Memory Foam Pillows

Invented by NASA for use by astronauts, traditional memory foam is a man-made product created from polyurethane. Pillows made from this cushiony, weight-absorbing material compress under pressure and help distribute weight evenly. Traditional memory foam can be molded into almost any shape, shredded for use as a filler, or combined with other materials for additional versatility.

Although it shares many features with traditional memory foam, latex is a natural product derived from the sap of rubber trees. Used either alone or in combination with memory foam, latex produces pillows of exceptional durability and comfort. Many sleepers love the soft, springy texture of 100-percent latex pillows, and the hypoallergenic material is ideal for people with allergies.

Gel memory foam pillows are often created by infusing cooling gel into the memory foam. The gel helps keep you cool throughout the night by improving air flow and dispersing heat. Manufacturers also combine the two materials in dual-layer pillows featuring a layer of memory foam on one side and a layer of gel on the other.

Derived from bamboo plants, a sustainable natural resource, bamboo charcoal provides deodorizing and heat-regulating qualities when added to memory foam. It also wicks away moisture, helping you stay dry as you sleep. As an added benefit, this organic product resists bacteria, so you know your pillow is hygienic.

A great choice for side sleepers, memory foam body pillows are also an excellent resource for expectant mothers since they can provide extra support for your stomach. Typically long and narrow in shape, body pillows allow you to place the pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned and help relieve back or hip pain. Side sleepers may also hug the pillow as they sleep to help alleviate shoulder pressure and discomfort.

Contour pillows are designed with a curved surface. The most common type of contour pillow cradles your neck while you sleep, permitting your spine to maintain its natural curvature. The pillow's ergonomic shape also keeps your neck stable as you slumber, helping prevent morning pain and stiffness in your neck muscles and tendons. You can also find contoured pillows that have a curve specially designed to fit your knee or thigh to relieve stress on your back.