These Are the Best Memory Foam Pillows for Every Kind of Sleeper, Per Experts
These Are the Best Memory Foam Pillows for Every Kind of Sleeper, Per Experts
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your long-term health, and your pillow plays a significant role in the quality of your Zs. While shopping for the perfect pillow may seem trivial, the right cushion to lay your head on can prove to be the most important purchase you make when it comes to your sleep health—best mattress aside. If you’re looking to upgrade your sleeping experience, you’ll want to invest in a memory foam pillow.
Pillow options abound—but what’s so special about memory foam? Well, memory foam as a material is generally more firm, dense, and responsive than other materials, explains Shelby Harris, M.D., director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. “It conforms to your individual shape, provides extra support for your head, neck, and spine while also relieving stress on joints, injuries, and pressure points.” She adds that memory foam pillows are typically more durable than other types of pillows as the dense material isn’t as susceptible to flattening after consistent use.
Meet the experts: Mark Aloia, Ph.D., head of Sleep and Behavioral Sciences at Sleep Number, Shelby Harris, M.D., director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis, and Emma Seymour, senior textiles product analyst at Good Housekeeping Institute.
The way it works is simple—when your head, neck, and shoulders come in contact with the pillow, the heat from your body softens the foam, which makes it conform to your body, explains Mark Aloia, Ph.D., head of sleep and behavioral sciences at Sleep Number. “This molding of the pillow to your body is what provides pressure relief in areas that need it, resulting in more comfortable sleep. When you get up in the morning, the pillow has time to return to its normal shape.”
Memory foam pillows can help improve sleep quality and promote deep sleep by conforming to pressure and providing extra comfort and support to your head and neck, says Dr. Harris. “Memory foam is very responsive, meaning it will provide instant support and keep your spine in proper alignment as you switch positions throughout the night.”
Our top picks
If you’re looking to upgrade your sleep, read on to find all of the best picks for every budget and sleeping position.
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Find the best memory foam pillows for every kind of sleeper and budget, according to experts and testers. Plus, machine-washable pillows, covers, and more.
