Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
If turning your bedroom into a spa-like oasis is on your to-do list, you may want to start by getting an orthopedic pillow. The Sutera Dream Deep Pillow has a unique design that includes an “Ortho-Grove” neck nook and “butterfly wings” to provide additional support to your head and neck. So, no, this is not your grandmother’s pillow.
Then, what is it exactly? I tested this pillow for myself, and am offering my honest thoughts on it. Read on for more about the pillow’s design, construction, and performance to see if it’s the right orthopedic pillow for you.
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow
The Sutera Dream Deep pillow is an orthopedic pillow offering comfort and support for back sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Watch My Sutera Dream Deep Pillow Review
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
In order to bring you a comprehensive overview of this Sutera pillow, I put it through a series of first-hand tests. It is my goal to let you know if this pillow will be best for you based on its construction and performance, as well as your preferred sleep position.
For more on our testing methodology, visit our full product review process page.
Who Is the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow Best for?
Pros: Who Might Like the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow :
- Back sleepers – The neck nook design makes this a great pillow for back sleepers who want additional support without skipping out on comfort.
- Those who like to read in bed – This pillow is great for propping your head up without causing strain while you’re reading in bed.
- People who are sensitive to scents – Although it is made from memory foam, this pillow did not have the chemical smell that is often associated with that material, making it a great choice for those who have scent sensitivities.
Cons: Who Might Not Like the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow :
- Hot sleepers – Although the cover is made with breathable material that is supposed to help with airflow, I found this pillow to be on the warm side, especially after it had been in use for a while. Explore the best cooling pillows here.
- Stomach sleepers – The height and density of this pillow make it incompatible with most stomach sleeping, as it puts a stomach sleeper’s neck and spine in a strained position. Find our picks for the top pillows for stomach sleepers.
- Those who like to flip their pillows – The Dream Deep is designed so that you keep your head in the “neck nook,” and this prevents you from flipping it to its other side.
What Is the Sutera Pillow Made Of?
Cover
The removable and machine-washable microfiber cover is breathable and helps wick away moisture.
Core
The core of this pillow is made from memory foam that Sutera calls “Active-Bliss.” It hugs and contours around your head and neck.
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow Firmness & Feel
Firmness
The memory foam core provides a medium-firm feel. Considering that firmness is subjective to a degree, I think that some lightweight sleepers may find that it is too hard for them. However, I think that most average-weight to heavyweight sleepers should find that this pillow’s firmness and design provide them with ample support.
Feel
This pillow feels very different from a typical rectangular one. However, I enjoyed how my head and neck felt supported and aligned when in the specially designed nook, as well as how comfortable my arms were when wrapping them around the butterfly wing design. The microfiber cover was soft to the touch, and while it wasn’t as heavy as other orthopedic pillows, the solid memory foam core did provide some heft.
Loft
The loft or height of a pillow is generally categorized as low, medium, or high. Low pillows are usually best for stomach sleepers, back sleepers tend to rest easiest on medium loft pillows, and side sleepers are usually best suited for pillows with more height. The Sutera pillow’s neck nook, where you place your head, comes in at a medium loft.
Weight (Density of the Pillow)
Weighing in at around 3.5 pounds, the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow is heavier than many traditional rectangular pillows but still comes in lighter than a lot of specialty and orthopedic ones. At this weight, it is still easy to move and reposition for most sleepers.
Sleeping on the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow
Side Sleepers
I think that many side sleepers will enjoy this pillow, as they will experience great spinal alignment and support from its neck nook. When I was testing this pillow out, I appreciated how I could comfortably wrap my arms around the butterfly wing design when sleeping in this position.
My one concern about this position is for lightweight side sleepers. I think that they may find it a little more firm than their average-weight and heavyweight counterparts.
Back Sleepers
Many back sleepers will enjoy this pillow for similar comfort reasons as side sleepers. When I tested the Dream Deep in this position, I was reminded of the pillows that are used during a massage or spa treatment. If you are a back sleeper who sleeps with your arms above your head, I think you will appreciate being able to slide them into the sides of the butterfly cutout.
The only potential drawback for back sleepers is similar to my callout for side sleepers—lightweight folks might find the pillow to be too hard, and it could possibly put a strain on their necks.
More: Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Although the pillow’s memory foam provides good support for stomach sleepers and the neck nook carves out a comfy place for them to burrow into, I think this pillow is too high and firm for most people who sleep on their front sides. It’s unfortunate because the butterfly wing design is very appealing for stomach sleepers.
Pillow Sizing Options & Pricing
| Size | Dimensions | Price w/o Discount |
| Standard | 13″ x 25″ | $59.97 |
My Performance Ratings for the Sutera Pillow
Temperature
3/5
Sutera states that the Dream Deep Pillow is made with breathable materials that promote airflow and continuous cooling, but ultimately this is still a pillow made from memory foam, a material known to trap heat. I did appreciate that the cover was ventilated, but the memory foam core tended to hang on to some heat after it was used for an extended period.
Support
4/5
The neck nook design of this pillow is top-notch for side and back sleepers, as it does an excellent job with cervical spine alignment. I loved how it kept my head lifted and provided a place where I could comfortably put my arms while in any sleep position.
Although I was pleased with how my arms rested on the butterfly wings when sleeping on my stomach, I don’t think this is a great fit for stomach sleepers overall. This group of sleepers will likely get more support from a flatter pillow, such as the Purple Harmony.
Durability
4/5
The memory foam core of the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow is dense and durable. However, since it doesn’t adhere to the typical rectangular pillow shape, I fear that there is a risk that the butterfly wing portions of the memory foam will eventually begin to sag.
Comfort
5/5
This pillow does comfort very well. The contouring memory foam gently cradles and supports your head while being responsive to repositioning. Additionally, I was a big fan of how comfortable the butterfly wing design was for my arms.
Off-Gassing
5/5
Although memory foam can sometimes be associated with a chemical smell known as off-gassing, I didn’t notice any with this pillow.
Allergens
3/5
Sutera made the Dream Deep Pillow’s cover washable. Its memory foam has been CertiPUR-US® certified, which means it has been evaluated for safety from harmful chemicals, metals, and ozone depleters. The pillow should also combat allergies well due to its memory foam construction. However, it has no other specific features dedicated to preventing allergies.
Cleaning & Care
5/5
Given the unique shape of this pillow, you may find it difficult to find a pillow case that fits. Fortunately, the microfiber cover is easy to remove and is machine-washable.
Sleep Trial & Warranty
2/5
When you purchase this pillow you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, but there is no warranty. Therefore, if you encounter problems after the first month, it’s on you to replace the pillow.
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow
The Sutera Dream Deep pillow is an orthopedic pillow offering comfort and support for back sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct way to sleep on a Sutera pillow?
The Sutera Dream Deep Pillow’s unique design allows you to place your head and neck in the middle “Ortho-Grove” while placing your arms under the “butterfly wings.” This helps your spine stay properly aligned and gives your arms a comfortable place to rest throughout the night.
How long does it take for the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow to expand?
You should give your Sutera Dream Deep Pillow 24 hours to fully expand. It can take up to a day for the pillow to meet its full size.
Can I use a pillowcase on my Sutera Dream Deep Pillow?
The unique shape of the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow will likely mean that a standard pillowcase won’t contour to it. However, you can still put one on it for ease of cleaning. The pillow’s cover is also removable and can be thrown into the washing machine.
How Does the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow Compare to Other Pillows?
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow vs. Brooklinen Marlow Pillow
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow
A gel-infused memory foam pillow which is a happy-medium between plush and firm.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full Review
Who Should Get the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow?
- Memory foam lovers
- Combination sleepers
- People who want a machine-washable cover
Who Should Get the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow?
- Those who are prone to allergies
- Sleepers who like hotel pillows
- Hot sleepers
If you think the Brooklinen Marlow is right for you, visit our full Brooklinen Marlow pillow review.
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow vs. ZAMAT Butterfly Button Cervical Pillow
Zamat Butterfly Button Shaped Cervical Pillow
Who Should Get the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow?
- Back sleepers
- Those with orthopedic issues
- Those who enjoy medium-firm pillows
Who Should Get the ZAMAT Butterfly Button Cervical Pillow?
- People with neck pain
- Shoppers looking for a long trial period
- Those who snore
If you think the ZAMAT Butterfly Button Cervical Pillow is right for you, check out our full ZAMAT Butterfly pillow review.
My Final Thoughts on the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow
Due to its solid construction and unique orthopedic design that cradles and supports the neck, the Sutera Dream Deep Pillow earned a 3.9 out of 5 rating based on my testing.
I loved how the pillow kept my spine aligned when I was sleeping on my back or side. I was also a big fan of the butterfly wing design, as this gave me somewhere to comfortably put my arms.
I don’t think the Sutera is suitable for most stomach sleepers, as it’s too high and firm to be comfortable for that position, and it gets relatively warm when in use. It’s also only available in one size.
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow
The Sutera Dream Deep pillow is an orthopedic pillow offering comfort and support for back sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper