9 Best Memory Foam Pillows 2022 | UK Interior Designer Reviewed

1. Choose a Pillow Based on Your Sleeping Position
2. Consider Your Preferences on Contoured, Layered and Shredded Pillows
3. Opt for a Pillow That Works for Your Body's Preferences
4. Allergy Sufferers Should Opt for A Breathable Pillowcase Cover
5. Select Easy-to-Wash Pillows for Convenience

Depending on your preferred sleeping position, you may require a different firmness of pillow to achieve the maximum comfort and reduced strain you desire. Take a look at some options below to find what might work best for you. 

• Side sleepers: go for a firmer, thicker and raised pillow to keep your neck and shoulders aligned so that the head is not positioned too high or too low. Memory foam pillows are designed to cushion vulnerable pressure points on the head and ensure the neck remains in the optimum position. Side sleepers that usually use two pillows could instead opt for one memory foam pillow of around 12 cm or even get one with an adjustable height. 

• Front or back sleepers: will need a pillow with less height and firmness compared to side sleepers and should aim for one around 8-10 cm with medium/medium-firm density. Front sleepers may also prefer a very flat pillow and could look for one around 7 cm. 

Here are some more pillows great for those with neck pain. 

A contoured or 'cervical' pillow has a curved design contouring to your head and neck and is recommended for those who suffer from neck or back pain as they offer the best support. Proper body alignment is essential for warding off muscle pain and relieving muscle tension headaches. 

Its high level of support is great for sleepers of any position but bear in mind they run small, so they may take some getting used to. Please note: some pillows, as mentioned, are smaller than your average pillow size, so if you want to use your own case or buy a new one, make sure you check the size of the pillow before you buy.  

Constructed of either one block or several layers, these pillows are more likely to provide a firm or medium-firm density, but this does mean they don't have much moldability. However, some will be made of two or more layers and allow you to adjust the height to your liking. 

As memory foam is notorious for retaining heat, hot sleepers will appreciate pillows with a panel of cooling gel to help them stay at a comfortable temperature. Some are even dual-sided, giving you a choice for both summer and winter. 

If you run hot, here are some personal fans that will keep you as cool as a cucumber. 

Most memory foam pillows are made up of polyurethane foam, so are one of the easiest ways to get a peaceful night's sleep. While it may not be the most luxurious pillow to sleep on, polyurethane is a well-loved material that has many merits. If you are sensitive to smells, note that it may be best to wait a day before use due to off-gassing.

Shredded memory foam is a wonderful alternative for those who get hot while sleeping. Some memory foam pillows amass heat and can leave you with an unpleasant hot flush, but thanks to the design of shredded memory foam, heat build-up is eliminated. 

In addition to shredded memory foam's excellent breathability, it is incredibly soft and mouldable and can conform to your head and neck while still supporting proper alignment, relieving both snoring and neck pain! We highly recommend shredded memory foam if you are fond of down but looking for a non-animal alternative.

Developed by Nasa to relieve the force of gravity on astronauts’ bodies, Tempur is outmatched when it comes to softness. Tempur is not memory foam but a temperature-sensitive pressure-relieving material.

While these pillows may not be the most breathable option, another main advantage of Tempur is the brand's reputation for being incredibly durable, which makes this a great investment.

Although you may decide to cover your memory foam pillow anyway, the material of the outer case can make a difference to its breathability. Polyester is known for its durability, but it's not very absorbent and can trap heat so may not be the best choice for those who require a cool pillow. 

On the other hand, bamboo, which is often used in memory foam pillows, is much more cooling. It's also hypoallergenic and has antibacterial properties, easing allergies. It is common for pillows to use a mixture of the two, so for maximum breathability look for those that contain at least 40% bamboo.

If you like to change your pillowcase often, we have some lovely silk pillowcases that might take your fancy!

The usual method to clean your memory foam pillow can take some time. Requiring a soak in a bath and a bit of baking soda and detergent, this slow approach is not something many people can fit into their schedules. On top of this, memory foam pillows need to be dried naturally, as tumble drying them can cause damage and completely disrupt the ergonomic design. 

Memory foam pillows are one of the healthiest choices of pillows available on the market as they are hypo-allergenic and do not absorb. Use a pillow cover on your memory foam pillow, and you rarely need to wash it. However, if you wish to clean your pillow every now and again, you need to consider a couple of things.

If you like to be able to throw on a load of laundry as you head out, be sure to make your memory foam pillow washable. This will save you time when you get home to air-dry it – and a bit of money on your water bill. 

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Best for every body shape - Umi, Hypoallergenic Ergonomic Pillow
2. Best for front/back sleepers - Tempur, Cloud Support Standard Pillow
3. Best for those who prefer a soft pillow - Panda, Luxury Memory Foam Pillow
4. Best for eliminating excess heat - CompuClever, Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
5. Best for needing pain relief - ZenPur,  Anti-Snoring Memory Foam Pillow                                                      

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 9 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of pillows available and understand how our ranking was determined.

mybest UK product recommendations are reviewed and curated by our writers in-house. We focus on in-depth research and analysis of product reviews to carefully select the best products available for the best prices.

Most pillows arrive vacuum packed but don't worry, if you leave it for 24 hours it will expand to its full size and you can also encourage it with some light plumping. Some pillows may also have a harmless odour at first, but this should quickly disappear after a few days of airing.

Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo

Our ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.