Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Pillow Brands of 2023
Hey there, pillow shopper! As a self-proclaimed bedding enthusiast, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the perfect pillow. With so many brands and options out there, it‘s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don‘t lose sleep over it—I‘ve got you covered!
I‘ve spent countless nights testing out the most popular pillow brands so you don‘t have to. After careful consideration of factors like materials, construction, customer reviews, and brand reputation, I‘ve narrowed it down to the top 12 pillow brands of 2023:
- Coop Home Goods
- Parachute
- Layla Sleep
- Casper
- Saatva
- Tempur-Pedic
- Nest Bedding
- Purple
- Boll & Branch
- Avocado
- Tuft & Needle
- Pluto
These brands stand out for their exceptional quality, innovative designs, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether you‘re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, there‘s a perfect pillow for you on this list.
So sit back, relax, and let me walk you through what makes each of these pillow brands so special. By the end of this guide, you‘ll be well on your way to finding your dream pillow and getting the best sleep of your life!
Why Investing in a Quality Pillow Matters
Before we dive into the best pillow brands, let‘s talk about why your pillow choice is so important. You spend about a third of your life with your head on a pillow, so it‘s not a decision to take lightly!
A good pillow does more than just provide a soft place to rest your head. It plays a crucial role in aligning your spine, supporting your neck, and relieving pressure points. The right pillow can mean the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up with aches and pains.
Plus, a quality pillow can last for years with proper care, making it a worthwhile investment in your sleep health. Cheaply made pillows tend to go flat and lumpy after a few months, leaving you tossing and turning.
Now that you know the stakes, let‘s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a great pillow brand.
How I Chose the Best Pillow Brands
To create this guide, I considered several key factors:
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Materials: I looked for brands that use high-quality, durable materials like memory foam, latex, down, and organic cotton. Bonus points for eco-friendly and ethically-sourced materials.
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Construction: A well-made pillow should have strong stitching, even fill distribution, and good shape retention. I also considered special features like adjustability and cooling properties.
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Variety: The best pillow brands offer a range of firmness levels, lofts, and materials to suit different sleep positions and preferences. I made sure to include options for every type of sleeper.
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Customer Reviews: I read thousands of verified customer reviews to get a sense of how these pillows perform in real life. I looked for consistent praise of comfort, support, and durability.
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Customer Service: Buying a pillow online can be risky, so I prioritized brands with generous return policies, warranties, and responsive customer service.
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Brand Reputation: I considered each brand‘s overall reputation, including their history, mission, and values. I gave preference to brands with a track record of integrity and innovation.
Using these criteria as a guide, I narrowed down the pool to the top contenders. Now, let‘s take a closer look at each brand and what they have to offer!
1. Coop Home Goods
Coop Home Goods has been a leader in the adjustable pillow market since 2013. Their pillows are filled with a proprietary blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber, which you can add or remove to achieve your perfect loft and feel.
I‘ve owned the Coop Original Pillow for over a year now and it‘s hands down my favorite pillow ever. I love being able to customize the fill level to my exact liking. It strikes the perfect balance of soft and supportive, and the bamboo-derived cover keeps me cool all night.
Original Pillow Materials: Memory foam & microfiber fill, polyester liner, bamboo-derived viscose rayon & polyester cover
Sizes Available: Queen, King
Price Range: $72-$78
Standout Features: Adjustable fill, CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified foam, machine washable cover, vegan
Shipping & Returns: Free U.S. shipping, 100-night sleep trial, free returns
Warranty: 5 years
What Customers Say: "I have been through SO many pillows, and this one is by far the best. It‘s supportive without being too firm, and I love that I can adjust the filling to my liking. I‘m a side sleeper and it keeps my neck aligned perfectly." – Sarah L.
2. Parachute
Parachute is known for their luxurious bedding made from premium natural materials. Their down and down alternative pillows are some of the fluffiest and most cloud-like I‘ve ever felt.
I recently splurged on the Parachute Down Pillow in the firm density and it was worth every penny. The sateen cotton shell feels so smooth against my skin and the loft is perfect for side sleeping. I also feel good knowing the down is ethically sourced.
Down Pillow Materials: European white down fill (750 fill power), sateen cotton shell
Sizes Available: Standard, King
Density Options: Soft, Medium, Firm
Price Range: $139-$169
Certifications: Responsible Down Standard
Shipping & Returns: Free U.S. shipping, 60-day return policy
Warranty: 3 years
What Customers Say: "I was hesitant about spending this much on a pillow, but it has exceeded my expectations! It‘s so fluffy and comfortable, yet supportive. I‘m a stomach sleeper and the soft density is perfect." – Rachel M.
3. Layla Sleep
Layla is best known for their flippable mattresses featuring copper-infused memory foam, but their pillows are equally impressive. The Kapok Pillow combines responsive memory foam with all-natural kapok tree fibers for a buoyant, plush feel.
I tried the Layla Kapok Pillow when I was recovering from neck surgery and it was a game-changer. The kapok and foam filling adapted perfectly to my neck without losing shape over time. Plus, the copper fibers in the cover helped keep me cool while promoting blood flow.
Kapok Pillow Materials: Shredded memory foam & kapok fiber fill, polyester cover with copper fibers
Sizes Available: Queen, King
Price Range: $109-$129
Standout Features: Adjustable fill, CertiPUR-US certified foam, hypoallergenic & non-toxic materials, made in the USA
Shipping & Returns: Free U.S. shipping, 120-night trial, free returns
Warranty: 5 years
What Customers Say: "I‘ve tried so many different pillows for my neck pain and this one is by far the best. It conforms to my head and neck perfectly and I wake up without any stiffness. It‘s also really easy to adjust the fill level." – Mike R.
4. Casper
Casper revolutionized the mattress industry with their bed-in-a-box model and they‘ve brought that same innovation to their pillows. The Casper Original Pillow features a unique pillow-in-pillow design for the perfect balance of support and fluff.
I received a Casper Original Pillow as a housewarming gift and it quickly became my go-to. The inner pillow provides stability while the outer pillow adds softness. I also appreciate that it‘s machine washable for easy care.
Original Pillow Materials: Polyester microfiber fill (outer pillow), crimped polyester fiber fill (inner pillow), 100% cotton cover
Sizes Available: Standard, King
Price Range: $65-$85
Standout Features: Pillow-in-pillow design, 2" gusset for consistent loft, machine washable
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Shipping & Returns: Free shipping, 30-night trial, free returns
Warranty: 1 year
What Customers Say: "I love how this pillow combines softness and support. It cradles my head nicely without sinking too much. The fact that you can easily wash the whole thing is a huge plus." – Jennifer P.
5. Saatva
Saatva is known for their eco-friendly luxury mattresses, and their pillows live up to the same high standards. The Saatva Latex Pillow is a unique blend of shredded natural latex and down alternative for responsive, buoyant support.
I decided to try the Saatva pillow when I was looking for something more sustainable and I‘m so glad I did. The latex filling is springy yet conforming, and I love that it‘s naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. The organic cotton cover is breathable and soft.
Latex Pillow Materials: Shredded natural latex core, down alternative outer pillow, organic cotton cover
Sizes Available: Queen, King
Price Range: $155-$175
Standout Features: Combination of shredded latex & down alternative, adjustable loft, hypoallergenic & dust mite resistant, made in the USA
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, eco-INSTITUT
Shipping & Returns: Free shipping, 45-day trial, free returns
Warranty: 1 year
What Customers Say: "I was a bit skeptical of latex at first but this pillow has won me over. It‘s so supportive and bouncy, yet still soft. I also sleep better knowing it‘s made with non-toxic, sustainable materials." – Mark B.
Pillow Material Comparison
To help you choose the best pillow material for your needs, here‘s a quick overview of the most common types:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Foam | Contouring, pressure relief, durability | Can sleep hot, off-gassing odor |
| Latex | Bounciness, breathability, natural material | Expensive, heavy |
| Down | Softness, lightweight, moldability | Allergens, unethical sourcing, goes flat |
| Down Alternative | Hypoallergenic, affordable, easy care | Less fluffy & moldable than real down |
| Polyfoam | Inexpensive, lightweight | Poor durability, off-gassing odor |
Ultimately, the right pillow material for you comes down to personal preference and priorities. I recommend trying a few different types to see what feels best.
Pillow Sizes & Dimensions
Most pillows come in two main sizes: Standard and King. Here are the typical dimensions for each:
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Standard | 20" x 26" |
| King | 20" x 36" |
Some brands also offer a Queen size, which falls in between Standard and King at 20" x 30". Keep in mind that dimensions can vary slightly by brand.
When choosing a pillow size, consider the size of your bed and your sleeping space. If you have a smaller bed or tend to shift around a lot, a Standard pillow may be plenty. If you have a King bed or just want more surface area, go for a King pillow.
Pillow Loft & Sleep Position
In addition to size, you‘ll want to consider the loft or height of your pillow. The right loft for you depends on your sleep position and individual body type. Here are some general guidelines:
| Sleep Position | Recommended Pillow Loft |
|---|---|
| Back | Medium (3-5 inches) |
| Side | High (4+ inches) |
| Stomach | Low (2-3 inches) |
If you‘re a back sleeper, look for a pillow with a medium loft to cradle your head and neck while keeping your spine neutral. Side sleepers need a higher loft pillow to fill the gap between their head and shoulders. Stomach sleepers should opt for a low loft pillow to avoid craning their neck upwards.
Of course, these are just starting points. The perfect pillow loft for you may vary based on your shoulder width, head size, and mattress firmness. When in doubt, choose an adjustable pillow that lets you customize the loft to your liking.
Pillow Care & Maintenance
To get the most mileage out of your pillow, it‘s important to care for it properly. Here are some tips to keep your pillow fresh and fluffy:
- Use a pillow protector: A waterproof, hypoallergenic pillow protector will shield your pillow from dust, sweat, and stains.
- Wash regularly: Most down and down alternative pillows can be machine washed every 3-6 months. Memory foam and latex pillows should be spot cleaned.
- Fluff daily: Give your pillow a daily fluff to redistribute the fill and maintain loft.
- Replace every 1-2 years: Even with proper care, pillows will eventually lose their shape and support. Plan to replace your pillow every 1-2 years for optimal comfort.
The Bottom Line
Phew, that was a lot of pillow talk! I hope this guide has given you a better sense of what to look for in a pillow brand and how to choose the right pillow for your unique needs.
Remember, a quality pillow is an investment in your sleep health and overall well-being. Don‘t settle for a subpar pillow that leaves you tossing and turning. With so many great options out there, you‘re sure to find the pillow of your dreams.
Still not sure where to start? I personally recommend the Coop Original Pillow for its unbeatable adjustability and the Parachute Down Pillow for its cloud-like fluffiness. But you really can‘t go wrong with any of the brands on this list.
Happy pillow shopping, friends! Sweet dreams await.
