Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Your guide to the best pillows for side sleepers.
Written by Becca Fair, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Although around 70% of adults sleep on their sides, it is still a tiresome battle to find the right pillow for this position. While back sleepers and stomach sleepers can get by on low-loft or thin pillows, many side sleepers require a specific amount of support to avoid neck pain and discomfort.
The ideal pillow for side sleepers will fill the gap between your ear and shoulder, aligning the spine. Medium-loft and high-loft bed pillows tend to do the best job at this, but there are other factors to consider. This list includes your weight, shoulder width, and personal preferences.
We’ve rounded up the best pillows for side sleepers in 2026, at a variety of price points. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide at the bottom of the article with tips on how to choose the best side sleeper pillow for your body type.
And if you’re looking for a new mattress while you’re at it, here’s our top mattress picks for side sleepers.
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers?
Our experts chose the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow as the Nerd’s Pick for the best pillow for side sleepers due to its customizable fill, high-quality cushioning and contouring, and affordable pricing. Plus, its firmer construction allows for a responsive feel perfect for combination sleepers who may shift in their sleep.
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow – Nerd’s Pick
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best King-Sized Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow – Best Affordable Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow – Best for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
- Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers
- LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Layla Kapok Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Tuft and Needle Original Pillow – Best Pillow for Side & Back Sleepers
Current Top Deals
- Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow – Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Save Up to $60 on Pillow Pairs and Select Bedding Bundles
- Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – 27% Off Sitewide with Code NERD27
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow – Up to 40% Off Bundles
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow – 25% Off Sitewide with code SUMMER25
Watch Our Review
Want to see some of our favorite pillows for side sleepers in action? Mattress Nerd’s sleep experts Loren and Becca walk you through each pick.
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
To put together this list of the best pillows for side sleepers, our Certified Sleep Science Coaches performed live testing. This includes elements like pressure relief, head and neck support, and firmness level.
Nerd’s Pick: Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow
Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow
The Silk & Snow pillow comes with an adjustable, shredded memory foam core with a down-like microfiber fill for an airy, yet supportive feel.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.7 / 5
If you want your pillow to last any considerable length of time, you’ll need a pillow like the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow—our top pick for side sleepers. It retails for $75 but is often on sale for closer to $60. Sure, that’s pricier than the cheapest pillows online, but it’s also backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a three-year warranty, making it a fantastic deal. Along with its adjustable loft and durable materials, there’s exceptional value found within this pillow.
Our in-house testers raved about the feel and quality of this pillow, giving its materials a perfect 5-out-of-5 score. The inner core, made of shredded memory foam, can be removed to adjust to your preferred loft, and that core is surrounded by an outer shell made of plush, down-like microfiber fill. The pillow cover is made of pure, breathable cotton, as well, which our tester said felt cool to the touch.
It strikes a solid balance between firmness and cushioning with its inner core and outer shell, providing nice lift and support for side and back sleepers, although stomach sleepers may find the pillow too lifted for their liking.
How We Select the Nerd’s Pick
Our Nerd’s Pick is always based on the sleep product we think works for the widest range of people. We chose the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow as our best overall option because we’re fans of its construction, and its price point is hard to beat (given the quality). Its customizable loft can also accommodate more body types and sleeping positions. While we think this is the best option for side sleepers looking for a new pillow, we encourage you to read the rest of our mini-reviews to see if another option on our list better suits your preferences.
What our testers say: “The outer shell gives a down-like feel that I like, but it doesn’t clump in areas or go flat. It’s supportive, bouncy, and plush, plus the cover is cool. This pillow is high-quality and feels luxurious, even at its low price.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Who Might Like the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow
- Budget shoppers: Even at its full price of $75, this is more affordable than other similar models, and it’s backed by a solid sleep trial and warranty.
- Side and back sleepers: The adjustable memory foam core can allow you to get the precise lift needed for side and back sleepers to maintain an aligned neck and spine.
- Combination sleepers: The firmer foam core makes for a responsive pillow that allows sleepers to shift positions easily.
Who Might Not Like the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow
- Stomach sleepers: Even at its lowest level, our product tester felt like the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow’s loft would be too high for most stomach sleepers.
- Those looking for easy cleaning: While the cotton cover is machine-washable, Silk & Snow recommends spot-cleaning the outer shell and letting the pillow air dry before re-assembly.
Other User Reviews
According to Silk & Snow’s website, this adjustable pillow has earned an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 1,500 customer reviews. Most positive reviews rave about being able to find the perfect level of lift for their sleeping preferences, while negative reviews said that the pillow runs a little hot, and it’s hard to keep the pillow even after removing some of the shredded foam core.
Need a lower loft from your pillow? Check out the best pillows for stomach sleepers for some great options.
Best Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers: Saatva Latex Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva pillow features a pillow-on-pillow design that enables users to easily adjust the height to their needs, leading to a great night’s sleep.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.6 / 5
The Saatva Latex Pillow features a Talalay latex core along with a down alternative fill, and has an innovative three-layer design and medium firmness level. Its loft is adjustable, meaning that side sleepers of any size can customize it to their liking.
Latex can be more supportive and resilient than other pillow fill styles, which makes it a popular option for shoppers looking for durability and shape retention. The interior of the Saatva Pillow contains shredded Talalay latex, and the outer layer is filled with a down alternative. You’ll have the option to adjust the pillow so that the loft can measure anywhere between 2 and 8 inches thick.
The temperature-neutral inner lining on the pillow helps it sleep cool, as does the organic cotton cover. This breathable, moisture-wicking cover can be removed for machine washing, and, as with most Saatva products, this pillow lasts longer than average. The Saatva pillow is available in queen and king sizes, and comes with free shipping and a 45-night sleep trial. Check out the Saatva Classic mattress review for more details on the brand.
What our testers say: “Ever since I started sleeping on this pillow, my neck pain is virtually gone.” – Spencer, Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Latex Pillow
- All sleeping positions: Due to the customization of this pillow’s design, all sleeping positions can be accommodated.
- Hot sleepers: Latex is naturally cooling and doesn’t trap body heat.
- Those with neck pain: Latex is a great material for responsiveness and pressure relief.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Latex Pillow
- Those who prefer a memory foam feel: Latex pillows are more buoyant than impressionable.
- Individuals who don’t like fluffing their pillows regularly: Because of the fibers in the outer layer, this pillow does require some regular fluffing.
- Budget shoppers: In typical Saatva fashion, this pillow comes with a luxury price tag.
Other User Reviews
On Saatva’s website, the Latex pillow scored a 4.7 out of 5 based on over 160 reviews.
Check out our Saatva Latex Pillow Review for more information.
Best King-Sized Pillow for Side Sleepers: Helix GlacioTex Pillow
Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
GlacioTex fabric and a gel grid both help to keep this pillow cool and crisp throughout the night.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.2 / 5
This lofty and supportive pillow from Helix is the perfect match for average to heavyweight folks looking to stay propped up throughout the night. Especially for larger folks with broader shoulders, the 7.5-inch loft on the king size version will be plenty tall to keep you elevated and comfortable. Gone are the days of stacking multiple pillows!
That said, Helix doesn’t just bank on one feature. This pillow features a shredded memory foam core and cooling TENCEL cover that offers some nice pressure relief without making you feel stuffy or hot. Best yet, you can try out this pillow for 100 nights, or your money back!
What our testers say: “The very high loft on this pillow works great for supporting side sleepers in proper spinal alignment!” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Side Sleeper Pillow
- Hot sleepers: The cover is made with TENCEL fibers, which will feel refreshing on the skin.
- Side sleepers: This pillow was made specifically for this sleeping position.
- Value shoppers: You get a 100-night sleep trial and one-year limited warranty with your purchase.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Pillow
- Petite side sleepers: The loft may be too high for those with smaller body frames.
- Those who want an adjustable pillow: You cannot adjust the inner fill.
Other User Reviews
As of this writing, this pillow has no customer reviews currently available on Helix’s website. We’ll update this section if any ratings come in, though.
Best Affordable Pillow for Side Sleepers: Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
This shredded memory foam pillow is premium and adjustable, sold with a customization option that allows it to accommodate virtually any body size and sleep position.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.3 / 5
The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow has a medium-soft feel and contains shredded, gel-infused memory foam along with microfiber. Retailing at $89, it sleeps cooler than most memory foam options and can be adjusted, making it one of the better value options on our list. It’s not quite as affordable as the $5 models you may be able to get from the supermarket, but the Coop Sleep Goods pillow will last much longer than those bargain-deal pillows, thanks to the adjustable pillow’s durable materials and solid construction.
Additionally, if you enjoy the cradling feel of memory foam around your head and neck, the Coop Sleep Goods pillow is a good option to prevent pressure points from developing. The original design will likely work for lightweight side sleepers, but average-weight and heavyweight sleepers may need to add extra fill to the pillow to achieve a loft that’s supportive enough. The good news is Coop Sleep Goods sells extra fill in bulk.
Another highlight of this pick is its breathability. Most memory foam pillows retain heat, but the pillow’s shredded foam mixture and its cooling polyester and bamboo cover prevent that from becoming too much of an issue, though very hot sleepers may still need something with more cooling capabilities. This pillow is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and comes with a five-year warranty, as well.
What our testers say: “This adjustable pillow from Coop is a great memory foam option that offers the pressure relief and softness you expect, with the customization that guarantees comfortable sleep.” – Loren, Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
- Value shoppers: A queen pillow retails for around $89 and is often on sale for less. Although it’s on the pricier side, many pillows that are similar to this model are more expensive.
- Those looking for easy cleaning: The cover is machine-washable and can be tumble-dried, making it easy to care for and maintain.
- Sleepers with allergies: This pillow is filled with a hypoallergenic, non-toxic blend of memory foam and microfiber.
Who Might Not Like the Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
- Stomach sleepers: As with many adjustable pillows, the Coop Sleep Goods Pillow requires removing a lot of fill to get the loft low enough for a stomach sleeper to maintain proper spinal alignment. Therefore, it may not be worth the investment.
- Hot sleepers: While the adjustable fill does allow for more breathability, the materials aren’t very cooling.
Other User Reviews
On Coop Sleep Good’s website, the brand’s original pillow scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 18,000 user reviews. The consensus is that the pillow was a great investment, that it’s held up over time, and that it’s improved the users’ quality of sleep. However, a few customers had trouble finding a comfortable position and lift from the pillow, even after removing or adding more fill.
Check out our Coop Sleep Goods Pillow Review for more information.
Best for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is a latex pillow available in high and low loft.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.6 / 5
The Talalay Latex Pillow from Brooklyn Bedding is a standout for sleepers dealing with neck pain due to its size and height options, meaning you can find the ideal lift and support for your sleeping position. In particular, our testers found the latex to provide a natural bounciness and support while sleeping on their side, which helped keep their neck and spine properly aligned.
Additionally, its breathable latex design helps accommodate hot sleepers, combination sleepers, and those with allergies. Latex is a great bedding material because it’s breathable, bouncy, and mite-resistant. You don’t have to worry about sweating, neck pain, or any unwanted bacteria while sleeping.
Brooklyn Bedding claims that those with an allergy to latex are still able to use this pillow. According to the brand’s site, the latex insert and cover are designed to be hypoallergenic and are suited for those with allergies because the latex is natural and not synthetically made. Plus, Brooklyn Bedding backs up the quality of its product with good policies, including a 30-night trial and three-year limited warranty.
What our testers say: “Latex pillows are great for just about everyone. Brooklyn Bedding created the perfect cooling, responsive, and relatively affordable option with their Talalay Latex Pillow!” – Becca, Lead Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Talalay Latex Pillow
- Those with allergies: Talalay latex is naturally hypoallergenic, so people with allergies can get a good night of uninterrupted sleep.
- Hot sleepers: Latex is a great material for hot sleepers because it doesn’t trap body heat.
- Combination sleepers: The responsive surface will make switching from one sleeping position to another very easy.
Who Might Not Like the Talalay Latex Pillow
- Down feather pillow lovers: This pillow won’t be as plush or soft as a down or down-like option.
Other User Reviews
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Talalay Latex Pillow scored a 4.4 out of 5 based on nearly 3,000 user reviews. Most customers praise its ability to stay cool and admit that its high loft helps alleviate their neck pain, although some customers aren’t fans of the pillow’s lumpy texture.
For more latex models, check out our picks for the best latex pillows.
Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers: Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow
Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow
With a quilted cool-to-the-touch cover, the Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow is designed to wick away heat and moisture. Plus, its side zippers allow for sleepers to adjust this pillow's firmness.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.4 / 5
Fans of the soft contouring feel of memory foam will appreciate the Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow, which uses a combination of memory foam clusters and microfiber to create a soft, down-like feel that’s fantastic for relieving pressure on the neck. This pillow’s firmness can also be adjusted to your preference, using two zippers on the side. Both zippers can be opened for a softer touch, while zipping each one makes for a medium and then firm feel.
Using the adjustable firmnesses, our product tester found this pillow ideal not just for a side sleeper, but for any sleeping position, really. She liked it best on the soft setting while sleeping on her side, however, as it properly aligned her neck with her spine and kept her comfortable throughout the night.
Another feature of this Nectar pillow is the cool-to-the-touch quilted cover. It’s made with a special fabric designed to wick away heat and moisture, and our tester could feel how cool the pillow was, even through a pillow case.
What our testers say: “I’m a side sleeper who prefers softer pillows and typically stays away from memory foam, but I loved this pillow with its soft setting. My head sank in just the right amount and kept my spine aligned and neck and traps comfortable.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Who Might Like the Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow
- Hot sleepers: The Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow has a breathable quilted cover designed to wick away moisture and heat while sleeping.
- Any sleeping position: With its adjustable firmness, this pillow’s loft can be adjusted to suit side, back, and stomach sleepers alike.
- Sleepers with neck pain: Our product tester found the Nectar pillow provided a great balance between comfort and support to help relieve neck pain.
Who Might Not Like the Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow
- Budget shoppers: The Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow sells for roughly $129, making it a pricier adjustable pillow compared to other competitors.
- Those looking for easy cleaning: This pillow isn’t suitable for machine washing and must instead be spot-cleaned and air-dried.
Other User Reviews
The Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow has an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars on the brand’s website with over 900 customer ratings. Positive reviews say that the memory foam pillow provides a great mix of support and comfort, although some customers complained that the pillow proved too firm or soft for their liking.
For more options, check out our picks for the best memory foam pillows.
Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers: LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow
LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow
The LUXOME LAYR pillow is a fully customizable option that allows you to cater the feel and firmness to your sleeping position and body type.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.7 / 5
If you’re looking for the right amount of lift and cushioning from your pillow, you may need an adjustable pillow like the LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow. This pillow comes with a bamboo outer cover and three different inserts, each with different materials for different firmnesses: a soft down-like insert, a medium insert combining down alternative and shredded memory foam, and a solid memory foam firm insert. Using any combination of these can help you find your preferred level of comfort from this luxury pillow.
While our product tester found this to be good for side sleepers, he also found it to work well for most other sleeping positions—particularly, on his back. This can be a solid pick for combination sleepers, too, since its adjustable inserts can help sleepers find their ideal loft for their unique needs.
If there’s any sort of drawback to this pillow, it’s mostly the price. The standard pillow is $150, while a king size retails at $180. Still, our tester saw its value, from its extreme customization to its quality materials, including a heavy-duty zipper on the pillow cover. Along with its easy care and maintenance, this can be a worthwhile investment to those looking for solid value from their sleep accessories.
What our testers say: “This pillow was pretty comfortable right away, and I’ve now been using it for several weeks and it has only become more comfortable. Honestly, I was just really impressed with the thoughtfulness of this product. LUXOME set out to make a truly adjustable pillow, and they really nailed it.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Who Might Like the LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow
- Combination sleepers: With its adjustable inserts, the LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow can provide the right amount of support and comfort for any sleeping position.
- Luxury shoppers: It’s a little pricey at $150 for a standard-size pillow, but with its quality materials and customizable inserts, it provides a luxurious feel and experience.
- Those looking for easy cleaning: The pillow’s cover and the inserts’ covers are all machine-washable, making for easy care and maintenance.
Who Might Not Like the LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow
- Budget shoppers: The $150 price tag may be outside of some sleepers’ budgets.
- Those looking for a simple pillow: The amount of customizations with the LAYR Pillow may detract some customers looking for a basic pillow that doesn’t require a ton of adjustments.
Other User Reviews
With more than 1,800 reviews on the brand’s site, the LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow has a score of 4.9 out of 5 stars from customer ratings. Many customers are pleased with their purchase, saying that the pillow is easy to adjust and made with quality in mind, but a few customers say that finding the perfect combination of inserts for their needs has been tough.
Check out our list of the best adjustable pillows for more solid recommendations.
Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers: Layla Kapok Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla pillow combines all-natural Kapok fibers with shredded memory foam for a feel that’s plush yet supportive. With an adjustable fill level and cooling copper fibers, the Layla Pillow sleeps temperature neutral and suits all sleeping positions.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.5 / 5
The Layla Kapok Pillow is composed of all-natural, silky kapok fibers and includes shredded memory foam for a feel that’s not only supportive, but also plush. The Layla pillow also has an adjustable fill level and cooling copper fibers that allows for a colder sleep to suit side sleepers.
No matter how soft a pillow’s cover or how perfect its loft, if it sleeps hot, chances are a healthy sleep pattern won’t always be achievable. Layla incorporates its open-cell foam and natural Kapok yarns, which helps to facilitate more airflow than an average foam pillow. Not only is the interior fluffy and breathable, the Layla pillow cover is composed of a breathable fabric, as well, and has temperature-regulating copper fibers woven in.
Additionally, the Layla Kapok Pillow has a convenient zipper enclosure that will allow you to adjust the loft to better fit your side sleeping needs. The cloud-like feel and all-night support make this high-quality pillow an excellent option for side sleepers who tend to also sleep hot. The Layla pillow comes in queen and king sizes with prices starting around $99.
What our testers say: “The Layla Kapok Pillow is one of my go-to recommendations. It’s cooling, totally customizable, and much less expensive than similar models.” – Loren, Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Layla Kapok Pillow
- Hot sleepers: The open-cell foam and loose fill construction allow for breathability.
- Combination sleepers: Combo sleepers that switch sleeping positions need a personalized pillow to be comfortable.
- Memory foam lovers: The shredded pieces of foam offer great pressure relief.
Who Might Not Like the Layla Kapok Pillow
- Budget shoppers: This pillow retails for just under $100.
- Those looking for an extra-plush or extra-firm pillow: This is the ideal medium firmness.
- People who want an all-natural pillow: Not all the materials are made naturally.
Other User Reviews
On Layla’s website, the Kapok pillow scored a 4.5 out of 5 based on over 3,300 reviews.
Check out our Layla Kapok Pillow Review for more information.
Best Pillow for Side & Back Sleepers: Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow
Tuft and Needle Original Pillow
The Tuft & Needle Pillow provides plush yet lofty support with a medium firmness that’s great for side and back sleepers. Made from a slab of T&N Adaptive foam, this pillow is squishy, responsive, and supportive. If you sleep hot, the breathable materials can help keep you cool.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.4 / 5
The T&N Pillow features the company’s proprietary Adaptive Foam, which combines the contouring of memory foam with added bounce and support. The foam has open-cell technology, heat-wicking graphite, and cooling gel to help you sleep cool.
This pillow sets itself apart with its proprietary T&N foam construction that resembles memory foam without losing shape or support. It’s one of the only memory-foam-like pillows that’s appropriate for side sleepers of all sizes, and it has multiple design details to promote temperature neutrality.
The pillow is moldable, so it will contour to your neck in the side-sleeping position—but you’ll never have to fluff it. The pillow is also hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, and the soft cover is machine-washable. The T&N pillow is available in standard and king sizes, and it comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial (30 nights if ordered on Amazon.com) and a three-year limited warranty.
What our testers say: “As a side sleeper, I was hesitant that this all-foam pillow would work for my sleeping position and broader shoulders. That said, I was pleasantly surprised!” – Daniel, Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Tuft & Needle Pillow
- Memory foam lovers: Made from Tuft & Needle’s proprietary adaptive foam, this pillow offers an impressionable, cradling surface to sink into.
- Hot sleepers: The open-cell structure and graphite, cooling gel infusion of the foam is less likely to trap body heat than traditional memory foam.
- Those with neck pain: Memory foam is a great material for relieving pressure from the head, neck, and shoulder area.
Who Might Not Like the Tuft & Needle Pillow
- Stomach sleepers: This pillow’s loft may be too high for stomach sleepers who need a lower pillow height to maintain spinal alignment.
- Budget shoppers: The standard size retails for $100.
Other User Reviews
On T&N’s website, the brand’s original foam pillow scored a 4.4 out of 5 based on over 4,000 user reviews. The most helpful favorable review mentioned the height and firmness was tall enough to accommodate their side sleeping and help their partner stop snoring.
Read our Tuft & Needle Original Pillow Review for more details.
What Pillow Types are Best for Side Sleepers?
Support and loft are the primary concerns for side sleepers. The ideal side sleeper pillow most likely will have a high loft (roughly 4 inches thick) to keep the head and neck in a neutral position. A firmer feel in the pillow can also prevent the head and neck from sinking. The larger and broader-shouldered you are, the higher loft you’ll require to fill the space between your ear and neck.
That said, all pillow styles can be a good fit for side sleepers, so the right type will come down to your personal preferences.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows can be filled with large chunks of shredded memory foam or a solid block of the material. A solid memory foam pillow with the right loft and firmness level can best support your head if you don’t toss and turn. A shredded memory foam pillow is usually adjustable, meaning you can add and remove fill to create a loft that suits your body, even as you move around.
Latex
Latex is an increasingly popular pillow fill because it’s comfortable yet resilient, and it sleeps cooler than memory foam. Some latex pillows are adjustable, but most have a solid block of latex at their core. They conform closely and alleviate some pressure, and they’ll feel a little bouncier to the touch.
Down
Down is a luxury pillow fill made from the plumage of geese and ducks. It’s very soft and lightweight, so side sleepers will need a down pillow with a very dense fill in order to find support on this type. Keep in mind that down is soft and comfortable, but it requires some fluffing and is usually more expensive.
Down Alternative
If you like the feel of down but can’t foot the bill, a down alternative offers a similar lightweight body and often comes without the allergy risk of down. Down alternative pillows require fluffing, may not hold their shape well, and will need to have a high-density fill to support side sleepers’ necks.
To learn more, check out our article comparing down vs. down alternative pillows.
What Else to Look for in A Pillow for Side Sleepers
Loft
As mentioned, the ideal loft for a side sleeper’s pillow is around 4 inches. If your pillow is any thinner than that, it may position your head at an unhealthy angle. Whether or not you need something with a higher loft than 4 inches depends on the width of your shoulders. Remember, you want a pillow that will fit snugly into the gap between your shoulder and your head, so that your spine maintains alignment.
Firmness
We recommend that side sleepers seek out a firm pillow. Something on the softer side will allow your head to sink too far into it, thereby compressing the loft and potentially throwing your spine out of alignment.
Pressure Relief
While we do suggest a firm pillow, you want to make sure you don’t purchase something too firm. You still want enough pressure relief so that you feel nice and cushioned as you drift off to sleep and don’t wake up with a sore ear.
How to Properly Sleep on Your Side
Your Mattress Matters
Just like you need a pillow that supports your sleeping position, having the right mattress can make sleeping on your side much more comfortable. Look for something on the soft to medium-firm end of the mattress firmness scale. This will ensure that your hips and shoulders sink comfortably into the mattress when you’re on your side.
For more information, head over to our article on the best mattress for side sleepers.
Keep Your Spine Aligned
In order to prevent or reduce back pain, it’s important to keep your spine aligned on its natural curve as you sleep. When sleeping on your side, your hips can rotate to either side, which might result in throwing your spine out of whack.
If you believe this may be happening to you, try sleeping with a pillow between your knees. This will help keep your legs directly on top of one another, your hips squared, and your spine aligned. For more tips, take a look at our steps on how to properly sleep on your side.
Sleep on Your Left Side
Believe it or not, sleeping on your left side can sometimes actually be healthier than sleeping on your right. According to research, sleeping on your left side can help with breathing, digestion, heartburn, and more! For a deeper dive, take a look at our article, “What is the Best Side to Sleep On?”
FAQs about the Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Are there great pillows for side sleepers available on Amazon?
Yes, dozens of pillows that are appropriate for side sleepers are available on Amazon.com. Examples from this list include the Coop Home Goods and the Tuft & Needle pillows.
What type of pillow should a side sleeper use?
Side sleepers should opt for pillows with a high loft and medium-firm or firm feel. A dense fill that’s also comfortable will allow the shoulders to relax and the neck to be supported, leading to pressure relief that makes it easier to fall asleep.
What is the best pillow for a side sleeper with neck pain?
If you’re experiencing neck pain in the side sleeping position, your current pillow may be to blame. By purchasing a new pillow that encourages proper neck alignment, you may notice that your pain subsides. If pain continues with a proper side-sleeping pillow, consider transitioning to a back-sleeping position, which is the healthiest sleeping position, according to doctors.
Recap of the Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
| Pillow Model | Award |
|---|---|
| Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow | Nerd’s Pick |
| Saatva Latex Pillow | Best Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow | Best King-Sized Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow | Best Affordable Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow | Best for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain |
| Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow | Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| LUXOME LAYR Customizable Pillow | Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Layla Kapok Pillow | Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Tuft & Needle Original Pillow | Best Pillow for Side & Back Sleepers |
