Rest up with top picks from the likes of Simba, Emma Sleep and Dusk
Pillows are essential to our sleep routine—just as important as a quality duvet or supportive mattress. In recent years, memory foam pillows have soared in popularity for their durability and ability to contour to your head and neck.
Some shoppers credit them with easing neck and shoulder pain, making them a go-to choice for anyone chasing a more restful night’s sleep. Plus, unlike traditional designs that may flatten or lose shape, memory foam tends to be thicker and plumper, so your bed will have more of a boutique hotel vibe.
There’s no shortage of memory foam pillows on the market, from high-end options by Simba and TEMPUR to affordable favourites from Dusk and M&S. To help you decide, we’ve rounded up the best memory foam pillows available now, along with everything you need to know before you buy.
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The best memory foam pillows at a glance
- Best overall memory foam pillow: Simba Hybrid™ Pillow
- Best adjustable memory foam pillow: Emma Original Foam Pillow
- Best contoured memory foam pillow: Dusk Memory Foam Contour Pillow
- Best V-shaped memory foam pillow: Silentnight Impress Memory Foam V Shape Pillow
- Best cooling memory foam pillow: TEMPUR Cloud SmartCool™ Pillows
- Best memory foam pillow for side sleepers: M&S Side Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow
- Best bamboo memory foam pillow: Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Pillow
Why choose a memory foam pillow?
There are many reasons to ditch a traditional pillow for a memory foam one. First, memory foam’s supportive and pressure-relieving properties are great for side and back sleepers who need neck support.
Memory foam pillows are built to be long-lasting, too, with the best quality ones typically holding their shape for years, unlike feather or synthetic fill. They’re also a solid option for allergy sufferers as they naturally resist dust mites and mould.
However, memory foam tends to trap heat easily, which may be a problem for anyone who suffers from night sweats.
Which is the best memory foam pillow for me?
Not all memory foam pillows are created equal, and the right one for you will depend on how you sleep, how much support you need and even how warm you tend to get at night.
Some pillows have an adjustable design that allows you to remove or add filling to just the height. These are excellent options for people who aren’t sure what level of support they require or want to customise their pillow to suit their sleeping positions.
As mentioned, traditional memory foam is known to retain heat, but some pillows combat this with in-built cooling features. Look out for gel-infused foam and ventilated designs that help regulate temperature during the night.
Moreover, some memory foam pillows are pre-shaped or contoured to support the natural curve of the neck and spine. These are especially popular among back and side sleepers who struggle with stiffness or wake up with aches and pains.
It’s also worth checking whether the pillow cover is removable and machine washable, especially if you have allergies. Some covers come with moisture-wicking or antimicrobial properties for an added layer of comfort and cleanliness.
Simba Hybrid Pillow – £109
Simba’s Hybrid Pillow stands out from the crowd with its distinctive design. It’s packed with foam cubes (dubbed Nanocubes by Simba) that can be added or removed to adjust its height and firmness to your preference. This ensures optimal alignment for your neck and spine, regardless of whether you’re a back, side, or front sleeper.
The pillow’s outer cover incorporates ‘cool-touch’ technology and mesh borders to enhance airflow, resulting in a more comfortable, sweat-free slumber — a boon for those who tend to overheat during the night. Additionally, the breathable cubes promote good air circulation, keeping the pillow fresh and cool.
To top it all off, the outer cover is crafted from soft, luxurious cotton and is machine-washable, offering an extra touch of convenience.
You can read my whole review here, but it’s safe to say that I loved the Hybrid. It’s mega comfortable yet firm, and most of the time, I wake up feeling rested and with little discomfort. They also look good on my bed – they’re luxuriously plump, like something you’d see in a boutique hotel.
My only gripe is that the blue branding on the pillow’s side panelling shows through some thinner fabrics, especially white sheets.
Filling: Nanocube core
Adjustable: Yes
Machine washable: Outer cover only; spring pad is sponge-clean
Trial offering: 30 days
Guarantee: Within 12 months
Emma Original Foam Pillow – £49.50 from £55
It wouldn’t be a proper sleep roundup without a mention of Emma, the brand behind the cult-favourite Original Mattress. Enter its Original Smart Pillow, a smart, customisable pick that lets you tailor your sleep setup to perfection.
Inside, you’ll find four thoughtfully designed layers: a gel foam layer that gently cradles the neck; memory foam to evenly distribute weight and pressure; a softer foam for extra comfort and support; and a stretchy, machine-washable cover that adapts to the pillow’s height without tearing.
Plus, the open-cell foam construction helps to boost airflow and breathability, making it a dream for hot sleepers.
Filling: Memory foam
Adjustable: Yes
Machine washable: Outer cover only
Trial offering: 30 days
Guarantee: Two years
Silentnight Impress Memory Foam V Shape Pillow – £47.99
Pillows come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t write this one off for its quirky design. This Silentnight V-shaped pillow may look a little unusual, but its unique shape brings more benefits than you’d expect.
The ergonomic V design offers targeted support and sink-in comfort, helping to cushion the neck, shoulders and back whether you’re sleeping or simply relaxing. Inside, you’ll find shredded memory foam that moulds to your shape while still allowing air to circulate freely – making it more breathable than traditional solid foam pillows.
It’s also especially great for propping yourself up in bed while watching TV, scrolling on your iPad, or reading a book—no constant pillow rearranging required. One happy shopper said: “I bought this for my husband, who has sleep apnea. He finds it very comfortable and helps to keep him sitting up to sleep, which improves his breathing.”
It is also popular among expectant mothers, as it doubles as a nursing pillow for extra comfort and support during and after pregnancy.
However, one person complained about its “strong chemical scent.” This smell occasionally occurs within memory foam products, but it should fade over time.
Filling: Memory foam
Adjustable: No
Machine washable: Yes
Trial offering: Not specified
Guarantee: Two years
Dusk Memory Foam Contour Pillow – £28 from £60
While many memory foam pillows on the market cost well above the £50 mark, Dusk has swooped in to save the day (and your neck) with an affordable and high-quality option. Known for its luxe-looking bedding at purse-friendly prices, the brand delivers again with this contoured memory foam pillow—perfect for anyone in need of extra neck and shoulder support.
The clever shape hugs the natural curve of your head and neck, helping to relieve pressure and promote better sleep posture. Wrapped in a super-soft jersey cover, it’s breathable enough for hot sleepers and fully machine washable, too, so it’ll stay fresher for longer. My only note is that the brand recommends washing the pillow in a large-capacity washing machine, which could prove difficult for some shoppers.
Even better, it’s currently £32 off in the sale — making it a total steal.
Filling: Memory foam
Adjustable: No
Machine washable: Yes
Trial offering: No
Guarantee: One year
TEMPUR Cloud SmartCool™
It’s finally warm outside, which means cooling bedding is always appreciated. These cushions, which feature Tempur’s SmartCool technology and have removable covers, are designed to absorb excess heat, ensuring a comfortable, sweat-free sleep throughout the night. In addition, this extra firm memory foam pillow offers essential support for any sleeping position.
When I tried it, I was sceptical of its temperature-regulating claims, but it is really cool to the touch. It also moulded well to my neck and shoulders, helping to alleviate aches and pains.
Filling: TEMPUR Adapt® Material micro-cushions
Adjustable: No
Machine washable: Outer cover only
Trial offering: 30 days
Guarantee: Three years
M&S Side Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow – £50
M&S has long been a go-to for fashion and food, but its homeware—especially bedding—is just as beloved by customers. It’s unsurprising that this Side Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow is a standout in the range, with one shopper saying their “neck pain has definitely improved” since using it.
Specially designed for side sleepers, the pillow features deep, contoured profiles that help keep users’ heads, necks, and spines aligned throughout the neck. This targeted support will help reduce pressure on the shoulders and prevent the awkward angles that often cause stiffness in the morning.
The memory foam filling offers firm support, ideal for maintaining structure and stability while you sleep (although one shopper said they feel “solid,” which may be off-putting to some). Unlike softer pillows that flatten over time, this one should hold its shape, helping shoppers stay comfortable and well-supported night after night.
Filling: Memory foam/polyurethane
Adjustable: No
Machine washable: Yes
Trial offering: Not specified
Guarantee: Not specified
Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Pillow – £89.95
For anyone looking to make more sustainable shopping choices, Panda London is a standout name in eco-conscious homeware. The brand goes the extra mile to reduce its environmental impact — using naturally renewable bamboo where possible.
The brand’s Hybrid Bamboo Pillow is made using bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam, which supports the head and neck with ergonomic comfort and keeps things fresher for longer thanks to its natural antibacterial properties. The breathable cover is just as considered – crafted from 80% bamboo microfibre and 20% recycled polyester for a soft, sustainable finish.
Beyond its eco credentials, this medium-firm pillow is cleverly engineered for a cool, comfortable night’s sleep. Hidden inside are ‘micropods’ – tiny foam clusters that improve airflow and help regulate body temperature so shoppers are less likely to overheat. Plus, Panda offers a 30-night trial, free delivery and a 10-year guarantee for peace of mind – the best deal in our roundup.
Review-wise, one fan said: “It’s such a good pillow, I honestly take it with me on trips. (I’ll) buy again once it gets old.” However, one person said it “took them a week to get used to it.”
Filling: Bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam
Adjustable: No
Machine washable: Cover only
Trial offering: 30 days
Guarantee: 10 years
