9 Best Memory Foam Pillows 2024 | UK Interior Designer Reviewed
Memory foam pillows are a great solution for those who have trouble sleeping comfortably. Comprised of specially treated foamed polyurethane, they use your body heat to conform to your shape for unbeatable comfort and support. There are many memory foam pillows to choose from including contoured, flat, firm and soft types.
As well as options designed for side or back sleepers and those topped off with soft bamboo fabric or a cooling gel sheet. In this guide, we have ranked the top 9 best from Amazon and John Lewis to make sure your next sleep revitalises your mind and body. Moreover, we partnered with interior designer Belen Dakak to review and fact-check the article to deliver the best information.
Quick List - Top Memory Foam Pillows
Umi
Hypoallergenic Contoured Memory Foam Made With 40% Bamboo
Belen is an interior designer (residential and retail design), having worked for top retail brands including Estee Lauder, Seasalt and John Lewis, as well as working with private clients on residential projects and RoomLab, an online interior design platform.
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Fact-Checked & Approved by Interior Designer Belen Dakak
Belen is an interior designer (residential and retail design), having worked for top retail brands including Estee Lauder, Seasalt and John Lewis, as well as working with private clients on residential projects and RoomLab, an online interior design platform.
Belen is also a landscape garden designer with an RHS Level 2 in Principles and Practical Horticulture.
How to Choose a Memory Foam Pillow in the UK
- Choose a Pillow Based on Your Sleeping Position
- Consider Your Preferences on Contoured, Layered and Shredded Pillows
- Opt for a Pillow That Works for Your Body's Preferences
- Allergy Sufferers Should Opt for A Breathable Pillowcase Cover
- Select Easy-to-Wash Pillows for Convenience
Pick the Pillow’s Firmness and Height to Match Your Sleeping Position
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.
The Shape and Design of the Pillow Can Effect Air Flow, Heat Retention and Support Type
Contoured Pillows: Suit Most Sleepers and Offer Neck and Back Pain Relief
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.
Layered or Solid Pillows: Familiar Shape and Great for Hot Sleepers
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.
Ventilation? Softness? Combine Your Body's Preferences to Select a Suitable Material
Go For Polyurethane Foam if You Want a Basic Memory Foam Pillow Feeling
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.
For Those Wanting a Soft and Mouldable Experience, We Recommend Shredded Memory Foam
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.
For the Softest Possible Pillow With the Highest Durability, We Recommend Tempur
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.
Allergy Suffers: Look for a Breathable Outer Pillow Casing
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!
Make It a Washable Memory Foam Pillow for Easy Cleaning
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.
9 Best Memory Foam Pillows in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Umi Hypoallergenic Ergonomic Adjustable Contour Pillow | | Hypoallergenic Contoured Memory Foam Made With 40% Bamboo | |
2 | Tempur Cloud Support Standard Pillow | | Approved by NASA, Machine-Washable: The Perfect Pair | |
3 | Panda Luxury Memory Foam Pillow | | Triple-Layered Foam and Soft Bamboo for a Blissful Sleep | |
4 | CompuClever Shredded Memory Foam Pillow | | A Pillow That Eliminates Excess Heat Typical of Memory Foam | |
5 | ZenPur Anti-Snoring Memory Foam Pillows｜Pack of 2 | | 100% Bamboo: A Great All-Rounder for Restful Sleep | |
6 | Supportiback Comfort Therapy Pillow With Cooling Gel | | A Doctor Recommended Pillow for Hot Sleepers | |
7 | Ecosafeter Contoured Memory Foam Pillow | | Customised Relief From Neck and Back Pain | |
8 | Silentnight Impress Memory Foam Pillow | | Firm Support for Side Sleepers From a Trusted Brand | |
9 | EvergreenWeb Shredded Memory Foam Pillows｜Pack of 2 | | A Cheap and Simple Pair to Replace Down |
UmiHypoallergenic Ergonomic Adjustable Contour Pillow
Hypoallergenic Contoured Memory Foam Made With 40% Bamboo
The features above all offer you pressure relief, snug comfort and great support, whether you're a front, back or side sleeper. The outer case is soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and even machine washable. A fantastic buy for everyone.
Approved by NASA, Machine-Washable: The Perfect Pair
Renowned for their expertise in the memory foam world, Tempur’s 'Cloud' pillow feels just as you’d hope: fluffy and dreamy, but with a firm supportive centre. It would mostly suit front sleepers or back sleepers who don’t like too much firmness.
As Tempur is the only pillow and mattress brand to be recognised by NASA, we think it is safe to say that the quality of this pillow is out of this world. Additionally, it's a great size for any standard pillowcase, it's washable up to 60°C and it comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
Triple-Layered Foam and Soft Bamboo for a Blissful Sleep
Utilising the latest Visco memory foam approved by orthopaedic experts, this medium-firm pillow is soft and squishy on the outside with a supportive firm core. Its size is ideal for a number of sleeping styles, even those who rest on their front.
Sleep either on the cute bamboo outer case or on your own pillowcase, and revel in the comfort of this quality pillow with a generous 10-year warranty. It also has temperature regulating technology to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
A Pillow That Eliminates Excess Heat Typical of Memory Foam
A style-conscious choice with an added bonus, this pillow has a built-in layer of heat-dispersing, cooling gel particles throughout the foam filling to quash all claims that memory foam equates to a hot night’s kip. The shredded foam allows for airflow, helping it stay cool and breathable.
It’s thick and firm and won't flatten throughout the night and the eco-friendly bamboo wicks away sweat and resists odour. It is also said to be a cooler feeling than cotton, making it a fabulous investment for long-lasting comfort.
ZenPurAnti-Snoring Memory Foam Pillows ｜ Pack of 2
100% Bamboo: A Great All-Rounder for Restful Sleep
This pack of two pillows are great for providing you with a good cervical position, resulting in restful sleep for sleepers of any position. You can also enjoy the antibacterial and cooling properties of its machine washable bamboo cover.
As well as being naturally antimicrobial, it is resistant to allergens such as mould, dust mites and other bacteria, giving you the comfort that you can sleep safely. This pillow is a great all-rounder whether you require pain relief or just a sound sleep.
Supportiback Comfort Therapy Pillow With Cooling Gel
A Doctor Recommended Pillow for Hot Sleepers
Some of us run as hot as a radiator at night, but you don’t have to forego memory foam comfort if you’re concerned it will make you too sweaty. One side of this pillow features a layer of cooling gel that not only dissipates heat but can also relieve headaches and neck pain.
You can also flip the pillow to utilise the plush, warming side when the weather gets colder. It’s fairly low height-wise so would be better for those preferring less density, as well as those who don’t mind a smaller-sized pillow.
Customised Relief From Neck and Back Pain
Align your spine, wake up free from neck and back pain and even ease your snoring with this effective contoured pillow. It’s a smaller size than you may be used to, but the cover is washable and made from breathable, antibacterial bamboo.
The medium-firm density would be a good fit for either side or back sleepers, and it promises to be suitable for allergy sufferers too. Ecosafer does mention that this pillow will have a 'fresh foam' odour, but they reassure that it should dissipate after being aired for a few days.
Firm Support for Side Sleepers From a Trusted Brand
Rated as an 8/10 (with 10 being the most firm), this solid raised pillow from Silentnight provides quality and firm support to side sleepers. For other sleeping positions, though, it may be a little too raised unless you like a lot of height.
The removable and washable cover is a soft velour that’s lovely to sleep on in cold temperatures. If it's too hot, however, you also have the option to use a standard pillowcase. Although this pillow is firm, customers have said that you sink into it quickly.
EvergreenWebShredded Memory Foam Pillows ｜ Pack of 2
A Cheap and Simple Pair to Replace Down
There is no extra cover included, but this particular size will fit the pillowcases you have at home – and if you decide you love them. you can purchase various other sizes such as sofa cushions. Some people have said that because they feel similar to fluffy down, they don't feel like memory foam pillows.
Tips for Preparing Your Memory Foam Pillow for Use
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
Top 5 Memory Foam Pillows
No. 1: Umi｜Hypoallergenic Ergonomic Adjustable Contour Pillow
No. 2: Tempur ｜Cloud Support Standard Pillow
No. 3: Panda｜Luxury Memory Foam Pillow
No. 4: CompuClever｜Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
No. 5: ZenPur｜Anti-Snoring Memory Foam Pillows｜Pack of 2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.