Latest news with #EmmyFavilla
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 6 Best King-Size Pillows For Comfortable Support And Extra Space
Whether you have a larger bed or simply crave extra space and support for your head while sleeping, the best king-size pillows provide unrivaled comfort. The ideal pillow for you depends on your body type, sleeping position and material preference. After testing and researching dozens of options, we chose the Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow as our top pick overall, as it can accommodate a wide variety of sleepers due to its adjustable, supportive feel. The best king-size pillows offer ample support while fitting comfortably in your sleep space. Our ... More picks include options from Coop Sleep Goods, Tempur-Pedic and more. But if the Coop's shredded memory foam doesn't appeal to you, we rounded up five other options that vary in fill, construction, firmness and loft. As Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, a board-certified physician and certified sleep specialist, explains: 'The right pillow will provide the support needed to keep your head, neck and spine in neutral alignment while sleeping.' From latex to down, these king-size pillows suit a range of needs. Coop Sleep Goods Fill: Crosscut memory foam and microfiber | Cover fabric: Lulltra (bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester blend) | Loft: Adjustable | Trial/warranty: 100-night trial; five-year warranty Best for: Skip if: This adjustable pillow from Coop Sleep Goods has been a Forbes Vetted favorite for several years now. It uses shredded memory foam and microfiber for its fill, which allows it to be more responsive and breathable than solid foam. The pillow comes with an extra half pound of fill so you can add (or remove) as much as you like. Along with the standard rectangular shape, the Original Adjustable Pillow comes in a crescent shape specifically for side sleepers who also sleep on their backs and a cutout shape for strict side sleepers. Just note that those cost more. I tested this pillow for about two weeks and found it offers a contouring, supportive feel that fits my needs as a side and back sleeper. Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla has been using this pillow every night for the last four months and says it quickly became her new go-to, adding that 'it's comfortable no matter what position I'm sleeping in.' It's also easy to care for, as both the pillow and outer cover are machine washable. Amazon Fill material: Down alternative | Cover fabric: Polyester microfiber | Loft: Unspecified | Trial/warranty: 30-day trial through Amazon; one-year warranty Pros: Cons: This set of down-alternative pillows comes in soft and medium firmness options; soft is recommended for stomach sleepers, while medium is best for back and side sleepers. Over 23,500 reviewers have given the pillows a 5-star rating, with many complimenting their soft yet supportive feel. The down-alternative fill is also a good option for those who suffer from allergies, and you can machine-wash and dry the pillows to ensure cleanliness. Our testers also say the pillows hold up over time with no signs of flattening or getting lumpy after multiple washes and months of use. However, since they do have a fluffier feel to them, you may need to periodically fluff them. Along with the competitive price tag, Amazon Basics offers a 30-day return window and one-year warranty. Tempur-Pedic Fill material: Memory foam | Cover fabric: Polyester knit | Loft: 5 inches | Trial/warranty: No trial; five-year warranty Best for: Skip if: The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow features the brand's popular memory foam, Tempur-Material, which is known for its cozy, moldable and cradling feel. Our tester describes the foam as doughy, soft and slow-moving—offering great support and pressure relief for back and stomach sleepers. (This particular pillow is not designed for side sleepers.) The pillow's cover is removable and washable, and you can easily compress the pillow to take it on the go. Though our tester didn't experience any overheating with the Tempur-Cloud, you can upgrade to a cooling version if you tend to sleep hot. Purple Fill material: Talalay latex, polyester | Cover fabric: 92% nylon fiber, 8% spandex fiber | Loft: 5.5, 6.5 or 7.5 inches | Trial/warranty: 100-night trial; one-year warranty Best for: Skip if: Unlike the majority of pillows I've tested, the Purple Harmony Pillow doesn't require constant flipping throughout the night to find the cool side. This is thanks to its breathable cover, Talalay latex and proprietary GelFlex Grid, which allow for air to pass through the pillow more easily. Along with regulating temperature, these materials offer a nontraditional feel (similar to a gel shoe insole) that I find to be extremely comfortable and supportive. There's a nice level of give, but there's no need to fluff the pillow the next day thanks to the bounciness and strength of the materials. The Harmony is offered in three different heights, so you can pick the right one for your needs. The lowest is recommended for stomach and back sleepers, while the middle and tallest are recommended for side or combination sleepers. Casper Sleep Fill material: Polyester microfiber | Cover fabric: Cotton | Loft: 9 inches | Trial/warranty: 30-night trial; one-year warranty Pros: Cons: The Casper has a pillow-in-pillow design to provide a soft yet supportive feel. I tested this pillow for several months and found it to be comfortable for side and back sleeping, with the right amount of sinkage. It now lives in my guest room and has stayed in great shape for more than three years. It's a little denser than most down pillows, such as the Parachute Down Pillow, but it still offers enough contouring for your head and neck. As one of our testers describes it: It has a give and feel that's similar to classic down, but is less squishy. You can also throw the entire pillow into the washer and dryer for easy cleaning. Just note the Casper has the highest loft (height) on this list, which may not be comfortable for some stomach sleepers. Parachute Fill material: 85% down clusters, 15% down and feather fibers | Cover fabric: Cotton sateen | Loft: 5 to 8 inches | Trial/warranty: 60-night trial; three-year warranty Pros: Cons: The Parachute Down Pillow comes in soft, medium and firm densities for stomach, back and combination sleepers to choose from, along with a model specifically for side sleepers. No matter the density you pick, the down is luxuriously fluffy and plush. Our tester says it squishes and sinks but doesn't entirely collapse beneath you, resulting in a relaxing cloud-like experience. The pillow has double stitching to help keep the feathers from poking out, and the down is certified by the Responsible Down Standard to meet strict animal welfare standards. Like most down pillows, it does require some regular fluffing in order to return to its original shape—the brand recommends doing so once a week. You can also machine-wash it on a gentle cycle with cool water and tumble dry on low heat. The Forbes Vetted team has extensively researched and tested hundreds of pillows to recommend the best ones for various sleep needs. Along with rounding up the best pillows overall, our robust library of sleep content consists of the best sheets, the best mattresses and more. To compile a list of the best king-size pillows, we relied on our team's testing experience and thorough research of top brands. It's important to factor in your personal needs when shopping for a new pillow—regardless of its size—such as sleeping position, material preferences and firmness. Here's what to keep in mind. King-size pillows are made for king-size and California king mattresses, since their bigger size (20 x 36 inches) can fill up the larger beds. That said, you can still put two of them on a queen-size mattress if you like a fuller look or one of them on a twin or full-size mattress. In comparison, a standard pillow measures 20 x 26 inches, or 10 inches narrower. But at the end of the day, 'the size of the pillow doesn't matter as much as the type of support,' says Dr. Holliday-Bell. Most brands, especially those that offer different heights or firmnesses, share recommendations for specific sleeping positions for their pillows. That's because different sleeping positions require different types in order to keep their head and neck properly supported. King-size pillows can be especially great for combination sleepers who switch from one position to another throughout the night, but other sleepers can enjoy them too. Body type can also play a role in this, with larger bodies typically needing a higher-loft pillow and smaller body frames doing better with a lower-loft pillow. (More on this below.) Loft refers to the height of a pillow, and firmness to how dense it is (think: how much your head sinks into it). Different materials will result in different firmnesses. 'There is no one-size-fits-all in terms of pillow material recommendations. However, there are some generalizations based on sleeping position,' says Dr. Holliday-Bell. She notes that the biggest concern if you choose the wrong pillow loft or firmness for your needs is that back or neck pain (or strain) can develop. 'Back sleepers tend to do well with a medium-firm material,' Dr. Holliday-Bell adds. They also do best with a medium loft. 'Stomach sleepers tend to do better with a softer, more compressible pillow fill like feather or down pillows.' With that, a lower loft is preferred. And lastly, she says, 'Side sleepers tend to do better with thicker, firmer-filled pillows like memory foam.' High-end hotels typically use down pillows that are made from 100% duck or goose down (the soft undercoating of the animals). It results in a soft, fluffy and luxurious feel. King-size pillows are typically best for king-size mattresses since two of them equal the width of a king bed (76 inches). You can use standard or queen-size pillows if you prefer, but just keep in mind they won't cover the full width and may not be as aesthetically pleasing. Our best-rated pillow is the Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Pillow because it can accommodate a variety of sleepers' needs and preferences. As its name states, it's adjustable, so you can add or remove fill to your liking to make it feel softer or firmer.
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Forbes
The Best Neck Pillows For Travel That Provide Support And Comfort
The best neck pillows for travel support your head and neck to ensure you can sleep comfortably on any journey, since limited space and lack of proper pillows on planes and trains can leave you feeling sore and achy. After extensive research, the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow is our top recommendation thanks to its adjustable design and comfortable memory foam filling. We also recommend the Trtl Travel Pillow if you're seated in a window or aisle seat and will be favoring one side of your neck. The best neck pillows for travel support your head and neck to ensure you can sleep comfortably. When selecting a neck pillow, choose an option with firm support. 'The right pillow will keep your neck in a spine-neutral position when you fall asleep in the upright or seated position," says Dr. Mara Vucich, D.O., a physiatrist at the Maryland Spine Center in Baltimore, Maryland. 'Otherwise, your head and neck may end up in an awkward position, which can put unwanted stress on your neck and spine.' Comfort is still key, so make sure that the pillow you choose allows for movement without being restrictive. Ahead, the best neck pillows for travel in 2025. Amazon Weight: 0.5 pounds | Cover material: Oeko-Tex Viscose and elastomer | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Sleeve is machine washable Pros: Cons: This well-made and comfortable neck pillow has a supportive memory foam core that promotes proper alignment regardless of your position (it offers support whether you sleep with your head back, to one side or straight in the middle). A velcro closure secures it so that you can adjust the fit, and the outer shell is machine washable for easy care. The pillow itself feels soft and keeps your head elevated. Plus, it compresses to 60% of its original size and fits into the included travel bag when not being used. What the reviews say: 'I'm one of those people that can never sleep on a plane, no matter how long the flight is,' writes one reviewer. 'I've tried many types of pillows, and nothing helped. I had a 12-hour flight coming up and decided to give this one a try. It was the best decision ever. I slept for several hours and felt much more rested.' Amazon Weight: 0.28 pounds | Cover material: Fleece | Fill material: Foam, plastic | Care: Outer wrap is machine washable Pros: Cons: If you want something to support your head and neck while in a window or aisle seat, we recommend the Trtl Travel Pillow. It resembles a padded neck brace or wrap, and it's covered in ultra-soft fleece that feels comforting against the skin. The internal support system keeps your neck, chin and jaw in place, although the internal brace only sits on one side. Similar to our top pick, this has a velcro closure so you can adjust the fit based on your preferences. What our editors say: Emmy Favilla, managing editor at Forbes Vetted, swears by the Trtl Pillow and has been using it exclusively for years on domestic and long-haul flights. 'I've found it's ideal no matter which seat I'm in,' she says. Since switching from more traditional neck pillows to the Trtl, 'I don't wind up feeling any residual neck or shoulder pain whatsoever after dozing off on a long flight. Plus, getting a personalized fit is easy because you can adjust it to your liking. It may sort of look like you're wearing a neck brace, but it works, and I'm standing by it forever.' Pluto Weight: Not listed | Cover material: Alcantara and WPS mesh blend; Spandura | Fill material: Foam, recycled fill | Care: Cover is machine washable Pros: Cons: If you have trouble sleeping while traveling due to light and noise, the Pluto Pod solves those problems thanks to the built-in hood and eye mask. The hood and eyemask portion are fully adjustable, and the neck portion of the design offers 360-degree support. When you're not using the Pluto Pod, it rolls down into a small, traditional-looking pillow that wraps onto your luggage handle or can be stashed inside your suitcase. It's a bit larger than other options on our list (it measures 31 by 15 inches when open), but the unique features help you feel like you're resting in a quiet, private space rather than a crowded airplane. What our editors say: Lindsey Vickers, a former mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted, recommends the Pluto Pod for travel. It addressed her travel and nap concerns, from an unsupported neck to a bobbing chin to excessive light. Amazon Weight: 0.7 pounds | Cover material: Microsuede | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Cover is machine washable Pros: Cons: Although this pick has a traditional 'U' shape, higher sides provide extra support and gentle contouring for the head and jaw area. The 360-degree support is ideal for all types of sleepers, and the addition of seat straps prevents you from tipping forward or slouching while you sleep. Other helpful features include an adjustable clasp, washable cover and convenient carry bag. What the reviews say: 'This is a real winner. I travel a lot and take long trips, and this [pillow] allows me to sleep for a long period of time because my head isn't flopping around,' says one reviewer. 'I also have no neck pain, which I have had with my other [travel pillow]. It folds up nicely and fits in its case far better than my others. You can't go wrong with this.' Another confirms, 'The sides are high and supportive enough that I woke with zero neck pain and [experienced] zero head bobs while sleeping.' Amazon Weight: 12.7 ounces | Cover material: Polyester | Fill material: Memory foam, plastic | Care: Cover is machine washable Pros: Cons: If you run hot, the Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow has mesh side vents that let hot air escape, and the moisture-wicking material keeps you cool throughout your journey. The dual memory foam fill material offers firm support, and the design has a flat back, so you're not pushed too far forward in your seat. The raised sides hug your jawline, and the front clasp is adjustable. While customers say it does an excellent job of preventing overheating (especially on long flights), it's not as compact and portable as other choices. What the reviews say: 'This pillow is well-built, comfortable and keeps your neck cool. It's the best neck pillow I've ever used,' says one customer. 'I can wear noise-canceling headphones with this without issue, and the ventilation really works.' Another user says it's 'very sturdy, well-built and provides great comfort when traveling. The vents on the sides prevent overheating and sweat.' The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on travel products, including the best travel accessories, best travel blankets and more. We began researching the best neck pillows for travel based on the recommendations of our seasoned Forbes Vetted team and Vucich's expert insight. There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best neck pillows for travel. Here's what to look for. The most important consideration when looking for a neck pillow for travel is support level. Whether you're sleeping in an upright position or on your side, maintaining a spine-neutral position helps alleviate aches and pains—and prevents you from waking up feeling tired and sore. Look for a firm pillow that can elevate your head and neck, as something too soft won't help you maintain proper alignment. Also, consider how you usually sleep, as this can impact the type of support you need. For instance, the Trtl Travel Pillow only supports one side of your neck at a time, so it's better suited for airplane travel if you're in an aisle or window seat. If you tend to toss, turn, or reposition frequently while you sleep, opt for the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow (which provides support from all angles), the Pluto Pod or the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow. Airplanes can be hot and stuffy, so look for a neck pillow with a breathable cover that's easy to care for. Many options have a cotton, polyester or viscose cover that's machine washable and won't cause you to overheat. Memory foam is a common fill material thanks to its long-lasting support, pressure relief and ability to promote proper spine alignment. Most pillows have a 'U' shape that wraps around the neck and keeps your head upright. This shape also prevents the head from bobbing around, which can lead to wakefulness. Other options might resemble a neck brace or include extra features like a hood to block out the light while sleeping. Consider how you prefer to sleep and read through customer reviews to better understand how this shape feels after continued use. Your neck pillow will travel through the airport, on the airplane and to your new destination, so choose something that doesn't take up too much space. Many pillows, like the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow, come with a travel case, while others may have a hook or clip that allows it to hang from the side of your bag. Most airlines don't count neck pillows as a carry-on item, but it's a good idea to double-check ahead of time and find one that packs down to be on the safe side. After extensive research, our team rated the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow as the best neck pillow for travel. It offers travelers 360 degrees of support, regardless of how they sleep, and the memory foam fill is soft and comfortable. It also comes with an included travel bag so you can easily store it when it's not in use. Memory foam offers excellent support and pressure relief, so it's a great material for a travel neck pillow. The Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow and Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow both have memory foam filling wrapped in a fabric cover that's machine washable. All the picks in this guide have a breathable cover that's easy to care for. Yes, neck pillows are helpful if you plan to nap or sleep while on a plane. According to our expert, it keeps your neck in a spine-neutral position when you fall asleep upright or seated, preventing unwanted stress on your neck and spine. If you travel frequently, investing in a good neck pillow can help you rest easier and make air travel more comfortable.
