- How Memory Foam Pillows Work
- Solid Memory Foam vs. Shredded Foam Pillows
- King Memory Foam Pillow: Sizing and Fit
- Cooling and Gel Memory Foam Pillows
- Machine Washable Memory Foam Pillow Options
- Brand Comparison: Casper, Bloom, and Tempur
- Pillow Loft by Sleep Position
- Pillow Density and Firmness Explained
- When to Replace Your Memory Foam Pillow
- How to Choose the Right Memory Foam Pillow
- Caring for Your Memory Foam Pillow
- Memory Foam Pillows at Mattress Miracle
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
Your pillow does more work than you might think. While your mattress supports roughly 80 percent of your body weight, your pillow handles the critical task of keeping your head and neck in proper alignment with your spine. A poorly chosen pillow can leave you waking up with a stiff neck, tension headaches, or shoulder pain, regardless of how good your mattress is.
Memory foam pillows have become the go-to solution for Canadians who want consistent, pressure-relieving support night after night. Unlike down or polyester fill, memory foam responds to your body heat and weight, contouring precisely to the curves of your head and neck. The result is a pillow that holds its shape, provides reliable support, and distributes pressure evenly across every contact point.
But the memory foam pillow market has grown considerably in recent years. You can now choose between solid foam and shredded foam pillows, gel-infused cooling models, machine washable memory foam pillow designs, and everything from standard to king memory foam pillow sizes. Brands like Casper, Bloom, and Tempur-Pedic each offer distinct takes on the format, and sorting through the options without some guidance can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we cover every category of memory foam pillow available in Canada in 2026. You will learn how solid foam compares to shredded fill, which pillow loft works for your sleeping position, how to find a genuinely cooling option, and when it is time to replace your current pillow. We will also share what we carry in our Brantford showroom so you can test options in person.
How Memory Foam Pillows Work
Memory foam, also called viscoelastic polyurethane foam, was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to cushion astronauts during takeoff. The material responds to both heat and pressure. When you rest your head on a memory foam pillow, your body warmth softens the foam cells directly beneath your head, allowing them to compress and conform to your unique shape. When you lift your head, the foam slowly returns to its original form.
This heat-responsive behaviour is what sets memory foam apart from other pillow materials. A down pillow compresses under weight and stays compressed until you fluff it. A polyester pillow offers minimal contouring and flattens over time. Memory foam actively moulds to you, creating a custom cradle that distributes the weight of your head across a larger surface area rather than concentrating it at a few pressure points.
The practical benefit is spinal alignment. When your pillow properly fills the gap between your head and the mattress, your cervical spine (the seven vertebrae in your neck) maintains its natural curve. This reduces strain on the muscles, ligaments, and discs in your neck, which is why memory foam pillows are frequently recommended by physiotherapists and chiropractors for patients with chronic neck pain.
Memory foam density plays a major role in how the pillow performs. Higher-density foams (4 to 5 lb/ft3) provide firmer, more supportive contouring and last longer. Lower-density foams (2.5 to 3.5 lb/ft3) feel softer and compress more easily, but they break down faster and lose their supportive properties sooner. Most quality memory foam pillows in Canada fall in the 3.5 to 5 lb/ft3 density range.
One common concern with memory foam pillows is heat retention. Traditional memory foam is a closed-cell material that traps body heat, and because your head generates a significant amount of warmth during sleep, a standard memory foam pillow can feel uncomfortably warm. This is why gel-infused and ventilated designs have become so popular, and we will cover those in detail later in this guide.
Solid Memory Foam vs. Shredded Foam Pillows
The first decision most shoppers face when choosing a memory foam pillow is whether to go with a solid piece of foam or a shredded fill design. Both use the same base material, but they feel very different and serve different sleep needs.
Solid Memory Foam Pillows
A solid memory foam pillow is carved or moulded from a single block of foam. Some are shaped into a traditional rectangular pillow form, while others feature a contoured design with a wave-shaped surface that provides a higher ridge under the neck and a lower section beneath the head.
The main advantage of solid foam is consistency. The pillow maintains a uniform surface that does not shift, clump, or develop lumps during the night. Every time you rest your head on it, the foam responds the same way, providing the same level of support and contouring. This predictability is particularly valuable for side sleepers who need precise loft to keep the neck aligned, and for anyone who finds it uncomfortable when pillow fill shifts around beneath their head.
The contoured varieties are especially popular among sleepers with chronic neck issues. The higher neck roll supports the cervical curve while the lower central section cradles the head, maintaining proper spinal alignment throughout the night. These designs are commonly recommended by healthcare professionals as part of a neck pain management strategy.
The main drawback is that solid memory foam pillows offer no adjustability. The loft is fixed by the height of the foam block. If the pillow is too high or too low for your body proportions and sleep position, you cannot change it. You either need to find a different model or accept the compromise. Solid memory foam pillows also retain more heat than shredded designs because the continuous foam structure limits airflow.
Shredded Foam Pillows
Shredded foam pillows contain hundreds of small pieces of memory foam (sometimes mixed with other materials like latex or microfibre) enclosed in a removable cover. The shredded fill format was developed specifically to address the two biggest complaints about solid memory foam: lack of adjustability and heat retention.
The adjustability is the primary selling point. Most shredded foam pillows come with a zippered cover that allows you to add or remove fill to achieve your ideal loft height. If you are a back sleeper who needs a lower pillow, you remove some fill. If you are a side sleeper who needs more height to fill the gap between your shoulder and head, you add fill or leave the full amount in. This customization makes shredded foam pillows far more versatile than solid designs.
Airflow is the second major advantage. The spaces between the individual foam pieces allow air to circulate through the pillow, reducing heat buildup significantly compared to a solid foam block. If you have tried a solid memory foam pillow and found it too warm, a shredded fill version of the same material will sleep noticeably cooler.
The trade-off is surface consistency. Shredded fill can shift during the night, creating uneven areas that may require refluffing. Some sleepers find that shredded foam pillows need a quick adjustment each night before they settle into the right position. Higher-quality shredded fills with smaller, more uniform pieces tend to create a smoother, more stable surface than cheaper versions with large, irregular chunks.
| Feature | Solid Memory Foam | Shredded Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Loft Adjustability | Fixed | Fully adjustable (add/remove fill) |
| Surface Consistency | Uniform, no shifting | May shift; needs occasional fluffing |
| Airflow/Cooling | Limited (closed-cell structure) | Better (air flows between pieces) |
| Contouring | Precise, body-mapped | General contouring, less precise |
| Washability | Cover only; foam cannot be machine washed | Some models are fully machine washable |
| Best For | Side sleepers, neck pain, consistent support | Combination sleepers, hot sleepers, adjustable loft |
| Typical Lifespan | 2 to 3 years | 2 to 3 years |
King Memory Foam Pillow: Sizing and Fit
A king memory foam pillow measures 20 by 36 inches (51 by 91 centimetres), making it the largest standard pillow size available in Canada. For comparison, a standard pillow measures 20 by 26 inches and a queen pillow measures 20 by 30 inches. That extra width on a king pillow is not just about fitting a king-size bed properly. It provides genuine functional benefits for certain sleepers.
If you tend to move your head and arms around during the night, a king memory foam pillow gives you more surface area to work with. Restless sleepers who frequently shift positions often find that their head rolls off the edge of a standard pillow, disrupting their sleep. The additional 10 inches of width on a king pillow dramatically reduces this problem.
King pillows memory foam options are also popular among sleepers who like to hug or wrap their arms around their pillow. The extra length provides enough material to tuck beneath your arm or between your arms while still supporting your head properly. For side sleepers in particular, this can help reduce shoulder pressure by allowing you to position your lower arm in front of the pillow rather than beneath it.
Sizing Considerations for Canadian Beds
A king-size bed in Canada measures 76 by 80 inches. Two king pillows placed side by side span 72 inches, which fits neatly across the 76-inch width with a couple of inches to spare on each side. This is the standard configuration for king beds and creates a clean, balanced look.
If you have a queen-size bed (60 by 80 inches), king pillows will overhang the sides slightly. Many queen-bed owners prefer queen-size pillows (20 by 30 inches) for a better visual fit, though some still choose king pillows for the extra sleeping surface and simply accept the slight overhang.
| Pillow Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Best Bed Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20 x 26 | 51 x 66 | Twin, Twin XL, Double |
| Queen | 20 x 30 | 51 x 76 | Queen |
| King | 20 x 36 | 51 x 91 | King, Cal King |
When shopping for a memory foam king pillow, pay attention to the loft (height) as well as the length and width. King pillows come in low-profile (3 to 4 inches), medium (4.5 to 5.5 inches), and high-profile (6+ inches) versions. The right height depends on your sleep position and body size, which we cover in the loft section below.
King pillows memory foam construction also tends to be heavier than standard or queen sizes because of the additional material. A solid memory foam king pillow can weigh 4 to 6 pounds, while a shredded fill king pillow at full capacity may weigh 3 to 5 pounds. This is worth considering if you frequently travel with your pillow or if you have limited arm strength and find heavy pillows difficult to reposition.
Cooling and Gel Memory Foam Pillows
Heat retention is the single most common complaint about memory foam pillows. Your head accounts for roughly 10 percent of your total body heat loss, and when that heat gets trapped in a dense foam pillow, the sleeping surface warms up quickly. For hot sleepers, this can mean waking up in the middle of the night to flip the pillow to the cool side, a cycle that disrupts sleep quality.
Cooling memory foam pillows use several different technologies to address this issue. Understanding what each one actually does will help you choose a pillow that genuinely sleeps cooler rather than one that simply has "cooling" in its marketing copy.
Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Gel-infused memory foam pillows contain cooling gel particles mixed into the foam during manufacturing. The gel has a higher thermal conductivity than foam alone, meaning it transfers heat away from your head faster. This is the same technology used in gel foam mattresses, scaled down to pillow form.
The gel particles also act as phase-change materials in some formulations. They absorb heat energy as they soften slightly, pulling warmth away from the sleeper. The cooling effect is most noticeable in the first 20 to 30 minutes after you lie down, which is the critical window when your body is transitioning from wakefulness to sleep.
A gel-infused memory foam pillow will not feel cold to the touch like a refrigerated surface. What it will do is resist the progressive heat buildup that makes standard memory foam uncomfortable. The surface stays closer to a neutral temperature rather than climbing steadily warmer as the night goes on.
Ventilated and Open-Cell Designs
Some cooling memory foam pillows feature ventilation holes punched through the solid foam block. These holes create channels for air to flow through the pillow, carrying heat away from the surface. Open-cell memory foam takes a different approach by using a foam structure with interconnected air pockets rather than the sealed cells found in traditional memory foam.
Both methods improve airflow, which is the most effective way to manage pillow temperature over the full night. While gel infusion provides initial cooling through heat absorption, ventilation provides sustained cooling through continuous air exchange. The best cooling pillows combine both approaches: gel-infused, open-cell foam with ventilation channels.
Cooling Covers and Fabrics
The pillow cover plays a bigger role in surface temperature than most people realize. A memory foam pillow wrapped in a dense cotton or polyester cover will feel warmer than the same pillow in a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Many premium memory foam pillows now ship with covers made from Tencel (lyocell), bamboo-derived rayon, or specialty cooling fabrics that pull moisture away from the skin and allow heat to dissipate.
The bloom chill foam pillow, for instance, uses a combination of gel-infused foam and a cooling cover to create a sleep surface that addresses temperature regulation from both sides. The foam manages heat within the pillow structure, while the cover manages moisture and surface temperature at the contact point with your skin.
Machine Washable Memory Foam Pillow Options
One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional memory foam pillows is that they cannot be machine washed. Solid memory foam absorbs water like a sponge and takes an extremely long time to dry, creating a breeding ground for mould and mildew. The agitation of a washing machine can also tear the foam apart, destroying the pillow's structural integrity.
A machine washable memory foam pillow solves this problem through design engineering. These pillows typically use one of two approaches: a shredded fill that can withstand machine washing, or a proprietary foam formulation that resists water absorption and dries quickly.
Shredded Fill Washable Designs
Most machine washable memory foam pillow options use shredded fill enclosed in a durable inner liner. The individual foam pieces are small enough that water can circulate between them during the wash cycle, and they dry much faster than a solid block because air can reach all surfaces. The inner liner keeps the fill contained and prevents small pieces from escaping into your washing machine's drain.
When washing a shredded memory foam pillow, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Hot water can break down the foam's cellular structure, and harsh detergents can damage the material. Dry on low heat or air dry. Two full dryer cycles on low heat are often needed to ensure the fill is completely dry before use.
How Often to Wash
Even with a machine washable memory foam pillow, you do not need to wash it as frequently as you might think. Washing every three to four months is sufficient for most people. Between washes, use a pillow protector (a zippered encasement that goes between the pillow and your pillowcase) to keep body oils, sweat, and dust mites from reaching the foam.
The pillow protector should be washed every two to four weeks, and your pillowcase should be washed weekly along with your sheets. This layered approach keeps your pillow clean and extends its usable lifespan significantly.
| Item | Wash Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Pillowcase | Weekly | Machine wash warm, tumble dry |
| Pillow Protector | Every 2 to 4 weeks | Machine wash warm, tumble dry low |
| Shredded Memory Foam Pillow | Every 3 to 4 months | Gentle cycle, cold water, low heat dry |
| Solid Memory Foam Pillow | Spot clean only | Damp cloth, mild detergent, air dry |
Brand Comparison: Casper, Bloom, and Tempur
Three brands consistently come up when Canadian shoppers search for memory foam pillows: Casper, Bloom, and Tempur-Pedic. Each company takes a different approach to foam pillow design, and understanding their differences will help you narrow your search.
Casper Foam Pillow
The Casper foam pillow uses a dual-layer construction with a supportive inner foam core surrounded by a softer outer layer. This design gives the pillow a "pillow-in-a-pillow" feel that combines the contouring of memory foam with the softer surface texture of a traditional pillow. Many sleepers who find standard memory foam pillows too firm or too "dense" in feel appreciate this approach.
Casper's foam pillow is available in standard and king sizes and comes with a breathable percale cotton cover. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, meeting standards for low VOC emissions and restricted chemical content. The pillow is not machine washable, though the outer cover can be removed and washed.
The Casper foam pillow sits in the mid-range price category for memory foam pillows in Canada. It is a solid choice for back and combination sleepers who want moderate contouring without the heavy, dense feel of a traditional memory foam pillow. Side sleepers with broader shoulders may find it slightly too low in loft for proper alignment.
Bloom Chill Foam Pillow
The bloom chill foam pillow is designed specifically for temperature-sensitive sleepers. It combines gel-infused memory foam with a cooling cover fabric to address heat retention from both the inside and outside of the pillow. The "chill" designation refers to the cooling technology integrated into the foam formulation, not just the cover.
Bloom positions this pillow as a mid-to-high loft option, making it suitable for side sleepers and larger-framed back sleepers who need more height to fill the gap between their shoulder and head. The foam density is in the medium-to-high range, providing firm but yielding support that resists bottoming out under heavier heads.
The bloom chill foam pillow is one of the more popular cooling memory foam options in the Canadian market. It competes directly with higher-end cooling pillows from Tempur-Pedic but typically at a lower price point. If cooling is your primary concern and you sleep on your side or back, this pillow deserves a closer look.
Tempur Memory Foam Pillow
Tempur-Pedic (Tempur) is the original memory foam pillow brand, and the Tempur memory foam pillow line remains the benchmark against which most competitors are measured. Tempur uses its proprietary TEMPUR material, which is a higher-density memory foam that provides more pronounced contouring than most competitor foams.
The Tempur pillow range includes several distinct models. The TEMPUR-Cloud is the softest option, designed for stomach and back sleepers who prefer a lower-profile pillow. The TEMPUR-Neck pillow features the classic contoured ergonomic shape with a higher neck roll and lower head cradle. The TEMPUR-Adapt pillow offers a more traditional shape with the brand's signature slow-recovery foam feel.
Tempur memory foam pillow products typically sit at the highest price point in the Canadian market. The premium reflects the foam density (which is among the highest in the industry), the brand's extensive testing and certification programme, and the longer-than-average lifespan of Tempur foam. Many physiotherapists and chiropractors recommend Tempur pillows for patients with cervical spine issues.
The main critique of Tempur pillows is that they sleep warmer than many competitors. The high density of the foam means more material is absorbing and trapping heat. Tempur has addressed this in newer models with cooling gel and ventilation features, but their traditional solid foam pillows remain among the warmest memory foam options on the market.
| Feature | Casper Foam Pillow | Bloom Chill Foam Pillow | Tempur Memory Foam Pillow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Dual-layer (firm core, soft outer) | Gel-infused solid foam | Proprietary TEMPUR material |
| Cooling | Breathable cover; moderate | Gel-infused foam + cooling cover; strong | Varies by model; moderate to strong |
| Loft | Medium | Medium to high | Low to high (varies by model) |
| Foam Density | Medium | Medium to high | High |
| Sizes Available | Standard, King | Standard, Queen, King | Standard, Queen, King |
| Machine Washable | Cover only | Cover only | Cover only |
| Price Range (CAD) | $80 to $130 | $90 to $160 | $120 to $250+ |
| Best For | Back and combination sleepers | Hot side sleepers | Neck pain, dedicated side sleepers |
Pillow Loft by Sleep Position
Pillow loft, the height of the pillow when compressed under your head, is the single most important factor in achieving proper neck alignment. A pillow that is too high pushes your head forward, straining the muscles and ligaments at the back of your neck. A pillow that is too low lets your head drop, compressing the structures on one side and stretching them on the other. Both scenarios can lead to morning stiffness, headaches, and cumulative damage over time.
The right loft depends on your primary sleep position and your body size. Here is a detailed breakdown.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need the highest loft because the pillow must fill the entire space between the mattress surface and the side of the head. This gap is determined by your shoulder width. Broader shoulders create a wider gap and require a taller pillow; narrower shoulders need less height.
For most side sleepers, a loft of 4.5 to 6 inches works well. Larger-framed individuals with broad shoulders may need 6 to 7 inches. Petite side sleepers can often get proper alignment with 3.5 to 4.5 inches. A king memory foam pillow in the high-profile range (5.5 to 6.5 inches) is a popular choice for side sleepers on king beds because it provides both the height and width needed for stable support throughout the night.
The pillow should compress slightly under the weight of your head so that your spine forms a straight horizontal line from your lower back through your neck. If someone were to stand at the foot of the bed and look at you while you sleep on your side, your nose should be aligned with your sternum, not tilted up or down.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a medium-loft pillow that supports the natural inward curve (lordosis) of the cervical spine without pushing the head too far forward. A loft of 3 to 5 inches is typical for most back sleepers. The pillow should cradle the head while providing slightly more support under the neck.
Contoured memory foam pillows with a built-in neck roll are particularly effective for back sleepers. The raised edge supports the cervical curve while the lower centre section keeps the head at the proper angle. This design prevents the chin-to-chest posture that occurs when a back sleeper uses a pillow that is too thick.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleeping is the most challenging position for pillow selection because any significant loft forces the head into an extreme rotation that strains the neck. Stomach sleepers need the lowest loft possible, typically 2 to 3 inches, or they may benefit from sleeping without a pillow altogether.
If you sleep on your stomach and want to use a memory foam pillow, choose a thin, soft model. A low-profile solid memory foam pillow or a shredded foam pillow with most of the fill removed can provide just enough cushioning without pushing your head into an unnatural angle. Avoid king-size pillows for stomach sleeping because the additional width can create uncomfortable bunching beneath your face.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers who alternate between two or three positions during the night face a compromise. A pillow that is perfect for side sleeping will be too high for back sleeping, and too high for stomach sleeping. The best solution for combination sleepers is a shredded memory foam pillow adjusted to a medium loft (4 to 5 inches). The adjustable fill conforms to different positions as you shift, and the medium height provides reasonable alignment in both side and back positions.
| Sleep Position | Recommended Loft | Firmness | Best Pillow Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 4.5 to 6+ inches | Medium-firm to firm | Solid contoured or full shredded fill |
| Back | 3 to 5 inches | Medium | Contoured foam with neck roll |
| Stomach | 2 to 3 inches | Soft | Thin solid foam or reduced shredded fill |
| Combination | 4 to 5 inches | Medium | Adjustable shredded foam |
Pillow Density and Firmness Explained
Just like memory foam mattresses, memory foam pillows vary in density and firmness, and the two are not the same thing. Understanding the difference helps you interpret product specifications when shopping.
Density
Density measures how much the foam weighs per cubic foot (lb/ft3). It reflects the quality and durability of the material, not how soft or firm it feels. A higher-density foam has more material packed into each cubic foot, which means it lasts longer and provides more consistent support over time.
For memory foam pillows, density ranges typically fall into three categories:
- Low density (2.5 to 3.5 lb/ft3): Budget-friendly pillows that feel softer and compress more easily. They are adequate for light sleepers under 150 pounds but tend to break down within 12 to 18 months. The foam may develop permanent flat spots where your head rests most often.
- Medium density (3.5 to 4.5 lb/ft3): The sweet spot for most sleepers. These foams offer a good balance of comfort, support, and durability. They last two to three years with proper care and resist body impressions better than low-density options.
- High density (4.5 to 5.5 lb/ft3): Premium foams used by brands like Tempur-Pedic. They provide the deepest contouring, the most precise pressure relief, and the longest lifespan. High-density foams can last three to four years before needing replacement. They also tend to sleep warmer because the denser structure traps more heat.
Firmness
Firmness is measured by Indentation Load Deflection (ILD), the same scale used for mattress foams. A lower ILD means a softer pillow; a higher ILD means a firmer pillow. Most memory foam pillows range from 8 ILD (very soft) to 14 ILD (firm).
Your ideal pillow firmness depends on several factors. Body weight is one: heavier heads compress the foam more, so a firmer pillow may be needed to prevent bottoming out. Sleep position matters too: side sleepers generally benefit from a firmer pillow that maintains its height under sustained pressure, while back sleepers often prefer a medium firmness that allows slight compression without losing neck support.
When testing pillows in person, lie on the pillow in your primary sleep position for at least five minutes. The foam needs time to respond to your body heat and conform. A memory foam pillow that feels too firm in the first 30 seconds may feel considerably different after the foam has warmed up and begun to mould around you.
When to Replace Your Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam pillows do not last forever, despite what some marketing materials might suggest. The foam gradually loses its ability to spring back to its original shape, the cellular structure breaks down, and the pillow accumulates biological material (dust mites, skin cells, body oils, and sweat) that cannot be fully removed through surface cleaning.
The General Rule
Most sleep experts and pillow manufacturers recommend replacing memory foam pillows every two to three years. This timeline applies to medium-to-high-density foams used under normal conditions with a pillowcase and pillow protector. Lower-density foams may need replacement after 12 to 18 months, while the highest-density Tempur-grade foams can sometimes last three to four years.
Signs Your Pillow Needs Replacing
Beyond the calendar timeline, there are physical signs that indicate your memory foam pillow has reached the end of its functional life:
- The fold test: Fold the pillow in half and release it. A healthy memory foam pillow will spring back to its full shape within a few seconds. If it stays folded or takes a long time to unfold, the foam has lost its resilience.
- Permanent impressions: If you can see a visible indentation where your head rests, even when the pillow has been sitting unused for hours, the foam cells have broken down and can no longer provide proper support.
- Morning neck pain: If you are waking up with a stiff or sore neck that was not present when the pillow was new, the loss of support is likely the cause. Your head is sinking deeper than it should, throwing your cervical spine out of alignment.
- Lumps or flat spots: In shredded foam pillows, the individual pieces can break down unevenly, creating lumpy areas and flat zones. If refluffing no longer creates a smooth, even surface, the fill has deteriorated.
- Odour: A persistent smell that does not dissipate after airing the pillow out suggests that body oils and biological material have penetrated deep into the foam where they cannot be cleaned.
- Allergy symptoms: Increased sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes upon waking can indicate dust mite accumulation in the pillow. While protectors help, they do not eliminate dust mite penetration entirely over two to three years of nightly use.
Extending Pillow Lifespan
While you cannot stop the foam from eventually breaking down, you can slow the process:
- Always use a pillow protector between the pillow and the pillowcase.
- Air the pillow out weekly by removing it from the pillowcase and protector and placing it in a well-ventilated area for a few hours.
- For shredded foam pillows, fluff the fill daily to prevent compression in one area.
- Keep the pillow dry. If you sweat heavily at night, consider a moisture-wicking pillow protector to reduce the amount of moisture reaching the foam.
- Do not stack heavy objects on top of memory foam pillows during storage. Sustained compression can permanently deform the foam.
How to Choose the Right Memory Foam Pillow
With dozens of options on the Canadian market, narrowing down to the right memory foam pillow can feel complicated. Here is a step-by-step approach that simplifies the decision.
Step 1: Identify Your Primary Sleep Position
Your sleep position determines the loft and firmness you need. Be honest about how you actually sleep, not how you think you should sleep. If you are unsure, pay attention over several nights or ask your partner to observe. Most people have a dominant position they spend the majority of the night in, even if they shift occasionally.
Step 2: Decide Between Solid and Shredded
If you want precise, consistent support and you know exactly what loft works for you, choose a solid memory foam pillow. If you want the ability to adjust the loft, prefer cooler sleeping, or want a machine washable option, shredded foam pillows are the better choice.
Step 3: Consider Temperature
If you sleep hot, prioritize gel-infused foam, ventilated construction, or a cooling cover. The bloom chill foam pillow and similar cooling-focused models should be on your shortlist. If temperature is not a major concern, standard memory foam will work fine and is often less expensive.
Step 4: Choose Your Size
Match your pillow size to your bed size and your personal preference for sleeping surface area. A king memory foam pillow is ideal for king beds and restless sleepers. Standard and queen sizes work well for smaller beds and sleepers who prefer a more compact pillow.
Step 5: Test in Person
This is the most important step. Memory foam pillows vary significantly between brands in terms of feel, density, response time, and temperature. Reading specifications online can only tell you so much. Lying on a pillow in your natural sleeping position for several minutes gives you information that no product description can provide.
"People spend hours researching mattresses but grab a pillow off the shelf in 30 seconds. That is backwards. Your pillow is the last thing you feel before you fall asleep and the first thing you notice when you wake up. We always tell our customers to bring their own pillowcase to the showroom and test a few options in their actual sleep position. Five minutes on each pillow tells you more than five hours of reading reviews online."
- Dorothy, Mattress Miracle (serving Brantford since 1997)
Caring for Your Memory Foam Pillow
Proper care extends the life of your memory foam pillow and keeps it hygienic. The approach differs depending on whether you have a solid or shredded design.
Solid Memory Foam Pillows
Solid memory foam pillows should never be machine washed or submerged in water. The dense foam absorbs moisture and takes days to dry completely, creating conditions for mould growth inside the pillow where you cannot see it.
To clean a solid memory foam pillow, spot-treat stains with a cloth dampened with a solution of mild detergent and water. Blot the stained area gently without saturating the foam. After treating the stain, blot with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue, then allow the pillow to air dry completely before putting the cover back on.
For odour removal, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it off with the upholstery attachment. This absorbs trapped odours without introducing moisture into the foam.
Shredded Memory Foam Pillows
Shredded foam pillows with a machine washable designation can go in the washing machine, but follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. As a general rule: use cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, and no fabric softener (which can coat the foam and reduce its responsiveness). Dry on the lowest heat setting, and expect to run two or three dryer cycles to get the fill fully dry.
Between machine washes, you can refresh a shredded foam pillow by removing the cover and spreading the fill out on a clean surface in a well-ventilated room for a few hours. This allows trapped moisture and odours to dissipate and gives the foam pieces a chance to expand back to their full size.
Pillow Protectors
A waterproof, breathable pillow protector is the single best investment you can make to extend your pillow's life. It blocks sweat, body oils, saliva, and dust mites from reaching the foam while still allowing air to pass through. Quality protectors cost $15 to $40 and can double the usable lifespan of your pillow by keeping the foam clean and dry.
Memory Foam Pillows at Mattress Miracle
At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we carry a curated selection of memory foam pillows chosen for quality, comfort, and value. Rather than stocking dozens of mediocre options, we focus on pillows that we have personally tested and that consistently receive positive feedback from our customers.
Our pillow selection includes solid contoured designs for dedicated side and back sleepers, shredded foam pillows with adjustable loft for combination sleepers, and cooling gel-infused options for hot sleepers. We carry standard, queen, and king sizes, including king pillows memory foam models that pair perfectly with the king mattresses in our showroom.
What makes our approach different is the fitting process. When you visit our store, Brad, Dorothy, or Talia will ask about your sleep position, any neck or shoulder issues, your temperature preferences, and your current pillow. We then have you lie on a mattress in your natural sleep position and test two or three pillow options side by side. This hands-on comparison takes about 10 minutes and virtually eliminates the guesswork of choosing a pillow online.
We also carry a full range of bedding accessories including pillow protectors, cooling pillowcases, and mattress pads that complement your pillow choice. And if you are also in the market for a new mattress, testing your pillow on the actual mattress you plan to buy gives you the most accurate sense of how the two will work together. Our memory foam mattress guide covers everything you need to know about choosing a foam mattress to go with your new pillow.
We have been helping Canadian families sleep better since 1997, and pillow selection is a conversation we have with customers every single day. Whether you need a king memory foam pillow for your new bed, a machine washable memory foam pillow for easy care, or a cooling option to keep you comfortable through the summer, we can help you find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pillow upgrade? Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford carries memory foam pillows in standard, queen, and king sizes, including shredded and cooling options. Dorothy says the pillow is the most underrated part of the sleep setup. A $30 pillow on a $1,000 mattress is like putting cheap tires on a sports car. Come feel the difference. Call (519) 770-0001.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Can you wash a memory foam pillow in the washing machine?
Most solid memory foam pillows should not go in the washing machine because the agitation can tear the foam apart and the dense material takes too long to dry, risking mould growth. However, certain shredded memory foam pillows with machine washable covers and fill are designed for machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water. Always check the care label before washing. A machine washable memory foam pillow typically uses a protective inner liner that keeps the shredded fill contained during the wash cycle.
What size is a king memory foam pillow in Canada?
A king memory foam pillow in Canada typically measures 20 by 36 inches (51 by 91 centimetres). This is 10 inches wider than a standard pillow, which measures 20 by 26 inches. King pillows memory foam options are designed for king-size beds and provide extra surface area for sleepers who move around at night or prefer more room for arm positioning. Two king pillows placed side by side span 72 inches, fitting neatly across a 76-inch king bed.
How often should you replace a memory foam pillow?
Memory foam pillows should be replaced every two to three years. Over time, the foam loses its ability to spring back to its original shape, and the pillow accumulates dust mites, dead skin cells, and body oils that cannot be fully removed through cleaning. If your pillow no longer returns to its full loft after you fold it in half and release it, it is time for a replacement. Using a pillow protector and proper care can help you reach the three-year mark.
Is shredded memory foam better than solid memory foam for pillows?
Shredded foam pillows offer adjustable loft and better airflow than solid memory foam pillows. You can add or remove fill to match your preferred height and firmness. Solid memory foam pillows provide a more consistent, contoured surface that does not shift during the night. Side sleepers who want precise neck support often prefer solid contoured designs, while back and combination sleepers tend to favour the flexibility of shredded fill. Neither is objectively better; the right choice depends on your sleep position and preferences.
Can I try memory foam pillows in person near Brantford?
Yes. Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street in Brantford carries a selection of memory foam pillows in standard, queen, and king sizes, including shredded fill and cooling gel options. Dorothy and Talia can help you test different loft levels and materials to find the right match for your sleep position. The store is open seven days a week: Monday to Wednesday 10 to 6, Thursday and Friday 10 to 7, Saturday 10 to 5, and Sunday 12 to 4.
Are king size memory foam pillows different from standard memory foam pillows?
Yes - and the difference is more than just size. A king size memory foam pillow measures 20 by 36 inches (compared with 20 by 26 for standard, 20 by 30 for queen), giving roughly 38% more surface area than standard. The practical use case: two king pillows side-by-side span the full 76-inch width of a king mattress, which is the look most people expect from a hotel-style king bed. Functionally, the larger surface lets you shift positions through the night without sliding off the pillow - meaningful for combination sleepers. Construction-wise, quality king memory foam pillows use the same density and fill as their smaller siblings (3-5 lb/ft³ for solid memory foam; adjustable shredded fill works equally well at king size), but the larger volume means they hold heat slightly more than standard pillows, which is why king pillows are increasingly sold with gel-infused or open-cell foam to compensate. Look for CertiPUR-US certification - it verifies low VOC emissions and absence of formaldehyde, heavy metals, and PBDE flame retardants. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (Persson and Moritz, 1998) found cervical-roll pillows reduce neck pain measurably compared to standard rectangular designs, and that finding holds at king size - the contour shape matters more than the pillow's footprint. Talia, on our showroom floor, mentions a recurring oversight: customers buying king memory foam pillows sometimes don't replace pillowcases at the same time, and a queen-sized case on a king pillow leaves the foam exposed at one end. Browse the pillows collection for current king options. Our Somnia 3.0 posture pillow and Somnia 4.5 Contour Pillow are our cervical-support standouts.
Sources
- Gordon, S. J., Grimmer-Somers, K. A., & Trott, P. H. (2011). Pillow use: The behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality, and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy, 16(6), 621-626. doi:10.1016/j.math.2011.06.006
- Sacco, I. C., et al. (2015). Effect of pillow height on the biomechanics of the head-neck complex: Investigation of the cranio-cervical pressure and cervical spine alignment. PeerJ, 3, e1191. doi:10.7717/peerj.1191
- Okamoto-Mizuno, K., & Mizuno, K. (2012). Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 31(1), 14. doi:10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Custovic, A., et al. (1996). Effect of pillow type on house dust mite allergen levels. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 26(10), 1140-1146. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.1996.tb00501.x
- CertiPUR-US. (2025). CertiPUR-US Certification Standards for Flexible Polyurethane Foam. Retrieved from https://certipur.us/
Find Your Perfect Memory Foam Pillow at Mattress Miracle
Stop guessing which pillow will work and start testing them. Our Brantford showroom has memory foam pillows in every style: solid contoured, shredded fill, cooling gel, and king-size options ready for you to try in your natural sleep position. Brad, Dorothy, and Talia have been helping Canadian families find the right sleep products since 1997. See our cornerstone best pillow for side sleepers in Canada for the full pillow buying framework.
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON N3R 3V9
(519) 770-0001
Store Hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday and Friday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Family-owned since 1997. 4.9-star Google rating. White glove delivery available.