Best supportive pillows to keep you aligned and comfortable

When you’re in the market for new bedroom pillows, it might be tempting to go to HomeGoods and grab the first pillow you see off the shelf, but putting more thought into the shopping process can lead to better, more refreshing sleep. When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, it’s important to consider the position you sleep in, whether you tend to run hot while you sleep and how supported your neck is. Below, you’ll find my guide to the best supportive pillows for various needs and preferences.

What to consider when buying supportive pillows

Firmness

It’s important to pay attention to the firmness level of the pillow, according to sleep medicine doctor Chester Wu, M.D. “If you have neck pain, look for a pillow that cools, has medium firmness and is made of rubber,” he advises. “Research suggests a cool and not-too-hard pillow may improve sleep quality. A cool pillow will help reduce the head and core temperature during sleep, which is important for deep sleep. A medium-firm pillow can provide enough support to keep the cervical spine in a neutral position.”

Material

A pillow with the right material, like a memory foam pillow, can help keep you supported and feeling better. “When it comes to pillow material selection for those with neck pain, another study compared rubber, foam, polyester and feather pillows. According to this study, rubber pillows were the best at managing neck pain on waking. The study advised against the use of feather pillows,” says Wu.

Health conditions

When shopping for the proper pillow, keep any health conditions in mind. “Individuals experiencing health conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, snoring or congestion, can consider buying a wedge pillow. Elevating your head during sleep can improve symptoms, and potentially sleep quality, for all four conditions,” suggests Wu. “Additionally, those with back, neck and/or shoulder pain may benefit from a wedge pillow because it can help promote proper spinal alignment and relieve pressure in those areas.”

Our top picks for the best supportive pillows

Best supportive pillow for a combination sleeper: Nappler Side and Back Sleeper Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief

Finding the right pillow for combination sleepers can be difficult because it generally requires different firmness levels. This combination option from Nappler — for both side and back sleepers — provides comfort and calmness for under $40. It’s customizable and adjustable so you can find the right firmness for your body.

Specifications:

• Size: Standard, queen, king.
• Outer cover: 65% polyester, 35% cotton.
• Cover material: Cotton.
• Fill: Memory foam.
• Warranty: Not listed.
• Firmness: Medium and firm.
• Price on publish: $39.99.

What we like:

• Great price.
• Customizable.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention an odd smell at first, but that can happen with memory foam and it usually dissipates quickly.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

If you’re looking for a solution to your combination sleep needs, this is a great option for side and back sleepers.

Get it here: Nappler Side and Back Sleeper Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief

Best budget supportive pillow: EPABO Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Pillow

When shopping for any item, your budget may be at the forefront of your mind. Why overpay for something, especially if you can find a quality product for less money? This memory foam pillow features some noticeable contouring, which can help your body to stay in a proper position, and it’s under $40.

Specifications:

• Size: Standard, queen, near king.
• Outer cover: Not listed.
• Cover material: Hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend.
• Fill: Memory foam.
• Warranty: 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
• Firmness: Soft.
• Price on publish: $35.69.

What we like:

• 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
• Inexpensive.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention they would prefer it to be firmer for side sleeping.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

If you’re looking for a supportive pillow within your budget, this option is under $40.

Get it here: EPABO Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Pillow

Best soft supportive pillow: Your Moon Soft Pillow Fluffy Down Alternative

If you prefer a soft pillow, go with the Your Moon Soft Pillow, which will comfort you through the night. It has a 100% plant-based down alternative filling and the covers are 100% cotton, keeping things breathable and cool throughout the night. Best of all, this pillow is under $35.

Specifications:

• Size: Standard, queen, king.
• Outer cover: Plant-based, sustainable, natural, Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified.
• Cover material: Cotton.
• Fill: 100% plant-based down alternative.
• Warranty: Not listed.
• Firmness: Plush.
• Price on publish: $33.98.

What we like:

• Under $35.
• Plant-based, sustainable material.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention a slight crinkling sound that can be annoying when breaking in the pillow.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

If you’re shopping for a soft but supportive pillow, this one from Your Moon is the ideal option.

Get it here: Your Moon Soft Pillow Fluffy Down Alternative

Best supportive travel neck pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

As already mentioned in our article about the best travel pillows, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow provides essential support for long flights. Whether you tend to lean forward, back or to the side, you’ll have proper neck support and won’t wake up in pain.

Specifications:

• Size: 9.8 inches long x 6.7 inches wide x 2.7 inches deep.
• Outer cover: Not listed.
• Cover material: OEKO-TEX 95% viscose, 5% elastomer.
• Fill: BASF memory foam core.
• Warranty: Not listed.
• Firmness: Not listed.
• Price on publish: $69.

What we like:

• Six fun colors.
• 360-degree support for your neck.
• Memory foam.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mentioned that it can be tight, so pay close attention to the measurements.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

Rest is essential on flights, especially long flights, and a proper neck pillow can help.

Get it here: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best supportive pillow for neck pain: Turmerry Organic Latex Contour Pillow

Wu recommends the Organic Latex Contour Pillow from Turmerry for those looking for neck relief at night. Rubber pillows are ideal for managing neck pain and this pillow is made using organic, OEKO-TEX-certified, eco-INSTITUT-certified latex grown on a rubber tree farm. It also has an organic cotton casing.

Specifications:

• Size: 21 inches long x 15 inches wide x 5 inches high.
• Outer cover: Not listed.
• Cover material: Organic cotton casing.
• Fill: Organic OEKO-TEX and eco-INSTITUT-certified latex.
• Warranty: Two years.
• Firmness: Medium or firm.
• Price on publish: $89.

What we like:

• Free shipping.
• 120-day return policy.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention it’s not as firm as they’d like.

The bottom line:

If you’re looking for a good rubber pillow to manage your neck pain, try the Turmerry Organic Latex Contour Pillow.

Get it here: Turmerry Organic Latex Contour Pillow

Best supportive pillow for spinal alignment: Anvo Memory Foam Neck Contour Cervical Orthopedic Pillow

It’s important to keep your spine properly aligned throughout the night, and this Anvo Memory Foam Pillow will do the job, as well as helping you relax your muscles. It’s designed to keep your head, back and neck properly supported, is CertiPUR-US-certified and durable, all for under $35 at the time of writing.

Specifications:

• Size: Standard.
• Outer cover: Breathable.
• Cover material: Not listed.
• Fill: Memory foam.
• Warranty: Not listed.
• Firmness: Firm or soft.
• Price on publish: $34.39.

What we like:

• CertiPUR-US-certified.
• Inexpensive.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews warn that this pillow is very firm (more so than expected).

The AP Buyline takeaway:

If you’re looking for a proper pillow to keep your spine aligned — and your back feeling good — the Anvo Memory Foam Pillow is a great choice.

Get it here: Anvo Memory Foam Neck Contour Cervical Orthopedic Pillow

Best supportive pillow for pressure relief: Cushion Lab Deep Sleep Pillow

The quality of sleep you get has a huge impact on your life, so it’s important to remain comfortable and keep any pain at bay while sleeping. The Cushion Lab Deep Sleep Pillow is designed to relieve pressure for side and back sleepers, offering proper support and, with its FreshFace pillowcase, also claims to promote anti-aging.

Specifications:

• Size: 24 inches wide x 16 inches long x 5 inches high.
• Outer cover: FreshFace pillowcase.
• Cover material: Not listed.
• Fill: Memory foam.
• Warranty: Not listed.
• Firmness: Soft.
• Price on publish: $88.

What we like:

• Washable.
• Anti-wrinkle and anti-hair frizz pillowcase.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention a strong smell.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

If you’re looking for a pillow designed for pressure relief, this is a great choice. The pillowcase can even help to prevent wrinkles and hair frizz.

Get it here: Cushion Lab Deep Sleep Pillow

Best supportive pillow for back and stomach sleepers: Blissbury King Stomach Sleeping Pillow

You may have more than one sleeping position, especially if you toss and turn throughout the night. A pillow that works for both back and stomach sleepers, then, can be super helpful. This Blissbury pillow is extremely thin and made from cooling foam, and you can look forward to a restful night of sleep for under $50.

Specifications:

• Size: Standard, queen, king.
• Outer cover: Not listed.
• Cover material: Rayon and polyester.
• Fill: Memory foam.
• Warranty: Not listed.
• Firmness: Soft.
• Price on publish: $49.99.

What we like:

• Inexpensive.
• Thin.
• Cooling foam.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mentioned there was a strong smell that took a while to go away (again, fairly common with memory foam).

The AP Buyline takeaway:

If you’re looking for a thin pillow that offers good support for both back and stomach sleepers, try this option from Blissbury.

Get it here: Blissbury King Stomach Sleeping Pillow

Best supportive pillow for side sleepers: Elviros FlutterShape Cervical Memory Foam Pillow

Side sleepers generally need a pillow with solid firmness to support the neck and keep the spine aligned, while also keeping your arm from falling asleep. This pillow comes in both soft and firm for side sleepers and is ideal for keeping the pressure off your arm and preventing your neck from being strained.

Specifications:

• Size: Standard, queen, king.
• Outer cover: Breathable.
• Cover material: 62% polyester, 38% ice silk viscose.
• Fill: Cervical memory foam.
• Warranty: Not listed.
• Firmness: Firm or soft.
• Price on publish: $46.

What we like:

• Comes in six neutral colors.
• Under $50.
• CertiPUR-US-certified and OEKO-TEX-approved.
• Nontoxic and hypoallergenic.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention it can take a little time to get used to.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

For a pillow firm enough to keep a side sleeper aligned and comfortable, go with this option from Elviros.

Get it here: Elviros FlutterShape Cervical Memory Foam Pillow

Best luxury supportive pillow: Coop The EdenCool+ Adjustable Pillow

The Coop EdenCool+ Adjustable Pillow may have a higher price tag, but in my opinion, you can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep. It’s designed to provide proper support while also keeping you cool throughout the night. It features gel memory foam and a heat-wicking liner. If the firmness is off slightly, you can adjust it with the extra filling. This breathable option is perfect for a luxurious, supportive feel.

Specifications:

• Size: Queen, king.
• Outer cover: Machine washable cover.
• Cover material: Not listed.
• Fill: 100% virgin foam fill.
• Warranty: 100-night, risk-free trial.
• Firmness: Adjustable.
• Price on publish: $139.

What we like:

• Free delivery and returns.
• Free trial.
• GREENGUARD Gold.
• CertiPUR-US-certified.

What we don’t like:

The AP Buyline takeaway:

It might have a hefty price tag, but this Coop EdenCool+ Adjustable Pillow is great for feeling luxurious.

Get it here: Coop The EdenCool+ Adjustable Pillow

How we selected the best supportive pillows

Expert advice

I interviewed sleep medicine doctor Chester Wu, M.D., for expert advice on what to look for when shopping for the best supportive pillows.

Research

I also researched positive and negative reviews to narrow down the list of the best supportive pillows. “It’s important to note that research on the best type of pillow for any sleeper is limited,” says Wu. “Studies are small and lack standardization across pillow types, and most studies are based on self-reported sleep quality data. Similar to studies on mattresses, we know individual preference — when it comes to decisions around bedroom pillows — generally wins out. If you have pain or difficulty sleeping due to a medical issue, talk to your doctor, but otherwise, the issue of individual preference, plus a lack of scientific consensus, means the type of pillow you choose is up to you. Some experimentation might be required!”

Pillow features

At first glance, a pillow might seem like a straightforward purchase, but it comes with many different features. Some of these features can make things more comfortable and convenient for you. For example, you can buy something machine washable if you want to be able to clean it easily.

Fill types in pillows

Prioritizing the material in the pillow is essential when it comes to avoiding any irritation and making sure you’re getting proper support. “Memory foam is the most popular choice because it is soft and supportive. You may also want to check that the material is hypoallergenic and breathable,” says Wu.

Type of pillow for each sleep position

Based on your sleep position, you want to look at the firmness of the pillows you’re shopping for. “If you are a side sleeper, you may want a firmer wedge pillow,” says Wu. “If you’re a back sleeper, you may want a softer wedge pillow. But the best firmness for you will depend on your personal preferences.”

How to maintain and care for supportive pillows

Knowing how to wash pillows and taking proper care of them can help them maintain their quality over time. However, the steps for caring for and maintaining your pillow in the long run depend on each individual product. Some can be thrown right in the wash, while others need to be spot-cleaned with a little baking soda or vinegar. It all depends on the material and filling, so be sure to check the care instructions.

What is the ideal loft for a supportive pillow?

The ideal loft for a supportive pillow depends on your preference, sleep position and what feels comfortable for you.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can supportive pillows help with back pain?

If you find the proper pillow for the support you need, it can help with back and neck pain. Depending on the pillow, it can even assist with supporting hips, joints and your shoulders.

Do supportive pillows come in different sizes?

Sizes vary, depending on if it’s for a specialized need, like a body pillow. Generally, most pillows come in standard, queen and king sizes.

How long do supportive pillows last?

The majority of pillows last for a year or two before they should be replaced. It depends on the pillow, normal wear and tear and the material.

Are latex pillows better than memory foam for support?

Based on user reviews, memory foam tends to be the more popular option as it’s incredibly comfortable and supportive.

Related articles: