Best Memory Foam Pillows For All Types Of Sleepers — And How To Shop For The Perfect Pillow For You
Fun fact: Did you know that NASA first developed memory foam in 1996 to increase the shock absorption and protection factor of its spacecraft seats? Since then, memory foam has become ubiquitous in the bedding section of the department store, with products ranging from beds to pillows, all for its benefits promising a better night’s sleep.
Why choose a memory foam pillow - and how to pick the perfect one
Unlike traditional pillow fills such as down and polyester, memory foam pillows offer optimal support, spinal alignment, and relief of pressure points as the material conforms to your head and neck.
Memory foam pillows are also highly durable and retain their shape for years. Not only that, they are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them a great pick for people with allergies. Memory foam pillows on the market today may also be enhanced with other materials such as charcoal to combat odour.
As a rule of thumb, you want to keep your head and neck supported in a neutral position so that it avoids straining your muscles. But the pillow you pick largely depends on your sleeping position.
A side sleeper would benefit most from a firmer and higher loft (thickness) pillow. Someone who sleeps on their back might want to get a medium-firm pillow of medium height, while a stomach sleeper should get a softer, lower pillow to avoid neck and spine strain.
Types of memory foam pillows
There are three main types of memory foam pillows in the market.
- Moulded or contour memory foam pillows. These are made with a single piece of memory foam that has been cut to a specific shape, such as ones that look like a kidney bean or cervix, to further aid head and spinal alignment.
- Shredded memory foam pillows. Because the foam has been shredded before they are stuffed, these can be fluffed up like regular fill pillows. Shredding also increases breathability and flexibility compared to moulded memory foam pillows.
- Gel memory foam pillows. These have cooling gels or beads infused into the foam, which consequently helps dissipate heat and moisture for added comfort. Those who run hot and sweaty should opt for gel memory foam pillows.
Ready to shop for a memory foam pillow? Here are our best picks for all budgets.
8DAYS' PICK: Tempur Millennium Pillow 83300254 in Medium ($134.78)
- For back and side sleepers
Tempur is considered to be the crème de la crème of ergonomic bedding solutions, and its memory foam pillow is no exception. The firm pillow has a unique concave three-dimensional shape with a slight forward tilt to support the neck of the back and side sleepers as they flip around in bed, which users say helps reduce snoring too. Chalking up a 4.3-star rating from over 1k shoppers, this memory foam pillow has a stamp of approval — some reviewers with scoliosis and other spine problems swear by this pillow, while others shared that it has helped them to stop snoring.
Good news for the budget-conscious: Amazon has just slashed the price to $134.78, 40 per cent off its regular retail price of $232. This is the cheapest we’ve seen this Tempur pillow go for, so this is the best time to buy one if price has been your biggest barrier to a good night’s sleep.
Free shipping included
And if you're wondering about delivery fees to ship stuff all the way for Japan, fret not. There's free shipping for Prime members — yes, that includes items you buy from Amazon.sg's US or Japan global stores. Prime membership is at $2.99 per month (get a free 30-day trial and more info about Prime membership here).
Save: Memory foam pillows below $60
Dreamax Dimensional Memory Foam Pillow ($29.90)
- For back and side sleepers
Dreamax’s memory foam pillow is made with a cervical design of raised sides for side sleeping and a lower middle section for back sleeping — this ensures that your head and neck are always supported regardless of either sleeping position. The pillow also comes with a lyocell cover that can be detached via the invisible zipper for washing. Available here
Akemi Medi + Health Contour Hydro Gel Bamboo Charcoal Memory Pillow ($40.90)
- For side, back and stomach sleepers
With the addition of a layer of hydrogel pad, this Akemi memory foam pillow promises to keep you cool as you get those precious hours of sleep. The contoured shape also supports spinal alignment to give your head and neck orthopaedic support. Lastly, the bamboo charcoal that is infused into the memory foam keeps odour at bay. Shop here
Polovo Memory Foam Pillow KD0208 ($45)
- For side, back and stomach sleepers
This Polovo pillow is another highly rated pick by shoppers, raking in 4.3 stars from almost 1.5k reviews. The contoured shape is made for all sleeping positions, even stomach and low pillow sleepers while relieving pressure on the shoulders. The accompanying fabric and mesh pillowcase is removable and machine washable, too. Buy it now
Linenspa LZQQ02SD 2 Pack Shredded Memory Foam Pillows ($56.47)
- For side, back and stomach sleepers
Because these Linenspa pillows are filled with shredded memory foam, they can be fluffed up like regular down pillows before use while offering medium to firm support that contours to your head, neck, and shoulders. This makes the pillow suitable for all sleeping postures. The memory foam is also infused with cooling gel to aid temperature regulation. Buy here
Splurge: Memory foam pillows above $60
Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow in King 1 Pack ($60.92)
- For side, back and stomach sleepers
This Weekender memory foam pillow has the most reviews in our selection, garnering over 37k reviews and 4.3 stars online. In addition to the support that memory foam pillows offer, this model is gel-infused and has precision ventilation holes dotted across it to increase its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you cool and dry throughout the night. Buy now
Epitex Charcoal Firm Neck Pillow (2 pcs) ($60.39)
- For side, back and stomach sleepers
Besides aiding proper alignment and breathability, this pillow from the Singaporean bedding brand is also filled with bamboo charcoal to provide antibacterial and antifungal properties while releasing negative ions, which is said to improve blood and oxygen circulation. Shop now
Sealy Essentials Memory Foam Bed Pillow 1 Pack ($78.87)
- For side and back sleepers
With over 1.9k reviews giving it a 4.2 out of 5-star rating, this popular pillow is recommended for side and back sleepers looking for medium support. It also comes with a removable and machine-washable soft knit cover. Buy here
Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow in Standard ($72.76)
- For stomach and back sleepers
Measuring only 5.7cm high, the Bluewave pillow was created with low pillow sleepers in mind such as those with a smaller build or who prefer a lower profile. Of course, there are taller models available, too. This memory foam pillow provides medium firm support while the gel-infused foam and ventilation holes aid air circulation. Buy now
Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support in Grey Queen ($84.06)
- For side, back and stomach sleepers
The Cozyplayer pillow is another option for those looking for a cervical-shaped pillow. This pillow cradles the neck at a specific angle to ensure proper ergonomics and mitigate neck aches. Inserts can be added or removed to adjust the height. The breathable pillow and pillowcase also promise to reduce skin temperature by five degrees Celsius. Available here
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