The Best Flat Pillow of 2021 – Small But Comfortable

When we feel neck pain, we often blame exercise, work, our office chair, and various other things. In reality, it could be that our pillows are too thick and high (or even too low and thin!). When a pillow is too thick, our neck is left in an unnatural position overnight. Suddenly, we’re waking up feeling either pain or a general aching in the neck and back area. Of course, we also need to consider the muscle in the shoulder blades, neck, and upper back - the trapezius. 

How do we resolve this problem? Speak to a doctor and they will recommend considering the alignment of the neck, spine, and head. With the pillow simply filling the space between mattress and head, your upper body should form a horizontal straight line. 

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as recommending one type of pillow because we all sleep in different ways. For those who sleep on their stomach, for example, a flat pillow is best for high-quality sleep because the neck isn’t placed under unnecessary strain. Elsewhere, back sleepers are advised to use medium-height pillows while thicker pillows are designed for side sleepers. Even after this general advice, you will find side and back sleepers who have a preference for a small pillow or a thin pillow. 

Ultimately, all we can do is provide advice based on what benefits the body and what ‘most’ people will enjoy. As you experiment, you may find that you have your own sleeping preferences, and this is absolutely fine. In our own experience, it’s getting harder to find a good flat pillow because the market seems to be flooded with huge, fluffy, filled pillows. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a guide here today. You’ll learn; 

• Pillow reviews
• Definition of a ‘thin’ pillow 
• Benefits of using a flat pillow 
• Buying considerations 
• FAQs 

Before we continue, we should also state that we’ll use the terms ‘thin pillow’, ‘flat pillow’, and ‘small pillow’ interchangeably in this guide. Let’s get into it! 

Flat Pillows Comparison Table

Flat Pillows Reviews

Elite Rest Review: The Best For Neck Pain

If you’re looking for an ultra-thin pillow, you’re in the right place because Elite Rest comes in at just 2.5 inches. At this point, we should note that a flat pillow doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of support. Even though this is one of the thinnest pillows on the market, it’s made of firm memory foam. In fact, it’s something you need to consider if you’re used to soft pillows.

With this product, your head will be close to the mattress, and this is why we recommend it for anybody who sleeps with their arm under their pillow. In terms of ergonomic edges design, the manufacturers have clearly thought about the comfort of back and stomach sleepers. Thanks to the flat shape, there’s a potential to improve breathing, snoring, spinal support, shoulder, neck, and/or back pain.

Highly durable and long-lasting, the memory foam fill is free from odor and offers a wealth of benefits including anti-fungal and hypoallergenic properties, mildew, and dust mite resistance. For extra stability, Elite Rest even has a half pillow design - a rounded top and flat bottom. As long as you don’t flip your pillow while sleeping, it works perfectly.

What about the cover? Well, it’s a removable cotton cover, which goes in the machine whenever you want it to smell fresh again; it can withstand detergents, bleach, and a hot wash. For our skin, the breathability of the cover is incredibly useful.

Normally, big names such as Sears and Walmart will ignore such a thin pillow, but we’re here to tell you that they have a use. For back and stomach sleepers especially, Elite Rest is brilliant, and if it’s not the thinnest pillow you’ve ever slept on, the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee, no questions asked.

Mugetu Review: The Best Thin Pillow for Cervical Support

If you aren’t too sure of the height you require for your pillow, Mugetu has the perfect solution because their product is adjustable. That’s right, the puzzle-like design allows you to add/remove three layers of memory foam whenever you feel necessary. No matter how you sleep, no matter your preferences, you can customize the pillow to what you find comfortable. Even if you change positions during the night, the quick adjustments allow for comfort at all times.

As you sleep, you should notice the density and responsiveness of the pillow, and this provides support for the neck and head. Mugetu adjusts to our individual shape, and this keeps the neck, shoulders, and head in a natural position. After getting up in the morning, the pillow will return to its original shape, ready for the next evening.

If you remove the middle layer, this thin pillow measures 2,9 inches on the low contour side (and reaches around 4.7 inches with all layers included), if you’re someone who likes to switch your sleeping position throughout the night, the top layer is also contoured so you can simply rotate the pillow to switch between a thinner and thicker pillow. If you’re worried about the temperature of the pillow, you’ll be relieved to hear that the memory foam is ventilated and infused with gel. Not only does this keep it cool through the night, but it also makes the pillow consistent and firm.

Finally, we can’t ignore the ability to wash the cover and keep the pillow fresh. What’s more, there’s a very little risk with the purchase because the manufacturer provides a 30-day money-back guarantee alongside a lifetime warranty.

Perfect Soft Review: The Best for Stomach Sleepers 

With three inches in total, it’s slightly thicker than the Mugetu pillow we’ve just seen but is still considered a thin pillow. Offering memory foam, Perfect Soft has plenty of firm support for not only your neck and head but also the spine. As you move through the night, the pillow should respond and keep a consistent level of support.

With the removable cover, this is actually an interesting poly-viscose blend (60/40), and customers are happy with the soft surface it provides. For stomach sleepers, your face will have a wonderful night without any scratching. If you read through customer reviews, you might see some users folding it in half while sleeping on the side. While this is certainly an option, the pressure response might cause the pillow to bounce back and wake you up, which is why we advise against doing this.

Fortunately, this Perfect Soft flat pillow has the CertiPUR seal of approval, and this is a huge benefit of choosing the company. You don’t have to worry about chemicals that can cause harm to either the environment or yourself. For anybody with allergies, you can also breathe a sigh of relief that the cover is hypoallergenic.

Xtreme Comforts Review: The Best Shredded Memory Foam Thin Pillow

When ranking thin pillows on quality alone, this one would be near the top, and the brilliant use of shredded memory foam helps with this. Rather than using blocks of memory foam, the shredded design allows the pillow to mold to our head and neck easily. By doing this, we feel comfortable and shouldn’t wake up during the night (or snore!). Over traditional foam, shredded memory foam also has the benefit of being hypoallergenic, breathable, machine-washable, and dust mite resistant.

To further its quality, Xtreme Comforts also has the CertiPUR-US certification for durability, content, and emissions. Even for pregnant women, it’s a safe pillow to use. Additionally, it won’t go too flat or lumpy over time - each night, it will return to its original shape and then conform to your neck and head.

Shredded memory foam is inherently cooler than traditional foam, but you also get the benefit of Kool-Flow Micro Vented Technology. This, combined with the bamboo-derived cover, provides a cool surface with air circulation and breathability. If you’ve ever woken up feeling all sweaty and uncomfortable, you’ll know just how important these features are.

After ordering this thin pillow, it will come sealed and rolled for easy shipping and delivery (eco-friendly). With Extreme Comforts themselves, they offer a six-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pancake Pillow Review: The Most Versatile Option

For our next product, we want to focus on versatility, and we think you’ll love the uniqueness of the Pancake Pillow. No matter how you sleep, no matter how you find your comfort, the Pancake Pillow has something for everyone. Firstly, it comes with six inner pillow layers that can be stacked to the height of your choosing. It makes an excellent choice as a flat pillow favorite as each of the 6 layers measures only 2 inches. Since the cover has a zipper along three sides, it’s easy to take the layers out or add more within seconds. In fact, some people buy an additional zippered cover to make a second pillow from the unused layers.

Although the layers are considered a soft density, the pillow gets firmer as more layers are added. Depending on whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, you can adjust the loft. As the hypoallergenic microfiber fill distributes nicely, you get a comfortable sleep, and it’s also a great option for families. Rather than scanning the market for various different pillows, each with specialized design, you can buy Pancake Pillows, and everybody then just adjusts to their needs.

When it comes to thin pillows, we think this one suits all sleeping positions. This being said, perhaps it shines brightest for back sleepers. Why? Because of the plush comfort, neck support, and cooling features. For stomach sleepers, it’s all about finding the balance with layers (support diminishes with fewer layers). Thankfully, the 300-thread count cotton case also feels great on the skin. 

Sleep Restoration Review: The Best Thin Pillow for Plush Feel

Firstly, we love this pillow because of the gel-filled fiber, which makes the material breathable (it shouldn’t retain heat as you sleep). Also, we like the ‘no-shift filling’ because the pillow won’t bunch up even if you move quite frequently during sleep.

If you disliked the firm option we provided previously; it’s time for more of a plush solution provided by Sleep Restoration. Although it doesn’t always work for side sleepers, it will suit most back and stomach sleepers. Even with the softer feel, you will also get the all-important support, and this is important to remember.

Just as we saw before, the pillow is resistant to mildew, dust mites, and mold. On top of this, it’s free from allergens and chemicals, so you really don’t have to worry about this sort of thing at all. If you have respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma, this thin pillow will be a great partner. Even after all of this, the pillow should offer resistance to stains.

With a 240-thread count cotton cover, the material should feel great not only now but long into the future, and this is another benefit of choosing Sleep Restoration (and why their name is included in this list!).

Little One’s Pillow Review: The Best Option For Toddlers

As science continues to venture forwards, we’re still learning more about what’s good for our children and what isn’t so good. Recently, bedding has been a hot topic, and this is why we’ve decided to include the Little One’s Pillow in this guide today. As a company, they have worked with both pediatricians and chiropractors to create a pillow that is specialized in design and function for children aged 2 and up.

Perfect for toddlers, the pillow is only 13x18 inches, but the balance between fluffy and flat allows for the right amount of support for your toddler’s spine, neck, and head. With children, the filling is important, regardless of the way your child sleeps. As we’ve seen with most pillows in this list, this product will easily compress according to use and adjust to your child’s sleeping style. The pillow also uses little filling. Gone are the days where we thought that ‘fluffy is best,’ most parents and experts are actually finding that the opposite is true. Not only does a flat pillow encourage a healthy posture, but it also makes the transition to regular pillows much easier as children grow older.

With the filling itself, it’s a cluster fiber filling, which means your child will have the softness but also durability; the manufacturer believes their pillow can last for up to five years. Even if the pillow goes through hundreds of washes, it should still remain a reliable partner to your child’s sleeping needs.

Although the company can’t say the filling is 100% organic, it is free from chemicals such as lead, BPA, formaldehyde, phthalate, latex, and flame retardants. What’s more, they don’t outsource the manufacturing process just to save money. Instead, everything is done within their own facilities inside the US. As well as allowing them to master the poly cluster filling, this also means they control the full manufacturing process and choose everything that goes into the product. In material and design, their fiber is unique, and this is one of the main reasons we believe it deserves attention.

Finally, the delicate cover is GOTS certified, chemical-free, and made from 100% organic cotton. Again, it’s sourced in the US, and impurities are kept from the cover by using a special tight weave and a 200-thread count. With this, a pillowcase isn’t required, and it keeps the cover soft.

Elite Rest Review: The Best Latex Thin Pillow

As the penultimate product, we want to provide an option for those who prefer latex foam as opposed to memory foam. Although similar to memory foam pillows in most other areas, latex foam is often preferred for its posture support, cooling effect, and clean air. Throughout the night, your heat dissipates, which means you shouldn’t wake up feeling hot and bothered. Meanwhile, the VOC (volatile organic compounds) found in cheap pillows are gone, and you can have confidence that your sleep isn’t affecting health.

Designed particularly for back and stomach sleepers, this thin pillow comes in at 2.75 inches and brings comfort in the shape of ergonomic edges. With the flat design, the manufacturers say that Elite Rest reduces snoring, helps breathing, optimizes support for the spine, and can help with shoulder, neck, and back pain.

The pillow is a medium firmness. Both supportive and soft, your head doesn’t sink completely into the mattress, and this is perfect for a good night’s sleep. Another thing we like about this product is that its size matches typical pillows; you can probably still use your favorite standard size pillowcase.

Due to the way the pillow is made, all negative spaces are filled, and this means proper spinal alignment as you sleep. Elsewhere, the materials are durable, free from chemicals, hypoallergenic, anti-fungal, and resistant to mildew and dust mites. With the absorbing (both moisture and heat) cover, this can go in the machine. Ultimately, all the common heat retention problems with memory foam are resolved, and you get the cool sleep you desire.

Bluewave Bedding Review: The Best for Hypoallergenic Properties

Finally, we’ve got an option for anybody with allergies or who just want a hypoallergenic thin pillow. With several firmness levels and heights, it allows us to adjust and really find the combination that suits us. Starting at just 2.5 inches, you can also have this thin pillow at 3.25 inches and 4 inches. If you’re a back sleeper or like to change position frequently, the ability to bring more support into the mix is ideal (it will also offer the right head and neck positioning).

With memory foam, Bluewave Bedding is able to compress even further without bottoming out, and it’s much better than simply resting the head and neck on a thin pillow without support. Again, personal preference comes to the fore with the ‘extra firm’ and ‘plush’ options. Of course, you need to keep in mind that back sleepers need less contouring and compression (i.e., a firmer pillow). Meanwhile, a deeper contour is required for stomach sleepers, and this comes with a soft surface.

With Bluewave Bedding, we have pillows that offer more than just neck and head support. Instead, they consider the whole sleeping experience. For example, their cooling technology should prevent overheating and sweating in bed. In fact, there are two cooling features; ventilation holes and gel infusion. Since this is a known problem with memory foam, it may ease your own concerns with regard to temperature regulation. We should also note the dual shape and clever design for comfort. While one side is flat for stability, the other is curved for comfort.

Do you need to worry about chemical emissions, heavy metals, or any other safety components? No, the pillow has been awarded with the CertiPUR-US certification. With no off-gassing, it’s a safe product and even comes with a washable bamboo cover. Not only this, it acts as a secret third cooling feature because the natural bamboo fiber is breathable. Any moisture on your skin is taken away, and you sleep cooler. Additionally, bamboo fiber resists allergens and odors, is naturally hypoallergenic, and offers good protection for the pillow itself.

With the manufacturer, you’ll have a three-year limited warranty should you need it alongside a 30-day guarantee.

What is a “thin” pillow?

We now know some of the best thin pillows in the market, but what actually constitutes a ‘thin pillow’? Sometimes called a ‘low loft’ or ‘low profile’ pillow, there’s not a universal definition that we can state here. In fact, there’s no set of rules to which all manufacturers adhere, and this means we need to be careful when purchasing a product. Although we can’t talk about specifics, what we can do is generalize the products found in this corner of the market. 

Firstly, most of the flat pillows fall under four inches. For us, we haven’t found anything under 2.5 inches in height (such models are sometimes described as ‘ultra-slim’ or ‘ultra-thin’ pillows). What’s the perfect loft for you? This depends on a number of factors, such as our height, weight, and sleeping position. However, keep in mind that low loft pillows often have the standard length and width to allow for proper neck and head support. And, in terms of material, thin pillows are normally made of the similar material “normal” pillows have. While there are many misconceptions in this niche, the quality and firmness are similar to normal pillows, too. Instead, the only difference is their height or loft.

Buying Considerations for Flat Pillows 

At this point, you probably know more than you’ve ever known about flat pillows. Now, all you need to do is purchase your first product. But where do you start? We’ve looked at some of the best products in the market, and now we have some advice on how to differentiate between them all. Here are some things you need to consider before spending money! 

Sleeping Position 

First up, how do you sleep? As we’ve hinted towards throughout this guide, YOU are the most important factor in this equation. While flat pillows provide brilliant value for back sleepers, we think they can be considered a necessity for stomach sleepers. Elsewhere, we know there’s a portion of sleepers who toss and turn throughout the course of a night. 

Thin pillows need to offer support with a low loft. In the flat pillow niche, ‘low loft’ will average at around three inches. However, due to the innovation and experimentation of manufacturers, you can find thicker lofts because the weight of your head will compress and collapse a pillow; thus, depending on fill materials and compression, some ‘thin’ pillows can reach six inches loft!

Unfortunately, this collapse causes all sorts of problems. For anyone on their stomach, the head sinks, and the pillow billows on the edges, making breathing difficult. When back sleepers use a pillow with high loft and compression, the head falls backward. Suddenly, there’s pressure on the spine, and the vertebra is squeezed in your neck. 

When it comes to pillows, we often think about comfort and height without considering alignment. Of course, this is the main reason we advise side sleepers to steer clear of small pillows; this includes combination sleepers and movers that somehow always find themselves on their side by the morning. The support is lacking, the neck receives stress, and the spine/upper back twists to compensate. 

As long as you consider your sleeping position when choosing a pillow, you’ll make a decision that suits you and promotes healthy sleep. With a good night’s sleep, we can attack the new day with more energy and stay healthy in the long-term too. 

Size 

Did you know that there’s not necessarily a universal pillow size? Although this might come as a surprise, there’s also no size that fits everybody. We recommend considering the sizes on the market, what you have right now, and what you think you might need. Generally speaking, the following sizes come as standard with their respective bed sizes; 

• Standard - 20x26 inches
• Super Standard - 20x28 inches
• Queen - 20x30 inches
• King - 30x36 inches

However, which pillow you choose and use comes down to your personal preference. You might adjust the size depending on weight, body height, shoulder width, or another consideration. With flat pillows and other specialty pillows, checking the size before ordering is essential because they won’t always follow ‘standard’ measurements. Especially with contoured pillows, they’re more designed to resolve a problem, which means their size can be very different from what you may recognize. 

Budget 

How much money do you have to spend on a thin pillow? While you will find cheap options, they get more expensive once you start to consider options with support, compression, loft, and cooling features. We recommend investing more the first time so that you aren’t left feeling disappointed or needing a replacement soon after. 

Shape 

While some pillows go with a contoured edge, others are flatter in comparison with less neck support. All we can say about shape is that personal preference is key; listening to recommendations is fantastic, but nothing will replace your own experience and comfort. 

Materials 

By this point, we all know the benefits and drawbacks of memory foam. It feels luxurious and cradles the head, but it also retains heat. If you want to get support without sleeping hot, the best option for a pillow is normally a down alternative. 

We want to make a special note for those who sleep hot because relief isn’t always found with a flat pillow. Generally speaking, airflow and breathability are restricted with small pillows, and this is because of the materials required to keep loft low and compression high. Sadly, your body heat isn’t dispersed, and you gradually get hotter through the night. We aren’t saying you should avoid thin pillows entirely as you might be able to make changes to the room temperature or ventilation instead, but it’s still something to consider. 

Loft 

With thin pillows, they will normally sit around two or three inches above the surface when laying flat. Even when the loft is higher than this, there’s an equal response in compression to keep it thin. As soon as you rest your head, the pillow will distribute weight evenly, and you receive support in all the right areas. 

While we’re on the topic, we’ll go over the misconception that flat pillows don’t provide support again. Just because a pillow is thin, this doesn’t mean it can’t provide support and contour to the body. There’s no reason why your chosen pillow can’t support the neck and head; it can be used for hip, knee, and lumbar support as well. 

Cover 

If the pillow itself is made of memory foam, a cotton or bamboo fiber cover can help to keep it a little cooler as these materials promote airflow.

Additional Considerations 

Before we finish this guide with some FAQs, you also need to think about the following; 

• Head Positioning - Do you place your head on the pillow’s edge or go right down the middle? If you only sleep on the edge, you should look for a higher loft. Meanwhile, those who place the whole head in the middle will need a lower loft. 
• Mattress Condition - Thinner pillows complement softer mattresses while thicker pillows suit a firmer mattress. 
• Shoulder Width - If you have broad shoulders, a higher loft is important again because the head is further away from the mattress. With narrow shoulders, you won’t need a very lofty pillow. 
• Body Size - Did you know that heavier people will sleep closer to the mattress? With this in mind, a lower loft is required.
• Head Size - A larger head will require a higher loft in order to receive the right support.

FAQs

Is height/loft the most important consideration?

It’s certainly important, and it’s the feature that makes a thin pillow so unique. This being said, you also need to think about the material or stuffing used to fill the pillow. Those who tend to overheat during the night will want to look towards breathable materials such as buckwheat and other natural solutions. Otherwise, memory foam or latex are the most popular pillow material choices.

Should I use a thin pillow as a side sleeper?

If you’ve read the rest of our guide, you probably know now that this is something we don’t recommend. As a side sleeper, shoulder and head support are vital…something you don’t necessarily get from a flat pillow. If you feel intent on trying a smaller pillow, look for one of the loftier options. With anything under three inches, you won’t get the support you need. 

Can a thin pillow help if I’m pregnant?

Throughout time, mothers will tell you one thing; sleeping while pregnant is a sometimes-frustrating experience. Luckily, many have found comfort in small pillows because you can use it for stomach support while on your side. 

Does a flat pillow assist children in transition to adult pillows? 

In our experience, this is absolutely true. When children go from their tiny pillows to even medium loft pillows, they can find it uncomfortable. Suddenly, their sleep is disrupted, they wake up tired, and they get grouchy during the day. By introducing a flat pillow, this transition becomes much easier. Let’s not forget, the majority of children sleep either on their stomach or back, so this is another reason to choose a small pillow for them. 

I’m thinking about making the move to a thin pillow to help my neck pain, will it help?

We wouldn’t want to promise something that flat pillows cannot deliver, but it is true that poor spinal alignment could be causing your neck pain. With a small pillow, alignment improves, and your neck pain dissipates. If you’re unsure, don’t forget that many companies offer warranties and money-back guarantees to allow you to test their product for a certain period of time. 

Summary 

Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery regarding thin pillows. Remember, YOU are the most important factor in any decision. You need a pillow that supports YOUR sleeping habits. Keep in mind what we’ve discussed about the different types of sleepers, the products on offer, the materials, and every other consideration. 

Even after all this, something we’ve haven’t mentioned too frequently is your comfort. Through all the considerations and discussions on spinal alignment and support, you still need to feel comfortable in bed, right? In our experience, the best way to find what works is through experimentation. It’s all well and good a pillow seeming perfect on paper; however, it’s another thing getting it onto your bed and enjoying a good night’s sleep. Nowadays, most manufacturers will offer some form of test period or money-back guarantee. Ultimately, this means we can test the product and really see whether it works without the risk that normally comes with a purchase. 

Choose a pillow that suits your needs, consider the health benefits of a flat pillow, and take the first step towards a healthy lifestyle today!