Have you considered a gel core surrounded by memory foam?

Have you tried a latex foam pillow? That is what all of my family prefers. You can get loose or solid. I have used both.

Yes, Elizabeth, I did try one gel core, but it was too soft. It wasn't an expensive one, though, so if you can suggest a brand to look at I would love to hear.

Oh, I could use a zippered cover from one of the rejected memory foam pillows. I didn't think of that!

girlnamedgale, I have not tried latex foam. Does it tend to be firm and hold its thickness?

Our gel core pillows are very thick...probably not what you want.

I think I've tried every kind of pillow made and the one I finally am happy with is the Tony Little Micropedic King pillow from HSN. I put a regular cotton pillow case over the jersey one that comes with the pillow. These pillows last for about a year before they need to be replaced. Ever since I found these, no more neck or back pain. I think these are designed to be similar to a buckwheat-filled pillow...very firm and stable.

Hahaha, every night when I'm laying on my pillows I remind myself it's time for new ones. I sleep on 2, the top one being softer than the bottom. The bottom is too firm for me to sleep on, I like to snuggle into the pillow.

But the top literally forms wings on either side of my head. My head sinks down into it, and the sides come up. But it's actually comfortable after I beat it into submission. But I do dream of a nice plump pillow.

We sleep on Nest Bedding, Easy Breather Natural Pillow, Firm, Adjustable. We're side sleepers and require a firm support pillow. Nest Bedding is the pillow we settled on after making our own several times and striking out with other brands. I like that they are made in California of USA materials, Oeko Tex Certified.

Our current ones are about two years old and we're shopping again. This time we may try the Natura.

I will look up both of the suggestions, thanks Fun2BHere and Brushworks.

Brushworks, I am a side sleeper too, despite trying to learn to sleep on my back as the PT recommended. So I need a pillow that will maintain that head-neck alignment while on my side, and that is why it needs to be the right thickness and pretty firm.

If you get the Natura, let me know what you think, please?

Jasdip, I went through a spell in mid-life when I slept with 2 pillows. I wonder now if that didn't help set me up for some of the issues I have now. Although, I know it is mostly the direct result of an acute injury.

I found, if I beat my pillow in the morning... side to side, and from long end to long end... sort of like "fluffing it up", it lasts a long long time. My current pillow went to Florida (2016) and back with me, thus, I have it at least 3 years... but am not sure, exactly when I bought it.

Moni

Raee, I've always slept with 2 pillows. The only time I sleep with one, is if I toss and turn and can't sleep and get frustrated and even try sleeping on my stomach. Then I toss out one pillow. But since I can't sleep on my stomach, I go back to 2 pillows. I buy mine at Costco. At $19 for 2, I can afford to replace them every couple of years.

Costco also sells those gel pillows for $20. I'll have to see if they have one opened so I can squeeze it next time I go. Sleep Country sells the same pillows for $40.....I heard a gentleman say that he'd just bought one at Sleep Country when he saw them at Costco.

Have you thought about buckwheat hulls? They're not my thing, but a lot of people swear by them and fill their own pillows.

Alisande, I have a little "spa"pillow that I think is filled with buckwheat and lavender. Not big enough to sleep with. That is a thought, I will search for buckwheat hulls, thanks!

Jas I use a gel pillow. It looks like pieces of torn up foam..blue and pink. It came in a sewn on cover with a zipper cover over that. It was to thick and hard for me so I opened it at the seam and removed some of the foam and sewed it back up. I've been using it a few years now, actually this is my second one. I like it better than any pillow I've had to date.

Years ago.....I cut up carpet pad foam for my mother to make pillows with. She used fake fur which stablizes the chunks of foam...keeps them from moving around as much. She started out making them for church bazaars, then started taking orders for them.

Lots of ideas here-- thanks everyone. I think I will try some of the DIY ideas before I splash out for a $99 pillow, but good to know the recommendations.

MamaPinky, where did you get your gel pillow?

Unfortunately, $99 is the starting point for a good pillow that has certifications.

Take a look at the DIY site.

Make Your Own Pillow