Side sleeping is among the most popular positions, loved by many for its comfort and health benefits. It reduces snoring, helps digestion, and can align the spine correctly. However, side sleepers can wake up sore, stiff, and far from well-rested without the right pillow. If you’re wondering, What are the best pillows for side sleepers? you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will help you understand what makes a good pillow for side sleeping, explore the different types available, and provide recommendations to achieve the restful sleep you deserve.
Why Side Sleepers Need Special Pillows
Side sleeping is one of the most common positions but has unique challenges. When you lie on your side, the extra space between your neck and shoulders needs proper support. If your pillow is too soft, firm, or high, this gap isn’t correctly filled, which can strain your neck, shoulders, and spine over time.
The best pillows for side sleepers provide the following:
1. Proper Neck Alignment:
A pillow with the correct loft (height) will keep your neck aligned with your spine.
2. Pressure Relief:
Quality materials like memory foam can minimize pressure on your shoulders.
3. Durable Support:
A good pillow won’t lose shape overnight or after a few uses.
What About Side and Back Sleepers?
If you switch between sleeping on your side and back, you’ll want a pillow that can accommodate both positions. These pillows have medium firmness and adjustable loft to adapt to your movements during the night.
Features to Look for in Pillows for Side Sleepers
Before you choose a pillow, it’s crucial to understand what features to look for. Here’s your checklist:
1. Loft (Height)
The loft of your pillow is one of the most critical factors for side sleepers.
- Medium to High Loft:
Side sleepers need medium—to high-loft (4 to 6 inches) pillows to bridge the gap between the head and shoulder.
- An adjustable pillow can help you find the perfect balance when switching positions if you’re a combination sleeper.
2. Firmness
Side sleepers need a pillow that’s firm enough to hold its shape but not so rigid that it causes discomfort.
- Medium-Firm to Firm:
This provides enough support to align your head, neck, and spine.
3. Fill Material
The Material inside your pillow matters just as much as the outer feel. Here are the popular options:
- Memory Foam is best:
for contouring and support. It is excellent for side sleepers as it molds to your head and neck.
- Down or Down-Alternative:
Offers a softer feel and is ideal if you don’t need extra neck support. Look for firm down pillows for added support.
- Latex:
A durable, supportive material that doesn’t lose shape easily. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic.
- Buckwheat Hulls:
A natural, eco-friendly option that’s highly adjustable for firmness and loft.
4. Cooling Features
If you sleep hot, look for pillows with cooling gel, moisture-wicking covers, or other temperature-regulating features.
5. Durability
A good pillow is an investment. Look for materials and brands known for lasting support. With proper care, high-quality pillows can last 18 to 36 months.
6. Compatibility for Side and Stomach Sleepers
If you sometimes shift to sleeping on your stomach, look for a pillow with an adjustable fill so you can flatten it when needed.
What Are the Best Pillows to Buy for Side Sleepers?
We’ve narrowed down a list of the best pillows for side sleepers, keeping comfort, support, durability, and value in mind.
1. The Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow
This pillow is fully adjustable, allowing you to add or remove foam until you find the perfect loft. It’s also hypoallergenic and comes with cooling gel-infused memory foam.
- Ideal for:
Side sleepers, back sleepers, and anyone who likes to customize their pillow’s firmness.
- Key Features:
Adjustable fill, medium firmness, and cooling properties.
2. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Tempur-Pedic is a trusted name in sleep, and their TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow is no exception. Its pressure-relieving memory foam provides excellent neck and head support.
- It is ideal for:
Side and back sleepers who love the feel of memory foam.
- Key Features:
Plush yet supportive memory foam and excellent pressure relief.
3. Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are highly recommended for side sleepers because they mold to the shape of your head and neck, providing customized support.
- Pros:
Excellent contouring, supportive, often incorporates cooling technology.
- Cons:
It may trap heat in cheaper models or release a slight chemical odor.
4. Purple Harmony Pillow
This pillow blends a unique honeycomb-style grid and latex core to provide fantastic support while staying cool overnight.
- Ideal for:
Hot sleepers and those who want a pillow with a unique design.
- Key Features:
Cooling tech, responsive support, and latex durability.
5. Hybrid Pillows
Hybrid pillows combine the benefits of two or more materials, such as memory foam and a down alternative, to balance comfort and support.
- Pros:
Versatile, customizable, designed for various preferences.
- Cons:
Quality and effectiveness can vary widely.
What Are the Best Pillows for Back and Side Sleepers?
If you switch between sleeping on your back and side at night, look for a pillow with these features:
- An adjustable loft:
is needed to maintain proper neck alignment in both positions.
- Medium firmness:
to support your head without feeling too firm.
Options like the Coop Home Goods Eden and Purple Harmony pillows are excellent choices for combination sleepers thanks to their flexible designs that easily adapt to different sleeping styles.
Common Mistakes Side Sleepers Make When Choosing a Pillow
1. Ignoring Proper Neck Support:
Side sleepers often choose either too soft or too low pillows, leading to insufficient neck support. This can cause strain on the spine and result in discomfort or stiffness upon waking.
2. Choosing the Wrong Pillow Height (Loft):
A pillow that is too high or too low can misalign the head and neck with the spine, causing pressure points and poor sleep quality. Side sleepers need a medium to high loft pillow to appropriately fill the gap between the head and shoulder.
3. Overlooking Material and Firmness:
Opting for a too-firm or plush pillow can lead to inadequate support. Side sleepers benefit from medium-firm pillows that conform to their head and neck while maintaining consistent support throughout the night.
By avoiding these mistakes, side sleepers can better achieve restful sleep and maintain proper spinal health.
Expert Tips for Better Sleep as a Side Sleeper
1. Use a Body Pillow for Additional Support:
A body pillow can help maintain proper spinal alignment by supporting the knees and lower back. Placing the pillow between your knees reduces pressure on the hips and keeps the spine neutral.
2. Choose the Right Mattress:
A too firm or soft mattress can disrupt spinal alignment. Side sleepers should look for a medium-firm mattress that provides balanced support while cushioning pressure points like the shoulders and hips.
3. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule:
Going to bed and waking up simultaneously daily helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Consistency promotes better sleep quality and helps side sleepers feel more rested and energized.
Conclusion:
Investing in the best pillow for side sleepers is one of the simplest ways to improve sleep quality. Finding the proper support and comfort can be life-changing whether you’re a pure side sleeper or switch between side and back.
Need more help deciding? Check out customer reviews or visit stores to test your options in person. Your perfect pillow is out there, and it’s worth finding.
Check out our review articles for tips and recommendations on enhancing your sleep experience. These in-depth resources provide expert insights, curated product lists, and valuable tips to help you discover the best sleep solutions suited to your needs. Start exploring today and take the first step toward a more restful night!
Recommended Pillow Reviews for Side Sleepers:
- 3 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers with Neck and Shoulder Pain
- 3 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
- Best Budget Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Best Firm Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Best Pillow for Side Sleeper with Neck Pain
FAQs
What Are the Best Pillows to Use for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain?
For side sleepers with neck pain, choose an adjustable loft pillow with firm support to maintain alignment and relieve pressure. Memory foam or contour designs offer great comfort and pressure relief.
What Are the Best Pillows for Side and Stomach Sleepers?
Side and stomach sleepers need pillows with adjustable loft and softer materials to avoid neck strain. MyPillow Premium, with its customizable fill, is an excellent choice for this category.
How Often Should I Replace My Pillow?
On average, replace your pillow every 1.5 to 3 years, depending on its Material and wear. Memory foam and latex pillows last longer, while down pillows may need more frequent replacement.
What are the best pillows for side and back sleepers?
The best pillows for side and back sleepers are adjustable loft pillows with firm support or memory foam designs. These pillows ensure proper alignment and provide excellent comfort and pressure relief.
What kind of pillow should side sleepers use?
Side sleepers should use a firm or medium-firm pillow with a high loft, such as memory foam or contour pillows, to maintain proper neck and spine alignment.
Which pillow is suitable for side sleepers?
Side sleepers can benefit from MyPillow’s Premium Series or adjustable models, as they offer customizable support and maintain proper neck alignment for optimal comfort.
Do side sleepers need a soft or firm pillow?
Side sleepers usually require a medium-firm to firm pillow to properly align their neck and spine. A pillow with sufficient support helps reduce pressure on the shoulder and neck.
Is a thick or thin pillow better for side sleepers?
Side sleepers generally benefit from a thicker pillow that fills the gap between the head and shoulder, keeping the neck and spine aligned. A thin pillow may not provide adequate support.