5 Key Insights from Our Pillow and Mattress Topper Buyers Survey

2. Timely pillow replacement matters

About 68 percent said they had kept their old pillow for more than two years before purchasing a new one. Twenty-six percent waited more than four years. 

Replacing pillows every two years can prevent allergen buildup, like dust mites, say experts we consulted. There are also orthopedic reasons to replace your pillow regularly, Finkel says. 

“Research…shows that a pillow that is too low or too high increases muscle activity in the neck and shoulders,” pushing the part of the spine located in the neck out of alignment, he explains. After four years, most pillows have lost enough loft to fall into that “too low” category, he says.

3. Memory foam was the clear favorite

Memory foam was the preferred material in our survey for both mattress toppers (48 percent) and pillows (54 percent). 

Other well-known materials didn’t come close: For pillows, cotton (13 percent) and down-alternatives such as polyester microfiber (11 percent) were the second- and third-most popular materials, respectively. After memory foam, respondents preferred toppers made from polyester (13 percent) and down (7 percent). 

Some participants cited spinal alignment or pressure relief as reasons for choosing memory foam. One of them selected a memory foam pillow with a curved, ergonomic design to cradle the head and neck. “I got a curved memory foam pillow to support my neck better so I wake up less stiff,” a participant wrote. Another chose a memory foam mattress topper to provide more pressure relief than their mattress alone. They said that the topper “prevented the [bed’s] springs from causing discomfort.” 

But Finkel, the orthopedic spine surgeon in New Jersey, wouldn’t recommend memory foam for everyone, as the right pillow height and spinal support matter more than the material alone. He says memory foam can have trade-offs for older adults: It has a break-in period of a few weeks, tends to retain heat (which we have seen to be true in some lab testing) and may make changing position in bed more difficult. The ability to move easier in bed “matter[s] for anyone with weakness, neuromuscular disease or recent surgery,” he says. Some alternatives to memory foam that could also suit your needs include latex options. Finkel cites research supporting these alternatives. “...spring and rubber (latex) pillows were the designs shown to reduce neck pain, waking symptoms, and disability in patients with chronic neck pain,” he shared.

4. Comfort wins over cost

When it comes to purchasing the right pillow or mattress topper, respondents said comfort comes first.

In fact, cost or company policies, like warranty or trial periods, were far down on the list of priorities. Value for the price was of just average importance overall. 

Following comfort, people who purchased pillows prioritized pressure relief and firmness as the second- and third-most important features. Older adults who bought mattress toppers prioritized firmness as well, followed by quality of materials and temperature regulation.

5. Spending less doesn’t sacrifice quality

Placing comfort before price doesn’t always mean paying more, however. In fact, the vast majority (95 percent) of older adults who purchased pillows spent $150 apiece or less. Forty-four percent spent $50 or less. 

Meanwhile, 95 percent of respondents who purchased a new mattress topper spent $400 or less. Fifty-five percent spent $200 or less. 

Most of them were satisfied with how much they paid for a sleep accessory. Sixty-nine percent said they would spend the same amount of money on their next pillow because they were “very satisfied,” and another 26 percent said they “might spend that much money again.” Only 5 percent said they wouldn’t because they didn’t think the product was worth it. 

Of respondents who purchased a topper in the last three years, 87 percent said they “completely agree” or “somewhat agree” that they’re happy with their topper and would “repurchase it or recommend it to someone else."

To help you find a new topper or pillow that could help ease pain or make you feel more comfortable, our AARP Smart Picks team has tested dozens of products to find the best sleep accessories (including mattresses). We also recruit older-adult testers who provide honest feedback on every product. So whether you’re on the hunt for the best pillows, the best mattress toppers or other sleep products, we’ve got you covered.

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