After Testing Dozens of Pillows, This Budget Option Is the One I Still Sleep On (2024)

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Nicole Lund

Nicole LundCommerce Editor

Nicole writes about shopping and products for Apartment Therapy, but her specialities are candles, bedding, bath, and pretty much anything homebody-friendly. She has been writing for AT for three years.

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updated Oct 27, 2020

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After Testing Dozens of Pillows, This Budget Option Is the One I Still Sleep On (1)

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Here’s the thing: I am very fortunate. My job entails keeping up to date on the best products out there, and oftentimes that means getting my paws on them for personal testing. So yes, I have been the grateful recipient of everything from bath towels to sheets to mattresses to, most recently, pillows. I tested many, many pillows for our Best List, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure.

Here’s the other thing: Testing pillows is hard. Not, like, the way being quarantined due to coronavirus is hard, but hard in the sense that it’s a deeply personal task. Honestly, it’s downright reckless for me to recommend you any pillows at all, because every person has very individualized preferences when it comes down to it. Some people like to sleep on two squishy pillows, while others prefer something very firm. Some people sleep hot and need their pillows to be filled with gel foam, while others like the cozy feel of down under their little heads.

So, dear reader, I really tried. I tried my best to remain a neutral party, to give everything a fair chance, and for the most part I was successful. And finally, when it was all over, I was left with too many pillows that I was then forced to choose from for my own bed. (Yes, I know, back to the “life is hard” feeling.) I selected four, and one of them was a bit of a surprise, even to me: the Ralph Lauren Logo pillow.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Medium Density Standard/Queen Pillows, Set of 2$45$26.99Macy's

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During my research, I knew I had to try this pillow, which is exclusive to Macy’s. First of all, it has tons of positive reviews (over 2,600 5-star reviews, in fact), and is frequently purchased by AT readers. Then, there’s the low price. Typically priced at $20 (which is already pretty low for good pillows, to be honest), it’s pretty much always on sale. I figured it could make a good budget-friendly option for my list, but I was not expecting to fall in love or anything. But that’s life, I suppose.

I selected the extra firm (it’s also available in medium and firm), and prepared to sleep on it for one night to make sure it wasn’t terrible. After all, I was testing other pillows that had bells and whistles, that cost 4 times as much, and that promised to change my life. This pillow had none of that fanfare; it’s advertised as a pillow that will help you “rest easy” and features little Ralph Lauren logos. Not exactly attention-grabbing.

And yet! The moment my head hit the pillow I was shocked. It was so comfy, so supportive, so perfect in all its simplicity. Even now, when trying to figure out what’s so great about it, I have no real answer other than that it’s shockingly comfortable. I slept like a baby, with zero pain and no tossing and turning. Of course, I shouldn’t have been surprised. My other favorite pillows are these gel ones found on Amazon that I’ve previously written about—they’re also priced low and have zero fuss. And if you’re wondering, I still absolutely love them too (they make up 2/4 of the pillows on my bed).

The only con I can come up with is that it has a down alternative fill, which can get a little too toasty for hot sleepers. Other than that though, I quite literally have no complaints. As I said earlier, this pillow is often on sale, including right now. It’s an extra 30 percent off thanks to the Friends & Family sale, meaning that one pillow is just $14. That’s under $30 for 2 pillows! Buy one for yourself, your lover, your family members, etc. It’s that good.

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After Testing Dozens of Pillows, This Budget Option Is the One I Still Sleep On (2024)

FAQs

How many pillows is it good to sleep with? ›

It is best to sleep with one pillow to support your head and neck. Stacking two pillows under your head can lead to improper spinal alignment and neck pain. However, you can sleep with a second pillow or body pillow to support your body and maintain sleep posture.

What is the right amount of pillows for sleep? ›

One or two are pillows are for your head so you can provide support to your neck. A study suggests that you should own at least 6 to 10 pillows for a fantastic sleeping experience.

Which pillows are best for sleep? ›

A memory foam sleeping pillow will mold itself to the shape of your head and neck, providing personalized support and alignment. These pillows are known for their ability to relieve pressure points and reduce discomfort, making them an excellent choice for those with neck pain or other sleep-related issues.

Why is it bad to sleep with too many pillows? ›

Sleeping with two pillows is best avoided to ensure your neck is in a healthy position. Instead of multiple pillows, using just one promotes better sleeping posture and reduces the risk of aches and pains.

Is it better or worse to sleep with a pillow? ›

Without a pillow to support the head, side and back sleepers may experience stiffness or soreness in the lumbar or cervical spine. Referred neck pain from not using a pillow may also contribute to tension headaches. Even when stomach sleepers don't use a pillow, neck pain isn't necessarily unavoidable.

How many pillows is healthy? ›

Although many people just need one pillow to sleep, sometimes there are circ*mstances where sleepers may feel better supported by multiple pillows. Pillow between the knees: Side sleepers may find comfort and better sleep posture from an additional pillow placed between their knees.

What is the healthiest sleeping position? ›

Specifically, sleeping on the side or back is considered more beneficial than sleeping on the stomach. In either of these sleep positions, it's easier to keep your spine supported and balanced, which relieves pressure on the spine and enables your muscles to relax and recover.

Why do doctors ask how many pillows you sleep with? ›

Shortness of breath while lying down.

To gauge the severity of this symptom, doctors often ask people how many pillows they need to lie on to avoid feeling short of breath in bed. For example, "three-pillow" orthopnea is worse than "two-pillow" orthopnea, because you have less tolerance for lying flat.

How many pillows does the average American sleep with? ›

According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, a nonprofit group that advocates healthy sleeping, the average person sleeps with about 2 pillows. Considering this number, let's take a look at the best ways to help you sleep better based on your sleeping position.

What pillows do 5 star hotels use? ›

What kind of pillows do 5-star hotels use? Luxury hotels generally use pillows that are made with 100 percent duck or goose down that offers ultra-soft comfort as well as insulation.

What pillows do doctors recommend? ›

As a general rule, orthopedic doctors recommend the pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to hold the head at a healthy angle but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Most sleepers succeed with a contoured natural latex foam, which offers support and pressure relief.

Are pillows bad for your neck? ›

Avoid using too high or stiff a pillow, which keeps the neck flexed overnight and can result in morning pain and stiffness. If you sleep on your side, keep your spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head.

Are pillows unhealthy? ›

However, using a pillow too soft can strain your neck muscles and even reduce the flow of blood to your head. If you rest your head in a tilted position on the pillow, it will not provide adequate support to the head and will most likely reduce airflow through your respiratory system.

Why you shouldn't sleep with two pillows? ›

The bottom line: Sleeping with multiple pillows may seem like a supportive choice, but it could be disrupting your spine's natural alignment. For this reason, sleeping with one thicker pillow is generally the preferred option.

Is it better to sleep with 1 or 2 pillows? ›

The bottom line: Sleeping with multiple pillows may seem like a supportive choice, but it could be disrupting your spine's natural alignment. For this reason, sleeping with one thicker pillow is generally the preferred option.

Is it OK to sleep with 3 pillows? ›

The number of pillows you should sleep with depends on a variety of factors, including your sleep position and any health conditions you might have. In general, though, experts recommend most people sleep with one to two pillows per night.

What is the 2 2 1 pillow rule? ›

Here, a simple math formula to live by. Say hello to the 2:2:1 rule. What you need: Five pillows in total—two oversize matching ones, two slightly smaller pillows (also matching but in a different pattern or color from the oversize set) and one eye-catching solo style.

Is it normal to sleep with 4 pillows? ›

Believe it or not, the number of pillows you sleep on could be the blame for a bad night. Even though many people sleep with two, three or even four bed pillows, the recommended number is just one.

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