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A good night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold, and choosing the right pillow is key to achieving it. If you’re on the look out for the best memory foam pillow to invest in now, you’re likely looking for something that offers tailored support traditional feather or down designs can’t quite deliver. Memory foam has a remarkable ability to cradle the head and neck, keeping the spine aligned and easing pressure points – essential for side and back sleepers alike.
Of course, a pillow alone won’t make a perfect bed. Pair it with breathable bedding, a supportive mattress, and quality sheets, and you’ve got the recipe for truly restorative sleep.
From cooling gel-infused options to fully adjustable pillows that let you customise height and firmness, our carefully tested round-up features the best memory foam pillows available now – including standout designs from Rem-Fit, Emma, Aeyla, Nectar, and Eve – so you can find the ideal match for your sleep style and budget.
How to choose the right memory foam pillow for your sleep style
Choosing the right memory foam pillow really comes down to how you sleep. Side sleepers will usually be most comfortable with a firmer, higher pillow that fills the space between the head and the shoulder. This helps to keep the spine aligned and reduces pressure on the neck. Memory foam works especially well here, as it moulds to your shape while still offering the support you need.
Back sleepers, on the other hand, are often best suited to a medium-height pillow that cushions the natural curve of the neck without forcing the head too far forward. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, a slimmer, softer pillow is generally the most comfortable choice, as anything too dense will push the spine out of alignment. Adjustable memory foam pillows are a good option in this case, as you can remove filling until you reach the right height.
You might also want to think about whether you run hot at night. Traditional memory foam has a reputation for holding onto heat, but many newer styles are made with cooling gel or ventilated designs that help to regulate temperature. And if you suffer with allergies, look out for memory foam pillows that come with hypoallergenic or washable covers.
In the end, the best memory foam pillow is the one that balances your sleeping position with your comfort needs, keeping your head, neck and spine in healthy alignment for a truly restful night’s sleep.
Previously an ardent down-filled pillow devotee, Tilly Wheeler, House & Garden’s commerce writer, made the switch to the Emma Premium Foam Pillow, ranking it as one of the best pillows to buy in 2025. She says, “Since using it, I have noticed less and less the feeling of neck pain and trapped nerves when waking up that I used to get from time to time.”
The medium-firm pillow features three removable foam layers, allowing sleepers to adjust the loft and firmness to suit side, back, or stomach positions. It is made from high-quality foams and fabrics, combining durability with lasting comfort. ThermoSync technology helps keep the pillow cooler than the original Emma design, while its firmer structure adapts to the contours of the head and neck to promote spinal alignment and reduce stiffness.
Practical too, the Emma Premium Foam Pillow comes with a machine-washable cover, requires no plumping, and is built to last, making it a versatile, supportive, and low-maintenance choice for a better night’s sleep.
- Adjustable foam layers for customisable comfort
- 30-night trial to test the pillow at home
- Machine-washable cover for easy maintenance
- Cover can be tricky to remove when adjusting the layers
- Takes a few hours to fully expand after unpacking
- Firmer feel may take a few nights to get used to for those accustomed to down pillows
Best cooling memory foam pillow: Nectar's Premium Pillow, from £65 for a pair
Christabel Chubb, House & Garden’s news editor, tested the Nectar Premium Pillow and found it to be a clever balance of comfort and support. She explains that, although it initially felt different from her previous firm memory foam pillow, the shredded foam filling can be moved to suit individual preferences, offering a mouldable structure that keeps the spine aligned throughout the night.
‘Not only is this practical, as the outer casing can be removed and easily cleaned, but it also makes the pillow ultra-breathable,’ Christabel notes, highlighting its cooling power. The quilted cover is made from Tencel, a breathable cotton alternative, and features a mesh border to increase airflow, keeping sleepers comfortable throughout the night.
Its adaptable filling allows the pillow to be shaped for side, back, or stomach positions, while the durable construction ensures lasting comfort and minimal maintenance. Practical and user-friendly, the Nectar Premium Pillow has a removable, machine-washable cover and requires no plumping, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a soft, cooling pillow that combines the support of memory foam with cloud-like comfort.
- Arrives ready-to-go in a large, comfortable size
- Adaptable shredded foam filling allows customisable loft and support
- Removable, machine-washable cover for easy maintenance
- Spot clean only (though the removable cover makes this easy)
- Takes a few nights to fully settle and mould to individual sleeping preferences
- Firmer than some down or traditional soft pillows, which may take adjustment
Best memory foam pillow for neck pain: Kally Sleep Neck Pain Pillow, from £39
Chosen for House & Garden’s 2025 roundup of the 12 best pillows for side sleepers, the Kally Sleep Neck Pain Pillow is an excellent option for side and back sleepers seeking the best memory foam pillow to ease neck pain. Designed with an orthopaedic, butterfly-shaped memory foam core, it provides targeted support for the head and cervical spine, helping to maintain proper alignment throughout the night.
The pillow features four removable foam pads that can be combined to create a high or low loft, soft or firm feel, making it suitable for all sleeping positions. Its slow-rebound memory foam contours to the head and neck, reducing pressure points, while the breathable, cooling cover helps hot sleepers stay comfortable. Fully machine-washable at 40℃, the pillow is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for anyone prone to allergies. Slightly smaller than a standard pillow, it encourages proper positioning on the ‘central support area’—the raised curvature designed to cradle the face and neck for maximum comfort.
Medium-firm in feel and highly supportive, the Kally Sleep Neck Pain Pillow is a versatile, ergonomically designed choice for a restorative night’s sleep.
- Four removable foam pads allow customisable loft and firmness for all sleeping positions
- Cooling, breathable cover helps regulate temperature for hot sleepers
- Low-maintenance and ideal for allergy-prone sleepers
- Materials aren’t the highest quality compared with premium memory foam pillows
- The trial period isn’t entirely risk-free, as customers must cover the cost of returning the pillow
- Slightly smaller than a standard pillow, which may feel unusual for some users
Best memory foam pillow for side sleepers: Aeyla 'Adjustable FOAMO’ Pillow, from £69
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Judged as a standout option for side sleepers in House & Garden’s 2025 roundup of best pillows in the UK, the Aeyla Adjustable FOAMO Pillow is designed for those seeking a truly customisable and supportive night’s sleep. Tried and tested by former digital associate Evie Delaney, she describes it as “certainly worth committing to,” noting that it supports body alignment, improves sleep, and has genuinely reduced her neck pain.
The pillow is filled with Aeyla’s ‘100% Cool Touch Microfibre’, which provides a soft, cloud-like feel while remaining supportive. Its removable filling can be adjusted or redistributed to create the ideal lift and firmness, whether you need extra support around the neck or a softer, lower profile. The pillow maintains its shape over time, simply popping back to perfection with a quick fluff, and its cooling properties make it comfortable in summer while still feeling cosy in colder months.
- Customisable filling allows you to tailor loft and firmness to your sleeping style
- Cooling microfibre keeps the pillow breathable in summer while cosy in winter
- 30-night sleep trial offers peace of mind before committing
- Adjusting or storing the loose filling can be a little fiddly
- May not deliver the same level of firm, structured support as solid memory foam pillows
- Slightly bulkier than a standard pillow, which can make it a snug fit in some pillowcases
Most affordable memory foam pillow: REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow, from £59
I often wake with a dull ache on the right side of my neck, a result of sleeping on a mattress that has certainly seen better days, so I was eager to try a pillow that might help ease the discomfort. I tend to begin the night on my back before rolling over into my right side, and unlike many side sleepers, I’ve always preferred a firmer sleeping surface – too much give only seems to exacerbate my neck pain.
The Rem-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow, designed in the UK and made from high-quality memory foam, immediately felt like a supportive upgrade. The memory foam offers dependable spinal alignment, contouring neatly around the head and neck with what I can best describe as the feel of firm bread dough: medium-firm and springy, moulding without ever collapsing. Once the pillow has ‘settled’ into its shape around your head it feels more on the firm side, which is something you might want to consider if you prefer a cloud-like feel to drift off. The pillow does sit on the higher side and, unlike some of the more premium options, its loft cannot be adjusted by removing filling. For me, it felt a touch too tall, but for anyone who enjoys a higher pillow, it would be an ideal fit.
Cooling is where this pillow truly impressed me. Compared to my previous memory foam pillow, I felt the difference right away. I was really surprised to discover how much cooler the gel infusion and breathable cover kept the surface (by several degrees) which made the heat of summer much more comfortable. The honeycomb washable cover adds practicality and a luxury touch, while the dense structure of the foam ensures it keeps its shape throughout the night.
Legions of reviewers on the internet too tend to find this pillow to be an impressive addition to their nighttime routine, with the model earning high praise across the board. For those who want one of the best memory foam pillows without a premium price tag, the REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow offers firm support, long-lasting comfort, and effective cooling, making it a reliable and affordable choice.
- One of the most affordable memory foam pillows available, offering excellent value without compromising on support
- Gel infusion and breathable honeycomb cover provide genuinely effective cooling for a more comfortable night’s sleep
- High-quality UK-designed pillow with durable memory foam construction that maintains its shape
- May feel too firm or too high for some sleepers, especially those who prefer a softer or lower pillow
- Loft cannot be adjusted, unlike some premium memory foam options
- No trial period offered, so less flexibility if it’s not the right fit
Best anti-allergy memory foam pillow for side sleepers: Eve Hybrid Side Sleeper Pillow, from £69
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Included in House & Garden’s ‘Best Pillows for Side Sleepers’ roundup for 2025, the Eve Hybrid Side Sleeper Pillow impressed us with its considered combination of support, comfort, and hypoallergenic performance.
Combining breathability with allergy-fighting credentials, the pillow uses next-generation memory foam treated with UltraFresh – an antimicrobial shield that controls odours and protects against staining. For anyone whose sleep is disrupted by dust mites, pollen, or other common allergens, this cooling pillow can offer much-needed relief, even on warmer nights.
The hybrid design layers a memory foam core with hollow-fibre and a honeycomb memory foam surface, providing a balanced firmness and excellent pressure relief. Rated medium on the firmness scale, it leans toward medium-firm – ideal for side sleepers who need consistent support.
We found it highly effective for maintaining spinal alignment, though the design is very much tailored to side sleepers. Its higher loft and firmer structure can feel uncomfortable for those who roll onto their back or stomach, so it’s best suited to sleepers who remain mostly on their side.
- Excellent spinal alignment and medium-firm support, perfect for dedicated side sleepers
- Anti-allergy credentials with UltraFresh-treated memory foam, helping reduce dust mites, odours, and other triggers
- 14-night trial allows you to test the pillow and ensure it suits your sleeping style
- Higher loft and firmer structure may be uncomfortable for back or stomach sleepers
- Not ideal for those who prefer a softer pillow or like to shift positions frequently
- Slightly bulky design may make it tricky to fit into standard pillowcases
Side sleepers benefit from a pillow that supports the neck and maintains spinal alignment. Memory foam pillows with a higher loft and medium-firm feel, like hybrid or adjustable designs, are ideal for ensuring comfort throughout the night.
Yes. Memory foam conforms to the contours of your head and neck, helping to reduce pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment, which can alleviate neck stiffness and discomfort.
Look for pillows with cooling gel infusions, breathable covers, or ventilated foam designs. These features help regulate temperature, preventing overheating and promoting a more comfortable night’s sleep.
While the foam itself should not be machine-washed, most memory foam pillows come with removable, machine-washable covers. Spot-cleaning the foam and airing it regularly will help maintain freshness.
High-quality memory foam pillows can maintain their shape and support for several years, typically around 3–5 years, depending on use and care. Regular fluffing and use of a protective cover can help extend their lifespan.
