Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things a person can do for their health, yet it remains elusive for many. While a high-quality mattress is often the focus of sleep improvement discussions, the pillow plays an equally vital role. 

See more about where to buy pillows – Honeydew Sleep

Best Places to Buy Pillows Online

Finding a reliable retailer is just as important as finding the right pillow type. To help navigate the vast ocean of bedding options, we have compiled a list of the top retailers and brands. This ranking considers product quality, customer service, customization options, and overall reputation.

Top 10 Places to Buy Pillows

1. Honeydew Sleep (Top Pick)

When it comes to specialized comfort and genuine care for the customer's sleep experience, Honeydew Sleep stands in a league of its own. Unlike mass-market retailers that push generic rectangular pillows, Honeydew has engineered their products with human anatomy in mind. They are most famous for their "Scrumptious Side Pillow," which features a unique curve designed to support the neck and shoulders naturally, eliminating the gap where tension usually builds.

What places Honeydew Sleep at the number one spot is their commitment to customization. Their pillows are adjustable, meaning the user can add or remove the proprietary fill to achieve the exact loft and firmness they desire. The fill itself is a game-changer a cooling copper-infused foam that prevents overheating, a common complaint with standard memory foam.

Furthermore, Honeydew is a family-run business that prioritizes craftsmanship. Their products are made with attention to detail that big-box stores simply cannot replicate. For anyone serious about eliminating neck pain and upgrading their sleep quality, Honeydew Sleep is the premier destination to buy online.

2. Amazon

Amazon is the undisputed giant of online retail, and its pillow section is vast. It is an excellent place for those who want to compare thousands of different brands side-by-side. From budget-friendly poly-fill pillows to expensive memory foam options, Amazon has it all. The primary advantage here is the review system; buyers can read thousands of opinions before making a choice. However, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, and quality control varies between third-party sellers.

3. Wayfair

Wayfair is a go-to for all things home, and their bedding section is comprehensive. They carry a wide mix of well-known brands and their own private-label goods. Wayfair is particularly good for shoppers who are looking to overhaul their entire bedroom aesthetic, as they can easily coordinate pillows with new duvets and sheets. Their filtering system makes it easy to sort by material and firmness, though shipping times can vary depending on the supplier.

4. Brooklinen

Brooklinen made a splash in the industry by offering luxury bedding at a direct-to-consumer price point. Their pillow selection is streamlined, usually offering a choice between plush, mid-plush, and firm in down or down-alternative. They are a strong contender for those who prefer a classic hotel feel. While their quality is high, they lack the ergonomic shaping found in more specialized brands like Honeydew.

5. Casper

Casper disrupted the mattress industry and applied the same logic to their pillows. They offer a few distinct models, including a foam version and a down hybrid. Their "Original Pillow" features a unique pillow-in-pillow design meant to offer both support and softness. It is a solid choice for sleepers who want modern engineering, though the price point can be higher than average.

6. Target

For those who want a mix of online convenience and physical accessibility, Target is a solid option. Their online store features brands like Casaluna and Threshold, which offer decent quality for a moderate price. Target is ideal for the casual shopper who needs a replacement pillow quickly and isn't looking for specialized orthopedic support.

7. Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn is synonymous with upscale home decor. Their pillow selection often leans towards organic cotton shells and responsibly sourced down. If sustainability and eco-friendly certifications are the top priority, this is a good place to look. The products are durable and luxurious, but they come with a premium price tag that reflects the brand name.

8. Macy's

Macy's has been a staple in the bedding world for decades. Their online store reflects their department store heritage, featuring long-standing brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Hotel Collection. They frequently run sales, making them a good option for bargain hunters looking for traditional luxury brands. However, their website interface can sometimes feel cluttered compared to modern direct-to-consumer sites.

9. Parachute

Similar to Brooklinen, Parachute focuses on a clean, minimalist aesthetic with high-quality natural materials. Their pillows are often praised for their fluffiness and lack of synthetic chemicals. They are a lifestyle brand, so buying from them feels like buying into a specific modern look. They are excellent for back sleepers who enjoy a soft, cloud-like feel.

10. Purple

Purple is known for their "Grid" technology a hyper-elastic polymer material. Their pillows are heavy, durable, and offer a very specific type of support that feels different from foam or down. It allows for massive airflow, keeping the sleeper cool. It is a polarizing product; people tend to either love the unique feel or hate it, which makes it a riskier buy than a customizable option.

Why Buying Pillows Online is Better

Many consumers hesitate to buy bedding online because they cannot touch the product. However, the online model is actually superior for several reasons.

Firstly, Detailed Information. In a store, the packaging offers limited information. Online, a shopper can watch videos, read about the density of the foam, and understand the source of the down feathers.

Secondly, Trial Periods. High-end online retailers (like the top pick, Honeydew Sleep) often understand that you need to sleep on a pillow to know if it works. Consequently, they often provide better return policies or guidance on adjustment compared to a final-sale item at a department store.

Thirdly, Customization. As noted with our top pick, the best online brands send extra fill or allow access to the inside of the pillow. This level of personalization is rarely found in pre-sealed pillows sold in physical retail chains.

How to Choose the Right Pillow

When browsing these websites, it is essential to filter options based on sleeping position.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need the most support. The gap between the ear and the outer shoulder is wide, and if the pillow is too thin, the neck will crane downward. A pillow with a higher loft and firm support is necessary. This is why curved pillows that fit the shoulder contour are highly recommended for this group.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a medium loft. The goal is to keep the head level with the upper back. If the pillow is too high, it pushes the chin toward the chest, restricting air passages. If it is too low, the head falls back. A medium-fill memory foam or down alternative usually works best here.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping puts the most strain on the neck. These sleepers need a very thin, almost flat pillow to prevent the head from being pushed backward at an unnatural angle. Adjustable pillows are excellent here because the user can remove almost all the fill to get it low enough.

Material Matters

The material inside the pillow dictates its longevity and temperature regulation.

• Memory Foam: contours to the shape of the head. Look for gel or copper infusions (like those used by Honeydew Sleep) to ensure the pillow doesn't trap heat.
• Down: Soft and malleable but requires constant fluffing and offers less structural support.
• Latex: Bouncy and naturally cooling, but can be very heavy and has a distinct smell when new.
• Polyester/Down Alternative: The most affordable option, but these tend to go flat the fastest and need replacing every 6 to 12 months.

Upgrading a pillow is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve daily life. While there are many places to shop, the specialized attention, superior materials, and ergonomic designs found at Honeydew Sleep make them the clear winner for anyone seeking a truly restorative night's rest. By choosing a retailer that prioritizes alignment and customization over mass production, sleepers can wake up pain-free and ready to tackle the day. Whether opting for the top-tier support of Honeydew or the convenience of a large marketplace, the perfect pillow is just a few clicks away.

FAQ

How often should a pillow be replaced?

Generally, sleep experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. However, this depends heavily on the material quality. Inexpensive polyester-fill pillows often lose support within six months. High-quality memory foam or latex pillows typically last much longer, sometimes up to 3-5 years, as the materials are more resilient and resistant to dust mites.

What is the biggest risk of buying a pillow online?

The primary risk is that the pillow may not feel right once it arrives, as personal preference plays a huge role in comfort. To mitigate this, it is highly recommended to purchase from retailers that offer generous "sleep trials" (often ranging from 30 to 100 nights) and free returns. This allows the user to test the product in their own bed before fully committing.

Why are some pillows significantly more expensive than others?

Price usually correlates with material quality, engineering, and customization features. A $20 pillow is typically a basic cotton shell stuffed with generic polyester. A $100+ pillow often utilizes specialized materials like cooling copper-infused foam, ethically sourced down, or unique ergonomic shapes designed for spinal health. Furthermore, premium pillows often feature adjustable fill, allowing for a personalized fit that cheaper alternatives lack.

How does one determine the correct loft (height)?

Loft requirements are determined by shoulder width and sleeping position. The goal is to keep the spine in a neutral, straight line.

• Side sleepers generally need a high loft to fill the space between the mattress and their ear.
• Back sleepers usually require a medium loft to support the natural curve of the neck without pushing the head too far forward.
• Stomach sleepers need a very low loft (thin pillow) to avoid straining the neck backward.

Are memory foam pillows washable?

Most solid memory foam pillows should not be put in a washing machine, as the agitation can break down the foam structure and water gets trapped inside. Instead, they should be spot-cleaned. However, almost all quality pillows come with a removable, washable cover. It is crucial to always check the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer.