TL;DR, these are great pillows for the price and there is little difference between the soft and medium (but enough to notice if you have a preference). Unless you have a more extreme preference (super soft or super firm) one of these will likely work for you. Hopefully the detailed review below is helpful for someone!
I had been looking for a new pillow for a while, and had ordered several that didnt work out. Too soft, too firm, too thick, too thin. I was starting to assume it was going to be a no-win situation for me, and I'd eventually have to settle on something that didn't meet my needs. I decided to take a final chance on these pillows, and I'm glad I did as they ended up working out well for me. Initially I struggled in choosing between the soft and medium options. In the end, I ordered both and found they were quite similar when inspecting the thickness/firmness with my hands. I decided to start with the medium thinking it was closest to what I was looking for, but I found my neck was a bit stiff upon first use, and didn't improve after trying another night. I then decided to try the soft, which for me was just right.
I gave the pillows 5 stars because I've now used the soft pillow for several months with no issue, and I continue to sleep well. I've also found the medium pillow works well when I visit my mom, as her memory foam guest bed requires a thicker pillow for me to sleep well.
Lastly, my one bit of advice would be to make sure you refluff and turn your pillow every so often. Because it's poly filled, the filling will have a tendency to begin to mush down a bit where your head lays if you don't. I noticed this after about a month of use, but was able to fix it once I made an effort to refluff on a regular basis.

Amazon Basics Down Alternative Pillow for Back Side Sleepers, Medium Density, Standard Size, 26" x 20", 2-Pack, White
4.3
| 34,839 ratingsPrice: 21.99
Last update: 01-03-2025
About this item
Polyester Microfiber
Imported
Bed pillow offers exceptional comfort for a better night's sleep
Includes (2) Standard-size 26 x 20-inch bed pillows
Medium density for back and side sleepers; 100% polyester microfiber shell for softness and strength, plus piping along the edge
Down alternative fill offers a great option for allergy sufferers
Made in OEKO-TEX Standard 100% certified factory, an independent certification system that ensures textiles meet high safety and environmental standards
Imported
Bed pillow offers exceptional comfort for a better night's sleep
Includes (2) Standard-size 26 x 20-inch bed pillows
Medium density for back and side sleepers; 100% polyester microfiber shell for softness and strength, plus piping along the edge
Down alternative fill offers a great option for allergy sufferers
Made in OEKO-TEX Standard 100% certified factory, an independent certification system that ensures textiles meet high safety and environmental standards
Product information
Fill Material | Down Alternative |
---|---|
Pillow Type | Bed Pillow |
Color | White |
Size | Standard (Pack of 2) |
Brand | Amazon Basics |
Shape | Rectangular |
Special Feature | Washable |
Cover Material | Polyester |
Pattern | Solid |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Number of Items | 2 |
Product Dimensions | 26"L x 20"W |
Product Care Instructions | Machine Wash |
Style | Medium |
Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
Recommended Uses For Product | Side Sleeper, Back Sleeper |
Item Firmness Description | Medium |
Theme | Plain |
Item Weight | 4.15 Pounds |
Material Feature | Hypoallergenic, Durable |
Unit Count | 2.0 Count |
Fabric Type | Polyester Microfiber |
UPC | 843147102141 |
Item Weight | 4.15 pounds |
Manufacturer | Amazon |
ASIN | B0835CHHZV |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | GW191012 |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
34,834 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #121 in Our Brands (See Top 100 in Our Brands) #4 in Bed Pillows |
Refill | Down Alternative |
Number of pieces | 2 |
Batteries required | No |
Import | Imported |