Are you a side-sleeper? Do you occasionally experience neck, back, or side pain after sleeping? If so, then you should definitely consider looking into a pillow made specifically for side-sleepers. Some of the best side-sleeper pillows are well-equipped with a variety of benefits that'll cater to your unique issues and preferences. 

But what exactly are the best ways to go about finding the best side-sleeper pillow for you? There are a lot of different factors to keep in mind, and we go over all of them in this guide. Whether you're looking to learn more about cooling gel, pillow material, ergonomic design, or anything else related to the best side-sleeper pillows, we've got you covered!

Below are a number of uniquely-made, assistive, comforting pillows that all cater to side-sleepers preferences in individual and mutual ways. Here's hoping that as you read through this guide, you end up finding the perfect side-sleeper pillow for you!

Experts agree- side sleepers require extra support in order to keep their head and neck in proper alignment as they rest. In order to reach the ideal incline—approximately four inches off the mattress—side sleepers should select a firm pillow that won’t flatten from nightly use.

The material type of a pillow is a good indicator of whether it will retain its loft. Memory foam and latex pillows, both traditional and contoured, provide strong support for the head and neck, and retain their shapes better than those made from down or polyester.

The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is one such option, that offers an environmentally friendly, low-VOC alternative to traditional foam pillows. In a unique twist, you can add or remove foam bits to customize this pillow to your preferred height. If you need more foam, the company will ship you some. 

The only downside to this pillow: some users complained that it lost its softness and became rock hard with prolonged use. If this should happen, the company recommends placing the pillow in the dryer on high-heat, and it should fluff right back up. 

Key Features
  • Lightweight yet firm
  • Naturally dust mite resistant
  • Exterior features a bamboo-blend, micro-vented cover
  • All components manufactured in the USA
  • Fully customizable; you can add or remove foam bits for more or less loft
Specifications
  • Size: 28 x 20" (Queen)
  • Materials: Bamboo viscose, Polyester, .Lycra, Memory Foam
  • Fill Weight: 3.95 lbs
  • Warranty: 20 years
  • Brand: Snuggle-Pedic
Pros
  • Lightweight yet firm
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Made in USA
  • Customizable: Company will ship extra foam pieces upon request
Cons
  • May harden up over time

Side sleepers are often prone to headaches and neck pains as a result of their sleep position. Side sleepers often toss and turn at night due to their pillow bunching or drooping awkwardly around their neck. That’s because the standard shape of a pillow isn’t necessarily designed to accommodate this sleep position.

The Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow seeks to change that with its ergonomic shape, specifically designed for the needs of side sleepers.

The SleepArtisan is among the priciest of our picks for best side sleeper pillows, but in this case, we found its features to be worth the cost.  

The filling of pillows produced overseas often includes foam byproducts and harsh, cancerous chemicals. All SleepArtisan pillows are handmade in the US, with a premium fill of high-quality latex and microfiber, and enclosed in an organic cotton/hemp/poly blend cover.

The SleepArtisan is fully customizable and comes pre-filled to the brim with as much stuffing as the pillow will hold.  Once you receive the pillow, simply unzip and remove the filling until you reach your desired firmness level.  

Key Features
  • Fits snugly against the head, neck, and shoulders
  • Customize its loft by simply unzipping and removing filling
  • Blend of natural latex and microfiber poly silk
  • Handmade in California
  • Dust mite resistant, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, antimicrobial
Specifications
  • Size: 28" x 17" x 6"
  • Materials: Organic cotton/Polyester blend, Natural Latex/Poly silk blend
  • Fill Weight: 3.5 lbs
  • Warranty: 10 years
Pros
  • Ergonomically designed for side sleepers
  • Customizable loft options
  • Environmentally friendly
  • No chemical odor
  • Handmade in USA
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Texture of filling was uncomfortable for some users

While memory foam is often the material of choice for side sleepers, this type of pillow does have its drawbacks.

Some users have complained of aches and pains caused by the pressure of the ear against memory foam while sleeping on their sides.

Others simply don’t like the maintenance associated with owning a memory foam pillow. Solid memory foam can harden up over time and requires you to throw the pillow in the dryer to fluff back up. Shredded memory foam tends to slowly lose its loft, and that involves continuously purchasing more foam pieces and changing out the filling.

If you're a side sleeper with sensitive ears or are just looking for a low-maintenance alternative, you may want to give the DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillows a try.

DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillows are also a great buy; you get two pillows for around $33, making these the most budget-friendly of all our picks. 

However, some reviewers complained that these pillows tend to go flat fairly quickly, so you'll want to take this into consideration before you purchase. 

If, on the other hand, you are a side sleeper who prefers to change out pillows quite frequently, the DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillows may be your best option!

Key Features
  • Feature a poly gel-filled fiber and offer a balance of fluffiness and support.
  • The 100% cotton cover allows for breathability and stays soft and dry
  • Pillows resist dust mites, mold, and mildew
  • Poly-gel blend keeps you cool as you sleep
  • The cover removes easily and is machine washable
Specifications
  • Size: 15" x 8" x 4"
  • Materials: 100% cotton, Poly/Gel Fiber
  • Fill Weight: 1.5 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Brand: DreamNorth
  • Colors: White
Pros
  • Low cost and is sold in a pair
  • Fluffy and cool
  • Low maintenance
  • Hypoallergenic
Cons
  • No option to customize fill amount
  • Some reviewers found DreamNorth pillows went flat too quickly

If you’re feeling torn between features and price when shopping for a side sleeper pillow, here’s an option that provides the best of both worlds.

The Sable SA-BD009 CertiPUR-US Shredded Memory Foam Pillow offers many of the same benefits as its premium competitors: eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, customizable loft, and CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, all at a price that is among the lowest of the bunch ($35.99). Plus, Sable is low maintenance, machine washable, and designed to keep you cool through the night.

Sable offers optimal benefits for side sleepers at a reasonable price point, making it one of the best choices for someone looking to quickly improve the quality of their rest cycle. Since it's easily replaceable, has long-lasting durability, and is extremely comfortable, it's hard to find a better option on the market.

With all these features plus a low price point, the Sable is our top pick for the best value for side sleeper pillows.

Key Features
  • Memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified, and free from VOCs, and other toxins
  • Bamboo cover features natural fibers woven to reduce sweating
  • Comes stuffed with 1500g of memory foam filling to adjust for height
  • Long lasting zipper design
  • Fully machine washable
Specifications
  • Size: 20" X 30” (Queen)
  • Materials: Rayon/Poly Blend cover, memory foam
  • Fill Weight: 3.75 lbs
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Brand: Sable
  • Colors: White
Pros
  • Best all-around pillow for side sleepers based on price and features
  • CertiPUR-US memory foam
  • Customizable
  • Easy care and cleaning
Cons
  • Not ergonomically designed specifically for side sleepers

Side sleepers who’ve been in an accident or are otherwise experiencing severe neck pain or muscle spasms may want to consider a cervical pillow. Cervical pillows are orthotic devices and are designed to support and realign the neck and spine into proper position.

The EPABO Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow is a great option for side sleepers with back and neck pain, as the incline of this pillow is 4 inches, the same height recommended by Spine Health as the optimal distance between the head and mattress for proper spine alignment.

As a precaution, the company warns that you may experience discomfort during the first few weeks of EPABO Orthopedic Pillow use. However, this is normal as the pain is simply the body learning to adjust to its correct positioning.

Before purchasing the EPABO Orthopedic Pillow, you’ll want to understand that its primary function is to provide support and alignment, and therefore it won’t have that same fluffy, bouncing through the clouds feeling that other pillows may offer. Don’t envision yourself sleeping in a five-star hotel, but rather, spending the night in a hospital bed. In the case of the EPABO, function trumps luxury.

Key Features
  • Extra firm, best for those with mild to moderate cervical pain
  • Ergonomic, designed to align the head, neck, shoulder, and back
  • 20 percent higher foam content then its competitors
  • Includes a free rayon/polyester blend pillowcase
  • Made of memory foam that is both breathable and hypoallergenic
Specifications
  • Size: 24'' × 15'' × 4.7''/2.4'' (Queen)
  • Materials: Rayon/Poly blend, Memory Foam
  • Fill Weight: 2.8 lbs
  • Warranty: 30 day guarantee
  • Brand: EPABO
  • Colors: White
Pros
  • Therapeutic device that provides the best possible alignment and support
  • High quality memory foam
  • Extra firm
  • Bonus pillowcase
Cons
  • May cause discomfort for the first few weeks as the body adjusts
  • Limited customization options
  • Lacks the squishy, springy comfort found in a traditional pillow

If there were an award for the oddest-looking pillow, the PureComfort Side Sleeping Pillow would win hands down. Most of us would cringe if our new pillow came complete with a few holes already in it, but that’s exactly what you get with the PureComfort.

More than just a gimmick, the PureComfort’s cutouts exist for the purpose of relieving uncomfortable pressure placed on our ears from sleeping on our side. Its unique cutout design makes PureComfort a smart choice for side sleepers who suffer from other ailments such as earaches or CNH (Chrondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis), or for those who sleep with earbuds or a CPAP machine.

The PureComfort pillow is made from high-quality Certi-PUR US-certified memory foam, comes enclosed in a soft bamboo cover, and comes with a generous 100-day money-back guarantee. 

Because of its odd shape, you'll need to buy your pillowcases directly from the company, as traditional pillowcases will not work on this pillow. But all around, this pillow is made to ensure better comfort and health for the user. So if you're looking for something practical rather than aesthetically pleasing, consider giving the PureComfort a try today!

Key Features
  • Has cutouts for ears, designed to alleviate pressure points
  • CertiPUR-US certified memory foam.
  • Bamboo cover is both hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
  • Includes removable inserts that allow for height customization of the pillow
Specifications
  • Size: 17.7" x 12.1" x 6.5"
  • Materials: Bamboo, memory foam
  • Fill Weight: 1.1 lbs
  • Warranty: 100 day money back guarantee
  • Brand: PureComfort
  • Colors: White
Pros
  • Unique ear cutouts help alleviate pressure points and ear pain
  • Hypoallergenic
  • CertiPUR certified memory foam
  • Good for those who sleep with earbuds or ear medical devices
Cons
  • Does not fit in standard pillowcases, cases must be purchased from company

Side sleepers need a very specific type of pillow for a comfortable night of sleep. However, it’s hardly a one size fits all scenario, and it can get costly to experiment with pillows until you find one that suits you. That’s why this side sleeper pillow from Sleep Artisan is an excellent solution for most people. Its organic cotton, hemp, and polyester blend of materials are soft and hypoallergenic, and the pillow can be adjusted to perfectly match what you need.

To adjust the firmness of the pillow, simply unzip the cover and remove some of the natural latex fill until you get the exact feel for you. Finding something comfortable for you will help reduce neck, shoulder, and back pain. Plus, latex offers better support than competing materials, making it ideal for side sleepers who need extra neck support.

The Sleep Artisan side sleeper pillow also separates itself from the competition in its design. The pillow is arched and has a sloping contour that conforms to a user’s shoulder. This carves out a comfortable spot for your shoulder and creates a natural resting place for your head. With the right fill, this gives users a perfectly straight spinal alignment, reducing neck and back pain overall.

And what does that translate to? Well, when you are comfortable in bed, you sleep better, sleep longer, and wake up feeling rested and energized. If you’re a side sleeper who has trouble sleeping through the night or finding the right size for your pillow, the Sleep Artisan is the ideal solution for you.

Key Features
  • Made in America
  • Adjustable firmness
  • Natural latex filling offers great pressure relief
Specifications
  • Size: Queen
  • Materials: Organic cotton/poly/hemp, Latex
  • Fill Weight: 3.5 lbs.
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Brand: Sleep Artisan
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
  • Adjustable firmness makes it ideal for anyone
  • Chemical free
Cons
  • Needs a pillow case

If you are a side sleeper, it’s difficult to find anything better than memory foam to help with neck support. Memory foam is firm and absorbs the shape of your head. However, the material does have one major drawback: it can get exceedingly warm. That could be a problem if you’re a naturally hot sleeper. However, that’s where something like the Milemont memory foam pillow comes in. This pillow has multiple ways of keeping your head cool, and its high-quality memory foam means you will get the coolest and most comfortable sleep experience possible.

The Milemont pillow infuses cooling gel into the memory foam, which helps dissipate heat and keep the pillow cool. It also uses Air Cell technology, which is essentially a series of holes in the pillow that promotes airflow to circulate warm air away from your head.

The Milemont also uses CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. This is a premium material that adjusts to your head resting on it, offering a perfect shape that will relieve tension and pain in your neck as you sleep.

A lot of memory foam pillows also come in a queen size format, which is simply too big for some people. The Milemont is just a standard size pillow, which makes it ideal for those in twin or full beds and up. It’s just enough pillow to provide the comfort and support you need.

All of this comes together to make a perfect pillow for anyone who has neck pain while they sleep, not just side sleepers.

Key Features
  • Gel-infused memory foam
  • Uses Air Cell technology to promote air flow and keep your head cool
  • Certi-PUR-US memory foam is the highest standard memory foam
Specifications
  • Size: Standard, Queen
  • Materials: Polyester, tencel, memory foam
  • Fill Weight: Medium Firmness
  • Warranty: None
  • Brand: Milemont
Pros
  • Cooling gel and Air Cell tech keep your head cool
  • Contoured design for better neck support
  • The pillow is standard size, making it perfect for any bed size
Cons
  • Flattens over time

Memory foam pillows are great, but they can also be hard to keep clean. Solid pillows can’t be thrown in the washing machine, which means you need to spot clean them. That’s why this side sleeper pillow from Dream Rite is perfect for so many people. The shredded memory foam interior means you can wash the cover and the pillow itself, and the fill can be adjusted for the perfect firmness.

The cover for the pillow is made of Rayon and polyester, which is breathable and helps with airflow. It isn’t as cool as gel-infused pillows, but it's better than nothing at all. The shredded memory foam fill is also high-quality. Many manufacturers use leftover foam bits that can feel lumpy and uncomfortable. The Dream Rite pillow uses genuine shredded foam, which offers a soft and cloud-like experience.

The adjustable fill also means you can make the pillow as firm or soft as you want. That means you can get ideal neck alignment without trying a bunch of different pillows.

The Dream Rite is perfect for any type of sleeper because of how adjustable it is. Plus the premium shredded foam fill offers an unparalleled comfort experience. If you’re having trouble sleeping through the night, it’s time to give the Dream Rite pillow a try.

Key Features
  • Shredded memory foam fill
  • Adjustable firmness
  • Breathable materials
Specifications
  • Size: Queen
  • Materials: Viscose Rayon, Polyester, Memory Foam
  • Fill Weight: Firm
  • Warranty: None
  • Brand: WonderSleep
Pros
  • Machine washable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Shredded memory foam can be removed to adjust firmness
Cons
  • Still gets really warm, despite breathable fabric

If you’re looking for a pillow made just for side sleepers, this unique pillow from Comfyt may be exactly what you’re looking for. It has several design choices that make it ideal for side sleepers, and it has additional features that just make it a great pillow overall.

At the base of the pillow is a unique cutout designed for your shoulder. This gives your head a comfortable place to nestle in without pinching your shoulder or craning your neck. The pillow's extra thickness gives you a natural place to rest your head, but it may be a bit too thick for some users.

The pillow is also infused with cooling gel to keep your head cool. Combine that with the bamboo knit cover that extracts moisture, and you have a pillow that will keep you cool and dry throughout the night.

Pillows need to be washed pretty frequently as well, but cleaning them can be complicated, especially if you use a memory foam pillow. The Comfyt pillow, on the other hand, has an antibacterial design that keeps the pillow fresh. It’s a great alternative to spot cleaning. The pillow’s medium softness makes it great for kids or adults.

Key Features
  • Unique shoulder cut out
  • Antimicrobial design
  • Bamboo cover removes moisture
Specifications
  • Size: Queen
  • Materials: Memory Foam and Bamboo
  • Fill Weight: Plush
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Brand: Comfyt
Pros
  • The bamboo cover keeps your head from becoming sweaty, keeping the pillow dry and cool
  • Shoulder cut out is specifically designed for side sleepers
  • Antimicrobial design means the pillow is always fresh and clean
Cons
  • Pillow can be too thick for some smaller users

An important feature that side sleepers may want to consider when searching for a pillow is whether it has a gusset. A gusset is a side panel that provides the pillow with extra height, structural support, and loft. The Coop Home Goods Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow features a gusseted design for edge-to-edge support and a level foundation.

Another great feature about the Eden pillow is that its core is infused with gel. Pillow gel is known for its cooling properties, yet a gel filling alone may not provide adequate support to side sleepers. The Eden solves that problem by blending gel with shredded CertiPUR-US certified memory foam to provide a pillow that is both supportive and soothing.

The crosscut memory foam blend inside a zippered cover allows for customization based on fill preferences. As a bonus, a ½-pound bag of extra filling is included with your pillow. Additional fill material is available for purchase from the company’s direct website.

Key Features
  • Infused with cooling gel
  • Soft density designed to mimic the feeling of down
  • Interlock fabric allows you to easily shape and contour the fill of the pillow
  • Comes fully stuffed with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam filling
Specifications
  • Size: 30" x 20" x 6"
  • Materials: Polyester, bamboo rayon, memory foam/microfiber blend
  • Fill Weight: 3.75 lbs
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Brand: Coop Home Goods
  • Colors: White
Pros
  • Gusseted cover
  • Cooling
  • Customizable
  • Comes with a bag of extra filling
Cons
  • Softer, may not provide adequate support to some side sleepers
  • Some reviewers found this pillow to have a chemical odor

If you find that you suffer from severe neck and back pain from sleeping on your side, you may want to consider a pillow specifically designed for side sleepers. The Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow features an ergonomic design that provides support to the head, neck, and shoulders, as well as a cooling, comfort gel foam to aid side sleepers in obtaining a restful night’s sleep.

While many users loved its unique L-shaped design, some reviewers complained of Z’s bulkiness and its tendency to break while changing out the case. Still, we found that the Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow effectively combines ergonomics with comfort, making it a great pillow choice for side sleepers, especially those who wake in the mornings with pain.

If you're one of those people who have a few pillows set up to surround you and your shoulders in order to be at your comfiest, this might be a simple solution. Just remember that you'll need a special pillowcase that will fit its unique shape.

Key Features
  • L-shape provides support to the head, back, and shoulders of side sleepers
  • Inside of the pillow consists of a gel-dough memory foam material
  • Variety of features mimics those of other pillows, might replace multiple pillows
  • Tencel removable cover to assist with moisture-management and temperature regulation
Specifications
  • Size: 26" x 26" x 5"
  • Materials: Tencel, polyurethane foam
  • Fill Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Brand: Z
  • Colors: White/Blue
Pros
  • Ergonomically designed specifically for side sleepers
  • Cool, soft gel material
  • Replaces multiple pillows
  • Moisture wicking cover
Cons
  • Some users found this pillow to be too large, bulky, and a bit awkward
  • L-shaped design means it doesn’t fit in a standard pillowcase

If you find that your best night’s sleep comes from lying on your side, you’re in good company. According to Consumer Reports, nearly 70 percent of us are side sleepers.

Since this sleeping style is the clear majority, you’d expect most pillows would be designed accordingly. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, as side sleepers often find themselves with a flat pillow. A once plush, firm, and springy pillow can quickly deflate from the heavy pressure inflicted on it by a side sleeper, as this sleep position has the greatest distance between head and mattress.

What to Look For in Side Sleeper Pillows

So, if you're a side sleeper, how do you know what pillow to buy? Simply squeezing one in the store won’t help determine whether a pillow will retain its loft over time. Instead, the best strategy a side sleeper can take in selecting the appropriate pillow is to look for certain features that will best accommodate their sleeping position.

Pillow Material

This includes selecting a pillow made from a firm, buoyant material such as latex or memory foam, and avoiding down and polyester fillings, which tend to quickly go flat.

Cover Construction

If given the choice of selecting a cover construction for your pillow, go with the gussets.  Gusseted covers have side panels along the perimeter of the pillow, rather than the top and bottom parts of the cover joining together in a seam. These are better than solid ones for side sleepers as the gussets provide structure and allow the pillow to better retain its shape.

Incline/Support

Side sleepers should also look for pillows that provide support at the proper incline, which is recommended at 4 inches from mattress to head. This will help to better prevent inflammation or neck pain.

Due to the unique needs of this sleep position, pillow choice can be the deciding factor in whether side sleepers obtain a restful eight hours or toss and turn in discomfort. Since pillows aren't like cars where you can easily take them for a test drive (or test sleep!) we’ve made it easy by rounding up a list of the best pillows for side sleepers. Since this collection of side sleeping pillows is varied and versatile, you're sure to find the best side sleeper pillow for your preferences.

Read on for a little pillow talk, and our top picks!

Resources — Consumer Reports, Spine Health

FAQ

Q: Is side sleeping bad for your shoulders?

If you sleep on your side, you may have woken up with some mild or even severe shoulder pain in the past. Doctors do warn that side sleeping can cause some damage to the rotator cup in your shoulder, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sleep on your side. Rather, it means you need to have a proper pillow setup to comfortably do it.

Comfortable sleep on your side requires a properly firm mattress (ideally a memory foam one), a pillow between your knees, and a firm and supportive pillow. Doctors also recommend sleeping on your left side, as sleeping on the right can cause digestive issues and can cause heartburn among other things. 

Q: What is the difference between a side sleeper and a back sleeper pillow?

Pillows come in all shapes and sizes, and certain ones are better for certain types of sleepers. If you sleep on your back, for instance, you want to avoid tall or overly firm pillows as they can cause pretty severe neck pain.

Side sleepers, on the other hand, should have an extra firm pillow because the added support will help keep their neck upright. Doctors recommend finding a pillow that is roughly four inches off the height of the mattress.

Memory foam or orthopedic pillows are good options as they are both soft and supportive.

Q: Are firm or soft pillows better?

As discussed above, a firm pillow is going to be a better solution for side sleepers because your neck needs the extra support. Memory foam pillows are a great solutions since they are firm and conform to the shape of your head.

However, you don’t want an overly firm pillow that will cause your neck to move upward nor an overly soft one that will shift it downward. Pillow height is also an important factor.

You will also want a pillow between your legs. Which is best here is up to you, but generally softer pillows are more popular because they don’t overly separate your legs.

Q: What are the best pillows for side sleepers made of?

Generally, a single-piece foam pillow is the best for side sleepers because it offers more rigidity than other stuffed pillows. Pillows packed with shredded foam, polyester, or cotton run the risk of not being compact enough to support the weight of your head, causing neck pain.

There are some pillows with cooling gel in them, and that may be a good option for sleepers who run a little hot at night. However, make sure the pillow is not entirely gel, as they generally don’t provide enough support. Many memory foam pillows have cooling gel in them, and that is the ideal alternative.

Q: Where is the best place to put your arms when sleeping on your side?

Arm positioning plays an important role while you sleep, and it can determine whether or not you wake up sore and in pain the next morning. As mentioned above, sleeping on your side can cause shoulder problems if you’re not careful, and arm placement is just one important aspect of that.

Generally, keep your arms down at your side. Having your arms over your head can pinch nerves in your lower shoulder, resulting in aches and pains the next morning. The best way to avoid this is keeping your arms down and a pillow between your legs.

Q: Is sleeping on your side bad for your spine?

Every sleeping position has its pros and cons, but yes, sleeping on your side can have harmful effects on your back and spine. It’s easy to get misaligned while sleeping on your side due to the additional pressure.

However, this is easily alleviated by having a solid pillow for your neck and pillow between your knees. The best pillows for side sleepers keep your neck in line, and, combined with a memory foam mattress, your spine will stay aligned and comfortable for years to come.

There are plenty of great products out there to help you get the best sleep possible no matter what your sleep position is.

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