Cost of Pillows: Everything You Should Know

All that’s left on the checklist for a good night’s sleep is a bed pillow that lasts—and that your wallet lasts through. But how much do pillows typically cost? In today’s guide, we’ll explore the cost of pillows and the factors that affect their cost. If you also plan to purchase pillows, read on to learn more.

A brand-new pillow can cost below $10 or over $1,000, although on average will land somewhere under $200. Where the pillow sits on that cost spectrum depends on any number of things, including what materials are used (down or down alternative),  pillow height or pillow size (standard pillows or king pillows), and even the brand name on the tag.

1. Average pillow cost by type

The kind of pillow you sink into at bedtime can make all the difference between sweet dreams and a night of tossing and turning.  Let’s get to know a few common pillow types, as well as what they cost on average.

1) Memory Foam

Available in a variety of subtypes—from shredded foam to wedge pillows—a memory foam pillow is a way to go for those looking for unbeatable support. They may not be as soft as some of their fellow pillows, but there are plenty of memory foam pillow benefits  to consider:

• Memory foam is hypoallergenic, inhibiting the likes of dust mites and mold.
• As its name suggests, the material conforms to your body without becoming lumpy.
• Sleeping on a memory foam pillow promotes proper spinal alignment.

If that sounds up your alley, you can snag one at $50-$150 on average. The Foam Pillow sits on the lower end of that range at $89—and, unlike many others of its kind, includes AirScape™ technology to keep you cool all night long.

2) Down

Stuffed with the soft, quill-less feathers from the underbellies of waterfowl—which we ethically source—down pillows can’t be beaten when it comes to comfort. So, are down pillows good?

These are a few of the benefits to consider:

• Down will keep you warm all winter while being breathable in summer.
• Down pillows are durable enough to last 5-10 years, if not more.
• They’re light as a feather—or a bunch of feathers.

For all their luxurious comfort, this feather pillow type comes at non-luxurious prices in the $15-$260 range.  The Down Pillow is $139, with the added benefit of a five-chamber design that offers improved support.

3) Polyester

Polyester (AKA poly-fill) pillows are a great choice for those on a tighter budget. There are a few other potential advantages:

• Polyfills are usually machine washable.
• They don’t produce a scent when first unwrapped.
• Varying degrees of firmness mean there’s a poly-fill for every sleeping position.

These hypoallergenic pillows sit comfortably between $10-$85. They can, unfortunately, become a bit lumpy, but the $65 Original Pillow resists clumping and remains breathable.

4) Bamboo

More prevalent than they once were, bamboo pillows are so named for their outer shell of bamboo fabric. This pillow type’s insides are often filled with foam. They come with a number of benefits:

• Aside from being hypoallergenic, bamboo is naturally antimicrobial.
• Bamboo pillows are an eco-friendly choice.
• They’ll keep you cool by wicking moisture and expelling heat.

Bamboo pillows can be hard to clean, but with all the other advantages they boast, the $50-$150 price range is well worth the effort.⁴ Just keep your pet panda away if you don’t want holes in your pillows.

5) Cotton

Less prevalent than they once were, cotton pillows are probably what you think of when you picture a standard pillow (not to be confused with the pillow size of the same name). As such, it hits a few standard marks:

• Cotton pillows work for side, back, and stomach sleepers alike.
• The fabric is light and breathable.
• Cotton pillows have a thick, firm feel.

They may not contour like memory foam or simulate clouds like down, but this firm pillow type is as solid a choice as they ever were—and at $50-$100, they’re affordable, too.

2. Factors that impact pillow cost

When it comes to pillow cost, the “big two” factors are material and size, but they’re far from the only ones.

The following also affect pillow prices:

• Shipping. We offer free shipping in the contiguous US and Canada via UPS, but in general, shipping costs are determined by the size of the item as well as how far and how fast it’s being shipped.

• Customization. This isn’t possible with all pillows, but some allow for customization options. That could mean changing the amount of polyester in your poly-fill pillow or picking the kind of memory foam that floats your dream boat.

• Temperature control. Some pillows warm you up, others cool you down, and still, others do both. Whatever the case may be, many pillows employ some kind of temperature control technology—such as cooling gels—which is reflected in a price bump.

3. Conclusion

What you put down for a pillow affects what you’ll be putting up with. That goes beyond sleep. Spending the whole night flipping your pillow, readjusting the cover, and switching sides is guaranteed to make you resent the first rays of sunshine that hit you come morning.

Having the best pillow means having a good night’s sleep, and better sleep means a better you. That’s why it could be worth it to spend those few extra bucks on the pillow of your dreams. In addition, a pillow worth investing in will remain a mattress mainstay for longer.

No matter what kind of pillow suits your fancy, Ueesleepy can help ensure you have a restful night.