Pillow Reviews and Ratings Summary -- Based on Data From Over 7,150 Actual Owners

Page last updated November 18, 2009



 

What You Need To Know
Based on data from over 7,150 actual owners, virtually all bed pillow types have respectable owner satisfaction.

The various brands of each type tend to have similar owner satisfaction, with the exception being memory foam pillows.

In addition, the data shows that paying more for a pillow often does not result in increased satisfaction.

Finally, each pillow type has its own distinct characteristics, advantages and disadvantages that you should know before making a purchase.

In addition to the information below, be sure to view:
Pillow comparison grid
How to choose a pillow
Video on pros and cons of pillow types
Owner data on pillow brands


About Our Research
Our research findings are based on over 7,000 actual pillow owner reviews / comments collected from diverse sources. Click here for more information on our research methodology and why our findings are credible.


Owner Satisfaction
As the graph shows below, virtually all bed pillow types have respectable owner satisfaction. It should be pointed out that while memory foam pillows overall score near the bottom, there are individual memory foam brands that perform better. Click on a pillow type for detailed ratings based on owner experiences.

88%
85%
85%
83%
83%
82%
81%
74%
74%
68%




Pillow Firmness
The chart below shows the firmness level of pillow types based on owner experiences. Keep in mind that this represents what is often, but not always, the case; a particular brand, model or even individual pillow may go against these findings. Also, remember that a firmer pillow will tend to offer better support than a softer one. Those pillows with firmness in the middle of the pack tend to offer a good compromise between softness and firmness / supportiveness.

Cotton
 
Buckwheat
 
Micro bead
 
Memory foam
  
Latex
 
Polyester
 
Water-based
  
Feather
 
Down alternative
 
Down
 
 
      



Sleeping Positions
The diagram below shows whether and how much a pillow type is suitable for back, side and or stomach sleeping positions based on owner data. Keep in mind that this represents what is often, but not always, the case; a particular brand, model or even individual pillow may go against these findings.

When choosing a pillow remember that back sleepers, and especially side sleepers, need substantial loft (but not too much) to keep their spine, neck and head aligned. Stomach sleepers need less loft. In regard to firmness, side sleepers generally want somewhat more softness than back sleepers and stomach sleepers generally want more softness than side sleepers. For more info, see how to choose a pillow.



Pillow Types Summary

Latex
Pros
Good compromise between soft and firm/supportive; holds shape; usually durable and long lasting; effective at pain relief; good air flow; won’t clump, shift or develop hollow spots

Cons
May give off initial odor; may flatten over time; may lack adequate support / firmness; can be pricey

Read detailed latex pillow review and ratings based on over 1,200 actual owner experiences.


Buckwheat
Pros
Supportive; adjustable height / loft; good air flow; durable

Cons
Too firm for some; heavy; some noise; need to experiment to determine right fill quantity to suit individual preference; too small for some; pricey

Read detailed buckwheat pillow review & ratings based on over 260 actual owner experiences.



Down Alternative / Gel
Pros
A down-like feel without the allergies; easy to care for; good air flow; value

Cons
May lack adequate support for some; possible off gassing; some clumping

Read detailed down alternative / gel pillow review & ratings based on over 1,800 actual owner experiences.



Polyester
Pros
Inexpensive; reasonably durable; easy to care for; no odor likely

Cons
Can clump, shift and develop hollow spots

Read detailed polyester pillow review & ratings based on over 120 actual owner experiences.



Water-based
Pros
Pain relieving ability; automatically contouring support; adjustable height and firmness; no smell.  

Cons
Heavy when filled; possible noise problems; need to experiment to determine right water amount to suit individual preference; average durability

Read detailed water pillow review & ratings based on over 125 actual owner experiences.



Down
Pros
Soft; cuddly; crunchable; lightweight; durable; often especially good for side sleepers

Cons
Can lack adequate firmness/support; initial odor possible; can be pricey; may need to be fluffed/shaken regularly

Read detailed down pillow review & ratings based on over 1,000 actual owner experiences.



Cotton
Pros
Good support; allergy-free; natural; absorbent; ease of care

Cons
Too firm for some; tends to flatten and harden over time; average contouring support

Read detailed cotton pillow review & ratings based on over 65 actual owner experiences.



Memory foam
Pros
Good compromise between soft and supportive; contoured support; above average pain relief; increasingly affordable

Cons
Initial off gassing; loft / support may not suit individual needs; may take getting used to

Read detailed memory foam pillow review & ratings based on over 2,000 actual owner experiences.



Feather
Pros
Soft; moldable; cuddly; lightweight; durable; often inexpensive

Cons
Can lack adequate support / loft; quills can poke through cover; some noise / rustling; need to fluff / shake; odor possible

Read detailed feather pillow review & ratings based on over 400 actual owner experiences.



Micro bead
Pros
Generally good support; good air flow; can be effective at pain relief

Cons
Too firm for some; off gassing possible; durability questionable

Read detailed micro bead pillow review & ratings based on over 125 actual owner experiences.