Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Product Tester
Did you know that side sleeping is the most common position? Despite its popularity and health benefits, side sleeping can become problematic without the right bedding materials for optimal comfort.
In addition to having the right mattress, you should pay attention to the type of pillow you use. If you’re a dedicated side sleeper, you need a pillow with firmer support and a high loft to keep a healthy posture and prevent back and neck pain.
Choosing a good pillow for your bed is not an easy task. You have a choice of multiple types and materials, ergonomic vs regular, firm or soft, other accessories to consider, size, and so on. Plus, how can you be sure what you’re getting is a quality product? Don’t worry, that’s where we come in! By reading on, you’ll get our expert tips on how to snuggle up with a high-value pillow that meets your side sleeping needs.
10 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Editor’s Choice
- The Marlow Pillow – Best Antimicrobial Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow – Best Value Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Layla Kapok – Best Plush Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Lagoon Otter Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Contouring Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Birch Organic Pillow – Best Organic Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
- Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow – Best Pillow for Side and Stomach Sleepers
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Our Pillow Testing Methodology
Sleep Advisor took the stress out of shopping by testing and compiling this list of our top picks for side sleeper pillows.
We took several factors into account when devising our list, including spine support, pressure relief, loft, contour, cooling, and more. We prioritized these categories because we feel they’re most important for overall comfort and pain prevention.
Our Top Pillows for Side Sleepers, Reviewed
Saatva Latex Pillow – Editor’s Choice
Saatva Latex Pillow
A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.
Saatva Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewWhat stands out the most with the Saatva Latex Pillow is its hypoallergenic shredded natural latex core. The core responds to your body, adapting to the shape of your neck and head as you move. This provides the pressure relief and support that side sleepers should benefit from the most.
This pillow also has an organic cotton sateen cover that’s gentle on the skin. The cover is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it easier for hot sleepers to fall and stay asleep. Then comes the plush fill made of down-like microdenier fiber that’s hypoallergenic and breathable.
Want more information? Read our in-depth Saatva Latex Pillow Review.
The Marlow Pillow – Best Antimicrobial Pillow for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers with allergies or a desire to keep their pillows especially fresh should appreciate the Marlow. This pillow resists infiltration from dust, grime, and other irritants, with a 100% vegan composition to boot.
The Marlow uses contouring memory foam, which gives it plushness, adaptability, and support. Our editor, Jill, got to test the Marlow first-hand. She enjoyed it for both side and back sleeping, which means this could also be a good one if you rotate between these positions.
Inside, a combination of shredded memory foam and polyester fiber helps the pillow adapt to the shape of your head and neck regardless of how much you move. Its firmness is customizable: All you have to do is zip or unzip its sides to change the feel and height.
Want more info? Consult our in-depth Marlow Pillow Review.
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow – Best Value Pillow for Side Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
A sustainably sourced latex pillow with cooling properties.
Brooklyn Bedding Score
4.70 / 5
The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is a great pick for those who want a high-quality, durable latex pillow at a fair price. Their king-sized pillow comes in at $99, which may seem steep at first—but for its natural Talalay latex construction, it’s a worthwhile investment.
It comes with a choice between two lofts; we suggest the high loft option (5 inches) for side sleepers. Talalay latex is also naturally breathable and bouncy, so both hot and restless sleepers should appreciate the added benefits.
Looking for other cost-effective pillows? See our list of the best affordable pillows.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
The pillow has a premium bamboo viscose shell that’s naturally breathable and has temperature-regulating properties.
Cozy Earth Score
4.90 / 5
If you’re a side sleeper, lying down on a soft, cool pillow can feel even more relaxing on nights when you just can’t seem to get cool. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow features a bamboo viscose shell. Bamboo is popular in bedding because it’s naturally temperature regulating, providing direct cooling as you sleep.
Another feature side sleepers should love is the incredibly soft feel of this pillow, which Oprah had previously deemed the “softest EVER.” Combine that with the moisture-wicking and breathability of the bamboo viscose, and you’ve got a fantastic find.
Looking for other pillows for hot sleepers? Check out our roundup of the best cooling pillows.
Layla Kapok – Best Plush Pillow for Side Sleepers
Layla Kapok Pillow
The shredded inner materials of the pillow effectively reduce heat during the night.
Layla Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewThis copper-infused pillow’s plush design should benefit side sleepers. Its plushness cradles your head and neck, preventing pressure buildup regardless of whether you change sides.
The Layla Kapok Pillow features a mix of Kapok fibers and memory foam to adapt to your neck and head curves. The pillow responds to movement, so it’s also good for those who toss and turn. In addition, the copper infusion helps the foam to stay cool by pulling the heat away from your body. The pillow also has hexagon stitching that allows extra airflow and breathability.
Still curious? Read our full Layla Pillow Review.
Lagoon Otter Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers
Lagoon Otter Pillow
A gel-infused memory foam pillow to prevent heat retention.
Lagoon Score
4.80 / 5
The Lagoon Otter Pillow, with its loft and softness, is already a great option for side sleepers of all weights. But if you’re seeking personalized comfort, you can also easily adjust the fill of this pillow for just the right amount of support.
It’s also made of hypoallergenic materials: a bamboo cover and CertiPUR-US®-certified memory foam. We thought it smelled fresh coming out of the box, so there’s a low chance of off-gassing.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Contouring Pillow for Side Sleepers
Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow
A contoured designed pillow for side and back sleepers.
Eli & Elm Score
4.30 / 5
If you’re looking for a great pillow that’s able to comfortably contour your head and relieve pressure on your neck, then we think you’ll like the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow. Because this pillow is specifically designed with side sleepers in mind, it should accommodate this sleep style well.
The pillow’s fill includes polyester fibers and natural latex. Natural latex is a more temperature-neutral and sustainable material, and it contours well to help deliver optimal comfort.
Looking for more detail? Read our full Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow Review.
Birch Organic Pillow – Best Organic Pillow for Side Sleepers
Birch Organic Pillow
A latex-core pillow that effectively supports the neck and head.
Birch Score
4.10 / 5
Birch prides itself on making sleep products with the highest-quality natural and organic materials available. The Birch Organic pillow is no exception: the cover is made of organic cotton, while the fill is made of organic wool and natural latex. This combination is not only eco-friendly but also great for side sleepers.
The wool and latex core of this pillow will support the neck regardless of how you sleep, but side sleepers especially should enjoy how this pillow won’t sink. It’s also a breathable structure for added temperature regulation.
Curious about other organic options? See our list of top rated organic pillows.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Tempur-Pedic Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow mimics the natural curvature of the spine, filling in the gaps beneath your neck if you sleep on your side. This construction combines soothing pressure relief with the proper amount of support to help relieve pain in one of your body’s most sensitive areas.
The pillow is available in three sizes so that sleepers can find the best match for their shape.
From my experience testing this pillow, I will say its firmness is great for neck support, which is important if you’re dealing with pain in this area. However, it’s also pretty rigid, so if you’re a side sleeper who doesn’t have neck pain, I’d go with something a bit softer from this list.
Want to learn more? See our full-length TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow review.
Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow – Best Pillow for Side and Stomach Sleepers
Coop Eden Pillow
A gel-infused memory foam pillow with a hypoallergenic design
Coop Score
4.60 / 5
Side sleepers who sometimes sleep on their stomach need a more versatile pillow that adapts to the change of position. The Eden features a blend of cooling gel-infused memory foam that’s medium-soft, which should fit side sleepers the best. The pillow comes with an additional half-pound of fill, so you can adjust the loft and firmness if you want to. The mesh tape gusset allows easy and even fill distribution so that the pillow is always comfortable.
The Eden has an interlocking dual-case system that makes adjustment easy. Plus, the Lulltra™ cover is machine-washable, so it’s easy to keep it clean.
Sleep only on your stomach? Go to our list of the best pillows for stomach sleepers.
Choosing the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
It’s crucial to have a firm understanding of how to choose the right pillow and features particularly important to look for in side sleeper pillows since these can impact your overall comfort.
Loft
A pillow with a high loft should prop your head up, allowing a neutral spine alignment. This should also help relieve pressure on the shoulders, so you’re unlikely to wake up with pain in this area. The feeling of your shoulders digging into the mattress is a good sign that you may need a taller pillow.
Firmness
Side sleepers should benefit from a medium-firm or firm pillow. Slightly firmer pillows are best for supporting your head and neck, keeping them in line with your spine. A pillow that’s too soft would allow your head to sink too much, throwing your spine out of alignment.
Support
A supportive pillow prevents the head from sinking in too deep. The pillow holds your head, preventing you from waking up with a stiff neck. However, support often depends on the firmness of your pillow. The softest pillows aren’t the most supportive, whereas medium-firm and firm will foster better head and neck support.
Pressure Relief
Pressure build-up can cause discomfort for side sleepers. Pressure can accumulate on the shoulders and neck, leading you to wake up with stiffness and pain. For this reason, side sleepers often seek a medium-range firmness, providing an excellent balance of support and pressure relief. Side sleepers usually prefer memory foam pillows because the material is known for its pressure-relieving properties.
Pillow Shape
The size and shape of your pillow don’t matter as much as loft and firmness. Side sleepers should benefit from taller pillows with medium-range firmness. However, the shape and size can go from small to king size, depending on your preference and mattress size.
Price
Pillows for side sleepers can range from affordable to expensive. However, it’s important to remember that the price doesn’t always indicate top quality. For this reason, you should focus on the loft, firmness, support, and other critical factors. The online, direct-to-consumer sales model also helps bring down costs on name-brand products.
Cooling
Pillows that include cooling materials are excellent for hot sleepers. Examples of cooling or breathable materials are gel or shredded memory foam, latex, and cotton. While memory foam is popular, it’s also known to overheat. Adding gel or using shredded foam helps keep the material cool. Purchasing cool, breathable pillowcases can also help foster a more comfortable sleep environment.
Cleaning
How easy it is to wash your pillows will also be a priority since periodic cleanings are important to preventing bacteria build-up and prolonging their lifespan. Many pillows feature removable covers that are machine washable, making it easier to keep them clean. Every pillow has a label where you can find cleaning and maintenance symbols. Before purchasing, though, you’ll want to double-check the recommended cleaning process.
Material Quality
The quality of your pillow depends on many things like the materials and overall manufacturing quality. The types of materials used inside the pillow, also known as the “fill”, can vary. Some examples include feather and down, down alternative, memory foam, cotton, polyester, and latex.
I recommend researching the brand to learn about their manufacturing process and materials, as these can help indicate how long the pillow will last. Additionally, some brands prioritize eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, adding to the quality and value of their products.
Interested in exploring further? Check out our full best pillows buying guide here.
Best Material & Type of a Pillow For Side Sleepers
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows come in two primary forms: shredded and molded.
- Shredded Foam – The filling consists of small pieces of foam, all stacked up nicely to form an excellent pillow shape designed for side sleepers. The idea is to deliver memory foam’s enhanced contouring and support without heat retention.
- Molded Foam – Molded foam is when you get one single, solid piece of foam. These can usually sleep a bit hotter but provide better contouring. If molded memory foam sounds more appealing but you’re concerned about overheating, look for pillows that infuse gel into their memory foam to help combat this.
Latex
Latex pillows are great because they are more responsive, but they lack the contouring of memory foam. Side sleepers who move around a lot tend to prefer this style. Latex pillows are also characterized by their superior cooling capabilities since the material is temperature-neutral.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a type of material that’s popular throughout Asia. The material has been known to help with back and neck pain as well as headaches associated with improper spinal alignment throughout the night. The hulls are firm, but they are also somewhat malleable and particularly breathable, making this a good pillow fill for spinal alignment and cooling.
Get More Info: Best Buckwheat Pillows
Feather/Down
You could also choose feather or down pillows. These are commonly recommended by a lot of experts to deliver a great night’s rest. That being said, a side sleeper would typically search for support, and one of the things about down pillows is that you’d be able to move the stuffing a lot. When you do it intentionally it’s okay, but when the down pillow material moves during your sleep it could be an issue.
View Our Guide: Top Rated Down Pillows
Cotton
Cotton pillows are usually the least supportive option because the material is unable to maintain its proper shape. This is primarily why they are most commonly used in combination with other types of materials. The upside to cotton is that it’s more breathable, so if it’s used in conjunction with other materials, it could still be useful to side sleepers.
Unique Side Sleeper Pillow Considerations
Before you buy, you also need to consider who will be using the pillow and their unique needs. There are different medical conditions that you might be targeting with improved bedding and mattress systems. We’ve identified some of the most common health conditions that might be helped with the use of a good side sleeping pillow.
Neck Pain
Cervical pillows usually come in more unique shapes and are specifically designed for enhanced neck support.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Cooling pillows can be helpful for anyone experiencing uncomfortable overheating issues, such as hot flashes or night sweats.
Sleep Apnea
Certain pillows can help you manage sleep apnea by keeping the head elevated to open up the airways for better breathing.1
Pregnancy
Side sleeping is considered the best position for pregnant women.2 If you or your partner is pregnant, consider buying a C-shape body-length pillow for enhanced support for mom and baby. That being said, regular-shaped pillows can also lend support to expectant mothers sleeping on their side, while also being useful post-pregnancy if the mother then wants to sleep in a different position.
Benefits of Owning a Pillow For Side Sleepers
Many people prefer relaxing on their sides, and a pillow that complements this specific position delivers specific benefits.
Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief
As mentioned above, cervical pillows, which are designed for neck support, can often complement side sleepers. In fact, some, like the Eli & Elm we featured above, are specially made for side sleepers.
Going with a pillow that’s ideal for side sleeping can help enhance your head and neck alignment, possibly relieving tension in the neck and reducing pressure on the shoulder that comes in contact with the mattress.
Interested in exploring further? View our full best pillows for neck pain guide.
May Help with Snoring
Did you know side sleeping is considered one of the better positions to help with snoring while you sleep? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, side sleeping helps the airways stay more open for easy breathing, and in turn, this could help reduce snoring.3 That’s not to say side sleepers don’t snore – it is just less likely because the posture addresses a common cause of snoring.
If you have a great pillow that’s comfortable for side sleeping, it might be worth a shot to see if this helps with your nighttime snoring.
Healthy Spine Alignment
Keep in mind that spinal and neck alignment is probably the most important factor when choosing a side sleeper pillow. If you’re looking at an image of you sleeping on your side, your head and neck should be straight with the rest of your body. The great news about side sleeping is that it supports a more natural alignment that may help with back pain.4
You can take this a step further by keeping your legs straight with a pillow between your knees for even better body alignment.4
Learn More: How to Properly Sleep On Your Side
How Can Side Sleepers Rest More Comfortably?
Side sleeping is comfortable for most people, so it’s no wonder this is among the most popular sleeping positions. However, sleeping on one side for too long can result in pressure build-up and soreness. Here’s what you can do to prevent these issues from happening.
Find a Good Mattress
Side sleepers typically need a mattress with a soft to medium-range firmness, depending on their body weight. Petite sleepers under 130 pounds may prefer something softer, whereas anyone above 130 pounds will likely want something medium to medium-firm.
Ideally, you’ll want a bed that cushions your shoulder and hip but still leaves you feeling well-supported and not as though your bed is swallowing you.
Learn more: Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Use a Topper
If you already have a mattress you’re unwilling to replace, you can add a topper to modify its feel. If your bed is too firm or no longer as supportive, adding a foam topper could make a significant difference. Mattress toppers are available in many sizes and firmness levels to fit all sleeping positions, including side sleeping.
Helpful Finds: Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Place a Pillow Between the Knees
Placing a pillow between your knees can help you find pain relief when sleeping on your side. Utilizing a pillow between the knees helps foster better spinal alignment when side sleeping.4 The only caveat is to make sure the pillow is not too big.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pillow is best for side sleepers with neck pain?
Neck pain is usually the result of your pillow being too soft, so make sure to stick to medium to medium-firm models. Anything softer can let your head sink too much, which could lead to neck strain. Along these same lines, you should also make sure your pillow isn’t too thin or too tall.
Cervical pillows, which are specially designed to cradle your head and support your neck, can also help ease neck and shoulder pain. This design can help take pressure off of your shoulders by offering enhanced support and improved head and neck alignment.
What type of pillow is best for side sleepers?
The best pillows for side sleepers have a medium-firm feel and decent loft, not too low or high. These pillows help your head and neck stay in the right position for good alignment, preventing you from sinking while you sleep.
How high should a pillow be for side sleepers?
Adult side sleepers should stick to pillows between five and seven inches tall. This height and medium-range firmness should provide sufficient support for proper spine alignment and pressure relief.
How firm should a side sleeper pillow be?
Medium-firm pillows are often the best for side sleeping. These support the head and neck, keeping the spine in alignment. In addition, they’re often good for combination sleepers because a medium firmness fits most sleeping positions.
How many pillows do I need?
Side sleepers usually just need one or two pillows. If you plan to use two pillows, one should be under your head while the other is meant to be between your knees. This way, you get the best support, pressure relief, and comfort when sleeping on your side.
What is the best cooling side sleeper pillow?
The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is our pick for the best cooling side sleeper pillow. It uses naturally cooling bamboo to help draw away heat and regulate your body temperature. The bamboo viscose shell also provides wicks moisture and breathability, both of which keep your pillow cool.
However, if this isn’t the pillow for you, there are many cooling pillow options available. You will need to look for those with cooling materials such as breathable cotton and bamboo and cooling technologies like gel-infused foam.
How should my pillow be when I sleep on my side?
Side sleepers should adjust their pillows so that their head and neck are comfortably supported, keeping the head and neck in line with the rest of the spine. These sleepers typically need a pillow with medium firmness and a higher loft to accomplish this.
Also, side sleepers may want to put one of their arms under their pillow. However, if possible, you should avoid this because it could possibly lead to numbness or neck, shoulder, and back pain.
If you absolutely must sleep with your arm under your pillow, consider looking into specially designed pillows that provide a space for your arm without putting weight on it.
Final Word of Advice
Finding the perfect pillow online for a side sleeper may seem daunting, especially with all the available accessories, but we hope this guide helps you narrow down your choices. Furthermore, understanding how to utilize pillows for healthier side sleeping can empower you to rest better and wake up feeling refreshed.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Product Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester 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
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- Iannella, Giannicola., et al. “Head-Of-Bed Elevation (HOBE) for Improving Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (POSA): An Experimental Study”. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
- “Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy”. University of Rochester Medical Center. Webpage accessed June 14, 2024.
- “Choosing the Best Sleep Position”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed June 14, 2024.
- “The Best — and Worst — Sleep Positions for Back Pain”. Keck Medicine of USC. Last modified April 18, 2024.