Choosing an expensive pillow doesn’t always ensure a good night’s sleep. It’s important to understand that not all pillows suit every sleeper. Your pillow needs to match your sleeping position. For side sleepers, the ideal pillow is tall and lofty. Imagine sleeping on your side without a pillow; your head and neck sink into the space between your head and mattress, causing misalignment along your spine if your pillow is thin or unsupportive.After trying many pillows, both affordable and expensive, We’ve selected six that we believe are the best for side sleepers.
Our Top Picks for Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
CategoryPillowBest OverallSnuggle-Pedic Memory Foam PillowBest BudgetLinenspa Memory Foam PillowBest SplurgeSaatva Latex PillowBest CoolingCasper Hybrid Pillow with Snow TechnologyBest for Side and Back SleepersAmazon Basics Down-Alternative PillowsBest for Side and Stomach SleepersSleep Number True Temp PillowBest Memory FoamCoop Sleep Goods The Original PillowBest DownBoll & Branch Down Chamber PillowBest Down AlternativeSlumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow
1. Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow
FirmnessAdjustable FillShredded memory foam CoverBamboo Return Policy30 daysMachine WashableYes
We are big fans of the best firm pillow for side sleepers because of its supporting construction, cool feel, and customizable options. Its ability to release pressure and retain its form while remaining pleasantly comfortable for sleeping amazed us. We think it’s the ideal side sleeper pillow since it provides excellent support without compromising softness or plushness.
You can change the stiffness and loft of this pillow to suit your preferences by adding or subtracting foam from the inner layer, which is packed with shredded memory foam. If you want it firmer, you can include more filling. The maker advises side sleepers to test the cushion as is and make any necessary adjustments thereafter.
Even after we rested on the bamboo cover for fifteen minutes, it only warmed up by four degrees Fahrenheit. The cover remained chilly to the touch. This memory foam cushion is machine washable and breathable, in contrast to many others.
This cooling memory foam pillow provides great support to keep your head and neck in alignment if you sleep on your side. Additionally, it meets all requirements for breathability, cleaning ease, and adaptability. Although it did flatten out a little, the cushion was still cool, comfy, and supportive after six months of usage. However, extra fill is always an option. During actual testing, we really liked how easy it was to transition from side to stomach sleeping.
What we like: This cushion maintains its coolness throughout the night and is both supportive and adaptable.
What could be better: There is only a 30-day return window.
2. Linenspa Memory Foam Pillows
FirmnessMedium-firm FillShredded memory foam CoverPolyester Return Policy30 days Machine WashableNo
Linenspa offers a cost-effective combination of two pillows that is ideal for furnishing any bed size for less than half the price of the previously mentioned Snuggle-Pedic pillow. Made of shredded memory foam, these pillows are simple for you to fluff or flatten to the hardness and loft that you like. But unlike the last cushion, they aren’t adjustable in terms of fill.
We were pleased with how nicely these reasonably priced pillows conformed to our heads while providing side sleepers with the support they needed, which reduced shoulder and neck aches when we woke up. Furthermore, they only warmed up by 6 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes, because of the permeable shredded foam.
The pillows supported our shoulders and necks as we slept on our sides for the duration of our lengthy testing, and after three months, there was no evidence of wear, discoloration, or odor. Over time, the shredded memory foam may lose some of its loft, but it’s easy to fluff and reshape it as needed.
You will need to use a pillowcase or pillow protector to keep the cover and inside pillow clean, as they are not machine washable. We also discovered that the pillows were well-fitting into a typical pillowcase and that the foam didn’t smell at all. For people who regularly change positions throughout the night or who sleep on their side, these highly adjustable pillows provide excellent value.
What we like: These affordable pillows can be adjusted by flattening or fluffing them to suit your preference.
What could be better: You can’t adjust the amount of fill in these pillows.
3. Saatva Latex Pillow
FirmnessMedium FillShredded natural latex CoverOrganic cotton Return Policy45 days Machine WashableCover only
The weight and loft of Saatva’s Latex Pillow surprised us right away. Its shredded latex core reduces strain and supports the neck, while its soft, down-like microfiber layer allows for breathability. Furthermore, the cover made entirely of organic cotton encourages ventilation.
There was no smell when we initially unpacked it. The temperature on the pillow increased by around 8 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes of laying on it. It doesn’t advertise itself as a cooling pillow, but because of its breathable components—the cotton cover, microfiber layer, and shredded latex core—we found it to feel cool and comfortable when we used it.
Although the cover is machine washable, it shrank somewhat after drying, which made it difficult to re-insert the pillow—especially since it is so full. Rather than using the dryer, we advise washing it in accordance with the care instructions and letting it air dry. A drawback of the cushion is that light-colored pillowcases may reveal the brown piping around the edges.
It’s buoyant and doesn’t sink with time; this lofty latex cushion is great for side sleepers overall because it keeps your head and neck in alignment the whole night. When one of our testers switched to sleeping on her side full-time throughout her pregnancy, she discovered that it offered ample of neck support. The pillow maintained its form after six months of usage, and following a restful night’s sleep, it even fluffed up by itself.
There is a 45-day trial period available if the price is a deterrent for you to determine if the investment is worthwhile. Not to mention that the Saatva cushion isn’t available in conventional sizes—only in queen and king.
What we like: This pillow is excellent for supporting side sleepers as it is breathable and has a high loft. There is a trial period that lasts for 45 days.
What could be better: The piping sometimes peeks through a pillowcase, and the cotton cover shrunk in the dryer.
4. Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology
FirmnessMedium-firm FillMemory foam and fiber CoverNylon/spandex/polyester Return Policy100 days Machine WashableCover only
One of the coolest and most supportive hybrid pillows we tested was the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology, which makes it perfect for side sleepers who tend to overheat at night. This pillow has both fiber and foam, which makes it more pleasant to sleep on than many others that just contain foam. We never had neck discomfort when we woke up after wearing it since it supports your head, neck, and shoulders, offering support where you need it most.
In addition, Casper’s Snow Technology, which actively absorbs and releases body heat to keep you cool while you sleep, makes this pillow feel cool to the touch. It felt consistently cold throughout our tests because of its cooling outer cover and temperature-regulating stuffing. This cushion stood out among the others on the bed simply because it was so cool.
After six months of nightly usage, this cushion maintained its form despite its hefty construction. It may be a little bit low for those who sleep on their stomachs, even though it provides fantastic support for our head and neck. It was also really dense, which made it difficult to move about throughout the night.
This cushion is one of the most expensive alternatives on our list, so it should come as no surprise. But considering how well it does in every category, we think the cost is worthwhile. Additionally, Casper provides a risk-free 100-night trial period, so you may try the pillow.
What we like: This cushion always has a cool feel to it.
What could be better: The cost is high, particularly in comparison to other cooling solutions.
5. Amazon Basics Down-Alternative Pillows
FirmnessSoft FillDown alternative CoverPolyester Return Policy30 days Machine WashableYes
For people who change positions throughout the night, the best pillow for side and back sleepers is a multipurpose choice. One of our testers, who alternates between sleeping on her side and back, discovered that this pillow provided sufficient neck support and stayed sturdy, not sinking with time.
This pillow doesn’t advertise itself as having cooling capabilities, but we were pleased to see that it only warmed up by 5 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes of use. We also like its hardness since it offered great neck support when we shifted side to side.
Whether we were resting on our back, side, or stomach, we found that these pillows conformed nicely to our head and neck over our prolonged testing session. They seemed tailored to every sleeping position even though they were not adjustable, and after three months of usage, they remained firm and luxurious.
Given that they are the second lowest-priced pair of two pillows on our list, they are quite reasonable. In our opinion, they provide exceptional value. The only issue we had was that the pillow became a little lumpy after washing, but fluffing it up fixed that right up.
What we like: This reasonably priced pillow offers enough resistance and is ideal for combo sleepers.
What could be better: The cushion tends to become a little lumpy after washing, but fluffing it up is an easy repair.
6. Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
FirmnessSoft, medium, or firm FillFoam CoverPolyester Return Policy100 days Machine WashableCover only
The temperature-regulating technology of the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow fulfilled its promise to keep us cool all through the night. It was less firm than our other top choices, however, so those who want less support—like those who alternate between side and stomach sleeping—might find it more suited.
The cushion felt nice to the touch, slick, and premium right out of the box. There was no overheating, even for hot sleepers, and there was no need to turn the pillow to locate a cool location. The pillow lost some points for support even though it was generally comfortable: after a few weeks of usage, it began to flatten, and when we initially unpacked it, its corners didn’t seem completely filled.
It’s worth noting that we tried the thinnest of the three types available for the pillow: classic, contour, and ultimate. Although the traditional style seems appropriate for side and stomach sleepers, we recommend the contour or ultimate style for side sleepers only. All in all, the pillow’s capacity to keep us cool and cozy all night long surprised us.
What we like: Though it comes in two bulkier varieties, this cushion keeps you cool and is thin enough for stomach sleepers.
What could be better: After some usage, it became rather flat.
7. Coop Sleep Goods The Original Pillow
FirmnessMedium-firm FillShredded memory foam and microfiber CoverPolyester/bamboo-derived rayon Return Policy100 days Machine WashableYes
Adaptable to your preferences, the Original Pillow from Coop Home Goods is stuffed with a medium-firm memory foam and microfiber combination. Should you want more assistance, it also comes with an additional half-pound bag of fill. There was no chemical odor, and we had no trouble adjusting the fill to the ideal height.
The medium hardness was ideal for our back, side, and stomach sleepers. However, our stomach sleepers wanted something softer.
It promises to employ breathable materials like polyester and rayon produced from bamboo for the cover. However, it’s not exactly meant to be cool. It did, however, warm up significantly in our tests—roughly 14 degrees Fahrenheit during a 15-minute period. Still, we didn’t think it was necessary to turn it over. You can machine wash both the outside cover and the interior cushion, and the product has an amazing trial period of 100 days, so you can give it a true test before committing.
Our long-term testing revealed that this cushion provided outstanding support and reduced neck discomfort, making it our favorite. We purchased two best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain since we loved them so much, and our testers also purchased one. With more fill or fluffing, we can address the little compression we saw over time.
What we like: This pillow is customized and comes with a 100-day trial period. Room for What could be better: It doesn’t give as much cooling as other pillows.
8. Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow
FirmnessSoft, medium, or firm FillDown CoverOrganic cotton Return Policy30 days Machine WashableYes
The best pillow for side sleepers has premium materials and craftsmanship, made from down that has been ethically sourced, verified by the International Down Standard, and covered entirely in organic cotton. You can choose the ideal fit for your preferred sleeping style from the three firmness choices available: soft, medium, and firm. When we tested the medium-firm version, we were pleased with how supportive it was.
This particular down pillow proved to be an exception to our usual rule against using them for side sleeping due to their lack of support. Unlike many other down pillows, it maintained its form and loft over time and offered sufficient support even for side sleepers.
This natural down pillow pleasantly surprised us as well by maintaining its coolness: after 15 minutes of usage, its temperature rose by less than 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Washing it on a gentle cycle in cold water and using a low-heat tumble dryer is the recommended method by Boll & Branch.
We think this opulent, hotel-grade pure down pillow will be a wise investment for many years to come since it provides side and combo sleepers with the ideal amount of comfort and support. It rapidly became our favorite pillow for stomach and side sleeping, retaining its softness and comfort even after six months of usage. To aid with your decision-making, there is also a 30-day trial period (though, considering the price, a lengthier trial period would be welcomed).
What we like: Compared to most regular pillows, this real down cushion offers superior support.
What could be better: Considering the price, we wish it had a longer sleep trial.
9. Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow
FirmnessSoft-medium or medium-firm FillDown alternative fiber fill CoverCotton Return Policy60 days Machine WashableYes
The Uttu Sandwich Pillow is a great choice for anyone who needs a little additional help. For side or back sleepers, this memory foam pillow’s central contoured design cradles your head and supports your neck, making it an enjoyable experience. We discovered that it improved our quality of sleep and reduced our morning discomfort.
With dimensions of 4.7 inches around the sides and 3.9 inches in the center, the cushion is rather tall. To change the pillow’s height, you simply remove the 1-inch insert that comes with it. While we didn’t use it since we thought the thickness was ideal, taking out the insert would make it more appropriate for stomach sleepers who want a thinner cushion.
The cushion kept its supporting structure even after we tested it and washed it in the washing machine. Its cooling cover also felt cool and airy, fulfilling its claims. Additionally, the cover was very soft—so much so that our silky pillowcase had a tendency to fall off. Breathability, easy cleaning, and height adjustment make this cushion an excellent choice for several of our top requirements.
What we like: By eliminating the middle insert, this contoured cushion offers excellent support.
What could be better: A silky pillowcase won’t remain in place because the cooling cover is too slick.
10. Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow
FirmnessFirm FillPolyester CoverMicrofiber Return Policy30 days Machine WashableNo
Experts assert that the best body pillow for side sleepers cannot completely take the place of your normal pillow. They may increase comfort by alleviating strain on your shoulders and hips, distributing your body weight evenly, and supporting your lower back. This body pillow option from Utopia Bedding gave us the additional support we needed.
This body pillow, in comparison to many others, did not compress or flatten with time; instead, it stayed plump and supportive. We had to reposition it many times before we could find a comfortable sleeping position since it was so thick. When we finally did, it made it easier for us to go to sleep and wake up feeling aware and flexible instead of unpleasant and rigid. The cushion was very comfortable to sleep on, supple, and breathable.
The pillow’s need for hand washing is its lone disadvantage. Nevertheless, considering its low cost, it still seems like a terrific bargain. We would be happy to pay more for it, and we heartily suggest it to anybody looking for a body pillow.
What we like: This body pillow continued to feel fluffy and supportive night after night, ensuring that we slept well.
What could be better: Finding a comfortable sleeping position may involve some trial and error, and the pillow has to be hand-washed.
11. Purple Harmony Pillow
FirmnessMediumFillLatexCoverMoisture-wicking FiberReturn Policy1 YearMachine WashableYes
Our own favorite cushion is the best pillow for back and side sleepers. It’s not as fluffy as a down pillow, but it still feels like you’re resting on a fluffy, light cloud when you lie on it. In addition to Talalay latex in the pillow’s core, which offers superior head support and keeps it from flattening, Purple’s GelFlex Grid spans the top layer of the pillow, delivering soft, squishy comfort.
A flexible and supple mesh material makes up its cover. The vented latex and GelFlex Grid, when combined, provide easy airflow through the pillow, which makes it an excellent choice for those who sleep on their hot side. The Purple Harmony cushion is suitable for side sleepers of all shapes and sizes, with three loft heights available: low, medium, and tall. For most side sleepers, I usually suggest the tall choice; for those under 150 pounds, I usually suggest the medium option.
What we like: It provides three choices for height, encouraging ventilation for a more comfortable sleep. It is possible to machine wash the cover.
What could be better: It’s among the priciest pillows. For those who like a regular foam cushion, it can seem too distinctive.
12. Eli & Elm Pillow
FirmnessCustomFillLatexCoverCottonReturn Policy30 Days Machine WashableYes
The ergonomic support of the best pillow for side sleepers with shoulder pain is the result of its particular design. Its U-shaped design easily fits over the curvature of your shoulders, cradling your head and neck. Packed with tiny noodle-like latex shreds and fluffy polyester fiber, the cushion provides a special blend of softness, fluff, bounce, and support. It controls temperature well, even if it doesn’t feel cool to the touch.
By taking out the filling, side sleepers may modify the height and stiffness of the Eli & Elm pillow. The cushion becomes harder and higher the more filling it has. If you like your pillow to be especially firm or if you’re a bigger side sleeper, you may also get a pillow with more fill.
What we like: By taking out the filler, you may change the height, developed with side sleepers in mind. You have a choice to buy with additional stuffing and machine wash the cover.
What could be better: It costs more than $100. There’s no king-size option available.
13. Layla Kapok Pillow
FirmnessCustomFillShredded Memory FoamCoverMemory FoamReturn Policy30 DaysMachine WashableYes
In addition to being customizable, the best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain have added loftiness, making them one of our top picks for side sleepers. It is packed with soft, environmentally friendly kapok fibers and shredded memory foam. The memory foam in the Kapok cushion replicates the impression of lightness and airiness, which is why Layla mattresses are so well-known for them. Providing ideal support for side sleepers, the foam softly cradles your head without allowing it to sink too far.
Remove a portion of the filling if you would like a softer and lower cushion. Not to worry, the cover is machine washable and detachable in case you slobber or spill anything on it.
What we like: By taking out the filler, you can change the height. You can also machine wash the cover.
What could be better: It costs more than $100, even though it’s less expensive than some of the other selections on our list.
14. Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow
FirmnessPlushFillDown AlternativeCoverCottonReturn Policy30 DaysMachine WashableYes
“What’s the big deal about a pillow?” may be on your mind. It’s not just any pillow, though—in fact, it holds the secret to the most restful night’s sleep you’ve had in a long time. This pillow strikes the ideal combination between firmness and softness, making it very comfortable. Additionally, they provide a really stiff alternative for those who desire it.
Our testers used the best down pillows for side sleepers under the head and between the legs, and it always feels comfortable regardless of where you wind up at night.
Additionally, the pillow has a machine-washable, 100% cotton shell that is both cooling and durable. Pillows that aren’t washable are disgusting, as we all know. With this one, however, you can give it a quick refresh every few weeks, and it always looks like new. They’re that good, we promise! You can also simply determine the ideal pillow size for you based on the size of your bed.
What we like: It’s reasonably priced. There are sateen stripes on the cover and two stitches in each seam.
What could be better: We don’t like how flat it feels. If we lay down, the stuff starts to slide.
Our Testing Process
We have tested over 100 pillows so far, both in our homes and in actual environments. Since each sleeper is unique, we sought testers with a range of sizes, tastes, and sleeping positions, including side sleepers. After concluding our experimentation, we took the top-performing pillows to make this list.
First, we carefully scrutinized the materials and structure of each pillow, as well as the quality of the cover. We also smelled the cushion to see if there were any odd smells. Subsequently, we placed every pillow inside a regular pillowcase to check the fit and visibility of the cover. We assessed the ease of adding or removing material from pillows that had adjustable stuffing.
We measured the surface temperature of each pillow using an infrared thermometer. Both before and after, we lay on it for fifteen minutes in order to determine its temperature and breathability. We evaluated cooling pillows based on how cold they felt to the touch.
How well each pillow performed in terms of firmness and support, as promised, was the real test for each one. We tested the comfort of pillows designed to accommodate all sleeping positions. Or those without a designated sleeping style by spending five minutes in the back, side, and stomach positions, noting how each felt. We examined pillows intended for side sleepers by laying on our sides to check whether they maintained the alignment of our spine and neck by filling the space between our neck and the mattress.
Following these tests, we measured each pillow both before and after washing it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations to assess its longevity and determine if the consistency or hardness had changed.
Finally, we took into account each pillow’s cost and assigned a value rating based on how well it functioned during our testing. After one, three, and six months of use, we updated our results, and the best-performing pillows joined us at home.
How to Buy Pillows for Side Sleepers
There are a few important considerations to address while choosing a side sleeping pillow.
Loft
First, think about the loft, which is essentially the pillow’s thickness. In order to maintain their head and neck in alignment with their spine, side sleepers often need a bigger cushion. However, it shouldn’t be so thick that it raises your neck excessively.
Firmness
Next, consider stiffness. For side sleepers, a medium-firm or hard pillow works best since it maintains its form and offers enough support.
Fill
Let’s discuss the fill materials now. Because memory foam is supportive and holds its form effectively, it’s ideal for side sleepers. Even better, shredded memory foam allows you to customize it to your preferences. Another excellent material is latex, which is more pliable and permeable than memory foam. Alternatives made of down and down are more comfortable but less supportive.
Shape and Size
Dimensions and form are also important. For side sleepers, a thicker cushion works best. But if you shift about a lot while you sleep, an adjustable pillow can be more appropriate. There are many different shapes of pillows available, including conventional, contoured, and crescent shapes.
Breathability
Breathability is crucial, particularly if you’re a hot person at night. Seek for pillows with integrated cooling systems or those made of breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
Return Policy
Finally, before you purchase, find out the return policy. Sometimes, even with your best efforts, finding the ideal cushion proves to be unattainable. Additionally, confirm that the care recommendations suit you—certain pillows may need particular attention, while others may be machine-washed.
Final Verdict
The Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is our top choice because you can modify the amount of support to your preference thanks to its adjustable shredded memory foam. In addition, it remains cool to the touch and is fully machine-washable.
The Linenspa Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is a more reasonably priced choice. It costs less than half as much as our top option. It also comes with two pillows that can be fluffed and molded as required.
In Case You Missed It!
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