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A comfortable good night’s sleep is all you want after a long day. While the mattress you choose is of utmost importance, the pillows that go with it are equally, if not more, significant. These two go hand in hand and one, without the other, doesn’t adequately serve its purpose of rejuvenating you.
With so many types of pillows out there in the market, one of the leading choices these days are memory foam pillows. As the name suggests, it is made of a dense foam that quite literally retains the memory of your head. It molds itself to accommodate the shape and weight of your head, before eventually reverting to its original form. This quality lends these pillows a vast degree of orthopedic benefits, establishing them as a more superior option than other types of pillows.
Why Should You Use a Memory Foam Pillow?
Albeit not as expensive as some types of pillows, memory foam pillows are certainly not the cheapest option out there. Yet, it proves to be one of the most popular choices these days, owing to the unique health and otherwise benefits it provides its users.
Contours to Your Head and Neck
By virtue of its design, memory foam adapts and responds to the warmth and pressure provided by your head. They adjust their shape as you move throughout the night, retaining the edges and providing personalized support to your head and neck. This eventually results in a much more comfortable sleep than that with a traditional pillowcase.
Eliminates Pressure Points
As memory foam responds to pressure changes, it sinks deeper where your head lies than where the lighter areas such as your neck lie. This means that the pillow does not reform any more than it needs to, preventing the buildup of any pressure points.
This is because equal pressure is applied to all parts of your head and weight is equally distributed throughout your body, ensuring that you no longer wake up with a heavy head. Therefore, the best memory foam pillows are highly recommended for those with sensitive necks.
Aligns Your Spine
When you sleep on a regular pillow, your head is tilted above your neck, creating an uncomfortable position. Thus, you toss and turn in your sleep, searching for that one perfect position before you wake up with neck pain.
Memory foam holds your neck in a comfortable position by adapting to its natural curvature, taking away the need for you to change your position and allowing you to have a deep, cozy slumber. Therefore, your spine will be stationary for a significant enough time to allow your muscles and ligaments to heal in a timely fashion. This luxury of long-term orthopedic benefits is a staple of the best memory foam pillows.
Relieves Pain
As mentioned above, the spinal alignment and better posture provided by the best memory foam pillows prevent you from any annoying neck and back pain the following morning. It is the uncomfortable neck position that leads to headaches, migraines, and other such conditions, none of which exist when a better posture is maintained.
Besides that, it’s neither too firm nor too soft in nature, and optimum height (not too high, not too low) creates an optimum position for your neck, the warmth, and comfort of it easing the sleeper’s pain. There is no pressure at all on your joints. This unique property of the best memory foam pillows to alleviate pain makes them highly suitable for those suffering from chronic shoulder, neck, or back pain.
Provides Soundless Sleep
As memory foam wipes out the concept of a tilted neck, there is no longer any hindrance to your airways. As air can freely pass, sound cannot and that means a soundless, disturbance-free sleep for your partner.
Does Not Cause Allergies
The synthetic material of memory foam is bactericidal and non-toxic, disallowing the growth of any microorganisms that could later be inhaled. Besides prevention from infections, its constitution does not allow it to store bedbugs and dust mites that not only enhance safety but also translates into a longer lifespan of the pillows.
Long Durability
Memory foam is primarily made of polyurethane which is chemically substituted to make it denser than other types of pillows. This higher density is linked to its long durability, the best memory foam pillows lasting longer than 3 years (as compared to 6-12 months with other materials).
Moreover, as memory foam pillows revert to their original shape as it cools after the pressure is removed, it doesn’t flatten out as quickly as you would imagine. It retains its shape for a long time, making them cost-effective.
Choosing a Memory Foam Pillow
Owing to these health benefits, memory foam pillows are a booming market. Many companies have made this their primary product to cater to its ever-growing demand, while others have revolutionized the technology to incorporate unique features. All in all, it has become increasingly difficult to find the best memory foam pillow.
Since pillows are an integral part of your life, there are numerous aspects to consider, such as your sleeping position, the thickness of the pillow, what it’s filled with, and its size, among other things. Even in memory foam pillows alone, there are different kinds. These include traditional, contour, shredded, and wedge memory foam. All in all, there are way too many choices out there.
Luckily for you, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to purchase pillows before you find the one that fits you. We have done that for you. Read below to find out the five best memory foam pillows currently available in the market, along with personalized reviews by our team. While all of them provide the essential health benefits listed above and all of them are easily washable, they each have their unique pros and cons.
ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Pros
- Available in three different sizes (Standard, Queen firm, and Queen soft)
- Customizable height, by inserting or removing memory foam inserts
- Company’s return/exchange guarantee
- Odorless
As a side sleeper, this plush pillow was a haven for my neck. I have always been picky about the thickness of what I am laying on and thankfully, this company has some of the best policies out there. Not that I needed it, I had the option to get it exchanged if I found it too soft or too hard and that kind of confidence in your product can only mean something hopeful. A not-so-extreme option of adjusting its thickness also exists which is truly a blessing in disguise!
I tried the Queen Soft version (the other versions were also tested) as I suffer from chronic neck pain and a night on this was remarkable. The shredded memory foam inserts in its breathable inner cover made this pillow so airy, my spine had the exact cervical support it required. I woke up fresh, with no pain at all!
I was surprised (in a good way!) by the sheer size of this orthopedic pillow. Despite my large head, it still had some room for my shoulders, giving them the luxury of its comfort. My sensitive skin was also complemented by the super soft fabric of its polyester and cotton outer cover.
If you are not a side sleeper, worry not! ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow was also tried and tested by the front and back sleepers here at Sleep Underground and they also only had positive things to say about it. The company guidelines assist on how best to use the pillow, depending on your style of sleep.
If you are a sleeper with versatile positions or need something to rid you of your neck and back pain, ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam is one of the best memory foam pillows out there for you.
UTTU Sandwich Bamboo Pillow
Pros
- Retains its hardness in cold weather
- Soft, original bamboo cover that acts as a cooling agent
Cons
- Thickness not as adjustable as only the three large blocks of memory foam are removable, instead of smaller chunks
- Available in only one size
If you are a side sleeper like me, UTTU’s Sandwich Pillow is the best memory foam pillow out there! The three blocks of memory foam did look hard (in my defense, it is 4.7 inches high) at first sight, I am glad to have been proven wrong as the contouring provided by this curved orthopedic pillow was exceptional. It cradled my neck perfectly and I woke up with no pain at all, which is very rare for someone with chronic neck pain.
While most of the back sleepers at Sleep Underground found this pillow relaxing, some of them did find it a bit hard, having woken up with a stiff neck. The lesser degree of control over its thickness was a disappointment for them. These complaints, however, were marginal which is why this pillow still makes it to our shortlist of the best memory foam pillows.
The best thing about this pillow is its ability to stay cool all the time. As mentioned above, my skin is extremely sensitive which is why it’s bamboo (40%) cover ensures I don’t wake up at night feeling warm, fidgeting for the temperature regulator. The bamboo felt extremely smooth against my skin. Moreover, its dynamic foam retains its softness in winters too which makes me optimistic about not having to spend more money on a memory foam pillow anytime soon.
The one thing that bugged me about this pillow was the positioning of its zipper. Unlike the traditional pillows where it is located on the side, this one has its zipper positioned in the center of the pillow’s face. I had to be extra careful keeping that face-down, so I am not taken aback by the sharp pinch on my face. However, this minor inconvenience is not a hill I am willing to die on, given the outstandingly unique plus points this sandwich pillow otherwise offers.
Pros
- Adjustable thickness by controlling the amount of foam inserted
- Lifetime replacement and money-back guarantee
- Soft and airy due to shredded memory foam
Cons
- Strong off-gassing (chemicals involved in manufacture released after removal of plastic) odor
- Heavy-weight
If a company provides me with a lifetime replacement warranty for their product, I would be tempted to check that out. No one has that kind of faith in their products, let alone something like pillows that usually last not more than one year. That was the case with DreamyBlue Premium Pillows for me and I couldn’t be more grateful that I decided to take the plunge.
Like other options available on this list, this pillow is optimum for all kinds of sleepers, giving your spine the support it yearns for. Being a fan of soft cushions, this one is the softest out there, which is surprising given its weight of 6.29 pounds (one of the heaviest options out there). The shredded memory foam got my seal of approval the moment I laid my head on its bamboo-derived rayon cover. I did not even need to turn to find an optimal position, which was bad for my productivity since I never wanted to leave the bed, but you lose something to get something.
Not that it counts a lot but this one had the best packaging, the large blue boxes aesthetic, sophisticated, and welcoming enough to store for future use. The major downside to this pillow, however, was that after unpacking, the pillow had a considerably strong factory-like smell that bothered me. Albeit it did go away after 2-3 days, I shouldn’t have to wait that long to make use of this warm and cozy beauty.
If you want something urgently, this may not be the best option but if you desire the softest option out there, DreamyBlue is the best memory foam pillow available.
EnerPlex Memory Foam Pillow
Pros
- Highest foam count, all of which can be added or removed for a customizable experience
- Large size
Cons
- Inconvenient drying before use
- Unpleasant off-gassing odor, though not as high as some other pillows
When I first saw the size of this huge pillow after stuffing it with the foam provided, I was convinced that it would feel disproportionate under my head, but the softness of its shredded memory foam was a pleasant surprise. It is neither too soft nor too firm and while my head didn’t sink into it, it did provide adequate cushioning to my neck and shoulders.
Like the other pillows on this list, I woke up well-rested and painless, its soft bamboo cover having done an excellent job at providing me comfort. While I was a fan of its large size, it may be cumbersome for those who hug pillows to sleep. Besides hugging, it doesn’t matter how you sleep because this memory foam pillow is one of the best ones for all sleeping positions.
I didn’t need it because I loved its large, fluffier-than-life nature, the amount of foam that comes with this pillow is unparalleled, making it more adjustable than almost all the pillows that exist. As it molds to your comfort, you avail all its benefits at your leisure.
What irked me about this pillow was the company’s instructions on washing and drying the pillow before use. While the washing was seamless, it was impossible to dry and fluff this pillow in the machine, contrary to the company’s claims. It took quite a few Google searches to figure out the best method to dry these pillows before I could finally use this giant beast of an orthopedic pillow.
Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Pros
- Suffused with temperature-regulating gel
- Ventilated pillow that allows air circulation and distribution of body heat
- Available in three different sizes
- Extremely light
Cons
- Simple design
- Very low response time
I wasn’t too attracted by its design on the first look but many positive reviews and our mission to make your sleep more comfortable made me finally check it out and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Out of all the pillows I tried, this one was the lightest and while that may be an issue for some, it was a delight for me.
Also made of bamboo, its soft and warm cover was pleasant to touch, and even on its first night, I was welcomed to an extremely comfortable slumber. Be it its contouring or its elimination of pressure points, Weekender certainly knows what it’s doing. They truly ensure that you use their product not just on the weekends.
The best thing about this pillow is its temperature regulation, the gel making the entire experience pleasingly cool. As I mentioned above, I despise having to wake up at midnight due to hotness and that problem has been eliminated. What I loved about this pillow was not just its ability to cool my regions north of the shoulder, its ventilated design is the cherry on top, evenly distributing my body heat so I have a deep, restful sleep.
My only problem with this pillow was its low response time. Memory foam pillows respond to the pressure of your head and revert to their original size once that pressure is removed. These pillows do just that, except that they do it too soon. If I removed my head for just 5 seconds, the pillow would expand to its original size. Yes, it would go back again soon but the whole back and forth was initially annoying until I got used to it enough to focus on its glaring positives.
The Bottom Line
There is no argument to the significant health and comfort benefits posed by memory foam pillows. Even if you do not commit to them, you must try this experience at least once in your lifetime and we can guarantee you wouldn’t regret it. With the information presented above, it should now be easier for you to browse the plethora of options available for the best memory foam pillow based on your needs and wants.
