Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review

You no longer have to choose between memory foam and down-alternative pillows

Two Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows on a bed
(Image: © Future)

TechRadar Verdict

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow contains memory foam and down-alternative fibers. I love both, so I consider this the best thing to happen since Hershey’s combined peanut butter and chocolate in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The ComfortFit comes in three options – Classic, Curved and Ultimate – so you can get a pillow that perfectly fits your needs, whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper.

Pros

  • +

    Memory foam plus down alternative

  • +

    Two sizes and three models

  • +

    Great for all sleep styles

  • +

    Breathable and hypoallergenic

Cons

  • -

    Spot clean-only

  • -

    Non-adjustable loft

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Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow: two-minute review

I love to sleep, and I also love to sleep comfortably. As a result, I also love to test bed pillows, since they play a significant role in determining how comfortably I’ll sleep. And I could tell at first glance that I was going to enjoy testing the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows. Some pillows arrive compressed, and when they’re expanding, it’s a wait-and-see process. Will the pillows be flat, or will they be nice and fluffy?

Since the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows aren’t compressed, I knew as soon as I opened the shipping box that they were going to be a pleasure to review. As I unzipped the individually packaged pillows from their stylish fabric bags (with handles, no less), I knew this level of detail in packaging would probably extend to a high level of detail in making the pillows as well.

Two Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows on a bed

(Image credit: Future)

And I was not disappointed. The pillows were thick and plush (my favorite two adjectives when describing something that I’m going to lay my head on). The fill is made of memory foam and also down alternative fibers for a cushy experience that’s still firm enough to provide support. They're available in three shape options: Classic, which is recommended for stomach and back sleepers; Curved, which fits to your contours and is best for side and back sleepers; and Ultimate, which features three removable inserts that can be configured for every sleeping position.

I tested a pair of the Sleep Number ComfortFit Classic Pillows for over two weeks to see how they compare to the rest of the best pillows on the market. And if you’re looking for ways to really boost your sleep comfort further, take a look at our guide to this year's best mattresses for all budgets.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: price & value for money

  • Premium pillow, premium priced
  • 100-night trial period, 1 year warranty
  • Currently buy one, get one 50% off

At $99.99, the classic Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow in the standard size is considered a higher-end pillow – although there are competitors with pillows that cost significantly more. However, it’s not a cheap or mid-range pillow. Having tested dozens of pillows, I consider the price to be fair, considering the quality design and materials – in fact, I think it’s a good value for what you get.

The Classic king size pillow is $119.00. Also, the various models have different prices as well. The standard Curved pillow is $119.99, and $139.99 for a king. And the Ultimate pillow, which has three removable inserts so you can find your perfect fit, is $139.99/standard, $159.99/king.

At the time of publication, the pillow was being sold (in every size and shape) as buy one, get one 50% off.

A relatively-comparable alternative is the GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow, which is regularly priced at $139 but on sale for $70. It has a microfiber gel fill, and a breathable cover made of 100% cotton. It’s a fluffy, squeezable pillow like the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow, and while it’s on sale, can save you quite a few bucks. However, it’s not available in different shapes and sizes

If you’d prefer a foam pillow and/or you tend to sleep hot, the Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow has cooling features, as well as a stylish design that allows it to be used without an additional pillowcase. In addition, the cover can be washed. It’s supportive, but not as squishy soft as the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow.

Sleep Number provides free shipping for the pillow. There’s also a 100-night trial, and a 1-year warranty. In comparison, GhostPIllow provides a 101-night trial period and a 5 year warranty, and Nolah provides a 30 day trial period and a 2 year warranty.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: design and materials

  • Memory foam and down alternative fibers
  • 3 shape choices for side, back, and stomach sleepers
  • Breathable Lyocell blend cover

I chose the Classic shape, which is recommended for stomach or back sleepers. However, there’s also an option to get the Curved pillow, which provides enhanced support and works best for side or back sleepers (I’m testing the curved pillows in a future review). In addition, the Ultimate shape has three removable inserts, which can be used for any type of sleeper since the inserts can be taken out (or left in) to customize the pillow. 

Close up of the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow

(Image credit: Future)

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow includes a blend of memory foam pieces and down alternative fibers. The memory foam pieces are moldable, so they fit the shape of my head and neck, and also bounce back when I move your head. The down alternative fibers are designed to imitate the luxurious feel of down. However, alternative or faux down tends to cost less. It’s also a great choice for people who may be allergic to down.

Delivery was uneventful, and set-up was quick and easy, since the pillows were not compressed, so they didn’t need time to expand, and I didn’t have to deal with any potential off-gassing. However, I do want to note that Sleep Number takes presentation very seriously. I was impressed with the individual cloth bags inside of the delivery box. These zippered bags added an extra layer of hygienic protection, and were convenient when storing or transporting the pillows.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: care and allergies

The pillows cannot be machine washed (only the Ultimate shape pillow has a removable cover that can be machine washed). Spot cleaning is recommended for the classic and curved shapes.

The down alternative material is quite suited for someone with allergies, since it’s not actual down – which serves as an allergen for some people. In fact, the pillows are actually hypoallergenic.

Two Two Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows side by side on a bed

(Image credit: Future)

The pillow contains CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means that it was made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, phthalates, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, and meets the low VOC emissions standard for indoor air. It’s also screened to be free for fire retardants and other chemicals that have been classified as mutagens or reproductive toxins, or carcinogens.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: comfort & support

  • Thick and plush, but not too plush
  • Best for side or back sleepers
  • Bounces back and does not need refluffing

For over two weeks, I slept on a pair of Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows to see how comfortable and supportive they were. The pillows were very plush, akin to sleeping on a cloud. As a result of the memory foam, the pillows molded to the shape of my head and neck, and when I changed positions, they quickly bounced back and proceeded to cradle me in my next position. And since the pillows contains down alternative, they felt luxurious, and were breathable.

Two Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows on a bed

(Image credit: Future)

The pillows are a mid-loft version that’s not too high and not too low. In side and back positions, it supported me well. However, it may have been too high to provide consistent support for someone who always sleeps on their side. (The Ultimate shape would do a better job for side sleepers).

I did not need to re-plump the pillows, due to the combination of fill contents in it. This pillow would be great for the average customer who sleeps on their back or side. It may be too high for petite sleepers. 

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: temperature regulation

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows have a breathable Lyocell blend cover. Since neither the fill nor the cover trapped heat, the pillows didn’t get hot while sleeping – even though, as you can see from the photos, I was underneath plenty of bedding.

A hand on a Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow

(Image credit: Future)

The pillows didn’t necessarily feel cool to the touch, but I was satisfied that they were not making me hot either, since they were breathable, which allowed any heat to escape. I tested the pillows during the fall season, which in Birmingham, AL is comfortable enough to turn off the HVAC.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FillMemory foam pieces and down alternative fibers
CoverFabric
Dimensions (WxD)Classic Standard: 26 x 20” Classic King: 36 x 20”
LoftMedium
CareSpot clean
Trial period100 days
Warranty1 year
Price bracketPremium

Should you buy the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow?

Buy it if...

 You want the best of both worlds: The pillow contains both memory foam and alternative down for a unique experience. It’s luxurious and smooth, while also being squishy, soft and supportive.

✅ You prefer down alternative to down: If you’re allergic to down, you’ll appreciate that the pillow mimics down, but it’s hypoallergenic, so it doesn’t have any of the allergens that may cause you discomfort. Also, it doesn’t have any feathers to protrude and poke you.

 You want a luxurious feel: These high-end pillows aren’t as expensive as many other types of high-end pillows, so this is an opportunity to upgrade your existing pillows without breaking the bank. You can get a pair of pillows that you won’t have to replace every year.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You’re strictly a side sleeper: The pillow works best for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. If you always sleep on your side, you might not find the height to provide the right combination of support and comfort. (However, the Curved shape is designed for side or back sleepers and the Ultimate shape is adjustable, so it can be customized for side sleepers as well.)

❌ You like to adjust the fill: If you get the Classic shape, you won’t be able to unzip the cover and remove or add fill. So, if you don’t think the amount of fill is suitable for your needs, keep in mind that you’re stuck with that loft. The Ultimate shape pillow is adjustable, but if you want another option try the Layla Kapok Pillow.

 You like to wash your pillows and covers: You can’t wash the pillow, and you can’t even unzip the cover and wash it (although I used to toss the pillows in the dryer on the sanitize setting and it didn’t appear to affect performance). The cover is hypoallergenic if that helps, but if you want a fully washable option the GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow could be a good alternative.

How I tested the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow

I slept on the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows for over two weeks, testing for performance, comfort, and support. These tests were conducted during the fall season. Since I tend to sleep hot – but I love all of the stylish fall and winter bedding – I slept with the HVAC off to avoid getting overly hot in my mild climate.

Terri Williams

Terri is a freelance writer living in Birmingham, AL. She is an experienced mattress and bedding product reviewer, and has tested hundreds of home and tech products, with bylines at Architectural Digest, Popular Science, CNN Underscored, NBC News, The Daily Beast, USA Today, Homes & Gardens, Bob Vila, and Tom's Guide. When she’s not testing products, Terri is interviewing the world’s foremost leaders for The Economist, and tracking down legal experts for the American Bar Association Journal. Follow her adventures @Territoryone.