Pillows can be expensive. Whether you opt for one filled with memory foam, stuffed with down feathers, or a plush polyester fiberfill variant, getting a good night's sleep often doesn't come cheap.
Or at least, that's what I thought – until I came across this IKEA SANDGRÄSMAL Pillow, which costs just $3.49.
But could a pick that's so affordable really be counted among the best pillows money can buy? Well, according to shoppers, it's helping them sleep better than ever before.
Shoppers Love This $3.49 IKEA Pillow
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
For the mere price of just $3.49, this pillow is plump, comfortable, and effortlessly easy to wash in your machine. For that reason, it's also perfect for popping in guest bedrooms or holiday rentals.
As a Sleep Editor, the IKEA SANDGRÄSMAL Pillow is genuinely the cheapest pillow I think I've ever seen. So, you can imagine my delight when I saw how highly rated it is on the IKEA site, with shoppers even saying this humble pick has helped them to sleep better.
Too often, I've fallen into the trap of thinking investing in the bedding luxury hotels use is the only way to enjoy a luxurious night's sleep. Now, I see how wrong I was.
True, with this affordable pillow, you won't be resting on your head on a mulberry silk cover, or enjoying the moisture-wicking, thermoregulating comfort of a wool or down filling. But, with a construction that's made of one hundred percent recycled polyester fabric and filling, this pillow is durable, easy to wash, and when it reaches the end of its life cycle and needs replacing, you can simply recycle the whole product – perfect for being more sustainable at home.
It's also conveniently machine-washable on hot washes at temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a pillow protector, available at Amazon, will reduce how often you have to wash, dry, and care for your pillow.
At such a budget-friendly price point, this is the perfect guest bedroom essential for a comfortable night's sleep (and you could even let your guests keep the pillow if they love it!), and it definitely deserves a spot on any college dorm room checklist if you or your child is starting college in the fall.
I'll be honest, despite all the good credentials, I was still a little doubtful about the performance of this pillow, so I decided to take a closer look at the reviews that shoppers have left on the site about their experience. Needless to say, I was impressed.
One recent review, from verified shopper Agnes, says it's provided the 'Best sleep in years.' They explain, 'I love this pillow for the simple reason that it is loosely packed, and no matter what sleep position I sleep in, it hugs my head and neck. I own four of these pillows, and everyone loves to sleep on them!'
Another, from Brigette, says it's 'very soft,' while a third, from Ann, echoes that they love it, adding, 'This is just the pillow I was looking for. I wanted a flatter pillow. Its great!'
I'm just like Ann, and prefer a flatter pillow, so I am assured that this IKEA SANDGRÄSMAL Pillow would suit me and my sleep style. If you prefer something with a little more loft, you can stack two in one pillowcase, or invest in the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow, our top overall recommendation, although it will set you back an extra $61.51 when not reduced during sale periods.
Shop My Pillow Perfection Picks
Affordable pillows really don't get more budget-friendly than this. The reviews speak for themselves: Soft, comfortable, and supportive in any sleep position.
This sits at the top of our best pillow buying guide, and is cleverly adjustable, making it suitable for any sleep position. It's also infused with cooling-infused memory foam, so it's perfect for hot sleepers.
These pillow protectors prevent dust, spills, and stains, with a zipper on the back to keep the cover on without any slippage or sliding.
This pillow is designed for side and back sleepers, and is made of memory foam topped with a gel layer to offer a cool, soothing sleep surface that's perfect for hot sleepers.
These pillows bring the luxurious soft and plush experience of a hotel sleep experience to your home, with a plush bounce-back design that's designed to keep its shape in any position.
These pillows are durable and supportive, with just the right firmness to cradle your head and neck in any position. The gusseted design with piped edges offers a chic, hotel-style look.
While this pillow is a great deal all year round, you can also nab some brilliant reductions on luxury items in the bedding sales.
