6 Best Memory Foam Pillows of 2026: Tested and Approved

How we test pillows 

We started our process by researching the market. Which pillows are popular and why? Which companies have the best customer reviews — and are the reviews legitimate? After completing our research, reviewing the results of our surveys and focus groups and consulting medical experts, we narrowed our list to the more than 20 we tested in our lab.

To identify their strengths and weaknesses, we used controlled tests to assess features like pressure relief, ease of care and temperature regulation. We recruited independent older adult testers, ages 60 to 62, to provide unbiased feedback. They answered questions like: How easy is it to adjust the height or firmness of the pillow? Do your spine and neck feel aligned? Is the pillow warming up as you lie on it? 

For more details on our process, see our testing methodology for mattresses and sleep accessories.

How to choose the best memory foam pillow

In addition to providing comfort, the right memory foam pillow should keep your neck and spine properly aligned without creating pressure. Keven Burns, the orthopedic surgeon in Arizona, says pillow loft plays a critical role in maintaining proper spinal alignment. He notes that the optimal pillow loft correlates with body height and neck dimensions, meaning one-size-fits-all recommendations may not be helpful.

“Choose a pillow that keeps the cervical spine in a neutral position, generally a slightly higher pillow for side sleepers to fill the gap between the shoulder and head, and a lower-profile pillow for back and stomach sleepers," he says.

Consider the following when looking for a memory foam pillow to suit your needs.

Pillow height and sleeping position

"Choose a pillow based on your primary sleep position to ensure your head and neck are in a neutral position, similar to your standing posture," says Dr. Ari Berg, a spine surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in New Jersey. 

Here are expert recommendations for pillow height based on sleeping position.

• Side sleepers generally benefit from a higher loft, around 5 to 7 inches, depending on body type. The pillow should sufficiently fill the gap between the shoulders, neck and head to keep the head and spine properly supported.
• Back sleepers may need a medium loft, around 3 to 5 inches. The pillow should support the natural spinal curve without pushing the head too far forward. "Sleeping on your back with your head bent forward overstretches the neck in a way that mimics the poor posture of our daily activities," Berg says.
• Stomach sleepers may do best with a thin pillow, less than 3 inches high, to keep the head closer to the mattress and prevent spinal strain.

"The real test is how your neck feels in the morning over a week or two, so try before you commit," says Sean Carpenter, a lead physical therapist at Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Greater Heights in Houston, Texas. All pillows on this list come with a trial period of at least 30 days except for the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow, which offers no trial period.

Type of memory foam 

While every pillow on this list contains memory foam, their constructions vary. Some are filled with shredded foam, some incorporate a single block of memory foam and others are blended with different materials. 

If you’re looking for extra support, a single block may work best since it usually has more structural integrity than a shredded version. But shredded foam may be better for those looking for cushioning pressure relief, since the small pieces let you sink in deeper and cradle your head. Shredded foam mixed with other materials may give you the best of both worlds — sinking pressure relief and solid support.

Adjustability

A customizable pillow offers more versatility, allowing you to tailor the height or firmness to your personal needs and sleep preferences. Think about whether you'd prefer one with removable filling or layers, or one that adjusts with zippers. 

Temperature regulation

Dr. Casey Slattery, orthopedic spine surgeon at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine, California, says, “Temperature is a big deal while you sleep. The body needs to cool down slightly to enter deeper stages of sleep. This is where cooling features can really play a key role.” 

If you’re a hot sleeper, prioritizing a pillow that efficiently dissipates body heat rather than trapping it — such as the Helix Cooling Memory Foam or Nectar Tri-Comfort Adjustable Memory Foam — may help keep you more comfortable. 

Ease of care

Regularly laundering your pillow covers and other bedding helps reduce the buildup of allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and bacteria, promoting a healthier sleep environment. Having a removable, machine-washable cover can make it easier to keep your pillow fresh, rather than spot-cleaning only. All the pillows on our list feature machine-washable covers, except the Nectar Tri-Comfort Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow.

Can a memory foam pillow help reduce neck pain?

In our November 2025 sleep focus group, Tammy, a 69-year-old participant from New York with chronic neck pain, said switching to a memory foam pillow has been a game changer for her sleep. "You can have the best mattress in the world, but if your pillow isn't supportive around the neck, it can feel pretty bad," she said.

A well-constructed memory foam pillow with proper loft and support can help reduce neck pain by promoting spinal alignment and providing pressure relief — as long as it fits your body type and sleeping position. "A supportive memory foam pillow prevents the head from tilting forward, backward and to the side, eliminating unnecessary stress on the spine," says Jordan Burns, a board-certified chiropractor in Fishers, Indiana. 

"If a person is experiencing chronic lower back pain or other pain, they should see a doctor to rule out underlying issues such as bulging discs or arthritis," says Berg, the spine surgeon in New Jersey.

How much do the best memory foam pillows cost?

The models on our list range from $75 to $165 for standard-size pillows sold individually. The Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow is the least expensive, while the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow is the most expensive.

Memory foam pillows are often pricier than polyester or down-alternative options due to their higher density, which offers enhanced contouring and pressure relief. Many also incorporate cooling gels or special cover materials, or are ergonomically designed for neck or back pain.

Many companies offer discounts when you buy more than one pillow or bundle a pillow purchase with other bedding. Tempur-Pedic, for example, sells the small TEMPUR-Neck Pillow for $104 but a two-pack costs $179, a savings of $29. 

FAQs

What is memory foam? 

Originally developed by NASA-funded researchers to cushion test pilots, memory foam is a type of viscoelastic polyurethane foam. Its dense structure responds to body heat and pressure, molding to your body shape. This contouring effect helps distribute weight evenly, especially around heavier areas like the hips and shoulders. When you remove pressure, the foam doesn't immediately spring back to its original form; it returns gradually.

Do chiropractors recommend memory foam pillows?

Burns, the chiropractor we spoke with, recommends memory foam pillows that conform to the neck, support spinal alignment and relieve pressure. He says memory foam pillows may be well-suited for older adults who wake up with neck stiffness, shoulder tightness or morning aches. "The most beneficial feature is that memory foam conforms to the shape of the body, relieving pressure points and providing consistent alignment of the spine," Burns explains.

Do memory foam pillows have any downsides?

One drawback is that they can feel warm. Memory foam has a dense cell structure that limits airflow and tends to absorb heat, which is why some companies incorporate cooling technology into their designs. Burns says another potential con is that people who frequently change positions at night may feel restricted, since memory foam needs time to warm and conform to the body. "If you are sleeping in an unhealthy position, the foam will begin to form around that. Unlike traditional fiber or latex pillows, it does not spring back immediately — it holds its shape to match yours throughout the night,” says Dr. Ethan Kellum, an orthopedic surgeon in Franklin, Tennessee.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.