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Sleep is a vital component of brain health and can help reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases, like dementia. [1]Lack of Sleep in Middle Age may Increase Dementia Risk. National Institutes of Health. April 27, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lack-sleep-middle-age-may-increase-dementia-risk Unfortunately, up to 50% of adults 65 and older have trouble sleeping, which leads to daytime drowsiness, impaired thinking, and increased falls. Some of the largest contributing factors to poor sleep are chronic issues, like pain, which can disturb sleep quality throughout the night. [2]Tatineny P, et al. Sleep in the Elderly. The Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association. September 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7723148/
Research shows pillows can have a big impact on sleep quality due to how they affect spinal alignment, so it’s important to find a pillow that’s right for you and promotes a good night’s sleep. [3]Radwan A, et al. Effect of Different Pillow Designs on Promoting Sleep Comfort, Quality, & Spinal Alignment: A Systematic Review. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. Feb. 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382020314505 But with so many options on the market, how do you know which pillow is best for you?
We consulted experts and wrote this review to clarify what’s important when shopping for a pillow. But if you’re looking to change pillows to address pain, consider talking to your doctor first.
Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. As we perform our in-depth research, we interview industry experts to provide the most accurate review possible. To make our selections, we:
Our selections were also medically reviewed to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for the needs of our readers.
| Product | Price | Loft height(s), in inches | Trial period (nights) | Warranty (years) | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65–$85 | Adjustable | 365 | 2 | Visit Site | |
| $165–$185 | Standard (4–5), high (6–7) | 45 | 1 | Visit Site | |
| $199–$239 | Low (5.5), medium (6.5), tall (7.5) | 100 | 1 | Visit Site | |
| $89–$119 | Soft (2–3), Medium (3–4), Firm (5–6) | 30 | 2 | Visit Site | |
| $99–$124 | Standard (4), queen (5), king (5) | None | 3 | Visit Site |
The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow tops our list as the “Best Overall” pillow because its adjustable loft heightⓘ Refers to the pillow’s height or thickness. accommodates any type of sleeper. And if your preferences change over time, you can change your pillow’s loft and firmness using its zipper system.
This pillow’s cotton fabric cover encases its memory foam and polyester fiber filling. Memory foam gives the pillow a more supportive feel, while polyester fiber is plush and forgiving. The pillow has a good balance of both qualities, which is more likely to accommodate different types of sleepers. It also accommodates people sensitive to allergens since it doesn’t use down or latex materials.
What our Reviews Team appreciates the most is the pillow’s customizability. You can adjust the pillow’s height and firmness to your liking by zipping or unzipping the sides without removing or replacing a messy filling, which is the case with the Snuggle-Pedic on Amazon ($63).
Other brands in our review don’t offer this much of an ability to customize the pillow to your liking. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, you get one year to return it. Brooklinen offers the longest trial period we’ve seen for any pillow. You also get a two-year warranty to address issues like a broken zipper or escaped filling.
This pillow also tops our list because it keeps budget in mind. Not only is it fairly priced, but you don’t need to buy more pillows to accommodate changing preferences. For example, side sleepers with fluctuating shoulder pain may need to sleep on their back for a few nights, which requires a softer feel and shorter loft. Guests spending the night may also have different pillow preferences and can change the loft themselves.
One thing we dislike about this pillow: It’s spot-clean only, so it’s not machine-washable. This might not be an issue if you use a well-fitting pillow protector or pillowcase. Machine-washable silk pillowcases are a good option since they’re slicker than other materials and protect against hair damage or skin irritation, especially if you move around in your sleep.
Another consideration is its return policy. All returns are subject to a $9.95 return fee, which is deducted from the amount of your refund.
You can reach out to Brooklinen customer service via:
The chat feature was quick and helpful, but it’s not easy to find on the website. To easily access live chat, go to the bottom of the website and select Contact Us. Then, you should see a button to connect with the chat function on the page.
Brooklinen has a mixed reputation online. It has a rating of 2.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot with only 52 reviews, but the profile isn’t claimed, and the company isn’t active on this site. It also has 1 out of 5 stars on BBB, but there are only five reviews from more than one year ago. None of these reviews reflected Brooklinen pillows, but there are complaints about the quality of the brand’s bed sheets.
Google Reviews is the most updated online review source, with 4.5 out of 5 stars and more than 6,000 store reviews. Most reviews are positive, stating how happy customers felt with their purchase. There are not enough reviews regarding the Marlow Pillow for an accurate measure of customer satisfaction.
We recommend PlushBeds because of its array of latex-filled pillows. Latex material is backed by research to relieve pain by offering the best support around the head and neck compared to other fillings, making PlushBeds pillows the “Best for Neck Pain.” Not only can optimal support relieve stress in the neck, but it can also release tension in muscles that pull at the skull and provoke headaches. [5] Gordon, S, et al. Pillow Use: The Behavior of Cervical Stiffness, Headache and Scapular/Arm Pain. Journal of Pain Research. Aug. 11, 2010. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004642/ [6] Pang J, et al. The Effects of Pillow Designs on Neck Pain, Waking Symptoms, Neck Disability, Sleep Quality and Spinal Alignment in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Biomechanics. May 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268003321000838
Similar to Saatva’s Latex Pillow, PlushBeds’ breathable latex pillows are responsive like memory foam but hold their shape over time, making them the more resilient option. Our team likes the Shredded Latex Pillow for most sleeping positions because it’s forgiving enough to accommodate back sleepers due to the shredded material. It’s also responsive enough for side sleepers and combination sleepers who may need more support.
But if you’re someone who prefers firmer pillows, or if you’re a side sleeper, you may prefer the other options:
Although research supports using a latex pillow to address neck pain, everyone’s pain is different, and this pillow may not be the solution you need. According to Peter Hinz, DC, a chiropractor at Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin, Tennessee, you should receive a formal evaluation for your pain to determine whether this type of pillow would work for you. “It’s essential to consult a health care professional such as a chiropractor or physical therapist. They can assess your needs and recommend the best pillow type for you,” Hinz said.
The major downside to this brand is its lack of a trial period. All pillow sales are final, so if you need to try your pillow for several nights before committing, go with Saatva’s 45-night trial period instead.
You can reach PlushBeds customer service via:
PlushBeds is responsive and helpful via its live online chat support. We received thorough answers to our questions within a few minutes. This is important because PlushBeds completes most of its sales online.
PlushBeds has a rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars on BBB and an A+ rating with only 32 customer reviews. But Google Reviews offers more insight with 579 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 rating.
Most reviews are positive, stating customer support was helpful during the purchase process and returns. Many also rave about product quality, although we didn’t see many reviews for pillows. Few negative reviews report a poor experience returning their products, but some of these products are non-refundable, according to the PlushBeds website. Make sure to read and agree to these terms before you buy.
Pillow shopping appears easy at first, but there’s more to it than choosing the fluffiest pillow from the most reputable brand. Sleep is a personalized experience, and your sleeping surface needs to be tailored to your body, comfort preferences, health conditions, temperature, and more.
Many online reviews, positive and negative, discuss how difficult it is to find just the right pillow. Hinz and Sean Ormond, MD, an interventional pain management specialist at Atlas Pain Specialists in Glendale, Arizona, recommend considering your typical sleeping position and the pillow’s loft, cooling, and material certifications.
Finding your sleeping position is the best first step if you’re unsure where to start. That’s because it determines what other qualities you should seek in a pillow. Consider the following positions:
Every brand describes its loft, or pillow thickness, differently. Saatva uses a standard to high scale, while Purple uses low to tall. Regardless of the scale, it’s important to consider how thick you want your pillow, depending on your sleeping position. The loft height helps fill the space between your head and the mattress to support the neck comfortably. Consider the following loft heights for your most common sleeping position:
Most pillows have a cooling material built into them, whether it’s the breathable outer cover, a ventilated built-in layer, or an aerated filling. But some materials naturally cool better than others. Memory foam material doesn’t cool as well as latex and down alternatives, for example. If you’re a hot sleeper or move around during the night, you may need to prioritize cooling materials.
Most notable pillow brands take pride in their material sourcing and processing methods. Most brands will list environmental certifications somewhere on their website or product page to disclose their steps toward ethical sourcing and safe manufacturing. Here are some certifications to look out for:
You should consider pillow fill when choosing the right pillow for your needs because it impacts how well it can support your sleep position. Some are more responsive, and others are more forgiving. Here are the most common:
Depending on the brand, you may find that the fill comes shredded or in blocks of material. While it doesn’t drastically affect how the material performs, it may affect how it shifts inside the pillow. For example, shredded memory foam might feel lumpy or uneven under your head if the material isn’t spread out.
| Size | Measurement (width x length, in inches)* |
|---|---|
| Standard | 20 x 26 |
| Queen | 20 x 30 |
| King | 20 x 36 |
| Body | 20 x 54 |
| Euro | 26 x 26 |
*Exact measurements may differ between brands.
Pillows in our review range between $65–$239, but the industry ranges from $25 to more than $300, depending on the brand, size, and type of pillow.
Generally, the most affordable options are made with foam and down alternative materials. Prices climb when you’re looking for natural fillings, like down and latex. More luxurious options are made with bamboo, silk, and other high-end natural materials that can cost around $300 per pillow.
You can save money by bundling multiple pillows into one purchase from the same brand. For example, the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow offers 20% off a pack of two and 30% off a pack of four. You can also find bedding bundles where you can purchase a pillow as part of a large purchase with other bedding and linen products. If you’re looking for a brand-new set, Boll & Branch dedicates an entire page to pillow and bedding insert bundles ($315–$1,125).
Most brands offer financing opportunities and alternative payment options, like PayPal. You can see what financing partners are available by following the checkout prompts until you see the third-party lender (Affirm, for example) listed as a payment option. But pay attention to interest rates—we’ve seen third-party lenders like Affirm charge up to 35% interest, depending on your credit history.
According to Hinz, “The right pillow for you supports your neck and spine in a neutral position
while sleeping. This means no excessive bending or twisting of the neck.” And when it comes to neck pain, Ormond reminded us there is no one pillow that will help everyone. “The best pillow for you will depend on your needs and preferences,” he said.
Our Reviews Team selected the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow as the best overall for its fair price, adjustability, and long trial period. But you might need a Saatva Latex Pillow that responds to your movement throughout the night without manually adjusting the loft.
Stomach sleepers need something flatter, like the Boll & Branch down alternative options. And if you’re a side sleeper, Purple’s lofty and responsive Harmony Pillow is the better fit.
People with neck pain may consider PlushBeds’ latex options, but see a physical therapist or chiropractor before testing different options. “They can help you identify your pain’s cause and recommend other treatment options,” Ormond said.
There is no best type of pillow for everyone. People shopping for pillows need to consider their sleep position first, which will determine which qualities to shop for in a pillow.
Side sleepers need a lofty pillow filling the space between their ear and the mattress. We like the Purple Harmony PIllow because it’s lofty and holds its shape to best support the neck while sleeping.
Generally, stomach sleepers benefit from softer and flatter types made of down or down alternatives. Side sleepers need a firmer pillow type, like latex or memory foam. And most back sleepers need a medium-firm option (like a mix of memory foam and down alternative) with a middle-ground loft for optimal comfort.
Research shows latex options are most supportive because they’re moldable yet responsive, so consider the PlushBeds latex options or the Saatva Latex Pillow. [6]Pang J, et al. The Effects of Pillow Designs on Neck Pain, Waking Symptoms, Neck Disability, Sleep Quality and Spinal Alignment in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Biomechanics. May 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268003321000838
We recommend a pillow protector to prolong the life of your pillow and prevent stains, dirt, and dust from accumulating. A pillow protector is even more important for spot-clean pillows (like the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow) because you can remove and machine-wash the protector.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
