14 Best Pillows For Side Sleepers For A Sound Sleep – 2024
Achieve a sound sleep with these amazing pillows made with breathable fabric.
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Sleeping is necessary to keep you healthy. Some people sleep on their backs, some on their sides, and some on their stomach. If you are a side sleeper, you must get the best pillows for side sleepers that allow you to sleep comfortably without any hassles.
If you are a side sleeper, a thin pillow is a big no-no as it cannot align the spine properly. If your spine is not aligned properly, you can feel stiffness in your muscles and may not feel energized during the day. Sound sleep at night can remove your stress completely. It makes you feel revitalized for the coming day. And, if you’re tossing all night, your pillow might be the culprit. The chances are that you experience ultra-tired or groggy mornings if you can’t sleep well. A side sleeper needs to sleep on a thick pillow that can fill the gap between our head and neck.
Pick soft, firm pillows to support your muscles, and get some good quality sleep. Side pillows that are made of memory foam release muscle tension and support spine alignment with proven expertise. Don’t lose your sleep with the wrong pick. Keeping all the problems of side sleepers in mind, we have listed the ideal pillows for side sleepers. Check them out below! Have a good sleep and say goodbye to a tired morning. Keep scrolling to read more.
In This Article
Drift Off Into Dreamland With The 14 Best Pillows For Side Sleepers In 2024
1. Best Machine-Washable:Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows
Made ultra plush with high quality materials like 100% cotton and without allergens and chemicals, these pillows are worth every buck. Beckham Hotel Collection’s pillows are tailored by experts and tested to meet high safety and environmental standards while ensuring maximum comfort no matter what position you choose to sleep in. With Innovative Cooling Technology that regulates temperature for hot sleepers and the no-shift construction that keeps you in place, rest assured that you’ll fall asleep in minutes. The down alternative retains lesser heat, is stain resistant, bounces back easily and is a great choice if you’re looking to upgrade from memory foam pillows. For sleep that is deep and restful, choose Beckham Hotel Collection’s top-rated pillows for side sleepers. This video detailing a tester’s experience will help you understand more about the product.
- Natural fiber pillow
- Resistant to fading and staining
- Machine-washable
- Protects from dust, mildew, and mold
- Regulates temperature
- Safe for those suffering from asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues
- Might flatten with time
ProTip2. Best Breathable Material:Utopia Bedding Premium Gusseted Pillow
Utopia Bedding vows to get you your good night’s rest with their poly fiber-filled high-quality pillows. The plush fiber fill gives you maximum comfort so you can doze off immediately after a long day. You also get the most amount of support possible owing to the gusseted edges. Made with a poly-cotton blend, the material is soft and breathable while also being super easy to clean. Professionally stitched, this supportive pillow is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear so you can get all those snuggles all year long. Super versatile, these are some of the most comfortable pillows for side sleepers or any type of sleeper, really. If you are still unsure, check out this honest in-depth review of the pillow to learn about its benefits.
- Supports any sleeping position
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Breathable material
- Easy to wash
- Supports head and neck
- May be too soft for some
"I've always been particular about my pillows and finding the right one took some time. These pillows, bought four years ago, have held their shape splendidly. They might just be the most reliable pillows ever."
Quick Tip3. Best Hypoallergenic:Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow
Coop Home Goods is ready to turn all your sleepless nights around with their adjustable pillows. If you love a good firm pillow, or you sleep sprawled on your back or cooped up on the side, and if you can’t help snoring or tossing and turning all night, say hello to your new buddy! Filled with cross-cut memory foam and microfiber, The Original Pillow adjusts itself to your position and size to align your spine and give you the best sleep of your life. When you sleep properly, you can drift off faster, sleep in comfort all night, and wake up with all the energy in the world. We think Coop Home Goods has one of the best firm pillows for side sleepers.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Medium-firm fill
- Adjustable
- GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US-certified
- Resistant to dust and mites
- Might have a slight odor
"This pillow is fluffy and you can adjust the filler. I found my perfect head & neck angle with this product. The pillow simply feels like what you’d imagine a cloud feels like. It's unquestionably a comfort upgrade, notably enhancing my sleep."
ProTip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 51,461 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
4. Best Customizable:Everlasting Comfort Adjustable Pillow
The Everlasting Comfort Adjustable Pillow is designed with diced and scented green tea memory foam. The antioxidant properties of green tea keep your pillow fresh, neutralize odor, and promote hygienic sleep. This pillow is rigorously tested for quality assurance. It delivers optimum neck and back support, promotes spine alignment, and helps manage snoring. It features premium zippers that enclose the memory foam and protect it from dirt, moisture, and debris. The pillowcase is made of bamboo-derived rayon that is easy to wash. It is also infused with Everlasting Comfort Japanese Icy Cool Fibers that keep the pillow cool. Additionally, the pillow comes with an extra bag of green tea memory foam that allows you to customize your pillow height to your comfort.
- Hypoallergenic
- Neutralizes odor
- Retains shape
- Provides firm support
- Suitable for all types of sleepers
- High-quality zippers
- Machine-washable
- Customizable height
- CertiPUR-US-certified
- Promotes spine alignment
None
"I truly admire the adjustability of this pillow's foam, offering tailor-made comfort. As a side sleeper, it's eased my neck pain notably. It's not heavily fragranced, which I appreciate. I'm planning to stock up on more."
5. Best Cooling Effect:Viewstar Hotel Luxury Pillows
In life, everyone needs support from their friends and family, and also their pillows. Viewstar’s Hotel Luxury Pillows are silk-filled to give you flexibility and comfort as you wind down for the night. No matter how you sleep— on your side, back, or your stomach, these godsend downcluster fine fiber pillows will cradle your head and neck the right way. And if you detest pillows that are too soft or too hard, you’ll be happy to know that these pillows for side sleepers have the perfect balance. Many reviewers agree that the gusset design with side piping ensures the pillow doesn’t deform over time and the down alternative specially treated filling holds you in place during the night.
- Breathable fabric
- Doesn’t lose shape
- Medium-firm
- Silk filling
- Offers maximum support to head and neck
- Cooling effect
- Might be too big for traditional pillow cases
"The pillow provides just the right balance of firmness and softness. It appeared too soft initially, but allowed 24 hours for expansion and was rewarded with remarkable comfort. I now have three sets!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 37,409 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
6. Best For All Sleeping Positions:Elviros Memory Foam Cervical Pillow
Some of us sleep in weird positions at night and are attacked with muscle pain and low energy in the morning. While we don’t have control over this, using a wedge pillow for side sleepers that aligns your spine can be of major help. Elviros offers a unique design with a neck cavity that fits your neck’s contours and offers enough support and comfort. The center cavity comes with a hole in the middle to help relieve pressure and avoid disc problems. An arm rest on the sides allows for reduced pain in your arms and wrists, with the lower arc shape adapting to your body to make breathing easier. We think you owe yourself a good night’s rest with the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers. Check out this video to explore a reviewer’s experience of using this pillow to learn about its benefits.
- Medium-firm
- Soft and breathable
- Supports all sleeping positions
- Aligns spine to reduce back issues
- Reduces pressure on the neck, shoulders, and arms
- Air passages for easy breathing and reduced snoring
- May have a peculiar smell
"I quickly became a believer in this pillow. My sleep quality improved, and my chronic neck pain eased. The design is perfect - soft yet firm, with little wings for side sleeping. Highly recommend as it truly eased my back and neck discomfort."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 32,768 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
7. Best Easy To Clean:Jollyvogue Down Alternative Pillows
There’s no better sleep companion than your favorite pillow! Jollyvogue’s pillows are made of hypoallergenic polyester and filled with microfiber for just the right amount of fluffiness. The 100% polyester material is comfortable and as it offers optimum support to your neck and head, you’ll notice a reduction in your migraines and neck pains. One of best down pillows for side sleepers, these also make for a stylish statement to your home decor owing to the brown piping and are also easy to wash and maintain.
- Medium-firm
- Breathable fabric
- Easy to clean
- Retains shape after wash
- Suitable for pregnant women
- Hypoallergenic and skin-friendly
- Might flatten with use
"The Jollyvogue pillows are wonderfully soft, boasting ample stuffing that compresses just right under the head—no more sore necks! They're not flat or dull, but rather fluffy and full-sized. I will buy more for every room in my home."
8. Best Micro-Vented Cover:Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow
You can customize how soft or high you want your support with Snuggle-Pedic’s memory foam pillow for side sleepers. It was developed by a chiropractor, so rest assured your muscles and joints are going to be pain-free and you’ll be on your way to energetic mornings. With Kool-Flow Technology, this bamboo pillow regulates temperature to prevent you from getting too hot at night. The high-quality memory foam filling is soft enough for comfort but firm enough to release pressure from your neck and shoulders. Snuggle-Pedic’s side sleeper cooling pillow can also be used for those who sleep on their stomachs or backs. Talk about versatility!
- Comes with a bag of memory foam for adjustment
- Breathable and micro-vented cover
- Regulates temperature
- Offers optimum support to head and neck
- Retains shape
- Allergy-friendly
- Pillow might get lumpy over time.
"I wasn't able to sleep longer than 5 hours before I invested in this pillow! Now, I sleep 7-8 hours peacefully and wake up feeling fresh - no strain on my neck. Initially, it felt a bit firm and I was skeptical. But after a few nights, it molded to my head perfectly, allowing me to sleep comfortably."
9. Best For Temperature Regulate:Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow
Royal Therapy’s orthopedic pillow for side sleepers is made with a blend of rayon and bamboo. The adjustable foam pillow adjusts to the contours of your neck, head, and shoulders to provide even support and relieve pressure in a uniform manner. With reduced discomfort due to proper spinal alignment, you’ll be able to sleep better through the night with minimized tossing and turning. Being made with hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials, the fabric is breathable while also being resistant to bacteria and dust.The heat dissipating technology allows the Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow to eliminate heat build-up while you sleep peacefully. Don’t worry about re-puffing your pillows anymore— these neck support pillows for side sleepers hold their shape.
- Aligns spine
- Hypoallergenic
- Regulates temperature
- Relieves pressure build-up
- Resistant to dust and bacteria
- Adjusts to contours of neck and head
- The adjustable foam might cause the pillow to be uneven.
"I used to suffer from neck pain every morning because of my arthritis. But this pillow has changed things for me. It has curbed by neck pain and eased by back pain to a significant extent. The material is of high quality and doesn't have any odd smells. Worth the investment."
10. Best Pain Relief:Coisum Cervical Contour Pillow
Coisum’s contour pillow for side sleepers is made with firmer memory foam for extra support. This helps cradle your head to reduce neck and shoulder stiffness. To keep your head stable throughout the night, the slope comes in handy and the armrests on both sides provide pain relief in hands and wrists. With temperature sensing, you won’t need to wake up in the middle of the night just to turn your pillow over to the cooler side. Many reviewers have testified that the breathable cover is easy to clean and is also skin-friendly. With no harmful chemicals, these extra firm pillows for side sleepers with neck pain also make for the perfect gift.
- Breathable material
- Firm memory foam for support
- Provides pain relief
- Temperature-regulating
- Keeps head stable all night
- Provides arm support
- Might have an odd smell initially
"This pillow offers fantastic support for my head, neck, and shoulders, notably relieving my sleeping arm syndrome. It does smell a bit odd in the beginning. So, air it out a little. Nonetheless, I can't imagine my nights without it."
11. Best For All Types Of Sleepers:Sagino 3D Memory Foam Pillow
Made with 38% bamboo fiber and 62% polyester, this 100% memory foam pillow helps correct your sleeping posture for maximum comfort and pain relief. Sagino’s foam contoured pillow evenly distributes the pressure in your head, neck, and shoulders so you can wake up every morning feeling refreshed. One of the top pillows for side sleepers, this Sagino pillow reduces headaches, muscle soreness, and insomnia to prevent frequent waking up during the night. The high contour design makes it a good pregnancy pillow for side sleepers as it protects the shoulders, and the low contour helps back sleepers with a neutral spinal alignment. Owing to its orthopedic properties, we think this is high in the list of therapeutic pillows for side sleepers.
- Maintains spinal alignment
- Reduces soreness and tightness in muscles
- Suitable for all types of sleepers
- Breathable and skin-friendly fabric
- Medium-firm
- Comes with pillowcases
- Some may find the pillow too small.
"I've spent two fond years with this life-changing pillow. It offers unrivaled neck support. It fits me perfectly and has been a great aid in resolving severe neck pain, even making it possible for me to sleep comfortably in multiple positions again. It wouldn't be fair to not mention the initial strong odor, yet that issue faded away after a week. Although it can't completely cure chronic pain, this well-balanced pillow still holds a special place in my comfort arsenal. I proudly claim it as my irreplaceable sleep partner."
12. Best For Muscle Tension Release:Zoey Sleep Curved Side Sleeper Bed Pillow
For the ultimate recharged sleep, pick Zoey Sleep’s Cured Side Sleeper Pillow filled with shredded memory foam so you can adjust the height and softness. No more waking up sore as the curved surface aligns your neck and spine correctly to release muscle tension, insomnia, and migraines. This snore-relief pillow has a luxurious and breathable cover with soft inner lining, making it one of the most comfortable pillows for side sleepers. As the cover allows for easy passage of air during the night, Zoey’s pick is a good anti-snore pillow for side sleepers as well.
- Doctor-recommended
- Breathable outer cover
- Soft inner lining
- Adjustable softness and height
- Releases muscle tension
- Aligns spine and neck
- Might have a chemical odor
"It's surprisingly comfortable and effectively relieves my neck and shoulder pains. Its adjustability adds a nice touch, ideal for a side sleeper like me. My sleeping experience transformed - I am waking up in the same position I fell asleep in. It's quite a pleasant surprise. Its thickness and soft quilted cover make it very comfortable."
13. Best Adjustable Filling:Honeydew Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
For an improved sleep quality, you’ve got to give Honeydew’s handmade Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow a chance. Its innovative shoulder cut-out and the adjustable filling allow you to customize height and firmness levels. This way, you can properly align your spine to reduce the pressure in broad shoulders and neck while you sleep. Even though this side sleeper contour pillow is soft, it won’t flatten or deform over time like others. The copper-infused foam not only cools you off at night, but also provides antibacterial properties. A win-win in every department, we think!
- Cooling and antibacterial foam
- Adjustable filling
- Contoured to align spine
- Relieves pressure in neck and shoulders
- Doesn’t flatten with use
- Soft yet supportive
- Some may find it expensive.
"I've found this pillow ideal for side sleeping, fitting my body's curves right. I now wake up without shoulder aches. It did wonders for my sleep quality. Highly recommend it for better sleep quality."
14. Best Skin-Friendly:Comfyt Side Sleeper Pillow
Made especially for side sleepers, Comfyt’s Side Sleeper Pillow features a shoulder recess to cradle your head and provide support to your neck. One of the most supportive pillows for side sleepers, this orthopedic technology absorbs and distributes pressure evenly for muscle relief with proven expertise. With a gel layer on one side, you can feel cool and comfortable as you sleep, which sounds wonderful especially for the summer months! The luxury bamboo pillow case is soft, skin-friendly, and wicks away moisture. Spinal alignment is a great benefit of memory foam and as this high-lofted pillow adjusts to your body’s contours without losing shape, it lasts you a long time. What’s not to love about this curved pillow for side sleepers?
- Skin-friendly
- Aligns spine
- Retains shape
- Cooling gel on one side
- Moisture-wicking pillowcase
- Distributes pressure for muscle relief
- The pillow might be too high for some.
"This pillow offers excellent support for side sleepers like me and curiously reduces snoring too. It's both firm and soft, providing me with the perfect setup for my neck and head. The cooling feature keeps me comfortable all night. The only downside is its lasting smell that takes a while to go."
As we’ve gone over some pillows for side sleepers out there, let’s gain some knowledge on the kinds of pillows available.
Types Of Pillows For Side Sleepers
- Memory foam pillows
Memory foam pillows or shredded foam pillows are soft when exposed to body heat and they easily adjust to the pressure in your neck and head.
- Buckwheat pillows
Pillows filled with buckwheat are quite firm and may be too hard or uncomfortable for some people. However, they allow the free passage of air to reduce instances of snoring.
- Feather-filled pillows
Pillows that are filled with feathers are light and airy while also being durable and cool. Feather pillows also prevent you from sinking too deep into the pillow despite the softness.
- Down pillows
These are soft and fluffy and are made of the feathers of ducks and geese. As they are also lightweight, you won’t feel too much pressure when you lie down.
- Down alternative pillows
These pillows, like the name suggests, are an alternate option to the above as they use synthetic materials that are hypoallergenic. This is a good pick if you struggle with allergies or respiratory issues.
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best pillows for side sleepers on the market, let’s get into how you can choose the right one for you.
How To Choose The Best Pillow For A Side Sleeper
- Thickness
Also known as ‘loft’, this feature should range from anywhere between medium to high to give enough support and cushioning for your head, shoulders, and neck. A pillow that is too soft may cause your head to sink and can also lead to migraines. On the other hand, pillows that are too firm may increase muscle soreness instead of performing the opposite. An ideal would be to purchase a pillow with adjustable filling so that you can customize the thickness.
- Support
The pillow you choose must be stable under your head and lie evenly under your head and neck. Look for a pillow that isn’t too soft or hard and preferably comes with shoulder and neck contours so that you stay in place all night. Some pillows even have arm rests on the sides to reduce pressure on arms and wrists.
- Shape
A few materials that are used as fillings for pillows can compress with use and may cause your pillow to become flatter or even uncomfortable. When faced with these kinds of pillows, you’ll have to regularly re-puff them to give you proper support. Look out for materials like solid foam and latex that hold out better and retain their shape without deforming with time.
- Quality
Ensure that the pillow you choose is durable and resistant to wear and tear. Another quality to look out for is temperature regulation wherein the pillow absorbs your body’s heat and keeps you cool throughout the night. Pillows with gel filling can help immensely in this regard. Pillows that come with soft pillow cases made of organic cotton or polyester fiber are great picks. The pillow you choose should be breathable, easy to clean, dust mite-resistant, and preferably made with organic materials. It should also have moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and anti-microbial properties that are required in a perfect pillow for side sleepers.
We’ve bought our favorite pillow, so now what? Let’s learn how to use it for a good night’s rest!
How A Side Sleeper Should Use Their Pillow
- Ensure that your mattress is medium-firm, or use a mattress cover to adjust its softness or thickness. Use a medium-firm pillow under your head as well.
- Turn to your left side, keeping your shoulders in line with your ears and your chin in a neutral position. Do not tuck your chin into your chest or keep your head down.
- Lay your hands and arms underneath your neck and face. Even better if you could place them parallel to the sides.
- If you struggle with lower back pain, you can place a pillow between your knees for better spinal alignment. This would serve as a makeshift lumbar support pillow.
- Finally, lift up your knees towards your chest as this will help relieve pressure in your back. Now all that’s left for you to do is drift off into dreamland!
After you’ve gotten your hands on the best pillow, let’s look at some tips to make your side-sleeping experience more pleasant.
Tips For Side Sleepers
- Invest in a good quality mattress with optimum cushioning. This helps relieve pressure in the back, hips, and spine and distributes it for a comfortable sleep. Look for a mattress that isn’t so soft that your body sinks into it, rather, a medium-firm cushion that adjusts to the contours of your body would be ideal.
- To improve alignment of the spine and to reduce the pressure on your hips and lower back, consider sleeping with a knee pillow or any pillow in between your knees. Use moldable materials like shredded foam for comfort. Additionally, the pillow can also be placed beneath your legs for the same purpose.
- If you aren’t pleased with your bed, invest in a topper for your mattress that can reverse how hard or soft it feels. This can reduce the pressure on your joints and muscles.
The Bottom Line
Many of us prefer side sleeping over any other sleeping postures. If you are among those, you need to get your hands on the best pillows for side sleepers for a comfortable and uninterrupted sleep. A thick side pillow is a must for side sleepers to align their spine properly while sleeping. For instance, the Utopia Bedding Premium Gusseted Pillow has poly fiber-filling that strikes a perfect balance between softness and firmness letting you get a good night’s sleep. If you are looking for memory foam filling that keeps your neck and back in proper shape, the Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow and Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow are two good options to consider. The pillows reviewed in the curated list are made of memory foam that helps relieve soreness and muscle tension. They also offer support, firmness, and overall comfort. These pillows are designed with breathable material and are resistant to wear and tear. Consider the thickness, support, shape, and quality while choosing the best pillows for side sleepers. We recommend you sleep with a pillow between your knees if you want to improve the spine’s alignment and reduce pressure on your lower back and hips. You can also consult your healthcare specialist for personalized training on using a side pillow.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Aditi Naskar is a health & fitness enthusiast. She believes that getting a good amount of sleep is very important to stay healthy. She understands that those who are side-sleepers need the right pillow to sleep comfortably. After conducting in-depth research, she has curated a list of the best pillows for side-sleeping. The products in the list will help you get deep sleep to get energized for the day ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pillow types are best for side sleepers?
Down and down alternative pillows can provide comfort but it might not be enough for spinal alignment. Foam pillows whose filling can be adjusted are firmer and also feature cut-outs to provide support to the neck, shoulders, and spine.
Do side sleepers need a soft or firm pillow?
A medium-firm pillow is ideal for side sleepers because a pillow that’s too soft can cause the head to sink, leading to muscle soreness. A pillow that is too firm might lead to tight muscles and migraines.
What’s the difference between a side sleeper pillow and a back sleeper pillow?
A pillow designed for side sleepers tends and needs to be firmer for proper spinal alignment. Back sleepers can use softer pillows without any discomfort.
How firm should a pillow be for a side sleeper?
Choosing a medium-firm pillow can relieve muscle tension for a side sleeper as pillows that are soft can compress and those that are too firm can cause muscles to become sore.
Are wedge pillows good for side sleepers?
Wedge pillows that contain memory foam can provide comfort to side sleepers. They can also help alleviate shoulder pain and soreness.
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