We’ve determined that the ideal pillow for side sleepers combines support and softness. In general, they require medium to high loft pillows that keep their necks in proper alignment while sleeping.
Eli & Elm cotton side-sleeper pillow features a unique, boomerang shape to optimize spine alignment. Its inner fill includes both supportive noodled latex and polyester fiber for maximum comfort and support.
TEMPUR-Neck
TEMPUR-Pedic’s pillow features an ergonomically contoured design to support the natural curvature of both neck and head to promote spinal alignment, making it the best pillow for side sleepers due to providing ample support without craning the head or straining shoulders. Plus, three sizes – Low, Med and High–are available to cater to different body types and sleeping positions.
The brand recommends measuring the distance between your neck and shoulder when selecting your ideal pillow size, so as to enable a customized fit that can ease any slightest adjustments without discomfort. Plus, its washable cover is hypoallergenic and breathable. However, if budgetary concerns make this an expensive choice, the Saatva Latex Pillow provides adequate neck support with its marshmallowy soft feel – an alternative worth exploring.
Experts favor this pillow for side sleepers as it is adjustable and contours perfectly to the shape of their neck and head. Made of soft latex and polyester fiber that can be customized by adding or subtracting filling, as well as featuring pressure relief material to reduce neck and shoulder discomfort, according to Cushner, this is one pillow designed specifically to meet all these criteria.
Though this pillow doesn’t provide as much neck support as other options on this list, holistic chiropractor Sponaugle still recommends it to her patients. According to mbg, its combination of materials helps achieve proper spinal alignment for her clients as well as alleviate lower back and leg pain. Plus it features customizable loft, which allows users to change its shape by altering fill amount; additionally it’s hypoallergenic and breathable so you won’t have to worry about allergies or skin irritation issues!
Purple Hex Grid Gel Support
This pillow features the Purple brand’s cutting-edge 360 degree Purple Grid Hex technology wrapped around a soft, adaptable, and hypoallergenic Talalay latex core for unparalleled support and airflow. This combination provides pressure free support while still offering plenty of airflow throughout the night, keeping your head and neck cool all through. Petite side sleepers may appreciate its low loft; average and larger-framed individuals will prefer either medium or tall lofts for optimal sleeping comfort.
Purple Grid Hex distinguishes this pillow from most competitors and makes it an excellent option for side sleepers. Woven into its outer cover in an undulating honeycomb pattern that is both visible and felt, its extra give provides extra support where needed, helping your neck stay in alignment with its spine.
This pillow stands out from our selection by featuring an inner liner with a zippered opening for quick and easy customization of shredded gel memory foam, so you can add or subtract to achieve your ideal loft. This feature alone makes this a worthwhile investment if you prefer firmer pillows. Additionally, its inner lining has been certified OEKO-TEK, CleanAir GOLD and CertiPUR-US certifications.
Another bonus of this pillow is its construction from 88% polyester, 3% nylon and 9% spandex blend which makes it comfortable against your skin while being stretchy enough for stretching out during play. Plus, its cover can be machine washed for easy clean-up of spills or drool pools! Shipping within the contiguous United States is free; Hawaii and Alaska customers will incur an additional shipping charge.
Parachute
Side sleepers must select a pillow that perfectly hugs their neck-shoulder crevice to prevent kinking and pain in their spines. The Pillow Cube’s cube shape makes it particularly well suited to this purpose, squeezing into any available space between head, neck and shoulders without sinking too quickly into any cracks between your vertebrae. Crafted from one piece of thick memory foam for slow sink-in that keeps the head and neck aligned properly while supporting heavy side sleepers’ weight with plenty of support! Available in several height options it’s especially recommended for heavy side sleepers as it’ll hold up well against heavy bodyweight while providing ample support!
If you prefer more traditional shapes, the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow may be the right fit for side sleepers. Its adjustable shredded memory foam fill allows you to customize its loft and firmness, and its temperature-regulating outer cover keeps temperatures under control. Furthermore, this machine-washable pillow makes an excellent option for anyone suffering from frequent sweating who needs their pillow washed regularly.
Many side-sleeping pillows feature special shapes designed to better position your shoulders and spine for optimal comfort and spinal health. But whether these unique forms actually make a difference is unclear. If you’re curious to try one out, we recommend purchasing one with a trial period so you can determine if it works for you; this gives you time to try different sizes, fills, covers before making a commitment purchase decision – plus try sleeping on either your stomach or back if interested!
Brooklinen Down Pillow
This pillow is an excellent option for side sleepers who wish to keep their spine aligned while still enjoying a soft surface. Its gusseted design helps prevent flattening, while the filling material (recycled PET material) offers environmental concerns or allergies to real down. Furthermore, its loft is great for side sleeping as it aligns the head and neck with spine.
The Brooklinen Down Pillow comes in standard and king sizes, featuring a cotton sateen cover that’s silky-smooth yet breathable for easy spot cleaning or dry cleaning if necessary. Though heavier than some options we tested, this pillow sleeps quite cool; therefore it may be less appealing for side sleepers.
Another key consideration when selecting a pillow is firmness level. We found most of the pillows we tested to have medium firmness levels – an optimal level for most back and side sleepers. Too firm of a firmness will cause your head to sink too deeply below you and possibly create pressure points on shoulders and neck areas; too soft of a firmness level won’t provide sufficient spinal support or help ease stress on hips or lower back areas.
Individuals with very specific sleeping needs should opt for a pillow that allows for customizable loft or thickness adjustments, like adding or removing feathers from its sleeves, or with adjustable layers of fill. One such example is the Garnet Hill Heirloom which features three levels of fill density (soft, medium and firm) to suit stomach, back and side sleeping alike – ideal for stomach, back and side sleepers alike! Plus its thoughtful construction makes this an affordable solution with customizable feel.
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Original Loft Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Original Loft Pillow is one of the most adaptable pillows we’ve come across, providing endless customization options in terms of firmness and fill. Plus, its soft brushed cotton cover can easily be removed for washing if necessary. Plus, its mix of solid and shredded memory foam means you can select which density and size best suit your neck and shoulders; additionally you may be able to add or subtract layers over time – although this may take a bit of trial-and-error! Our lab tests confirmed this was very comfortable for side sleepers!
The shredded memory foam provides exceptional pressure-relieving support and is covered in fluffy microfibers to provide an enjoyable cushiony feeling. Available in both standard (20 x 30 inches) and king (20 x 36 inches), these pillows come with a lifetime warranty from Greenguard Gold to ensure low chemical emissions.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow is one of the top picks for side sleeping, featuring an ergonomic U-shape design to keep your neck properly aligned while sleeping on its side. With high sides providing extra height for side sleepers and its center crease providing separation for hips and knees during side sleeping, it makes an excellent pillow to help side sleepers have a comfortable restful experience.
Consumer Reports also named it as one of their “Best Buys”, with the company offering a 60-day sleep trial period. As with other models in this roundup, it features CertiPUR-US certified memory foam combined with Lulltra fabric wicking moisture away, keeping you cool throughout your restful slumber; plus it can easily be machine washed for easy maintenance!
