Memory Foam Pillow Reviews You Can Actually Trust
No commission • No endorsements • Based on owner experiences • Since 2008 • More
THE GOOD: Often soft yet supportive • tends to conform effectively to head and neck • no noise • loft adjustable for some models.
THE BAD: Initial off gassing odor possible • can be somewhat pricey • firmness excessive for some.
THE PILLOWS: Memory foam is made from polyurethane with additional chemicals added to increase density. The pillows come in different varieties including shredded and one-piece.
THE COMPETITION: Memory foam pillows often compete most directly with latex pillows. See how memory foam compares to other pillow types in the pillow reviews summary.
Memory Foam Pillow Ratings: As a Group
The following table shows how the two main types of memory foam pillows – shredded (consisting of many small, separate pieces of memory foam) and one-piece (consisting of a single piece of memory foam) – rate against the average pillow.
| SHREDDED | 1‑PIECE | ||
| Affordable | D+ | C+ | Prices are often $30-$75. Shredded averages about $50, 1-piece about $42. Paying a higher price does not necessarily result in higher satisfaction. |
| Durability / longevity | B- | c | Shredded tends to last longer given its ability to be fluffed. Both types will lose “memory” and support over time. Expect on average a 3-4 year lifespan. |
| Less (neck) pain | B | b- | 18% of owners say their pillow results in less (neck) pain. About 8%, however, report increased pain, often due to excessive firmness or lack of support. |
| Support | B | b- | Most owners say their memory foam pillow provides adequate or better support and holds its shape. |
| Minimizes pressure | A | B+ | Memory foam contours to the head / neck better than other pillows resulting in more equal weight distribution and above average pressure relief. |
| Moldable | B | d | "Moldable" means the pillow can be easily altered or scrunched to increase comfort / support. Shredded, unlike 1-piece, offers at least some moldability. |
| Cuddly | B+ | C | A "cuddly" pillow is soft and huggable – not hard, rigid, stiff or oddly shaped. |
| Contents won't shift / clump | C+ | A | A strength of one-piece memory foam pillows. Shredded has less stable contents which may shift somewhat during the night. |
| Not a heat trap | B- | C- | About 5% of owners (1 in 20) of the shredded type report excessive and bothersome heat retention vs about 10% of owners (1 in 10) for the one-piece type. |
| No initial odor / off gassing | D+ | d+ | 8%+ of owners (1 in 13) report significant off gassing – a chemical-like odor occurring due to manufacturing & packaging. It often ends after a few days but can persist longer. Headaches, nausea, eye / throat irritation, sweating, insomnia & asthma from off gassing occur for about 2% of owners. |
| Short break in | B- | C | Break-in time is mostly similar to that of the average pillow. |
| Easy to lift, move | C | C+ | Memory foam pillows, especially the shredded type, weigh at least average, usually around 3 lbs. |
| No noise | B+ | b+ | Some covers may make a rustling sound when compressed. The pillows themselves are silent. |
| Fewer allergies | B+ | b- | The foam is antimicrobial and resistant to allergens. Dust mites reportedly do not eat the foam but still may live inside to feed on shedded skin cells. |
| Easy to maintain | C | A | Shredded memory foam pillows may require occasional fluffing. One-piece types do not. |
| Can be thoroughly cleaned | A- | C- | The one-piece type should be spot cleaned. The shredded type can usually be machine washed. |
Top-Rated Memory Foam Pillows: Comparison, Prices, Specs
The table below evaluates memory foam pillows with 83% or better owner satisfaction based on at least 300 owner experiences. Important: Information regarding firmness, loft and sleep position shows what tends to be true for owners. Your personal evaluation may differ.
| Snuggle- Pedic | Blue Wave Slim | Coop Home Goods | WeekEnder |
| Owner Satisfaction (sample) | |||
| 87% (3,985) | 87% (352) | 86% (15,259) | 83% (682) |
| Price | |||
| $50-$70 | $40-$49 | $55-$65 | $30-$47 |
| Retailer | |||
| amazon | amazon | amazon | amazon |
| Type | |||
| shredded | 1 piece | shredded | 1 piece |
| Shape | |||
| traditional | traditional | traditional | traditional |
| Firmness | |||
| med | med-firm | med to firm | med |
| Loft* | |||
| low to high | low (2.6") or less | low to high | med-high (6" est) |
| Adjustable loft | |||
| yes | no | yes | no |
| Sleep Position Best Suited For | |||
| all | back, stomach | all | side, back |
| Person Size Best Suited For | |||
| small, avg, large | small, avg | small, avg, large | avg, large |
| Weight (standard / queen) | |||
| 4 lbs fully filled | 2.6 - 2 lbs | 3.5 lbs fully filled | 2.75 lbs |
| Sizes Avail. | |||
| standard, queen, king | standard | standard, queen, king | standard, queen, king |
| Pillow Machine Washable | |||
| yes | no | yes | no |
| Cover | |||
| 56% polyester / 43% bamboo | 60% polyester / 40% bamboo | 60% polyester / 40% bamboo | 100% polyester |
* See the pillow loft guide and loft calculators.
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About our unbiased memory foam pillow reviews and research
Ratings are based on 20,000 actual memory foam bed pillow owner reviews and experiences that were collected using an accurate research methodology.