Memory foam gets its name from being able to contour around and mold to the shape of you, accommodating entirely to your needs. Soft yet supportive, this squishy material kind of sounds like the perfect bed partner. Forget your boyfriend — a memory foam pillow is much more comfortable.
I might be biased since I'm single, but I personally love sleeping on memory foam. Truthfully, it's a pretty polarizing cushion type. Similarly to the great "socks on or off in bed" debate, you either love it or hate it. If you're already used to the sinkable plush top of a memory foam mattress, then a pillow in the same material is only going to make your sleep experience better, in my opinion.
I'd also point front sleepers in the direction of other best-rated pillows instead, as the thick foam is known for being better for side and back sleepers. Otherwise, these are the six memory foam pillows for unforgettable sleep.
6 amazing memory-foam pillows
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Most popular memory foam pillow
Filling: Dual-sided memory foam and gel pillow
Cover: 100% 330 TC cotton
Firmness: Adjustable
Care: Machine wash and tumble dry cover only
+ Adjustable
+ Temperature regulating
+ Reasonable price
This reversible pillow is the best of both (sides of the pillow). It features a cool gel fiber fill on one side and a cozy memory foam on the other that's encased in 330-TC cotton. It takes flipping your pillow over in the middle of the night to a whole new level. Customizable for all kinds of sleepers.
Best bamboo memory foam pillow
Filling: Memory foam
Cover: 80% polyester, 20% rayon from bamboo
Firmness: Medium
Care: Machine wash and tumble dry
+ Adjustable
+ CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- More expensive
For memory-foam lovers who want peace of mind, Coop Home's shredded foam-filled pillow is a fan favorite. Entirely adjustable to suit every sleep style and encased in a breathable bamboo-blend cover, you can't go wrong with this customizable cozy option. It's spendy but worth the investment.
Best cooling memory foam pillow
Filling: Memory foam
Firmness: Medium
Cover: Bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester
Care: Washable cover
+ Temperature regulating
+ Great price point
- Not great for front sleepers
The Weekender pillow addresses a common complaint about memory foam: overheating. The gel-infused foam and ventilated design are made to keep you cool with a thick 5-inch loft. FYI: it's great for back and side sleepers, but it may be too high for stomach sleepers to keep their spine aligned.
Most affordable memory foam pillow
Filling: Gel memory foam
Firmness: Soft/medium
Cover: 100% cotton
Care: Wash on cold and air dry
+ For all sleepers
+ Cooling gel layer
+ OEKO-TEX Certified
- May need to re-plump
This ever-popular pillow from Beckham's Hotel Collection is a great Amazon find at only $49.99 for two. It's beloved for its premium feel and affordable price. You won't need to check into a fancy hotel to get more than just a standard night's sleep.
Best shredded memory foam pillow
Filling: Shredded foam
Cover: Bamboo blend
Firmness: Adjustable
Care: Spot clean or dry clean
+ Super breathable
+ Oeko-Tex® certified
- More expensive
Nolah's squishy pillow sounds so comfy, even before trying it. If it's too firm for your liking when it first shows up, you can adjust the shredded foam to find the perfect plushness. It has a breathable bamboo cover, too. It may seem expensive, but it comes in a pack of two.
Softest memory-foam pillow
Filling: TEMPUR® foam
Cover: 100% polyester knit
Firmness: Adjustable
Care: Machine wash and dry cover only
+ Super soft
+ Adjustable
- Not firm enough for some
This super-soft memory foam pillow will have you feeling like you're on cloud nine, as the saying goes. It's filled with the coziest TEMPUR® foam that cushions your head perfectly. Some may find it too soft, but if plushness is what you're after, this one is the dream!
How we chose these memory foam pillows
Just like we did when choosing a memory foam mattress, we researched, read reviews, and compared products that claimed to be ultra cozy. For those we have tested, we've made sure to balance comfort, sleep quality, and price, so you can find the best value pillow for your budget. We've called a few of these memory foam pillows in, for example, to get hands (or heads) on experience.
Is memory foam the best pillow?
If you've read our five-step guide to choosing the perfect pillow, you'll know there are a few things to look out for: material, sleep style, filling, size, and budget. Memory foam can be a love-it or hate-it material, so it's really down to personal preference.
Memory foam can generally make a pillow hard and boxy, as opposed to a plush feather-filled option. Once resting your head, it sinks and molds around your neck for cushioning and support. It is known for being best for back sleepers since it cradles the head without your neck hitting the mattress. It's also okay for side sleepers as the thickness and height can work well to keep your spine aligned. Front sleepers, I'd stay away.
