Investing in the best thin pillows is one of the most effective ways to help your neck and spine health. Side and front sleepers will find just one pillow is perfect for comfort, whilst back sleepers can stack two for the perfect arrangement. I've tested them all to find the perfect arrangement for you.
Finding the best pillows can be tricky because every kind of sleeper has different needs. The lofty, fluffy, pillows that you'll see in adverts might look nice, but the realities of sleeping on them feel more like neck pain. If you're often practising your morning neck massages, these thin pillows will be a godsend.
There's a surprising range of different thin pillows out there, from cooling options through to natural, cushioning, and waterproof pillows too. And, if you're kitting out a guest bedroom, you can stack two on the bed and they can choose how many to sleep on. Here's my tried-and-tested favourites that will guarantee deep sleep.
The quick list
If you're tired of looking for your perfect pillow, here's the TL;DR. These are the six best thin pillows on the market. I've tested these (and plenty more) for two weeks straight to give you my personal experience with each pillow.
The best thin pillow overall
Simba Hybrid Pillow is my overall favourite thin pillow. You can remove and add stuffing to cater to your sleeping needs, and it perfectly treads the line between soft and firm for a supremely comfortable sleep.
The best breathable thin pillow
Woolroom's Deluxe Washable wool pillow has a removable wool filling that's breathable and naturally hypoallergenic, wrapped up in a quilted cotton cover. If you're looking for a natural and environmentally-friendly option, look no further.
The best customizable thin pillow
This adjustable pillow features six removable pillows for you to take out and add to your liking, and unlike Coop Home Goods' loft pillow, you don't have to worry about memory foam fill.
The best memory foam thin pillow
If you want to add a plush yet thin memory foam pillow to your bedding, consider this pick from Bluewave Bedding. It holds its shape and is infused with gel memory foam to keep you cool throughout the night, making it the perfect pillow option for hot sleepers.
The best cooling thin pillow
If you tend to sweat and overheat through the night, I highly recommend snagging this Casper foam pillow. It's cool to the touch, firm, and suits most sleeping styles.
The best wool thin pillow
Wool is hypoallergenic and a Grade A temperature regulator, meaning it's a great option for those who struggle with night sweats or allergy to dust mites. The price is incredibly reasonable considering it's made from New Zealand-sourced wool
The best thin pillow overall
Simba sells some of the best mattresses on the market, so it's no surprise that their pillows are also supremely comfortable. The Hybrid pillow (one of just two Simba pillows) has two layers, an outer cover made from cotton, and an inner cover, filled with squishy blue foam 'Nanocubes'.
Because of this, when you first receive the pillow, it will seem fairly plump and thick. All you need to do to create a thinner pillow is remove as many cubes as you want. If you're looking for a low elevation, they suggest removing around eight to 10 handfuls. Helpfully, Simba also provides a small white bag to store the extra cubes in.
During testing, this pillow gave me one of the best night's sleep I've had in recent years even after removing some of the cubes for a thinner design, it still felt plush and incredibly comfortable when sleeping on both my back and my side. It also provided a brilliant mix of support and comfort.
While some pillows can feel too firm to be supportive, this pillow perfectly treads the line between the two, and my head, neck, and shoulders felt supported all night. I also didn't wake up with aches and pains, and none developed during our week or so of testing, either.
The Hybrid pillow is also made using Simba's well-known Stratos fabric, which is designed to keep air flowing through the pillow and acts as a temperature regulator. During our nights of testing, I found this function worked well (though not flawlessly)—the pillow didn't heat up and I stayed fairly cool all the way through until the morning.
The best breathable thin pillow
Woolroom's Deluxe Washable Wool Pillow is one of the smartest thin pillows I have tested. The pillow is filled with 580g of traceable British wool in a zipped case that allows you easy access to add or remove the amount of wool filling to tailor the pillow to suit your needs. Having this ability to remove filling makes it super easy to achieve your required thickness.
Similar to feather pillows, I did find after prolonged testing that this flattened out after a week or so of use, so I recommend fluffing up the filling now and again to keep the pillow even. But unlike feathers, the best way to do this with wool is to open the pillow and pull the wool apart to prevent it from clumping and condensing.
In addition to providing support for side sleeping positions, this breathable wool pillow has helped to play a part in reducing my night sweats and overheating while sleeping because wool offers exceptional temperature-regulating properties – and it was noticeable after even one night.
Another huge benefit of opting for this wool pillow is that it holds the Allergy UK Seal of Approval. Naturally hypoallergenic, wool and the organic cotton cover are less vulnerable to breeding dust mites. Plus, the pillow is machine-washable, which means you'll find it easier to keep clean than many of the pillows on this list.
The unbleached 200 thread count organic cotton cover is more beige than white, which I was initially worried might show through pure white pillowcases and make your bedding look a little dull. I can confirm this didn't happen, the off-white creamy colour is not detectable through quality white pillowcases.
The best customisable thin pillow
Famous for their flatness, the Pancake Pillow is an easy way to customize your sleep set up.
The Pancake Pillow adjustable layer pillow strives to meet the needs of all sleepers. If you've yet to find your ideal height, this customisable solution may be perfect for you. Each of its six layers is removable, allowing you to experiment until you find your favourite stack of 'pancakes'. This flexibility makes it one of the best pillows for neck pain on the list too.
No matter how thin you choose to go, the puff gel microfibre filling guarantees your head will have a soft place to land. If you like your thin pillow to still be fluffy and comfortable, like the best hotel pillows, this is a great option.
Overall, the Pancake Pillow can take the stress out of buying online the retailers boast that it's impossible to accidentally buy the wrong size, as you can adjust the pillow to your preference.
The best memory foam thin pillow
Gel pillows like the Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow can be cooling as well as ultra comfortable.
Bluewave Bedding is a great company if you're after a flatter pillow since they're well aware that thin pillows can often be preferred for sleepers who don't want to sleep too high up in bed. Their memory foam gel pillow is available in three loft sizes; Slim, Super Slim, and Hyper Slim.
Their thinnest option, the Ultra Slim, comes in at just two-and-a-half inches tall but still boasts a soothing gel filling and the rounded edges of traditional pillow shapes. Not only can this design accommodate your thin-pillow needs.
It's also said to help reduce snoring and back pain. Customers raved that this pillow is a great option for stomach sleepers and for those who sleep with their arms under their heads.
Bluewave has made sure to counteract the heating effects some memory foam can have by adding temperature-regulating gel particles into the material – making it cool to the touch for more comfortable sleep and one of the best memory foam pillows on this list, too.
The best cooling thin pillow
After trying the Casper foam pillow in the middle of a heatwave I had to award it as one of the best cooling pillows. Thin in profile too, without that plush profile that your head sinks into, it's the best thin pillow that will keep the hot heads sweat-free, even during summer.
Casper is known for selling some of the best memory foam mattresses on the market, so it's no surprise their foam pillows pass the sleep test too. I've found it would suit most sleep styles, as it is thinner than most memory foam pillows for front sleepers, but it also offers enough support to keep side and back sleepers happy too.
It doesn't lose its fill or shape over time either, but best of all, it sleeps cool. Need I say more? It seems like a hard pillow to beat. But the off-gassing smell caused by synthetic fibres did put me, and many other customers off from sleeping on this pillow for the first few nights.
The best wool thin pillow
Unlike the adjustable pillows on our list, this is a truly thin(ner) pillow that should work perfectly for those who don't like to feel too high when they sleep. Its shallower profile is ideal for whatever sleeping position you prefer, but especially for back and side sleepers.
During testing, I slept largely on our side and found that the Soak & Sleep Wool pillow was comfortable and supportive without being thick and oversized. Unlike some thin pillows I've tried, I didn't wake up with a sore neck and shoulders in fact, we felt very well rested.
One of the serious draws of this pillow is also the fact that its filling is 100% Mitchell wool, straight from New Zealand. Wool has several benefits; it's hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and a brilliant temperature regulator and this all proved to be true during testing.
While I often wake up with a sniffly nose, my breathing was clear and easy come the morning. And for those who like a cool pillow, this option was fantastic (perhaps even better than the Simba), as it stayed almost cold the entire night, which provided very welcome relief during an unseasonably warm November evening.
The only slight drawback to this pillow was the fact that it did make a slightly crinkly sound whenever I moved about during the night, which could be disruptive to light sleepers, or light sleeping partners. However, I reckon this could be easily solved by using a thicker pillowcase – you'll probably want to avoid the best silk pillowcases with this option.
The ones that just missed the list
There are lots of thin pillows on the market. So much so, you might feel overwhelmed enough to want to bury your head in a pillow. Whilst I've narrowed down the best six, if you still don't feel like your sleep needs are met, I have three more options that just missed my roundup of the best six.
This super-thin pillow is perfect for front or belly sleepers. It's one of the best travel pillows, not just because of its size, but because it has a handy little carrying case too, and bends easily to fit into it.
This slim sleeper is just a couple of inches of gel and memory foam. The filling is equipped with small ventilation holes that help to regulate body temperature as you sleep. On top of that, its cover is made with bamboo and polyester. These natural materials help to reduce moisture and create a cool sleeping experience. Only buy it if you're a stomach sleeper though: it's very thin.
You'll see these at the top of Amazon both for their quality and their price. I found that they delivered on that hotel sink-in softness, but they didn't stray into overly lofty territory either. Back sleepers tend to find them comfortable and supportive for their head and neck. However, side sleepers may find these pillows don't cradle their neck and shoulders well enough in this position, and stomach sleepers might want something a little less fluffy. Anyone who suffers from allergies will appreciate the hypoallergenic down alternative fill of the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows.
If you're not quite sure how lofty you want your pillow to be, it's always safe to opt for an adjustable pillow. Using just one insert makes this the thinnest pillow that I've slept on (it was actually too thin for my liking). With two inserts, it's firm, good for keeping your spine aligned, and comfortable too.
When it comes to quality, this option (including the inserts) didn't feel quite as high-end as the Simba, for example. But this is reflected in the price, which is much more affordable. However, it comes with a 14-night trial, so you can return it during this time if it isn't right for you.
How we tested the best thin pillows
More than just sleeping on the job, the best pillows have been tested in our own homes for support, quality, and how well they live up to comfort claims. They've been slept on for at least two weeks consecutive nights, washed, and rested on again in order to replicate real-life use. To demonstrate how we test pillows our review process includes a focus on:
- Comfort: This is the number one factor I test for; what else is a pillow for if not for comfort? When sleeping on each pillow, and upon waking in the morning, I judged how comfortable it felt to lie my head on, and how soundly I slept on the pillow. Just like with a new sofa, one of the top priorities is being able to cosy up on your pillow without feeling like you're constantly needing to adjust it.
- Support: Similarly, I judged how supported our heads and necks felt by the pillow throughout the night. Even thin pillows need to support your spinal alignment, to ensure you aren't plagued by aches and pains throughout the day, and that you don't suffer any long-term damage. A big part of this testing aspect is how firm (or not) a pillow is. While we all have our own personal preferences – some prefer an ultra-soft, cloud-like experience, while others want a super-firm pillow. The key is that your pillow doesn't leave you in pain the next morning, and makes your upper body feel supported.
- Value-for-money: Finally, one of the most important parts of any new purchase is whether it's worth the money or not. Everyone has their budget, but no one wants to pay over the odds for something that just isn't worth the price. In my assessments of the best thin pillows, we've considered whether higher-price pillows are worth the splurge, whether lower-price options are good enough quality to recommend – and whether they're actually a steal for the price.
What to consider when choosing between the best thin pillows
There are a few things to think about when deciding which thin pillow is best for you. These include:
- Your sleeping position: When choosing the best thin pillow, you should "acknowledge whether you’re a back, stomach, or side sleeper, and assess your physiology when determining the proper thickness," says Stephen Light, co-owner of Nolah Mattress. Front and back sleepers are usually better suited for thin pillows than side sleepers — who benefit from thicker pillows since they'll need something that can comfortably fit between their ear and shoulder. If you tend to switch positions, consider an adjustable pillow so you can change things up when needed.
- Material and filling: Filling material is another component to keep in mind when buying a thin pillow. Alex Savy, Certified Sleep Science Coach and the Founder of SleepingOcean recommends memory foam for sleepers who like their pillow to cradle their head and neck, while latex and polyfiber offer more buoyancy. Hot sleepers, meanwhile, should seek cooling materials such as gel-infused foam or kapok, or a company's cooling technology. If the pillow mentions cooling technology, it is generally a good option for hot sleepers.
- Whether you want adjustable or not: As demonstrated above, you generally have two options if you're on the hunt for a thin pillow; a naturally flatter option, or an adjustable pillow. Adjustable pillows can be incredibly helpful if you're not sure how flat you want your pillow and want the option to experiment. But some prefer the feel of naturally flatter pillows – so when choosing the best thin pillows for you, consider your priorities here.
- Cost and trial periods: Believe it or not, pillows can get pricey. So when you're shopping for your next thin pillow, make sure you keep a budget in mind. Some of the best pillows will cost anywhere from £50 to £130. If possible, look for a pillow that offers a trial period of at least 30 days too – though any trial period is better than none. This will give you time to adjust to the pillow before determining whether or not it's right for you.
FAQs
Are thinner pillows better for your neck?
Plush, oversized pillows may be popular among manufacturers, and they are a great option for support. But much thicker pillows are sometimes not the best choice for back or stomach sleepers.
"The goal for any pillow is to allow the spine to maintain a straight, horizontal line as much as possible...without putting a bend in the neck," says sleep therapist Risa Gabrielle. If the loft of the pillow is too high, it'll put your neck at an angle – leading to back and neck pain.
Savy adds that thin pillows may be better for the neck since "they are less likely to tilt the head and cause neck strain. Additionally, thinner pillows can fill in the neck's natural curve, offering decent support in that area."
However, it's important to note that even with thin pillows, a supportive option that is going to cradle your neck, back, shoulders, and head is essential, especially to help you avoid aches and pains. That's why the options above are still supportive, despite being technically flatter than some more plump pillows on the market.
What are the benefits of sleeping with a thin pillow?
Every sleeper needs a different sort of pillow. Side sleepers will need more support—perhaps even two pillows. But if you prefer to sleep on your front or back, a thin pillow can provide the correct alignment, which means your shoulders and your spine are in the same alignment as if you were standing upright with the correct posture.
Thin pillows can be especially beneficial for front sleepers. Hayley Chaytor, a sleep expert at Silentnight, explains, “Thin pillows are recommended for front sleepers as this sleep position requires very little support. They also have an advantage, as they can be stacked to match the individual’s exact height preference when it comes to their sleep.”
