Finding the best pillow for side sleepers is crucial for ensuring proper spinal alignment, reducing neck pain and improving overall sleep quality. Side sleeping is one of the most common sleep positions but it requires a pillow that provides adequate support to the head, neck and shoulders. In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into the best pillows for side sleepers, exploring each option in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Key Features of Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Proper Loft (Height): Medium to high loft to keep the head, neck and spine aligned.
- Firmness Level: Medium to firm support to prevent the head from sinking too far into the pillow.
- Material: Memory foam, latex, or hybrid designs that offer contouring support and durability.
- Adjustability: Options to adjust the pillow’s height and firmness for a customized fit.
- Cooling Properties: Breathable materials or cooling gel to prevent overheating during sleep.
- Shape: Contoured or ergonomic designs that support the natural curve of the neck and shoulders.
- Durability: High-quality materials that maintain their shape and support over time.
- Hypoallergenic: Materials resistant to allergens, dust mites, and bacteria, ideal for sensitive sleepers.
- Cover Material: Removable, washable covers made from breathable, soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
- Size: A larger size that fits well under the head and neck, providing adequate support for broad shoulders.
Our Top Picks for Side Sleepers
1. Pillow Cube Sidekick
The Pillow Cube Sidekick is designed to be the best pillow for side sleepers who need targeted support. Unlike traditional pillows that are rectangular, the Pillow Cube Sidekick features a unique cube shape that fits perfectly into the space between your head and shoulder. This design ensures that your head remains aligned with your spine, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders.
The pillow is made from a dense, high-quality memory foam that provides firm support while contouring to the shape of your head and neck. The memory foam is responsive, meaning it adjusts to your movements during the night, maintaining support and comfort. Additionally, the Pillow Cube Sidekick is equipped with a cooling cover that helps regulate temperature, preventing overheating.
- Precise Support: The cube shape is ideal for filling the gap between your head and shoulder, providing targeted support.
- Durable Memory Foam: The high-density foam is designed to retain its shape and support over time, ensuring longevity.
- Temperature Regulation: The cooling cover keeps the pillow cool, making it comfortable for those who tend to sleep hot.
- Limited Versatility: While perfect for side sleepers, the unique shape may not be suitable for those who frequently switch positions during the night.
- Initial Firmness: Some users may find the pillow too firm at first, requiring a short adjustment period.
2. Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow is another excellent choice when searching for the best pillow for side sleepers. The pillow is filled with a blend of gel-infused memory foam and microfiber, providing a soft yet supportive feel. What sets this pillow apart is the ability to add or remove the fill to achieve the perfect height and firmness, making it suitable for all body types.
The gel-infused memory foam is designed to stay cool throughout the night, preventing heat buildup. The pillow also features a hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant cover made from a blend of bamboo-derived viscose and polyester, which is breathable and soft to the touch. This cover is removable and machine washable, making maintenance easy.
- Adjustable Loft: You can customize the pillow’s height and firmness by adding or removing the fill, ensuring it meets your specific needs.
- Cooling Properties: The gel-infused memory foam helps to dissipate heat, making it a great choice for hot sleepers.
- Hypoallergenic Materials: The pillow is resistant to allergens and dust mites, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
- High Maintenance: Because the pillow is adjustable, it requires regular fluffing and occasional fill adjustments to maintain the desired loft and support.
- Price Point: The Eden Pillow is more expensive than many standard pillows, though the customization options may justify the cost for some users.
3. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is often considered the best pillow for side sleepers with chronic neck pain. It features a contoured shape that cradles the neck and head, ensuring that the spine remains in a neutral position. The pillow is made from TEMPUR material, a proprietary memory foam that adapts to your body’s shape, offering personalized support and pressure relief.
This pillow is particularly beneficial for side sleepers who suffer from chronic neck pain, as its firm support helps to alleviate pressure points. The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow comes in various sizes to accommodate different body types and preferences. Its durable construction means that it will maintain its shape and support for years, making it a long-lasting investment in your sleep health.
- Ergonomic Design: The contoured shape is specifically designed to support the natural curve of your neck, reducing strain and discomfort.
- Firm Support: The TEMPUR material provides a firmer feel, ideal for side sleepers who need strong support to maintain spinal alignment.
- Long-Lasting Durability: The high-quality materials and construction ensure that the pillow will last for many years without losing its shape.
- Firmness: The pillow’s firmness may not be suitable for those who prefer a softer, more cushioned feel.
- Heavy Weight: The dense TEMPUR material makes this pillow heavier than traditional options, which may be a drawback for some users.
4. Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Latex Pillow is a luxurious option that could easily be the best pillow for side sleepers who prefer a combination of softness and support. The pillow features a core made from shredded natural latex, which is known for its responsive support and durability. Surrounding the latex core is a plush layer of down-alternative microdenier fiber, providing a soft, cushioned feel.
The latex core is naturally resilient, meaning it bounces back into shape after each use, maintaining consistent support throughout the night. This makes the Saatva Latex Pillow ideal for side sleepers who need a balance of softness and support. Additionally, the pillow is encased in a 100% organic cotton cover, which is breathable and helps regulate temperature.
- Responsive Support: The shredded latex core provides consistent support while adjusting to your movements during the night.
- Plush Comfort: The outer layer of down-alternative microdenier fiber offers a soft, luxurious feel without sacrificing support.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from natural latex and organic cotton, the pillow is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
- Price: The Saatva Latex Pillow is more expensive than many other pillows, reflecting its high-quality materials and construction.
- Regular Fluffing Required: The pillow’s plush outer layer may require regular fluffing to maintain its shape and loft.
5. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is a high-quality option known for its breathability and supportive feel. Talalay latex is prized for its buoyant, springy texture, which offers excellent support for side sleepers without feeling too firm. The pillow’s open-cell structure promotes airflow, keeping the pillow cool and comfortable throughout the night which further solidifying its place as one of the best pillows for side sleepers.
This pillow is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with allergies. It’s resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew, ensuring a clean and healthy sleeping environment. The Talalay latex used in this pillow is also sustainably sourced, adding an eco-friendly aspect to its many benefits.
- Breathable Design: The open-cell structure of Talalay latex allows for superior airflow, preventing heat buildup.
- Buoyant Support: The pillow provides a balance of softness and support, ideal for side sleepers who need a responsive yet comfortable pillow.
- Hypoallergenic and Durable: Talalay latex is naturally resistant to common allergens and is built to last, maintaining its support over time.
- Firmness Level: While the pillow is supportive, it may be too firm for some side sleepers who prefer a softer feel.
- Cost: Latex pillows tend to be more expensive than other types, and the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is no exception.
6. Leesa Hybrid Pillow
The Leesa Hybrid Pillow is a versatile option that offers two distinct sleep surfaces in one pillow. On one side, the pillow features a quilted cooling layer that’s perfect for hot sleepers, while the other side offers a more traditional pillow feel. This dual-sided design makes the Leesa Hybrid Pillow an excellent choice for side sleepers who want the flexibility to choose between different levels of comfort.
The pillow is filled with a blend of down-alternative microfiber and memory foam, providing both softness and support. The inner pillow can be removed or adjusted to modify the loft and firmness, making it customizable to your preferences. Additionally, the Leesa Hybrid Pillow is encased in a breathable, washable cover, ensuring easy maintenance.
- Dual-Sided Design: Offers two different sleep surfaces, making it one of the best pillows for side sleepers who want options.
- Customizable Loft: The inner pillow can be adjusted to change the pillow’s height and firmness, making it versatile for different body types.
- Cooling Technology: The quilted cooling layer helps regulate temperature, keeping you comfortable throughout the night.
- Heavier Weight: The combination of materials makes this pillow heavier than standard pillows, which might be cumbersome for some users.
- Higher Price Point: The Leesa Hybrid Pillow is on the pricier side, reflecting its innovative design and high-quality materials.
7. Marlow Pillow
The Marlow Pillow is an innovative adjustable pillow that has earned its place among the best pillows for side sleepers. It’s filled with a blend of memory foam and polyester fiber, providing a balance of softness and support. The pillow features a zippered design that lets you easily adjust the amount of fill, making it simple to find the perfect level of comfort.
The Marlow Pillow also includes cooling-infused foam, which helps regulate temperature and keeps you cool throughout the night. The pillow’s outer cover is made from a breathable, hypoallergenic fabric that’s soft to the touch and easy to clean.
- Customizable Support: The zippered design allows you to add or remove fill, tailoring the pillow’s firmness and loft to your liking.
- Cooling Properties: The cooling-infused foam helps to prevent overheating, making it ideal for hot sleepers.
- Easy to Maintain: The outer cover is removable and washable, ensuring that your pillow stays fresh and clean.
- Initial Odor: Some users report a slight odor when first unpacking the pillow, though this usually dissipates after airing out.
- Price: The Marlow Pillow is relatively expensive, but its customizable features and high-quality materials may justify the cost for many users.
8. Casper Original Pillow
The Casper Original Pillow is a well-rounded option that combines support and comfort, making it suitable for side sleepers. It features a unique pillow-in-pillow design, with a supportive inner pillow surrounded by a soft, cushioned outer layer. This design allows the Casper Original Pillow to offer the best of both worlds: firm support with a plush feel.
The pillow is filled with a proprietary blend of polyester microfiber that mimics the loft and softness of down while providing more durability. The outer cover is made from breathable cotton, which helps wick away moisture and keep you cool. The pillow is also resistant to clumping, ensuring that it maintains its shape over time.
- Balanced Comfort: Combines support and softness, making it the best pillow for side sleepers who need both.
- Durable Construction: The polyester microfiber fill is designed to last, maintaining its loft and support over time.
- Breathable Cover: The cotton cover helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
- Medium Firmness: While the pillow offers balanced support, it may not be firm enough for those who prefer a very supportive pillow.
- Initial Adjustment Period: Some users may need time to adjust to the pillow’s unique design and feel.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pillow for side sleepers involves considering your unique needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the firmness of the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow or the adjustability of the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow, there’s a perfect option out there for you. The key is to find a pillow that supports your head and neck, maintains spinal alignment, and provides the comfort you need for a restful night’s sleep.
By considering the pros and cons of each pillow mentioned, you can make an informed decision that leads to better sleep quality and overall well-being. Remember, the right pillow can make all the difference, and investing in one that suits your needs is an investment in your health.
FAQs
What pillows do chiropractors recommend for side sleepers?
Chiropractors often recommend pillows with a medium to high loft and firm support for side sleepers. Memory foam and latex pillows are favored for their ability to contour to the head and neck, maintaining spinal alignment. Contoured or ergonomic designs that support the natural curve of the neck are also preferred.
Which is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain?
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is highly recommended for side sleepers with neck pain. Its contoured design supports the neck’s natural curve, providing firm and targeted support that can alleviate neck pain and improve spinal alignment.
Which is the best pillow for side sleepers with back pain?
For side sleepers with back pain, the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow is a top choice. Its adjustable loft allows for customizable support, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure points, which can alleviate back pain.
I am a scientific researcher, passionate about the science of comfort. On this blog, I share comprehensive information about pillows, combining my expertise and research to help you find the perfect pillow for your needs.
