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The best memory foam pillows to buy in 2026, tested by experts
Fancy trying a memory foam pillow but feeling spoilt for choice? The Good Housekeeping Institute is here to help...
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd and Kim Hawley
Memory foam is possibly the most divisive of all pillow and mattress fillings. You'll either refuse to sleep on it or refuse to sleep on anything else.
We've tested over 100 of the best pillows at the Good Housekeeping Institute and it's a memory foam one that tops our rankings. Durable and dense, memory foam is made from a polymer known as polyurethane that moulds to your head and neck as you sleep, providing the ideal level of support. For this reason, these pillows can feel strange to sleep on at first, putting many people off. But, if you persevere with the best memory foam pillows, you may never look back.
Which are the best memory foam pillows?
You'll find our full reviews below but these are our top recommendations for different needs and budgets at a glance:
To find the best, our Good Housekeeping Institute enlisted a panel of sleepy testers to trial a range of options from popular brands for at least two weeks. Our in-house team also conducted wash tests and collated the feedback. Scroll on for our verdicts, plus a complete guide to memory foam pillows and whether they're right for you.
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Luff The Mayfair Gel Pillow
Luff The Mayfair Gel Pillow
Pros
- Filling remained even after washing
- Didn’t form a dip over time
Cons
- Cooling properties may not suit everyone (although you can pop a pillowcase on top to limit effects)
Score: 96/100
This memory foam pillow has cooling properties, thanks to a cool-touch gel pad on one side that draws heat away from your head to keep you comfortable all night long. This impressed on test, and for nights where you’re not hot, you can use the other side, which is made from soft bamboo, making this a versatile buy.
It aced our other tests too, proving supportive and comfortable – a worthy joint winner.
Key specifications
| Support | Firm |
|---|---|
| Height | 11cm |
| Filling | Solid CloudTec Filling |
| Cover | Nanoweave Bamboo |
| Adjustable | No |
| Machine washable | Outer cover only |
| Trial offering | 100 days |
| Guarantee | Not stated |
The Fine Bedding Company Natural Latex Foam Pillow
The Fine Bedding Company Natural Latex Foam Pillow
Pros
- Maintained shape and support after washing
- Cover felt premium
Cons
- Expensive
Score: 91/100
Latex might not be the most obvious filling for a pillow, but it made a strong impression on our team of testers. Many were surprised by just how comfortable it felt, combining a gently cushioned feel with reliable support.
Panellists confirmed it kept their head and neck aligned, with some discovering they no longer needed to layer multiple pillows to achieve the perfect balance. The quilted cover gives it a more luxurious finish and softens the feel, while the breathable fabric keeps things cool overnight.
Note, it is heavier than traditional foam options, and those who sleep on their front – or prefer a soft, squishy pillow – may find it less adaptable.
Key specifications
| Support | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 14cm |
| Filling | Talalay Latex |
| Cover | 100% BCI Cotton with GRS polyester quilting |
| Adjustable | No |
| Machine washable | Machine wash/tumble dry, professional laundering is recommended for best results |
| Trial offering | No |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
Cloudpillo Recharge
Cloudpillo Recharge
Pros
- Offers customisable support to suit all needs
- All testers would recommend to others
Cons
- Expensive
Score: 90/100
According to the brand, this adjustable pillow brings that five-star hotel feeling into your bedroom and after testing it, we’d have to agree. “This is a first-class product,” commented one tester, while another said: “There’s nothing I dislike about it”.
Our panel rated its adjustable design, which lets you tinker with the loft to suit your sleeping position and preferred firmness. They found it supportive yet comfy, with strong neck and shoulder alignment, and it didn’t need plumping throughout the night. As a bonus, it kept everyone cool, with no overheating reported.
The large size adds to its plush, hotel-like feel, though it may not fit all standard pillowcases. Some would have liked clearer instructions, but that’s a minor niggle.
Key specifications
| Support | Adjustable |
|---|---|
| Height | Customisable |
| Filling | Shredded memory foam, microfibre |
| Cover | Polyester, cotton |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Machine washable | Cover only |
| Trial offering | 100 nights |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
Pros
- Offered great support to the head and neck
- Care instructions are clear
Cons
- Difficult to get all the foam back into the cover once you take a layer out
Score: 89/100
Another adjustable memory foam pillow, our panel found this one supremely comfortable to sleep with. And if it’s too tall for your liking, you can just remove one or two of its three layers.
We found it kept its height well and was breathable, which is impressive for memory foam. The cover can also be machine washed and it held up well on test, with no shrinking. A reliable buy.
We also tested the Emma Hybrid Pillow, which scored 87/100.
Key specifications
| Support | Firm |
|---|---|
| Height | 11cm |
| Filling | Memory foam |
| Cover | 98% polyester, 2% elastane |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Machine washable | Outer cover only |
| Trial offering | 30 nights |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
Pros
- Very supportive
- Quilted cover felt premium
Cons
- Not deep enough for some
Score: 89/100
Hot sleepers, this is another one for you,. With a cover made from a cooling fabric (including a chilly-sounding textile called ice yarn), this pillow claims to dissipate body heat up to 10 times faster than cotton, so you stay cool, calm and collected throughout hot, sweaty nights.
It's a claim our testers backed up, although some noticed that their pillowcase reduced its chill. Luckily, its soft, quilted cover is (reliably) machine washable, so if you do need to cool down, you could forgo a typical cover. And testers praised its level of comfort, support and high-quality feel.
Key specifications
| Support | Firm |
|---|---|
| Height | 15cm |
| Filling | Visco Elastic Memory Foam Crumb |
| Cover | Polyester, ice yarn |
| Adjustable | No |
| Machine washable | 40 degrees (outer cover only) |
| Trial offering | No |
| Guarantee | 5 years |
Simba Hybrid Pillow
Simba Hybrid Pillow
Pros
- Stayed bouncy without dipping over time
- Pillow was breathable and kept our panellist's head cool throughout the night
Cons
- No trial period or guarantee
Score: 86/100
While not 100% memory foam, this pillow’s filling is made up of a combination of microfibre and foam “nanocubes” that can be removed and stored in a supplied drawstring bag. This means that both its thickness and firmness can be adjusted easily to suit any type of sleeper, while still offering strong support.
We found it super comfortable, fluffy and shapely, but it smelt a little plasticky at first. Ultimately, it’s a good choice if you’re new to memory foam or prefer to sleep on your front.
Key specifications
| Support | Adjustable |
|---|---|
| Height | 22cm |
| Filling | Memory foam nanocubes and a microfibre layer |
| Cover | Cotton |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Machine washable | Cover only |
| Trial offering | No |
| Guarantee | No |
Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
Pros
- Washed well
- Good value
Cons
- Too hard for some panellists
- Foam smell upon opening
Score: 81/100
If you’re after a greener option, this takes the top spot. The cover is made from organic bamboo, which is taken from non-fertilised forests and is biodegradable. Bamboo is also naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, which makes this pillow a good choice for those with allergies.
We found it cosy and supportive to sleep on but opinions differed on its comfort. It’s shorter than the average pillow at 60cm wide, which may spoil the aesthetics of your bedroom, but front sleepers will appreciate its thinness. Its 10-year guarantee is unbeatable, too.
Key specifications
| Support | Medium/firm |
|---|---|
| Height | 12cm |
| Filling | Memory foam |
| Cover | 40% bamboo, 60% polyester |
| Adjustable | No |
| Machine washable | Cover only |
| Trial offering | 30 nights |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
Pros
- Scored full marks in our wash test
- No dips formed
Cons
- Only the cover is washable
- Not deep enough for everyone
Score: 81/100
Memory foam and temperature regulation don't tend to go together, but this hypoallergenic pillow is a refreshing exception. Literally. It makes use of bamboo's breathable, moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool in summer and comfortably cosy in winter. It's infused with naturally antibacterial charcoal too.
It felt comfortable to sink into and we enjoyed a restorative night's sleep, but it was too thin to give adequate support to side sleepers. The angled corners irritated at times and some testers found it too firm.
Key specifications
| Support | Firm |
|---|---|
| Height | 10cm |
| Outer cover | 97% polyester, 3% spandex |
| Filling | Synthetic bamboo memory foam |
| Machine washable | Cover only |
| Adjustable | No |
| Trial offering | 14 nights |
| Guarantee | No |
The Fine Bedding Co Adjustable HoneyFoam ™ Pillow
The Fine Bedding Co Adjustable HoneyFoam ™ Pillow
Pros
- Supportive and comfortable once adjusted
- Breathable
- Handy storage bag for extra foam
Cons
- Not for those who want extra firm support
- Takes a while to find the perfect firmness level
Score: 80/100
Described as “extremely comfortable” and “high quality”, our panel was thoroughly impressed with this premium memory foam option. It has a fully adjustable design, filled with shredded memory foam – small clusters of foam rather than a single solid block – which allows you to redistribute the filling for superior support around the head, neck and shoulders.
Panellists praised the plush quilted outer cover, saying it was supremely soft and smooth to sleep on. Crucially, they rated the support level (once they had made all their adjustments) and said the pillow remained plump and regulated their temperature well throughout the night. “I’d highly recommend it for comfort, quality and support,” commented one panellist, while another said: “It’s like something you’d find in a high-end hotel.”
Key specifications
| Support | Adjustable |
|---|---|
| Height | Not specified |
| Filling | 100% Biomass Balance PU Foam |
| Cover | 100% GRS recycled polyester |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Machine washable | Cover only |
| Trial offering | 30-day return policy |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
TEMPUR Prima® SmartCool™ Pillow
Pros
- Suitable for all sleep styles
- High-quality design
Cons
- On the heavier side
Score: 78/100
As the name suggests, this TEMPUR pillow has been crafted to draw heat away from the body, with a cool-to-the-touch woven cover and the brand’s signature SmartCool™ technology. “The benefits of a cooling pillow came at the right time for me with a change in life stage and the heatwave,” said one satisfied tester.
The brand claims the low-sloping design will “adapt precisely” to your head, neck and shoulders, providing optimal support and comfort, whether you’re a front, side or back sleeper. Sure enough, several testers praised the support level, once they had adjusted to the unique memory foam feel. It wasn’t deep enough for others, but that comes down to personal preference.
The SmartCool™ cover is easy to wash (bung it in the machine at 40C) and it maintained its quality after a few goes in the machine, plus it comes with a carry case for storage. Note, the pillow is on the heavier side and a tad awkward to move and rearrange in the middle of the night.
Key specifications
| Support | Medium firm |
|---|---|
| Height | 21cm |
| Filling | TEMPUR Renew® material and memory foam |
| Cover | SmartCool™, polyester |
| Adjustable | No |
| Machine washable | Outer cover only |
| Trial offering | 30 nights |
| Guarantee | 3 years |
.jpg?crop=0.635xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Adapt Cooling Pillow")
Pros
- Pillow shape supports the shoulders as well as the head
- Remained high quality after washing
Cons
- Flattened over time for some
- Less comfortable for side-sleepers than back-sleepers
Score: 78/100
Emma’s Adapt Cooling Pillow won the approval of our testers thanks to its adjustable design that allows you to remove inserts to create the perfect sleep surface for your head. Most agreed that it was comfortable and breathable throughout the night, but some found it a little too firm for their liking. The pillow does come with a 30-night trial though, so you can get your money back if you’re not 100% sold.
Our panel also loved the washable cover, which remained soft to the touch post-wash and was easy to fit back onto the pillow.
Key specifications
| Support | Firm |
|---|---|
| Height | Not specified |
| Outer Cover | 98% polyester, 2& elastane |
| Filling | Foam |
| Machine washable | Cover only |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Trial offering | 30 nights |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
How we test memory foam pillows
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we do some of the most rigorous sleep testing you'll find on the market. We don’t just ask one person to use each pillow for a night or two. Instead, we enlist the help of a panel of testers (at least six per pillow) to trial each design for a minimum of two weeks before reporting back on their experiences.
Our panel have trialled over 60 memory foam pillows across all styles and materials. They judged each one on its comfort, support, breathability and overall design, before deciding if they would buy it themselves. Back in the lab, our team put every pillow through the washing machine and assessed any impact on its performance and quality.
Once all the results and feedback were in, we pulled out the highest-scoring memory foam pillows. Only the ones worth investing in made our final round-up.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
In our quest to help our readers get the best night’s sleep possible, we’ve tested hundreds of products as part of our annual Sleep Awards. In total, we’ve tested over 60 different pillows – that’s a whole lot of snoozing.
Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, and our senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, led the reviews for memory foam pillows. They conducted the in-house wash tests and coordinated with our at-home panel.
All the feedback was then passed to our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, and our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall. They've both written about hundreds of sleep products between them and know exactly what makes a fantastic buy.
How to choose a memory foam pillow
Here are the key factors to consider before clicking 'buy'.
Sleeping position
Because memory foam is supportive and holds its shape well, it works especially well for side sleepers who need consistent neck and spine alignment. Back sleepers can also get on with memory foam, provided they choose a medium loft that supports the natural curve of the neck. Stomach sleepers may find traditional memory foam too firm and thick – they should look for a low-profile or adjustable design, or consider a softer filling like down or microfibre.
Height options
Getting the height right is important with memory foam pillows, as it won't compress as much as other fillings. The correct loft should keep your head, neck and spine in a straight line, preventing strain or stiffness.
If you're unsure, an adjustable design can give you more flexibility and help you fine-tune the feel. You can alter several of the pillows on our list including the Emma Adapt Pillow and the Simba Hybrid Pillow.
Cooling technology
If you're prone to getting hot and sweaty at night, look for a memory foam pillow with cooling claims. These either have breathable covers or feature unique fillings designed to regulate your temperature, such as gel.
Sleep trial period
If you haven't tried sleeping on memory foam before, be sure to select a pillow that comes with a trial offer. That means you can simply return or exchange it by the end of the trial period if it’s not for you.
Washable covers
It's a good idea to look for a memory foam pillow with a removable, washable cover. As memory foam can't go in the machine itself, having an easy-to-remove cover makes it easy to keep your pillow fresh and hygienic.
Price
Memory foam pillows vary in price, ranging from budget-friendly options to more premium designs with advanced features like cooling technology, adjustable loft and washable covers. A higher price tag doesn’t always mean better sleep, so it's worth focusing on designs that suit your needs and preferences.
Are memory foam pillows good?
Yes memory foam pillows are a good choice, as long as they meet your personal needs.
The firm support they offer will definitely be welcome if you are looking for the best pillow for neck pain, but they can feel heavy and rigid and make more active sleepers feel a little claustrophobic. There's limited airflow in memory foam, too, so these pillows can get hot quickly, especially in the summer. However, on the plus side, they're easy to care for, supportive and long-lasting.
How to wash a memory foam pillow
Memory foam pillows cannot go in the washing machine or tumble dryer and some are spot clean only. Others have removable machine-washable covers. If in doubt, follow the care instructions given on your pillow.
How long should memory foam pillows last?
Memory foam pillows are durable and last longer than most pillow types, but expect to replace yours after two to three years of nightly use. Test whether it needs replacing by folding it in half; if it stays folded, it’s time to get a new one.
Lumpy pillows that are no longer offering adequate support should also be swapped out. Protect your pillow from stains by adding a pillow protector.
Is memory foam better than a feather and down pillow?
It really depends on what you're looking for. Memory foam is firmer and more supportive, while feather and down pillows are softer and more mouldable, offering a plush, sink-in feeling that some may prefer.
Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritise structured support or cloud-like softness. You can find a range of feather and down options in our best pillows round-up.
What are the disadvantages of memory foam pillows?
While memory foam pillows offer top-notch support, they’re not right for everyone. Some may find them too firm and restrictive – especially compared to softer fillings like down and microfibre – and they can retain heat.
Memory foam pillows are often heavier, too, and can have a slight chemical smell when unpacked, plus the foam itself usually isn't machine washable.
The verdict on memory foam pillows
With a memory foam pillow scoring near full marks, we're sure you'll love our best buy. Luff’s The Mayfair Gel Pillow was a fan-favourite for its cooling properties too, so opt for that one if you're a hot sleeper.
Our winner isn't adjustable though, so if you’re not sure what firmness and height suits your sleeping style best, we recommend the Cloudpillo Recharge Memory Foam Pillow.
More expert-approved sleep buys
Want to completely upgrade your bedroom set-up? We've rigorously tested the best mattress toppers, the best mattress protectors, the best duvets and the best sleep gadgets too.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
