Best Memory Foam Pillows Review UK (2023)

High-quality memory foam has an open-cell structure and is more sensitive.

This means it moulds around the body more easily and can give a weightless feeling... 🎈

Cheaper memory foam is less conforming to the body and is unable to relieve pressure in the same way.

High-quality memory foam has a liquid-like feel, filling every space between you and the pillow. 🌊

Cheap foam is more “bouncy” like a sponge and will resist against the body, which can put pressure on the neck and joints.

We recommend investing in a good-quality memory pillow for the best results.

Memory foam pillows come in all shapes and sizes to suit your needs.

They can come as a thick or thin, or a soft or firm foam pillow.

We’ve got some examples of different types of memory foam pillows below. 👇

Shredded memory foam pillows

Shredded memory foam pillows contain chopped-up pieces of memory foam.

This means they have an adjustable height by removing or adding more foam.

In general, shredded foam pillows are the most breathable as air can ventilate between the shredded foam.

We highly recommend the Simba Hybrid pillow made with open-cell foam Nanocubes with airflow technology.

It comes with a machine-washable cover and a little bag to store any foam that you remove.

25% OFF 2 SIMBA HYBRID PILLOWS

Layered memory foam pillows

Layered memory foam pillows are usually made of 3 or more layers.

Layered pillows are often adjustable, meaning you can remove the layers to create your ideal pillow height.

Different layered inserts mean each layer can have a different benefit (ie. cooling layer, memory foam layer, support layer).

Layered foam pillows are made with solid foam layers, meaning they aren’t as breathable as shredded memory foam pillows.

Gel memory foam pillows

Gel pillows feel similar to memory foam but can help to regulate body heat.

Gel pillows are made with temperature-regulating technology that absorbs heat and keeps you feeling cool.

Gel pillows are often made with polyurethane encased in plastic, which means they’re not as sustainable as some other pillow choices.

The Silentnight Wellbeing Cool Touch pillow includes an outer gel cooling cover that absorbs excess heat.

BUY SILENTNIGHT PILLOW£ 29

Ergonomic pillows

Ergonomic or contour memory foam pillows are designed to follow the shape of the body for a more supported sleep.

These pillows are contoured in a cervical or wave shape designed for optimal neck support. 🥰

They can help relieve pressure on the neck and shoulders to prevent waking up with aches and pains.

These are firm foam pillows that some people find uncomfortable.

Ergonomic pillows are in a fixed contoured shape, which isn’t ideal for those who move positions during the night.

The Tempur Original Queen pillow is a luxury neck pillow with 30 years of experience in NASA-developed memory foam technology.

But cheaper pillows, like the Groove pillow and the Derila pillow, also have ergonomic shapes.

Many people don’t realise that the wrong pillow for your sleeping position can contribute to an uncomfortable sleep! 🤯

If you’re waking up with pain in your neck or lower back, this could be due to sleeping on a pillow too high or low for your sleep position.

So, what are the best memory foam pillows for your sleeping position?

Best pillow for side sleepers

Side sleepers need a high loft and firm memory foam pillow that fills the space between the shoulder and head.

The pillow should be high enough to align the spine in a neutral position. 😃

Side sleeper pillows should also be low enough to support the natural curve of the neck.

In other words, you shouldn’t feel your neck bending upwards or down when laying on the pillow!

A memory foam pillow is ideal for side sleepers as the contouring foam can relieve pressure from the head, neck, and shoulders. ❤️

The Simba Hybrid pillow is a great option for side sleepers.

The Nanocube shredded foam moulds around the head and shoulders to relieve pressure.

25% OFF 2 SIMBA HYBRID PILLOWS

Best pillow for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a low loft pillow that helps to keep the neck aligned with the spine.

A soft memory foam pillow is ideal for cushioning the head when sleeping on your stomach. 😍

Sleeping on your front puts the most pressure on the spine. 😬

If you’re waking up with back pain, this could be due to spine misalignment during the night.

Try sleeping with a low pillow or no pillow at all and see if that helps.

A pillow with removable layers, such as the Emma Premium pillow, is also ideal.

This way, you can opt for just one or two layers and add more if you adjust to a new sleeping position.

55% OFF EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"

Best pillow for back sleepers

Back sleeping is the best position for a night of healthy sleep.

Back sleepers need a medium-height and feel pillow that cushions the head and shoulders.

A back sleeper pillow should be low enough to help align the spine and neck.

If you feel as if your neck is bending when sleeping on your back, opt for a lower or softer pillow.

We highly recommend the Tempur Comfort Cloud for back sleepers.

The NASA-approved Tempur material helps keep the spine and neck neutrally aligned whilst moulding around the head and shoulders.

When investing in a good-quality memory foam pillow, you must do everything you can to help it last as long as possible! 🤗

How to wash a memory foam pillow

Most memory foam pillows cannot be washed in the washing machine.

Washing a memory foam pillow can destroy viscoelastic technology inside the pillow and break up its core components. 🧽

Some memory foam pillows come with a removable outer cover that is machine washable. 🧼

After undressing your pillow, pop it near an open window for a few hours to let it air out and remove moisture.

Always check with the manufacturer first to see if your pillow or the removable cover can be washed.

Pillow protectors

You should use a pillow protector as well as a pillowcase for a fully protected sleep. ☔

This is even more important for memory foam pillows, which can get damaged if they get into contact with liquids.

We highly recommend Eve pillow protectors as they are made from cotton, which helps to wick away moisture during the night.

This will help prevent moisture build-up and protect the pillow from accidents.

Memory foam pillows aren't cheap.

In fact, they're one of the most expensive types of pillows you can buy.

You can buy cheap memory foam pillows from Argos, but they're going to be of lower quality and lack guarantees that ensure your pillow lasts.

A good quality memory foam pillow will cost anywhere between £35 - £100.

Some companies also offer payment plans so you can spread the cost of your pillow.

Memory foam pillows have different lifespans, depending on the manufacturer... 🤨

Hollow-fibre pillows usually only have a one-year warranty.

However, memory foam pillows typically last around 2 or 3 years.

Some pillows, like the Panda memory foam pillow and MyPillow, can last as long as 10 years! 😱

To help your memory foam pillow last as long as possible, you should use a pillow protector to protect it from any accidents.

Before purchasing a memory foam pillow, check with the manufacturer to see what kind of warranty it comes with. 🤔

Take a look at these decade-lasting memory foam pillows: