Top-Rated Pillows, Endorsed by Real Simple Mag Editors
Discover the ultimate slumber oasis with our elevated pillow picks, tested for comfort, support, and long-lasting quality. From the best pillow for your wallet to the most cooling pillows, we've got you covered. Here are our top five recommendations.
The Crest of Comfort: Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow
Kick off your nightly dreams on our absolute favorite, the Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow. This ergonomic marvel caters to both back and side sleepers (or a delightful mix of both). Despite its unique crescent shape, finding the perfect pillowcase might present a minor challenge, but it's worth the hunt. The pillow has a curved supportive structure that remarkably prevents those annoying bedroll escapades, ensuring a peaceful slumber all night long.
Our six-month testing journey with the Comfortfit Pillow resulted in a lasting favorite—we haven't looked back since. The pillow's feel, a harmonious blend of memory foam and down alternative, offers just the right balance to keep you cozy without overheating. The breathable, hypoallergenic cover adds an extra layer of cool comfort to an already winning design. If you're a side or back sleeper searching for your ideal match, we wholeheartedly recommend diving into the world of the Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow.
Sizes: Standard, king | Fill: Memory foam and down alternative blend | Cover: Lyocell blend | Return Policy: 100 nights via manufacturer | Machine Washable: Ultimate shape pillow: Yes; Curved and Classic shape pillows: Spot clean only
The Affordable Dream Maker: Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that won't skimp on quality, dip your toes into the plush world of the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow. With its unsurpassable softness and flexibility, this pillow adapts to your sleeping position like a long-lost partner. The pillow's adaptability comes to play when you need to adjust its height, making it a stellar choice for those who constantly switch positions.
Sleep tension? Forget about it! We found ourselves waking up free of that dreaded neck pain we usually suffered from with firmer pillows. The Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow comes in a single size, perfect for all types of sleepers. Although it's not the best pillow choice for those who prefer firm options, it's a fantastic find for all others. When the battle between cost and pampering arises, team up with the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow.
Sizes: Standard| Fill: 75% down, 25% feather | Cover: 70% cotton, 30% lyocell | Return Policy: 365 days | Machine Washable: Yes
The Silky Sweet Dream Cloud: Coop Adjustable Pillow

Looking for the latest and greatest in cooling innovation? Let the Coop Adjustable Pillow be your chilly companion. This pillow comes with not one, but TWO sides: a soft side for a cloud-like slumber and a firm side if you're a hardcore supporter of structure. This dual-sided pillow is a dream come true for those who can't make up their minds.
Our testing team couldn't get enough of this pillow's exquisite comfort and unmatched support. The Coop Adjustable Pillow effortlessly adjusted to our preferred positions, leaving us feeling like we'd reached cloud nine. The pillow's effectiveness in maintaining a perfect temperature depended entirely on the chosen side, making it a versatile all-rounder in our sleepwear rotation.
Sizes: Queen, king | Fill: Gel-infused shredded memory foam and microfiber | Cover: Polyethylene, polyester, and spandex | Return Policy: 100 days via manufacturer | Machine Washable: Yes
The Luxurious Nest: Lincove Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow
Treat yourself to the true royalty of pillows with the Lincove Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow. This opulent pillow, bursting with 100% down, offers a transcendental sleeping experience that will transport you to a lovely goose-feather heaven.
We reveled in the pillow's plushness and the harmony it brought to our sleep space—it consistently boosted our sleep quality with its able balance between firm and soft support. One of the best things about this pillow? It's a body hugger that could double as a small body pillow, guaranteeing a cradle-like slumber every night. The Lincove Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow isn't just for the kings and queens among us; it's for anyone who delights in seizing daily royalty within the comfort of their own bed.
Sizes: Standard, king, queen | Fill: 100% down | Cover: 100% cotton | Return Policy: 90 days | Machine Washable: No
The Down Alternative Angel: Columbia Down-Alternative Pillow
Discover the heavenly side of down alternatives with the Columbia Down-Alternative Pillow. This constant companion in our sleep trials can proudly claim to have been our go-to pillow for six long months. The Columbia Down-Alternative Pillow excels at cushioning side sleepers, providing the perfect height and firmness to minimize neck pain.

We enjoyed the pillow's middle-ground texture: neither too soft nor too firm, which presented a delightful dose of comfort with a side of support. The pillow's cooling technology is effective but not as potent as we'd like, so feel free to leave the pillowcase behind for maximum effect. The Columbia Down-Alternative Pillow's reliable performance and outstanding comfort will make it the star of your sleep space for years to come.
Sizes: Standard/queen, king | Fill: Down-alternative fill | Cover: Polyester | Return Policy: 60-90 days | Machine Washable: Yes
The Final Verdict
When it comes to the best sleep experience, the Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow reigns supreme as our overall top pick, delivering a deluxe haven for all types of sleepers. For those looking to cut down on costs, the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow is a delightful alternative that won't break the bank.
The Real Science Behind a Good Night's Sleep
Embracing the perfect pillow isn't just a random whim—an ideal sleep atmosphere that addresses your unique needs and preferences is essential to a rejuvenating slumber. Making informed decisions about pillows entails considering factors such as firmness, loft, and cooling properties to ensure your neck is properly supported and free of discomfort.
- Back Sleepers: You'll want a medium-lofted pillow to maintain a neutral spine alignment and prevent unwanted strain.
- Stomach Sleepers: Keep things flat with a lower profile pillow that doesn't raise your head too high.
- Side Sleepers: A taller, firmer pillow is key to filling the gap between your neck and the mattress, providing optimal support.
- Combination Sleepers: The versatility of adjustable pillows will cater to your ability to customize and accommodate multiple positions as needed.
Don't skimp on the details when it comes to selecting your perfect pillow. A successful shopping spree will lead you to a bedtime experience that will leave you feeling like you've struck gold in the fountain of youth every single night.
Sweet dreams, dreamers!
- The Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow, our absolute favorite, is a must-try for those seeking an ergonomic and supportive slumber experience.
- The ergonomic crescent shape of the Comfortfit Pillow might present a challenge in finding the perfect pillowcase, but it's worth the effort for a peaceful sleep all night long.
- With a harmonious blend of memory foam and down alternative, the Comfortfit Pillow offers just the right balance to keep you cozy without overheating.
- The pillow's breathable, hypoallergenic cover adds an extra layer of cool comfort to an already winning design.
- For budget-conscious shoppers, the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow offers unsurpassable softness and flexibility at an affordable price.
- The Lincove Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow is a luxurious choice, bursting with 100% down for a transcendental sleeping experience fit for royalty.
- For those looking for cooling innovation, the Coop Adjustable Pillow comes with two sides to cater to both soft and firm supporters of structure.
- The Real Science Behind a Good Night's Sleep emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions about pillows, considering factors like firmness, loft, and cooling properties to ensure proper support and neck comfort.