option is surprisingly comfortable. It’s constructed of shredded memory foam that can be customized to match your feel and height preferences. The cover is crafted from micro-vented polyester and viscose rayon derived from bamboo, for a soft, cooling feel during the night. Just unzip the cover for easy machine washing as needed.

What the reviews say: Many owners say they got more than they expected with the EnerPlex pillows. “They provide just the right amount of support to alleviate any strain, ensuring a restorative slumber every night,” one wrote. “But what truly sets these pillows apa