Are Memory Foam Pillows Good?
Many people buy memory foam pillows for the comfort and firmness of the material.
These pillows are made with memory foam filler encased in a cover that is usually made of cotton or polyester.
Memory foam pillows are designed to provide support and can help to reduce pressure on the neck. The material actually moulds to the shape of your head and neck while you sleep.
In this guide, we’ll look at what makes memory foam pillows unique, how long they last and how to care for them.
Are memory foam pillows worth it?
Memory foam pillows are a good pick if you want something that feels soft while still giving your head and neck solid support.
Not sure if memory foam is right for you? Reading reviews, checking firmness guides, or feeling one in-store can help you get a better sense of the material before buying.
Memory foam pillows have a variety of features, all designed to provide support and adapt to different sleeping positions. Below we explain how these features can benefit you:
Pressure relief
Memory foam is designed with pressure relieving technology, which can help to ease strain on your shoulders and neck during sleep.
This viscoelastic material uses your body’s heat to mould to your distinctive shape. This allows the pillow to distribute pressure evenly helping reduce the likelihood of waking up with a neck ache.
Specialised support
Memory foam pillows take on a shape individual to the user. This is useful because not everyone sleeps in exactly the same position. A pillow moulded exactly to your shape provides support that is tailored to different sleeping positions.
When sleeping on your side, memory foam is especially helpful. It can fill in the empty space between your shoulder and ear so that you can enjoy a fully supported night’s sleep.
Deeper profile
Most memory foam pillows tend to be slightly deeper than other types of pillow, like hollowfibre and wool.
They provide targeted support for your neck, making them ideal for side sleepers.
If you sleep on your front or back, you may find a thinner memory foam pillow more comfortable, as it helps keep your spine aligned and supports a healthier sleep posture. Pillow depth is usually listed in product descriptions online or in store.
If you have decided that memory foam pillows aren’t for you but you’d like a pillow with similar levels of comfort and support, you could consider a latex pillow instead.
Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain?
Yes, memory foam pillows can help ease neck strain by providing adaptive support.
If you are concerned about any discomfort you may be experiencing in your neck area, please seek medical advice.
Memory foam is known for relieving pressure, and many people notice the difference as soon as they lie down.
However, memory foam alone may not be enough to ease the strain you may feel in your neck and shoulders. It is also important to consider the depth of your pillow.
Which depth of memory foam pillow is best for you?
Whether you sleep on your front, back, side, or a mixture of all three, a memory foam pillow should be the correct height for your sleeping position.
Spinal alignment is key for good sleep. This means that when you lie down to sleep, your back and neck should be as straight as possible to help your pillow relieve pressure from your joints more effectively.
Front sleepers
Sleeping on your front can place more pressure on your hips and shoulders than other sleeping positions. To ensure the best spinal and neck alignment in this position, people who sleep on their front may prefer a memory foam pillow with a slimmer profile.
Some memory foam pillows allow you to remove part of the fillings and adjust the height of the pillow to meet your needs.
Back sleepers
Back sleepers typically maintain a good sleep posture. Similar to front sleepers, a thinner memory foam pillow can help back sleepers avoid sleeping with their necks at an upturned angle.
Shaped pillows can sometimes push your neck into an awkward angle when you sleep on your back, so it’s best to avoid them unless you need one for a specific reason.
Side sleepers
Side sleepers usually find that their back posture is great while they sleep, but they still sometimes wake up with a stiff shoulder or neck.
This is usually caused by the gap between ear and neck creating a lack of support. A deeper memory foam pillow can help to avoid this.
If you switch sleeping positions during the night, you should look for a pillow with adjustable depth. Some memory foam pillows let you add or remove the filling so you can make the pillow thicker or thinner to match your position.
Which pillow is better: memory foam or latex?
Comfort is subjective, so it helps to compare the qualities of different pillows before deciding which suits you best. Below is a table outlining the standard features of memory foam and latex pillows:
| Feature | Memory foam pillows | Latex pillows |
| Pressure relief |  | |
| Comfort | | |
| Support | | |
| Firmer feel | | |
| Bounce back technology | | |
| Natural temperature regulation | | |
| Budget friendly | |
If you prefer a different feel to memory foam, latex pillows provide a great alternative. They’re less dense and offer a springier, more responsive sleep surface.
If you’d also like to compare the differences between latex and memory foam mattresses, have a look at our latex mattress advice guide.
How long do memory foam pillows last?
You should replace your memory foam pillow every 2 years - if you sleep on it every night.
Although warranties and care recommendations vary by manufacturer, pillows typically begin to lose their supportive qualities after about two years of use.
The main reason pillows need regular replacement is hygiene. As we sleep, we sweat and lose dead skin cells. Hair and dust can also get pressed into the pillow while we sleep.
Even with the best care and maintenance, wear and tear will affect the overall quality and performance of a memory foam pillow.
Can you wash memory foam pillows?
Memory foam pillows cannot be machine washed, but you can spot clean them by hand to keep them fresh.
Please note: Avoid using too much water when cleaning your memory foam pillow, as it can damage the foam, reduce performance and may even void your warranty.
How to wash memory foam pillow
If your memory foam pillow comes with a care guide, always follow those cleaning instructions. If your pillow has a removable, machine-washable cover, clean the cover according to the care guide’s instructions.
For pillows without care instructions, follow these steps:
- Remove the pillowcase
- Check to see if the pillow has a removable cover - if it does and you’re not sure if it can be machine washed, remove it from the pillow and perform the following steps on the cover only
- Vacuum the surface of your pillow to remove all dust and hair
- Mix a small amount of lukewarm water and mild laundry detergent
- Use a cloth to gently dab at any stains - remember to use as little water as possible
- Leave the pillow to air dry before putting on the pillowcase
For guidance on cleaning other memory foam products, read our ‘How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?’ and ‘How to Clean a Mattress Topper’ guides.
Are memory foam pillows hot?
Memory foam may retain a little more heat than other pillow types. Its viscoelastic properties allow it to soften under your body heat and pressure, contouring to your head and neck, which can make it feel slightly warmer than other pillows.
Many modern memory foam pillows include features designed to improve airflow and reduce heat, but how warm they feel can still depend on the pillow’s design, your bedding, and your sleep environment.
Now that you know more about memory foam pillows, why not take a look at our memory foam pillow range?
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of pillows, check out the guides below:
Or if you’re interested in our collection of other memory foam products, you can find out more below:
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