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A contour pillow is designed to conform—or contour—to an individual’s head and neck. It is generally made from adaptive memory foam to offer the ideal amount of support for the head and neck to keep the spine aligned. A contour pillow is often an optimal choice for those suffering from back or neck pain, but other individuals could certainly enjoy the benefits of this type of pillow as well for a more restful sleep.
If one performs a quick search for a contour pillow, a plethora of options will appear. This can make it a bit overwhelming to select the best contour pillow for one’s particular needs. This guide is designed to explore the most important features to consider while shopping and then narrow down the options to find a contour pillow that will help alleviate body aches and lead to a more restful sleep.
- BEST OVERALL: Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: BODESY Contour Memory Foam Bed Pillow
- UPGRADE PICK: Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow
- BEST MEMORY FOAM: Power Of Nature Memory Foam Contour Pillow
- BEST COOLING: Lunvon Pillows for Sleeping Luxury Queen Memory Foam
- BEST BAMBOO: Perform Pillow Memory Foam Cervical Neck Pillow
- BEST ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: UTTU Sandwich Pillow King Size, Memory Foam Pillow
- BEST FOR LEGS AND KNEES: Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Contour Pillow
Each contour pillow varies from other options on the market. Some pillows may feature different materials, have a unique shape, or be better suited for individuals who prefer a certain sleeping position. Other pillows might offer specific temperature-regulating capabilities or have special care instructions. Read on to learn about each of these features to determine the best contour pillow for your needs.
Material
Most contour pillows are made from memory foam. The adaptive properties of memory foam allow it to conform to the head and neck to keep the spine in alignment, which is one of the main purposes of a contour pillow. However, not all memory foam is the same. When possible, consider a contour pillow that features CertiPUR-US certified memory foam.
This type of memory foam meets high standards for content, durability, and emissions, making it a superior choice. CertiPUR-US certified memory foam does not contain any heavy metals, formaldehyde, ozone depleters, or phthalates. It also has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to maintain air quality.
In addition to the material used to make the pillow, think about the material for the cover. Most contour pillows have either a bamboo or a cotton cover. Bamboo is a popular option since it can pull heat away from the body to keep individuals cool as they sleep. It is highly breathable to allow sufficient airflow for added comfort as well.
Bamboo is also an antimicrobial fabric, which means it can limit allergy symptoms and morning congestion by preventing bacteria from building up on the cover. Cotton is also breathable and can absorb sweat to keep individuals more comfortable overnight.
Shape and Support
The shape and support of a contour pillow are also important factors to consider while shopping. Contour pillows are available in a variety of shapes and designs, including head and neck pillows, wedge pillows, leg and knee pillows, and travel pillows. Head and neck pillows also feature different designs; some may have ends with varying heights to accommodate certain sleeping positions or offer a recessed area in the center for the neck.
Additionally, think about the support each contour pillow offers. Ideally, a contour pillow should offer sufficient support to cradle the neck and head in the ideal position to keep the spine aligned. Finding a pillow that is responsive can also help ensure that as your sleeping position changes, it will adapt to provide support where needed.
Sleeping Position
Keep your preferred sleeping position in mind as you search for the best contour pillow. Certain pillows may be better suited for side, back, or stomach sleepers. The best pillow for side sleepers will elevate the head a bit more to ensure the head, neck, and spine stay in alignment. Conversely, the best pillow for back sleepers and stomach sleepers will keep the head and neck a bit lower for optimal spinal alignment.
Many contour pillows feature two distinct heights to accommodate different sleep positions. One end is typically about 4.5 inches tall, while the other end is 3 to 4 inches tall. Some manufacturers design pillows with a removable center core that allows individuals to further customize the height to their exact comfort level. Removing the core on these pillows decreases the height of each end by about 1.5 inches.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature-regulating capabilities allow a contour pillow to keep individuals from growing too hot or cold as they sleep. Manufacturers can design a contour pillow in several ways to better regulate an individual’s body temperature. One design feature is a ventilated core. A contour pillow with a ventilated design allows for more air circulation. This is an important feature for individuals who tend to overheat, since memory foam retains more heat than other materials.
The memory foam of some contour pillows is infused with cooling gel. Unlike standard memory foam that can retain heat and cause nighttime overheating, gel-infused memory foam pulls heat away from an individual’s body to keep the user cooler and more comfortable overnight.
Breathability
Breathability is another important feature to look for in a contour pillow. Some contour pillows include a bamboo cover that helps keep individuals cooler as they sleep. Bamboo is highly breathable and works to help dissipate heat more effectively than some other materials.
As mentioned, a contour pillow with a ventilated design will also allow for more breathability and airflow to prevent the memory foam from trapping too much heat. This feature also contributes to a cooler and more comfortable night’s sleep.
Ease of Cleaning
Finally, consider how easy it will be to clean and care for the pillow. Contour pillows typically include a reusable cover. Finding one that is machine washable and dryer safe will simplify cleaning.
Some contour pillows also feature an additional inner cover that helps keep the memory foam pillow clean and dust-free. This cover protects the foam core and can also increase the pillow’s lifespan.
Our Top Picks
Ready to find the best contour pillow? Continue reading to learn more about the top picks based on the above-mentioned considerations, in addition to overall quality and affordability. These contour pillows represent some of the best products on the market and are designed to support the head, neck, and shoulders to keep the spine aligned for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Best Overall
Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow
The Milemont memory foam contour pillow offers a versatile design for use by back, stomach, and side sleepers. Each end of the pillow features a different height: the 4-inch end provides the proper level of support for back sleepers, and the 4.7-inch end allows side sleepers to find optimal support and comfort. The middle of the pillow offers a comfortable spot for stomach sleepers to rest their heads and arms.
The ergonomic design helps support an individual’s head, neck, and shoulders for proper spine alignment. This design promotes comfortable sleep and also reduces morning pain and stiffness. The memory foam is also responsive to position changes overnight; the pillow will return to its original shape in just five seconds. A machine-washable zippered cover encases this pillow.
The pillow is made from CertiPUR-US certified memory foam and features Aircell technology that allows sufficient airflow to prevent individuals from overheating as they sleep. The breathable inner cover provides additional cooling benefits.
Best Bang for the Buck
BODESY Contour Memory Foam Bed Pillow
This memory foam contour pillow from BODESY offers two different end heights to keep the spine of both back and side sleepers aligned as they sleep. The 2.3-inch end is geared toward back sleepers, and the 4.3-inch end is ideal for side sleepers. The ergonomic design works to offer relief from shoulder pain and stiffness, reduce pain in the back and neck, and allow the muscles to relax.
The pillow is crafted from high-quality, hypoallergenic memory foam. When an individual shifts positions, the pillow will slowly rebound within five seconds to adapt to the position change. A breathable, machine-washable cover is included.
Upgrade Pick
Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow
Those looking to splurge for comfort’s sake may want to consider the Royal Therapy queen memory foam pillow. This pillow offers a unique adjustable design with a removable middle layer to ensure side, back, and stomach sleepers can all find their ideal comfort level. Two end heights—4.7 inches and 3.9 inches—offer versatility. With the middle layer removed, the ends are 3.5 inches and 2.8 inches, respectively.
This memory foam pillow is designed to offer more resistance beneath the heaviest parts of the head while still providing sufficient neck support. The even support delivered by this contour pillow works to keep the spine in alignment to promote overnight comfort and reduce pain.
The luxurious bamboo cover is soft, breathable, and more hygienic than other cover materials. Bamboo naturally resists bacteria, fungus, dust mites, and mold and also helps keep individuals cooler as they sleep by dissipating heat.
Best Memory Foam
Power Of Nature Memory Foam Contour Pillow
The soft and responsive memory foam of the Power of Nature contour pillow fills in the gap between an individual’s neck and the pillow. Unlike a traditional pillow, this pillow delivers the support necessary to keep the spine in alignment, allowing muscles to naturally relax to help individuals fall asleep more quickly and enjoy a deeper sleep. The memory foam is also responsive to position changes overnight; when an individual moves, the pillow will rebound to its normal form within five seconds.
The pillow offers two different end heights to ensure side, back, and stomach sleepers can all find their ideal position for optimal spine alignment and ease of breathing. A breathable, hypoallergenic, and machine-washable case is included, and the dust-proof inner case protects the memory foam to increase the pillow’s lifespan.
Best Cooling
Lunvon Pillows for Sleeping Luxury Queen Memory Foam
Individuals who grow too warm when they sleep may be interested in the Lunvon memory foam contour pillow. This pillow is made from a cooling gel memory foam that pulls warmth away from the body to ensure sleepers don’t overheat. The pillow also features a mesh cover that promotes airflow to regulate body temperature and deliver additional cooling benefits.
Side, back, and stomach sleepers alike can all find comfort with this contour pillow. It features an adjustable design with a removable middle layer. With the middle layer, one end of the pillow is 4.7 inches tall and the other is 3.9 inches tall; remove the middle layer and the ends are 3.5 inches tall and 2.8 inches tall, respectively.
Made from a high-quality, CertiPUR-US certified shredded memory foam, the pillow offers ergonomic support to ensure the head and neck stay aligned with the spine. Both the pillow and case are free of allergens and harmful chemicals to promote overall health and well-being.
Best Bamboo
Perform Pillow Memory Foam Cervical Neck Pillow
This contour pillow from Perform Pillow was designed by a chiropractor to ensure each individual’s neck and spine remain in alignment during sleep. The pillow boasts a bamboo cover that is breathable, cooling, and hypoallergenic. The cover is also removable and machine washable.
This is a standard-size pillow with a thick profile that is ideal for most side sleepers and back sleepers who are over 5 feet 9 inches tall, and other sizes may be available. Two contour heights accommodate different sleep positions: one end is 3.75 inches and the other end is 5 inches.
Back and stomach sleepers can position the pillow so the preferred contour height is under their neck; however, side sleepers may prefer sleeping with the pillow bottom side up with the thicker end beneath their neck. This position places a side sleeper’s shoulder slightly under the pillow to offer additional support.
Best Adjustable Height
UTTU Sandwich Pillow King Size, Memory Foam Pillow
The adjustable design of the UTTU king-size sandwich pillow makes it a solid choice for side, back, and stomach sleepers. The pillow offers both a high contour end of 4.7 inches and a low contour end of 3.9 inches. For additional customized comfort, a removable middle core reduces the high contour side to 3.5 inches and the low contour side to 2.8 inches.
Made from UTTU dynamic foam, this pillow contours to the shape and curve of the head and neck to keep the spine in alignment, reduce pain in the neck and back, and allow the muscles to relax. This UTTU foam maintains a consistent level of firmness that doesn’t fluctuate with the temperature, unlike some other foams.
The pillow also features a bamboo viscose cover made of a 40 percent bamboo fiber and 60 percent polyester blend. The cover is cooling and breathable to promote a comfortable night’s sleep; it is also machine washable.
Best for Legs and Knees
Contour Legacy Leg u0026 Knee Foam Support Pillow
The Contour Legacy leg and knee foam support pillow is an optimal choice for side sleepers looking to relieve pressure on the hips and back. Using this contour pillow can help side sleepers keep their top leg from sliding in front of them to reduce pressure points, keep the hips from rotating, and prevent the lower back from twisting.
The pillow offers an ergonomic crescent-shaped design that is 20 percent longer than standard leg pillows. It will contour to the shape of each individual’s legs and adjust as they move during sleep.
Made from memory foam with a ventilated design that doesn’t retain heat, the pillow allows plenty of air to circulate to keep individuals from growing too hot during the night. The pillow and cover are both crafted with hypoallergenic materials, and the zippered cover is removable for easy cleaning in the washing machine.
FAQs About Contour Pillows
If you still have some unanswered questions about contour pillows, read through several of the most frequently asked questions below for additional help with selecting the best contour pillow for aches and pains.
Q. What is the best contour pillow for neck pain?
The best contour pillow for neck pain will offer sufficient support for the head, neck, and shoulders to keep the spine in alignment. Back and stomach sleepers should look for a thinner-profile pillow to reduce neck pain, while side sleepers should consider a thicker-profile pillow.
Q. What pillow do chiropractors recommend?
Chiropractors recommend a pillow that will provide support for the head and neck. The pillow should fill in the area under the neck to ensure the spine stays in proper alignment.
Q. Are contour pillows good for side sleepers?
Yes, contour pillows can be a good choice for side sleepers since they provide the necessary support for the head and neck to keep the spine aligned. This can help reduce back and neck pain for side sleepers.