Close, but no crown. I love Bearaby's latex cooling pillow — but a key drawback stops it from being our new No 1

Bearaby SoftForm Pillow review: Review in brief

When I think of Bearaby, I think of snug sleep comforts, like stress-busting weighted blankets and knot pillows. So I was eager to get my hands on the Bearaby SoftForm pillow, to see if it can deliver the same signature coziness and land a place in our guide to the best pillows for every sleep style.

The SoftForm pillow is made from Melofoam, a latex foam developed by Bearaby. Latex foam is known for its spring, a natural bounce back that means the pillow won't go flat when you change position. And the SoftForm pillow has some of that, with materials that return to shape as soon as you move.

But it's a softer version of a latex pillow. You don't properly sink into it (you'll need memory foam for that) but it does gently contour to the ear and jaw to relieve pressure build-up. And there's one feature of latex that the SoftForm pillow has in spades: temperature regulation. It's incredibly breathable, staying a neutral feel even on hot nights.

The 6" loft should keep most side sleepers happy and the softer feel can accommodate back sleepers as well. But the single loft with no adjustability feels like a missed opportunity.

It's too high for me as a stomach sleeper, and I suspect side sleepers with wide shoulders will find it too shallow. For me, and considering the Bearaby SoftForm Pillow costs $149, this is a key drawback in the pillow's design.

Bearaby SoftForm Pillow review: Price & deals

The Bearaby SoftFormPillow is a luxury buy, with an MSRP of $149 for the standard size. While Bearaby sales do happen occasionally, they're rare and they don't always cover every product. In other words, while you might be lucky and stumble on a sale, I wouldn't count on it.

While $149 is a premium pillow, it's not an unusual price for a latex design. The Saatva Latex pillow, for example, is $165, while the Birch Organic pillow typically sells for $159 and the Coop Adjustable Latex pillow is $149.

You can pick up a latex pillow for less but it's rare to find a pillow made from this natural material at a low cost. The Helix Talalay Latex pillow is an affordable choice, but you can still expect to pay around $89.

Bearaby offers a 30-night trial and a 1-year warranty with the SoftForm pillow. These extras are okay but we might expect better at this price. Coop gives a 100-night trial and 5-year warranty with its latex pillow (although this is unusually generous.)

Bearaby SoftForm Pillow review: Design & materials

The Bearaby SoftForm pillow is made from a simple design; a single, seamless slab of foam wrapped in a natural cotton cover. There are no adjustable layers or removable fill to contend with, and no plumping or fluffing required (something I'll get into later).

But this is no ordinary foam, this is Melofoam, Bearaby's own design. Made from the sap of hevea trees in Sri Lanka, it's gentle steamed until a bouncy latex foam is formed. Air channels are then cut into the foam, to increase breathability.

The pillow is 6" tall and measures 28" x 16". The air channels give the pillow a softer feel at the center and a touch more firmness at the sides, to support different sleeping positions.

Bearaby SoftForm Pillow review: Performance

I slept on the Bearaby SoftForm Pillow for three weeks. Here's everything you need to know about the comfort and performance.

Set-up

There isn't really a set up process for the Bearaby SoftForm pillow. It comes in a large zippered bag and is delivered flat. Once the pillow is out of the bag, it's ready to sleep on straight away.

While latex foams can have a strong smell (the Helix Latex Pillow had a distinct scent), I didn't notice any noticeable off-gassing from the SoftForm pillow. So even sensitive noses should be comfortable using this design.

The hardest part of set-up was putting the pillow in its case. The measurements aren't standard, which meant I had a slight overhang.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Comfort & support

The previous latex pillow I slept on was a bit of a trampoline — any movement was accompanied by some boing. I was expecting the same from the SoftForm pillow, seeing as it's also an all-latex build.

However, this is a latex pillow with a difference. It feels halfway between latex and memory foam: there's not quite a bounce, not quite a slow-moving sink.

So what does that actually mean to sleep on? When you first lie on the SoftForm pillow it feels soft beneath the head, gently conforming around the ear and jaw. But you soon meet the support core, which holds up the neck to keep your head at the correct angle. You sink slightly and then you stop and when you move the surface eases quickly back to form.

I used a 10lb weight to get a clear idea of what's happening. My kettlebell (roughly equal to the weight of a human head) did sink significantly into the pillow; that's the softness at play. But as soon as the weight was lifted, the materials jumped back. That's the latex bounce.

At 6" tall it has a high pillow loft, which should best suit side sleepers. With the tall design and lack of sink, my head felt well supported when lying on my side. It neatly filled the gap between my neck and the bed. However, some side sleepers with broader shoulders will need a taller loft and there's no way to adjust the feel.

I also found it largely comfortable for back sleeping, although it would take a minute to get my head in the right position on the soft foam at the center of the pillow. Stomach sleeping, however, is uncomfortable. The pillow pushed my head upwards, resulting in neck ache.

With just the one loft, no adjustability and no stacking, it's a bit of a Goldilocks pillow. You might find it just right, but for many it's going to be too tall or too short.

Score: 4 out of 5

Temperature control

Latex is one of the most breathable pillow fills, as the natural material allows for plenty of airflow. Add on the air channels cut into the Bearaby SoftForm foams, and I was expecting the pillow to stay cool overnight.

During testing, the Bearaby pillow has lived up to my cooling expectations. The temperature regulation is excellent, as heat quickly escapes to ensure no warm spots pool beneath my head.

I've been dressing my pillows in Bearaby's Second Skin sheets, which add to the cooling feel (these have a silky finish and are chill to the touch.) However, I've also been wearing an eye mask and various sleep headbands, both of which can increase heat build-up. Despite that, I've stayed cool.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Bearaby SoftForm Pillow review: Durability & care

Pillows typically need to be replaced every two years, although some pillows will lose their loft muh quicker than that.

To check if your pillow needs replacing, we recommend a 30-second test: fold your pillow in half and see how long it takes to bounce back. If your pillow is hard to fold or bounces back insantly, it's in good shape. If it folds slowly and stays folded, the fill is probably worn out.

Build quality

I've been sleeping on the Bearaby SoftForm pillow for over a month and so far it's showing no signs of sagging. But that's the bare minimum, particularly for a pillow in this price bracket.

Overall, however, the pillow has a sturdy, durable design. The foams and fabrics seem high quality which should contribute to a longer lifespan. And while the most recent reviews for the SoftForm pillow are all within the past few months, the Bearaby Cuddler, which is made from the same Melofoam, has reviews dating back years and no mention of excessive wear or tear.

While a one-year warranty is on the short side for a premium pillow, it's still within the industry average. All factors considered, I think you should get at least two years use from the Bearaby SoftForm pillow.

Score: 4 out of 5

Care and maintenance

Whether its yellow sweat stains following a warm night or unwelcome marks from your favorite retinol night cream, all pillows need a clean from time to time. Maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your pillow by keeping the materials fresh.

The SoftForm core is spot clean only and Bearaby recommends allowing the pillow to dry completely before using it again. The cover can be machine washed in cold water with a mild detergent.

While it's not unusual for a latex pillow to require this level of care, it's still a slightly laborious process. Especially considering some pillow types can be machine washed. However, you don't need to plump it back into shape, as it returns to form naturally — that's a few seconds saved every morning.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Bearaby SoftForm Pillow review: Should you buy it?

The Bearaby SoftForm Pillow is supportive and springy but with a soft hug that relieves pressure at the shoulder and jaw. When you lie on it the materials gently ease around your head to hold you in a cradle and when you move they subtly respond to ensure you never miss out on comfort.

Made from natural latex and cotton, this eco-pillow is also highly breathable. Even on hot nights sleeping laden in eye masks and headphone bands, I haven't felt my head overheat. It's a good pick if you often wake up feeling sweaty.

However, it does have some flaws, the most prominent being the build. It should be high enough for most side sleepers and soft enough for many back sleeper but this is a $149 pillow — another loft option wouldn't go amiss. If a 6" loft sounds right for you, then this is an excellent design with plenty to celebrate. If not, then expect a sore neck in the morning.

Buy it if...

✅ You're a hot sleeper: The latex foams and built-in air channels allow for heat to escape, so you can stay a neutral temperature during the night.

✅ You're a combination sleeper: Easy to move around on and with a loft that suits most sleep styles, the Bearaby SoftForm pillow is supportive on those restless nights.

✅ You want an eco-friendly design: Bearaby's Melofoam and natural cotton cover are better for the environment than petroleum-based foams and textiles.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You sleep on your stomach: The 6" loft is too tall for most pillow sleepers — try the Helix Latex Pillow in a low loft for a similar design without the neck strain.

❌ You have wide shoulders: Most side sleepers should be supported by the SoftForm but with just one loft, it's too short for those who prefer to stack their pillows.

❌ You like a traditional feel: With its soft-yet-responsive design and single slab build, this pillow feels nothing like a classic down or down alternative design. The Birch Pillow, which uses wool and shredded latex, is a better option for a traditional feel.

Bearaby SoftForm Pillow review: Alternatives