While people tend to like the idea of a soft pillow, a firm pillow is often a preferable choice. “A pillow must have the appropriate firmness to allow for neutral alignment of the spine,” explains Dr. Arya Nick Shamie, chief of orthopedic spine surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. He says your pillow should help you keep your head “between your shoulders in all planes”—and in all sleeping positions. The best firm pillows, like the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow, do exactly that. Our pick of the best firm pillow overall is crafted from dense foam and available in multiple sizes to suit just about any sleep style.
The best firm pillows help support your head and neck overnight so you can wake up without soreness.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Of course, pillow firmness is subjective—the best firm pillows accommodate different body types and sleep styles to strike the ideal balance of comfortable yet supportive. They also tick all the boxes for other considerations, such as materials, cooling upgrades or organic certifications. We researched firm pillows from highly rated brands to find a range of picks made with down, latex and shredded foam that meet various sleep needs. Below, find our recommendations of the best firm pillows for comfortable alignment all night.
Fill material: Memory foam |Height: 3.5, 4 or 4.8 inches |Trial: None
Pros:
Multiple profile options for different back and side sleepers
5-year warranty
Cons:
No trial period
Not designed for stomach sleepers
If you’ve tried several different pillows but still find yourself waking up with an achy neck, the extra-firm Tempur-Neck Pillow may be worth a try—as counter-intuitive as it sounds. With very little give, it keeps your neck well-supported and in alignment with your spine, which can spell less pain for you.
The pillow comes in three different sizes (each with different heights), and you can determine which is best for you by measuring the distance between the base of your neck and the outside of your shoulder. The pillows are made from Tempur-Pedic’s molded memory foam that’s designed for ergonomic support.
What the reviews say: One reviewer says, “I wake up after a restful sleep with no pain in my neck or back primarily due to this pillow.” Another reviewer says, “I had developed severe neck pain to the [point] I could barely turn my neck… I have used this pillow for about two months and all the pain is gone.”
Best Affordable Firm Pillow
Fluffy But Firm And Under $60
Buffy
Buffy Cloud Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Down alternative made from recycled fiber | Height: 7 inches |Trial: 7 nights
Pros:
Three firmness options
Sustainable product
Cons:
Short trial period compared to other brands
No international shipping (apart from Canada)
The Buffy Cloud Pillow might sound extra soft, given the name, but this option comes in three firmness levels. It’s filled with a down alternative made from recycled lyocell fibers that the company calls “soft but supportive.” The pillow is available for less than $60 at full retail—making it one of the most affordable options on our list. If you don’t want your Cloud Pillow to be too soft and cloud-like, choose the medium or firm option. These contain extra filling than the base to provide a more supportive feel.
In addition to its seven-day home trial (you’re not charged for the pillow until you’ve had it for a week), the company offers free, no-questions-asked returns for 100 days.
What the reviews say: According to one reviewer, these pillows “are totally amazing for the price.” Another reviewer says the firm Cloud Pillow is “the perfect firmness” and that it “doesn’t get hot while I’m sleeping.”
Best Firm Memory Foam Pillow
Vented Memory Foam With A Cooling Layer
GhostBed
GhostBed Memory Foam GhostPillow (Standard)
Fill material: Gel memory foam |Height: 6 inches |Trial: 101 nights
Pros:
Cooling technology
Washable pillow cover
Cons:
Taller profile may make it unsuitable for some stomach sleepers
May have slight smell when first unboxed
The GhostPillow is made from firm gel memory foam that many reviewers say holds its shape and maintains support throughout the night. It also has a number of features to help keep you and the pillow cool, like vents molded into the memory foam, a mesh layer and a cover made from GhostBed’s sweat-wicking fabric that’s designed to be cooling.
At six inches, it’s on the taller side—which may make it uncomfortable for stomach sleepers and those with smaller or petite frames. It’s a great option for side sleepers, though. Plus, with a longer-than-average pillow trial period, you can relax and test it out for yourself risk- and pressure-free.
What the reviews say: Reviewers give the GhostPillow high marks with an overall rating of 4.7 stars, with one saying they “love the cool memory foam feel.” Another says “the foam provides perfect support.”
Best Firm Down Pillow
A Softer Down Pillow That Can Still Support Side Sleepers
Brooklinen
Brooklinen Down Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Down clusters and feathers |Height: 6 inches |Trial: 365 nights
Pros:
Several firmness levels
Oeko-Tex certified
Generous trial and warranty periods
Cons:
May want to invest in pillow protector
Shipping fee for returns
Brooklinen’s Down Pillow is available in three firmness levels. The firm option contains the most filling to provide a level of support that’s appropriate for side sleepers. Even still, a firm down pillow may feel softer, relatively speaking, than a truly firm foam pillow.
Although the soft version of Brooklinen’s highly rated down pillow contains only down clusters, the medium and firm pillows both have a combination of down clusters and feathers to boost support. You may want to invest in a pillow protector to extend the life of a down pillow, too, especially since it may not be easy to wash. An added bonus of this pillow is that it can be returned for a full year and has a warranty that covers it the year following.
What the reviews say: One customer says, “I have tried several down pillows and this one is the best yet.” Still, if you’re looking for an extra-firm pillow, you may need to choose something other than down. “I ordered the firm version and was expecting it to have more filling,” one reviewer explains. “I still double it with another pillow underneath to add height.”
Best Firm Latex Pillow
A Plush Pillow Made With A Natural Material
Saatva
Saatva Latex Pillow (Standard/Queen)
Fill material: Natural latex |Height: 8 inches |Trial: 45 nights
Pros:
Washable pillow cover
Hypoallergenic
Naturally cooling
Cons:
Not adjustable
Latex is a more natural option that provides similar support to synthetic foams, which makes it popular with eco-conscious consumers. It’s also a more durable, buoyant and cooling material than synthetic foam. The Saatva Latex Pillow contains a core made of natural shredded latex, with an outer fill made of a super fine and plush down-alternative, microdenier fiber.
The pillow has a soft feel, but it’s still firm and supportive enough for side sleepers. It’s also available in a standard loft, which is better suited to back and stomach sleepers. The cover is made from Fair Trade-certified organic cotton. You can machine wash the cover and pillow after removing the core of shredded natural latex.
What the reviews say: One reviewer says it’s “the most comfy, cushy pillow but with tons of neck and head support.” Another reviewer adds, “A lot of pillows I find are just too fluffy [and] don’t support your head. This one is the perfect middle ground.”
Best Adjustable Firm Pillow
Add More Fill To Increase Firmness Until It's Just Right
The Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow is stuffed with medium-firm memory foam and fluffy microfiber. As such, it arrives at your door as a relatively tall, truly medium-firm pillow. One of the best features of this pillow is that it’s adjustable—it comes with an extra bag of fill that you can use to supplement what it initially comes with and ramp up the firmness as desired.
If you find it still feels too soft, you can purchase extra fill from the Coop Sleep Goods website. Overall, this pillow is a great option for anyone who isn’t sure exactly what they want, as you can add and subtract to make a pillow that’s ideal for you.
What the reviews say: With more than 16,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating, this pillow is a fan favorite. “The feature of loading/unloading the stuffing to get the level you like is very intuitive and works well,” one reviewer explains. Another says, “I’ve adjusted the amount of fill several times, a process that’s very easy to do. I’m a side sleeper, and this is the best pillow I’ve ever had.”
Best Firm Pillows For Back Sleepers
A Lower Height For Neck Support And Comfort
Amerisleep
Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow (Queen)
Fill material: Memory foam |Height: 5 inches |Trial: None
Pros:
Dual-sided (soft and firm side)
CertiPUR-US certified
Cons:
Limited customer reviews
Ineligible for returns
The Dual Comfort Pillow from Amerisleep is two-sided, offering both a firm and a soft side made from ventilated, molded memory foam to help keep the pillow cool. The foam in this pillow is also certified by CertiPUR-US, which demonstrates that it’s low in potentially harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
For back sleepers, the low loft (5-inch height) option may be more comfortable than the mid loft (6-inch height) option to reduce neck strain. Still, take note: This pillow doesn’t have a trial period and is ineligible for returns, so make sure to review the product specs before placing an order.
What the reviews say: Some reviewers say this pillow is a bit firmer than they expected. One says, “When I first received it, it seemed like it would be too hard/firm. But it is perfect. I actually sleep more on my back now.” Another reviewer says, “If you have neck pain while sleeping, this pillow will help with that. Just do not expect it to be a soft pillow.”
Best Firm Pillow For Side Sleepers
A Supportive Option With Adjustable Firmness
Brooklinen
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: Memory foam and polyester fiber |Height: 7 inches (variable) |Trial: 365 nights
Pros:
Adjustable without having to manage messy fill
Vegan and allergy friendly
Cons:
Should be fluffed daily
Shipping fee for returns
Side sleepers need a pillow to support their neck, and this one does the trick. The pillow measures about 7 inches in height, but two zippers on either side let you manage how tall and firm it feels. It’s comparable to an adjustable fill pillow, without the need to add or remove fill. Simply zip or unzip for three loft profiles, which allow the pillow to shift based on your evolving sleep needs and make it a good option for those looking for a more customized sleep experience. The blend of memory foam and polyester fiber delivers a balance of softness and support. The cooling-infused memory foam also provides good airflow to help you rest more comfortably.
What the reviews say: One sleeper says, “[It’s] exactly what I was looking for. [The] Marlow Pillow is [an] excellent choice for stomach and side sleeping.” Another writes, “After years of using popular brands’ pillows, I've finally found the perfect pillow. It's the perfect mix of softness and structure. [I’m] no longer finding myself waking during the night to fluff a pillow. Definitely worth the investment.”
Best Firm Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
Neck Support That Doesn't Smother You
Belly Sleep
The Belly Sleeper Pillow
Fill material: Memory foam |Height: 2.5 inches |Trial: 30 nights
Pros:
Hypoallergenic
Temperature-regulating cooling gel
Cons:
Not good for combination sleepers
Nontraditional size of 28 x 16 inches
While many people sleep on their side or back, fewer sleep on their stomach. Even so, stomach sleepers still need pillows, and there are unique considerations that factor into choosing one for this sleep position. For stomach sleepers, a thinner pillow helps to keep their nose and mouth free from obstruction—but it still needs to be firm enough to keep the spine and neck in alignment.
This pillow from Belly Sleep fits the bill. It’s a mere 2.5 inches thick, but it’s crafted from firm, high-density memory foam that supports your neck without pushing it up and potentially causing strain or pain. The pillow also has a 30 day in-home trial period and a lifetime warranty.
What the reviews say: “This pillow is exactly what I was wanting,” one reviewer says, “It’s flat and makes it easy to sleep without feeling like you’re suffocating.” Another writes, “my neck no longer aches in the morning. The pillow works for stomach sleepers.” Still, it is extremely thin compared to standard pillows, and some combination sleepers say it isn’t nearly as comfortable when they roll to their side or back.
Best Cooling Firm Pillow
A Dense But Breathable Pillow with Multiple Height Options
Purple
Purple Harmony Pillow (Standard)
Fill material: GelFlex Grid, Talalay latex |Height: 5.5, 6.5 or 7.5 inches |Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
Multiple height options for all sleeping positions
Clean Air Gold certified
Temperature-neutral and airflow-promoting materials
Cons:
Not moldable or adjustable
If you tend to sleep hot, you may want to look for a pillow to help you keep your head and neck cool during the night. The Purple Harmony Pillow is made with Talalay latex, a temperature-neutral material with a gently buoyancy. The pillow is also wrapped in a Honeycomb GelFlex grid for cooling and pressure relief, while the moisture-wicking stretch knit cover adds breathability. It has a medium firmness with a bounce-back feel and comes in three heights, making it a suitable choice for most hot sleepers, regardless of their preferred sleeping position.
What the reviews say: This pillow has garnered more than 9,000 5-star reviews, with one sleeper saying, “After a year of searching, trialing and returning (or throwing away pillows), I finally found the one. While this pillow is definitely pricey, I would buy it again. Super supportive and conforming. It doesn't get hot or lose its shape. The Purple honeycomb technology is well worth it.” Another simply says, “[I] love this pillow. Cool and comfortable.”
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’re dedicated to making sure you get the best sleep possible. That means devoting ourselves to testing products along with researching, learning and understanding anything and everything sleep. We deeply research every product we recommend, in addition to interviewing industry insiders and health and sleep experts. Our team has tested dozens of pillows in pursuit of finding the best.
Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon are certified sleep science coaches with firsthand knowledge and experience in sleep product testing. Collectively, they’ve tested hundreds of products including pillows.
For this story, we consulted with Dr. Arya Nick Shamie, a board-certified spinal surgeon and chief of orthopedic spine surgery and professor of neurosurgery at UCLA.
We considered the following criteria to choose the best firm pillows.
Firmness rating: Not many bedding companies rate their pillows by firmness level, but we included some that allow you to choose a firmness level when you shop for a pillow or adjust your firmness level at home. We also included pillows designed to be supportive rather than plush, as this term generally indicates a pillow is firmer.
Materials: In general, memory foam provides the firmest feel. Still, shredded foam, down or down alternative can be firm if there’s enough stuffing in the pillow. We included pillows made with a variety of these materials, so that you can choose based on your preferences.
Sleep position: Firmer pillows provide more support for the spine and neck than soft pillows no matter how you sleep, so we included options that are appropriate for back, side and stomach sleepers.
Customer reviews: We looked to customer reviews and ratings to determine the firmness of the pillows as many retailers don’t provide a strict firmness rating. We also made sure only to include pillows that are highly rated.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Firm Pillow
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a firm pillow.
Materials
There's a variety of materials that may be used for a firm pillow, but they can generally be categorized as follows:
Solid foam: Usually, the firmest pillows are made with a solid piece of molded memory foam. These pillows hold their shape well and have much less give than other pillows. While these pillows are firm, they aren’t great if you want to be able to adjust your firmness, height or fill level. In other words, when they work, they often really work—but if they aren’t the right fit, there’s little forgiveness.
Shredded foam: For adjustability, you might want to consider a pillow made with shredded foam fill. Options like the Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow allow you to add more fill to adjust the firmness and loft to your preferences.
Natural fibers: The softest pillows generally consist of only shredded natural fibers, such as down. If you’re intent on a down pillow, look for one that’s made with a higher density of materials for more support.
Trial And Warranty Policies
If you’re shopping online for a pillow, it’s a good idea to choose one from a company that offers a home trial.
With a home trial, you have several nights, or up to a year for some brands, to test the pillow and see if it’s going to work for you. If it doesn’t, you can return it and get your money back. If you’re shopping for a pillow from a mattress brand, be sure to check out the trial policy for pillows in particular. Some companies, including Tempur-Pedic, offer trial periods for their mattresses but don’t extend the same policies to products like pillows.
You may also want to consider the warranty. This typically covers manufacturer defects. Many pillows come standard with a one-year warranty, but some of the more high-end options come with a longer warranty period.
Also, remember that policies may differ if you purchase a pillow directly from a brand versus purchasing one through Amazon or another third-party retailer. In some cases, retailers might not honor at-home trials and returns if you didn’t purchase through their site.
Sleep Position And Ergonomics
Your primary sleep position is probably the most important consideration when shopping for a new pillow.
Generally, side sleepers need a pillow with some height to it, which allows your neck to remain in alignment while laying on one shoulder. Of all sleep positions, side sleepers need the tallest pillows. However, the exact height depends on how broad your shoulders are.
Likewise, back sleepers should opt for a pillow that’s tall enough to allow their neck to remain comfortably in alignment. Looking at customer reviews, you find firm pillows are, perhaps surprisingly, popular with folks who favor this sleep position.
Finally, stomach sleepers can also benefit from firm pillows—however, for this position a firm pillow must be quite thin, in order to not cause neck pain. Shorter pillows, like the 2.5-inch-tall Belly Sleeper Pillow, are a solid option. These pillows support the neck without trapping heat or feeling smothering like some larger, fluffier pillows might when stomach sleepers snuggle in for the night.
Some other factors to consider are your size and the firmness level of your mattress. “When you’re lying on your side, the pillow needs to fill in the gap between your head and your shoulder, so your head doesn’t fall to the side and cause you to wake up with a very sore neck,” says Shamie. That means that petite people likely need a firm pillow with a lower height, while people with broad shoulders may need one that has extra height alongside its firmness.
Generally, you can also choose a pillow that’s a mild opposite of your mattress in firmness. If your mattress is very soft, a slightly firmer pillow may be best for you to provide the structure and support your neck needs. If you have a firm mattress, you can probably get away with a pillow that’s on the softer side.
What Is The Best Material For A Firm Pillow?
The firmest pillows are generally made from molded memory foam, a material that doesn’t have the same ability to compress as shredded foams and down, where there’s inherent space between pieces. This material can also feel firmer for longer than other pillows, as it doesn’t tend to compress over time the same way. In down pillows that are firm, the middle is often made from feathers and the outer cushioning is down.
Are Firm Pillows Better For You?
According to Shamie, a pillow that’s too soft “will not support your head well enough to maintain a neutral position of your head and neck.” All pillows should be firm enough to keep your neck in proper alignment with your spine—regardless of your sleeping position. If you’re sleeping on an old, flat pillow and waking up with neck or shoulder pain, it’s probably time to upgrade to something firmer and more supportive.
