About our unbiased Microbead Pillow (Pike Street) review

Our ratings are based on 210+ microbead pillow owner reviews and experiences that were collected using an accurate methodology.

Remember

– The microbead pillow is likely the most polarizing pillow in our research. Owners tend to either love it or hate it.

– If you seek a soft or cuddly pillow, the Pike Street microbead is probably not for you.

– The pillow is available in just one firmness level which most consumers say is medium to firm.

– As many as 20 percent of owners say that their microbead pillow has poor or questionable-at-best durability and longevity.

– The Pikestreet pillow performs above average in its ability to conform and contour to one's head and neck resulting in proper supportiveness and even distribution.

Pillow Reviews > Microbead Pillow Reviews

Microbead Pillow (Pike Street) → Review, Ratings & Complaints Based on Data From 240 Actual Owners

Page last updated January 22, 2012            Bookmark and Share

What You Need To Know

Owner satisfaction: Pike Street microbead pillows have 74% owner satisfaction.

Pros: Generally supportive and conforming; can be effective at pain relief (especially neck and shoulder); good air flow.

Cons: Too firm for some; off gassing odor possible; durability questionable.

What is a microbead pillow? The product is filled with round polystyrene beads called "microbeads," a small version of what is usually found in bean bags. The outer fabric of the pillow is usually made of a soft and elastic material.

Competition: See how microbead pillows compare to other pillow types in the pillow comparison.

Pike Street Microbead Pillow Ratings: As a Group

The report below is based on over 240 microbead pillow owner reviews and experiences that were collected using an unbiased, accurate methodology. The ratings below discuss how the pillows overall as a group are evaluated by owners. For information on specific brands, see the section following this one.

Owner satisfaction fair Pikestreet microbead pillows as a group have 74% owner satisfaction. Owners typically love or hate the product.
Durability / longevity fair Durability / longevity tends to not be a strength of a microbead pillow. A significant number of owners say that the pillow loses its supportiveness and becomes flatter over time. Some report microbeads spilling out.
Price fair The price range is $20-$30. For owners who like the pillow and find that it relieves pain, the pillow is a strong value. For others, it may not be the best buy.
Less pain fair At least 20% of owners report relief from neck, shoulder and back pain, headaches, snoring, muscle tension and more. However, about 15% of owners say that the product causes pain often because it is too firm.
Supportive good Owners tend to agree that the microbead pillow is supportive and won't flatten during the night. Supportiveness can decline, however, as the pillow ages.
Moldable good Microbead pillows typically can conform as well as any pillow type to contours of the body resulting in even distribution, proper support and comfort. However, some adjustment using one's hand may be needed to achieve the desired shape.
Cuddly fair A "cuddly" pillow is one that is soft and huggable, as opposed to hard, rigid, stiff and or heavy. A few owners praise the pillow for this quality.
Firmness variety poor The pillow comes in only one firmness. Most owners consider the firmness to be medium to firm.
Contents won't shift / clump good Generally not an issue.
Loft variety fair Some owners say loft is too low or high. Loft can be adjusted somewhat, however, by either leaving on or removing the casing.
Back sleep good Data suggests that most owners are back sleepers.
Stomach sleep fair May not be ideal for these sleepers because of firmness and loft, but some report good comfort.
Side sleep fair Many side sleepers report good comfort, but a lack of loft is a problem for some.
No initial odor / off gassing fair According to about 8% of owners, the pillow can give off an initial chemical or plastic-like odor.
Air flow good Microbeads allow air to circulate around them, which tends to keep the pillow from getting too warm. Also, because air circulates, moisture evaporates leaving pillow dry. Over time the microbeads will compact somewhat resulting in less air circulation.
No noise fair The pillow is fairly quiet but some owners notice the rustling of the microbeads inside.
Fewer allergies good They are naturally hypoallergenic and resist the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Dust mites don't eat the microbeads.
Ease of use / maintenance good The pillows only seldom if ever need to be fluffed or shaken. Spot cleaning is likely best because some owners report the pillow being destroyed after putting it in the washer.
Lightweight good The product weighs typically no more than one or two pounds.