Memory foam pillows have become an increasingly popular option for sleepers looking for comfort, support, and pain relief. With their ability to conform closely to the contours of the head and neck, memory foam pillows can provide custom cradling and needed alignment of the spine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about memory foam pillows — from types of fills to benefits for different sleeping positions to care recommendations. Read on for tips to find the best memory foam pillow for your needs and get your best night’s sleep.

Introduction

Memory foam pillows utilize the contouring properties of memory foam to offer personalized comfort and support for the head and neck during sleep. This custom cradling aligns the spine and relieves pressure points to minimize tossing, turning and discomfort.

At Mattress To Door, we provide a wide selection of high-quality memory foam pillows to meet every sleeper’s needs. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these innovative pillows and how to choose the best option for you.

What is a Memory Foam Pillow?

Memory foam was first developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve crash protection and cushioning for airline pilots and passengers. Since then, it has become a popular material in mattresses, pillows, and other bedding products due to its ability to respond to pressure and heat and “remember” the contours of the body resting on it.

Memory foam pillows utilize the benefits of viscoelastic memory foam fill to provide personalized comfort and support for the head, neck and shoulders during sleep. Traditional pillow fills like down and polyester fibers are soft but provide minimal contouring.

In contrast, memory foam pillows are designed with materials that conform to the exact shape of the head and neck. This contouring aligns the spine and relieves pressure points that can cause tossing, turning and discomfort during the night.

The open-cell structure of quality memory foam also promotes airflow to help keep the pillow cool. Let’s explore the different types of memory foam pillow fills:

A. Shredded Memory Foam

Shredded memory foam pillows contain small pieces of chopped up memory foam fill. This allows you to remove or add fill to customize the thickness and firmness of the pillow.

Shredding the foam increases breathability and flexibility. The fill molds closely to provide customized contouring support.

B. Molded Memory Foam

Molded memory foam pillows feature a solid slab of memory foam shaped into the basic contours of the head and neck. While not as customizable as shredded foam, these solid foam pillows provide firmer, highly supportive cushioning.

The molded shape is designed to cradle the head/neck in proper spinal alignment. Different lofts cater to side or back sleepers’ needs.

C. Gel-Infused Memory Foam

Gel memory foam has cooling gels or beads infused into the foam. This pulls heat away from the head and neck to prevent overheating, which can be an issue with solid memory foam. The gel adds refreshing cooling comfort.

Gel memory foam pillows provide the close contouring of memory foam but allow for a cooler night’s sleep. Great for those who “sleep hot”.

D. Adjustable Memory Foam

Adjustable memory foam pillows contain multiple, removable inserts of various lofts, firmnesses, and contours. This allows you to fully personalize the height and feel of the pillow.

Inserts can be added or removed to provide the right support whether you are a side, back or stomach sleeper. Great for those with changing comfort needs.

Now that we’ve reviewed the main types of memory foam pillow fills, let’s go over what to consider when selecting the best option for your needs.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Pillow

With so many memory foam pillow options on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right one for your sleep style and comfort preferences. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

A. Firmness Level

This is one of the most important considerations for a memory foam pillow. In general, side sleepers need a softer pillow to allow the head to sink in deeply. This keeps the spine aligned.

Back sleepers need a firmer, thicker pillow to keep the neck elevated. Stomach sleepers may prefer a softer, thinner pillow or none at all.

Look for adjustability so you can modify the firmness as needed. Test out various loft levels when trying a pillow in a store.

B. Loft/Height

Loft refers to a pillow’s overall height or thickness. This impacts how much the head sinks into the pillow and how the neck is supported.

Lower-loft pillows allow the head to sink in more deeply while higher-loft pillows provide greater lift for the head and neck. This helps determine proper spinal alignment based on your sleeping position.

C. Size

Standard pillow sizes include standard, queen and king. Make sure to choose a pillow size that fits well in your pillowcase and provides ample surface area for your head and neck.

If you share a pillow with a partner, a king size may be needed. If taking a memory foam pillow while traveling, consider a compact size.

D. Special Features

Many newer memory foam pillows offer special features like cooling gels, ergonomic shaping, antibacterial properties and more. Think about which features would benefit you and enhance your comfort.

For instance, cooling gels or an inner layer of cooling foam can help regulate temperature for those who tend to sleep hot. This adds to the comfort of memory foam.

An ergonomic contour shape provides optimal spinal support and pain relief. Antimicrobial covers protect the pillow from bacteria, mold and dust mites.

E. Quality of Materials

Be sure to look at the density rating and composition of any memory foam pillow you are considering. Higher density foam (5+ lbs) will be more durable and resistant to flattening over time.

Quality, pure memory foam will contour better than cheaper mixes containing polyurethane and other foams. The best memory foam pillows contain CertiPUR-US certified foam.

F. Mattress To Door’s Selection

At Mattress To Door, we carry a wide variety of memory foam pillows to suit different needs. Our selection includes options with cooling gel, adjustable loft, ergonomic shapes and more. All our pillows feature best-in-class materials.

Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the ideal memory foam pillow based on your sleep position, health conditions and individual preferences. We welcome you to come try our pillows in person.

Considering these factors will help you select the perfect memory foam pillow tailored to your needs and preferences. Next, let’s review the many great benefits this type of pillow provides.

Memory Foam Pillow Benefits

For more details visit us at Ultimate Guide to Memory Foam Pillows for Sleepers — Mattress To Door