Memory foam pillows are incredibly popular. And for good reason! After all, who doesn't want a pillow that can hug your head and neck all night long? However, how do you find the best memory foam pillows UK has to offer? Let's find out!
Just like with all of our buyer's guides, we are on the hunt for the best bedding products in the UK! Today, we're specifically looking for the best memory foam pillows UK has to offer. So, we're first going to go through our top 7 picks for the best memory foam pillows and then explain how we made our choice.
Therefore, if you just want to browse high-quality pillows, the following segment is perfect for you. And if you're interested in what makes a memory foam pillow great, stick around until the end of this guide! With all of that being said, let's dive in.
Our top 7 best memory foam pillows UK
Let's start things off with our top 7 best memory foam pillows UK has to offer. Each is the best in their category so, you're bound to find at least one that's perfect for you! And if you're wondering how we made our decision, stick around until the end of the article to see which features make a memory foam pillow good.
For our number one spot, we have to go with the Octasmart Pillow, as it does away with most of the issues memory foam pillows typically have.
Best Overall
The thing that makes Octasmart bedding rather unique are their Octasprings. These are basically memory foam springs that can adapt to your movement at every turn. And not only can they adapt but they're also filled with holes, making the entire pillow highly breathable and preventing overheating issues.
So, in terms of both temperature-regulating technology and neck pain, the Octasmart Pillow is a bit ahead of other memory foam pillows. On top of that, the Octasmart pillow features a padded cover, with little comfort pockets that further increase the softness of the pillow. That being said, the cover can also be taken off and machine-washed, meaning that maintenance is rather easy. Although the pillow itself should be spot cleaned or hand-washed.
The pillow also has a rather big loft and decent compression, meaning that it will fit side sleepers like a glove. However, we'd recommend that back and stomach sleepers look elsewhere, as this pillow could be too big for them. Nevertheless, we'd say that overall, it's the best memory foam pillow you're going to find.
The Octasprigns adapt to and support your body as you toss and turn.
Good cover
The cover is removable, machine washable, and contains comfort pockets.
Disadvantages
The pillow isn't machine washable
The pillow itself has to be cleaned by hand.
Not for everyone
Stomach and back sleepers might need a smaller pillow.
Best Luxury: The Emma Premium Pillow
If you just want the best memory foam pillow the UK has to offer and don't really care about the price, we strongly suggest the Emma Premium Pillow!
Best Luxury
Just like the Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow, their premium foam model stands out by being completely adjustable. And we don't mean that in the sense that it just uses shredded memory foam. Instead, the Premium Emma range uses individual layers of different firmness levels that can be swapped in and out as you wish.
This means that not only can you get the perfect loft but you can even control how firm the pillow is! So, at the very least, you know that you can't go wrong in terms of size. On top of that, the pillow is rather breathable thanks to the knitted cover. And since the cover can be removed and machine-washed, maintenance isn't too difficult either.
Plus, unlike a lot of other pillows, this one comes with a trial! With 30 days to make up your mind, you can freely test the Emma Premium Pillow before fully committing to making it your napping best friend. So, while the price is a lot higher than some other memory foam pillows, we'd say it's still worth considering.
You can adjust the loft and the firmness so that it fits you perfectly.
Good cover
The cover is soft, breathable, and can be machine-washed.
A trial
One of the few pillows that comes with a trial.
Disadvantages
Not budget friendly
Significantly more expensive than other memory foam pillows.
Best Value: The Eve Memory Foam Pillow
If you don't need bells and whistles but rather just want a regular, high-quality memory foam pillow, we think this memory foam pillow from Eve should be right up your alley.
Best Value
The Eve Memory Foam Pillow is rather simple. It's one solid slab of soft and supportive PU foam. This means that your head can sink into the pillow a bit and provide that hugging feeling memory foam is known for. The cover is from polyester and it can be removed and machine washed at 40 degrees.
Pretty basic, right? However, this memory foam pillow does offer a few neat features that add to its value. First off, while the core is all memory foam, there are holes strategically placed throughout the surface. Just like with latex pillows, this is done to ensure the pillow is breathable and can remain cool.
Secondly, the pillow comes with a 3-year guarantee – which is rather rare when it comes to pillows. And it's also OEKO-Tex certified, meaning that you don't have to worry about any nasty chemicals being involved. Put all these things together and you get an incredibly high price-to-quality ratio!
This is a good support pillow that can do away with some of your neck pain.
Guarantee
It's rather rare to find a pillow with a warranty.
Good price-to-quality ratio
Considering what you're getting, the price is rather reasonable.
Disadvantages
Not for everyone
Despite what they advertise, the pillow is too large for stomach sleepers.
Best Hybrid: The Simba Hybrid Pillow
Hybrid pillows are very difficult to find, as most manufacturers just stick to memory foam, down, microfibre or latex pillows. However, Simba's hybrid pillow is bound to be the perfect pillow for a lot of people!
Best Hybrid
So, what is a hybrid pillow? Usually, when we talk about hybrid, like a hybrid mattress, it means that both springs and foams are involved. However, that's not the case here. Instead, Simba created a pillow with a few different layers, each serving a very specific purpose.
Going from the outside in, we first have a nice, breathable cotton cover that will make sure you don't overheat. And underneath it, a comfort microfibre filling. Not only does this filling make the pillow a bit more supportive but it's also made in a sustainable, eco-friendly way. But it's underneath this microfibre layer that the fun really begins.
That's because Simba utilises memory foam Nano Cubes to fill up their pillow. Not only are these cubes a lot more breathable than a solid chunk of memory foam but they can also easily be adjusted. Just take out or put in as many cubes as you'd like! This also makes the pillow a safe bet regardless of your sleeping position.
With side vents, a breathable cover, and the Nano Cubes, the pillow has no issues with overheating.
Will suit anyone
Since you can adjust the pillow, it should suit just about anyone.
Eco-friendly
Simba utilises multiple eco-friendly practices.
Disadvantages
A bit more expensive
You can certainly get cheaper memory foam pillows.
No trial
For a pillow of this calibre, this is rather disappointing.
Best Durable: Nectar's Whole Night's Sleep Pillow
While Nectar's Whole Night's Sleep Pillow isn't the best adjustable pillow on this list, it definitely shines in some other categories – especially if you're a stomach sleeper!
Best Durable
Nectar's Whole Night's Sleep Pillow is basically made out of three separate layers that you can swap in and out. So, if you're a side sleeper, you can use all three at once. And if you're a stomach sleeper, you can use just one layer. In other words, if you're a stomach sleeper, it's like you're getting three pillows at once!
And each one of these layers is rather remarkable. They have a gel-infused memory foam core that both keeps things cool and supports your head and neck. So, even a single layer is on par with some medium-priced pillows. However, there's one other feature that secured the title for this memory foam pillow.
And that feature is the cover. Tencel is a premium material that you don't see too often. However, Nectar utilises it in order to make a cover that's breathable, cool to the touch, and extremely durable. Plus, while this is more of a side note, Nectar is also donating some of their profits from this pillow to a good cause.
Since the layers are pretty thin, it's like having 3 separate low-loft pillows.
Durable cover
The cover is durable, comfortable, and high-quality.
Temperature regulation
The foam is gel-infused, making it more cooling.
Disadvantages
Limited adjustability
Not as adjustable as Nano Cubes or shredded memory foam pillows.
A bit pricey
If you count it as one pillow, it's a bit more expensive than some other models.
Best Bamboo Foam: The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
If you want to both stay cool and help out the environment, Panda is the ultimate choice for you. And their Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow might just be your new best friend!
Best Bamboo Foam
Of course, the main selling point for the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is the bamboo. After all, as you'll see later on, this one feature adds quite a few benefits. For one, it makes the memory foam pillow a lot more breathable. So, night sweats are a lot less likely! Secondly, it keeps things hypoallergenic, meaning that allergies shouldn't be a problem either.
But this pillow has quite a few extra perks up its sleeve! For one, you get a free pillow protector built in. And considering that this pillow was already rather affordable, it makes the value of this purchase skyrocket. The pillow also comes with a lengthy guarantee – 10 years no less!
And then there are other cool features like the fact that this pillow was made in a sustainable manner. The only real downsides are that the loft is too big for stomach sleepers and that there's only one size available. To learn more about the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow, read our review!
Best Firm: The Value Memory Foam Contour Firm-Support Pillow
While getting a pillow that's softer than a cloud sounds amazing on paper, sometimes you need a firm pillow. But that doesn't mean you still can't opt for memory foam!
Best Firm
While getting a firm support pillow from memory foam isn't too common, it doesn't mean it's not a great idea! After all, even when the memory foam is firm, you still get the hugging sensation memory foam is known for. And besides just comfort, this hugging routine can also help alleviate some of your neck pain.
The covers are also rather decent, with a 75% cotton construction. And since cotton is both soft to the touch and breathable, it makes the pillow overall a lot better. That being said, don't think this is a cooling pillow. Some attempts were made to make it more breathable but it can't compare to some of the other pillows on this list.
However, where it does dominate is the price. It has the word value in its name and we think it lives up to it. Coming at half the price of most similar pillows, it's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to keep their expenses low.
Unlike most memory foam pillows, this is a firm support pillow.
Affordable
A lot cheaper than similar pillows.
Decent cover
Considering the price, the covers are quite decent.
Disadvantages
Some overheating issues
The foam is still rather dense so it can trap heat.
Some durability issues
Some people have reported the pillow going lumpy.
Features to look for in the best memory foam pillow
Now that we've gone through our recommendations, it's time to talk about the reasoning behind it all. After all, getting the best memory foam pillow doesn't mean just picking the most expensive one! Rather, there are a few key features that differentiate an average pillow from an excellent one. So, let's go through these features one by one and explain how they can help you get a good night's sleep.
The type of foam used for the pillows
While all memory foam pillows are going to use foam, there are quite a few things you should take into account. For one, not all foam has the same properties. Secondly, foam can be altered in quite a few ways. So, some of the phrasings you should look out for are:
Shredded memory foam
Open-cell memory foam
Tempered or infused memory foam
Cooling memory foam
High-density memory foam
And in the following sections, you'll see how these different types of memory foam can lead to different results. This isn't to say that “regular” memory foam is bad by any means, however. In fact, some people might prefer a regular memory foam pillow. The aforementioned types of memory foam simply hone in on one specific aspect in order to perfect it. And we're sure this will become much clearer in the following segments.
Cooling
Whether it's a memory foam mattress or a memory foam pillow, cooling is bound to be brought up. And that's because memory foam typically traps a lot of body heat. This then makes it so that if you're a hot sleeper, your good night's sleep might just leave you covered in sweat in the morning.
However, not all memory foam pillows have issues with cooling or breathability. And this is where we're going to look at all those different memory foam types we mentioned a minute ago. This is because most of them were made to boost breathability and be a good night's sleep pillow, as opposed to a good night's sweat pillow. So, let's take a closer look.
Bamboo-infused memory foam
We're going to start things off with memory foam infusions, as they're surprisingly common. Infusing bamboo for example tends to come with quite a few benefits. Not only is bamboo naturally hypoallergenic but it also promotes airflow and lets your skin breathe.
This is why you can see it being used in a memory foam mattress as well. Plus, bamboo is a sustainable material. So, if you're an eco-conscious person, this can sway your decision as well.
Graphite-infused memory foam
Graphite has many of the same benefits as bamboo, which is why it's another popular infusion choice. It makes the memory foam pillow a lot more breathable and is even rather good for your skin. So, if you're looking for a sweatless night of sleep, it makes for a viable option.
Open-cell memory foam
While not as noticeable as infusions, an open-cell construction can make your memory foam pillow a lot more breathable. This is because open-cell memory foam traps a lot less heat and is thus less likely to cause night sweats. On top of that, an open-cell memory foam pillow typically won't be as expensive as a graphite or bamboo-infused memory foam pillow.
Cooling pillows
Lastly, we wanted to talk about cooling pillows. And that's because this term can refer to any of the features we've already mentioned. However, it can also relate to how the memory foam pillow is encased. For example, if it comes with an extremely breathable cover (typically from cotton or bamboo) or has side vents.
So, if a pillow is called a cooling pillow, make sure that you know why exactly it has that name. After all, an infusion is typically more effective than an open-cell construction. However, a pillow can both have bamboo-infused memory foam and a bamboo cover. And this pillow is likely going to have exceptional temperature regulation.
The size
While it's often overlooked, getting the right size is essential when choosing the right pillow. And this is because the size of the pillow can mean two things. The more obvious meaning is the length and the width of the pillow. Here, it's rather difficult to get it wrong.
After all, as long as the pillow fits on your bed, you're golden. However, people often forget to think of the loft! The loft relates to how “tall” the pillow is. And depending on your sleeping position, you'll need a smaller or a larger loft. This is so that you don't end up with neck pain in the morning!
The correct loft for side sleepers
Typically, side sleepers need a slightly larger loft. Memory foam pillows don't compress as much as down pillows, so it's going to need to be relatively big. This is because it needs to cover the space between your shoulder and head. Otherwise, your head will be at a slight tilt, putting pressure on your neck.
If the pillow is firm, you can just measure the distance from your shoulder to your cheek and get the perfect pillow. However, memory foam pillows will typically compress a little bit, so, keep that in mind.
The correct loft for back and stomach sleepers
For back and stomach sleepers, you typically want a lower loft. Since your shoulders aren't getting in the way, the pillow needs to be rather flat in order to keep your spine straight. The reasoning is the same as in the previous example, as an upward tilt is going to cause just as much neck pain as a side tilt.
So, if you sleep on your stomach or back, try to get a relatively flat pillow or a pillow that can be compressed quite a bit.
The firmness
When it comes to memory foam pillows, it's easy to assume that they're pretty soft. And most of the time, this is true! However, not all memory foam pillows are soft and not all sleepers need a soft pillow. This is mostly due to what we just discussed – the loft.
After all, a very soft pillow is likely going to let your head sink quite a bit. A firm pillow on the other hand isn't going to have as much give. And firm pillows, usually also called orthopaedic pillows, are very good for dealing with neck pain. After all, since they don't have as much give, it's a lot easier to pick out the right pillow that can support your head and neck.
So, don't avoid firmer pillows! You might just find that they're a lot better than their soft counterparts and you might get a better night's sleep as a result.
Shredded memory foam pillows
We also quickly wanted to talk about shredded memory foam, as it relates to the previous two segments. A memory foam pillow with shredded foam is the only fully adjustable pillow. This is because you can take out or put in as much memory foam as you need.
And by doing so, you can change the loft and even the firmness of the pillow! So, it's the safest choice for people who might not know exactly what they need. Plus, shredded memory foam also tends to make the pillow quite breathable. The only downside is that a pillow with shredded memory foam might not be the best supportive pillow. At least when compared to microfibre pillows or latex pillows.
The pillow covers
While most memory foam pillows have a removable outer cover, it's still important to note what kind of covers you're getting. And that's because the covers can sometimes justify a more expensive pillow. For example, if you're considering two pillows and the main differences are that one is 10-20 pounds more expensive and has a bamboo cover while the other cheaper option has a synthetic cover. You're likely going to be better off with the more expensive memory foam pillow!
This is because a synthetic cover might make the pillow a lot less breathable and lead to worse performance overall. And if the cover isn't removable for whatever reason, then it's even more important to make sure it's made of a good material. Generally speaking, bamboo, cotton, and eucalyptus bedding are bound to give you the best results.
How easy is it to clean the memory foam pillow?
Washing a memory foam pillow can be a bit tricky. This is because memory foam is relatively delicate and can't be cleaned as easily as microfibre pillows. Although feather pillows also run into this issue. However, there are a few ways to make maintenance a bit easier.
The most obvious way to keep your pillow clean is by just cleaning the pillow covers. So, check whether they can be removed and machine-washed. Secondly, check the care label for the pillow itself, as some are sturdier than others.
And if all else fails, check whether you can get a pillow protector to go alongside your new pillow. While some memory foam pillows are only sold separately, other memory foam pillows can be bought in a bundle to get a pillow protector at a much lower cost. Plus, you can rest assured that the pillow protector will fit the pillow perfectly. So, keep an eye out for that.
The brand
Lastly, we wanted to talk about the brand. While most people take the brand into account when getting their first memory foam mattress, memory foam pillows don't always get the same treatment. However, going with a bigger brand can still come with quite a few benefits! Of course, this isn't always the case and some smaller manufacturers also have amazing pillows. However, typically, bigger brands will be able to offer features smaller brands can't. For example:
Warranties and trials – While it might seem odd, some memory foam pillows do come with warranties and trials. They aren't as long or extensive as those for memory foam mattresses but they're still decent.
Safer foam – Bigger brands also frequently use tested, safe foam that wasn't treated with dangerous chemicals. Look out for the OEKO-Tex certification for this one.
More options – If you're looking for gel-infused memory foam or bamboo covers, you're more likely to find them with bigger brands.
Higher-quality foam – Bigger brands also typically all have their own patented memory foam technology that's a bit higher quality than standard memory foam.
Again, this isn't always the case and doesn't mean you should overlook smaller manufacturers altogether. However, there's a higher level of safety when it comes to buying from bigger brands.
Tips for buying and using the best memory foam pillows
Now that we've gone through all of the features you should look out for when buying the best memory foam pillows UK, let's condense it into a few tips. So, what are the most important things you should keep in mind?
If you're a hot sleeper, opt for a cooling pillow, like a memory foam bamboo pillow or a graphite-infused pillow. Also, don't skimp out on the covers, as they can make quite a difference as well. Speaking of the cover, make sure it's easy to wash so that you can keep your pillow feeling fresh.
Lastly, make sure your pillow fits your sleep position. If you're a side sleeper, go for a memory foam pillow with a larger loft. If you're a stomach or back sleeper, go for a slightly firmer pillow with a lower loft.
If you're a hot sleeper, get a cooling pillow.
Make sure that the pillow is easy to clean and/or get a pillow protector.
Make sure your pillow suits your sleep position.
We'd say that those are the main things you should keep in mind. However, things such as the price, the brand, and the firmness are also important.
The advantages of owning the best memory foam pillow
If by this point you're thinking that getting the best memory foam pillow UK has to offer sounds like a lot of work, we don't blame you. However, we will point out that the difference between an average memory foam pillow and the best memory foam pillow is quite significant. So, let's just go through a few of the advantages of having the best memory foam pillow on the market!
No more neck pain – You're unlikely to have a neck ache every morning if you get the appropriate pillow as it will support your head.
Keep your face fresh – While the mattress or the duvet can still cause overheating, a good memory foam pillow will at least keep your face clean and fresh.
Sleeping like a rock – A pillow adds to the overall comfort of your bed quite a bit. And when you're more comfortable, you're more likely to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for as long as you need to.
Keeping things clean – A removable, machine-washable cover will make keeping things clean easy and painless.
So, while we do acknowledge that picking out a random memory foam pillow is a lot easier, we highly recommend putting some thought into it. After all, we spend a third of our lives asleep. So, it pays off to have the best sleeping gear the UK has to offer!
Conclusion
Overall, if you keep all of our tips in mind, you should be able to get the best memory foam pillows UK has to offer! Or you could just choose one from our top picks – either one works. And be sure to let us know in the comments whether you've found your perfect pillow and how that has bettered your sleep quality!
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FAQs about your new memory foam pillow
Lastly, before we go, let's go through some of the most common questions people have when trying the find the best memory foam pillows UK. And if there's anything we haven't covered, feel free to ask us in the comments!
Can memory foam pillows be washed?
Generally, you have to spot clean memory foam pillows as the washer can cause damage to the foam. It's best to just wash the covers and then check the care label to see whether the pillow itself can be cleaned.
Can memory foam pillows cause neck pain?
Only if they don't suit your sleeping style. For back and front sleepers, the memory foam pillow has to be rather flat while side sleepers need a slightly “taller” pillow that covers the area from their shoulder to their cheek.
Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain?
Generally speaking, yes. This is because memory foam is very good at pressure relief and supporting your head and neck. However, you need to find a pillow that's of the appropriate height (or loft).
Are memory foam pillows toxic?
No. Memory foam pillows can give off an unpleasant odour at first but that's completely normal. Just let it air out for a day or two and the odour will be completely gone. But if you want to be 100% sure no dangerous chemicals were involved, find a pillow with an OEKO-Tex certification.
Are memory foam pillows safe?
Generally speaking, yes. People with a sensitive nose might take issue during the first night or two due to an unpleasant odour. However, this odour is completely normal and harmless. Just let the pillow air out for a day or two.
A CPD certified Sleep Consultant with more than 2000 hours of research into all the different ways we can get a great night's sleep. As a former insomniac, I know how difficult life can be without a nightly recovery and I love that I get to share everything I've learned with you all.
So hopefully we can all sleep soundly!
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