10 Pillows That Actually Might Help You Stop Snoring

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Snoring is usually no big deal (so long as you know your snoring isn’t related to a more serious sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea). It’s simply a sound created by a vibration that happens when air flows over the soft tissues on the back of the mouth. But if it’s bothering you or your partner (or your neighbors), you might consider trying out one of the best anti-snore pillows. Yes, some pillows are better for snoring than others.

“For some, snoring is due to their sleeping position,” explains Kevin Lees, D.C., director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic. “Back sleeping is more likely to cause snoring in these individuals, and pillows created to keep a person more comfortable on their side can be beneficial.”

Meet the experts: Kevin Lees, D.C., director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic; Jade Wu, Ph.D., a board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist and Mattress Firm Sleep Advisor; Chris Winter, M.D., a neurologist, board-certified sleep specialist, and Mattress Firm Sleep Advisor.

“A person who snores but breathes well throughout the night should try side sleeping,” Dr. Lees suggests. “A good side sleeper pillow has enough loft to support the head in a neutral position, and some pillows have a raised edge to help support the cervical spine,” he explains. “Side sleeper pillows need to be firm enough that the support stays constant through the night and shouldn’t compact down over time.”

When shopping for one of the best pillows for snoring, “people who snore should look for a pillow that offers them the support they need to sleep in a comfortable, elevated position,” says Chris Winter, M.D., a neurologist, board-certified sleep specialist, and Mattress Firm Sleep Advisor. Rather than a thin, floppy pillow, a thicker, firmer pillow can help you maintain a comfortable position throughout the night, he explains.

Our top picks

Ahead, check out the best anti-snore pillows according to editor testing, customer reviews, and expert insights. Each pillow on our list is from a trusted brand and offers a firm, supportive shape for you to rest your head and encourage a better night’s sleep.

The Original Adjustable Pillow

The Original Adjustable Pillow from Coop has landed on several of Prevention’s pillow buying guides, including best memory foam pillows and best hypoallergenic pillows. It even won a Health at Home Award in 2023. Our editor’s stand by the pick because its made with memory foam and is adjustable for a custom loft. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified. And yes, the outer cover and inner pillow are machine washable.

In testing conducted by the Good Housekeeping Institute, the pillow earned the top overall score of all tested anti-snore pillows. One Good Housekeeping analyst said it “perfectly cradles my neck for ultimate support even after years of use.” Other testers appreciated the adjustable fill, which you can use to find the best height to help you minimize snoring.

Read our full review: Why This Adjustable Pillow Is My Secret to a Restful Night’s Sleep

Side Cube

Sleeping on your side may help reduce snoring, according to experts, as it alleviates pressure on your airways. “Side sleeper pillows need to be firm enough that the support stays constant through the night and shouldn’t compact down over time,” says Dr. Lees.

An Amazon best-seller, this uniquely shaped pillow fits the bill. It’s five inches thick with a temperature-regulating core made of comfort carbon. The cube-like shape removes the gap between your neck and shoulder that remains when side sleeping on traditional pillows.

The Good Housekeeping Institute performed Lab tests on the pillow, finding it fit well in standard pillowcases despite its 90-degree edges, and the foam returned to its original shape after weights were applied and removed. “I used to ball up an extra pillow to support my neck at night or sleep with my hand under my neck, but now I don’t have to anymore,” said one tester.

Tempur-Neck Pillow

Available in three sizes to accommodate both side and back sleepers, this pillow from Tempur-Pedic is a great option for those who snore. It has an ergonomic shape to promote proper alignment by following the natural curve of your body as it supports the head and neck. The pillow also comes with a removable, washable cover to keep it fresh.

Like the brand’s mattresses, this pillow is made of Tempur-Pedic’s signature Tempur-Material, a kind of memory foam that feels firm and supportive. The foam maintained its shape in Good Housekeeping Lab tests, and testers found it provided ample neck support. “My neck felt very stable,” said one tester. “I usually toss and turn, but this pillow kept me firmly in place the entire night.”

Organic Latex Wedge Pillow

When it comes to using organic materials, Avocado is a brand you can trust. It sells a variety of mattresses and pillows made with certified organic cotton and latex, including this wedge-shaped pillow. It offers a gentle slope to support your head in a raised position. “If someone can’t stop sleeping on their back, a wedge pillow may help them decrease their snoring,” says Dr. Lees.

The triangular pillow not only helps stop snoring, but it can also serve as a leg rest or even a laptop stand for working in bed or on the couch. While it has an odd shape, its organic cotton cover easily unzips, so you can pop it in the washing machine.

One reviewer called the pillow “amazing and sleep changing,” noting that her husband’s snoring and apnea are “almost non-existent,” since making the investment.

Graphite Memory Foam Pillow

You might be familiar with Saatva’s mattresses, but the brand also makes supportive pillows, including this memory foam one infused with graphite. Graphite is a material that draws heat away, promoting a cooler night’s sleep that other traditional materials. Along with graphite, the shredded memory foam and latex core supports the head and neck while providing increased airflow. Finally, an organic cotton knit cover is soft and breathable (and machine-washable!).

“I’m picky when it comes to pillows. This one keeps me cool and is the right firmness,” a reviewer wrote.

Memory Foam Pillow

This shredded memory foam pillow has a zippered inner lining, allowing you to remove or add fill to create a customized height that’s most comfortable for you. It’s ideal for all types of sleepers, as those who sleep on their stomach and back can remove excess fill for a lower loft and those who sleep on their side can add more. It also has a soft polyester cover you can throw in the washing machine. In fact, the whole pillow is technically machine-washable, but the Layla doesn’t recommend washing the core because it may require multiple dry cycles.

“I’ve found I get better sleep with the pillow with less snoring, which is a plus!” said one reviewer.

Dream Layer Pillow

While other pillows offer the ability to customize their loft with shredded memory foam, Purple’s Dream Layer pillow sets itself apart from the rest with its removable booster layers. To adjust the height, all you have to do is remove or add the three included layers that easily slip in and out of the stretch-knit cover. It also includes the brand’s GelFlex Grid, an innovative grid0like layer that draws away heat, adapts to movement, and helps relieves pressure at the head and neck.

“Since I started sleeping with the purple pillow, I no longer wake up with neck pain, and I don't wake up throughout the night,” wrote one shopper.

The Pillow

Whether you prefer your pillow feel plush, medium, or firm, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep on Marlow’s customizable gel-infused memory foam pillow. It doesn’t require stuffing or removing layers. Instead, it has a simple zipper system that increases firmness when zipped up and decreased firmness when unzipped. That way, you can quickly make adjustments based on how you feel any given day (it’s also great for guests!). Did we mention the material is anti-microbial and hypoallergenic?

“I love the ability to change the fluffiness with the dual zippers,” said a reviewer. “I’m sleeping better and more soundly since I started using them.”

Read our full review: Why This Pillow Is My ‘Goldilocks’ for a Good Night’s Sleep

Down Alternative Side Sleeper Pillow

Parachute’s down alternative side sleeper pillow is filled with hypoallergenic microfiber that mimics the fluffiness of down feathers. It’s sealed in a 100% cotton sateen shell, and the entire pillow is machine-washable safe to put in the dryer on low. Most importantly for snorers, it has a three-inch gusset for a boxy structure that’s ideal for supporting the head and neck while on your side.

“This pillow is truly wonderful for side sleepers. I used to constantly switch sides throughout the night, but with this pillow it just doesn’t happen,” a reviewer wrote.

Memory Foam Bed Pillows

This set of two bed pillows comes at a great value and is backed by more than 230,000 Amazon ratings. It’s also the number-one best-selling bed pillow on Amazon right now. With a shredded memory foam interior you can adjust with a customizable zipper, it rivals similar styles of pillows on this list at about half the cost (considering you get two), making it a great choice for snorers looking for a good deal.

“I tried a lot of pillows and these were better and less expensive!” wrote one shopper.

How to choose the best anti-snore pillow

✔️ Thick and firm. Your best bet at quelling snoring with a new pillow is finding one that’s thick and firm, experts agree. “A thin, floppy pillow may not be the best option, as there’s more of a chance of it moving throughout the night, causing you to constantly change positions,” says Winter.

✔️ Stay on your side. “Back sleeping is more likely to cause snoring in these individuals, and pillows created to keep a person more comfortable on their side can be beneficial,” according to Dr. Lees.

✔️ Wedge yourself up. Sleeping on a triangular pillow may help decrease snoring, Dr. Lees notes. “A wedge pillow starts elevating the body at mid back or lower to raise the head in a forward position but still allowing the person’s neck to be in a neutral position,” he explains.

Is a high or low pillow better for snoring?

“A high pillow is better for snoring,” says Dr. Winter. “By positioning your pillow so that your head and upper body are in a more upright position, you can open your airways, reducing the chance of snoring.”

However, not just any thick pillow will keep your from snoring, Dr. Lees points out. A pillow that’s too thick could push the head forward and reduce the airway even more, he says. Wedge and side pillows are great alternatives, as are adjustable pillows that you can customize to your needs.

What stops snoring best?

• Sleep on your side. “The number one tip is to sleep on your side, which decreases the pressure on multiple points in your airway,” says Dr. Wu. “A low-tech way to encourage side sleeping is to put a tennis ball in the back of your shirt so it prevents you from rolling onto your back while sleeping.”

• Clear your airways. “If a person has a stuffed-up nose or other problems breathing, using saline to clear their sinuses or a breathing strip may be helpful,” says Dr. Lees.

• Avoid drinking alcohol before bed. “Drinking alcohol can contribute to snoring, ” Dr. Lees says. Alcohol and drugs “may over-relax the muscles around the airway, causing them to collapse the airway more often during sleep,” explains Dr. Wu.

• Exercise and eat a balanced diet. A narrowed airway caused by weight gain can increase snoring, Prevention previously reported.

• Prioritize consistent sleep. When you’re overtired your body can skip directly into deeper stages of sleep, contributing to heavier snoring, Raj Dasgupta, M.D., board-certified sleep medicine physician, assistant program director of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Southern California, and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board, previously explained.

Should you be concerned about snoring?

“Light or occasional snoring is normal and usually not concerning,” says Dr. Wu. “Chronic or loud snoring, however, can be of concern as it may be a sign of sleep apnea, which can lead to increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Chronic snoring can also lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue.”

Snoring also may be of concern for those who are pregnant, specifically for people who didn’t snore regularity before becoming pregnant. “Pregnancy-onset snoring increases the risk of depression, gestational hypertension, and other poorer outcomes for mom and baby,” according to Dr. Wu.

In general, “if the person isn’t feeling rested after waking up, or their significant other hears them gasping for breath or pausing breathing throughout the night, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor,” adds Dr. Lees.

How we chose the best pillows for snoring

We consulted Kevin Lees, D.C., director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic; Jade Wu, Ph.D., a board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist and Mattress Firm Sleep Advisor; and Chris Winter, M.D., a neurologist, board-certified sleep specialist, and Mattress Firm Sleep Advisor to learn more about snoring and what pillows can help prevent or reduce it. We also combed through customer reviews of popular products from trusted brands and referenced the Good Housekeeping Institute’s coverage of the best anti-snore pillows, including testing notes for Coop’s The Original Adjustable Pillow, Pillow Cube’s Side Cube, and Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Neck Pillow.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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