The Best Shredded Memory Foam Pillows (2023)

Do you find yourself waking up some mornings with a stiff neck or sore upper back? If so, then it is likely that your pillow is not providing you with adequate support. 

Pillows are meant to support your head, neck, and spine and provide you with the proper spinal alignment while you sleep to prevent pain and injury. If your pillows are not doing their job, then they are most likely preventing you from receiving a full night’s sleep – something we all know can wreak havoc on one’s physical and mental health. 

If this story sounds familiar, then it is time to invest in some better pillows. And, of the numerous types of pillows out there, shredded memory foam pillows have become wildly popular due to their supportive nature. 

When memory foam encounters body heat, it responds by conforming to your unique shape and provides you a pressure relieving sleep surface. If you are ready to ditch the old pillow and start waking up feeling rested, then we suggest trying out one of our top-rated shredded memory foam pillows below. 

The Best Shredded Memory Foam Pillows

• Best Overall –  Coop Home Goods Pillow
• Best Pillow for Side Sleepers – Dream Rite Pillow
• Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Plixio Pillow
• Best Pillow for Neck Pain – Dreaming Wapiti Pillow

What are Shredded Memory Foam Pillows? 

Shredded memory foam filling is essentially memory foam torn into little pieces. Since the pieces of foam move independently, this shredded foam offers more moldability that leads to pain relief for those with arthritis and other chronic pain issues involving the head, neck, and shoulders. 

Shredded memory foam helps distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure issues that lead to pain, resulting in improved quality sleep. Shredded memory foam filling can allow you to sculpt your pillow to your liking. However, this moldability feature means that some of the support available with traditional memory foam is lost. 

With traditional memory foam, it reacts in coordination with your head, neck, and spine altogether for a cradling effect. If you are looking for comfort and a significant level of support, you may be interested in a shredded memory foam, but if you are looking for the highest level of firmness and support, you should opt for traditional memory foam. Because of shredded memory foam’s breathability, it is ideal for those who sleep hot.

Pros and Cons of Shredded Memory Foam Pillows

Many shredded memory foam pillows are now derived from bamboo, and this has its pros and cons. 

The benefits are that this type of pillow both provides the comfort of down and the support of a contour pillow. These pillows are breathable because the bamboo fibers increase ventilation, which is good for people who have allergies and/or who are sensitive to dust mites. The material conforms to your body, is eco-friendly, and is sure to lead to higher quality sleep. 

The cons are that you do sacrifice the support offered by traditional memory foam, and this option, particularly bamboo derived, is more expensive. You should take into account though that shredded memory foam pillows derived from bamboo is a long-term investment that should last at least three years.

How to Find the Best Shredded Memory Foam Pillows

Here are a few things to take into consideration when shopping for a new shredded memory foam pillow:

Adjustability

We know that one pillow does not fit all, so it is important for your shredded memory foam pillow to be adjustable to your sleep style. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a pillow that allows you to add and remove filling to find the perfect loft for you. 

Cooling properties

If you already suffer from night sweats, then you will likely want to purchase a shredded memory foam pillow that uses a cooling, gel-infused foam. 

Maintenance

Make sure to read the care instructions prior to purchasing a new shredded memory foam pillow. Is the cover removable and machine washable? Is the memory foam insert washable?

Price

The price varies according to standard sizing: twin, queen, and king. The average price range for shredded memory foam pillows is around $29 to $59.

Trial period

Similar to memory foam mattresses, some pillows have a break-in period. Check out whether or not the manufacturer offers a money-back trial period and, if so, how long it lasts. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are memory foam pillows bad for your neck? 

The more high quality your memory foam pillow is, the more likely it will support your neck while you sleep. However, even though memory foam is manufactured with the intention of promoting spinal alignment, memory foam can just be too firm for some people and actually cause neck pain and stiffness in the morning.

How do I choose a memory foam pillow? 

You should choose one based on your sleeping position. Pick a firmer, raised pillow if you are a side sleeper. Select a flatter pillow if you are a back sleeper. Also, consider the size of your pillow in relation to the size of your mattress. There are varying levels of firmness, and which pillow you choose depends on your preference. The fill of the pillow determines your comfort level and the longevity of your pillow.

Are shredded memory foam pillows good?

Yes, they work well for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers. The shredded memory foam is pliable, contouring to the shape of your head and neck, aiding with spinal alignment while sleeping. 

Why choose shredded memory foam over regular memory foam pillows?

The biggest benefit to using shredded memory foam in a pillow is that most give you the ability to adjust the amount of filling in your pillow. How much filling is right for you depends on your firmness preferences and what type of sleeper you are, and many shredded memory foam pillows let you add or remove as much filling as you want to create the perfect pillow for you.  

Does shredded memory foam sleep as hot as regular memory foam?

No. The shredded interior of these pillows provide a greater level of breathability than regular memory foam does, thus leading to less heat retention. 

When is it time to replace my memory foam pillow?

Unlike feather-filled pillows, memory foam does not need to be fluffed and will not lose its shape over time. However, there are a few reasons why you may want to purchase a new shredded memory foam pillow:

• You are experiencing upper back and neck pain
• The pillow insert or cover has multiple stains
• There is an odor coming from the pillow
• The pillow insert has mold on it

Summary

Here’s a quick summary of our top picks for the best shredded memory foam pillows: 

Pillows	Material	Best for	Rating
Coop Home Goods	Bamboo Derived Rayon	Best Overall	4.4/5
Dream Rite	Bamboo Derived Rayon	Best for Side Sleepers	4.6/5
Plixio	Bamboo	Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow	4.1/5
Dreaming Wapiti	Memory Foam	Best Pillow for Neck Pain	4.4/5

No matter your sleeping style, there is a shredded memory foam pillow out there that can greatly improve your sleep experience. Make sure to use our guide to the best shredded memory foam pillows available today and say goodbye to restless nights caused by back and neck pain.