‘I’m a Sleep Expert, and These Are the 10 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers’
If you’ve ever spent the night flipping and fluffing the pillow in sleepy frustration, then you know the importance of a good one can’t be overstated—and your choice can drastically determine the quality of your sleep. That being said, you’re going to want to find a pillow that suits your unique sleep style and position (and they have different meanings, BTW). Do you sleep on your back and wake up feeling sore and achy the next morning? Need pillows for back pain? Are you switching positions all night long? And did you know that there are pillows specially designed to address the needs of combination sleepers too?
Personally, I’m a side sleeper all the way—and according to sleep studies, most Americans are too. Because side sleeping is easily one of the most popular sleep positions around, there are plenty of pillow options to pick from (a blessing and a curse if you’re easily overwhelmed by choice like me). To make finding the best pillow for side sleepers easy, we asked sleep experts for guidance.
Best pillows for side sleepers at a glance:
Best overall: Layla Kapok Pillow ($109)
Best memory foam: Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Pillow ($72)
Best for neck/back pain: UTTU Sandwich Pillow ($45)
Best body pillow: Milliard U Shaped Total Body Support Pillow ($43)
Best for shoulder pain: Cushion Lab Deep Sleep Pillow ($98)
Best value: DreamyBlue Premium Pillow ($36)
Best latex: Saatva Latex Pillow ($165)
Best cooling: Purple Harmony Pillow ($161)
Best down pillow: Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow ($159)
Best adjustable: Marlow Pillow ($65)
What kind of pillow should a side sleeper use?
Sleep experts agree that the best pillows for side sleepers are the ones that sufficiently fill that gap between your shoulder and the side of your head, and support neck and spinal alignment—otherwise you could risk neck and upper back pain come morning.
“Side sleepers should choose pillows that are firm enough to align their head and neck with their spine, yet cushioned enough to alleviate pressure points on their shoulders and necks,” says Susan Miller, a certified sleep technician RPSGT, at SleepMattressHQ.com. Miller goes on to say that latex or memory foam pillows are often the types that can hit that sweet spot of cushioned and supportive. “Foam or latex pillows typically offer the best support that side sleepers need while sleeping,” agrees Logan Foley, a sleep science coach and product expert at SleepFoundation.org.
While you may be tempted to stack pillows in search of more support (I myself am guilty of this), the experts agree that sleeping with more than one pillow isn’t a good idea. “Using two pillows is not recommended for side sleepers because it can cause the head to be positioned too high, which can cause neck and shoulder pain,” explains Miller. “Instead, use one pillow that provides the necessary support and sufficient cushioning.” If you really want to use two pillows, try putting the second pillow between your knees. “While it's not necessary by any means, some side sleepers prefer to use two pillows—one for their head and one to place between their knees to maintain a neutral spine alignment,” says Bridget Chapman, a sleep expert and certified sleep science coach at Sleepopolis.
What should side sleepers look for when pillow shopping?
Loft
According to the experts, the single most important thing to look for when choosing a pillow for side sleepers is the loft, or height, of your pillow. Remember the gap between your shoulder and side of your head I mentioned earlier? A pillow with sufficient loft should fill that space comfortably. “Side sleepers should generally seek a pillow with a higher loft (4″ or more) to help them maintain a neutral spine alignment,” says Chapman. “Pillows with adjustable loft are something that side sleepers should keep an eye out for since they allow you to fine-tune the height of your pillow to optimize comfort and support,” explains Ryan Fiorenzi, a certified sleep coach and founder of StartSleeping.org.
Material & Fill
When it comes to material, sleep experts have several recommendations. “A good pillow material to look for when shopping for a side sleeper is shredded foam,” says Elisa Regulski, a certified sleep science coach and editor at Mattress Clarity. “Shredded foam will be plush enough to offer neck support, but is also responsive and will allow you to sink into it just enough to keep proper spinal alignment.” Latex and memory foam pillows were also repeat recommendations from sleep experts, because they offer support while still cradling your neck and shoulders to keep you comfy and properly aligned. “Many side sleepers prefer memory foam in both their pillow and their mattress to give them the contouring and pressure relief they need at the neck, shoulders, and hips,” Chapman adds.
Shape
Experts say the shape of your pillow is key to keeping your neck and head supported, and preventing pain that may come as a result of side sleeping. “If you've ever experienced neck pain and find the base of your neck unsupported as a side sleeper, you may want to look out for a cervical or contoured pillow,” advises Fiorenzi. That said, it's important to remember that the best pillow shape for you will depend on your body type (read: the space between your shoulders and head), and your own personal preference.
Firmness
To keep the void between your shoulder and head filled, you’ll want to choose a pillow with adequate firmness and support that'll keep its shape all night long (because who likes a flat pillow?). While the degree of firmness is largely up to personal preference, experts recommend staying within the firm category for optimal support. “Side sleepers should look for a pillow that provides support without being too firm,” says Miller. “Side sleepers are generally going to be most comfortable on a medium-firm pillow.”
Best overall
Available sizes: Queen-King
Miller says the Layla Kapok (pronounced “kay-pok”) Pillow ticks all of the boxes for side sleepers. The plush pillow is stuffed with a mix of shredded memory foam and natural kapok fibers (aka java cotton), which molds to your neck and head for maximum support and softness. It comes slightly overstuffed to ensure you get the best support, and you can adjust the loft by removing stuffing in order to achieve the perfect height. The pillow cover uses a viscose-polyester blend that’s uber soft (you might even consider ditching a pillowcase) and breathable, so you feel cool all night long.
Material / Fill: Shredded memory foam, natural Kapok fibers
Cover: 66% polyester, 30% viscose, 4% poly/lycra blend
Loft: Adjustable
Pros:
- Adjustable loft
- Conforms to your shape
- Comfortable and supportive
- Breathable material keeps you cool
Cons:
- Finding the right stuffing level requires some trial and error
Best memory foam
Available sizes: Queen-King
The Original Loft Pillow by Coop Home Goods is made to accommodate all sleep styles, but experts say it’s a particularly great pillow for side sleepers. It’s fully adjustable and stuffed with the brand’s proprietary blend of cross-cut medium firm memory foam and microfiber—it even comes with half a pound of extra fill for added loft if you need! What’s more, the case is made of Coop’s signature Lulltra fabric, a viscose-rayon blend that’s soft to the touch and plenty breathable, so you needn’t worry about overheating in the middle of the night.
Material / Fill: Cross cut memory foam, microfiber
Cover: 60% polyester, 40% rayon
Loft: Adjustable
Pros:
- Adjustable loft
- Firm but malleable memory foam filling
- Great for all sleep positions
- Comes with an extra bag of filling
- Soft and breathable material stays cool
Cons:
- Doesn’t maintain its shape, according to reviews
Best for neck/back pain
Available sizes: Queen-King
The Uttu Sandwich Pillow is made using a dynamic memory foam that contours to your neck and improves spinal alignment—making it a great pillow for side sleepers who deal with back and neck pain. The memory foam material boasts a five second rebound when squished, which means it’ll keep its shape throughout the night, and withstand the test of time. Plus, the pillow has a removable middle layer that can be easily adjusted to achieve four different heights, giving you the perfect loft. And Amazon shoppers love it too, earning it over 9,000 5-star reviews.
Material / Fill: Memory foam
Cover: 40% Bamboo Viscose, 60% Polyester
Loft: Adjustable
Pros:
- Firm yet responsive memory foam
- Easy to adjust (no loose filling)
- Helps improve alignment and relieve back/neck pain
- Breathable bamboo cover
- Contours to your neck and head
Cons:
- Might be too firm for some, according to reviews
Best body pillow
Available sizes: One size
If you like sleeping with an extra pillow between your legs, a U-shaped body pillow like this one by Milliard gives side sleepers the best of both worlds. The long, memory foam pillow helps relieve pressure throughout the body for maximum comfort while you snooze, and spooning it like you would your usual leg pillow can help keep your whole body aligned. It’s covered in a velvety soft velour fabric that’s perfect for snuggling, and the supportive memory foam filling cradles you to sleep in pure comfort.
Material / Fill: Shredded memory foam
Cover: Velour
Loft: Adjustable
Pros:
- Soft but supportive memory foam filling
- Plush velour cover
- Supports full body alignment
- Helps relieve pressure throughout the body
- Great for pregnancy and maternity
- Filling can be added or removed for customizable comfort
Cons:
- Finding a case for it is tricky
- Foam filling may break up after a while, according to reviews
Best for shoulder pain
Available sizes: Standard
Designed with side sleepers in mind, Cushion Lab’s Deep Sleep Pillow features sculpted side bolsters that cradle your neck and head as you sleep and an ergonomic shoulder line that lets you snuggle close without adding pressure—alleviating pressure and shoulder pain, and enhancing spinal alignment for a good night’s sleep. Most importantly, the memory foam cushion is the perfect marriage of plush softness and firm support—it’s like you’re sleeping on a cloud. It even comes with the brand’s Fresh Face Pillowcase, a machine washable pillow case that reduces friction on your skin and hair, for reduced frizz and creasing by morning!
Material / Fill: Memory foam
Cover: 85% Cooling Nylon, 15% Spandex
Loft: 5.5” inches
Pros:
- Sculpted side bolsters help relieve pressure/shoulder pain
- Ergonomic shoulder line lets you snuggle close without strain
- Cloud-like memory foam
- Good for side and back sleepers
- Includes washable pillowcase
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- The sculpted shape might not agree with everyone
Best value
Available sizes: Queen-King
Perfect for side, back, and stomach sleepers, the DreamyBlue Premium Pillow is stuffed with easily removable shredded memory foam, giving you the freedom to customize your loft as needed for your best sleep yet. DreamyBlue’s shredded memory foam also gives the Premium Pillow the fluffy feel of down and the supportive firmness of pure memory foam, for balanced comfort. The bamboo-rayon blend cover is airy and breathable too, so you’ll stay cool throughout the night. It comes *highly* reviewed, with over 13,000 5-star ratings. And the best part? At $36 bucks, it’s the most affordable pillow on this list.
Material / Fill: Shredded memory foam
Cover: Bamboo, rayon
Loft: Adjustable
Pros:
- Adjustable loft
- Has the fluffiness of down and the support of memory foam
- Breathable bamboo cover
- Comes with an extra bag of filling
- Great for back, stomach, and side sleepers
- Affordable
Cons:
- Shredded filling doesn’t keep its shape as well, according to reviews
Best latex
Available sizes: Queen-King
The Saatva Latex Pillow delivers the head and neck support that every side sleeper needs. Designed with a latex core, it has a natural buoyancy that helps alleviate pressure, and is super durable—which means its supportive feel will last over time. What’s more, the core is surrounded by a removable, organic cotton pillow that adds loft and breathability for a comfortable and cool sleep. The cherry on top? The cotton sateen cover feels soft on skin, and is machine washable for easy maintenance.
Material / Fill: Natural latex core, cotton, microdenier fiber
Cover: Cotton sateen
Loft: Unknown
Pros:
- Latex core alleviates pressure
- Durable design
- Removable cotton pillow adds loft and softness
- Cotton sateen cover adds breathability
- Machine washable cover
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- Pricey
Best cooling
Originally $179, now $161
Available sizes: Standard-King
As if “Harmony Pillow” doesn’t sound dreamy enough, this Purple pillow is wrapped in a cooling mesh material that wicks away moisture and maximizes airflow—putting pillow flipping to rest, for good. Plus, it has the same cushioned—but firm—feel as Purple’s best-selling mattresses, so you know it’s good. The latex core takes the pressure off your head and neck, and supports you in any sleeping position—and it’s available in three different lofts, guaranteeing you’ll find the best one for you.
Material / Fill: Ventilated Talalay Latex with Polyester Knit Cover
Cover: 92% Nylon Fiber, 8% Spandex Fiber
Loft: Low, Medium, Tall
Pros:
- Mesh cover stays cool and wicks away moisture
- Durable latex core supports your head and neck
- Cushioned but firm feel
- Available in 3 heights
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- Doesn’t keep its shape, according to reviews
Best down
Available sizes: Standard-King
Stuffed with all natural European down, Parachute’s Side Sleeper Pillow boasts a medium density that’s equal parts plush and supportive. The 3.5” inch gusset helps lock in its shape, and minimize the strain on your neck and shoulders while you sleep. And it’s finished with a soft, cotton sateen cover that feels like luxurious hotel linens. In other words, if you’re a side sleeper that’s willing to invest—this Parachute pillow is well worth the coin.
Material / Fill: 85% Down, 15% Down and Feather Fibers
Cover: 100% Cotton Sateen
Loft: 3.5” inches
Pros:
- All natural European down fill
- 3.5″ gusset helps maintain its shape
- Plush cotton sateen cover
- Medium density offers support and cushion
- Reduces strain on neck and head
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not adjustable
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