The 5 Best Pillows in 2026
The best pillows of 2026 can help support your spine, reduce pressure buildup, and keep you cooler and more comfortable throughout the night.
- The Silk and Snow Pillow is our best pillow of 2026 because of its adjustable height, contouring memory foam, and long trial period.
- The best pillows cost between $75–$180 for a standard pillow.
- The most popular filling for high-quality pillows is either shredded foam, shredded latex, or loose fibers.
- Adjustable pillows can make it easier to customize loft and support for your sleep position and comfort preferences.
- Not all pillows will fit your existing pillowcases—even if they’re a standard size.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattresses and pillows to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best pillows, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best pillow
- Put more than 25 pillows and mattress toppers through a series of 17 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 20 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate pillows and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new pillows and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our pillow review methodology.
Pillows are the cherries on top of a good-night’s-sleep sundae—a final element that ties the whole thing together. But picking the best pillow may be even more important to your health than you think. When you sleep, you do one of two things to your spine: strain it or support it. You might not feel the strain right away, but spinal strain can lead to pain down the road. The right pillow can contribute to healthy spinal alignment and reduce pressure buildup before it starts, improving your overall sleep quality.
When we surveyed older adults about their sleep accessory purchases, the overwhelming majority had bought a pillow online in the last five years.1 To help you find the best pillow, we tested top options for firmness, height (sometimes called “loft”), cooling, and—most importantly—how our testers felt sleeping on them. Below, we share our picks.
Silk & Snow Pillow
- Supports all sleep positions
- Cooling
- Customizable
Saatva Latex Pillow
- Allergy-friendly
- Plush feel
- Shredded fill cushions neck well
Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Latex Pillow
- Machine washable
- Great pressure relief
- Adjustable
Best pillows in 2026
- Silk & Snow Pillow: Best Pillow Overall
- Saatva Latex Pillow: Most Comfortable Pillow
- Coop Sleep Goods Latex Adjustable Pillow: Best Pillow for Neck Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow: Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Luxome LAYR: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers
Comparing the best pillows
| Comparison Features | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9.4 |
8.7 |
9.7 |
8.1 |
9.3 |
| Best for | Overall |
Comfort |
Neck Pain |
Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers |
| Fill Material | Shredded memory foam |
Shredded latex |
Latex and polyester |
Latex |
Gel-infused memory foam |
| Loft/Adjustability | Adjustable, 9” |
6.5” |
Adjustable, 6.2” |
6.5” |
Adjustable, 9.5” |
| Trial period (nights) | 100 |
45 |
100 |
30 |
30 |
*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score
Top features of the best pillows
We looked for the following features when choosing the best pillows:
Silk & Snow Pillow: Best Pillow Overall
We chose Silk & Snow as our Best Pillow of 2026 because of its plush, well-made design that works for all sleep positions we tested. Our testers said it comfortably supported their head and neck. It also did well during our cooling tests.
- Supports sleepers with neck pain
- One of the most cooling pillows we tested
- High-quality materials
- Fill material: Memory foam and microfiber
- Adjustability and loft: Removable fill, 9”
- Firmness level: Adjustable
- Free trial period: 100 nights
- Cooling: Breathable cotton cover
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Good value
- Machine-washable cover
- Supports spine and neck
Cons
- Won’t fit in standard pillow cases
- No extra bag for removable memory foam strips
Why our testers chose the Silk & Snow Pillow as the Best Pillow Overall
Silk & Snow wowed our testers with its high-end feel, earning a 4.5/5 for experience. “It had the feeling of a down comforter,” said one tester. “It feels like a luxury pillow—very well made, with great intention behind the design.” The pillow's construction includes shreds of memory foam and microfiber inside a breathable cotton case. Its inner case is wrapped in a plush, duvet-like topper that earned the Silk & Snow a 5/5 for materials.
The Silk & Snow pillow also performed well in our cooling tests. When we used a thermal gun to take a temperature reading before and after lying on the pillow, we found it rose only 11 degrees with use. That puts it in the top tier of all pillows we tested for cooling.
“When I slept on it through the night, I woke up very refreshed,” reported one tester. “I had no neck pain or shoulder tension. I would recommend this to someone who needs the best pillow for neck and shoulder pain that’s still nice and soft.”
The only real downside to the Silk & Snow pillow is that your existing sheet set may not be long enough to fit. This pillow requires a 30-inch pillowcase.
The Silk & Snow Pillow may not be right for these sleepers:
- Stomach sleepers. The loft on the Silk & Snow was a little high for our stomach-sleeping testers, who said they still enjoyed the pillow more than they expected to in that position. But the Silk & Snow is also an adjustable loft pillow. You can remove most of the filling to make it flatter and more comfortable for stomach sleeping.
- People who want a firm pillow. Our testers found the Silk & Snow to have a plush and squishy feel. If you prefer something firmer, you might appreciate one of our best memory foam pillows or the Brooklyn Bedding Luxe Cooling Gel Pillow.
The Silk & Snow pillow customer experience
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Shipping: Free
- Warranty: 3 years
- Financing: Yes, Affirm
Customer service
You can contact Silk & Snow customer service by calling 877-672-2882, emailing hello@silkandsnow.com, or through the website's live chat feature.
Saatva Latex Pillow: Most Comfortable
Our testers loved the Saatva Latex’s plush, luxury-hotel feel, scoring it a 4.5/5 for materials. The pillow has a high loft with good sinkage, and testers felt like they had strong spinal alignment in many positions.
- Saatva Review
- Luxe, “hotel-like” feel
- Available in both standard and high-loft options
- Fill material: Shredded latex
- Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; standard (4–5'') or high loft (6–7'')
- Firmness level: Medium
- Free trial period: 45 nights
- Cooling: Breathable latex
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Allergy-friendly
- Shredded fill helps cushion neck
- May help support spinal alignment in most sleepers
Cons
- Heavy to reposition during the night
- Most expensive pillow we tested
- Average cooling scores
Why our testers chose the Saatva Latex Pillow as the Most Comfortable Pillow
The Saatva Latex Pillow earned its spot as our Most Comfortable Pillow because the supportive and contouring shredded latex fill may help with spinal alignment, depending on your sleep position. The pillow's plush latex fill kept our long-term testers comfortable overnight. Testers described it as soft, high-quality, and cool to the touch, earning it a 4.5/5 for experience.
Unlike some of the other pillows in our roundup, the loft of the Saatva Latex is not adjustable. But the pillow is available in two versions: a standard-loft pillow (4–5 inches) or a high-loft pillow (6–7 inches). We tested the high-loft model. “I feel lifted off the bed,” said one tester. “But not so much that my neck would begin to hurt. This would give a comfortable night’s sleep for anyone who likes a softer pillow.”
Side or combination sleepers might like the Saatva's high loft more than a back sleeper. But our testers didn't find this version of the pillow to be too puffed-up for good alignment and comfort. “It has a medium loft which will keep your head and neck flat with your spine, but it has enough responsiveness that switching positions is still comfortable,” said a tester.
"Lasting pain relief often also requires proper pillows and positioning, physical activity or physical therapy, and management of underlying conditions.”
Tina Sadarangani, ANP-C, GNP-BC, a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner
The Saatva Latex may not be right for these sleepers:
- Sleepers on a budget. The Saatva Latex is the most expensive pillow we tested. If price is your top concern, you might like the Silk & Snow, our Best Pillow Overall.
- People who move their pillows at night. Whether you’re a combination sleeper or just find yourself smooshing your pillow into new shapes throughout the night, the Saatva Latex might be a bit too heavy to reposition when you’re half asleep. The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex may be a better option.
The Saatva customer experience
- Trial period: 45 nights
- Shipping: Free delivery
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Financing: Yes, through Affirm
Customer service
You can contact Saatva customer service by calling 860-452-3977, emailing info@saatvamattress.com, or through the chat feature on the website.
Coop Sleep Goods: Best Pillow for Neck Pain
One of the most adjustable pillows we tested, the Coop Adjustable Pillow wowed our testers with its ability to provide pressure relief for the head and spine. We found it cradles the neck and supports multiple sleep positions, depending on how much fill you choose to use.
- Great pressure relief
- Easy to wash
- Customizable
- Fill material: Latex foam, polyester fiber
- Adjustability and loft: Adjustable, 6.2”
- Firmness level: Medium
- Free trial period: 100 nights
- Cooling: Breathable latex
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Adjustable loft
- Machine washable
- Greenguard Gold certified
Cons
- Less effective at cooling than some options
- May not work for all stomach sleepers
Why our testers chose the Coop Sleep Goods Latex Adjustable Pillow as the Best Pillow for Neck Pain
Studies have shown that latex pillows help ease more chronic neck pain symptoms than feather pillows.2 Our testers loved the Coop Sleep Goods Latex Adjustable Pillow for pressure relief, giving it a 5/5 for experience. “I give this pillow full marks,” said one tester. “It’s super fluffy, and I feel like my head and neck are very well cradled.”
Chronic neck pain was the third-most-reported ailment when we surveyed older Americans about their sleep accessory purchases.1
The memory foam pieces are well integrated into the microfiber, meaning the pillow isn’t lumpy. This earned the Coop Sleep Goods Latex Adjustable Pillow a 5/5 for materials. And the fill is removable, so you can customize the pillow height to your comfort.
“When completely filled, it’s great for contouring the head, neck, and shoulders in the side-sleeping position,” reported one tester. “This felt super comfortable, and I didn’t notice any sort of tension building at the neck or spine.”
The Coop Sleep Goods Latex Adjustable Pillow may not be right for these sleepers:
- Stomach Sleepers. While the filling and loft of the Coop Sleep Goods Latex Adjustable Pillow is adjustable, stomach sleepers might feel neck strain even after most of the filling is scooped out. The Luxome LAYR may be a better option.
- People who sleep hot. Our testers noticed it warmed up as the night went on. If you sleep a little hot, check out the Silk & Snow.
The Coop Sleep Goods customer experience
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Shipping: Free
- Warranty: 5 years
- Financing: Not available
Customer service
You can contact Coop customer service by calling 888-316-1886, emailing customerservice@coopsleepgoods.com, or by using the website's live chat feature.
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow: Best for Side Sleepers
Talalay latex is known for its responsive and supportive feel, which makes it great for combination sleepers. The springiness of this Brooklyn Bedding pillow makes it easier to change positions throughout the night. Its bouncy latex filling compresses more when you’re on your back but adjusts to support your neck when you switch to your side.
- Brooklyn Bedding Review
- Great for back and side sleepers
- Fits a standard case
- Comfy, breathable covering
- Fill material: Latex
- Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; low (4'') or high loft (5'')
- Firmness level: Medium
- Free trial period: 30 nights
- Cooling: Breathable latex core and cotton cover
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Great pressure relief for neck and shoulders
- Responsive
- Works well for combination sleepers
- Fits in a standard pillowcase
Cons
- Average cooling
- May be too high for stomach sleepers
- Short trial period
Why our testers chose the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow as the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
Combination and side sleepers may appreciate this latex pillow because it responds to movement, filling in the space between your neck and the bed as you shift positions. “I feel the latex in the filling pushing my head back up in a soft supportive way,” one tester said. The Talalay Latex Pillow’s ability to support the neck and head also earned it a spot on our list of Best Orthopedic Pillows.
We measured the loft on this pillow at 6.5 inches for the high-loft model, which is fairly standard for a non-adjustable pillow. Our bounce and responsiveness tests found the pillow returns from compression to full loft after 2.18 seconds, which is faster than average. Our testers rated their overall experience with the Talalay Latex Pillow a 4/5.
The quilted cover on the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex promotes airflow, helping the pillow stay cooler than others on this list. When we used our thermal gun to test the pillow before and after use, the pillow's temperature rose about 15 degrees, which we considered good. Our testers rated the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex a 4.5/5 for materials. “Both the filling and the cover feel like they’re high quality and would last a long time,” said a tester.
The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex may not be right for these sleepers:
- Stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers might feel neck strain, even with the low-loft option. For a flatter pillow that’s still latex, we recommend the low-loft Saatva Latex option.
- People seeking the coolest possible pillow. Despite its cooling cover, the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow retained some heat during testing. If you sleep a little hot, check out the Silk & Snow.
The Brooklyn Bedding customer experience
- Trial period: 30 nights
- Shipping: Free
- Warranty: 3 years
- Financing: Yes, Affirm
Customer service
You can contact Brooklyn Bedding customer service by calling 623-624-1222, emailing warranty@brooklynbedding.com or returns@brooklynbedding.com, or by using the website's live chat feature. Brooklyn Bedding is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Luxome LAYR Pillow: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers
The Luxome LAYR is the most customizable pillow on this list. Our back-sleeping testers loved the design and said it helped keep their heads and necks aligned. Spinal alignment during sleep means you aren’t straining your spine, which may help prevent health issues down the road.
- Most adjustable pillow we tested
- Uses gel-infused cooling foam
- Machine washable
- Fill material: Memory foam and down alternative
- Adjustability and loft: Adjustable; 9.5''
- Firmness level: Adjustable firmness
- Free trial period: 30 nights
- Cooling: Gel-infused foam and breathable fabric
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Adjusts to three firmness levels depending on inserts used
- High-quality materials
- Easy to clean
- Unique design
Cons
- Traps heat
- Unused inserts are easy to lose
- Shorter trial period
Why our testers chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Pillow for Back Sleepers
Our testers chose the Luxome LAYR for back sleepers because of its unique customizations. Described as "high-tech" by our testers, the pillow comes with multiple gel memory foam inserts described as “soft,” “medium,” and “firm.” This means you not only can adjust the pillow's height but also its support and firmness level depending on the inserts you use.
Getting the pillow to feel right for your sleep position takes some experimentation. But Luxome provides a helpful guide to customizing the pillow. If you use all the pillow's inserts, the Luxome LAYR is 9.5-inches tall—but side and stomach sleepers likely won't want to keep the loft that high.
Our testers loved the pillow's versatility and mix-and-match adjustability. They found it fairly easy to dial in the right amount of support and comfort. "This is the easiest and most customizable pillow I have tested," said one tester. "I liked taking out the larger memory foam piece to lower the loft of the pillow for my neck and shoulders."
The blend of memory foam and down alternative layers earned the LAYR a 5/5 for materials. Our testers also thought the soft bamboo-blend cover felt high quality overall. “I could sleep on this without a pillowcase,” said one tester.
The Luxome LAYR Pillow may not be right for these sleepers:
- People who sleep hot. The Luxome LAYR had the highest heat retention of all the pillows we tested. Hot sleepers might prefer the Silk & Snow.
- Combination sleepers. The LAYR takes a moment to reset once compressed. So if you change positions frequently in the night, this pillow most likely can’t keep up. You’ll feel a gap for a few minutes before it fills itself back out and contours to your new position. If you want a more responsive pillow, consider the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex.
The Luxome customer experience
- Trial period: 30 nights
- Shipping: Free standard
- Warranty: Limited
- Financing: Yes
Customer service
You can contact Luxome customer service by emailing support@luxome.com.
What makes a good pillow?
What makes a good pillow depends a lot on personal preference. Studies have shown that our perception of pillow comfort is related to the time it takes to adjust to something brand new.3 So even if you bought a pillow perfectly designed for great spinal alignment and cooling, you might still sleep poorly because you’re not used to it. Your sense of comfort may increase as you get used to your new pillow.
To find the best pillow for you, consider your sleep position and comfort preferences, and look for pillows that have good support for the neck and shoulders. But also give your body plenty of time to adjust. Read on for more factors to consider when shopping for the right pillow.
Cooling
Some pillows retain heat. Memory foam, for example, isn’t known for its cooling capabilities. Many of the best pillows have woven, quilted, or plush covers designed to be more breathable and avoid trapping heat. To help you find a cooler pillow, we tested all of the options on this list with a thermal gun to measure heat retention. We also asked our testers to share whether each pillow felt cool to the touch or like it stored too much body warmth for comfort. But your personal heat tolerance might tell a different story. To get the best feel for how these pillows work with your bedding, take advantage of trial periods and consider returning a pillow that doesn't work for you.
Support and pressure relief
A pillow with good pressure relief cradles your head, neck, and shoulders so tension doesn't build up overnight. Where you need more pressure relief depends on your sleep position.
Side and combination sleepers may need more support and pressure relief at the neck and shoulders. This means they generally need a firmer, higher-lofted pillow that can fill in the gap between their neck and the bed, and contour their ear and shoulder so that weight is distributed evenly.
Back sleepers may need a medium-lofted pillow that can prop up the head and shoulders just enough for good spinal alignment. A pillow with too much height can move your neck out of alignment. A lower or a more compressive pillow will help you maintain a neutral spine while also providing just enough lift for good comfort.
Stomach sleepers need a flatter, softer pillow or no pillow at all to avoid lifting the head too much and causing neck strain.
Adjustable pillows are a great option—you can add or remove filling to get the best support and loft for your sleep position.
Materials
Pillows come in a variety of materials, such as down, down alternative, memory foam, latex, and more. Each has its pros and cons. Choosing the right one has a lot to do with personal preference.
- Down and down alternative pillows tend to be softer and fluffier but also less supportive and more compressible.
- Latex pillows are bouncier and more buoyant, which can make changing positions easier. But they might feel too lofted and firm for stomach sleepers and back sleepers who prefer a flatter pillow.
- Memory foam pillows can provide excellent pressure relief and contouring. But they're also known for trapping heat.
Try a few different pillow types with different materials to see which suits you best.
How to choose the best pillow for you?
If you have neck pain, the best pillow for you will be one that helps you feel pressure relief through spinal alignment, or a memory foam pillow that contours better to your neck and shoulders. If you’re a combination sleeper, you’ll need a pillow that’s responsive enough to change shape as you adjust through the night. If you sleep hot, you’ll need a pillow designed to not store heat.
“Lasting pain relief often also requires proper pillows and positioning,” said Tina Sadarangani, ANP-C, GNP-BC, a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner and creator of The Enlightened Caregiver. She went on to add that beyond pillows and the best mattress for you, healthful sleep as we age also can involve physical therapy and management of any underlying conditions.
How much do the best pillows cost?
A very inexpensive pillow can cost $12–$22 at a local big-box store. And if you have no neck pain or stiffness, that might be fine. But if you want a pillow that will support you in healthy sleep, you might expect to pay $75–$180 per pillow. The most affordable pillow on this list is the Silk & Snow.
Some of the best pillows have longer trial periods than others (Coop Sleep Goods and Silk & Snow offer 100-day trial periods). At the end of your trial, if you don’t like the pillow, most brands will provide free shipping on returns. The Luxome LAYR is the exception—Luxome charges for return shipping.
| Comparison Features | Silk & Snow Pillow |
Saatva Latex Pillow |
Coop Sleep Goods Latex Adjustable Pillow |
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow |
Luxome LAYR Pillow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for a standard/queen | $75 |
$165 |
$149 |
$172 |
$180 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free on orders over $100 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
1 year |
5 years |
3 years |
Limited |
| Return fees | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Cost of shipping |
Frequently asked questions
Are expensive pillows really worth it?
Expensive pillows are worth it if you can use them to manage pain or a condition that would worsen without proper neck support and spinal alignment. If an expensive pillow helps you get a good night’s sleep, it’s probably worth it.
Can a pillow help with sleep apnea?
Help, yes. Cure, no. Pillows can help you achieve a more comfortable position with your CPAP machine. And pillows that provide elevation or promote side sleeping may lead to fewer breathing interruptions.
What are the best pillow brands?
That truly depends on what you want in a pillow. Are you looking for the best pillows to help you manage back pain? Do you want a memory foam pillow? A cooling pillow? Or just a brand with a responsive customer service center? Brands that frequently appear in our lists for meeting these needs include Silk & Snow, Saatva, Luxome, TEMPUR-Pedic, and Layla.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.