When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more.
Best Firm Pillows
Many people associate pillows with softness. But some sleepers want or need more than plushness from their pillows. For side sleepers or those who just want a pillow with a bit more support, a firm pillow can promote proper spinal alignment and provide comfort.
We’ll compare and contrast some of the best firm pillows on the market and explain how to choose a firm pillow that meets your unique needs.
Best Firm Pillows
-
Best Overall
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow
Shop Now
-
Best Extra-Firm
Sweet Zzz Buckwheat Pillow
Shop Now
-
Most Comfortable
Brooklinen Down Pillow – Firm
Shop Now
-
Best for Side Sleepers
Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow
Shop Now
-
Best Luxury
Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow – Firm
Shop Now
-
Best Neck Support
Avocado Molded Latex Pillow
Shop Now
-
Best for Spinal Alignment
PlushBeds Organic Solid Latex Pillow
Shop Now
-
Best Cooling
Buffy Cloud Pillow – Firm
Shop Now
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow
Use this link for the most current discount.
Shop Now
A combination of memory foam and latex makes the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes firmness but also needs a touch of cushioning. The thick design ensures plenty of support for your head and neck.
-
Pros
-
Dual-layer memory foam and latex design
-
Medium feel and 6.5-inch loft
-
Close contouring to the neck and head
-
-
Cons
-
Not suitable for sleepers with a latex allergy
-
Loft is too thick for stomach sleepers
-
Price Range
$165 – $185
Fill
Graphite-infused memory foam Shredded memory foam and latex
Firmness
Medium
The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow is a thoughtfully constructed model that combines contouring and support. The pillow also sleeps cooler than the average foam model, thanks to several design components aimed at reducing heat retention.
The pillow has a dual-chambered design that includes memory foam and latex. The outer chamber is composed of solid memory foam infused with graphite intended to wick moisture away from the head and neck, while the inner chamber is filled with shredded memory foam and latex. The shredded foam is infused with gel that is engineered to further cool down the pillow, and latex has natural cooling properties. The entire pillow is encased in an organic cotton cover, which is naturally soft and breathable.
With a medium feel and 6.5-inch loft, this model is on the thicker side for pillows. The memory foam provides generous contouring in the head and neck, while the latex offers buoyancy and support. The loft and firmness are best suited for side sleepers, as well as back sleepers who enjoy thicker pillows. The close contouring is also a good fit for people who experience neck pain during sleep. Shoppers can choose between a queen or king size, and the cover is machine-washable.
Saatva provides free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Customers may try out pillows for 45 days and are eligible for free refunds within this time period. Pillows are backed by a 1-year warranty.
The Sweet Zzz Buckwheat Pillow offers outstanding firmness thanks to the buckwheat fill, which is known for its uniquely firm properties. The pillow also contours to your head in the way a beanbag chair gently molds to your body, so you’ll still experience some cradling along with the exceptional firmness.
-
Pros
-
Buckwheat hull fill can be added or removed to adjust the loft
-
Cover and fill are certified as organic
-
Available in standard and traditional Japanese sizes
-
-
Cons
-
Unique feel of buckwheat fill is not for everyone
-
Customer is responsible for return shipping fee
-
Price Range
$114 – $139
Fill
Organic Buckwheat Hulls
Firmness
Firm
If you’re looking for a pillow with maximum firmness and support, the Sweet Zzz Buckwheat Pillow is a safe bet. The buckwheat hulls that comprise the fill have a hard yet adaptive feel – our testers likened this pillow to an exceptionally firm bean bag. For added customization, you can add or remove hulls from the interior to accommodate your preferred sleep position.
Side sleepers generally prefer full loft in order to fill the gap between their head and shoulders, promoting even alignment and reducing pressure in the process. Back sleepers can also benefit from more pillow volume, especially if they are heavy snorers. If you sleep on your back or stomach and don’t normally snore, then a medium to low loft will probably feel most comfortable.
A cover made of breathable cotton encases the hulls. The hulls promote steady airflow for added cooling and temperature regulation. Both the fill and the cotton have earned organic certifications, ensuring these materials are sustainably grown, cultivated, and processed. The cover is machine-washable, though you’ll need to remove the hulls beforehand.
The pillow is available in a standard size, as well as a traditional Japanese “sobakawa” design that can serve as a comfortable bolster for your legs. Both sizes are reasonably priced and Sweet Zzz offers free delivery within the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a 50-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.
The dual chamber design of the Brooklinen Down Pillow offers a comfortable balance of cushioning and support, with an outer down layer that cradles your head and an inner feather core that bolsters your head. You get all the plushness of a down pillow without sacrificing support.
-
Pros
-
High feather-to-down ratio ensures strong support for the head and neck
-
Shell composed of smooth, durable long-staple cotton
-
All orders include a year-long sleep trial
-
-
Cons
-
May require frequent fluffing to maintain shape
-
Not suitable for shoppers who avoid products with animal sourcing
-
Price Range
$129 – $149
Fill
Candadian white down clusters and feathers
Firmness
Firm
While some sleepers enjoy the plush feel of down pillows, they may not be suitable for those who need a firm surface for their head and neck. The Brooklinen Down Pillow is available in three density levels, including a firm option with a dual-chamber design. The core contains feathers, which provide support and responsiveness to keep your head aloft, while the outer chamber is cushioned with down for a bit of surface-level softness. The ratio of feathers to down is much higher, ensuring the pillow won’t sink too much.
A shell made of long-staple cotton encases the fill. This type of cotton is naturally breathable, and also resists wear and tear over time. Double-stitched edges help prevent rips and tears that can allow the fill to escape. During production, the pillow is treated with an antimicrobial agent intended to stave off harmful bacteria and keep your sleep area hygienic. Brooklinen does not recommend machine washing the pillow, as this can permanently damage the fill. Spot clean if stains or smudges occur.
You can also opt for a plush pillow that contains only down, or a medium-feel pillow with an even ratio of down and feathers. All three versions of the pillow have affordable price-points and shipping is free for all domestic U.S. orders. Brooklinen’s 365-night trial period is one of the longest in the online bedding industry, giving you plenty of time to sleep on the Down Pillow and decide whether it’s right for you. If you decide to keep the pillow, you’ll receive an additional year of warranty coverage for structural defects.
Best for Side Sleepers
Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow
Use this link for the most current discount.
Shop Now
The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow is composed of multiple layers that you can remove or rearrange to your liking. Each layer has a different thickness and feel, so side sleepers can really mix and match to achieve the perfect balance of pressure relief and support.
-
Pros
-
Three inserts may be mixed and matched for customized firmness
-
Adjustable loft caters to a wide array of sleep positions
-
Bamboo-derived viscose cover feels cool against the skin
-
-
Cons
-
Foam may emit a slight off-gassing odor at first
-
Customer must pay shipping fee for returned pillows
-
Price Range
$100 – $115
Fill
Down alternative, shredded gel-infused memory foam, and solid gel-infused memory foam
Firmness
Adjustable
When shopping for pillows, it’s often hard to discern which models are most compatible with your personal needs and preferences. The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow has a unique design that allows sleepers to adjust the firmness and loft until it feels just right.
The pillow comes with a zippered cover and three inserts, each with a different feel and firmness level – soft, medium, and firm. The soft insert is filled with a down alternative fiber, which has a plush feel that contours closely to the head and neck. It is the loftiest insert and caters to side sleepers, or back sleepers who enjoy higher loft. The medium insert contains a mix of down alternative and shredded memory foam, resulting in a balance of support and cushioning that is ideal for back sleepers. The firm insert is composed of two solid memory foam layers – a 1-inch layer and a 2-inch layer, either of which can be removed.
To customize your pillow, you can either use a single insert or mix and match the inserts until achieving a firmness and loft that works best for you. Place the inserts into the outer cover and zip it up. Since the design is so customizable, the LAYR Pillow should appeal to almost any type of sleeper. The pillow also offers cooling properties for hot sleepers, such as cooling gel infusions in the memory foam and a cover made from bamboo-derived viscose that feels cool to the touch.
The LAYR Pillow comes in a standard and king size. Luxome offers free ground shipping to the contiguous U.S. Customers have 30 nights to try out the pillow and may return it during this timeframe for a full refund.
Best Luxury
Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow – Firm
Click this link for current Boll & Branch discounts
Shop Now
The Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow feels exactly the way you’d expect a down pillow to feel — plush and luxurious. The firm model pairs the plush surface with standout support that ensures your head, neck, and spine stay properly aligned.
-
Pros
-
Densely packed down alternative clusters mimic the plushness of real down while maintaining good support
-
Organic cotton sateen shell has a silky-smooth hand-feel
-
Perimeter piping helps prevent rips and tears
-
-
Cons
-
Higher price-point
-
Down and feather fill might trigger allergies
-
Price Range
$199 – Standard $219 – King
Fill
White down, down/feather blend (inner chamber)
Firmness
Firm
Down and feather pillows are prized by those who enjoy a plush surface for their head and neck — but if you need extra loft and support, most of these pillows won’t feel comfortable. Boll & Branch’s Down Chamber Pillow is a notable exception. The pillow is available in three designs, including a high-density option that feels quite firm and barely compresses when weight is applied. This pillow is a particularly good match for side sleeping, a position that requires extra padding to keep the head and neck aligned with the rest of the spine.
The pillow’s sophisticated construction consists of three chambers. Plush down fills the two outer compartments, while the core is packed with dense feathers. This results in some comfortable cushioning on the surface and good overall stability. The chambers also distribute the fill evenly throughout the interior, so you won’t need to fluff this pillow as frequently as you would with other down and feather models. A breathable organic cotton shell encases the fill.
The pillow is fully machine-washable, though it may be too large for some household appliances. Simply wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat — the second step may necessitate multiple cycles until all moisture is gone. Standard and king sizes are available. The pillow has earned certification from the International Down Standard, indicating Boll & Branch has met strict standards for ethical and humane animal treatment.
Given the luxurious design, the Down Chamber Pillow is reasonably priced, and shipping is free for all orders within the contiguous U.S. Your trial period runs for 30 nights starting on the date of delivery.
Best Neck Support
Avocado Molded Latex Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Avocado pillows
Shop Now
If neck support is the key to comfortable sleep for you, the Avocado Molded Latex Pillow is a great candidate for a pillow. The solid latex design compresses minimally, so you’re guaranteed strong support throughout the night.
-
Pros
-
Supportive, durable latex cushions the head and neck without sinking too much
-
Excellent temperature control from ventilated core and breathable organic cotton cover
-
All materials used to construct the pillow are sustainably sourced
-
-
Cons
-
Latex may trigger allergies in some sleepers
-
May feel too bouncy for people who prefer more cushioning
-
Price Range
$99 – $119
Fill
Solid Charcoal-Infused Latex
Firmness
Medium Firm
The Avocado Molded Latex Pillow boasts a firm, supportive feel and a luxurious design with eco-friendly materials. The core consists of solid latex, a material that retains very little heat compared to foam. A charcoal infusion and ventilation holes enhance the latex’s natural cooling properties, and the cover is made of organic cotton for added breathability.
The cotton holds a certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, ensuring the fabric is derived from sustainably grown fibers. Avocado is also a carbon negative company that offsets emissions through responsible manufacturing and shipping methods, so the pillow should appeal to anyone who prefers buying environmentally friendly products.
You can remove and machine wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned. For the latex, spot clean if stains or smudges occur but otherwise do not expose the material to water. Standard, queen, and king sizes are available, and you may choose to include two matching pillows with your order.
Avocado offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. All Molded Latex Pillows come with 100-night sleep trials, and those who choose to keep them also receive a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Best for Spinal Alignment
PlushBeds Organic Solid Latex Pillow
Use this link for the most current discount.
Shop Now
The PlushBeds Organic Solid Latex Pillow offers excellent support and gentle cushioning, with a mid-range loft that elevates the head without cranking it too high. It’s a solid option for many back and side sleepers prone to poor spinal alignment.
-
Pros
-
Breathable cotton cover keeps surface cool to the touch
-
Solid latex cradles the head and neck to relieve pressure buildup while keeping its shape
-
Components hold GOTS and GOLS certifications
-
-
Cons
-
Pillow is not eligible for returns
-
Not a good fit for people with a latex allergy
-
Price Range
$149 – $186
Fill
100% GOLS-certified organic latex
Firmness
Medium
Side sleepers often prefer a pillow that balances firmness and contouring to keep their heads and necks aligned with the spine. The PlushBeds Organic Solid Latex Pillow has a responsive feel that gently cradles the head to relieve pressure while keeping its shape. The pillow’s components also hold certifications that ensure it meets ethical production and worker safety standards.
The pillow’s cover is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. Cotton is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking to keep the surface cool and dry. The pillow’s interior is filled with solid GOLS-certified organic latex. Since latex does not conform too closely to the head, it traps less heat than pillows made with foam. This latex is also perforated with small holes to facilitate more airflow.
A 4.5-inch loft and responsive feel make the pillow an excellent choice for back sleepers and side sleepers who prefer a mid-range thickness. The pillow comes in three sizes: standard, queen, and king. Protecting the pillow with a pillowcase is recommended, and you should only spot clean the insert if needed.
PlushBeds offers free shipping on every order to the contiguous U.S., with no minimum purchase price. Organic Solid Latex Pillow purchases are backed by a generous 3-year warranty.
Best Cooling
Buffy Cloud Pillow – Firm
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Buffy pillows
Shop Now
The Buffy Cloud Pillow is designed with cooling in mind, from the breathable down alternative fill to the moisture-wicking Tencel shell. It’s a great alternative to sleepers who overheat on foam pillows.
-
Pros
-
Down alternative fill offers close contouring and pressure relief
-
Cooling fill and Tencel cover promote breathability
-
Recycled fibers cater to eco-friendly shoppers
-
-
Cons
-
May require frequent fluffing
-
Buffy recommends against machine washing
-
Price Range
$55 – $70
Fill
Recycled PET fibers
Firmness
Firm
The Buffy Cloud Pillow – Firm lives up to its name thanks to its down alternative fill. The pillow has a firm feel without sacrificing cushioning and cradling for the head and neck. The fill consists of down alternative clusters that mimic the softness of real down without triggering allergies or retaining excess heat.
The pillow felt most comfortable to our side sleepers. This model offers the most loft, ensuring plenty of cushioning between the head and shoulder to promote even alignment. Back sleepers may also find the pillow comfortable, especially those who enjoy pillows with a thick loft. The down alternative clusters also make the pillow highly moldable, though routine fluffing may be needed to maintain a full shape.
The Cloud Pillow’s PET down alternative fill is derived from recycled plastic bottles — up to 30 bottles are used to produce a single pillow. A cover made of moisture-wicking Tencel encases the fill. The fabric is luxuriously smooth and chemical-free, so the pillow should be suitable for people with sensitive skin. Buffy recommends spot cleaning the pillow if stains occur and using a washable pillowcase to keep it hygienic.
The Cloud Pillow is reasonably priced. Customers receive a small discount if they purchase two pillows, and a larger discount for buying four. Standard shipping is free of charge. Buffy allows you to test the pillow for a week before charging your credit card, and returns are accepted within 50 days.
Best Firm Pillows Video
Our product experts get hands-on with some of our firm pillow picks, offering a closer look at how each pillow performed in our test lab.
How to Choose a Firm Pillow
Some sleepers enjoy the supportive, sturdy feel of a firm pillow. But finding the best firm pillow for you means considering more than just its comfort rating.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Firm Pillow
To find the right pillow, you’ll need to take into account a wide range of factors, such as sleep position, loft, and support.
Sleep Position
Sleep position refers to sleeping on your back, your side, your stomach, or a combination of those three. Your preferred sleep position has a significant impact on how much pressure you exert on your pillow and what parts of your head and neck have contact with it. That’s why it’s important to consider your favorite sleep position when choosing a firm pillow. For example, side sleepers tend to need firm support, while stomach sleepers usually prefer a softer pillow.
Loft
Loft describes the thickness of a pillow. Together, loft and firmness are two of the most crucial factors that determine a pillow’s relative comfort. Pillows typically have either a low loft (less than 3 inches thick), a medium loft (3 to 5 inches thick), or a high loft (more than 5 inches thick). When choosing a loft, remember that your pillow’s loft will compress when you lie down. However, the firmer your pillow is, the less it compresses under your weight.
Support
Support refers to how well a pillow can bear the weight of your head without flattening. This is an important quality for maintaining proper spinal alignment and avoiding neck pain. Generally, firm pillows offer more support.
Firmness Level
Pillow manufacturers typically rate their pillows on a scale of soft to firm. Pillow firmness indicates how well a pillow maintains its shape when bearing weight. The right firmness level for you will depend on your body weight, preferred sleep position, and personal preferences.
Pressure Relief
This metric describes how well a pillow contours to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders. Firmer pillows generally offer less pressure relief. However, certain materials, especially memory foam and latex, provide a good balance between firm support and pressure relief.
Shape
Most firm pillows are rectangles available in common sizes: standard, queen, and king. Some brands also offer nonstandard firm pillows shaped ergonomically to provide better neck support. Extra long body pillows are another nonstandard but fairly popular pillow shape.
Price
Pillows vary widely in quality, construction, and price. Firm pillows tend to be more dense and durable, often containing materials like latex, buckwheat, or memory foam. As a result, expect to pay more than the average price for a high-quality firm pillow.
Quality Materials
Higher-quality materials means better performance and durability. To get the most from your firm pillow, choose the highest quality material that fits within your budget.
Moldability
If you change positions frequently during the night or often use your pillow as a support bolster, it’s important to find a pillow that’s moldable. This means you can easily manipulate the pillow’s shape to suit your needs. Firm pillows aren’t always moldable, especially those with a solid foam core. Shredded foam fill, down, and down alternative provide a good balance between firm support and moldability.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation refers to how well a pillow disperses your body heat and stays cool as you sleep. This factor may be particularly important to those who sleep hot or live in a warm climate. Because firm pillows tend to be denser, they may also be more likely to retain heat. If you’re a hot sleeper, consider a latex or buckwheat-based firm pillow. These materials are known to provide firm support and help keep sleepers cool.
Who Is Best Suited to a Firm Pillow?
A firm pillow offers ample support with less compressibility than a softer pillow. Certain types of sleepers may be more inclined to enjoy the feel of a firm pillow.
- Side Sleepers: Sleeping on your side props your head and neck higher above your mattress than either back or stomach sleeping do. This creates a need for extra support to maintain proper spinal alignment between the head, neck, and back. As a result, side sleepers often prefer a firmer pillow.
- Sleepers Who Weigh More than 230 Pounds: If you weigh over 230 pounds, you’re more likely to significantly compress your pillow when you lie down. A pillow that isn’t firm enough may flatten too far and put your neck at an awkward angle.
- Sleepers Who Prefer a Firm Pillow: Some sleepers simply enjoy a more solid surface for their head, neck, and shoulders regardless of their sleep position and size.
A firm pillow isn’t for everyone, though. In fact, for certain types of sleepers, a firm pillow may do more harm than good.
- Stomach Sleepers: When you sleep on your stomach, your head and neck sit closer to the mattress than they do in any other sleep position. Because of this, stomach sleepers may want to avoid using a firm pillow, which offers less compression and cushioning and may cause issues with neck alignment.
- Sleepers Who Weigh Less Than 130 Pounds: Sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds don’t compress their pillows as much as heavier sleepers and therefore don’t require as much support.
What Types of Pillows Are There?
Pillows come in a wide range of materials. A pillow’s outer cover is typically made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. However, the interior fill material has a much greater impact on a pillow’s overall comfort level and performance.
Polyfoam
You can find this is a type of synthetic foam in both mattresses and pillows. Polyfoam formulations vary significantly in terms of density, firmness, and quality. Polyfoam pillows typically feature shredded polyfoam fill, but solid core designs may be better suited to a sleeper looking for a firm pillow. Pillows made with polyfoam also tend to be less expensive than pillows made from memory foam.
Memory Foam
Known for their responsiveness, high point elasticity, and significant contouring, memory foam pillows may feature either shredded foam fill or a solid foam core. Available in medium soft to medium firm, solid core memory foam pillows provide an excellent balance between pressure relief and firm support.
Down
Down is an animal product derived from the underside of goose or duck feathers. This material is incredibly soft and insulating, which is why you’ll often find it in products like comforters. As a fill material for pillows, down is highly malleable and durable. However, because down is so lightweight, finding firm, down-based pillows can be difficult.
Down Alternative
Some sleepers enjoy the cozy feeling of a down pillow but want to avoid an animal-based product that could aggravate their allergies. Down alternative represents an excellent compromise. Most pillows labeled as down alternative contain polyester fibers that mimic the plush, lightweight feel of down. They are usually soft to medium firm.
Latex
Latex is a material similar in feel to foam. It can be either natural or synthetic, but most bedding companies use natural latex in their mattresses and pillows. Firm latex pillows are typically made with a solid core of latex, which is known for its durability, moderate contouring, and shape retention.
Feather
Unlike down pillows, which use the fluffy, close-to-the-skin plumage of geese and ducks, feather pillows are made using feathers from other parts of the birds. Feather pillows are typically lower loft and highly durable. However, they require frequent fluffing to avoid flattening. Soft to medium feather pillows are a good option for stomach sleepers looking for a low loft pillow. Just be careful of the pointy quills that can sometimes poke through a feather pillow’s outer cover.
Buckwheat
If you’re looking for an extra firm pillow, buckwheat is an excellent choice. Made from the hulls of buckwheat kernels, buckwheat pillows are dense and heavy, offering a high level of firm support. Despite their heft, buckwheat pillows remain fairly breathable and sleep cool. You can often find buckwheat pillows with an adjustable design that allows you to remove or add additional fill to customize the loft of your pillow.
Wool
Wool is a fibrous material most commonly made from sheep. As a bedding material, wool is warm and soft, yet also naturally breathable. Wool is not a widely popular pillow material, but it is possible to find soft to medium firm wool pillows. A common complaint for wool pillows is a noticeable odor.
Water
Water pillows contain a reservoir that you can fill with water to adjust the loft of your pillow. While some water pillows are entirely water-based, others have a core of down, polyester fiber, or memory foam with a thinner outer pouch for water. Water pillows can be anywhere from soft to medium firm.
Pillow Firmness and Sleeping Position
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best type of pillow. Your preferred sleep position, as well as your subjective preferences, dictate what is the best firm pillow for you.
Side Sleepers and Pillow Firmness
Side sleepers tend to prefer firmer pillows that provide adequate contouring. A pillow with medium firm or firm support will help keep the head and neck aligned with the spine, preventing neck pain in the morning. A pillow that’s too soft may provide initial comfort but is more likely to lose loft throughout the night and disrupt the alignment between your head, neck, and back.
Additionally, contouring helps cradle the head and neck to avoid the painful pressure points that can sometimes occur with overly firm sleep surfaces. Firm solid core memory foam or latex pillows typically have the best range of features for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers and Pillow Firmness
Back sleepers don’t usually have trouble achieving optimal spinal alignment. A medium firm pillow provides just the right amount of cushion and support to keep back sleepers comfortable.
Many brands provide a moderate firmness option for their most popular pillow models. But not everyone’s head or body is the same size, and different back sleepers require different levels of loft or thickness. Back sleepers should consider looking for a medium firm pillow with an adjustable loft.
Stomach Sleepers and Pillow Firmness
Stomach sleepers tend to sleep most comfortably on softer, flatter pillows. Soft pillows provide a good cushion between you and your mattress while ensuring that your neck is supported at a comfortable angle. Even a medium or medium firm pillow may lift your head up too high and create painful misalignment between your neck and the rest of your spine.
Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position for adults, and many popular pillow models aren’t designed with the needs of stomach sleepers in mind. As a result, finding the right pillow can be tricky. Stomach sleepers should look for pillows that are soft or plush, with down or down alternative fills. In addition to the firmness, a thinner pillow with a lower loft could be a good fit. Alternatively, look for an adjustable loft pillow that allows you to remove some of the interior fill to create a flatter pillow.
What Is Pillow Loft?
Pillow loft describes the height or thickness of a pillow. Loft is typically divided into three categories, based on a pillow’s thickness:
- Low Loft: Pillows less than 3 inches thick
- Medium Loft: Pillows 3 to 5 inches thick
- High Loft: Pillows over 5 inches thick
Loft can have a significant impact on comfort, particularly when combined with other factors like sleep position and body weight.
Sleep Position
Your preferred sleep position is the most significant factor to consider when choosing the right pillow thickness. To maintain proper spinal alignment, you’ll need to find a pillow that’s the right height for your sleep position. Generally, side sleepers prefer a pillow with high loft, back sleepers prefer a pillow with medium loft, and stomach sleepers prefer a pillow with low or medium loft. If you’re a combination sleeper, consider using a pillow that’s highly moldable to accommodate your varied sleep positions.
Head Size
Your pillow’s loft will change when you lie down, and the weight of your head compresses the fill. The amount of compression depends on the size of your head, which means a sleeper with a larger head requires a higher loft pillow that can support their weight. On the other hand, a sleeper with a smaller head might be more comfortable with a pillow that has a low to medium loft.
Body Weight
Overall body weight should also play a role in your choice of pillow loft. Sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds exert greater pressure on their mattresses and may sink into their sleep surface more deeply. If you experience greater sinkage, your head rests closer to the surface of the mattress, and you won’t require significant loft to keep your head and neck in line with the rest of your spine. The reverse is true for sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
Mattress Firmness
Like body weight, the firmness of your mattress also dictates how deeply you sink into it. A soft mattress causes sleepers to sink more deeply, while a firm mattress prevents significant sinking. Less sinkage keeps your body higher up, which means you may need a higher loft pillow to maintain proper spinal alignment through the head and neck.
What Pillow Sizes Are Available?
Pillow sizes are generally standardized across manufacturers.
Standard
One of the most common pillow sizes, a standard pillow measures 20 inches wide by 26 inches long, making it a good choice for most sleep positions. One standard pillow fits nicely on a twin mattress, while two can fit side by side on a full or queen mattress.
Super Standard
A super standard pillow is slightly longer than a standard pillow, typically measuring 20 inches wide by 28 inches long. Despite being slightly larger than a standard pillow, it still fits nicely on a twin or full mattress.
Queen
Designed for queen-sized mattresses, queen pillows are 20 inches wide by 30 inches long and can fit in a standard pillowcase. The added length is ideal for active sleepers as well as side sleepers who roll over often throughout the night.
King
A king pillow measures 20 inches wide by 36 inches long. Made for sleepers with a king or California king mattress, a king pillow also works well for back sleepers with broad shoulders or sleepers looking for a more compact version of a body pillow.
Body Pillow
Not all sleep brands offer the body pillow size, but it’s still quite popular. Body pillows typically measure 20 inches wide by at least 48 inches long, and some body pillows can be up to 72 inches in length. When placed between the legs, this style of pillow can improve spinal alignment for side sleepers. Body pillows can also help pregnant women support their backs, hips, and stomachs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A high-quality firm pillow can range from $50 to $120, with an average price of around $80.
While an average pillow typically costs between $50 and $70, firm pillows are often more expensive, due to the higher cost of the materials used to make them. However, you can still find a high-quality firm pillow for $50 or less, especially if you take advantage of sales and promotions.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your pillow every 1 to 2 years. That said, firm pillows tend to be denser and sturdier, so they may last longer than a softer pillow.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for signs that your pillow is ready for retirement. The most obvious sign is when it no longer provides enough support, and you find yourself struggling with neck pain or needing to fluff and reposition your pillow throughout the night.
A firm pillow can play an important role in boosting sleep quality, depending on the sleeper.
Side sleepers tend to require extra support to keep their head and neck in alignment with the rest of their spine. Sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds also need extra support because their weight is more likely to significantly compress the loft of their pillow. For these sleepers, a firm pillow is usually a safe bet for a good night’s sleep.
Depending on your needs and preferences, yes, a pillow can be too firm. The key to finding the best pillow for you is identifying the right firmness. A pillow that’s too firm lacks cushioning and may cause painful pressure points where your head or face touches the pillow. Additionally, a pillow that’s too firm can cause misalignment between your neck and spine.
Try to find the best firm pillow for your preferred sleep position and body weight. For example, sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds require less support than heavier sleepers and therefore tend to do best with soft to medium pillows, depending on their other preferences.
There’s no single correct firmness that can satisfy every sleeper. To determine how firm your pillow should be, you’ll need to take into account your body weight, sleep position, and personal preferences.
In general, the higher your body weight, the firmer you’ll want your pillow to be. Sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds tend to compress their pillows more than sleepers who weigh less. A firm pillow is less likely to compress too much and throw the neck and spine out of alignment. In contrast, sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or less require less support and tend to prefer soft to medium pillows.
Your favorite sleep position also informs how firm your pillow should be. Sleeping on your side creates a large gap between the neck and bed, which means your head requires more support. Back sleepers typically prefer medium firm pillows, and stomach sleepers typically do well with a softer pillow.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider your personal preferences. While the above advice is a good place to start, some sleepers gravitate toward firmer or softer pillows simply because they find them more comfortable.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
Best Pillows for Shoulder Pain
Are you in the market for a pillow that alleviates shoulder pain? Our best pillow…
Best Hotel Pillows
The best hotel pillows add luxury and comfort to your bed. Our guide will showcase…
Best CPAP Pillows
Choosing the best CPAP pillow is more complicated than it looks, but we’ll walk you…