Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadioThe right pillow can make the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up with a sore neck. But given you usually can’t try before you buy, it can be surprisingly difficult to figure out which pillow will actually work for you.Wirecutter sleep writer Shaena Montanari explains how to choose a pillow based on your sleep position, what makes a pillow supportive, and how to tell when yours has reached the end of its life. She also breaks down the major pillow materials, what to look for before you buy, and why it’s probably time to wash your current pillows.This episode coversYour sleep position should guide your pillow choice. Side-, back-, and stomach-sleepers need different amounts of height and support, so start by figuring out how you actually sleep before shopping.The goal is spinal alignment. The right pillow should keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your body while you sleep.A pillow that’s too soft may not stay supportive. Pillows compress over the course of the night, and many people end up needing more firmness or height than they initially expect.Pillows don’t last forever. Synthetic fills such as memory foam and down alternative generally start breaking down after a few years, while materials like down and latex can last longer with proper care. Shaena recommends replacing your pillows every three years.Products we recommendCloud-like down for all sleep positions Garnet Hill Signature White Down Pillow (firm)Garnet Hill Signature White Down Pillow (firm)A top pick since 2019, this soft down pillow is universally loved by testers of all sleep positions.Buying options: $199 from Garnet Hill, opens in a new tab(standard)Best single-piece memory-foam pillow Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProHi PillowTempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProHi PillowThis beloved pillow is made with luxurious memory foam that is responsive and contours to your head. You can try it in various stores, but you can’t return it.Buying options: $175 from Walmart, opens in a new tab(queen)$175 from Wayfair, opens in a new tab(queen)An inexpensive single-piece foam pillow, with ample support Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow The most affordable memory-foam pillow we tried is also one of our favorite one-piece foam pillows.Buying options: $35 from Amazon, opens in a new tab(queen)Fluffy-yet-supportive down alternative Boll and Branch Down Alternative PillowBoll and Branch Down Alternative PillowThis down alternative pillow offers the soft, cradling feel of real down for half the price.Buying options: $119 from Nordstrom, opens in a new tab(king)$119 from Boll & Branch, opens in a new tab(king)Structured down alternative perfect for side sleepers Hotel Collection Luxe Down Alternative Firm Density PillowHotel Collection Luxe Down Alternative Firm Density PillowSide sleepers adored this hefty down alternative pillow, but it’s an acquired taste.Buying options: $84 from Macy's, opens in a new tab(king)Best adjustable memory-foam pillow Coop Original Adjustable PillowCoop Original Adjustable PillowFilled with pieces of cross-cut memory foam, this pillow has the loftiest customizable filling we tested, and testers adored its fluffy feel.Buying options: $89 from Amazon, opens in a new tab(queen)$89 from Walmart, opens in a new tab(queen)Firmer adjustable shredded memory foam, but pricier Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam PillowBrooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam PillowThis pillow is more expensive than our top adjustable pick but has a slightly firmer feel, which side sleepers loved.Buying options: $99 from Brooklyn Bedding, opens in a new tab(queen)Shaena’s favorite bag Baggu Standard BagBaggu Standard BagConvenient to carry, this reusable tote is surprisingly durable and can hold up to 50 pounds. You can wipe it clean or throw it in the wash after unloading your groceries, and it packs down into a tiny carrying case.Buying options: DEAL, original price $46, sale price $28 from Nordstrom Rack (pack of three), opens in a new tabWith store pickup (fancy animals)DEAL, original price $46, sale price $28 from Nordstrom Rack (pack of three), opens in a new tabWith store pickup (Western cut oats)$48 from Amazon, opens in a new tab(pack of three)$16 from REI, opens in a new tab$16 from Baggu, opens in a new tab