Best Memory Foam Pillow in 2026

Paul Souliac
2026-02-23T15:30:04-08:00

Memory foam pillows have come a long way. The stiff, heat-trapping blocks of the past have been replaced by shredded, gel-infused, and adjustable designs that contour without cooking you overnight. Discover the Best Memory Foam Pillow in 2026

If you're ready to find a memory foam pillow that actually fits your neck, the Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep gives you the adjustability and side-sleeper engineering to get there faster.

Solid Memory Foam vs. Shredded Memory Foam, Which Is Better?

The type of memory foam inside your pillow changes everything about how it feels and performs.

Solid memory foam:

Contours closely and holds its shape consistently, good for predictable support night after night

Can retain heat more than shredded versions, though gel infusions and perforations help

Fixed loft, what you buy is what you get; no adjustability

Best for: back sleepers who need stable cervical support, people who dislike pillow shifting during the night

Shredded memory foam:

Moves and molds to the head and neck more freely, closer to the feel of a traditional pillow with memory foam contouring

Better airflow between pieces means cooler sleep than solid blocks

Usually adjustable via zipper, can add or remove fill to customize loft and firmness

Best for: side sleepers, combination sleepers, people who need to dial in their exact loft height for neck alignment

For most people dealing with neck pain or sleep position sensitivity, shredded and adjustable memory foam is the more versatile choice. But solid memory foam earns its place for those who want a stable, no-fuss support surface that doesn't shift during the night. Learn more about the benefits of shredded memory foam for customizable support.

What to Look for in the Best Memory Foam Pillow

Adjustable loft: The ability to add or remove fill is the single most useful feature for getting the right cervical alignment, especially for side sleepers whose needs vary by shoulder width and mattress firmness

Cooling technology: Gel infusions, perforations, open-cell foam, or breathable bamboo covers all help offset memory foam's natural tendency to retain body heat

Cover quality: The cover material touches your face and neck all night, look for bamboo, Tencel, or moisture-wicking blends over basic polyester

CertiPUR-US certification: Confirms the foam is free from harmful chemicals and meets emissions standards, worth prioritizing for health-conscious shoppers

Fill responsiveness: Shredded fill should spring back after you shift positions, not stay compressed where your head was

Weight and packability: Relevant for travel use; lighter, compressible, shredded options travel better than solid foam blocks

Loft height is the most commonly overlooked factor. A memory foam pillow with perfect foam but wrong height will still cause neck pain. Adjustability solves this problem at the source. See how memory foam compares to down and latex pillows for a broader material comparison.

Top 10 Best Memory Foam Pillows in 2026

1. Honeydew Sleep - Best Memory Foam Pillow in 2026

Description (The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow):

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow features a unique curve that cradles your neck and shoulders for ultimate comfort and perfect alignment. The proprietary fill delivers a luxurious feel and superior support, while alleviating neck and shoulder pain — a condition affecting 30% to 50% of adults. We spent years developing a pillow built to provide perfect alignment and support for your body every single night. Every aspect was meticulously and deliberately chosen for its ability to provide the best sleep possible, and to help you wake up pain free and full of energy — powered by sleep. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, the unique curve of the Scrumptious Side Pillow was designed to support your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. The ribbon going around the sides maintains the pillow's structure perfectly, ensuring it doesn't taper at the edges or get higher in the middle — so you'll never roll onto the "flat part" during the night. The foam component is 100% CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which is far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam and has naturally antibacterial properties to keep your pillow fresh night after night. A discreetly hidden zipper lets you add or remove fill to customize the pillow height for your body — because nobody knows what you need better than you. Handcrafted by hand with love in California, USA. Turn down your nights to turn up your days.

Key Features:

Unique Curved Design: Cradles neck and shoulders for perfect alignment

Proprietary Fill: Doughy and soft yet still supportive — unlike any other pillow

Copper-Infused Foam: Superior cooling vs. gel-based memory foam; naturally antibacterial

100% CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: Always made without formaldehyde or heavy metals

Adjustable Fill: Hidden zipper to add or remove fill for personalized height

Structural Side Ribbon: Maintains consistent height across entire pillow surface

Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief: Specifically designed to stop neck pain at the source

Side & Back Sleeper Friendly: Unique curve supports all sleeping positions

Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Included: Cooling, ultra-soft, and skin-friendly

Cooling All Night Long: Copper infusion keeps pillow temperature regulated

Washable Cover: Hidden zipper makes cover removal easy for machine washing

Handmade in California, USA: Family-owned, hand-crafted with care

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified: All textiles safety certified

No Formaldehyde or Heavy Metals: 100% safe materials

Travel Size Available: Includes carrying bag for on-the-go sleep comfort

Tech Specs:

Fill: Proprietary copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam blend

Cover: Organic bamboo — cooling and ultra-soft

Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (textiles) + CertiPUR-US (foam)

Construction: Handmade in California, USA

Adjustability: Hidden zipper for fill customization

Available Sizes:

Queen: approximately 27" x 15"

King: approximately 30" x 17"

Travel: approximately 21" x 12"

Sleep Position: Side sleepers and back sleepers

Temperature: Cooling copper-infused fill, always cool to the touch

Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee

Care: Machine washable cover (remove fill first); tumble dry safe

What's Included:

1 x Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow (Queen, King, or Travel)

1 x Organic Bamboo Cooling Pillowcase

Travel Size: includes carrying bag

60-night risk-free trial (free shipping both ways)

3-year limited warranty

Free nationwide US shipping on orders over $50

Customer Reviews Highlights:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow has changed my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's true." — Greg 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was floored by how much better I sleep now. The quality is incredible — the perfect mix of fluffy and firm." — Jonathan K. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like Goldilocks, none were just right — until I found the Scrumptious Side Pillow. FINALLY!" — RL S. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow is perfect for side sleepers like myself. I'll never go back to my old pillows again." — Michelle D. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing support, super comfortable, and the pillowcase is so soft!" — Cecilia S. 🇺🇸

Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ based on 587 verified reviews

Shop The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

2. Coop Sleep Goods

Shredded memory foam and microfiber fill; customizable loft and firmness via zipper; plush support and breathability for various sleep positions.

Key features: Shredded memory foam with microfiber, fully adjustable loft via extra fill kit, CertiPUR-US certified foam, machine washable cover

Best for: All sleep positions, combination sleepers, people who want cloud-like plushness with adjustable support

Light con: Requires regular fluffing to maintain loft; may not suit very hot sleepers

3. Tempur-Pedic

Solid memory foam that contours comfortably to the head and neck; suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers; helps reduce tossing and turning.

Key features: Proprietary TEMPUR solid memory foam, adaptive slow-response contouring, medium-firm feel, removable washable cover

Best for: Back sleepers, people who want consistent conforming support, those who prefer classic memory foam feel

Light con: Tends to trap heat; advertised as extra soft but feels more medium-firm

4. Brooklyn Bedding

Adjustable shredded memory foam with a firmer feel; ideal for side sleepers seeking support and comfort without neck pain.

Key features: Blend of shredded latex and memory foam, zippered cover for loft adjustment, cooling gel infusion, open-cell technology for breathability

Best for: Side sleepers, people who want a firmer shredded option, those seeking customizable loft

Light con: The firmer feel may not appeal to those wanting plush softness

5. Saatva

Shredded gel-infused memory foam with a removable inner pillow for adjustability; promotes cooling and pressure relief for aches and pains.

Key features: Shredded gel-infused foam, removable inner core for adjustable loft, organic cotton cover, graphite-infused foam for cooling

Best for: Hot sleepers, side sleepers, people who want luxury materials with adjustability

Light con: Slightly firmer than medium-firm; best kept intact for side sleepers rather than fully flattened

6. Nectar

Adjustable firmness levels via zippers; shredded foam with moisture-wicking cover; designed to keep hot sleepers cool while providing contouring support.

Key features: Memory foam clusters with down alternative microfiber, three adjustable comfort zones via zippers (soft, medium, firm), cooling cover, gusseted design

Best for: All sleep positions, combination sleepers, people who want to fine-tune firmness without buying multiple pillows

Light con: Can feel bulky; cooling effect may fade after a few hours for some users

7. Helix

Solid foam core with cooling cover; available in high or low lofts for side, back, or stomach sleepers; provides even support throughout the night.

Key features: Solid memory foam core, GlacioTex cooling cover technology, available in high or low loft options

Best for: Hot sleepers, people who want solid foam support with cooling, side and back sleepers

Light con: The cool-to-touch cover works best with breathable protectors; some waterproof covers can negate the cooling effect

8. Layla

Shredded memory foam blended with kapok fibers; plush and adjustable; resists clumping; provides support for combination sleepers.

Key features: Shredded memory foam blended with kapok plant fibers, fully adjustable fill, soft breathable cover

Best for: Combination sleepers, stomach sleepers, people who want plush, moldable support across all positions

Light con: Kapok fibers may require occasional fluffing to redistribute fill evenly

9. Weekender

Solid foam with gel infusions and perforations for cooling; affordable cushioning and support for budget-conscious shoppers.

Key features: Solid gel-infused memory foam, perforated ventilation, budget-friendly price point, removable cover

Best for: Budget shoppers, back sleepers, first-time memory foam users who want cooling on a budget

Light con: Lower durability compared to premium options; may flatten faster over time

10. Luxome

Multiple inserts (down alternative, shredded, and solid foam) for full loft and firmness customization; includes cooling properties.

Key features: Three interchangeable inserts (down alternative, shredded foam, solid foam), fully customizable configuration, cooling cover

Best for: People who want maximum customization, sleepers with specific changing needs, those who want to experiment with different fills

Light con: Multiple inserts can make the pillow feel complex to configure initially

How to Choose the Right Memory Foam Pillow for Your Sleep Position

Side sleepers: Need higher loft (typically 4–6 inches) and a fill that doesn't compress under sustained head weight. Shredded memory foam with adjustable zipper is the most reliable format; the pillow must bridge the shoulder gap to keep the neck level.

Back sleepers: Need medium loft (2–4 inches) with a contoured or slightly curved profile to support the cervical arch without pushing the head into a chin-to-chest position. Solid ergonomic foam works well here.

Stomach sleepers: Need the lowest possible loft, a thin, soft memory foam option is the least harmful choice. Stomach sleeping is generally discouraged for neck health.

Combination sleepers: Adjustable shredded fill is the best bet, it can be tuned to a loft that's acceptable in both back and side positions without being perfect in either.

Hot sleepers: Prioritize gel-infused, perforated, or open-cell shredded memory foam with a bamboo or moisture-wicking cover. Solid foam retains more heat than shredded alternatives.

Chronic neck pain sufferers: Adjustable loft is non-negotiable. The exact height needed varies by person, mattress, and shoulder width, and no fixed-loft pillow can guarantee the right fit.

Learn more about how sleep position affects pillow choice and neck pain.

Memory Foam and Heat: How Modern Pillows Stay Cool

Traditional solid memory foam traps body heat because the dense foam structure has minimal airflow, this was the most common complaint about early memory foam pillows.

Modern designs address this several ways: gel infusions absorb and disperse heat; open-cell foam structures allow air to move through the foam; perforations or channels create ventilation paths.

Shredded memory foam inherently sleeps cooler than solid foam because air circulates between the individual pieces, making it a better default choice for people who sleep warm. Cover materials make a significant difference: bamboo, Tencel, and moisture-wicking blends wick sweat away from the face and neck; basic polyester covers trap heat against the skin.

Pillow temperature directly affects sleep quality. Even mild overheating increases arousal during sleep, leading to more tossing, turning, and light-sleep phases.

If you've tried memory foam pillows in the past and found them too hot, shredded fill with a bamboo cover is the most likely combination to solve that specific complaint. Check out our guide to the top cooling pillows for hot sleepers and learn more about how the Scrumptious Side Pillow handles heat and support.

Tips for Getting the Best Performance From Your Memory Foam Pillow

Allow a new memory foam pillow 24–48 hours to fully expand after unpacking, compressed shipping can temporarily affect loft and feel

If your pillow has adjustable fill, experiment with loft over the first 1–2 weeks, most people need to remove more fill than they expect to find the sweet spot

Fluff shredded memory foam pillows daily to redistribute fill and prevent clumping, this keeps support consistent and extends pillow life

Use a pillow protector under your pillowcase, it guards the foam from moisture and extends the time between deep cleans

Wash the cover regularly (every 1–2 weeks for people with allergies or skin sensitivity), memory foam itself shouldn't be machine washed, but most covers are machine washable

Replace memory foam pillows every 2–3 years, foam loses its responsiveness over time and begins to bottom out, losing the support that made it effective in the first place

Read our complete guide on how often you should replace your pillow.

When Your Pillow Isn't the Problem

A well-chosen memory foam pillow removes one significant mechanical trigger, poor overnight alignment and pressure distribution. But chronic pain, neurological symptoms, or persistent sleep disruption deserve a medical evaluation, not just a new pillow.

Red flags to watch for:

Neck pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the arms or hands (possible cervical disc or nerve issue)

Morning headaches that persist regardless of pillow type or sleep position

Pain that follows an impact, fall, or accident, even if mild initially

Sleep disruption that doesn't improve after 4–6 weeks of consistent pillow optimization

Fatigue that isn't explained by poor sleep quality alone (possible sleep apnea or other sleep disorder)

FAQ

Is a shredded or solid memory foam pillow better for neck pain?

Both can work, solid foam offers consistent support and holds its shape; shredded foam offers adjustability and better airflow. For most neck pain sufferers, adjustable shredded fill wins because loft customization is more important than foam density. The ability to dial in the exact height for your shoulder width and mattress firmness is the key variable.

Do memory foam pillows sleep hot?

Traditional solid memory foam does retain heat. Modern gel-infused, perforated, and open-cell designs run much cooler. Shredded memory foam is naturally cooler than solid foam due to airflow between pieces. Cover material also plays a major role, bamboo and moisture-wicking coversmake a noticeable difference.

How long does a memory foam pillow last?

Quality memory foam pillows typically last 2–3 years before losing meaningful support; cheaper options may compress within 12–18 months. Signs it's time to replace: the pillow doesn't spring back, it feels flat under head weight, or neck pain has returned after previously being resolved. Regular fluffing (for shredded) and using a pillow protector extends lifespan.

Can I wash a memory foam pillow?

Solid memory foam blocks should not be machine washed, moisture breaks down the foam structure. Spot cleaning and airing out is the recommended method. Shredded memory foam is more wash-tolerant in some products but always check the care label. Pillow covers and protectors, however, should be washed regularly, every 1–2 weeks for best hygiene.

If you're ready to find a memory foam pillow that actually fits your neck, the Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep gives you the adjustability and side-sleeper engineering to get there faster. Explore more sleep solutions at honeydewsleep.com.