4 Best Memory Foam Pillows

What Actually is Memory Foam?

It’s a material that was developed by NASA in the 1960s to make aircraft seating safer. Known as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam, this innovative material soon spread to other markets, most notably for making medical and sports equipment. Today, it’s a popular and widespread material for mattresses, mattress pads, and pillows.

What are the Benefits of Using a Memory Foam Pillow?

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sinking into a memory foam pillow—many people who try out memory foam pillows just once find that they can never go back to their regular old pillow. Benefits of memory foam include the following:

• A memory foam pillow is quite supportive and will keep your spine and neck in alignment. Many users report reduced neck pain upon switching to a memory foam pillow.
• No pressure points: because memory foam contours directly to your body, it will provide consistent, even support without pressing excessively on any one point.
• No need for constant fluffing; memory foam retains its shape all night long.
• Various options are available. We’ll discuss the different types of memory foam below, but rest assured that you’ll have your pick of multiple varieties. Whether you prefer soft or firm, high loft or low, there’s a memory foam pillow out there for you.

What are the Drawbacks of Using a Memory Foam Pillow?

That said, no material is perfect. Here are some of the potential drawbacks of memory foam pillows (and suggestions on mitigating them):

• Some memory foam pillows retain body heat and run “hot.” You can counteract this tendency in several ways. One, choose shredded memory foam, which breathes better than most solid pieces of foam. Two, try a gel-infused memory foam pillow, with gel microbeads that improve airflow. Three, look for a pillow with a breathable or cooling cover.
• Some people find memory foam pillows too firm: this is mostly an issue with pillows that are moulded from one solid block of foam. Again, you can solve this problem by looking into shredded memory foam.
• Most memory foam pillows are on the heavier side, so they’re generally not ideal for travel or camping. If you’re a huge fan of memory foam and can’t travel without it, consider buying a smaller, travel-size version or a more portable neck roll-style pillow.
• Some users report an initial chemical odour from their new memory foam pillows (known as “offgassing”); however, any smell should dissipate quite quickly, often within half an hour.

Consider the Density

Memory foam is a denser material than many other pillow fillings like down or feathers. This makes the average memory foam pillow heavier but also more supportive than traditional pillows. Among memory foam pillows, there are differences in density that lead to differences in feel, supportiveness, and durability. Higher-density memory foam has a longer lifespan than lower-density, though high-density foams are also more prone to trap heat and can sometimes restrict the sleeper’s movements. A higher-density pillow will be firmer and more supportive, while a lower-density one will be softer—choose according to your personal needs and preferences!

Types of Memory Foam Pillows

Multiple types of memory foam pillows are readily available, and it can be a daunting task to sift through them all and determine which is best for you—so we’ve made this guide to help! Here are some of the categories you’ll encounter when you begin shopping around for memory foam:

• Shredded memory foam: These pillows are filled with many pieces of shredded foam, which allows them to be shaped and moulded however you like while retaining the supportive properties of memory foam. Shredded foam pillows are generally a bit softer and cuddlier than the traditional foam block, but they still contour to your body and provide good support. Shredded foam pillows typically have slightly longer life spans and offer better breathability.
• Gel-infused memory foam: Similar to standard memory foam, but with gel microbeads added to the material. These gel microbeads work to regulate heat retention. Standard memory foam often traps heat around your body, but gel-infused foam does a better job of dissipating your body heat. If you decide to buy a gel-infused memory foam pillow (or mattress), do your research: how much gel is infused? Not enough, and you won’t get any benefit. How high quality is the product? In general, the tinier the gel beads are, the better, since larger gel beads will weaken the foam structure and shorten its lifespan.
• Bamboo memory foam: These pillows feature bamboo-derived viscose outer shells and are typically filled with shredded foam. Bamboo-based covers are quite breathable and help to dissipate your body heat as you sleep. A bamboo-blend cover will generally contain around 40% viscose of bamboo.
• Contour memory foam: This is what most people picture when they hear “memory foam pillow.” It’s a single, moulded block of memory foam, sculpted into a contour (or “wave”) shape. One end is often higher than the other, and there’s a dip in the middle to cradle your head. Contour pillows are especially great for back sleepers. These pillows have a spongey feel and provide firm neck support, though they can trap body heat. Today’s pillow technology has helped to alleviate this heat retention somewhat; for instance, “open cell” memory foam was developed to allow better air flow.

How Does Memory Foam Compare to Other Pillow Materials?

Pillow technology in the 21^st century is pretty complex and has yielded numerous different materials. There’s always traditional down pillows, but now we have newer materials like latex and gel to consider. Buckwheat is traditional in East Asia and is quickly gaining traction in the West as well. Let’s see how all of these materials stack up compared to memory foam.

• Memory foam vs. latex pillows: These two materials share some similarities: both offer an appealing blend of softness and support, and both are shown to reduce neck pain. Both sometimes arrive with a bit of chemical smell that dissipates over time. Memory foam pillows (especially one-piece pillows) tend to run a bit hotter than latex, but you can mitigate this problem by using a cooling, breathable cover or by trying a shredded memory foam pillow, which has better airflow. In terms of durability and longevity, both types of pillow tend to have a lifespan of around 3 to 4 years, though some high-quality options (both latex and memory foam) can last for up to a decade or longer. Finally, consider the feel of memory foam vs. latex. Some users like the springiness or “bounce” of a latex pillow, while others prefer sinking into a memory foam pillow, which cradles the head and neck.
• Memory foam vs. down pillows: Down pillows are as traditional as it gets, and they work well for many people. These pillows are filled with down, the soft plumage that serves as insulation underneath the outer feathers of geese and ducks. Some cheaper versions of down pillows have a small percentage (25% or less) of larger feathers inside as well. Overall, down is a light, soft, and fluffy material that makes for a lightweight and mouldable pillow. So what’s the downside? Down pillows don’t offer high enough loft or adequate support for some users. They also tend to flatten over time and need to be regularly fluffed. Finally, down pillows are often on the pricier side. Memory foam pillows are a better option for people who experience neck pain or need more neck support. If you want a pillow that adjusts right to your body and maintains its shape and loft all night, memory foam is definitely a better bet. You also do not have to sacrifice softness: shredded memory foam pillows are plenty cuddly and can be shaped into any position or thickness.
• Memory foam vs. buckwheat pillows: Buckwheat pillows are popular in East Asia and fast catching on in the West as well. Filled with firm buckwheat hulls, they provide strong head and neck support that, like memory foam, can conform well to your body. Overall, buckwheat pillows are a great option for those on the market for a firm, supportive pillow. Some users, however, don’t like the noise these pillows make as the hulls shift around, while some find that buckwheat pillows are too heavy. Finally, if you’re looking for a softer, more cushiony pillow, buckwheat is probably not the best choice. Instead, if you want to feel like you’re dozing on a cumulus cloud, consider a material like shredded memory foam.
• Memory foam vs. gel fibre pillows: Gel fibre pillows are a popular alternative to down; plush and luxurious, they have a similar feel and are often less expensive. The gel fibres breathe fairly well and even provide some neck support. People who require firmer support might be better served by a memory foam pillow, however. It’s always a good idea to try out different options—gel fibre, shredded foam, and contour foam—alongside each other to get a sense of what’s most comfortable for you.

There are Plenty of Options!

Many memory foam pillows are made of one solid block of foam, a good choice if you want stability and support. Then there’s shredded memory foam, which offers good support along with lots of adjustability and breathability. Shredded foam is probably the best all-around type of pillow in the category, especially if you’re a combination sleeper and need a pillow that will allow you to move. It’s also a good pick if you value a soft or plush feel, or want a pillow you can grab, scrunch, and shape as you like.

Then there are the gel-infused memory foam pillows, such as the Cr Sleep Ventilated Memory Foam Pillow, which are especially good at moderating body heat retention. Cr Sleep is a fantastic company to consider if you struggle with keeping a comfortable body temperature, or if you find yourself sleeping in a wide variety of temperatures.

Another thing you’ll want to consider is warranty: on this list, the Sleep Whale and Snuggle-Pedic pillows offer truly exceptional warranties and are guaranteed to last you for a very long time. Memory foam pillows aren’t the cheapest pillows out there, but they boast long lifespans and offer a lot of value.

It can be hard to choose with all the options: we hope our guide helps you navigate through the many different types of memory foam pillows. Take advantage of the trial periods that many of these pillows offer before committing, as personal experience is always the best way to learn what does or doesn’t work for you. But whatever you end up with, buy with confidence and sleep well!