About our unbiased pillow reviews and research

Our research findings are based on over 10,000 pillow owner reviews and experiences that were collected using an accurate methodology.

We receive NO compensation of any kind from any company, organization or individual to affect in any way or degree the content of our pillow research.

remember

– More expensive pillows overall as a group tend to have no higher owner satisfaction than less expensive pillows.

– It is important to consider your mattress type and sleeping position when selecting a pillow. See How To Choose a Pillow for more information.

– Firm, contouring and supportive pillows, including buckwheat and microbead types, tend to be the most effective in providing pain reduction, including neck pain relief.

– Polyester pillows are the most popular pillow type, mainly because of their respectable owner satisfaction and low price.


Pillow Reviews & Ratings Summary → Based on Data From 11,800+ Actual Owners

Page last updated January 22, 2012           Bookmark and Share

What You Need To Know

Although the various pillow types have similar owner satisfaction, they can differ in many ways including pain-relief ability, firmness, suitability for sleeping positions, maintenance needs and price.

For more on their differences and similarities, pros and cons, see the pillow comparison which is based on thousands of actual owner experiences.

Page Contents

– Pillow Type Satisfaction
– Pillow Firmness
– Pain Reduction & Pillow Types
– Sleeping Positions & Pillows
– Video of Different Pillow Types
– Pros & Cons of Pillow Types

Pillow Type Owner Satisfaction Ratings

Click on a pillow type for a detailed review, including brand / model ratings and comparison based on actual owner experiences.

Buckwheat   85%
Latex   84%
Down alternative   83%
Polyester   83%
Water-based   82%
Down   80%
Feather   79%
Memory Foam   77%
Micro bead   76%

Pillow Firmness

The chart below shows the firmness level of pillow types based on owner / consumer experiences. Keep in mind that this represents what is often, but not always, the case; a particular brand, model or individual pillow may go against these findings.

Buckwheat    
Micro bead    
Latex    
Memory Foam    
Water-based    
Polyester    
Feather    
Down alternative    
Down    
  Firmer Softer

Pain Reduction of the Pillow Types

Some pillows are better at relieving pain than others, including neck and shoulder pain. Pillows that provide effective contouring support tend to perform best on this issue. The chart below shows the pain reduction ability of pillow types based on owner / consumer experiences. Keep in mind that this represents what is often, but not always, the case; a particular brand, model or individual pillow may go against these findings.

Water-based    
Latex    
Buckwheat    
Micro bead    
Memory Foam    
Down alternative    
Polyester    
Down    
Feather    
  Less pain relief More pain relief

Sleeping Positions and Pillow Types

The chart below shows the suitability of the various pillow types for back, side and or stomach sleepers. It represents what is often, but not always, the case; a particular brand, model or individual pillow may go against these findings.

Click on a pillow type below to learn how specific brands / models rate for sleeping positions.

  Side Back Stomach
Buckwheat Good Good Fair-Poor
Down Fair-Good Good Good-Fair
Latex Good Good-Fair Fair
Water-based Good Good Fair
Down alternative Good-Fair Good Fair-Good
Polyester Good Good Fair
Feather Fair-Good Good-Fair Fair-Good
Memory Foam Good-Fair Good Fair
Micro bead Good-Fair Good Fair

Sleep Like The Dead Editor Discusses Pros and Cons of Several Pillow Types

Summary of the Pros and Cons of Pillow Types


Down Pillows

Pros: Usually soft, cuddly and scrunchable; lightweight; durable; quiet; good air flow.

Cons: Can lack adequate loft and support; initial odor possible; can be pricey; may need to be fluffed/shaken regularly; feathers may escape case.

Read detailed down pillow review & ratings based on over 1,600 actual owner experiences.


Down Alternative / "Gel" Pillows

Pros: Generally soft; reasonably priced; cuddly; moldable.

Cons: May lack adequate support and firmness for some people; questionable longevity; clumping / lumpiness likely as they age; may require regular fluffing.

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

Buckwheat Pillows

Pros: Generally supportive and contouring; above average neck pain relief; can adjust height / loft by adding or removing hulls; good air flow.

Cons: Too firm for some; some noise; too small for some; fairly heavy; odor possible; may need to experiment to determine right fill quantity.

Read detailed buckwheat pillow review & ratings based on over 450 actual owner experiences.

Latex Pillows

Pros: Good compromise between soft and firm/supportive; usually holds shape; effective at pain relief; won’t clump or develop hollow spots.

Cons: May give off initial odor; may flatten somewhat over time; can be pricey; can feel unnatural to some.

Read detailed latex pillow review & ratings based on over 1,500 actual owner experiences.

Polyester Pillows

Pros: Often inexpensive; easy to care for; no odor likely.

Cons: Can be lumpy; contents may shift and develop hollow spots.

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

Water-based (Mediflow) Pillows

Pros: Pain relieving ability; contouring support; adjustable loft and firmness; few odor complaints.

Cons: Heavy when filled; possible noise issues; need to experiment to determine right water amount to suit individual preference; average durability; fairly pricey.

Read detailed water pillow review & ratings based on 325 actual owner experiences.

Memory Foam Pillows

Pros: Good compromise between soft and supportive; above average pain relief; contoured support; quiet; contents won't clump or shift; easy to care for.

Cons: Initial off gassing odor possible; loft / support may not suit individual needs; too firm for some people; may act as a heat trap; overall value questionable.

Read detailed memory foam pillow review & ratings based on over 3,000 actual owner experiences.

Feather Pillows

Pros: Soft; moldable; cuddly; fairly long-lasting and durable; often inexpensive; value.

Cons: Can lack adequate support and loft; quills may poke through cover; some noise / rustling; need to fluff / shake to maintain loft and comfort; odor possible.

Read detailed feather pillow review & ratings based on over 115 actual owner experiences.

Microbead (Pike Street) Pillows

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.

Read detailed micro bead pillow review & ratings based on 287 actual owner experiences.