Where to Buy an Inexpensive Bed Pillow

So you’ve decided to upgrade your pillow – great choice. Now the question is: where to buy the best pillows? You have a few options, each with its pros and cons. Let’s explore the main places you can snag a top-quality pillow and what to keep in mind for each.

Department Stores & Bedding Retailers

Your first thought might be the big department stores (think Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.). These places carry a wide range of brands, from budget to high-end. The benefit here is you can often test pillows in person – give them a squeeze, feel the fabric. Department stores also run sales often, so you might catch a premium pillow at a discount. However, selection can be overwhelming, and sometimes the really specialty pillows (like niche ergonomic ones) aren’t stocked.

Dedicated bedding stores or mattress retailers are similar – they may have knowledgeable staff who can guide you based on your sleep style. The downside is prices might be higher, and they could be pushing certain brands.

Online Marketplaces

Buying pillows on Amazon or other online marketplaces has become super common. You’ll find a huge variety, including internet-famous brands and smaller companies. Reviews are your friend here – since you can’t feel the pillow, see what thousands of others are saying. Look for those with lots of 4-5 star reviews and read some 1-2 star ones too (they’ll tell you potential cons).

The plus side: convenience, often good prices, and fast shipping. The down side: you might have to deal with returns if it’s not right, and analysis paralysis from too many choices. That said, many of the best pillow brands do sell through Amazon now, so it’s a legit way to get a top pillow delivered to your door.

Direct from Brands (Online)

If you’ve got your eye on a specific brand – say a boutique pillow company or a well-known brand’s latest model – consider buying direct from the brand’s website. Often, they offer perks like trial periods, satisfaction guarantees, or extra pillowcase gifts. You’re also more likely to see the full range of their products (all firmness levels, sizes, etc.).

Buying direct can sometimes be a smidge pricier (since you might pay shipping), but you often get better customer service. And if there’s a problem, you’re dealing with the company that actually made the pillow, which can smooth out warranty claims or returns. Brands often run website-exclusive sales around holidays too – so you might snag a deal.

The Verdict: Where to Go?

For the absolute best pillows, many people find success going directly through the brand or a trusted retailer with a good return policy. For example, high-end pillows from brands like Tempur-Pedic, Coop Home Goods, or our own Donahona are available online with trials. If you value trying in person, a store is fine – just make sure they’ll let you return it after a night’s sleep if it doesn’t work out (many will).

In the end, it’s less about the store and more about making sure you’re getting an authentic product with a solid satisfaction guarantee. The “best pillow” is a bit personal, so having that safety net to return or exchange is key.

If you want to cut to the chase and get a pillow from folks who specialize in pillows, buying direct is a solid bet. In fact, you can skip the middleman and check out one of our top pillows – the Premier Hotel Pillow – available right on our site with a trial period. However you shop, do your homework, take advantage of return policies, and you’ll end up with the best pillow for you in no time.