10 Best Soft Pillows for 2024

What to Consider When Buying a Soft Pillow

Price

Depending on the material, size, and other factors, prices for pillows will vary widely. On this list, pillows start at about 40 dollars (for the Belly Sleeper Pillow) and go up to 223 dollars (for the Cozy Earth silk pillow). If you are looking for a pillow on the lower end of the price spectrum, you might want to avoid materials like silk or expensive down. 

Size

Depending on what size bed you have, your pillow will either be larger or smaller. Usually, you can order pillows in the following sizes: Standard, Queen, or King. A Standard pillow measures 20 x 26 inches, a Queen is 20 x 30 inches, and a King is 20 x 36 inches. Sometimes manufacturers get even more specific than this, though, and you can order pillows in these additional sizes: Super Standard (20 x 28 inches), Euro (16 x 16 to 26 x 26 inches), Body (48 x 20 or 54 x 20 inches), or for your little ones, Toddler (14 x 20 inches).

Materials and Quality

When it comes to the inside of pillows, there is a wide range of materials and quality of materials. For example, polyester fiberfill pillow stuffing is on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to quality. On the higher end, there are materials like down, feathers, memory foam, and latex. Lower quality pillows will typically cost less, but may not last as long or be as supportive for your neck, shoulders, and spine. Also, not many lower-quality pillows are hypoallergenic, an important factor to consider if you have allergies.

Sleep Position

Which pillow you choose might also depend on your sleep position. If you are a side sleeper, you’ll want a pillow that will relieve pain in your shoulder while still supporting your neck and spine. The U-shape of the Eli and Elm Side Sleeper pillow is the best choice for that. If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll want a pillow that is lower to not cramp your neck, such as the Belly Sleep Pillow. People who sleep on their backs have more options, but the Tempur Pedic Cloud pillow is our recommendation for its spinal support and soft, cloud-like feel.

Pillow Loft

Pillow loft is the compressed height of the pillow when your head is resting on it – not when the pillow is just lying on the bed. This is important because it measures how far off the bed your head is while you’re sleeping. This plays a big role in your spine’s proper alignment. 

Depending on your preference and sleeping position, you can choose a low (less than three inches), medium (three to five inches), or high (more than five inches) pillow loft. Back and side sleepers should go with a medium or high loft, whereas stomach sleepers should choose a low loft. 

Support

Even if you love a good, soft pillow, it’s important that it still supports your neck. This is why a purely down or feather pillow with no layers is probably not the best choice for support, no matter how soft and comfortable it feels. We’ve only listed options with support layers here. When shopping for a pillow, make sure your neck feels supported. You should feel the pillow higher under your neck than under your head so that your head lies flat. This should give you proper spinal alignment. If your pillow is not supporting your neck, you’ll likely feel it as neck, back, or shoulder pain.

Firmness

Some pillows are firmer while others are more plush. Typically, firm pillows offer great support for the neck and head, but they might feel too rigid or uncomfortable for some people. In this case, a medium-firm or soft pillow would be a better choice. Likewise, a softer pillow might not feel comfortable for some sleepers who are better off with a firmer, more rigid-feeling pillow. 

For those who like a variety of firmness options or are combination sleepers, a pillow with adjustable firmness might be the solution. 

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is about evenly distributing weight. If you sleep on your side, you should look for a pillow that removes the pressure from your shoulder on the mattress by evenly distributing your weight. If you sleep on your back or stomach, you’ll want a pillow that relieves the pressure from the neck and back. 

Finding a pillow with the right amount of support is key. Many people love memory foam for its ability to contour the body and relieve pressure in sensitive areas.

Pillow Shape

Unless you’re shopping for something decorative, pillows for sleeping on your bed will typically come in one shape: rectangular. There are some exceptions to this rule, though, like the U-shaped Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow, specifically shaped to accommodate side sleepers. 

More commonly, different types of pillows have varying fill shapes. For example, there are three typical shapes of foam pillows: shredded, molded, and noodle. Each of these contours the neck and shoulders differently for support. Furthermore, this could affect breathability, with shredded foam providing more airflow than solid foam. If you’re buying a foam pillow, test out several options and find the right feel for your body.

Cooling

Certain types of pillows tend to sleep hotter than others. Memory foam, for example, tends to be dense and traps heat without cooling features added. If you are a hot sleeper, you’ll need to keep this in mind since much of your heat escapes through your feet, hands, and head. 

Companies are now using specific materials to keep pillows cooler, such as gel memory foam, latex, cotton, bamboo, and linen. These will all help manage heat distribution in the body by keeping your head cooler. 

Trial and Warranty

Many quality pillow companies offer trial periods or warranties. A trial period might be anywhere from 30 to 100 nights. Usually, you’ll be able to send the pillow back at no shipping charge if you don’t like it. 

Warranties can last anywhere from one year to five years or “forever,” in the case of the Belly Sleep Pillow. They generally ensure that the company will replace or repair your pillow if it is defective at the company’s fault, but warranties are typically specific to the product or company. 

Therefore, be sure you’re checking the website and reading the fine print when it comes to the trial period and the warranty. See if there are any conditions, hidden fees associated with returning the pillow, or fine print about refunds or exchanges. If you have questions, contact someone at the company via Support. 

Types of Pillows

Foam

Foam pillows come in two main varieties: polyfoam and memory foam. 

• Polyfoam – Polyfoam is a synthetic alternative made from petroleum. Though similar to memory foam, it lacks the added chemicals that give memory foam that distinct “sinking” feel. Polyfoam is usually the least expensive type of foam and often sleeps cooler than memory foam. However, it may come with a strong smell when you first unpack it.
• Memory foam – Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam, is distinctly known for its “sinking in” feeling. This foam has a slow response time, which means it contours to the head and neck like a good hug. Memory foam pillow is good for relieving pressure points and providing support. This material tends to retain more heat than other types of pillows, but buying a memory foam pillow with cooling gel can help this. 

Down

Down pillows are made from the insulating under-feathers of ducks, geese, and swans. Goose down tends to be the more luxurious and expensive option, as goose down usually has larger tufts so these pillows have a higher loft and better insulation. 

Down pillows feel incredibly soft, fluffy, and light. Since they are filled with soft feathers, they don’t provide as much support or retain their shape as well as other types of pillows and may need to be re-fluffed throughout the night. Therefore, they’re not the best option for side sleepers who need some extra loft in their pillow but might work well for stomach sleepers.

Down Alternative

Down alternative pillows have a similar feel to down pillows but are filled with synthetic down or polyester fibers. These are a great option for those who love the feel of down but are allergic, are on a tighter budget, or are looking for a vegan / animal-free option. 

Like down, down alternative pillows will flatten over time and need to be fluffed. When looking for a down alternative pillow, keep an eye out for its “fill powers,” meaning, the amount of filling it has. Typically this ranges between 550 – 800. Generally, the higher the fill power, the better quality the pillow.

Latex

Latex pillows are made from the sap of rubber trees, a more natural alternative to some other materials. Latex pillows tend to feel bouncier than memory foam and not quite as contouring. They also don’t retain heat and are naturally resistant to dust mites and mold, making them a good option for those with allergies. Latex tends to be one of the more expensive materials for pillows, but their durability means they should last a long time.

Feather

Whereas down pillows are made from the quill-less, softer feathers from the chest and underbelly of birds, feather pillows are made from the quilled feathers from their wings and backs. They tend to be less expensive than down pillows but can also have some drawbacks. Feather pillows tend to flatten more quickly, and since these feathers have quills, they might poke you through the pillow.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat pillows are packed with buckwheat hulls and tend to have a high firmness level. They are often seen as an alternative to memory foam, as they provide a lot of contouring support but don’t have the drawbacks of off-gassing or heat retention. 

Their height and level of support can be adjusted by adding or removing husks from the pillow, and they are hypoallergenic. The downside is, these pillows tend to be noisy (imagine a beanbag), so these may not be the best option for you if you change your position a lot at night.

Read More: Best Buckwheat Pillows

Wool

Wool pillows are made from the wool of sheep and are generally thought of as environmentally and animal-friendly since the sheep aren’t harmed in this process. They tend to be heavier, flatter, and firmer than other types of pillows but hold their shape relatively well. Counterintuitively, they are a good choice for those who sleep hot at night because their natural fibers tend to wick away moisture. They’re also ideal for those who have allergies — unless you happen to be allergic to wool.

Water

Water pillows have a water-filled base layer that supports an outer polyester layer, surrounded by a cotton case. They are highly adjustable – you just add or remove water from the pouch to change the loft and level of firmness of the pillow. 

The water-filled base responds well to your movements throughout the night, so these pillows are a good solution for those who move around during their sleep. Just make sure not to let in any air bubbles when filling the base or else you might hear a sloshing noise when you move. 

What Pillow Firmness is Best?

Choosing a pillow often comes down to choosing a firmness level, and the firmness level is all about your sleeping position. Depending on whether you’re a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper, you’ll need a different level of firmness and support.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a pillow that will fill the space from their neck to the edge of their shoulders in order to keep their neck in a neutral position. Typically, a pillow with a medium-firm or firm level of support will work well here, since a too-soft pillow will cause your head to gradually sink. This will throw your spine out of neutral alignment and likely cause you neck pain in the morning. 

Learn More: Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers will want to look for all things medium – a medium loft and a medium firmness. This will keep your head supported enough for proper spinal alignment. The pillow won’t be so soft that it will lose its shape underneath your head, and it won’t be so firm that it doesn’t yield to the pressure of your head, which would feel uncomfortable. 

Read More: Best Pillows for Back Sleepers

Stomach Sleepers

The firmer the pillow, the greater the odds your neck will be lifted, and if you’re on your stomach, this means the neck could be lifted out of alignment with the rest of your spine. Therefore, stomach sleepers should choose a softer pillow with a lower firmness and loft. 

For More Information: Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers should go for a medium firmness and loft, or better still, find an adjustable pillow. This way, you can customize your pillow’s firmness so that it feels the most comfortable for your unique sleeping habits. 

What is the Loft?

The loft is the compressed height of the pillow when your head is lying on it. Typically, the loft of the pillow will be low (less than three inches), medium (three to five inches), or high (more than five inches). Choosing the loft that works well for you will depend on your personal preference and sleeping position. Side sleepers, for example, will need a medium or high loft. Back sleepers will need a medium loft. Stomach sleepers will need a low loft.

Pillow Sizes

When you’re shopping for new pillows, you’ll want to find the right size for your bed space. The following list shows the standard dimensions of each commonly-discussed pillow size.

• Standard – 20″ x 26″
• Super Standard – 20″ x 28″
• Queen – 20″ x 30″
• King – 20″ x 36″
• Euro – 
  • 26″ x 26″
  • 24″ x 24″
  • 22″ x 22″
  • 20″ x 20″
  • 18″ x 18″
  • 16″ x 16″
• Body – 
  • 54″ x 20″
  • 48″ x 20″
• Toddler – 14″ x 20″

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pillow to sleep on?

The best pillow for you depends on your unique preferences and sleeping positions. If you are a side sleeper, you’ll want a firmer pillow or one that is uniquely shaped for side sleepers. If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll want a softer pillow that’s lower in height, and if you sleep on your back, you’ll want a medium pillow that contours to support your head and neck. You’ll also need to take into account other features such as cooling and natural or hypoallergenic materials. 

Are firm or soft pillows better for side sleepers?

In order to keep the spine properly aligned, side sleepers typically do better with firmer pillows. A pillow that’s too soft will cause the head to sink, leading to pressure in the shoulder and neck. That being said, you can find a pillow that has a supportive interior but still feels soft on the outside if that’s your preference.

How much does a soft pillow cost?

Depending on the quality of materials used, soft pillows can cost anywhere from 20 dollars to over 200 dollars. Soft materials like polyester fiberfill will cost less than down, memory foam, or latex, but these will also be less durable.

When should I replace my pillow?

The general rule is that you should replace your pillow every one or two years. This does vary depending on what type of pillow you have, though. Memory foam, for example, will tend to sag after about one year. Latex, on the other hand, is a more durable material and doesn’t need replacing until about two years. 

Which pillows are the softest?

Down, silk, down alternative, and some types of memory foam tend to be the softest pillows, though this will vary depending on the pillow’s fill and construction. 

Is it good to sleep on a soft pillow?

Soft pillows can be a great option, especially for stomach sleepers. You’ll just want to make sure that even though your pillow feels soft, it still provides enough support for your neck and head to maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night. 

How plush should my pillow be?

How plush or soft your pillow should be will depend a lot on you. What position do you sleep in? What is your comfort preference? If you tend to sleep on your back, you’ll want a pillow with more medium firmness. If you are a side sleeper, you’ll want something on the medium to firm side of things, and if you are a stomach sleeper, you might do well with something on the softer side. Again, it comes down to personal preference and spinal alignment, so be sure to test out pillows in the soft, medium, and firm categories and see what works for you. Many companies allow for a free trial period with their pillows.