What is the most comfortable pillow

Casper

Not only do you spend about a third of your life sleeping, but numerous studies have shown the importance of a good night's sleep on productivity, energy, and mental and physical health. Suffice it to say, having a comfortable bed is more than just a luxury—it's a necessity. And, once you've found the perfect mattress (if you haven't yet, check out our mattress buying guide!) and selected your ideal bedding (we've got opinions on that, too), you're going to want to top it off with the perfect pillow for you.

Of course, finding the most comfortable pillow depends on a lot of factors—sleep position, allergies (look for pillows that note if they're hypoallergenic!), firmness preferences, and budget of course—so to help you decide, we've rounded up some of the best in several categories, at a range of price points. But, first thing's first, here's what you need to consider to buy a quality pillow you'll love.

Sleep Position, Firmness, and Fill

Your sleep position plays a big role in what pillows will be comfortable to you. According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should factor in more than just the position you curl up in to go to sleep—since people have a tendency to move around and change positions in their sleep, you'll want to consider what position you usually find yourself in when you wake up.

• Side Sleepers: As a side sleeper, your mattress and your pillow need to account for the curves of your body and your neck to keep your spine properly aligned while you sleep. You'll want a more supportive pillow, one that can fill the gap between your shoulder and your head when you're lying on your side. Sleep.org suggests choosing one with a wide gusset to give you the support you need.
  
• Back Sleepers: To make sure you spine stays aligned properly as a back sleeper, you'll want a thinner pillow to keep your neck in the most comfortable position. Make sure the pillow still has enough loft or thickness on the bottom to support your neck, though. Memory foam can also be a good option for back sleepers, since it conforms to your body.
  
• Stomach Sleepers: If you sleep on your stomach, you might want to skip the pillow entirely, but if you do want a pillow, go for the thinnest option. It's worth noting, though, that sleeping on your stomach puts extra stress on your lower back, according to Sleep.org.

As far as firmness or softness goes, it's really a matter of preference, but if you're not sure what you like, you'll probably prefer a firmer pillow if you're a side sleeper, and a softer one if you sleep on your back or your stomach. Your firmness preference will also impact which fill you choose—if you want a fluffy, lightweight pillow, a down or down-alternative pillow is probably right for you. If you want something firmer that conforms to your body, you'll likely prefer memory foam or latex.

When to Replace Your Pillows

Unlike a mattress, which is meant to last around a decade, your pillows need more frequent replacing. According to Sleep.org, the timeline for that is usually around 18 months, due to accumulation of allergy triggers like dead skin cells, mold, dust mites, and more. Plus, they tend to flatten and change shape with use over time. You can check if your pillow is still supportive by folding it in half—if it doesn't bounce back to normal, it's time for a new one.

Ready to Shop?

Now that you know what kind of pillow you're looking for, check out our picks. From down to memory foam, firm to soft, and splurges to serious deals, these are some of the most comfortable pillows you can buy right now. Sweet dreams!

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Best All Around

$59 AT WAYFAIR $80 AT WALMART $65 AT MACY'S

As someone who has tried A LOT of pillows, this is the one I use every night. I toss and turn when I sleep, and the Casper Original pillow is comfortable whether you're sleeping on your front, back, or side (or, like me, a bit of all 3!). The key to this pillow's comfort is its two parts: An inner pillow provides support, while the outer casing adds softness. Plus, its down alternative filling doesn't clump, ensuring you don't end up with a lumpy mess after a few months of use. A+ 

Best Organic Pillow

This non-toxic pillow is made of all organic materials and has an adjustable fill—meaning you can customize it to support any sleeping position, firmness preference, and ideal volume. Bonus: The organic cotton cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Best Down Alternative Pillow

For a non-down option, we love this option from Parachute, a go-to for all kinds of bedding. "Perfect amount of fluff to non-fluff ratio," says one customer. "I was having neck issues but no more now!" This pillow is especially good for side sleepers. 

Best Firm Down Pillow

The ultimate for the finnicky sleeper, Brooklinen's down pillow collection offers a plush, mid-plush, and firm option. Since it can be hard to find firm down pillows (after all, the material is inherently fluffy), this one is a dream for side sleepers, who should use firmer pillows. 

Best Fluffy Down Pillow

For some, a down pillow is a non-negotiable, and if you like natural down for its fluffiness, this Coyuchi pillow is for you. Reviewers love the "airy and light" pillow and the fact that it's made with organic, natural materials and no chemicals. 

Best Value Down Pillow

Snowe—a favorite of ours for basic-yet-chic home goods—hits a home run with its down pillows. They're made with ethically-sourced French down yet come in at $85 for a standard insert, far less than many other luxury down options. Like with Brooklinen, customers can also choose from three firmness levels. 

Best Memory Foam Pillow

There's a reason Tempur-pedic is a household name. The company's memory foam pillows are insanely comfortable and supportive. The medium-profile size is a good option and comes backed with a five-year warranty.

Best Adjustable Pillow

$96 AT AMAZON $96 AT WALMART

Not sure what exactly you want in a pillow? Then the Eden adjustable pillow is for you. Shoppers can customize the pillow by removing and adding the gel-infused memory foam and microfiber fill to get the optimal size and firmness. And people rave about it: “The Coop pillow is my new forever pillow,” one customer proclaims. 

Best Cooling Pillow

Leesa's pillow features ventilation channels for increased airflow, meaning you'll always be on the cool side of the pillow. It also has a memory-foam topper for additional comfort. 

Most Supportive Pillow

Looking for a pillow to support your neck? Purple's features a patented Purple Grid Hex and comes in two heights so you can choose what feels best. 

Best Latex Pillow

Coco-Mat

Coco-Mat is known for its insanely comfortable mattresses (hand-crafted in Greece!), so it comes as little surprise that the company also makes some seriously comfortable pillows. The latex Narkissos provides optimal support for side sleepers. FYI, it's only available to purchase in stores!

Best Affordable Pillow

This two-pack of medium-firm pillows is a top seller on Amazon and under $30. They're easily shapeable, so they're a good option for side sleepers and back-sleepers alike. 

Best Luxury Down Pillow

$242 AT THE COMPANY STORE

Looking to splurge on a super-luxurious pillow? The Legends collection from the Company Store is your best bet. These Hungarian goose down pillows are insanely sumptuous—and available in a variety of densities. 

Best for Back Pain

Having trouble with back pain? This pillow—designed by the company's in-house chiropractor—promotes healthy head and neck alignment. Not only that, but it's fully adjustable and made of non-toxic materials.

Best CBD Pillow

This gel memory foam pillow releases micro doses of CBD all night long to ensure you get a restful sleep. It's been proven to help chronic pain and sleeping troubles to help you wake up feeling relaxed, not groggy. Not convinced? Read our review of it here.

Best Buckwheat Pillow

Filled with buckwheat, this Hullo pillow promotes airflow to keep sleepers cool and allows for adjustability. The cover is made of organic cotton twill. One reviewer describes the sustainable option as similar to a bean bag.

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