by
Editor's pick — pillow
Sleep Lab Pick · Memorial Day Sale
Memorial Day Sale — $500 off Amerisleep with code AS500. Their Comfort Classic memory foam pillow ships free with mattress orders during the sale window.
Saatva Pillow
From $165 · Shredded Talalay latex core · 45-night trial · Fits standard & king pillowcases
TL;DR
This pillow guide covers materials (memory foam, latex, down, buckwheat), sizing, firmness, and how to pick by sleep position. Saatva Pillow is our editor's pick for all-position sleepers; 45-night trial lets you test risk-free.
Jump to section
Saatva Latex Pillow. From $165
Tested & recommended · 365-night trial · Lifetime warranty
We earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
A butterfly pillow is a specialty pillow with two "wings" extending from a central rectangular body — shaped like butterfly wings when viewed from above. The wings cradle the neck from both sides while the central body supports the head. The design targets back sleepers with neck pain who need directional neck support without restricting shoulder mobility.
Butterfly Pillow Design Explained
The butterfly pillow has three distinct support zones:
Sleep Lab Alternative Picks
- Amerisleep AS3 ($1,449 sale) — Bio-Pur foam + HIVE zoning, 20-yr warranty
- PlushBeds Botanical Bliss ($2,999+) — organic latex, 25-yr warranty
- Puffy Lux ($1,950) — memory foam, lifetime warranty
- SweetNight Twilight ($209 budget) — CertiPUR-US foam
- Central body: Rectangular, typically 12-16" wide, cradles the head
- Left and right wings: Extensions on either side that support the sides of the neck
- Contoured cervical notch: A slight dip where the neck meets the head, providing precise neck angle support
The design isolates neck support from head support — critical for sleepers who wake with one-sided neck pain or restricted range of motion.
Who Should Use a Butterfly Pillow
- Back sleepers with chronic neck pain
- People with cervical disc issues
- Post-surgery recovery (cervical spine surgeries)
- Those with tension headaches originating from neck stiffness
- Side-to-side position changers who want stable neck support
Who Should Skip Butterfly Pillows
- Strict stomach sleepers (pillow is too tall)
- Side sleepers who prefer one-piece standard pillows
- Those who cuddle pillows (butterfly shape does not hug)
Butterfly Pillow Materials
- Memory foam: Most common, excellent contour, 3-4 year lifespan
- Latex: Cooler, bouncier, 3-5 year lifespan
- Price: From $165
- Free white-glove shipping on mattresses and frames; standard on bedding
- ID.me discounts for military, veterans, first responders, teachers, seniors
- Direct-to-consumer pricing (no middleman markup)
- GREENGUARD Gold certified across most product lines
- Polyester fiber: Budget option, 1-2 year lifespan
- Shredded foam: Adjustable by adding/removing fill
Saatva Pillow
Shredded Talalay latex core · 45-night trial · Fits standard & king pillowcases. Saatva is one of the few direct-to-consumer brands to offer extended trial windows (45–365 nights depending on product) and long warranties in this category.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from this link at no extra cost to you.
Alternative: Saatva Latex Pillow
For most back sleepers with neck pain, a quality latex pillow with adjustable loft works as well or better than a dedicated butterfly pillow. The shredded latex allows you to tune the loft precisely to your neck curvature — achieving the same targeted support with more versatility across sleep positions.
Our Pick
Saatva Latex Pillow. From $165
Tested & recommended · 365-night trial · Lifetime warranty
FAQ
What is a butterfly pillow used for?
Targeted neck support for back sleepers. The wings cradle the neck from both sides while keeping the central head area supported.
Are butterfly pillows good for side sleepers?
Not ideal. The design optimizes back-sleeper neck support. Side sleepers need taller, firmer pillows to fill the shoulder-to-head gap.
How do you wash a butterfly pillow?
Remove the zippered cover and machine wash cold. Spot clean the foam core only. Never machine wash foam.
Related reading: Cervical Pillow Guide | Saatva Pillow Reviews | Best Pillow for Side Sleepers | Memory Foam Pillow Guide
How to choose the right pillow in 2026
The right pillow fills the exact gap between your head and shoulder when you lie in your primary sleep position. Get that fill right and everything else — material, loft, firmness — follows from it.
Match pillow loft to sleep position
- Side sleepers need medium-high loft (5-7 inches) to fill the shoulder-to-head gap.
- Back sleepers need medium loft (4-5 inches) for a neutral neck angle.
- Stomach sleepers need low loft (2-3 inches) to avoid neck hyperextension.
- Combo sleepers benefit from adjustable shredded-fill pillows you can dial in.
Material quick-take
- Memory foam — contours, retains heat. Good for stability, less good for hot sleepers.
- Latex — responsive, durable, naturally cooler. Often the best long-term value.
- Down / feather — plush, moldable, sleeps cool. Requires fluffing and is allergenic for some.
- Polyester fiberfill — cheapest, flattens fastest (replace every 6-12 months).
When to replace your pillow
Fold the pillow in half. If it does not spring back on its own, it is done. Polyester and down-alternative pillows typically last 1-2 years. Memory foam 3-4 years. Latex 4-7 years.