Last Updated on January 10, 2023
Our Favourites
Editor’s Choice: Supportiback Comfort Therapy
Best for Any Position: Tempur Comfort Pillow Original
Best Breathable: Panda Bamboo Pillow
Almost everyone uses a pillow at night, and lately memory foam pillows have gained in popularity in the UK and around the world. Their firm contouring nature makes them a great alternative to traditional down pillows. Memory foam pillows come in many shapes and brands, so finding the right one can be confusing.
With so many options out there to choose from, we decided to find out what the best memory foam pillow is on the market today. But first, let’s go into a little more detail on memory foam pillows to help you understand why they may or may not be right for you.
How We Compared Memory Foam Pillows
To find the right memory foam pillows we considered multiple factors including:
- Type of Memory Foam
- Pillow Shape and Sleep Position
- Firmness and Density
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
The Best Memory Foam Pillows in the UK – Top 10 Reviewed
Now we’re going to look at the best memory foam pillows out there and arm you with the information you need about each one.
1. Supportiback Comfort Therapy (Editor’s Choice)
This pillow is promoted as the best in the business for reducing back pain. This pillow comes with patented Ergo-Bounce accelerated recovery that recovers in 8 seconds, and the optimal-density foam structure provides constant cradle support.
Many memory foam pillows get a bad reputation because they keep you too warm at night, but that is not the case with the Supportiback Comfort Therapy Pillow. It comes with a cooling gel on one side, so on warm summer nights, you can turn your pillow to this side to get the best cooling.
If you’re too chilly on a winter evening, turn the pillow over to the plush side. You’ll sink right in and remain snuggly warm all night long. In addition to the cooling technologies, this pillow comes with weight-sensitive memory foam that contours to the shape of your head and neck as you move throughout the night.
The Comfort Therapy pillow comes with a 100-day trial to ensure your satisfaction, as well as a free eBook to learn all about back health and help you to achieve optimal health.
Pros:
- Cooling technology
- Adjustable to your needs
- Ideal for all sleeping positions
- Non-toxic; lead and BPA free
Cons:
- It has a chemical smell right out of the box
- Lack of breathability
- Smaller than a standard pillow
2. Tempur Comfort Pillow Original (Best for Any Position)
One of the most impressive memory foam pillow options on the market today, Tempur’s Comfort Pillow original is recommended by NASA and the Space Foundation. Delivering an exceptional level of comfort with a specially-developed filling, the Tempur pillow provides a unique balance of support and softness, ideal for all-night comfort.
Whether you’re sleeping on your side, back or front, the Tempur will keep you feeling relaxed and supported for hours at a time. What’s more, the pillow cover included with this memory foam cushion is also machine washable.
For extra peace of mind, the Tempur brand provides a 3-year guarantee on their Original comfort pillow, that’s a lot more than you could expect from many leading brands. It is important to note that when compared to other memory foam pillows, this product is surprisingly soft. Additionally, the fact that you have to regularly fluff your pillow might be an issue for some customers.
Pros:
- NASA and Space Foundation approved
- Excellent support and softness for sleeping on all sides
- Washable pillow cover included
- 3-year guarantee for peace of mind
- Huggable soft design
Cons:
- May be too soft for some memory foam fans
- Requires regular shaking and fluffing
3. Panda Bamboo Pillow (Best Hypoallergenic)
The Panda pillow comes with the best guarantee we have seen thus far at 10 years. Plus, if you aren’t 100% satisfied with this pillow at any time, you can return it for a full refund or free replacement. The manufacturer is confident that you will love this pillow, and we can see why.
The Panda pillow features temperature regulating technology to keep you cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. The hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and antibacterial bamboo case aids in temperature control because it allows the pillow to breathe and maintains optimal airflow.
This pillow is made from a triple layer moulded memory foam, which uses the newest technologies to ensure ideal support. This pillow is recommended for all types of sleepers as it helps to support the head and keep the neck aligned with the spine.
For back sleepers, the Panda pillow could also be too high for some. If you consistently find that firmer pillows aren’t quite firm enough as a back sleeper, then you may find that the panda pillow is the one for you.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and antibacterial
- Breathable temperature control
- Three-layer design prevents denting and provides optimal support
- Great for all types of sleepers
- 10-year guarantee
Cons:
- Off-gassing/chemical smell
- Same support throughout pillow, not adjustable to individual needs
4. Simba Soft Supportive (Best Cooling Materials)
Simba is one of the best-known bed-in-a-box companies on the web today. Loved for their affordable and high-quality memory foam products, Simba delivers everything from mattresses to pillows.
The Simba memory foam pillow is a hypoallergenic solution for those who want all the support of memory foam, without the added heat or excessive firmness. Designed to deliver responsive support, this memory foam pillow is particularly good for back and side sleepers.
To keep you comfortable during the night, there are airflow cooling channels built into the pillow. Plus, because everything is made from hypoallergenic materials, you can rest assured that sensitive sleepers won’t wake up with itching and sneezing.
The Simba pillow moulds to your body, ensuring that your head, neck, and spine are properly aligned for better posture. What’s more, the design is fantastic for those who want something that will fit comfortably into a standard pillowcase.
On the downside, this pillow is surprisingly soft for a memory foam pillow, which means it won’t suit people who prefer a firmer bed. You may need to stack two pillows to get the right amount of height too. Although the Simba team recommends this product for side sleepers, it seems to be better suited for those who sleep on their front or back.
Pros:
- Soft and reliable comfort
- Responsive material responds to your body
- Hypoallergenic materials throughout
- Cooling channels to reduce the risk of overheating
- Great sizing
Cons:
- Too soft for some memory foam fans
- Not ideal for side sleepers
5. TAMPOR Orthopaedic (Best Adjustable Loft)
This pillow comes in three different sizes, but the one we are reviewing today is the standard height-adjustable version. This pillow is truly designed for you. The design allows you to unzip the inner casing to easily remove excess foam from the pillow to increase your comfort even if you sleep in different positions each night.
The pillow cover is made from polyester and cotton, so it is washable to maintain cleanliness. It is also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant to help sensitive sleepers to get the best rest possible. In addition, the pillow has received an OEKO-TEX certification, so you know it won’t give off toxic chemicals.
The TAMPOR Orthopaedic pillow comes with a 30-day trial to ensure your satisfaction. It is made with shredded memory foam inside, and a gel-infused memory foam lining to increase breathability and help to keep you cool as you sleep, even on a warm summer day.
Pros:
- Ideal for all sleeping positions
- Adjustable height and density
- OEKO-TEX certified for safety
- Machine washable cover
- Breathable for cooling
Cons:
- The foam strips inside can fuse together under pressure and heat
- Even without inner foam strips, the outer layer can be too high for stomach and back sleepers
6. Luxury Shredded Martian Dreams Pillow by Martian Made (Best Value)
This pillow is made with customisation in mind. You can add or remove the shredded viscoelastic memory foam as you please to get just the right density for your sleeping needs. This personalisation allows this pillow to be an ideal fit for any sleeping style, including hard-to-please stomach sleepers.
The bamboo cover offers breathability and comfort because of its moisture-wicking abilities along with its natural cooling effects. The pillow is able to fit in a standard pillowcase for your convenience.
The Martian Dreams pillow comes with a five-year warranty, so you can feel the support of the brand behind you as you use it over the years. Because you can add or remove the shredded memory foam, this may last longer than in other memory foam pillows, so you are looking at a lofty lifespan with this pillow.
Pros:
- Fully adjustable shredded memory foam
- Naturally cooling
- Ideal for all sleeping positions
- Bamboo case
Cons:
- Cover not washable
- Higher than most standard pillows to start
- Not easy to adjust mid-night
7. PureComfort Premium Memory Foam (Breathable Option)
The PureComfort Pillow is one of the few adjustable pillows available. This is because the memory foam inside is shredded. As a result, you can simply open the pillowcase and add or remove foam as needed. Therefore, you can easily stuff the pillow to suit your body shape and sleeping habits.
The outer pillowcase is also well-made and constructed from Tencel/bamboo. It is machine washable, which makes for easy maintenance. Also, it has COOL TECH technology that improves air ventilation so that you can stay cool at night.
The foam inside is also CertiPUR-US certified. This means that it has been extensively tested, and it should also not have any strange odour that is often associated with memory foam products. Although this is a great option, you could find that it is rolled up tightly on delivery. As a result, the foam may be uneven, and you may need to re-distribute it before use. Also, initially, some may find that the pillow is under-filled.
Pros:
- It can be adjusted to reduce or boost the amount of memory foam
- COOL TECH construction promotes better air ventilation
- The memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified
- It also has a dual-sided Tencel/bamboo cover that is machine washable
- Suitable for back, side and stomach sleepers
Cons:
- The pillow is rolled up on delivery which may make the foam uneven
- Some may find that the pillow is under-filled
- The odour might be a bit unpleasant at first
8. Amazon Basics Fresh (Best Dual Temperature)
The Amazon Basics Fresh is a simple and effective memory foam pillow that has a non-traditional flat-rectangular design. We expect that not everyone may like this style, but it does offer great support and comfort – regardless of your sleeping position.
The memory foam should give effective pressure relief and comfort for those who suffer from aches and pains. It should also help improve your sleep. The pillow also includes ice silk that matches the typical moisture levels of humans to help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating during sleep.
We also like that this pillow has two different sides. One side is cool and breathable and brilliant for warmer temperatures. The other side is snuggly and warmer and is excellent for colder temperatures during autumn and winter. Just remember which side is which!
Lastly, the cover is high-quality and fully removable. It is also machine washable which will help the longevity of the pillow inside. The only drawback is that the memory foam can sometimes seal your ear if you sleep on your side – some people may not like this sensation.
Pros:
- Supportive memory foam provides pressure relief
- It also includes ice silk which matches human moisture content
- It has two different sides suitable for summer and winter use
- Breathable material to help regulate temperatures
- The cover is removable and also machine washable
Cons:
- If you lie on your side, the pillow may seal your ear
- Some may not like the flat, rectangular shape of the pillow
- You may notice a minor residual factory smell
9. TEMPUR Traditional Pillow (Best for Side Sleepers)
TEMPUR is known as the company that really brought memory foam mattress popularity to where it is today. This is a trusted brand, so we know that their memory foam pillows are sure to be just as high quality and trustworthy as their mattresses.
The traditional pillow by TEMPUR is a firm, traditionally shaped memory foam pillow. It comes complete with a 100% cotton case that is both removable and washable for your convenience. The pillow comes with a three-year guarantee to give you the ultimate peace of mind.
The Traditional Pillow is made from shredded memory foam for added pliability. Because of the shredded material used in the pillow, the company recommends daily fluffing to keep it at an ideal firmness and make it last.
Pros:
- Trusted company
- Machine washable cover
- Ideal for side sleepers
- 3-year guarantee
Cons:
- Retains heat
- Shredded foam requires additional work to keep up quality
- Not ideal for back or stomach sleepers
10. Snug Single (Best Contoured)
This pillow has hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant material inside and out to alleviate troubles of sensitive sleepers. It features airflow channels to encourage breathability, so you won’t get too hot in the night. The cover is machine washable with Purotex technology to keep it fresh and comfortable for years to come.
This is another product that is made in the UK and tested to be safe and low in off-gassing. Ventilation is added by cutting the visco-elastic memory foam in this pillow to increase airflow. It comes with a one-year guarantee; one of the shortest guarantees we have seen thus far.
This pillow has a wave shape, unlike the other memory foam pillows we have reviewed so far. It will help reduce your neck pain, whether you sleep on your side or on your back. By simply flipping the pillow around, you should be able to get just the right support where you need it the most.
Pros:
- Ventilated for temperature control
- Safe and allergy resistant
- Has a wave shape
- Made in the UK
Cons:
- Very high, may be unsuitable for some
- Ultra-dense and heavy, not good for stomach sleeping
- Off gasses and smells of chemicals for a week or so
What Makes Memory Foam Pillows Better Than Traditional Pillows?
Just like their mattress counterparts, memory foam pillows continuously mould to the shape of your body to help support you and reduce pressure points. These pillows come in multiple shapes, but the most popular is the S-shape.
The S-shape versions of these memory foam pillows give back sleepers added neck support when the pillow is facing one direction, while also giving side sleepers additional height to keep them supported when the pillow is facing the opposite way.
Researchers have conflicting views on memory foam pillows, but many believe they are beneficial to back sleepers because they allow your head to sink into them overnight, thus alleviating excess spine and joint stiffness in the morning.
Are Memory Foam Pillows Better for Side and Stomach Sleepers Too?
The real answer to this question lies in the firmness and density of the pillow. Side and stomach sleepers need different pillow heights and different densities than back sleepers because of the pressure they are putting on different body parts.
Side sleepers can certainly still benefit from memory foam pillows, especially denser options or the contoured versions because they allow side sleepers to have their heads higher than a normal pillow throughout the night to support spinal alignment.
Stomach sleepers are difficult to find pillows for because really, stomach sleeping isn’t a healthy option and many doctors warn against it. However, if you do choose to sleep on your stomach, you could go without a pillow under your head, and instead, opt for one under your stomach to reduce pressure on your low back.
For those of us who sleep in multiple positions each night, memory foam is a great option. If you choose a pillow with the S-shape as discussed earlier, you can change the direction of the pillow to fit the way you are laying at any given time, or go under your stomach to support your low back during stomach sleep.
What to Look For in a Memory Foam Pillow
There are many considerations to take into account before purchasing a pillow of any kind, but particularly when choosing a memory foam pillow. Let’s take a deeper dive into some aspects you’ll want to keep in mind during your search.
Type of Memory Foam
Although they are often looked at as one collective universe, there are a few different types of memory foam to choose from, and different ways the foam is formed into pillow form.
Traditionally, memory foam was created from polyurethane and was formed into its shape as a whole “brick” so to speak. However, these days memory foam can come shredded in your pillow, and it can be made from different materials, including plant-based or organic, gel, and infused options.
The main reason for moving away from traditional memory foam was because customers told manufacturers that they appreciated the contouring technology of memory foam, but did not appreciate the retention of heat. Today, gel infusions and open cell technology help to alleviate this problem.
Another common complaint about traditional memory foam was the off-gassing of chemicals that created an unpleasant smell and worried health-conscious consumers. The answer to these issues was the introduction of plant-based and organic memory foams, which give off far fewer potentially harmful chemicals.
Pillow Shape and Sleep Position
We’ve gone over this a bit already, so we will keep this short and sweet. It is important to understand your typical sleep position, or if you sleep in multiple positions, in order to choose the right pillow. This is true whether or not you go with a memory foam pillow in the end because pillows are important for spinal health.
If you are a side sleeper, pick a thick, firm pillow that will not easily collapse under the weight of your head and neck. In the world of memory foam, heavier tends to mean denser, so use that information to help you pick the right pillow.
If you are a stomach sleeper, or if you sleep in multiple positions, an s-shaped memory foam pillow, likely with less density, is best for you.
You can use the dipped section or just put the pillow under your stomach during stomach sleep, or use the outer edges when sleeping in other positions. The versatility is a fantastic detail.
Overall Pros and Cons of Memory Foam Pillows
Like anything, memory foam pillows have good and bad qualities. To give you the best idea of what you’re getting and giving up when using this type of pillow, let’s take a peek at some pros and cons.
- Contour to the shape of your head and neck
- Higher density than down or down alternative
- Reduce pressure points for side and back sleepers
- Last longer than traditional pillows
- Tend to retain heat regardless of gel infusions
- No moisture wicking properties
- Traditionally made from chemicals that can off-gas during use
Conclusion
There are plenty of fantastic memory foam pillows on this list, but at the end of the day, our choice for best memory foam pillow in the UK goes to the Supportiback Comfort Therapy pillow. This pillow is fantastic for all sleeping positions and ideal for sensitive sleepers.
We love that you can choose between the side that features a cooling gel, and the side that is plush and warm, depending on how you feel each night. Specially designed to promote healthy sleep, this pillow will support your neck, shoulders and head with its pressure-sensitive memory foam.
Not only is the removable cover machine washable, but it is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant, too. What’s more, you will even get 100 nights to test the pillow just in case it’s not the perfect fit, although we are sure it will be.
Looking for reviews of other great products? Check here for the full list.
Rebekah is a writer who loves to explore new products and find hacks that make life easier. She has a knack for all things home improvement, health and fitness. So you’ll often find her on Pinterest or browsing Houzz for ideas.
She’s always looking for the next thing to fix up around the house or what gadget might be just right for her lifestyle. Rebekah enjoys exploring new recipes, taking care of her family, and making sure she stays healthy with regular workouts at the gym.