Best Adjustable Pillows
Written by Lianna Bass, Writer
Adjustable pillows offer customizable comfort for all sleeping positions and body types. Unlike traditional pillows, adjustable pillows can be unzipped. This allows you to remove the pillow’s filling until you have the perfect firmness and height.
Most adjustable pillows are filled with shredded or solid memory, latex, or poly foams. Memory foam is often considered the most popular, but poly and latex foams can also be very comfortable. No matter which stuffing you choose, all adjustable pillows can help reduce neck pain and help you get a better night’s sleep.
But with thousands of adjustable pillows on the market, picking the perfect pillow can be a bit cumbersome. But don’t worry! We did the research so you don’t have to.
Here’s a detailed guide to the nine best adjustable pillows of 2024 for all body types, sleeping positions, and budgets.
9 Best Adjustable Pillows of 2024
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Nerd’s Pick
- Layla Kapok Pillow – Best Down Alternative Adjustable Pillow
- Lagoon Fox Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain
- Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Latex Adjustable Pillow
- TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow – Best Value Adjustable Pillow
- Marlow Pillow – Easiest Adjustment Pillow
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Adjustable Pillow
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – Most Unique Adjustable Pillow
- Helix Glaciotex Cooling Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers
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Bottom Line: What’s the Best Adjustable Pillow?
Our expert sleep accessory testers chose the Saatva Latex pillow as the Nerd’s Pick for the best adjustable pillow because of its ability to accommodate all sleeping positions, its high-quality, hypoallergenic materials, and its durability that will give you a great ROI.
Who Should Get An Adjustable Pillow?
Anyone can reap the benefits of an adjustable pillow. But, the following folks might appreciate them the most:
- People with chronic neck pain
- People with upper back or shoulder pain
- People who snore or have breathing concerns
- People who want a different pillow than their partner
- People who use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
To put together this list of the best adjustable pillows, our Certified Sleep Science Coaches performed live testing to evaluate elements like pressure relief, head and neck support, and firmness level.
Saatva Latex Pillow: Nerd’s Pick
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva pillow features a pillow-on-pillow design that enables users to easily adjust the height to their needs, leading to a great night’s sleep.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewThis hotel-quality adjustable pillow is the best of the best. The Saatva Latex isn’t just super supportive and responsive. It’s also ultra-breathable and silky smooth to the touch.
The Saatva Latex pillow features a dual core construction— which makes it stand out amongst the rest of the adjustable fill options on this list. Once you’re under the cover, you get an outer layer of soft, fluffy down alternative synthetic fibers, followed by a removable inner pillow made up of shredded natural latex. This allows for plush, cool, and supportive comfort all night long.
If you need another reason to buy this pillow, the natural latex filling is extremely durable, hypoallergenic, and mildew resistant. Oh, it also wards away dust mites!
Pros of the Saatva Latex Pillow
- Works for all sleeping positions
- Latex will prevent body heat retention of hot sleepers
- Supportive enough to help alleviate neck pain
- Hypoallergenic
Cons of the Saatva Latex Pillow
- Expensive
- Will require regular fluffing
How We Select Nerd’s Pick
We select our Nerd’s Pick not based on the overall scoring, but how well it suits the average sleeper. In making this decision we considered factors like overall value, versatility, quality of materials, and temperature regulation. We believe that for the widest range of sleepers, the Saatva Latex pillow is the best option; however, we encourage you to read each of these mini-reviews to make sure there isn’t a better option for your specific needs.
What our testers say: “The Saatva Latex pillow is extremely versatile. I’ve recommended it to a few family members with neck pain and they have raved about it! It’s definitely a bit of a splurge, but the latex core will last longer than many other pillow fills.” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Layla Kapok Pillow: Best Down Alternative Adjustable Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla pillow combines all-natural Kapok fibers with shredded memory foam for a feel that’s plush yet supportive. With an adjustable fill level and cooling copper fibers, the Layla Pillow sleeps temperature neutral and suits all sleeping positions. The one downside is that this pillow is on the pricier side.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewIf you’re not down with down, then here’s one for you. The Layla Kapok pillow is plush and airy like down feathers but also maintains the soft and supportive perks of foam.
We love the Layla Kapok pillow’s unique blend of kapok fibers and shredded reactive memory foam. The pillow is moldable and will comfortably conform to your neck’s nooks and crannies.
As a bonus, this pillow is ideal for hot sleepers. The filling and external cover won’t trap heat, which can help keep you cool and comfortable even on sweaty summer nights.
Pros of the Layla Kapok Pillow
- Adjustable fill accommodates all sleeping positions
- Shredded fill gives a memory foam feel without the heat retention
- Comes with cooling materials that’ll work for hot sleepers
Cons of the Layla Kapok Pillow
- Not hypoallergenic
- Price may not be worth it for stomach sleepers who need to remove a lot of fill to lower the loft
What our testers say: “Kapok does an excellent job retaining its plush feel and loft throughout the night. It’s one of the best down alternative materials you can use.” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Lagoon Fox Pillow: Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain
Lagoon Fox Pillow
The Fox pillow, Lagoon’s best-selling model, is fully adjustable, CertiPUR-US certified, and offers great pressure relief.
The Fox by Lagoon is a great option for people with neck pain. It’s filled with 80 percent memory foam and 20 percent polyester fibers. The cover material is a mix of breathable bamboo and polyester.
The hypoallergenic is smooth, and the internal construction has holes to increase airflow. All in all, it’s a great buy if you want to relieve strain on your neck and upper back while enjoying a cooler sleep.
Pros of the Lagoon Fox Pillow
- Shredded memory foam fill provides exceptional pressure relief to the neck
- Adjustable fill allows for customized support for proper alignment
- Bamboo cover and loose fill should prevent body heat retention
- Hypoallergenic
- Great policies to protect your purchase
Cons of the Lagoon Fox Pillow
- May not be firm enough for some who prefer that feel
- Pricey
What our testers say: “The Fox model is Lagoon’s best-selling pillow. It’s versatility means it’ll work for pretty much anyone.” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow: Best Latex Adjustable Pillow
Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow
Mattress Nerd Score
4.30 / 5
If you’re a side sleeper looking for a specialized, customizable pillow, the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow is a great choice. With a cotton cover and latex and polyester fill, this pillow is designed to help you sleep cool without compromising comfort.
The removable cover is machine-washable for easy care. This pillow also comes with a 45-day sleep trial so you can buy with confidence.
Pros of the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
- Features a curved edge designed for side sleepers
- Machine-washable cover
Cons of the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
- Expensive
- Not a good fit for other sleeping preferences
What our testers say: “As a side sleeper, I love that this pillow curves around my shoulder. Instead of trying to smush the product into a comfortable position, this is designed specifically for my preferred sleeping position.” – Samantha, Editor & Tester
TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow: Best Value Adjustable Pillow
TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow
This unique Tempur-Pedic pillow comes with an adjustable, shredded memory foam fill that can be added to or removed, to cater to your own personalized loft and feel preferences—meaning it’ll work for all sleeping positions and body types.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.00 / 5
Read Full ReviewWhen you consider TEMPUR-Pedic’s history of excellence, these pillows are a steal. You can buy the pillows individually, but you really start to see savings when you buy them in a bundle.
Each TEMPUR-Blend pillow contains three high-quality types of foam: pressure relief, plush comfort, and premium support. So you’re basically getting the best of TEMPUR-Pedic wrapped up into one adjustable pillow. Each type of foam helps adapt to your neck’s natural curves while keeping you supported and cool.
TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable pillows are encased in a machine-washable cover that reviewers say is soft and breathable. Users also say this pillow holds up against heavy tossing and turning and is suitable for any sleep position.
Pros of the TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow
- Least expensive pillow that TEMPUR-Pedic sells
- Works for all sleeping positions
- Easy cleaning for regular upkeep
Cons of the TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow
- TEMPUR-Pedic pillows cannot be returned
What our testers say: “If you’re set on a TEMPUR-Pedic pillow, this is the one I would buy. You can adjust the loft so easily and manipulate it into any shape you want. Plus, it’s the most affordable full size pillow out of all the TEMPUR-Pedic models.” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Marlow Pillow: Easiest Adjustment
Marlow Pillow
Brooklinen’s Marlow pillow offers a unique, adjustable design that you can manipulate into three different heights to accommodate all sleepers.
The Marlow is a fully adjustable pillow that contains cooling-infused memory foam for a comfortable, less-sweaty rest. On top of being pleasantly plush, the Marlow is super easy to use.
The Marlow has three unique loft (aka height) profiles and two zippers for easy adjusting. You can zip open the sides to adjust the pillow to your liking. Each pillow is packed with gel-infused memory foam that’s encased in a sateen shell. It even has zipper gussets for excellent airflow!
The foam itself is an 80/20 blend of memory foam and microfiber. This helps support your neck while relieving pressure on the upper back. Plus, the Marlow repels dust mites and microbes.
Pros of the Marlow Pillow
- Reasonable price point for luxury pillow
- Unique construction allows for three adjustment options
- 100% vegan and allergy friendly
- Great policies protect your purchase
Cons of the Marlow Pillow
- Spot clean only
What our testers say: “The Marlow pillow is a great option for budget buyers looking for a fully adjustable pillow. Plus, if you’re looking to buy multiple pillows, you’ll receive a discount!” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow: Best Hypoallergenic Adjustable Pillow
Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow
This shredded memory foam pillow is premium and adjustable, sold with a customization option that allows it to accommodate virtually any body size and sleep position.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe Original pillow by Coop Sleep Goods is the best hypoallergenic adjustable pillow on the market. It’s made from a proprietary blend of medium-firm memory foam and microfiber fill.
The Original pillow is filled with 100 percent freshly manufactured cross-cut memory foam and microfiber. It also boasts an interlocking dual-case system that allows for easy adjusting. The pillows are GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified and aren’t treated with any harmful chemicals during the production process.
But the best part? Their unique blend of filling is completely hypoallergenic. So, you’ll get the comfort and support you need without any irritants. As a bonus, each pillow comes with an extra 1/2 pound of filling.
Pros of the Coop Original Pillow
- Don’t need to “re-fluff” during the night
- Medium-firm feel will be great for support for back and side sleepers
- Machine washable
Cons of the Coop Original Pillow
- Not the best at keeping hot sleepers cool
What our testers say: “The OG Coop pillow is a “works for everyone” option because of its high quality materials and fully adjustable design.” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Luxome LAYR Pillow: Best Unique Adjustable Pillow
Luxome LAYR Pillow
The LUXOME LAYR pillow is a fully customizable option that allows you to cater the feel and firmness to your sleeping position and body type.
The LAYR Customizable Pillow is in a league of its own. Each pillow comes pre-configured with their most popular combination – one side of gel-infused shredded memory foam and another side of ultra-soft down alternative. But, you can customize the layers any way you’d like.
The LAYR allows you to adjust the firmness and height of your pillow using soft, medium, or firm inserts. You can mix and match until you find the perfect comfort level for your unique needs.
The memory foam is CertiPUR-US® certified and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Moreover, the shredded foam is derived from solid pieces and isn’t recycled from other products. All of the squishy stuff is encased in a natural viscose bamboo cover that reviewers say stays cool even on hot nights.
Pros of the Luxome LAYR Pillow
- Three unique adjustable inserts allow full customization without the mess of a loose fill
- Cooling features will help hot sleepers
- Perfect starter pillow, since unique inserts offer a range of firmness options
Cons of the Luxome LAYR Pillow
- Pricey
What our testers say: “This is definitely one of the coolest pillows I’ve ever seen. It’s great for those who don’t know what they want out of their pillow and want to try a range of firmness levels.” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Helix Glaciotex Pillow: Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers
Helix Adjustable Pillow
No matter what kind of sleeper you are, this breathable cool pillow is right for you. Helix designed it with construction and materials to accommodate virtually all body types and sleep positions.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full ReviewThis medium-loft pillow offers a shredded memory foam core and the perfect level of support for side sleepers. Each pillow combines 90% memory foam and 10% gel polyester foam for cooling comfort. It fits securely under your neck to ensure proper spinal alignment and relaxation all night long.
The Helix Shredded Memory Foam pillow is a terrific pick for side sleepers thanks to its excellent contouring capabilities. It can help you prevent hyperextending your muscles and throwing your spine out of alignment.
Moreover, Helix’s pillows are designed with a TENCEL™ fiber cover to enhance breathability and airflow. This can keep you cool and dry throughout the night. Also, this fabric is naturally hypoallergenic and wicks away excess moisture. Score!
Pros of the Helix Side Sleeper Pillow
- 6.5″ loft (for standard size) is the perfect loft for supporting side sleepers who still want adjustability
- TENCEL cover and shredded, gel fill means hot sleepers will get cooling relief
- Machine washable
Cons of the Helix Side Sleeper Pillow
- Only accommodates one sleeping position
What our testers say: “When buying a pillow that’s specifically made for a certain sleeping position, you know you’re getting a pillow that should accommodate you comfortably. The Helix Side Sleeper pillow takes this one step further by allowing you to cater the firmness and feel of the fill. ” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Types of Adjustable Pillows
Adjustable pillows come in a wide variety of materials. That means they’ll work for a wide range of people! Here’s a quick rundown of what to keep in mind when shopping for your adjustable pillow.
Fill form
- Shredded fill. Shredded foams and materials tend to be easier to adjust than a solid fill. All you have to do is add or remove as much shredded filling as you want until you find the right comfort level for your unique needs.
- Solid fill. Solid fill is more straightforward than shredded fill. While this can be a benefit to some, it doesn’t have as many comfort options. For this reason, not many adjustable pillows have solid fill. But, if your only concern is how to adjust the loft of your pillow, a solid fill might be a good option.
Fill material
- Memory foam. Generally, memory foam is very moldable and is slow to respond to pressure. It’s a great choice for folks who have neck or shoulder pain. It’s also a good option for side sleepers who require extra
- Poly foam. Poly foam is a soft and responsive material that works well with any sleep position. Typically, poly foam is blended with other materials to give the pillow more weight and support.
- Latex foam. Latex foam has a much faster pressure response than memory foam. It’s also beloved for its natural cooling properties and bounces. This buoyancy makes latex a superb solution for neck and back pain, especially if you’re a combo or back sleeper.
Considerations for an Adjustable Pillow
Height
Studies show your pillow’s height can have a major impact on spinal alignment, neck pain, and muscle stiffness. That said, pick an adjustable pillow that has a wide range of height options. It might take some trial and error, but you’ll eventually find the loft of your dreams.
Sleeping position
Your sleep position of choice can greatly determine the best pillow for your body’s needs
Generally, back or stomach sleepers do best with a soft, flat pillow. This can help you avoid putting extra strain on your neck. Meanwhile, side sleepers should go with thick, fully supportive pillows that contour the curves of the neck and head.
Since all of the pillows on our list are totally adjustable, any one of them can fit your unique sleeping position needs. But, be mindful of the fill. If you want a flatter pillow, go with a latex or poly foam filling. For extra support, memory foam is probably your best bet.
Durability
You use your pillow every single night, so it’s important to pick a pillow that’s in it for the long haul. While all of the options on our list will last for years, be sure you care for them correctly. This can help you make the most bang for your buck.
Washability
Most of the pillows on our list come with washable outer shells. But, you should still be mindful of the care instructions. A little TLC can go a long way, greatly increasing your pillow’s shelf life.
Breathability
Everyone can benefit from a breathable pillow, especially hot or sweaty sleepers. Aim for a pillow with a breathable outer shell, bonus points if it wicks away moisture. Also, take note of the fill material. Latex and poly foam tend to retain less heat than memory foam.
Return policy and warranty
Pillows can be a big investment. If you’re not sure what type of pillow to get, be sure to buy from brands that offer sleep trials and flexible warranties.
Adjustable Pillow FAQs
What are the benefits of using an adjustable pillow?
Adjustable pillows offer customized support for your personal comfort preferences. They’re an optimal choice for:
- People who snore
- Side, back, or stomach sleepers
- People who have breathing problems
- Want a pillow that lasts for over 10 years
- People who have chronic neck or back pain
- Couples who have different pillow preferences
How do I adjust my pillow to the right height for me?
Here’s how you can adjust your pillow to the right height for your comfort:
- Fill your pillow with a medium amount of filling.
- Lie on your pillow in your normal sleeping position to test its height and firmness.
- Add or remove the filling until you find a sweet spot.
- Continue to adjust as needed each night you sleep on it until you find the perfect fit.
Can Adjustable pillows help with neck pain or other sleep-related issues?
Adjustable pillows aren’t a chiropractic cure-all, but they can significantly improve neck pain. Because they can be adjusted to your body’s unique curves, these pillows promote spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your head and neck.
Also, thanks to their height, they can improve airflow and reduce snoring.
Recap of the Best Adjustable Pillows
| Pillow Model | Superlative |
| Saatva Latex Pillow | Nerd’s Pick |
| Layla Kapok Pillow | Best Down Alternative Adjustable Pillow |
| Lagoon Fox Pillow | Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain |
| Nolah Squishy Pillow | Best Adjustable Pillow for Hot Sleepers |
| TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow | Best Value Adjustable Pillow |
| Marlow Pillow | Easiest Adjustment |
| Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow | Best Hypoallergenic Adjustable Pillow |
| Luxome LAYR Pillow | Most Unique Adjustable Pillow |
| Helix Glaciotex Pillow | Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers |
RELATED ARTICLES
Sources
- Lei JX, et al. (2021). Ergonomic Consideration in Pillow Height Determinants and Evaluation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8544534/ - Li Y, et al. (2021). Pillow Support Model with Partitioned Matching Based on Body Pressure Distribution Matrix.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8151739/