Shopping·6 min read

7 Pillows to Help Every Type of Sleeper Get a Better Rest

Best pillows for every kind of sleeper
Design: theSkimm | Image: Buffy, Brooklinen
March 7, 2023

This post was originally published in August 2022 and has been updated.

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Your pillow shouldn’t be the reason you lose sleep. If you find yourself tossing and turning, fluffing and flattening, you might be in need of a bedtime upgrade. No matter how you sleep — on your back, side or stomach — we’ve pulled together some options for every preference. From cube pillows meant for side sleepers to memory foam pillows that cradle your head and neck, and even pregnancy pillows you’ll find yourself using long after the little one comes (or even if you don’t have a little one coming), here are our recs for the best pillows for every kind of sleeper. Go ahead, hit the snooze button

Wraparound pillow
Buffy

A wraparound support pillow for wiggly sleepers…

It’s basically a long twisty tube that you can move around wherever and however you see fit, whether you’re pregnant or just looking for a comfier way to Netflix and chill. It’s almost 7 feet long and has been filled with about 55 bottles of plastic — extra-fluffy spun plastic, that is. The outside is made from ultra-smooth Tencel lyocell fibers that get softer with every wash and are also 100% recyclable. We rec adding a pillow cover (made with recycled polyester and colored with earth-friendly synthetic dye) for extra comfort and style. ($84.15, Buffy)

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Memory foam pillow
Brooklinen

A memory foam pillow designed to help your back and neck pain…

With a blend of 20% polyester to create the perfect balance of comfort and adjustable support. This one’s got a zipper that can adjust the firmness of your pillow and adapt to your sleeping habits. Plus, it comes with cooling-infused foam and breathable mesh so you won’t overheat. It’s available in two sizes, and buy ’em in a pack of two or three to save more. Say hello to a good night’s sleep. ($65, Brooklinen)

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Side sleepers pillow
Pillow Cube

A cube pillow intended to provide comfort for side sleepers…

Say ‘hi’ to waking up without a stiff neck and ‘bye’ to night sweats, thanks to this pillow’s frozen fibers that’ll keep you 10 degrees cooler. It’s shaped like an ice cube and comes in three different sizes — regular, thick, and thin. We rec those with broader shoulders go with the thick size so your head and shoulders will rest even with the pillow. ($134.99, Pillow Cube)

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Bamboo pillow
Amazon

A breathable bamboo pillow that’ll adapt to your sleeping style…

It’s got a machine-washable bamboo-and-poly-blend cover, and is designed to deliver optimal cooling, comfort, and air circulation during the night. Get it in a queen or king size or as a body pillow that measures 4 feet long. Psst…pop this one in the dryer for five minutes after removing it from its bag to fluff it up once it arrives. ($26.98+, Amazon)

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Memory foam pillow
The Cushion Lab

A patented pillow meant to help you get your deepest sleep…

On account of its soft, zero-pressure cushioning and contour support that will cradle your head and neck — no matter your snoozin’ style. And when you wake up, you won’t have to worry about frizzy hair or skin creases thanks to a super-smooth included pillowcase made from a nylon and spandex blend. Doesn’t get much better than that. ($89, Cushion Lab)

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Pregnancy pillow
Bed Bath and Beyond

A pregnancy pillow that’ll stabilize you on both sides…

And won’t move while you sleep, thanks to its unique contoured design that supports your head, neck, back, hips, and tummy. You’ll be able to position it no matter where you’re sitting or sleeping. It’s filled with a cotton and polyester blend, and it’s machine washable. Psst…customers say they use this pillow well into their fourth trimesters and rec snagging one for couch use too. ($54.99, Bed Bath and Beyond)

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side sleeping pillow
Amazon

An adaptive foam pillow great for back and side support…

Aka it’s been custom cut instead of shredded for better support and breathability. This one incorporates two cooling features — cooling gel beads that trap and pull heat away from you and a graphite layer that ensures you’re always lying on the cool side of the pillow. It has a hypoallergenic cover, has been Oeko-Tex 100 certified (which means it’s been tested for potentially harmful chemicals), and is available in standard and king sizes. Let’s get those Zzz’s. ($100, Amazon)

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