On the Hunt and I’ve Found a Keeper!

Welcome to the 584th Metamorphosis Monday!

Back in March 2015, I wrote a post about my search for the perfect sleeping pillow. At that time, I had just ordered a new mattress/box springs for my bed and had foolishly tossed my old pillows thinking I should replace those, too. Unfortunately, the new pillows I purchased were super uncomfortable and I really regretted getting rid of my old ones. I found myself tossing and turning throughout the night, always awakening on my side which is not normal since I always sleep on my back the entire night.

 

I ordered more new pillows and shared that dilemma with you in this post: Pillow Talk: Sleeping On Your Side Can Cause Facial and Chest Wrinkles. In the comments of that post, you all shared your frustrations in finding a good pillow, too. There were some great suggestions in the comments of that post which I really appreciated.

Tartan Red & Green Bedding

 

 

Seeking the Perfect Pillow

I prefer a relatively flat pillow, one that’s soft enough to shape the way I want to for good neck support while I sleep. I really dislike pillows that tilt your head/neck up in an awkward angle like you’re sleeping on a shelf. In the comments of that previous post, someone mentioned finding low/flat pillows in Dollar General. I checked my DG and they did have lower pillows!

I’ve been sleeping on inexpensive DG pillows ever since, replacing my pillow every 6 months or so when they started to become too flat. The price was so reasonable at $2 to $3 each, I was happy to buy a new one every 6 months. Unfortunately, the last time I visited DG, they were no longer carrying the lower profile pillows and only had big, tall fluffy ones in stock. Arggg.

I’ve been making do with the ones I had at home but now that I’m visiting family here in Ohio, I decided to look for another replacement. Since the stores are all closed, I’ve had to resort to shopping online. I found one that was getting good reviews and decided to order it.

Favorite Pillow

 

When it first arrived, I almost didn’t open it. I’ve had such bad luck in the past with trying out pillows I’ve ordered online, I figured this would be another miss. I’m happy to report that it’s not! It’s working out great! The pillow I ordered and have been enjoying is one of the “shredded memory foam” pillows.

Little back story: Back in 2015 when I was searching for a great pillow, I tried a well-known brand that makes shredded memory foam pillows and advertises heavily on TV. When it arrived, I was so disappointed and could not understand the good reviews because I found it impossible to sleep on. The quantity of foam on the inside was adjustable, but it was in huge chunks and was so uncomfortable. I was worried that this one would be the same way. Thankfully, it isn’t!

 

Love this Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers

 

I think the reason this one is so comfortable, and the other brand-name shredded foam pillow I tried a few years back wasn’t, is because the pieces of memory foam in my new pillow are very small. The pieces in the name-brand pillow I tried before were much larger and chunky and I could actually feel the big pieces under my neck and head. With my new pillow, that’s not a problem, I guess because the shredded pieces are so small.

Inside my Favorite Pillow

 

When my pillow first arrived, it took a couple of hours for it to fluff up to its fullest. Once it had fluffed out, I tested it and decided to remove about 1/4 to 1/3 of the stuffing to get it to the height I wanted. I put the foam that I removed back into the box the pillow came in (see photo below) just in case I wanted to add more back at a later time. I love how it sleeps and I love knowing that I can adjust the height if I need to in the future.

The shredded foam lets me shape the pillow as I wish when I lay down to sleep. Again, I’m a black sleeper so my favorite way to adjust it is to push it where I have great support under my neck and an indention where my head actually rests. That takes all the pressure off my neck and I’m not sleeping like I have my head propped up on a shelf.

I can’t help but wonder if sleeping with our heads in a tilted-up position leads to the rounded backs I sometimes see on folks as they age. I just don’t think our bodies were designed for sleeping as if our heads were on a shelf, if you know what I mean. I know I can’t sleep that way.

 

Even though I don’t sleep on my side, I tried the pillow out that way for a few minutes and found it very comfortable. Again I was able to mold/adjust it so that it was comfortable while I was laying on my side.

I think I’m going to order a couple more of these to take back home with me when that time comes. That way if they discontinue it, I’ll at least have a couple to take with me when I head back home. I hope they don’t discontinue it because I’m loving it so far!

Do you have this much trouble finding a great pillow? Pillows are sooo important for a good night’s sleep! They really are!

If you would like to read more about this pillow and check out the reviews, you’ll find it here: Pillow.

Update on 7-19-20: Here’s another pillow I’ve tried and like as well: Pillow. It’s a combination of small chipped foam and poly fiber. I like both of these pillows and recommend them both.

Favorite Pillow

 

Looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for this week’s Met Monday!

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Metamorphosis Monday

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Comments

  1. Glad you found a pillow you are happy with, Susan! I haven’t used a pillow in years because as you said, they tend to be super thick/high and cock your head at a weird angle. It’s as though someone is plotting to give us all cervical problems, lol.

    I remember as a kid, pillows seemed to be so moldable. You could punch a spot down, bunch them up just so, shape them any way you wanted. What were they made of? Certainly not the terrible sponge that so many of today’s pillows are made from. The old pillows seemed heavy and cool. Those were the days, eh? Anyway, thanks for the info. I’m going to go check the pillow out. It would be nice to be able to use one again. Have a wonderful week, Susan.

    • lol It feels that way!
      That’s so true! I had thought about that and I don’t remember having these issues as a kid. Maybe all the pillow companies think consumers equate big, fat pillows with great quality.
      I’m very happy with it so far and pleased with how reasonably priced it is.

    • Carillon says

      Chances are they were feather or down pillows.

  2. I was just having this conversation with my husband this weekend. We need new bed pillows! I will be checking these out!

    • Hope you like them, Molly. Good thing is they are returnable if you don’t. My son really liked mine when I showed it to him, so I ordered him one, too.

  3. Okay, just like with the DG pillow, I will be following you on this one. I am also a back sleeper, and the best pillow seems to be an elusive quest!
    Glad you’re not alone during this time of physical distancing, Susan. Stay safe with your peeps, and Happy Easter.

    • Thanks, Rita. I’m glad to be here with family. My dil works in a hospital and both she and my son are still working full time during this, so I’m helping homeschool and watching the little ones when they are away or working while at home. Busy days! lol
      Hope you guys are doing well! ♥
      XXX

  4. glad you found a good pillow. Let me ask you this when I looked at the site and the pictures of the pillow I don’t see how you can take the foam out. Is there a zipper or do you have to tear the seam and then sew it back up again after extracting the foam? I guess the outer layer is a flap you just take the inner pillow out so you can wash it but I was wondering about the case that holds the foam. Maybe you could take a picture of the whole pillow. Buy all means buy more before you leave. rls

    • The fill is inside a cover and then that is covered with another cover…the one you see in the photo. They both have zippers. The zipper is done very nicely…it’s almost invisible but works great.
      Yup, whenever the outer cover needs it, it can easily be removed to be washed. I put a pillowcase over the whole pillow but you could easily use it without a pillowcase.

  5. Franki Parde says

    Yes!!! I ordered these “bamboo pillows”…and they are terrible, IMO…I’m a right side sleep position and I slid off these numerous times a night!! Ugh!! Back to old ones with new protectors(multiple). franki

    • Thankfully, this one is not bamboo…it’s memory foam inside. The cover is 60% polyester and 40% bamboo and feels soft and luxurious.

  6. Thanks for hosting, lots of fun posts, sorry my photo didn’t post….but the link did???? Stay Safe! Sandi

  7. Thanks so much for continuing to host spreading beauty and new ideas during this difficult time!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

    • Thanks, Debbie! We need some “normal” in our lives, don’t we? Glad you are here and hope you are and your family are doing great! XXX

  8. Yes, I agree your pillow is often the key to a great night’s sleep. Did you know you can open any pillow and adjust the fill, just stitch it back up! We ordered the Mr Pillow because they are made in the USA not China. We ordered the lowest possible fill available as we are both back sleepers. The order form asks your height, weight and what position you typically sleep. We have washed and dried our pillows many times are very happy with the way you can easily shape and form to your head.

    • Unfortunately, that’s the brand I tried back in 2015 and didn’t like. You could adjust the fill but the pieces were so large inside that I could literally feel them through the pillowcase. I returned it. Not sure if they are still being made that way.

  9. Glad you found a good pillow. I get terrible headaches when my pillow bends my neck. After buying several and ordering even more, I finally gave up and just bought some while shopping at Costco. Surprise they were terrific for my neck. Go figure. It’s always so sad to wear out a beloved pillow.

  10. Love your blog! So happy you found the perfect pillow. Just make sure they are made in the USA not China! Be safe!

    • I wish I had that luxury. The most important thing is that I can sleep on it and that it’s the correct height. This one does that for me.

  11. Anne Shaheen says

    Just what I need, thank you for your research and experience. I immediately ordered one! You are the sister I never had. Happy Easter!!

  12. Judy West says

    Don’t you just hate it when you find something you really like then they quit making it? Anyway glad you found one that works for you. Love your blogs keep them coming.
    Judy

  13. Brenda Lawrence says

    I have been struggling with pillows too Susan. I get stiff necks with most pillows because they bend the neck in an un-natural way. I too like a low profile pillow, but found that when I was on my trip last Oct., that the hotel pillows were very fluffy, but didn’t bend my neck in a weird way. I didn’t wake up with a stiff neck the whole 3 weeks I was gone. Can’t find pillows like that although I haven’t ordered pillows just to try either. I was using DG pillows too! But now, like you said, they aren’t carrying that kind anymore. sigh So I’m still on the hunt for a pillow. Will have to check yours out. I would rather sleep on my back too, but with my heath issues, my kidneys will start hurting and I end up turning on my side, or I will get pressure points that aggravate my RA and Fibro, so I’m tossing and turning all night long. So I don ‘t need a pillow that isn’t working for me too. lol Off to check out your pillow. Hugs, Brenda

    • That’s exactly my problem, too. I don’t know why pillow manufacturers make pillows so tall unless they think their customers equate fat and fluffy with quality. I have a problem when I travel because I don’t like really fluffy pillows that curve up around my face when I lay my head on them.
      Sorry you are having to deal with all that, Brenda. 🙁 I can see why you prefer to sleep on your side. I wonder if one of the long pillows that are made for side sleepers would help…the kind that you place between your legs.

  14. I agree with you and everyone here, It’s a conspiracy! I don’t know if I dare to buy another pillow. Through the years we discarded so many that all the dogs and cats all got their own pillows. Even the doghouse which was only used if we went somewhere for the day was furnished with pillows.

    • I know, I’ve tried so many over the years without success. I loved the low profile Dollar General pillows, they worked great until I could no longer get them. I’m glad you found another use for all the ones you tried out, sounds like the dogs and cats were nice and comfy. 😉

  15. Thanks for the pillow link Susan, we’ve tried the My Pillows and didn’t like them but their pillow bed toppers are awesome, LOVE the comfort and support they provide! Thanks for the info and hosting!

  16. Sandra D in Joliet says

    I need some help. I know it has nothing to do with today’s post but it concerns the virus. I read that you should not use Lysol wipes on your leather steering wheel, gear shift, seats, etc unless you use a leather conditioner after it dries. You use so many cleaners, etc I was wondering if you could tell me if/which conditioner you like the best. I had to get a new car and it has leather (more likely a faux microfiber leather) and I’ve been wiping it down with Lysol wipes ( my last container!) Thanks

  17. I also have a terrible time finding a pillow that I like. I recently bought this pillow from Target and so far I really like it. I can adjust the shredded memory foam as needed. It looks similar to the one you bought. This one only has five reviews but they are all 5 stars.

    https://www.target.com/p/2pk-comfort-collection-shredded-memory-foam-pillow-lucid/-/A-79493820

    • That’s awesome that you found one you like! That sounds very much like the pillow I just bought where you can adjust the height. Thanks for sharing that one, Carol!

  18. Teresa M. says

    So glad you found one that works. I can relate. My go to is the Sleep Number insert which is very low and keeps my neck at a correct curve. I only buy the contour foam insert not the fluffy addition. I must have tried 8 different expensive pillows before settling on this https://www.sleepnumber.com/All-Pillows/Pillows/p/pillow-pillowology
    When I travel I request feather pillows so I don’t wake up with sore neck.

    • Thanks for sharing that one, Teresa. You know from traveling with me how picky I am. lol I actually took my full size pillow from home in my suitcase on one trip, forgotten which one now.

  19. Great post Susan! I sleep on my back and have been looking for a good pillow for ages. So excited to try yours!

    It’s so nice that you can be there for your son and dil. Hope you all stay safe and well, and give my thanks to them for all they do!

    • Thanks, Barbara…hope this one helps! It has been fun spending so much time with my grandsons. I don’t think any of us will ever forget this spring! I just hope we don’t all have to go through this kind of worry/anxiety next winter/spring.

  20. I had to reply to your “pillow talk”!! I am a back sleeper and tried the same famous pillow. I also found it uncomfortable and if I moved my head on the pillow, it made a squeaky kind of noise. People thought I was crazy but I think now it might have been the large pieces of foam rubbing against each other!! Thanks for all your helpful information. Stay safe and well!!!

    • Oh, I remember that too…I had forgotten about the noise. I wonder if they still make it with the big pieces or if they’ve started making them smaller. I could not sleep on those large pieces.
      Thanks, Chris…you, too!

  21. shirley schepers says

    I also found the “famous pillow” very uncomfortable. I am always on the hunt for the perfect pillow. I will try your recommended pillow. I am so picky about my pillows as I wake up with a sore neck if my pillow isn’t just right.

    • Hope this one works for you, Shirley. It took me a couple of times adjusting the amount of stuffing inside until I had it the way I wanted it.

  22. IKEA makes a flat goose down at a very good price and you can order on line .
    memory foam makes me hot , I’m also trying to find sandals without memory foam great for comfort but not cool , sigh

    • This memory foam is not hot…that’s one of the features a lot of people mention in the reviews. In fact, they call it a “Cooling Bed Pillow.” I haven’t noticed it being hot, either. I typically don’t like down because when lay my head on a down pillow, my head sinks down into the down and the pillows rises up on both sides of my face which I really don’t like. I don’t know if the IKEA down pillow does that.

  23. Thank you for hosting! Happy Easter!

  24. Cyndi Raines says

    Good find Susan. I have always been a side sleeper, but you are right,I wake with a verticle wrinkle on my forehead going down to my eyebrow, no matter how gently I rest my face, so I have started trying to sleep more on my back. I do well for half the night and then end up on my side, ha. I’m going to keep trying though. I agree also that good support for my neck is a must. Will keep this pillow in mind for the future. Thanks.

    • There’s a YouTuber called “Hot and Flashy” who did a vlog about switching from sleeping on her side to her back. She said she was at her dermatologist’s office and the doctor was able to tell that she’s a side sleeper and which side she slept on because of the difference between the two sides of her face. It shocked her so much, she decided right then to start sleeping on her back. I didn’t start sleeping on my side for that reason, I’ve just always felt more comfortable that way. I find it really uncomfortable laying on my arm/shoulder. Hope it helps, Cyndi!

  25. Good timing. My daughter and I were just talking about pillows. She said one I bought her as a teen had shredded chucks and she has never found one like it since. She bought me a bamboo pillow recently that I didn’t like because it’s too high. I have asthma and the smell really bothers me. I also noticed some parts are made in China while they tout Made in the USA. It’s not uncommon to find foreign parts assembled in the USA. The search continues.

  26. Maureen Eha says

    Susan, thanks for this info. I have always used feather pillows for the reason you wanted this one–so I could punch them around until they are the right shape for sleeping. My husband and son use a pillow filled with buckwheat hulls for the same reason. Have you ever tried one of those? At any rate, what I’d like to know, since I didn’t read your 2015 post, is what brand and style of box springs and mattress you ended up buying, and how do you like them?

  27. Thanks for the heads-up (no pun intended … ☺) on this pillow, Susan. Shall definitely add it on to my online shopping list as in need of new ones. That said; you are fortunate you can sleep on your back as its something I cannot do as have an inner ear disorder and by doing such it triggers ‘vertigo symptoms’ . As for wrinkles for those I do have, I prefer to call them character lines … 😉
    -Brenda-

  28. I think the stooped over thing comes from weak and shortened abdominal muscles and the spine has to overcompensate. Throw in degenerating discs, diminishing bone density and we’re all looking for flat pillows. I‘ve gotten so desperate I cut up a very fluffy fleece top and put in a pillowcase. Not loving it.

    • Ohhh, I need to start doing more situps pronto!
      I’ve resorted to those tactics while traveling when all the pillows in the hotel room were huge/overstuffed. I’ve even used my sweaters as a pillow before, so I totally know what you mean, Ollie. So frustrating!

  29. I am from NC, where textiles used to be made. Almost all textiles, cloth, thread, zippers, are now from China. Your towels, sheets, curtains, blankets, clothing, and yes, pillow fabrics are nearly all made in Chinese textile manufacturing companies. Some items come from India, but often the manufacturers there must import the fabrics and threads and notions from China. So many pretty little mill towns were ruined because labor was cheaper, and because environmental and health restriction laws in the USA made US manufacturing “too expensive” for manufacturers who wanted to turn a heftier profit. This was decades ago. Now we have no real textile manufacturing and every fabric must be imported. I say wash EVERYTHING before you even try it on. Even if there is no way covid (or other infection/infestation) can last from China to US, most items can be returned for resale. No way to know if the last person who tried the item you just received had a virus or a mite infestation. Now decades later we may be paying a higher price than was imagined to “save money” for manufacturers back then. Be cautious.

    • It doubt many people attempt to return this pillow. It comes shrink-wrapped or vacuum-packed and once you open it, it expands greatly. There’s no way you could get it back in the box. You would have to return it in another box…and Amazon would never be able to resale it. Amazon doesn’t do that anyway.
      I think we would all love to see more products manufactured here in the USA, even if it means paying a bit more. Manufacturers have been returning to the USA the last 3 years, hopefully that trend will continue.

  30. This is Sandy from WChester Ohio

    Saw your writing about pillows
    I also hate fat pillows. Did find that Walmart has air plane style ones that are small and flat

    • Good to know! Are they full size/width or smaller. Thanks, Sandy!

      • They are small but can be scrunched around to your likening

        Just like I said they would fit the size of a head rest on a plane

        They are cheap ( I think I payed 10.00 or 12.00 dollars)

  31. Thank you so much for hosting! This week I am excited to share some pretty bible verse printable, book page decor craft ideas, and table decor for Easter that is perfect all spring long! Hope you have a wonderful week and stay safe and healthy!

  32. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for this pillow suggestion! I have tried every kind and shape pillow known to man without any success. This one is perfect!
    I can customize it just for me.

  33. Susan, it’s been a few weeks with the new pillow. Just wondering how you still like it? I need a new one bad and I am contemplating ordering it.

    • I like it a lot! I slept on it last night. It took me a few times adjusting the amount of stuffing inside to get it just the way I want it.
      I also ordered this pillow a few days after I ordered the other one: https://amzn.to/3cz9M5X . I was intrigued by the description because it’s a mixture of the chipped up memory foam AND polyester fiber. I’ve only slept on it one night and I think I had it too fat. I need to remove a bit more of the stuffing and try it again. I love how it feels, you def don’t feel the chunks of memory foam inside since it’s allll mixed in with the polyester fiber stuff. I think both these pillows are going to become my favorites and I like that over the years if the pieces of memory foam start to flatten a bit, I can just add back more of the stuffing/chips I removed in the beginning.
      I’ll probably do a follow-up post some time sharing these two again, once I get the second one just how I want it.
      Keep in mind, both of these are Prime items and can be returned for free if you don’t like them. I try to stick to ordering “prime” items so I’m stuck with something if it doesn’t work out. Just keep the box it came in so if it doesn’t work, you can fit the pillow back into the shipping box.
      Hope this helps a bit.

  34. Denise Davis says

    Susan, just wondered if you are still liking the two types of bed pillows you purchased back in the spring? Once again I am adding to my closet a ”reject pillow”. 🙁

    • Ugh, I sympathize! Nothing worse than trying to sleep on an uncomfortable pillow! Out of the two types I purchased, this one was my favorite: https://amzn.to/38ylSvl . I think I found it more comfortable because it’s a mixture of foam and polyester fiber–plus, the foam pieces inside were chipped up in smaller pieces and not left in big chunks like they are in some pillows. I had to remove a lot of the filling to get it adjusted just right for me. You have to play with it to get it adjusted to just how you want it. I like how when I’m laying on it, I can move the filling around to push more of the filling up under my neck for support. And I didn’t find it to be hot at all. Apparently, some people have that issue with pillows with the shredded foam, or so I’ve read. So that’s the one I liked best between the two.

  35. Susan, when you first posted about this pillow, I “added to my list” on Amazon, and sometime later I ordered it. When it arrived and I unpacked it, it did have a smell that needed to be aired out prior to using it. I put it in an unused bedroom and mostly forgot about it for several weeks. This week when I checked to see if the smell was gone, I found that it was (mostly) gone, so I decided it was time to try it out. Now that I’ve slept on it a few nights, I can say that I LOVE IT! It’s the best pillow I’ve ever had! I think I sleep more soundly because I don’t need to punch or readjust my pillow during the night. I want to buy a few more, to have on hand in case they change it or stop making it. Thank you SO much for recommending it!

    • I’m so glad you like it, too! Another one that I ordered right around the same time I ordered that one was this one that’s part chipped foam and part poly fiber. It’s a mix of the two. You can see it here: https://amzn.to/32AJGhg
      I think I like it slightly more than just the chipped foam, but both are great improvements over the pillows you find for sale in department stores.
      I wish they didn’t have any smell when they were first opened, but all these pillows with the chipped foam seem to require a bit of airing out.

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