The Best Firm Pillows of 2021 – Comfortable and Supportive

Most people are under the mistaken impression that they’re lack of quality sleep is due to their mattress, but it may surprise you to learn that your pillow is also a culprit. How so? Your pillow will affect the alignment of your neck and spine. If you’re using the wrong pillow, then you may wake up to neck pain. 

It may be that you need firm pillows to help you maintain a better spine/neck alignment as well as keeping your head from sinking into your pillow. With orthopedic firm pillows, you provide you back (along with your neck and head) the support it needs to maintain proper posture throughout the night.  These pillows tend to comprise of a gel or latex, which means you’re liable to find the best firm pillow for your sleep comfort. 

Firm pillows share a common feature – voluminous – which can hold up your weight and handle the length of your shoulders. This extra “fluff” keeps the spine properly aligned. 

There are all kinds of firm pillow manufacturers on the market, but they are not created equal. Some may offer support but fail to give comfort at the same time. Or, others will focus on comfort but don’t give too much support. Luckily, the best firm pillows can be found (including those listed below). 

The Best Firm Pillows

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow Review

If you’re looking for a firm pillow that allows you to adjust it, the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow may be just what you’ve been looking for. The pillow may have its cons (for some), but they are definitely outweighed by the pros – adjustability, support, and ultimate comfort.

When you purchase the Nest Bedding, it comes overstuffed, which means you can just take out some of the fill to attain that perfect loft for a good night’s sleep. The manufacturer uses the best materials made only in the U.S. and constructed to meet the industry standards, including the Tencel-Blended fabric cover and shredded memory foam fill. Along with that, the foam is CertiPUR certified to enhance the healthy sleeping experience.

The company offers a 100-night sleep trial, which means if you’re not happy with the product, you can return it without any issues. There’s little chance of being disappointed with the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow as its customer service is one of the best, so there’s no big wonder why it’s considered one of the best choices on the market today.

Bedsure Contour Memory Foam Pillow Review

The Bedsure Contour Memory Foam Pillow uses an ergonomic design that’s built to resemble two rising waves on the upper side to give you a cloud-like sleeping experience. The two different heights allow for the contouring of your neck, so it alleviates any stiffness that could occur in it.

The Bedsure is made completely of memory foam that will remember the neck’s curve and adapt to its shape. This cervical pillow is also soft to the touch but won’t allow your head to sink down to the bed. With the high-density foam, your spine and neck stay aligned (great for side and back sleepers), and the pillow’s perfect height helps address neck pain. It was created to offer a great balance between comfort and firmness – to support the neck with no additional pressure placed on the head.

This firm pillow has two-layer covers (inner cotton cover and microfiber outer cover) that have been custom fit to give users a deep rest. The outer cover can be removed and washed. Both sides have an air mesh to increase air circulation and keep you cool and comfortable all night.

The Bedsure Contour Memory Foam Pillow a little smaller than your other pillows on the market, which is great for people who don’t move around a lot in their sleep. The gel memory foam has no toxic chemicals such as methane chloride, PBDE, and formaldehyde. The manufacturer offers a one-month return and replacement service as well as free customer service for life.

MyPillow Premium Pillow Review

The MyPillow Premium Pillow has the newest design – an upgrade from its classic version. It doesn’t matter what your sleeping needs are; this pillow is sure to meet them. Put it under your head, between the knees, under the knees, or along the hips, the shredded foam will contour to your body.

The MyPillow has a gusseted sidewall that allows for easier fill manipulation, easy washing, and drying, and ensures the pillow never flattens when taken good care of. The shredded foam filling offers softness, with a cotton casing that helps improve airflow to ensure a cooler night’s rest.

One more reason why the MyPillow Premium Pillow is so popular is that it’s made in the USA and offers an outstanding 10-year warranty. You also get a helpful online guide and a color-coded system to help you find the right size.

Ontel Miracle Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Review

You may have heard of firm pillows, but the Ontel Miracle Shredded Memory Foam Pillow will blow away all the others. The pillow is great for side and back sleepers, but may not be ideal for stomach sleepers. However, this is the only drawback of this product. Everything else you have heard about it is real.

Thanks to the shredded foam and soft polyfill, you get a pillow that you can shape to best fit your head and neck for ultimate comfort. Since the foam will conform to your body, it provides you with ample support and soft contouring. There’s no need to flip the pillow to find coolness; with this breathable foam, the temperature stays regulated. And, even though the Ontel is not entirely adjustable, it’s extremely versatile for various sleep positions, body types, and sizes.

The pillow’s cover is thick, soft, and breathable so that odors are not trapped within the fill. Plus, the durable bamboo fiber casing has hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties. Another great aspect? The Ontel Miracle Shredded Memory Foam Pillow wicks away moisture and maintains a comfortable temperature, so it stays fresh and cool all through the night.

Sealy Essentials Down Alternative & Memory Foam Pillow Review

The Sealy Essentials Down Alternative & Memory Foam Pillow is ideal for side sleepers regardless of their shape and size but may be too thick for most back sleepers. While very supportive, especially if you use it in a reclined position upon your back, it gives you a high loft when laid flat.

The Sealy has an “overstuffed” look that includes six-inch-high gussets to accommodate the blend of memory foam and down-alternative fiberfill. It may look too soft to some, but the material is quite firm and is very supportive of the head and neck. You have the option to use the memory foam on one side to give you more support or the down alternative fiberfill on the other side to give you a plush cotton feel.

The Sealy Essentials Down Alternative & Memory Foam Pillow comes with a 300-thread count cotton cover to keep moisture from building up and ensure amazing airflow. Its thick gusset is double-stitched to make sure the fill remains inside and redistributes well when weight is applied to it. You can also remove the cover and wash it in the washer machine.

Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow Review

The company opted to use the 600-year-old Japanese tradition called Sobakawa, which makes use of the buckwheat seed hulls for various products, including pillows. The buckwheat hulls allow air to circulate throughout the pillow, keeping it cool. It’s an extremely durable seed that will last for some time and can provide personalized shaping to properly hold our head and neck in place through the night.

Those who have ever tried the Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow may consider it firm, heavy, and hard, which can be a good thing and a bad one. Due to its support, the spine, neck, and head will safely align while you’re sleeping. And, the movable hulls will conform to your body to ensure a good night’s rest. However, for some sleepers, the pillow’s firmness is difficult to get past since many people are accustomed to sleeping on softer pillows.

The manufacturer of the Beans72, which is made in the U.S., designed to the pillow to ensure natural comfort. The company only uses high-quality materials that extend its lifespan. The pillow measures 20x14x4 inches in size and comprises of 100 percent natural unbleached cotton twill casing.

The Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow is loaded with organically-sourced buckwheat husks, grown totally without herbicides or pesticides. These buckwheat husks are thoroughly cleaned in a three-step process to eliminate the debris, dust, and buckwheat flour. With the zipper design, you can add or remove buckwheat hulls to fit your exact needs.

Perfect Fit Gusseted Quilted Pillow (Set of 2) Review

The Perfect Fit Gusseted Quilted Pillow (Set of 2) is another outstanding firm pillow choice for those who like to sleep on their backs or lighter side sleepers. It’s also a great option for people who sleep on their stomach to alleviate the pressure on the lower back. The thin design lets side sleepers have enough support to cradle their neck, whereas back sleepers can keep their spine and heads aligned with their back.

However, the loft could be a bit thin for heavier side sleepers who may need a little bit more material for the space between their shoulders and head. This mid-loft, firm pillow is filled with polyester fiberfill with a two-inch gusset design. The fiberfill is hypoallergenic and will remain lofty. The gusseted custom color quilted sidewall is designed to offer additional support and has reinforced corded edges to eliminate fill breakdown. 

The 233-thread count cotton cover provides the maximum airflow to ensure you stay cool as you sleep and whisks moisture away to keep the pillow fresh. The Perfect Fit Gusseted Quilted Pillow (Set of 2) is manufactured in the U.S. and can be thrown into the wash, making it easy to care for.

Beautyrest Extra Firm Pillow Review

Beautyrest came up with its high loft extra firm pillow that offers amazing comfort and support for the neck and head. Its two-inch high gussets have been reinforced to ensure proper shaping and even fill distributing under the excess weight.

Perfect for side sleepers in need of good neck support, the Beautyrest Extra Firm Pillow offers soft comfort without sacrificing firmness. However, for some back sleepers, the pillow may be too firm with too high a loft, which can keep the neck misaligned and stress the soft tissues of both the shoulders and upper back.

The Beautyrest Extra Firm Pillowcomes with a 400-thread count Pima cotton to ensure breathability. While lower thread counts usually equate to better airflow, the pillow won’t lock in moisture or heat up. After every use, the fiberfill will plump up once more. What’s more, you can throw the pillow into the washer and dryer, allowing for easy care and maintenance.

How To Help You Find The Best Firm Pillows On The Market (For Yourself) 

There are certainly a few things to keep in mind when you’re going to shop for a new pillow for your head. Extra firm pillows are certainly one type of pillow to really consider if you want to wake up feeling refreshed with no neck pain or stiffness.  

Remember, pillows are used to fill the gap that exists between the mattress and the head. They keep the body in a neutral sleeping position, which means all the parts in your back and neck are not stressed out and feel relaxed. No undue pressure on the nerves, muscles and discs. When it comes to pillow choices, you really need to keep that in mind. 

Your body is best when it’s kept in a straight position – parallel to the mattress – with no bends in the spine. If you remain in a neutrally aligned position, you won’t wake up feeling uncomfortable and will sleep better.

For the longest time, people thought the only way to get this kind of sleep was to use a soft, fluffy pillow filled with down. Down is one of the more popular kind of fillings due to its durability and comfort. However, in the hopes of finding the best pillows on the market, you may have tried all kinds and varieties only to find that the best pillows on the market are firm pillows. 

What you may find after sleeping on a few of the best firm pillows is that the softer pillows compressed, which is bad for your head and body because they failed to keep the body in its neutral sleeping position. The head also sinks into the filling, which means the sides of it pushes against the face and can suffocate you.

On top of that, softer pillows tend to lose their thickness as you sleep, which means the pressure causes them to flatten. When this happens, your neck and head fall out of the neutral position, and the neck drops into an uncomfortable position that can lead to pain. 

All the fluffing, flipping and folding does nothing to maintain a proper head, neck and spine alignment. 

What Do The Best Firm Pillows Have To Offer?

• Constant Support – Firm pillows should keep your head stable and in line with the mattress all night by offering consistent loft. The idea of a firm pillow is to decrease the compressibility – to keep your head from sinking into the pillow and mattress while you are sleeping.

• Conforming – Firm pillows are not comfortable unless the weight of your head is distributed evenly along the pillow. If your pillow doesn’t allow for this, the pressure points will feel pain. A firm pillow that doesn’t change its shape to fit with the body is going to feel more like a rock. 

How To Buy The Best Firm Pillow For Your Good Night’s Rest

There are many pillow manufacturers that offer extra firm pillows, which will feel differently than memory foam pillows. And, finding the right kind of firm pillow – be it microbead or buckwheat filling – can be difficult to do.  When it comes to the best firm pillows, there’s no one pillow that is the perfect choice for everybody. This is why there are so many choices on the market. 

Pillows are typically categorized based on their filling type. While the casing of a pillow is important, the filling is much more so. It’s the filling that makes a pillow feel as it does. And, each type has its pros and cons. What are some of the things you need to consider when in the market for firm pillows? 

6 Kinds Of Pillow Fillings (and How Firm They Can Be)

Fiberfill and Overstuffed Down Pillows 

The least firm of all pillow fillings are fiberfill and overstuffed down pillows. Most people wouldn’t even label these are firm pillows, but they are often marketed to be so. These pillows are loaded with extra filling, so they won’t compress and stay consistent in loft.

Fiberfill isn’t soft, which means it won’t conform very well to the shape of your neck and head. Down, however, is soft and has conforming qualities. The problem, however, is that stuffed down tightly into the pillow, these qualities are typically lost.  

On top of that, down and fiberfill often retain heat the body releases while you sleep. Thus, they can become very uncomfortable, and you may need to “wake up shortly” to flip it for the cooler side. 

People who are used to sleeping on these pillows tend to stick with them – they’re not up to any surprises from their pillows. However, if you really want a firm pillow for your bed, then this probably isn’t the kind of pillow you want. This is why you need to expand your mind and consider the other firm pillows the market has to offer. 

Memory Foam Pillows 

If you’ve touched memory foam before, you know how unique it can be. The texture can conform to any pressure – something you don’t see with other pillow fillings. Memory foam is squishy and is often noted as being visco-elasticity.  

The viscous properties of memory foam are representative of both elastic and water, which is one of the reasons these firm pillows have increased in popularity. If you put your head down on one, you’ll notice that the memory foam conforms to your body. When the pillow is no longer under pressure, it goes back to its natural shape.  Memory foam is ideal for all kinds of reasons including but not limited to:

• Offers ultimate support for your neck and head
• Reduces pressure points because the body’s weight is distributed evenly

However, there are some drawbacks to them as well. For instance, they tend to look in body heat, which can make them too warm for some people. They also lose some loft as they warm up, thinning out and not keeping your head aligned. 

Another complaint – a really big one – people who use memory foam firm pillows have is the smell – a chemical smell because of the polyurethane and other chemicals manufacturers tend to use when developing them. It’s not uncommon for “off-gassing” to occur with these pillows, and unfortunately, some of these chemicals can be dangerous. 

Latex Pillows 

This type of pillow is tough, supportive and firm. The filling comes from the Hevea-Brasilienis tree (or rubber tree). Since the filling isn’t mixed with chemicals, manufacturers often market latex pillows are safer, natural options to other types, including memory foam. 

The drawback? These pillows don’t conform, which means they won’t conform to your neck and head shape. It doesn’t matter how much you smash it or squeeze it; it will go back to its original shape. For some people, this is not the best firm pillow for them. 

On top of that, latex pillows will also soak up body heat, making it uncomfortable for some individuals. To increase the airflow, small holes are often made into the pillow.

Water Pillows 

Think of water pillows like the infamous water bed of the 1980s and 1990s. If properly filled, the pillow will maintain your head in an upright position all during the night. Water doesn’t compress, but in a plastic bag, it will conform to your head, so you get constant support as you sleep. 

There are not many firm pillows on the market that can be adjusted, which makes it tricky to find one that’s best for you. That’s the difference with water pillows; you can adjust them. Add in the right amount of water, and you get the loft you need. However, since water tends to bounce back, they’re not considered moldable. And, some of these water pillows are wrapped in soft fiberfill, which can be good or bad depending on what you want.

Microbead Pillows 

Microbead pillows have thousands of minute polystyrene pieces in them, which makes them a unique consideration for firm pillows. They can be soft initially when you first apply the pressure, but they become firm and provide amazing support because they don’t collapse under the pressure. 

Another great aspect is that it’s malleable and conformable, so the gap between you and the mattress is eliminated. With even support, you don’t get the undue pressure on the pressure points. 

One more great point? They have plenty of airflow to them, so you don’t have to worry about flipping to get the cool pillow side. 

That doesn’t mean that microbead pillows don’t have their drawbacks. Though firm and soft, they are also subjected to chemicals that emit a strong odor (similar to memory foam). When you first remove it from the box, the smell can be overwhelming.  These beads are also bad for the environment. 

Another problem is that the filling doesn’t retain those good properties of loft and resistance, which means it will eventually flatten.  Since the microbeads don’t hold together, the pillow will eventually lose its shape, and you’ll need to constantly readjust it. 

Buckwheat Pillows

When it comes to the best firm pillows, the buckwheat pillow is very firm. There are all kinds of reasons you need to consider this type of pillow, including but not limited to:

• Constant support – These will not collapse while you sleep on it.
• Soft and Conforming – These will conform to the shape of your shoulders, head and neck.
• Breathable – Buckwheat hulls will allow air to flow through, so warm heat will be able to escape, and you stay cool throughout the night.
• Adjustable – The majority of the buckwheat pillows are adjustable with a zippered opening so you can remove or add filling. This is great for any sleeping position or body type.
• Eco-Friendly – Since these are all-natural, they can be recycled. 

Despite their many benefits, some people don’t like these firm pillows because of the rustling noise they can make while you move around. Light sleepers may even wake up because of it.  If you also like to move your pillow around, the eight-pound pillow may be too heavy for you to comfortable use.  

Lastly, some people who like firm pillows may find that buckwheat pillows are just too firm to their liking. 

Your Sleep Position Will Affect Your Pillow Comfort

Most people understand that their mattress’ firmness will have a direct impact on their sleep quality and that quality is also dependent on what kind of sleeper you are – back, stomach or side.  Your sleeping needs are also dependent on your body weight, shape and height. 

For the most part, side sleepers need a softer plush that will cradle their shoulders and hips, and keep the spine aligned all night. Stomach and back sleepers need firmer support to lift the hips and shoulders up to ensure the soft tissues don’t have undue pressure on them and the spine stays in alignment. 

However, as much attention as you give your mattress, you also need to give to your pillow choice. 

Side Sleepers 

Sleeping on your side (your left side, preferably) has an array of benefits to them, such as increased blood circulation to the heart, better digestion, more effective lymphatic drainage, etc. Side sleeping does have some drawbacks if you don’t choose a firm pillow that is suitable for your sleeping type. 

For instance, you need a marginally thicker pillow, as there is usually a much larger space between your head and the mattress. Your pillow must fill that gap to ensure your spine stays aligned with the neck and head. Too thin of a pillow will leave you with a sore neck, shoulders and back along with an unnatural positioned spine (and even a headache).

When in the market for a firm pillow, you want one that’s both firm and thick. However, try sleeping on your left side too. 

Back Sleepers

If you’re a back sleeper, you don’t need a really thick pillow as side sleepers do, but you should still opt for one with some loft to it. You also have a gap between the neck and mattress that needs filling, so be mindful of this when shopping for your firm pillow.

Back sleepers often feel as if they sink into their pillows, which can lead to various health issues later on. To avoid this, choose a firm, high loft pillow. Your head won’t sink, and snoring may become a thing of the past. 

Stomach Sleepers 

While there are millions of stomach sleepers in the world, the reality is that sleeping on your stomach isn’t a good thing, especially for your spine. When you use a standard pillow, it makes it hard to keep the spine aligned with your neck and head.  

Sure, the sleeping position is comfortable, and several pillow manufacturers have created pillows that will support the body and ensure the neck is free of pain.  However, you don’t want to use thick or high-loft pillows, since these leave the head in an uncomfortable position. This will also cause back in the neck down to the lower back. 

If you’re a stomach sleeper, you want something firm but also thin – three inches thick is typically best, but it’s all based on the individual.  A thin pillow does take some getting used to, but it’s worth it in the long run. Your spine stays neutral and alleviates the tension in your back and neck. 

Why Choose A Firm Pillow?

Firm, thick pillows are great choices for people who sleep on their side, as they support the head and neck. Thinner mid-firm pillows with down alternative or down, as well as memory foam, will conform to the neck, which makes it ideal for back sleepers. 

Loft 

What is a pillow loft? It’s how high a pillow sits when it’s flat on a surface. A pillow with a high loft is considered to a thick pillow. A pillow with a low lift is considered a thin pillow. High loft pillows are rounder and include a gusset or panel on the sides, so the pillow gets a rectangular shape to it. 

Bear in mind that a high loft pillow comes across as thicker and solid, but some of them won’t cradle the neck and head like they should.  The same principle is applied to thin pillows. A low loft pillow isn’t some flat, no support pillow.  

Your sleeping position is going to help you to determine what type of loft pillow you need. Side sleepers tend to stick with high loft pillows while stomach and back sleepers often choose low loft pillows for their comfort. 

Another thing to be mindful of when choosing a pillow based on loft is its material. The higher the quality of material, the longer the loft will remain. For example, buckwheat husk and down feather pillows are high-quality pillow fillings that can maintain a high loft for much longer than other fill options. 

Pillow Size

Regardless of what you may think, there is not a one-size-fits-all pillow out there.  And, this is why you need to know the differences to find the best firm pillow for you. The common pillow size for standards is 20x26 inches. A King, Queen and Super Standard come in 36, 30 and 20x28 inches.  The Standard size pillow is great for anybody regardless of their sleeping position. Side sleepers often opt for larger sizes to give them more support. 

Whatever pillow size you choose, you want to buy a pillowcase for it. This works to eliminate the buildup of dust and other allergens while also ensuring the pillow will retain its loft. 

5 Considerations To Help You Buy A Firm Pillow

Try Various Pillows To See What’s Best For You

All the touching and holding in the world won’t help you to find the best firm pillow. Instead, you need to sleep on it. Be sure to read the return policy the manufacturer offers. If you find a pillow isn’t working for you, put it back in its box and send it back to them. Since your head is on a pillow a third of your life, you want to find the best firm pillow that keeps you sleeping your very best all night long.  The pillow should be comfortable. 

This means doing a little research and experimenting. Go with your first impression and ignore the marketing hype that manufacturers use to entice you to buy their product. 

Firm Pillow Pricing Can Be A Concern

When it comes to shopping for the best firm pillow, you’re going to be shocked by the prices. Traditional pillow can cost as low as $5, but a cheap pillow doesn’t always equate to good sleep. Therefore, you really need to do your homework here and increase your budget a little bit to find a pillow that’s best for your head, neck and spine. 

Even if you bought a cheap pillow in the hopes of saving money (now), in the long run, you’re only going to spend more money to replace it every other month. Now, with the best firm pillow made of high-quality materials, you buy just once every couple or more years, and you save yourself a lot of money in the grand scheme of things.  

It’s okay to spend more money on a pillow today that will outlast the cheaper pillows and the cost of replacing that pillow often. Since you’ll spend a third of your sleeping, don’t allow price to dictate how good a sleep you get today, tomorrow and in the future. 

Realizing Your Preferred Sleeping Position

When you’re in the market for the best firm pillows, you need to know how you sleep most often. Without this knowledge, it doesn’t matter the kind of pillow you choose; you won’t feel comfortable and get the rest your body needs. 

Choice Of High or Low Loft Pillows

Most people never consider the loft of their pillow; it’s something that is never really discussed or considered. However, the loft of a pillow plays a huge role in your getting a good night’s sleep. High loft pillows will bring comfort to certain positions but don’t always support you all night. The real key in choosing the best firm pillows is to find ones that support the neck and keep it aligned with the spine when you sleep. 

Testing Your Pillow Out

When you buy even the best firm pillows on the market, you want to test its age every couple of years. Fold your pillow in half and see how quickly it springs back. If the pillow doesn’t spring back quickly, it’s time to go shopping for another firm pillow. 

Be sure to look at only the best firm pillows that have hypoallergenic properties. Remember, as you sleep, the pillow will collect dead skin cells, oils, dust and other allergens. Purchase a pillow protector to lengthen its lifespan. 

What To Keep In Mind…

When it comes to the best firm pillows on the market, the above eight are considered the best of the best manufacturers have to offer. After all, it’s all about your comfort as well as the pillow’s versatility that makes them so great. If you sleep on your back or side, you want a firm pillow to meet your needs while giving you the best sleep you’ve ever had. Side sleepers usually need a firm pillow with a loft to ensure proper spine alignment.