Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Contour Pillow, Standard Size, Head, Neck, and Shoulder Alignment, Side and Back Sleepers, Medium Support

This is the first review I have ever posted, but I do think it is necessary, if only to assuage the fears of some. I recently purchased this pillow (10 days ago, perhaps), and I am about to purchase another one. I noticed no chemical smell on it, at all, and after reading some of these reviews I went looking for the "smell" mentioned by so many. Well, once I removed my pillowcase, unzipped the manufacturer's covering, and then pressed my nose deep into the foam, I did get an odd scent. But, once I redressed it, it was hardly noticeable to me or any member of my household.I also find it so odd how past reviews span the spectrum of soft/firmness in opinion. Most low reviews were because someone found the pillow either "too hard" or "too soft". I found it even humorous, knowing full well that perception is so subjective, no one can assure that a pillow will be either to everyone. Personally, I found the density of the pillow quite perfect. Firm enough to support the weight of my head just so, while being soft enough to snuggle into. Now, this is the first memory foam anything I have purchased. And, I quite like the "new" or "advanced" formulations of it. Some reviewers liked the older versions because they actually kept the shape of your head imprinted. But, this is the very reason I never wanted to buy memory foam in the past. I simply hated the idea and/or feel of lying into a foam cast of my head (or body with mattresses) every night. This pillow, as most new memory foam, cradles the shape of your head every night, while popping back into shape softly. I love this, the feeling of my head sinking into a cloud every night because I am both a back and side sleeper. If my pillow kept the shape of my head while lying in ONE position, I would not be able to roll from my back to my side without waking up and grabbing the "other position pillow".I hurt my back when I was in my mid-20s, never to recover my pre-injury condition. I now have degenerative disk disease, with my L-5 vertebra scraping with my L-4, bone-on-bone, and one of my neck vertebrae is going out now, too. Sleeping comfortably and safely, overall, is hugely important to me. So, take my advice, and try the pillow out for yourselves. Make your up your own mind because your opinion will surely be as different and unique as you and your tastes are.One last thing, this pillow won't be for everyone, but my experience was exceptional. I lived with neck and shoulder pain (not to mention the obvious back pain), and woke up with a headache every morning. After a few days of sleeping on this pillow, my pain level was substantially decreased, and I stopped waking up w/headaches. I let my husband use it for a night (the second pillow is for him), and the difference I felt the next morning (used regular pillow) was astounding to me. I awoke in my past painful condition. So, now I am ordering him his own. I need mine.

I've had this pillow for a little over a month now and I love it! Finally a relief from the neck and shoulder pain...First thing I noticed was the smell. But thanks to others' comments, I let it sit in my basement for 2 days and the smell is gone. I did remove the cover and wash it while the pillow was airing. Also put the pillow on a rack and turned it once a day to get the best airflow around it.Second thing was it was hard and cold when I first put my head on it. Well, this didn't feel promising! However, within just a few minutes the pillow had warmed to a comfortable temperature and had molded to my head and neck.Third was I slept the best I had in months and had no shoulder or neck pain the next morning. Hmm. Maybe we're on to something here...It's been several weeks now. The smell is gone - has been since I let it air.Every night I notice the hardness but am always comforted in the knowledge in a few seconds it will be perfect. I have also noticed that when I roll over or change position on the pillow, where ever I move my head, the pillow is already the right temperature to cradle head and neck comfortably. I tend to change sides and occasionally sleep on my back. With each change, the pillow is still comfortable.I have also noticed the pillow stays a comfortable temperature. Even when I am hot, it stays cool. But if I am cold, it is comfortably warm. It is magically a comfortable temperature. A note here - I do use a regular pillow case over its own cover - this so it matches my sheets. Also, I can change the regular case on a regular basis to keep things cleaner.No neck or shoulder pain since the first night. I've also noticed - sometimes I tend to sleep with my arms under my head under the pillow. The pillow conforms to the lumps of my hands and/or arms and remains very supportive and comfortable. Should I pull my arms out, the pillow quickly re-conforms to best support. I've also noticed that my arms/hands do not get too hot under the pillow.I live with the constant pain and uncomfortableness of Fibromyalgia. A good share of my pain is neck, upper back and shoulder, but the rest of my body joins in as well. With this pillow I have noticed a marked decrease in daily pain in those areas. And, with the more restful sleep, the rest of my pain and stiffness is much decreased. Amazing what a huge difference in my health and well-being!The one thing I've been wondering is why did I wait so long to buy this pillow? Well, no matter! I have it now and will never go back to a regular pillow again! I'm so stuck on this pillow that, with an out of town trip coming up soon, I've changed plans on luggage so I can take my pillow with me!Thank you to all of you that wrote informative reviews. They helped me decide on this pillow over several others. And, they were right. I am very pleased with this purchase!