Top 10 Best Extra Firm Pillows
for September 2023

MOOZ Themes editors select recommendations independently, so your purchase through our link may earn us a commission.

Lots of pillows promise to contour to your head and keep you comfortable, but not all pillows are the same. A pillow's firmness, softness, and texture all affect how comfortable it is. Pillow firmness refers to how firm the pillow is. A pillow that's too firm may leave you feeling stuck in the pillow, while a pillow that's too soft won't support your head or neck. Pillow softness refers to how soft the pillow is. A pillow that's too firm may feel too firm, while a pillow that's too soft may be too squishy. Pillow texture refers to how soft or smooth the pillow is. A pillow that's too firm may feel too firm, while a pillow that's too soft may be too squishy.

In the MOOZ Themes Reviews Lab, we test pillows for performance, including firmness, softness, and texture. We also evaluate each pillow for durability, including how the pillow holds up after multiple washes.

Pillows are rated by comfort, quality of construction, and price. Our picks for the best extra firm pillows are based on our comprehensive testing and knowledge within this category for reviewing specifications and documentation. That said, these are the best extra firm pillows you can buy in 2022:

1
9.5
SCORE

The Sealy Elite Extra Firm Bed Pillow doesn't look like much, but it's one of the softest and most comfortable pillows we've ever tested. Unlike most memory foam pillows, which tend to go flat after a few months, the Sealy Elite maintains its shape even after months of daily use. The pillow is soft, but not too soft, and it contours to your head and shoulders. We also liked how the pillow stayed cool, even after several hours of lying on it. Plus, the pillow has a soft, breathable cover, and it's machine washable. We especially liked that the pillow has a 1.5-inch gusset, which increases its length, making it a better fit for side sleepers. The pillow is slightly firm, so it conforms to your head, shoulders, and spine, without sinking in. The pillow fits standard queen beds, but we recommend setting it on a standard pillowcase, so it won't cover the end of the bed.

2
9.5
SCORE
SensorPEDIC SofLOFT Density Pillow 2 Pack, Standard (Pack of 1), Extra Firm 2 Count

SensorPEDIC SofLOFT Density 2 Pillow Pack

by Soft-Tex International, Inc.

MOISTURE WICKING FABRIC- Nanotex Coolest Comfort Technology enhances breathability though moisture wicking to provide temperature regulating comfort throughout the night

SensorPEDIC's SofLoft pillows are a decent value, offering good support for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers. The memory foam formulation keeps the pillows soft and comfortable, and the soft fabric covers are well made and easy to clean. The medium density pillow is best suited for stomach sleepers, and the firm density pillow is best for back sleepers. The medium density pillow is slightly firmer than our previous pick, the Storz & Bickel PillowPillow, but it isn't uncomfortable. The medium density pillow is slightly less comfortable than the Storz & Bickel PillowPillow, but it's less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, the SensorPEDIC SofLoft is probably a better value. The medium density pillow is also rated slightly higher by reviewers, earning them a slightly lower overall score.

3
9.2
SCORE
HOMBYS Never Go Flat Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillows 2 Pack, Queen Size Extra Firm Pillow High Support, Adjustable Bed Pillow for Sleeping, Removable Bamboo Cover, No Pillowcase Required

HOMBYS Never Go Flat Bamboo Memory Shredded Foam Pillows 2 Pack

by HOMBYS

Immerse yourself in Peaceful Sleep Our shredded memory foam pillow provides your neck, shoulder efficient support throughout the night. It works well for Side Sleeper, Back Sleeper and a Stomach Sleeper Pillow,CertiPUR-US Certified

These pillows are so comfortable. The bamboo fabric and memory foam fill are both super soft, and the pillows are supportive enough that you can still get a great night's sleep without waking up with a sore neck or shoulders. The pillows are a little on the higher side, though, so if you have a petite frame, the pillows might be a little large for you. Also, the memory foam fill can be a little firm, so if you're not into sleeping on hard pillows, the HOMBYS pillows might not be the right choice for you. The pillows are expensive, but for what you get, they're probably worth it.

4
9
SCORE
SETORE Extra Firm Pillows for Sleeping,Neck Support Contour Pillow,Cervical,Orthopedic Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief,Ergonomic Tencel Washable Bed Pillows for Stomach,Back,Side Sleepers

SETORE Extra Firm Pillows for Sleeping

by SETORE

3.Wave Structure Design The wave design on the pillow surface reduces pressure to the face,Also distracts the pressure on the face, allows heat to move away from your head reducing temperature build up, and supports air to circulate for increased comfort. It is arched and rounded in all the correct places to provide additional supportreduce neck pain and the incidence of snoring.

For people who are used to sleeping on a soft pillow, the extra firm contour pillow from Setore may feel too firm at first. But the firmness is ideal for people who sleep on their back and side, or for people who sleep on their stomach. The pillow has cylindrical structure, which is ideal for supporting the natural curvature of your neck. The pillow is also thin and lightweight, and can be easily carried around. The pillow also has antibacterial hypoallergenic material, so it's safe for people with allergies. The pillow is also made from Tencel fabric, which is made from wood cellulose, and is lighter than cotton and linen. The Tencel material makes the pillow breathable, so it's easy to wick sweat and exhaust. The pillow is also machine washable, so you can clean the pillow and pillow case easily. The pillow also comes with an extra pillow case, so you can wash the pillow case and pillow core separately. The pillow is thin and lightweight, so it's easy to carry around. The pillow is also machine washable.

5
8.5
SCORE
Lipo Premium Quilted Bed Pillows for Sleeping, Standard Pillows Set of 2, Luxurious Down Alternative Pillow for Side Sleepers, Cooling & Firm Pillow 20 x 26 Inch, White

Lipo Premium Quilted Pillows Bed for Sleeping

by Sepoveda

GOOD SUPPORT & PROPER SOFTNESS- Filled by premium 60% 6D & 40% 0.9D polyester, these soft pillows will provide adequate support of about 5 inches when you sleep with head resting on it, and perfectly balance the pressure of head, neck, and shoulder, to create a three-point curve for wonderful support to protect your cervical spine. Expertly tailored, maximum comfort for all sleeping positions.

The Lipo Premium Quilted Bed Pillows for Sleeping are a nice upgrade from standard pillows. They're thick, comfortable and well-constructed, and the stitching is uniform and tight. The filling is dense and firm, so the pillows aren't as soft as down pillows, but it's a comfortable tradeoff. The down alternative filling is dense yet soft, and it stays fluffy after washing. The fill is evenly distributed, so pillows are neither too firm nor too soft. The down alternative filling is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. They're also washable, which is a big plus. Our only complaint is that the pillows are a little on the expensive side. They sell for $119.99 on Amazon, which is double the price of our favorite down alternative pillows. They're also much larger than most standard pillows, so they're a good choice for side sleepers, but most people will be more comfortable using standard pillows.

6
8.5
SCORE
SOMITO HOME Bed Pillows for Sleeping Queen Size 20 x 30 Inches, Hypoallergenic Pillow for Side and Back Sleeper, Gel Hotel Pillows Set of 2, Down Alternative Cooling Pillow, Firm/Medium

SOMITO HOME Bed Pillows for Sleeping Size Queen 20 x 30 Inches

by SOMITO HOME

BE ASSURED TO BUY: These vacuum packed queen pillows measure 20 x 30 inches, allow at least 24 hours for them to fluff up completely. Each pillow also comes with 1 year to protect your pillows against manufacturer defects.

The Somito Home Gel Pillows are the most comfortable pillows we've ever tested. They're soft, comfortable, and breathable, and they don't collapse during the night, so they'll keep your head elevated throughout the night. The pillows are stuffed with hypoallergenic fiber fill and come with a removable and washable cover, so they're easy to clean. The pillows are also great for those suffering from respiratory issues because they're hypoallergenic, so you'll never have to worry about any allergies, asthma, or breathing issues. The Somito Home Gel Pillows also come with a two-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong, you can contact the company customer service and send them back to receive a replacement. The Somito Home Gel Pillows are the best pillows we've ever tested, and if you're in the market for a new pillow, you absolutely have to give them a try.

7
7.6
SCORE
Bedsure Standard Pillows for Sleeping, Bed Pillows Hotel Quality, Firm Pillows Standard Size Set of 2 Supportive, Down Alternative Pillow for Side and Back Sleeper (Standard, 20x26 inches, 2 Pack)…

Bedsure Standard Pillows for Sleeping

by Bedsure Sleep Solutions

90 GSM Brushed Polyester Washed Cover: Provides luxury comfy plush feeling and a comfortable sleep experience throughout the night.

The Bedsure Standard Pillows support your head, neck, and back well, and they offer just the right amount of firmness. The pillows have a soft fill, so they don't provide as much contouring support as down pillows, but if you're looking for a soft pillow that stays fluffy and doesn't flatten out, these pillows are a good choice. These pillows are also very comfortable, and they don't require a lot of fluffing. They're also fairly durable, though they can get flattened if you sit on them, so it's a good idea to fluff them after every use. The 20x26-inch size is great, and these pillows come in a package of two, so they're perfect for sharing.

8
7.6
SCORE
Molblly King Size Pillows 2 Pack, Shredded Memory Foam Bed Firm Pillows for Sleeping Set of 2, Adjustable Loft Bed Pillows with Washable Hypoallergenic Cover for Back and Side Sleeper King Pillows

Molblly King Size Pillows 2 Pack

by Molblly

FULLY ADJUSTABLE MOLBLLY KING PILLOWS, Experiencing pain, snoring or tossing and turning are all signs of sleeping wrong. Our unique adjustable design allows you to access the memory foam fill, which you can add or take off to suit your size, shape or sleep position . Sleep comfortably and finally maintain balance. This is your pillow! It can provide maximum comfort in any sleeping position and is ideal for sleeping on the side, abdomen and back. SLEEP is Perfect!

The MOLLbly 2 Pack King Pillows is a great pillow for side and back sleepers. The memory foam is super soft, and conforms to your head and body. The pillow is well-made, and the filling is responsive and evenly dispersed. The pillow comes with a washable cover, and it's comfortable, but not quite as comfortable as our top pick. By comparison, the MOLLbly has a thinner memory foam layer, which pushes your head forward a bit. It also tends to get a bit hot, although it's breathable. The MOLLbly King Pillows also has a lower loft, which makes it less comfortable for stomach sleepers. The MOLLbly King Pillows is a great value for the price, and it's comfortable and supportive enough for everyday use.

9
7.6
SCORE
NEIPOTA Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size Set of 2, Hotel Collection Gel Plush Fiber Pillows 2 Pack, Down Alternative Cooling Pillow with Soft and Firm Fluffy, Pillows for Side and Back Sleeper

NEIPOTA Bed Pillows for Sleeping Size King Set of 2

by NEIPOTA

WHAT IS LUXURY PILLOWS: We add cool Tencel to the imported organic Egyptian cotton fabric, this special ratio will effectively resistance harmful substances and hypoallergenic. These high-thread-count pillows with golden piping make the hand feel more soft and breathable that gives a posh. This 20x36in bed pillows for sleeping enables you to have a five-star hotel quality at home.

The NEIPOTA bed pillows for sleeping king-size set is a really comfortable set, and it's one of the more comfortable pillow sets that we've tested. The pillows are soft but supportive, and they conform well to the shape of your head. The pillows are medium-firm and great for side, stomach, and back sleepers. The pillows have three layers of filling, and the top layer is filled with elastic fiber, the middle layer is filled with plush gel fiber, and the bottom layer is filled with down-like fiber. The pillows are soft and fluffy, and the entire pillow feels nice and soft. The pillows are relatively light, which makes traveling with them easier. The pillows are hypoallergenic, so they're a good choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin. The pillows also have antimicrobial treatment, which helps keep bacteria from growing. The pillows are vacuum-sealed and arrive in a box, and because it's vacuum-sealed, the pillows stay fluffy and compressed, so they don't take up a lot of space. The pillows are also machine washable, and they're easy to dry. The pillows are backed by a 120-night money-back guarantee and a 1-year manufacturer's defect warranty.

10
7.2
SCORE
Wishsmile Shredded Memory Foam Pillows for Sleeping Firm Support Bed Pillow King Size Set of 2 with Zipper, Adjustable Firmness to Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers and Stomach Sleepers,2 Pack,20x36

Wishsmile Shredded Memory Foam Pillows for Sleeping Firm Support Pillow Bed King Size Set of 2 with Zipper

by WISHSMILE

Customize Your Comfort: taking everyone`s special sleep habits in account, Wishsmile shredded foam pillows are made to be adjustable and moldable,it allows you to control the height and firmness.With convenient zipper on the edge, it takes no efforts to add or remove foam fillings to adjust the height and customize your comfort to your preference.

These pillows have a straightforward design, they're comfortable, and they come in a variety of sizes, so they're good for anyone who sleeps on his or her side. The pillows are made with high-quality memory foam, so they are fairly firm. However, the shredded memory foam fill means that they are softer than solid memory foam pillows, so they're better for people who sleep mainly on their sides. The pillows are also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, so they're a good option for people who have allergies or are sensitive to allergens. The pillows are well-made, and the outer cover and inner liner can be washed and dried in your machines. The shredded memory foam filling may not last as long as solid memory foam, so these pillows aren't great for long-term use, but they are durable enough for most people. The pillows are also relatively affordable, so they're a good value.

expand_less

I Agree
We use cookies to enhance and personalise your experience with us by collecting information about the pages you visit and actions taken on the site. More details