The best memory foam pillows for 2026, tested and reviewed

Unless you've been living under a rock (or sleeping on an ancient spring mattress that could use replacing), you're probably at least a little bit familiar with memory foam. Developed in the 1960s by a NASA researcher, memory foam (or, its technical name, viscoelastic polyurethane) has slowly made its way into everything from wheelchairs and sports equipment to mattresses and — why we're here — pillows, thanks to its body-contouring, pressure-relieving capabilities. The best memory foam pillows are not just cushy and supportive, but they also respond to your every move. They also come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and many are even adjustable.

As a senior home editor at Yahoo, I, along with my colleagues, have spent the past few months sinking into options (quite literally). All in all, we've tested more than a dozen memory foam bed pillows , assessing them for look, feel, responsiveness and cooling properties. Whether you're seeking a solid foam pillow that specializes in stability or a shredded foam pillow that offers a bit more flexibility, you've come to the right place. 

Best memory foam pillows for 2026

Factors to consider when choosing a memory foam pillow

• Fill/memory foam type:Solid memory foam, consisting of a dense block, tends to provide more support and stability, while shredded memory foam offers greater flexibility and breathability. "Heavy people may find that shredded foam doesn't support them as well as a solid memory foam surface would," explains Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, an orthopedic and spinal surgeon and founder of The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care . Alternatively, he says he'd recommend shredded memory foam to "most people who sleep hot, toss and turn, or want some cushion without the sinking feeling."

• Dimensions:Wider pillows allow for more wiggle room, especially for those with larger frames. When it comes to height (or thickness), Dr. Theresa Marko, American Physical Therapy Association spokesperson and founder of Marko Physical Therapy PLLC in New York City, notes that thin pillows provide cushioning without altering spinal alignment, while thick pillows fill the spaces created by the natural curvature of the spine and hips. "When you're on your back, you want to fill up the space that is often created underneath your neck between the shoulders and your neck," she advises. "Same with sleeping on your side — you need to take up the amount of space from your shoulder to your head/neck, and that is going to be different for everyone since we all have different body sizes."

• Firmness:Memory foam is generally firm, though shredded memory foam has more give. The upside of a firm pillow is that it typically maintains shape and offers the most support, explains Marko. For back sleepers, a lower, firm pillow often works best, says Okubadejo, supporting the natural curve of your neck without pushing your head too far forward. 

• Care instructions:Many of the pillows we tested feature machine-washable covers for easy cleaning. Remember to always remove pillow fill before doing so, unless otherwise instructed.

• Adjustability:A lot of brands now offer adjustable pillows, with extra pillow pads and/or fill so that you can customize the height and/or cushiness of your pillow — either initially or with time as needed. As a general rule, as long as the pillow case has a zipper, you can "flatten" any shredded foam pillow by simply removing some of the fill.

• Cooling technology:Given their warmer nature, many foam pillows are now infused or layered with gel, says Okubadejo. Opting for a percale or viscose pillowcase, or one designed with cooling technology, can also help keep you dry throughout the night.

• Certifications: Oeko-Tex , Made Safe , Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US-certified products must meet certain safety standards, and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic products must meet a list of established criteria for ecological and social responsibility.

How we test pillows

My fellow Yahoo home editors and I put each pillow through a series of tests to see if it deserves a spot on your bed. Here is a quick rundown:

• Design:After we unbox each pillow, we note how fast the pillow takes its proper shape and if there are any imperfections. We put the pillow in a standard-size cotton pillowcase to see if it fits.

• Performance:Each tester sleeps on the pillow for at least three nights and reports back on how comfortable the pillow was, if it offered good support and whether or not it had any cooling properties. We also measure the pillow's height before and after sleeping on it to assess whether it retains its shape.

• Care:We prioritize pillows that are machine-washable or come with covers that can go in the washer and dryer. Based on the pillow's care label, we determine how easy maintenance will be.

Note: Most of the shredded memory foam pillows we tested are adjustable, allowing you to add or remove fill to achieve different heights and firmnesses. We tested these pillows as they arrived, and in instances where they came with extra filling, at peak cushiness.

Other memory foam pillows we tested

Avocado Green Side-Sleeper Pillow :This pillow isn't quite as adaptive (or "memory foam-ish") as the Honeydew pillow, and the pillowcase is spot-clean only, which is why I didn't choose it as a top pick. But I did find it comfy (in its arrival state, and even more so once I added about half of the additional cushioning it comes with). The generous size offers plenty of wiggle room, and I like that the materials are not only Oeko-Tex- , Made Safe -, and Greenguard Gold-certified , but also GOTS-certified, making it a good option for someone with a larger frame and/or who prefers an organic option.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow :Made with a breathable lyocell cover that seemed very durable and a shredded foam/down alternative fill, this pillow felt cool to the touch. But at 6 inches thick and without much give, it felt a bit too high for sleeping on my side or back. I tested the Classic shape in the standard size, which, at 19 by 25 inches, was on the smaller side. Also, this pillow isn't adjustable like the other shredded foam pillows I evaluated.

Bedgear Storm Performance Pillow :Like our top Luxome pick, this pillow is really customizable. The shell unzips to reveal a shredded memory foam pillow on one side and a solid memory foam pillow on the other. And it's even more breathable, with a seemingly durable cover that's slightly cooler to the touch and several air pockets throughout for added ventilation. I ultimately went with the Luxome option because I found the height slightly more comfortable, especially for back-sleeping (and it's $50 cheaper). But I'd consider this a good choice for someone who wants the option to switch between shredded memory foam and thick, solid memory foam.

Saybrook Sleep Adjustable Pillow :This pillow is firm, cushy and responsive. It measured 7.5 in thickness upon arrival and retained its oomph throughout my testing. It was a little high for my liking, and given the firmness, I couldn't really settle in when side-sleeping, and especially back-sleeping. But you can remove some of the filling via the hidden zipper, and it comes with a cooling gel cover that makes it the coldest in this segment. I'd consider it a good pick for those with broader shoulders, or who run hot and don't mind tinkering with the filling.

Coop Eden Adjustable Pillow :Coop's Eden is made with a gel-infused shredded memory foam and microfiber blend, encased in a polyester and bamboo-derived viscose cover. Our tester, Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity , found the pillow a bit too flat and unsupportive for side-sleeping, but perfect with half a bag of the included fill added. However, she did note in her review that it took a beat for the pillow to take its full shape — and that the cooling sensation she initially felt didn't last through the night.

​ Tempur-Cloud Adjustable Pillow :This pillow is adjustable, affordable and, despite its bumpy exterior, cushy (Schweitzer confirmed that, as its name would suggest, it did, in fact, feel like sleeping on a cloud). As with the adjustable pillows above, it wasn't quite as supportive as the other Tempur-Pedic memory foam pillows she tested, especially for side sleepers.

​ Tempur-Cloud Hybrid Pillow :This pillow features a solid memory foam layer on one side and a shredded memory foam layer on the other. You can sleep on the former for firmer support, or the latter for cushier support. At 7 inches thick, this pillow might be a little too tall for shorter, smaller individuals (Schweitzer, who is very petite, found this to be the case). It's worth noting that you can remove pieces from the shredded side to adjust the pillow volume, but it'll sacrifice some of the fullness.

Cushion Lab CloudLoft Pillow :The CloudLoft is constructed of microfiber and foam, and it's machine-washable for easy cleaning. Our tester, Home Optimization Editor Elizabeth Berry , found it too flat for her liking — even with fluffing — and somewhat lumpy rather than smooth and cushy.

Memory foam pillow FAQs

What is memory foam?

First off, you should know there are two types: solid memory foam and shredded memory foam . Solid memory foam is a very dense, responsive foam (also known as polyurethane foam or Tempur-Pedic foam). It's designed to contour and cradle the curves of your head and neck. "Memory foam responds to pressure and softens with body heat, molding to your shape and then slowly returning to its original form," explains Okubadejo.

Shredded memory foam pillows, on the other hand, feature many smaller pieces of memory foam rather than a single large piece. Adds Okubadejo, "The advantage to this is that it's much easier to shift and manipulate. It allows your body to sink in where you apply pressure without experiencing the sluggish feel of traditional memory foam." 

Who should use a memory foam pillow?

"Memory foam usually works well for side sleepers and many back sleepers who want cushioning but still need support," advises Okubadejo. "Firmer memory foam or high-density foam pillows typically perform better than very soft pillow fills because they are less likely to flatten overnight." 

Memory foam is also worth considering if you have allergies, says Marko. But in the end, it all comes down to what you find most comfortable. "If you're waking up in pain, consider seeing a physical therapist who can figure out the source of your discomfort and offer tips to help you sleep more comfortably," she advises. 

How do you clean memory foam pillows?

Avoid machine-washing or -drying memory foam, which can cause it to break down and lose its shape (and become less supportive) over time. Instead, try spot-cleaning foam mattresses and pillows with a light water and baking soda solution, advise experts , and allow them to properly air-dry to help prevent mold or bacterial growth from excessive moisture.

How to clean different foam products can depend on their materials and construction, so it's important to read your item's dedicated care instructions. Otherwise, try to prioritize machine-washable pillow covers and cases.

Are memory foam pillows cooling?

The catch with solid memory foam being so dense, Okubadejo explains, is that it tends to trap heat. For a cooler option, consider a solid foam pillow with perforations for added ventilation, or a shredded foam pillow that, through gaps in foam pieces, allows heat to escape. Many brands also offer gel-infused or -lined pillows, as well as mixed layers and materials, for greater breathability and versatility.

Meet our experts

• Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, orthopedic and spinal surgeon, The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care

• Dr. Theresa Marko, spokesperson, APTA and founder, Marko Physical Therapy PLLC