I Finally Invested In a Quality Pillow and It's Completely Changed My Sleep

When I first opened the package for this pillow, I was surprised by how lofty it looked. I worried it might be too much for my neck. Thankfully, it turned out to offer just the right amount of support, not too firm and not too soft.

The ComfortFit comes with three removable memory foam inserts, so you can customize the height and feel to suit your sleep style. As a back and side sleeper, I started with all three in. My husband, who’s a side sleeper, prefers just one. I've since settled on two inserts, and I love how the foam contours to my head without leaving my neck stiff in the morning.

After over a year of daily use, the cushions have shown no sign of flattening out or sinking in where our heads often rest. That’s an improvement over some down pillows I’ve used that appear to deflate over time. And while it’s not marketed as a cooling pillow, the ComfortFit has a Lyocell blend cover that appears to be breathable and not trap heat.

Brooklinen’s Marlow pillow is a fantastic budget option. The way you customize it is a little different: You use two zippers to adjust the pillow between three height (loft) levels. I love that this means you don’t have to fuss with taking inserts in and out and finding a place to store unused ones. It also boasts a cooling-infused memory foam to keep your head nice and cool all night long.

According to the brand, side sleepers should keep both sides zipped up for maximum support. Back sleepers should unzip just one side. And stomach sleepers should unzip both sides for more of a cushy feel. Those who have allergies will want to note the antimicrobial cover.

If you're looking for a pillow that does it all, the Purple DreamLayer Pillow may be worth the splurge — especially if you tend to sleep hot. Unlike traditional memory foam, Purple's proprietary GelFlex Grid technology features hundreds of air channels that contour to your head and neck while actively dissipating heat. So you never have to flip to the “cool side” in the middle of the night.

Like the Sleep Number ComfortFit, this pillow comes with removable booster layers (two of them). Using these lets you personalize the pillow to one of three loft options depending on your sleep position. The trade-off for all that innovation is the price: It's one of the pricier picks on this list. And be aware that, like many foam pillows, it may need a day or two to air out when it first arrives.