Quick Answer: Memory foam pillows come in three main types: solid block, shredded fill, and contoured (ergonomic shape). Solid lasts longest but feels firmest. Shredded is the most adjustable and softest. Contoured suits side sleepers with neck pain. A quality memory foam pillow runs $60 to $200 CAD and lasts 3 to 5 years before the foam fatigues.
7 min read
What Memory Foam Actually Is
Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam, originally developed by NASA in the 1960s for astronaut seat cushioning. The key property is that it softens in response to body heat and slowly conforms to pressure, then returns to its original shape when pressure is removed. This is what creates the "cradling" sensation that memory foam is known for.
For pillows specifically, this matters because head and neck support varies by sleep position. A good memory foam pillow conforms to fill the gap between the head and the shoulder in side sleeping, supports the natural cervical curve in back sleeping, and minimizes head elevation for stomach sleepers.
The Three Types of Memory Foam Pillow
The Main Memory Foam Pillow Categories
- Solid block: A single piece of memory foam cut to pillow shape. Most durable construction (no fill migration, no compartments). Firmest feel. Holds its shape for the full lifespan of the foam (typically 3 to 5 years). Less adjustable; you get the height and firmness the block was made at.
- Shredded memory foam: Shredded pieces of memory foam loose-filled into a cover. Softer, more pillow-like feel. Most adjustable: you can add or remove fill through a zipper to customize height and firmness. Tends to compress over time and may need topping up. Often the best choice for people who've tried memory foam before and found solid blocks too firm.
- Contoured (ergonomic shape): Solid memory foam shaped into a specific profile with a lower middle section for the head and higher outer sections for neck support. Usually has two different heights on each side. Designed specifically for side sleepers or back sleepers with neck pain. Rigid shape means it's not versatile across positions.
Matching Pillow to Sleep Position
The Orthopedic Case for Memory Foam
A 2021 systematic review in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that pillow material and height significantly affect cervical spine alignment during sleep, and that mismatched pillow support correlates with morning neck pain. Memory foam performs well in these studies specifically because it adapts to the individual, but only if the pillow's overall height is correct for the sleeper's build and position.
Medical disclaimer: If you have chronic neck pain, herniated disc, cervical spine issues, or a diagnosed musculoskeletal condition, speak to a family doctor, chiropractor, or physiotherapist before choosing a pillow. The Canadian Chiropractic Association has general guidance on pillow selection; an individualized assessment is more reliable than any article.
- Side sleepers: Need the most support (roughly 10 to 15 cm of loft) to fill the gap between head and shoulder and keep the cervical spine straight. Contoured memory foam with a higher loft side works well. Solid block at 12 cm or more is a reasonable alternative.
- Back sleepers: Need moderate support (7 to 12 cm) that maintains the natural curve of the neck without pushing the head forward. A contoured pillow with a central depression suits back sleeping well. Shredded memory foam adjustable to about 10 cm also works.
- Stomach sleepers: Need minimal support or no pillow at all (under 7 cm, ideally 3 to 5 cm). Most memory foam pillows are too thick for stomach sleeping. Shredded memory foam with about half the fill removed is the most practical memory foam option. Many stomach sleepers do better on a thin regular pillow or no pillow entirely.
- Combination sleepers: Shredded memory foam is the most flexible. The pillow reshapes as you change position through the night, whereas solid and contoured pillows don't adapt.
Off-Gassing and What to Know
New memory foam products have a distinctive chemical smell for the first several days after unpacking. This is off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the polyurethane manufacturing process. For most people, the smell dissipates within 3 to 7 days of airing out and is not a health concern at the levels involved.
For sensitive individuals, those with asthma or chemical sensitivities, or anyone wanting to minimize any off-gassing exposure:
- Look for CertiPUR-US certification on the foam. This verifies the foam is made without ozone depleters, flame retardants like PBDEs, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, or phthalates, and that VOC emissions are below 0.5 ppm.
- Unpack the pillow in a well-ventilated room and let it air for 72 hours before using.
- A cover over the pillow (either the product's included cover or a separate pillowcase) reduces direct skin contact during the initial period.
- Natural latex pillows are an alternative that doesn't off-gas VOCs (though they have a distinct latex smell for some sensitive users).
The Heat Retention Problem
The most common complaint about memory foam pillows: they sleep warm. Traditional memory foam has low thermal conductivity and retains body heat. Responses to this include:
- Gel-infused memory foam: Gel particles mixed into the foam slightly improve heat dissipation. The effect is modest but real.
- Open-cell memory foam: Larger cell structure allows more airflow through the pillow. Better than traditional closed-cell foam for heat.
- Ventilated memory foam: Channels or perforations cut into solid memory foam pillows. Helps a moderate amount.
- Breathable covers: Bamboo, Tencel, or cotton covers improve the surface microclimate regardless of the foam beneath.
- Shredded memory foam: Because of the air gaps between shredded pieces, runs cooler than solid memory foam inherently.
For hot sleepers who want memory foam, we'd recommend shredded memory foam in a bamboo or Tencel cover, used with breathable sheets. Alternative: a latex pillow, which is naturally cooler than memory foam and has similar contouring properties. Pair with a cooling mattress like our FROST Ice Gel or Cool Breeze.
What to Look For
- CertiPUR-US certification. Minimum standard for VOC and chemical safety.
- Foam density. Medium to high density (4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot) lasts longer than low-density foam (under 3 pounds). The label may say "high-density" or give a specific PCF number.
- Loft appropriate for your sleep position. Measure from the top of your mattress to the base of your neck when you lie in your normal position, and match the pillow loft to that measurement.
- Removable, washable cover. Essential. Memory foam itself usually can't be washed; the cover protects the foam and is what you actually launder.
- Trial period. Reputable memory foam pillow sellers offer 30 to 100-day return periods. Give the pillow at least 2 weeks for your body to adjust; the first few nights often feel strange.
- Warranty. Quality memory foam pillows carry 3 to 5-year warranties. Anything less suggests the manufacturer expects earlier failure.
What We See in Our Brantford Showroom
Most customers who come in asking about memory foam pillows are either side sleepers with neck pain or back sleepers dealing with mild cervical discomfort. Our experience:
- First-time memory foam users often do best with shredded memory foam rather than solid. The adjustability lets them find their loft without committing to a specific height they may not need.
- Customers who've used memory foam mattresses already and like the feel usually transition well to solid memory foam pillows.
- The single biggest cause of customer disappointment with memory foam pillows is loft mismatch, not quality. A correctly-chosen $80 memory foam pillow usually satisfies more than an incorrectly-chosen $200 one.
We'd rather help a customer choose the right height than sell them a premium product that doesn't fit their shoulder-to-head geometry. Come in and we can talk through it.
Pairing With the Rest of the Setup
A memory foam pillow works on any mattress but pairs particularly well with memory foam or hybrid mattresses with similar contouring. Our full mattress collection includes options that complement memory foam pillow use. See also our pillow encasement guide for extending pillow life and moisture-wicking sheets guide for the sheet considerations.
Questions We Get
Are memory foam pillows safe to sleep on?
For the vast majority of sleepers, yes. CertiPUR-US certified foam is tested to low VOC emission standards and doesn't contain harmful flame retardants or heavy metals. The initial off-gassing smell dissipates within a few days in most cases. For people with chemical sensitivities, asthma, or young children, extra ventilation and possibly a natural latex alternative may be worth considering.
How long do memory foam pillows last?
Solid memory foam: 3 to 5 years before the foam starts to lose its rebound and support properties. Shredded memory foam: similar timeframe, though you can refresh by fluffing and possibly adding more fill through the zipper. Contoured solid memory foam: 3 to 5 years. All of these outlast cheap polyester or down-alternative pillows (typically 1 to 2 years), which is part of the value.
Can I wash a memory foam pillow?
The cover yes (remove and machine wash). The memory foam itself no. Water damages polyurethane foam, and a soaked memory foam pillow may never dry completely, leading to mildew. For spills or stains on the foam, spot-clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry thoroughly. For the cover, wash weekly to biweekly in warm water on gentle cycle.
Does memory foam cause neck pain?
A correctly-matched memory foam pillow should reduce neck pain, not cause it. If you're waking with neck pain after switching to memory foam, the most likely issue is loft mismatch (pillow too high or too low for your sleep position and shoulder width). A secondary consideration is firmness; some people find solid memory foam too firm, making shredded memory foam or a softer natural latex alternative a better choice.
Is latex better than memory foam for pillows?
Different tradeoffs. Latex is naturally cooler, more springy (faster rebound), and more durable (often lasting 5 to 10 years). Memory foam conforms more slowly and deeply, which some people find more comfortable for pressure relief. Latex is a better choice for hot sleepers and for people who want firmer, more supportive feel. Memory foam is a better choice for people who want the slow-contouring cradle sensation. Both are valid; the choice depends on preference more than performance.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Looking for a pillow to pair with a new mattress? Come in and let us help you match both to how you actually sleep. Family-owned Brantford store, serving our community since 1997.
Sources
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Pena A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. The Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604.
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267.
- Caggiari G, Talesa GR, Toro G, et al. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021;22(1):51.
- CertiPUR-US. What is Certified Foam? Consumer standards for foam emissions and chemistry.