Finding the right pillow is essential for a comfortable night’s sleep. For side sleepers, having proper spine alignment through your neck, shoulders and back is crucial to alleviate pressure points and pain. The right pillow accommodates the gap between your head and mattress, providing ergonomic support to keep your body aligned.
We compared the top-rated pillows tailored specifically for side sleepers’ needs to compile this list of the 15 best options. Ranging from budget-friendly to premium models, we break down the key features, expert opinions and user feedback on each pillow’s design, materials, cooling abilities and effectiveness for pain relief. Read on for all the details to help you find your perfect match!
The Beckham Hotel Collection gel pillows are designed to provide cooling comfort for all sleeping positions. The 100% cotton cover and down-alternative fill offer soft support while sleeping.
These pillows strike a nice balance between softness and support for side sleepers. The cooling gel infusion is great for people who tend to sleep hot. They hold their shape well without getting excessively flat.
The Nappler adjustable shredded memory foam pillow is specifically designed to meet the needs of side and back sleepers. The fully adjustable loft and shape provides customized neck, head and shoulder support.
This customizable shredded memory foam pillow is ideal for side and back sleepers. You can add or remove fill to perfectly fit your sleeping needs. Great for alleviating neck and shoulder pain.
Specially designed for pain relief, this adjustable cervical contour pillow provides ergonomic support for all sleeping positions. The cooling memory foam helps align the neck and spine.
This adjustable cooling cervical pillow gives excellent neck support and alignment for side, back and stomach sleepers. Great for alleviating neck, shoulder and back pain.
With an ergonomic contour design, the Osteo cervical pillow cradles the neck to help align the spine and relieve neck pain for side sleepers. The breathable memory foam also keeps the pillow cool.
This ergonomically shaped cervical pillow gives excellent neck support and alignment for side sleepers. Great for relieving neck pain and helping correct spine alignment.
The Viewstar down alternative pillows come in a set of two queen size pillows that work well for all sleeping positions. The microfiber fill makes them soft and fluffy.
These affordable pillows have a nice medium-soft density that works for most side sleepers. Good for people wanting basic pillows for a guest room or children’s beds too.
The Coop Home Goods Original pillow has a shredded memory foam fill you can add or remove to customize the height and firmness. The cross-cut foam design enhances breathability.
This is an excellent option if you want the customization of being able to adjust your pillow’s height and support. Great for accommodating all sleeping styles.
With a contoured orthopedic design, this memory foam cervical pillow cradles the neck to help align the spine and relieve neck pain for all sleeping positions. The breathable bamboo cover keeps it cool.
This contoured cervical pillow gives excellent ergonomic support and neck alignment for all sleeping positions. Great option for relieving neck, shoulder and back pain issues.
Serta’s Won’t Go Flat pillow set comes with two down alternative pillows with special fill designed to retain support and loft over time. The premium Dameco thread count cotton cover ensures durability.
These comfortable down alternative pillows have good support without being overly thick or firm. The special fill avoids the flatness issues some pillows get over time. A quality set at a great price.
Utopia’s two-pack of queen pillows feature a gusseted quality construction with premium down alternative fill to provide medium support and a comfortable night’s sleep for all sleep positions.
These affordable pillows offer medium support and comfort for all sleeping positions. The box construction keeps them fluffy over the long term. Overall good quality for the price.
Specially designed for side sleepers, the Pillow Cube Side Cube Pro cradles the head and neck at an appropriate height and angle to maintain proper spine alignment and relieve pain and discomfort. The cooling gel memory foam provides maximum comfort and support.
The anatomy-hugging design of this pillow provides excellent ergonomic support for side sleepers. Great for alleviating shoulder, neck and back pain by keeping the spine aligned.
The HOMCA side sleeper body pillow hugs the contours of the neck, back and shoulders to provide tailored support and spine alignment for side sleepers. The premium memory foam relieves pressure points.
The U-shaped design gives exceptional ergonomic support for side sleepers. By filling the gap between shoulder and neck, spine alignment is maintained to alleviate pain and pressure points.
With an adjustable ergonomic contour, the TailsUp cervical pillow cradles the neck to keep the spine aligned and relieve pain. The cooling gel-infused memory foam regulates temperature for maximum comfort.
Offering full adjustability, the TailsUp cervical pillow is able to meet just about any sleepers needs. The cooling memory foam provides excellent relief for neck, shoulder and back pain issues.
The ergonomic Elviros cervical contour pillow is designed to follow the natural curve of the neck and provide support for proper spine alignment that helps relieve pain and discomfort.
Shaped to follow the curve of the neck, this ergonomic contour pillow gives great spine, neck and shoulder alignment and support for all sleep positions. High quality construction.
This adjustable cooling bamboo pillow set comes with two queen size pillows filled with shredded memory foam you can add or remove to customize loft. The breathable bamboo cover regulates temperature.
The full adjustability makes these excellent pillows for custom tailoring loft and support for your sleep position. Great value coming as a set of two.
The DreamyBlue adjustable pillow features shredded memory foam you can add or remove to meet your perfect loft and firmness preferences. The bamboo rayon cover helps regulate temperature.
Allowing you to fully tailor your support and height preferences, this is an excellent pillow for all sleeping positions. Great quality at an affordable price.
Product | Key Features |
---|---|
Beckham Hotel Collection | Gel cooling, down alternative fill |
Nappler | Shredded memory foam, adjustable loft |
Ultra Pain Relief Cooling | Cooling memory foam, adjustable orthopedic |
Osteo Cervical | Ergonomic contour, cooling memory foam |
viewstar 2 Pack | Down alternative fill, all sleep positions |
Coop Home Goods Original | Adjustable shredded memory foam |
Neck Pillow Cervical | Contour memory foam, bamboo cover |
Serta Won’t Go Flat 2 Pack | Maintains shape and support |
Utopia Bedding 2 Pack | Down alternative, gusseted construction |
Pillow Cube Side Cube Pro | Cooling gel memory foam, side sleeper shape |
HOMCA Side Sleeper | U-shaped memory foam, removable cover |
TailsUp Cervical Neck | Adjustable cooling memory foam |
Elviros Cervical Memory Foam | Contour memory foam, all positions |
Cooling Bamboo 2 Pack | Adjustable shredded memory foam |
DreamyBlue Premium | Adjustable shredded memory foam |
When choosing a pillow for side sleeping, consider the following factors:
Ergonomically shaped to follow curve of neck and fill gap between head, neck and shoulders. Provides tailored alignment support.
Pillows with fills you can add/remove to meet your exact height and density preferences. Great for customization.
Gel-infused memory foams, perforated foams and cooling covers pull heat away from skin for a cooler sleep.
Firm pillows with contoured designs to provide therapeutic support and alignment of neck, shoulders and spine. Alleviate pain and discomfort.
Use: Allow new pillows 1-2 weeks for any initial expansion. Adjust to find your optimum loft, density and position that aligns your neck and spine.
Care: Protect with pillow protector to avoid stains. Wash removable covers per included instructions – typically machine wash cold, low heat drying.
Maintenance: Fully adjustable pillows require periodic fluffing and fill adjustments to maintain support and shape over years of use.
The types of pillows that tend to work best for side sleepers are:
The ideal pillow shape mimics the natural space between your head, neck and mattress so you maintain a neutral, supported position without bending the neck back too far.
Side sleeping allows properly aligned support of the spine’s natural curvature. The right loft and shape pillow fills the gap between head and mattress to keep the neck and spine aligned. Standard pillows tend to bend the neck back too far.
The ideal loft for proper spinal alignment is between 3-5 inches. This allows enough height to support the head and neck neutrally without over arching the neck back. Adjustable pillows allow you to customize your loft.
Your sleeping position determines what pillow design, shape, height, support level and features will keep your body aligned and comfortable through the night. Side sleepers do best with lofts between 3-5 inches and medium to firm densities to properly fill the gap between your shoulder, neck and mattress without over-arching your neck. Contoured cervical and adjustable pillows allow tailoring support exactly to your needs.
We hope these side sleeper pillow reviews and buying considerations help you pick out just the right option to meet your specific support preferences and budget. A quality pillow designed for your sleep position provides comfort and allows you to wake refreshed and pain-free consistently night after night.
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