If snoring is disrupting your sleep (or your partner’s), it may be time to look into a new pillow. The best anti-snore pillows can put you in a prime position to help minimize snoring, potentially saving you and your partner from another sleepless night. Our top choice is the Tempur-Neck Pillow for its ergonomic design and robust support, but there are plenty of other quality options worth considering.
The best anti-snore pillows, like the Marlow Pillow, could help stop you from snoring by keeping ... [+] your neck properly aligned.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
However, we recommend first talking to your doctor if you’ve been experiencing excessive snoring. According to Andrew R. Tomlinson, MD, from the Reno Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, there isn’t much peer-reviewed evidence to support anti-snore pillows. But he says a good pillow may still provide some relief by elevating your chin and promoting good airflow. “It’s rotating the head backwards that helps, more than elevating the entire head,” says Tomlinson. With that in mind, we tracked down nine of the best anti-snore pillows that may help lower the risk of another disruptive night.
An Ergonomic Pillow For Complete Support And Alignment
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Neck Pillow (Medium)
Fill material: Memory foam |Height: 3.5, 4 or 4.8 inches |Key features: Ergonomic design, choice of size, removable cover for easy cleaning
Pros:
Great head support
Pressure-relieving foam
5-year warranty
Cons:
May be too firm for some
Contoured shape isn’t for everyone
With its contoured design, the Tempur-Neck Pillow is designed to fully support and align the head and neck for side and back sleep positions. The proprietary Tempur Material is extra firm, but it adapts to heat and pressure to mold to the shape of your head. It makes for a deep level of contouring that’s ideal for side and back sleepers. Plus, the pillow’s ergonomic design means your chin is naturally elevated, which experts say can help minimize snoring. The Tempur-Neck Pillow comes in three sizes to accommodate a range of sleepers.
What the reviews say: One self-described snorer writes, “This pillow has (according to my wife) cut my snoring by over 75%. Thanks for possibly saving my marriage.” Another says, “I haven't woken up with a crick in the neck since purchasing, and according to my partner, my snoring has diminished.”
Best Affordable Anti-Snore Pillow
Cooling, Adjustable And Easy On The Wallet
MOST POPULAR
Brooklinen
Marlow Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Memory foam, polyester fiber |Height: Adjustable |Key features: Vegan and allergy friendly, cooling infused foam
Pros:
Adjustable firmness and height
Good for hot sleepers
Cons:
Height adjustability has limits
May need to air out first
Brooklinen bills its Marlow Pillow as a best-in-class option that works for just about everyone. The interior blend of 80% memory foam and 20% polyester fiber is softly supportive. What’s different about this pillow is you adjust the firmness using a zipper: close it for a firmer feel or open it for a softer feel (but there’s no way to add or remove filling). It also gives people room to experiment with the right height for reducing snoring. The memory foam is gel infused to minimize heat retention, and a mesh panel behind the zipper adds breathability and airflow. The Marlow comes in two sizes, standard and king, and there are discounts if you buy a pack containing two or four pillows.
What the reviews say: One calls it “a very good choice for the price.” Another shares, “I bought this pillow for my husband who said our other pillows are too lumpy. He likes it, and it seems to keep him from snoring as much with the full height pillow.”
The Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow has features that can help make side sleepers and snorers as comfortable as possible. A big draw of this pillow—for snoring, at least—is its adjustability. Add or remove the CertiPUR-US-certified shredded foam fill to find a height that feels right to you and helps minimize snoring. The pillow also has an eco-friendly cooling cover that’s made from a blend of polyester, spandex and a polyethylene-treated blend of cotton and Tencel to lower the risk of overheating at night. While this pillow comes in standard/queen and king sizes, it’s also available in a specialized side sleeper design, featuring a curved edge that makes room for your shoulder while you sleep.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala raves about the Easy Breather. “It’s the only pillow I’ve found that meets my particular sleeping needs, because it’s supportive but still offers a sinking-in cozy feel,” she says. Sala says she’s used this pillow for years and only recently upgraded to a new version.
Best Luxury Anti-Snore Pillow
Responsive And Breathable Thanks To Natural Latex
Saatva
Saatva Latex Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Latex, microdenier fibers |Height: 5 inches or 6-7 inches |Key features: Hypoallergenic, breathable, machine washable
Pros:
High-end materials
Two height options for different sleep positions
Good for allergy sufferers
Cons:
Height isn’t adjustable
Saatva’s Latex Pillow is, in a word, luxurious. An inner core of shredded natural latex lends responsive support, while an outer layer of down-like microdenier fabric adds plushness. It’s good for people whose allergies are triggered by down, as well as people who prefer to avoid animal products. The whole thing is wrapped in an organic cotton cover with gusseted sides that help maintain the pillow’s shape and make it more supportive for the neck.
This all adds up to a pillow with that “just right” feel and enough height to keep the chin elevated for decreased snoring. You can choose between the standard loft for back and stomach sleepers or the high loft for side and combination sleepers. Bonus: The cover and pillow can be machine washed once the shredded latex core is removed.
What the reviews say: Some customers call it a “luxury hotel-style pillow.” One writes that it has “just the right height, perfect level of firmness [and] great weight,” adding, “I can now expect a good night’s sleep instead of hoping for one.”
Best Down-Alternative Anti-Snore Pillow
A Lofty, Supportive Alternative To Down
Coop Sleep Goods
Coop Sleep Goods The Eden (Queen)
Fill material: Memory foam, microfiber |Height: Adjustable |Key features: Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, machine washable cover
Pros:
Adjustable
Soft feel
Cons:
May take time to find the right height
Takes a while to dry after washing
With cooling gel-infused shredded memory foam and microfiber fill, the Eden is designed to mimic the airy feel of a down pillow without a trace of actual down. A gusset around the pillow’s perimeter helps maintain its shape and ensures even fill distribution, so you’re comfortable and supported no matter how you sleep. The foam is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it’s free from potentially harmful chemicals. The pillow has a soft, plush feel that’s entirely adjustable at home—you can add or remove fill until you’re satisfied. The whole pillow is machine washable for easy cleaning.
What the reviews say: One shopper says, “I've tried a million pillows and these are the best by far—blending the best of the best. Offering the support of foam with the ‘give’ and flexibility of a feather-filled pillow.” Another writes, “My feather pillow that always needed re-fluffing after two days has been retired.”
Best Adjustable Anti-Snore Pillow
Airy Kapok Fibers Meet Reactive Memory Foam For All-Night Support
The Layla Pillow uses kapok fibers, a natural material that’s derived from the seeds of the kapok tree and is a natural alternative to feathers. These fibers are mixed with CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam for a soft, contoured feel that’s slightly denser than down. The pillow is entirely adjustable, so you can add or remove fill to find the right loft for a good night’s sleep. The stitched cover is an ultra soft blend of viscose and polyester, boosting breathability to keep you cool all night.
What the reviews say: One self-described snorer writes, “What a great decision. I have gotten consistent sleep and have decreased my snoring measurably. I’d definitely recommend [this pillow].” Another says, “I was also a snorer with our previous pillows and this one positioned my head and neck in just the right way [so] that I either don’t snore or it is a very soft snore.”
Best Eco-Friendly Anti-Snore Pillow
Nontoxic, Adjustable And Filled With Sustainable Materials
Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado Green Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Organic latex, organic kapok fibers |Height: Adjustable |Key features: Various organic and health certifications, vegan, natural fibers
Pros:
Durable yet breathable materials
Machine-washable cover
Extra fill bag included
Cons:
May take time to find the right loft
To make this pillow, Avocado stuffs organic ribbons of latex foam and kapok fibers inside an organic jersey cotton liner, then wraps it with a thick quilted cotton cover, which has a zipper and is machine washable. According to the company, that makes it an entirely nontoxic pick. It has a medium-firm feel that’s contouring for support however you sleep. Each pillow ships with an extra fill bag, so you can add or remove to find the right balance of softness, loft and support. The pillow holds several certifications from third parties for its organic and health-friendly materials, including Greenguard and Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted commerce editor Margaret Badore has been using Avocado’s pillow for over a year. “The latex gives this pillow a hefty feel,” she says. “I really appreciate that the fill can be adjusted. As a stomach sleeper, I didn’t need much of the filling. But for people who snore, you can add more until your head is at just the right angle to keep your airways clear.”
Best Cooling Anti-Snore Pillow
Temperature-Neutral With Ventilated Materials For Cooler Nights
Purple
Purple Harmony Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Purple Grid, latex |Height: 5.5, 6.5 or 7.5 inches |Key features: Choice of heights, temperature-neutral materials, no fluffing necessary
Pros:
Highly ventilated
Three height options
Good support
Cons:
Too firm for some
Fans of the Purple Mattress can find the company’s famous proprietary honeycomb Grid in the Harmony Pillow. In the pillow, the grid is also paired with a supportive core of ventilated latex for buoyant support. The combination makes for a highly breathable, temperature-neutral pillow that flexes to cradle your head, reduces pressure with contoured support and snaps back into shape as soon as you shift positions or get up come morning. A breathable mesh cover wicks moisture to keep you cool and dry. Plus, the Harmony Pillow comes in three heights to accommodate different body types and sleep positions. Still, at 5.5 inches in height, even the lowest option could be too thick for folks with petite frames or narrow shoulders.
What the reviews say: There are more than 13,000 reviews of the Harmony Pillow with an overall 4.4-star rating. “I literally stopped snoring within days of using this pillow. I absolutely love it and will not sleep anywhere without it,” says one reviewer. Another writes, “My wife and I love these pillows so much. They are cooling and keep their shape.”
Best Anti-Snore Pillow For Neck Pain
Adjustable Gel Memory Foam For Contouring Support
Brentwood Home
Brentwood Home Oceano Gel Memory Foam Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Memory foam, polyester |Height: Adjustable |Key features: Adjustable, Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified
Pros:
Easy to adjust
Good for hot sleepers
Made from vegetable materials
Cons:
May need to air out first
The cooling gel memory foam in the Oceano Pillow is derived from Biofoam, a patented biological foam made in the U.S. from vegetable materials. It’s paired with a CertiPUR-US-certified foam and polyester blended fill. The pillow has a good balance of contouring and plushness that molds to your head and neck to maintain alignment and alleviate pain. Zipper access makes it easy to adjust the fill to your liking at home. Finally, the Tencel stretch-knit cover is cool and breathable, with a stitched pattern mimicking the ocean's waves.
What the reviews say: One reviewer calls it “soft yet supportive.” Another writes, “Perfect for any type of sleeper. No more neck pain for me. The pillow of my dreams.”
Contributor Korin Miller, the co-author of this piece, has more than a decade of experience in the health and commerce space, researching and writing dozens of stories for Forbes Vetted.
Forbes Vetted sleep stories are overseen by mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, both of whom are certified sleep science coaches and seasoned testers and product reviewers in the sleep arena.
To learn more about anti-snore pillows, we consulted with Andrew R. Tomlinson, MD, from the Reno Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists and W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unpluggedpodcast.
This article is frequently updated to ensure we have the most up-to-date product recommendations. We updated it last in June 2024 to include the Nest Bedding Easy Breather.
How We Chose The Best Anti-Snore Pillows
To make this list, we turned to the experts for guidance and insight. Then we researched the most appropriate pillow options from reputable brands.
We considered a range of materials and styles to suit different preferences and body types, while also considering the features with the most potential to minimize snoring.
We prioritized customer reviews from people who were self-proclaimed snorers, as we wanted to know these pillows have worked for people in real life. We selected products with average ratings of at least 4 stars, because we value your sleep and want only the best possible outcomes.
What To Consider When Choosing An Anti-Snore Pillow
Dr. Tomlinson says that at his practice, the doctors don’t typically “prescribe” pillows for their patients, which means it’s up to us to do a little homework. Fortunately, choosing an anti-snore pillow is a lot like choosing any pillow—with an important caveat. Unlike any old pillow, which simply aims to support the head and neck to keep your spine in alignment overnight, a pillow that helps minimize snoring should elevate the chin slightly to open the throat. That said, an appropriate amount of loft and support for your body type and sleep style is key. Here’s what else to keep in mind.
Material/Fill
Reliable anti-snore pillows tend to be made from memory foam or latex support cores. The contouring nature of memory foam, which responds to heat and pressure to gently mold around the neck and head, helps maintain comfortable alignment and positioning. That can reduce posture issues that may lead to snoring.
Latex, meanwhile, is a dense and durable material that’s gently buoyant and supportive. It’s another good option for properly elevating the head; the feeling is less “in” the pillow than “on” it, and it doesn’t retain heat the way memory foam tends to do.
Shape
The traditional pillow shape can be a good option for minimizing snoring, but there are other options out there, too. Your sleep style and personal preferences can help you zero in on whether a standard pillow shape is best, or if you might benefit from a wedge pillow that elevates the whole upper body or one with a contoured design that supports your neck and head.
Firmness
Support and comfort are directly related to a pillow’s firmness. Firmer pillows can be key to ensuring proper alignment for people with higher body weights, but could be too hard to be comfortable for lightweight sleepers. Sleep style plays a role too. Firmer pillows tend to be a better option for side and back sleepers. Keep in mind, however, that bulkier materials like memory foam or latex can provide enough lift to be supportive without feeling too firm.
Loft
Loft describes the height of a pillow when you lay your head on it, and it’s an important feature when it comes to anti-snore options. Too much or too little loft can push the head up or tilt it down. Either scenario can create the obstructions in the airway that contribute to snoring.
The right loft depends on your body type and how you sleep. If you have wider shoulders, for example, you need more loft to ensure the pillow fills the space between your head and mattress, especially if you sleep on your side. If you sleep on your stomach or have a smaller frame, you want to look for a pillow with less loft or that’s adjustable.
Price
Like pillows in general, prices vary for pillows that can help minimize snoring. However, because pillows that help reduce snoring tend to be firmer and thicker, we found that the best tend to be more expensive—the ones of this list range from around $50 to $200. Remember that higher quality materials likely offer a longer lifespan, and a good pillow is a worthy investment. Some materials, like organic and natural fibers, are more costly than others, too.
At-Home Trials
The real test for an anti-snore pillow, or any pillow for that matter, is sleeping on it. It’s always smart to prioritize pillows with trial windows so you can make sure they work for you. In fact, Dr. Tomlinson suggests trying different pillows to see if any of them can improve those nightly rumbles. Not every company offers a trial period, but it’s worth keeping in mind as you consider your options.
When Is Snoring A Cause For Concern?
Distinguishing between snoring that’s harmful and snoring that’s just your normal sleep can be tricky—and that’s where your primary care provider or another healthcare professional can lend a hand. “The most important distinction we make as physicians is the difference between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA),” Tomlinson explains. “I tell my patients that most people with OSA snore, but not everyone who snores has OSA.”
Tomlinson says that OSA is a dangerous health condition in which an obstruction in the nose, mouth or throat blocks a person’s airwaves as they sleep, which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs. “This in turn causes myriad potentially serious health effects in the heart, blood vessels, lungs and brain,” he says.
What Kind Of Pillow Is Best For Snoring?
The best kind of pillow for snoring helps keep your airway as open as possible. “Elevating the chin can help by increasing the volume of the pharynx (throat), thus decreasing potential obstruction and turbulent air flow that manifests as snoring,” Tomlinson says. A range of pillow types can do this, including contoured and memory foam options like the Tempur-Neck Pillow. If you’re concerned about comfort or loft, it’s often best to invest in an adjustable pillow such as the Layla Kapok Pillow. This makes it possible to find an appropriate loft and level to lower your snoring while maximizing comfort.
Do Anti-Snore Pillows Work?
Many pillows aren’t specifically billed as anti-snore pillows. Instead, they have certain features that could lower the risk of snoring or eliminate it entirely by elevating your head enough to open your airways and keep muscles in the throat and soft palate from drooping. An inclined sleep position may also help, according to research. Other things that can help, per Tomlinson: weight loss, better sleep hygiene, oral appliances and even airway surgery. If snoring is a big concern for you, it’s best to consult with a medial professional about next steps.
Is A Firm Or Soft Pillow Better For Snoring?
If you want to focus solely on a pillow’s potential to minimize storing, it’s best to go with more support. “Generally, firmer pillows that elevate the head are best for snoring,” says W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician. However, personal preference matters. If you are drawn to a softer pillow, it may be best to choose an adjustable version. That allows you to find a sweet spot between plushness and positioning to help minimize snoring.
