Best Soft Pillows

You spend a significant amount of time sleeping on your pillow each night. It is important to spend those hours on a comfortable and supportive pillow—one that does not leave you waking in pain or discomfort.

For many sleepers, a soft pillow seems like the most obvious choice for comfort. Soft pillows may be especially appealing for stomach sleepers, or those who simply prefer a plusher feel.

If you are considering a soft pillow, there are many options on the market. We’ve narrowed down some of our favorites to aid in your search. We’ll take an in-depth look at each pillow and discuss how to find the best soft pillow for you.

In-Depth Reviews

How to Choose a Soft Pillow

Many bedding companies market their pillows as “soft” or “like sleeping on a cloud” because it sounds enticing and comfortable. However, no pillow is a universal fit, and the best model for you depends on your sleeping style, your personal preference, and other factors.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Soft Pillow

With so many pillow choices on the market today, it is helpful to focus on a few key elements of a pillow to determine which is the right fit for you.

Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position affects how far your head is from the mattress, and therefore what type of pillow you need to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned. Side sleepers generally need a firmer, higher pillow in order to fill the space between the shoulder and the head. Back sleepers tend to prefer a medium loft, medium firm pillow that keeps the neck supported without exaggerating the angle of the head. For stomach sleepers, a softer pillow with a low loft is usually best.

Loft
The loft of a pillow refers to its height when lying flat. Pillow loft is generally categorized as low (less than 3 inches), medium (3 to 5 inches), or high (more than 5 inches). Keep in mind that the pillow usually compresses once your head is laid on the pillow. Thus, pillow loft should be considered in conjunction with pillow firmness, bearing in mind that softer pillows compress more.

Support
A supportive pillow helps keep the head and neck in alignment with the rest of the spine. This allows the shoulders and neck to relax, reducing the chances of soreness in the morning. Typically, firmer pillows are considered more supportive, since they keep the head from sinking. However, the level of support is a product of several factors, and you may find a softer pillow more appropriate depending on your sleeping style.

Firmness Level
Pillow firmness refers to the feel of the pillow and how much your head sinks in. The firmness level varies according to the type and density of the materials in the pillow. Most pillows can be categorized as soft (or plush), medium soft, medium, medium firm, or firm.

Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is tied to firmness, as a pillow that is too hard may cause pressure points if sleepers stay in one position for too long. This is especially relevant for side sleepers, whose ears make prolonged contact with the pillow and may be more sensitive than other areas. Soft pillows or materials that conform closely generally provide better pressure relief.

Shape
Most pillows are rectangular, but some pillows feature unique shapes that are specially designed for certain sleep positions. Many ergonomic pillows, for example, have a structure of curves and dips to support specific areas of the head, neck, and shoulders. Pillows for side sleepers may also have a cut-out section for the shoulders, whereas wedge-shaped pillows are popular with people who want to elevate their upper body.

Price
Pillows come in a wide range of prices, from tens to hundreds of dollars. Pricing is predominantly determined by a pillow’s materials and construction. For example, pillows with organic certifications or those made from premium materials are generally more expensive than synthetic options. Shoppers may also pay more for complex or proprietary designs.

Quality Materials
The quality of materials used in a pillow directly affects its longevity, comfort, and price-point. Cheaply made pillows may be quicker to flatten or become bunchy. Natural materials or denser foams may represent a larger investment at first, but the investment can pay off in the long run if the pillow is more durable.

Moldability
Many sleepers prefer a huggable pillow that can be squashed into different positions while sleeping, or folded in half to make a backrest when reading in bed. Soft pillows tend to have good moldability, though some feature gussets or other designs meant to help them keep their original shape.

Temperature Regulation
Pillows made with breathable materials can help reduce heat buildup and provide a more comfortable sleep surface. To stay cool, both the fill and the cover should allow room for airflow. Materials such as wool, cotton, and latex are naturally breathable. By contrast, materials such as down or memory foam may trap more heat. Manufacturers sometimes use an aerated design, phase change material, or other techniques to promote temperature neutrality.

Who is Best Suited to a Soft Pillow?

Soft pillows are favored by much of the population. For stomach and back sleepers, a soft pillow allows the head to settle down closer to the mattress for optimal spinal alignment. For side sleepers, a soft pillow helps reduce pressure points at the ears. Due to their malleability, soft pillows are also popular with people who like to snuggle or scrunch their pillow into different shapes. A small, soft pillow tucked under the legs or lumbar spine may help relieve pressure in the lower back.

A pillow’s firmness level impacts both pressure relief and support. Sleeping on a pillow that is too firm may be uncomfortable, or even cause pressure points where the head touches the pillow.

However, sleepers should take into account that a softer pillow compresses more when laying on it. This means that side sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds may need to buy a higher pillow to make up for the plush sinking effect. Side and stomach sleepers should also be aware that an overly soft pillow may restrict breathing if it allows the face to sink down too far.

It’s impossible to choose a pillow based on firmness alone, as the loft also plays a very important role. You may also need to consider how plush your mattress is, how much your head weighs, whether you have any special pain points to consider, and your own personal preference.

What Types of Pillows Are There?

Pillows can be constructed from a variety of different materials, each of which come with their own unique feel, level of support, and price-point. Some pillows also combine two or more materials to capitalize on the benefits of each one.

Polyfoam: Polyfoam, or polyurethane foam, is a synthetic material that offers moderate contouring. Polyfoam pillows are usually on the firmer side. They may be aerated with pincore holes to increase airflow, shredded to increase contouring, or blended with other materials to add a sturdier core. Polyfoam pillows are usually quite economical, though they may not last as long as other types.

Memory Foam: Memory foam is also known as viscoelastic polyfoam, a name that accurately captures the material’s ability to contour around the sleeper’s body and then slowly regain its shape when pressure is lifted. The enhanced contouring gives it a softer feel than polyfoam, especially if the memory foam is shredded. Memory foam pillows tend to trap heat, an issue which some manufacturers try to solve by adding gel infusions or phase change material.

Down: Down refers to the soft, light feathers of a goose or duck that lay beneath the coarser outer feathers. A down pillow typically starts out fluffy and then compresses considerably when you lay on it. Down is moldable and durable, but it tends to be expensive and it may trigger allergies. Shoppers interested in animal welfare may want to look for ethically sourced and cruelty-free down.

Down Alternative: Down alternative pillows attempt to provide the same soft, fluffy feel of a down pillow without the use of animal products. Typically made with polyester fibers, down alternative is less expensive than down. Like down, down alternative tends to sink in as weight is applied, which is helpful for pressure relief but which may not provide the support of a foam or latex pillow.

Latex: Made from the sap of the rubber tree or synthesized from chemicals, latex is a durable material that provides a moderate level of contouring and firm support. Latex is naturally breathable, and latex pillows may be aerated with additional holes for increased airflow. Latex is generally firm and comes pre-molded, making it difficult to reshape if needed. However, some latex pillows are made with shredded latex, which is more moldable.

Feather: Feather pillows aren’t quite as fluffy as down pillows, but they tend to be more affordable. Sleepers can also purchase blended feather and down pillows. As with down pillows, feather pillows offer good moldability, and they allow sleepers to sink in quite far. They are quite durable, but with repeated use, they may start to flatten and need to be re-fluffed. Feather pillows may trigger allergies, and they require a bit more effort to keep clean.

Buckwheat: Buckwheat pillows, made from buckwheat hulls that lock together to form a firm, supportive feel, are becoming increasingly popular. Most buckwheat pillows are customizable and allow the user to adjust the loft by adding or removing buckwheat hulls. Buckwheat pillows are very durable and offer great airflow for hot sleepers. However, buckwheat pillows offer minimal pressure relief and may not be a suitable choice for someone who prefers a soft pillow.

Wool: Wool is a durable natural fiber collected from lamb or sheep. Wool fibers have a crimped shape that makes them quite resilient and springy. The fibers also excel at wicking moisture, helping sleepers stay cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Wool is more often added as extra padding, but wool itself typically has a medium firm feel with moderate contouring.

Water: A less common type of pillow is the water pillow, which is typically constructed with a water chamber surrounded by padding. Users may be able to customize the loft and firmness by adding or removing water. Water pillows tend to provide good support and cooling. However, when the water pouch is full, the pillow becomes quite heavy and there is a small potential for leakage.

Pillow covers also come in a variety of materials, such as cotton, polyester, or Tencel. Cotton and Tencel are soft and breathable, while polyester is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to care for. Pillow covers may also be made with blended materials, often featuring stretchy materials such as spandex.

Pillow Firmness and Sleeping Position

A pillow’s job is to support your head at a comfortable height to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned. As sleeping position dictates how far your head is from the mattress, your preferred sleeping position also affects how firm your pillow needs to be. Within the requirements of each sleeping position, individual sleepers may also have their own preferences.

Side Sleepers and Pillow Firmness

Side sleepers typically prefer a medium to firm pillow. Sleeping on your side puts more pressure on the shoulders and creates a sizable gap between the shoulder and head. The pillow must be firm enough to support the neck and take pressure off the shoulders. That said, a pillow that is too firm may cause pressure buildup where the head touches the pillow. Materials like memory foam or latex tend to provide the best balance of pressure relief and support. Gusseted down or down alternative pillows may also hold up better than non-gusseted models.

Back Sleepers and Pillow Firmness

Back sleepers tend to prefer a medium to firm pillow that keeps the head at a neutral angle. Back sleeping doesn’t tend to cause much pressure buildup, as only the back of the head makes contact with the pillow. These sleepers can choose from a wide range of moderately contouring pillow materials, including down, latex, memory foam, polyfoam, and wool.

Stomach Sleepers and Pillow Firmness

Softer pillows are usually better for stomach sleepers, who are prone to pressure buildup from twisting the neck to one side. This pressure is typically less severe with a flatter pillow, as a higher pillow can add extra strain by tilting the head backwards. A pillow made of down, down alternative, or shredded memory foam allows the head to sink in while offering a soft surface for the face. Moldable pillows may also be preferred by stomach sleepers who hug their pillow while they sleep.

What is Pillow Loft?

Pillow loft refers to the height, or thickness, of a pillow when it is resting on a flat surface. Low loft is typically defined as less than 3 inches, medium loft as between 3 and 5 inches, and high loft as more than 5 inches. When considering pillow loft, it helps to remember that most pillows compress when you lay on them. The ideal loft depends on several factors:

• Sleep Position: Side sleepers typically require a pillow with a high loft to keep the head and neck aligned. Back sleepers need a pillow with a medium loft to raise the head just slightly, and stomach sleepers need very little loft to keep the neck at a comfortable angle. Combination sleepers can choose an intermediate loft, or look for a pillow with an ergonomic design.

• Head Size: Sleepers with a heavier or larger head may require a pillow with a higher initial loft, as these individuals experience more compression when laying on the pillow. Children or those with smaller, lightweight heads may opt for a medium or low-loft pillow, as they don’t sink in as far.
• Body Weight: Body weight affects how far the sleeper sinks into the pillow and the mattress. Sleepers over 230 pounds sink into the mattress more, causing the pillow to feel comparatively higher as a result. For these sleepers, a lower pillow may be appropriate. Those who weigh less than 130 pounds stay more on top of the mattress, and may require a higher pillow to lift the head and keep the spine aligned.
• Mattress Firmness: Similar to body weight, mattress firmness affects the extent to which a person sinks into the mattress versus laying on top of it. A soft mattress allows for deeper sinking. By contrast, a firm mattress allows the sleeper to sleep higher on the bed, potentially requiring a higher pillow.

What Pillow Sizes Are Available?

The most common pillow sizes are standard, queen, and king. However, you may also find specialty sizes such as super standard pillows or body pillows. While sizing is fairly standardized, different brands may vary by a few inches, so it’s good policy to check the dimensions before ordering to make sure the pillow fits your pillowcase and your bed. Note that the depth of the pillow doesn’t typically vary, just the width.

• Standard: Measuring 20 inches by 26 inches, the standard pillow is the most common pillow size and it can be used for most sleep positions. One standard pillow fits across a twin mattress, and two standard pillows fill most of the width of a full or queen mattress, while still leaving some space for the sleeper to tuck their arms around either end.
• Super Standard: Super standard pillows are slightly longer than standard pillows, at 20 inches by 28 inches. This size may be a good fit for restless sleepers or those who enjoy a slightly longer pillow. Though it’s suitable for most beds, this size is less common and may be difficult to find.
• Queen: Queen pillows are about 4 inches longer than a standard, measuring 20 inches by 30 inches. They are designed to be used with queen mattresses, though they can also be used with a twin mattress. Queen pillows give sleepers a little more room to play with and because they are so common, they are easy to find and easy to match with pillowcases.
• King: King pillows measure 20 inches by 36 inches. They are beneficial for restless sleepers or those who like to curl up with their pillow. A king pillow is a little too long to fit comfortably on a twin mattress, though it can be used by a single sleeper on a full mattress. Likewise, two king pillows don’t fit on a queen mattress, but they fit perfectly across a king or California king mattress.
• Body Pillow: Body pillows are extra-long pillows designed to provide support for different areas of the body. Sleepers can hug the pillow between the knees to level out the hips, or experiment with other positions. Body pillows are frequently used by side sleepers and pregnant women. The standard dimensions are 20 inches by 54 inches, though it’s not uncommon to find variations.

We discuss some further questions regarding pricing, care and maintenance, and how to identify the best soft pillow for your needs.