- CharcoCell foam & 100% bamboo cover
- Medium-firm
- Machine-washable coverย
Tell me more about the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow
The Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow is one of the best pillows we've ever tested.ย
The foam is blended with activated bamboo charcoal, which regulates temperature, wicks away moisture, and neutralises odours.
We found the pillow particularly comfortable for side sleeping.
The foam gently cradles the head and supports the neck at the correct height, aligning it with the spine.ย
The BambooCloud quilted cover is kind and gentle to the skin,ย indulgently soft and also fully washable.ย
We're also very pleased to know that Panda London makes these pillows using sustainable materials and practices.ย
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
|
Unmatched 10-year guarantee |
|
One of the most comfortable pillows we've tested |
Reasons to avoid
Not adjustable |
|
Unsuitable for stomach sleepers |
- ThermoSync foam, supportive foam & soft foam
- UltraDry machine-washable cover
- Adjustable layers
Tell me more about the Emma Premium Pillow
The Emma Premium Pillow offers a unique experience thanks to its multi-layered, adjustable design.
The pillow as a whole has a firm feel and high loft, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers.
However, the pillow's adaptabilityย allows it to suit all sleeping positions by simply removing or reordering the foam layers.
The Emma Premium pillow supported the neck and cushioned the head for a comfortable sleep that alleviated any pressure.ย
Another unique aspect is the thermoregulating layer and UltraDry cover, which ensure temperature regulation throughout the night.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
|
2-year guarantee |
|
Adjustable to all sleeping positions |
Reasons to avoid
It's difficult to remove the inner layers |
|
Quite pricey |
- Shredded memory foam
- Medium-firm
- Fully adjustableย
Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid Pillow
The Simba Hybrid pillow offers comfort and support to a wide range of sleepers.
It features unique memory foam "nanocubes" that can be added and removed to best suit your preferences.
The shredded memory foam also gives the pillow a more traditional feel.ย ย
The Simba Hybrid pillow also featuresย astronaut-inspired temperature-regulating technology that absorbs, stores and releases heat as needed.ย ย
The Simba Hybrid pillow cover is removable and machine-washable.
This makes it a great choice for people prone to allergies.ย
Reasons to buy
Fully adjustable height and firmness |
|
Machine-washable cover |
|
1-year guarantee |
Reasons to avoid
Quite expensive |
|
No trial period |
- Gel-infused shredded memory foam & bamboo pillowcase
- Adjustable height and firmnessย
- 30-night trialย
Tell me more about the Aeyla FOAMO Pillow
The Aeyla FOAMO Pillow is a state-of-the-art adjustable pillow.
It comes fully stuffed with easy-to-store spare fill andย a dual-case zip system to add or remove the fill material.
The fill is made from shredded, gel-infused memory foam for optimal support and temperature regulation.
The FOAMO pillow has a medium-firm feel, though this does depend on the stuffing level.
The pillow cover is made from temperature-regulating bamboo, which further helps keep the pillow cool for a more comfortable sleep.ย
You can wash the cover at 40โ, but be sure to remove all fill material first.
Reasons to buy
Fully adjustable to your needs |
|
Great temperature regulation |
|
30-night trial |
Reasons to avoid
Fill must be removed before washing |
|
Can be finicky to add/remove and store excess foam |
- Graphene memory foam & copper-infused polyester cover
- Medium firm to firmย
- Adjustable layersย
Tell me more about the Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow
The Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow features a unique 4-layer adjustable design.
It is an ergonomic memory foam pillow that cradles your neck and head, promoting proper alignment and reducing tension and discomfort.ย
This makes it an ideal choice for side sleepers who require extra support.
Brightr uses cooling graphene memory foam, which helps regulate temperature and wicks away moisture.ย
Instead of one solid chunk of memory foam, Brightr has split it into four layers that slot together like Tetris pieces to design your perfect pillow height and firmness level.
The Eclipse pillow's signature copper-infused cover provides protection against allergens and bacteria that can cause breakouts.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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Ergonomic support for back & neck pain |
|
Antimicrobial copper cover |
Reasons to avoid
Won't be suitable for people who want a soft, mouldable pillow |
- Extra-soft Tempur material & cotton cover
- Soft feel & medium softย
- Washable coverย
Tell me more about the Tempur Comfort Cloudย pillow
The Tempur Comfort Cloudย pillow has a soft, cloud-like feeling and gently cradles the head and shoulders.
The inner foam includesย extra-soft Tempur micro-cushions that relieve pressure and adapt to the head and shoulders.ย
Unlike the Tempur Comfort pillow, it has a lower loft and softer feel, perfect for those who want to sink more deeply into a pillow.ย
This makes it ideal for back sleepers who need a pillow that hugs around the head and shoulders without bending the neck upwards too much.ย ย ย
The outer Tempur pillows Cloud cover isย machine-washableย for long-lasting freshness.ย
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
|
3-year guarantee |
|
Great support for back sleepers |
Reasons to avoid
Expensive |
|
Unsuitable for stomach sleepers |
What is memory foam?
Memory foam is a material made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam.
Originally developed by NASA, memory foam was created to absorb g-shock in space seats...๐
The material was so good at relieving pressure from the body that in 1991, Tempur developed the first memory foam mattress.
Memory foam can conform and change shape when contact with the body is made.
When that contact is released, the material returns to its original shape.
Hence the reason we call it โmemory foamโ.
But not all memory foam feels the sameโฆ๐ค
High-quality memory foam vs cheap memory foam
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... ๐
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. ๐
Cheap foam is more โbouncyโ 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.
Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain?
A good quality memory foam pillow can make a difference in a restful nightโs sleep. ๐ด
If youโre waking up with neck pain, this might be because your pillow is bending your spine or neck too much during the night.
Likewise, pillows with no support will straighten the spine or neck, creating tension. ๐ฌ
Memory foam doesnโt resist against the body like other pillow fillings.
Instead, it moulds itself around pressure points for a good night's sleep.
You can even buy memory foam neck pillows, such as the Tempur Queen Original, that follow the natural shape of the neck.
Whilst memory foam can make a great support pillow, they arenโt a cure for injury or health problems.
Memory foam pillows can help take the strain off the spine or neck.
However, you should always seek medical advice for any underlying health conditions. ๐จโโ๏ธ
Types of memory foam pillows
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.
Weโve got some examples of different types of memory foam pillows below. ๐
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.
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 arenโt 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 theyโre not as sustainable as some other pillow choices.
The Aeyla Foamo pillow is made with gel-infused memory foam and has a cooling bamboo cover.
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. ๐ฅฐ
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 isnโt 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.
How to choose a memory foam pillow
There are all kinds of things to consider when buying a pillow.
Consider these criteria before you buy a memory foam pillow:
- Is my current pillow uncomfortable?
- What's my budget for a memory foam pillow?
- Does the memory foam pillow come with a sleep trial?
- How long is the guarantee on the memory foam pillow?
- Are there cheaper but similar alternatives available?
- Do I need a soft memory foam pillow or a firm memory foam pillow?
- What memory foam pillow do I need for my sleeping position?
You should consider your personal preference and requirements when buying a pillow. โ๏ธ
Only buy what you can reasonably afford and check for discounts or alternative payment options if youโre looking to stretch the budget.
And whilst reviews can be great, you should use your own judgement when deciding whether or not you should buy a product.
Sleeping position
Many people donโt realise that the wrong pillow for your sleeping position can contribute to an uncomfortable sleep! ๐คฏ
If youโre 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. ๐
Side sleeper pillows should also be low enough to support the natural curve of the neck.
In other words, you shouldnโt 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. โค๏ธ
The Simba Hybrid pillow is a great option for side sleepers.
The Nanocube shredded foam moulds around the head and shoulders to relieve pressure.
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. ๐
Sleeping on your front puts the most pressure on the spine. ๐ฌ
If youโre 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.
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.
Memory foam pillow alternatives
Okay, so you've decided that perhaps a memory foam pillow is not for you.
Don't worry! ๐
There are a ton of fantastic alternatives available for you to try instead.
It's important to consider what you desire from your pillow and what aspects you don't enjoy about your current pillow.
We'll consider some different types of pillows below.
Latex pillows
Latex is a highly sustainable material that comes from tree sap.
Latex pillows have a similar feel to memory foam but are cooler and have a more responsive "bounce back" feeling.
Relyon Superior Comfort Deep Latex pillows are made from 100% pure latex and have firm support ideal for side sleepers.
Hollowfibre/microfibre pillows
Hollowfibre and microfibre pillows are one of the cheapest and most accessible pillows available. ๐ฐ
Made with polyester, most people have owned a hollowfibre pillow in their lifetime.
The Kally Sleep Adjustable Pillow is our favourite hollowfibre pillow.
It also comes with a removable 100% cotton cover, ideal for those who sweat during sleep.
Feather and down pillows
Feather and down pillows have been around for centuries, and for good reason! ๐ฆ
Just like memory foam, these feather and down alternatives conform to your head and neck shape.
Feather pillows are a great option for those who like to sink into their pillow.
We're obsessed with the Hypnos Feather and Down pillows made from luxurious duck feathers and down with a 300-thread count cotton cover.
How to keep a memory foam pillow clean
When investing in a good-quality memory foam pillow, you must do everything you can to help it last as long as possible! ๐ค
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. ๐งฝ
Some memory foam pillows come with a removable outer cover that is machine washable. ๐งผ
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. โ
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 pillow sizes
Memory foam pillows come in all shapes and sizes.
Standard UK size memory foam pillows measure just under 50 x 75 cm (20" x 20".)
You should use a regular pillowcase with around 1 inch of extra space on each side.
Ergonomic and shaped pillows come in their own unique shape and size.
Some brands, such as Tempur, also offer small memory foam pillows and memory foam travel pillows.
For these pillows, you will need a pillowcase designed specifically for these pillows.
You should check the care instructions on the manufacturer's website for more information about the sizing and requirements.
Take a look at our top picks for pillowcases:
Memory foam pillow prices
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 ยฃ35 - ยฃ100.
Some companies also offer payment plans so you can spread the cost of your pillow.
Memory foam pillow discount codes
Luckily, you can also get great deals on memory foam pillows.
The best memory foam pillow sales are during Black Friday, Christmas and Easter.
Some brands also offer unique memory foam pillow voucher codes.
Our discounts page keeps you updated with all the latest codes and offers. ๐ฐ
How long does a memory foam pillow last?
Memory foam pillows have different lifespans, depending on the manufacturer... ๐คจ
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, can last as long as 10 years! ๐ฑ
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. ๐ค
Should I buy a memory foam pillow?
The perfect pillow means something different to everyone . . .
Whilst memory foam pillows are a great choice for many people, only you can decide if they are right for you! ๐
Consider your budget, lifestyle, and sleeping position before choosing a memory foam pillow.
Memory foam isn't the right pillow for everyone.
Our best pillow review recommends our favourite pillows in the UK.
Table of Contents
High-quality memory foam vs cheap memory foam
Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain?
How to choose a memory foam pillow
Memory foam pillow alternatives
How to keep a memory foam pillow clean
Memory foam pillow discount codes
How long does a memory foam pillow last?
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.