Choosing the best pillow for side sleepers is not as simple as walking or drinking.
That’s said, the pillow you choose may cause uncomfortable experience when you sleep on one side.
There are indeed kinds of pillows that are titled “best choices” on the market. However, do you exactly know how to choose the best pillow for side sleepers?
Besides top-rated pillows for side sleeping, other factors you need to consider are listed here, for instance, materials, loft, and a few particular types of side pillows.
Look for brands whose pillows offer certified materials and filter through some big brands to narrow down your options. Remember that the brand doesn’t mean everything.
This article will be useful as a reference. Let’s go.
Table of Contents
What Is the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers in 2021?
Distinct from stomach and back sleeper, sleeping on your side means there will be a wider gap between your mattress and neck.
In order to make side sleepers comfortable, the best pillow should feature a high loft. Generally, We regard height more than 6 inches as a high loft. Thanks to a certain thickness, your spine can keep alignment to a level.
Besides, pillows with enough firmness make it ideal for side sleeping. Side sleepers usually prefer a firm pillow to a soft one since a firm pad provides ample support for your neck and shoulder. With the help of firm support, such pillows can prevent your neck or back pain.
Our best pick for side sleepers begins with this adjustable pillow, which is stuffed with a blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber. It features strong support as well as a soft experience. Adjustable design allows you to customize according to your preference.
Best Rated – Coop Home Goods Pillow With Adjustable Loft
Top 10 Best Pillow for Side Sleepers On the Market
| Photo | Title | Filling | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Rated - Coop Home Goods Premium Pillow | Shredded Memory Foam | Check Price |
 | Best Quality - Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow for Side Sleeping | Gel Memory Foam | Check Price |
 | Best Hypoallergenic - DreamNorth Luxury Bed Pillow | Cotton | Check Price |
 | Best with Support - WonderSleep DremRite Side Sleeping Pillow | Shredded Memory Foam | Check Price |
 | Best for Side Sleeper with Broad Shoulder - COZYDREAM Hotel Quality Pillows | Down Alternative | Check Price |
 | Best Cooling - Snuggle-Pedic Luxury Pillow | Shredded Memory Foam | Check Price |
 | Best for Full Body - Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Body Pillow for Sleeping on Your Side | Shredded Memory Foam | Check Price |
 | Best Natural - Puredown Goose Down and Feather Side Support Pillow | Goose Down and Feather | Check Price |
 | Best Affordable - Utopia Bedding Pack of 2 Pillow | Polyester Fiber | Check Price |
Who Needs A Side Sleeper Pillow?
⇒ Pillow for People with Pain
Are you sick of waking up at midnight because of neck pain? Or, you are suffering from neck and shoulder pain and can’t fall asleep.
The following pillows with unique contour are specific ones for alleviating neck, shoulder, and back problems. When it comes to the best pillow for knee pain, we recommend the knee support pillow.
Stop staring at the ceiling at night; just buy a pain relief pillow like these.
Best for Neck Shoulder Pain – AERIS Ergonomic Neck Pillow
Best for Back Leg Pain – ComfiLife Contour Pillow
⇒ Pillow for People With Broad Shoulders
The key to an excellent pillow for side sleepers with broader shoulders is one that stuffs the broader gap between your neck and your mattress.
That means, in order to maintain a healthy neutral spine alignment, you need a thick loft pillow which exceeds six inches.
Best for Sleepers with Broad Shoulder – COZYDREAM High Loft Pillow
⇒ Pillow for people Who Hate Traditional Foam
If you’ve noticed the fillings on the market, pillows stuffed with traditional loaf memory foam are top-rated.
Conversely, some folks prefer shredded memory foam pillow since it is softer and more flexible than a slab of foam. Down and feather fill pillows also are excellent choices for down fans. On any given night, it will bring you a comfortable experience.
Best with Shredded Memory Foam – Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow
Best with Down and Feather – Puredown Natural Pillow
⇒ Pillow for Pregnant Side Sleeper
Side sleeping for pregnant women usually is the best choice.
A regular-shaped full-body pillow will entirely support and cradle you when you are sleeping on one side.
Your worries about whether a pillow can hold your heavy belly will melt away when you lay in the pillow.
Best for Pregnancy – PharMeDoc C-shape Full Body Pillow
⇒ Side by Side Sleeper Pillow for Baby
If you’re always worried about your baby when you sleep or go out for travel, rest assured that side by side sleepers for your baby are available. It will have a great effect on lightening your burden.
Top Rated 3 Side by Side Sleeper for Baby
What Are the Benefits of Using Side Sleeper Pillows?
There are apparent benefits of owning a pillow for side sleepers.
⇒ Reduces Pain
The majority of side sleepers have suffered from your sore neck, shoulder, or back. The main reason is that an improper pillow causes your spine curved all night.
Through enhancing your neck, a high-loft side sleeper pillow can definitely lessen the pain and stiffness on your neck and shoulder.
Best for Pain – Milemont Cervical Pillow
⇒ Reduces Snoring
Another common issue is snoring, which bothers many side sleepers.
Fortunately, it doesn’t lose control. Snoring is mainly caused by the obstruct of your airflow. Just pick a side sleeper pillow with an adjustable loft and firmness to meet your customized demand.
⇒ Reduces Morning Headache
The harm of morning headache can’t be underestimated.
If you don’t pay attention to the light morning headache, it may become a chronic disease that influences your long-term health. To avoid this issue, it is quite vital for side sleepers to gain a pillow with firmer support.
With the help of strong support, your head can’t sink into the pad so as to make sure a healthy posture.
⇒ Helps Spine and Neck Alignment
For a side sleeper, an improper pillow may cause lots of health issues.
A side sleeper pillow will provide enough firmness for your neck to make sure alignment between your neck and spine. If you are worried about the loft, you can buy an adjustable pillow with different levels.
⇒ Reduces Wrinkles
Do you know that your age can be dictated by your sleeping?
The main reason causing your wrinkles is improper sleeping positions. And the next is insufficient sleeping if you have a rest in a short time or you can’t get a high-quality sleeping. Owning a proper pillow for a side sleeper can also keep you younger.
Best for Reducing Wrinkles – Snuggle-Pedic Cooling Pillow
Top 10 Pillow for Side Sleepers Reviews
There are several perfect side sleeper pillows for you and your families.
#1. Best Rated – Coop Home Goods Premium Pillow
Pros:
- Fully adjustable
- Highest quality materials used
- No toxic or harmful chemicals
Cons:
- Only two sizes
Our best side sleeping pillow pickings begin with Coop Home Goods pillow, which is full of premium memory foam and microfiber. So, it provides the right balance between comfort and support.
Made with bamboo-derived materials, the case offers breathable and soft feeling. Imagine that you will sleep with a cloud-like pillow and wake up refreshed in the morning.
Designed to be adjustable, you can customize the loft as you like. Try to add or remove the filling to suit your size, shape, or sleep position.
The common complaint about your pillows is that it can’t avoid pain, snoring, or tossing and turning. This unique adjustable design will effectively solve your problems.
As I mentioned up top, this kind of pillow lends itself well to side sleepers!
#2. Best Quality – Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow for Side Sleepers
Pros:
- Super plush material
- Dust mite, mold, and mildew resistant
Cons:
- No-shift construction
No matter who you are, you really can’t go wrong with this Beckham hotel collection pillow.
Inside the pillow is a soft blend of gel fiber that’s luxury and super plush. It can ensure maximum comfort for side sleeping.
The cover comes with 100 percent cotton, so it can prevent dust mite, mold, or mildew and won’t irritate your skin. So, this pillow will be a perfect choice for those who suffer from allergies.
The Beckham hotel collection pillow is a tried and true side sleeping pillow with high quality, so check it out after reading this pillow review!
#3. Best Hypoallergenic – DreamNorth Luxury Bed Pillow Good
Pros:
- Luxurious
- Rest easy
- Breathable Cotton
Cons:
- Only two sizes
Good for side sleepers, right down to the name, this DreamNorth pillow features hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.
The poly gel fiberfill and 100 percent cotton cover make allergen and chemical-free. So, it creates a healthy sleeping environment great for individuals with allergies.
Besides, its perfect balance between fluffy and firmness also brings a comfortable sleeping experience.
Made of cotton fabric material, the pillow cover can stay soft, breathable, and dry so that you won’t feel overheated at night.
If you solely sleep on one side, try this premium luxury pillow out, and you’ll likely love it.
#4. Best with Support – WonderSleep DremRite Side Sleeping Pillow
Pros：
- Adjust your comfort level
- Cool, calm, comfortable
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- 1-Pack Queen Size
A supportive pillow like this one by WonderSleep is designed to support your neck, shoulders, back, and head.
Side sleepers will especially appreciate this feature as sleeping on one side need firmer support between your neck and mattress.
This pillow that’s overstuffed with shredded memory foam and fiber creates a lofty and firm sleep experience.
These materials also can stay you cool and breathable by drawing the heat from your body.
With its removable filling design, it adapts to your sleeping postures, allowing you to take out as much foam filling and enjoy a softer pillow.
So, try out the pillow that can nestle and cradle you.
#5. Best for Side Sleeper with Broad Shoulder – COZYDREAM Hotel Quality Pillows
Pros:
- Hotel collection pillow
- Better sleep
- Easy home care
Cons:
- Not adjustable
Here we have the aptly named cozy dream hotel pillow, perfect for side sleepers who have a broad shoulder.
Stuffed full of superfine microfiber, this pillow keeps a perfect balance between soft and support. It features excellent support for head and neck, so your body can maintain neutral spine alignment.
To avoid your shoulder curved, this one with no-shift construction never goes flat and gives you a fluffy and cloud-like feeling.
This pillow, with 100 percent cotton cover, does a fantastic job of keeping you comfortable and relaxed.
If you like an excellent cushioning for your shoulder, you might want to give this one a try.
#6. Best Cooling – Snuggle-Pedic Luxury Pillow for Side Sleeper
Pros：
- Never goes flat
- Self-adapts to any position
- Keep your spine in alignment
Cons:
- Natural white color
The Snuggle-Pedic pad is an intentional option to make side sleepers cool and breathable.
Thanks to the shredded memory foam filling, the pillow becomes air flow- conducive. That means it will make you feel breathable at night. It’s also worth noting that the cover with bamboo-derived and polyester materials tend to do a great job of creating a cooler trip.
From the bamboo cover fabric to the shredded fill, the entire pillow is eco-friendly and far from dust mite. Side sleepers who are prone to getting hot and allergic will enjoy it.
This pillow features a loose fit and zipper, which makes it convenient to adjust the thickness and comfort. And, your worries about spending will disappear entirely as soon as your head hits this pillow.
#7. Best for Full Body – Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Pillow
Pros：
- Keep you cool all night long
- Never go flat
Cons:
- Only 54 inches in length
If you’re a side sleeper who desires ample cushioning for your head, hips, legs, and your knees, this Snuggle-Pedic full body pillow might be right up your alley.
The significant advantage of these pillows for side sleepers is the fact that it owns more extended size and allows for cradling your arms and legs.
The combo of shredded memory foam and down alternative fiberfill makes for a soft and luxurious experience with a boost of buoyant support. If you’ve evaded real down due to your sensitive skin or allergies, take note that this pillow features hypoallergenic, extra dust mite resistant, and eco-friendly.
Read this full body pillow review so you know clearly what you’re getting into with this choice.
#8. Best with Arms Under – Sleep-Yoga Arm Rest Pillow for Side-Lying
Pros:
- Cotton Coolmax blend
- Improves posture
- Chiropractor designed
Cons:
- Only one size
Did you have a question about where to put your arms when sleeping on one side? The Sleep Yoga armrest pillow might be the one for you.
This pillow looks quite different from the common ones. Its unique design makes it ideal for side sleepers to cradle your arms. Meanwhile, it naturally reduces pressure on your elbow, wrist, and hand.
The other exciting thing about this pillow is that meticulously devised angles and contours can improve the way you sit, stand, and sleep.
Reviewers frequently comment on the armrest of this pillow and add that it’s ideal if you want to relieve shoulder pressure.
#9. Best Natural – Puredown Goose Down and Feather Side Support Pillow
pros:
- High-quality materials
- Recyclable and environment-friendly
Cons:
- Pricey
Down lovers are bound to be adaptable with this pure down feather pillow.
From the feather down stuffing to the cotton shell, all the materials are entirely natural and organic. If you’re an allergenic sleeper in search of a pure hypoallergenic cushioning, the one might be the perfect option.
Still, the largest side sleepers should do their homework to ensure they’re not buying a too- soft down pillow.
Made of a combination of grey goose down and feather, this pillow is fluffy enough to let you roll onto your side and stomach but supportive enough to keep your spine in neutral alignment.
Interested in this natural pillow?
#10. Best Affordable – Utopia Bedding Pack of 2 Pillow for Side Sleepers
Pros:
- Gusset pillow pack
- High-quality filling
Cons:
- Single color
The great favor of this Utopia bedding pillow for side sleepers is that top quality material ensures a long sweet sleep without any interruption.
Such amazing pillows are ideal and available choices for side sleepers. You will find that it reaches a perfect supportive balance because of the medium-firm blend filling.
That said, it can provide maximum comfort and prevent neck and shoulder pain. Apart from the stylish look, 2-pack gusset pillows make it excellent for side sleeping to support your legs and knees.
Try them out, and you’ll probably decide to keep the pack of two pillows longer.
What Are the Different Types of Pillows for Side Sleeper?
The followings are different kinds of pillows that can fit your individual needs.
⇒ Water-Based Pillow
The kind of pillow filled with water provides a customized loft and support for side sleepers. You can try to switch its density as you like. It is cozy and recommended by some sleepers.
⇒ Cool Pillow
The type of pillows is suitable for side sleepers who hate sweat on the body or wrinkles on your face. It’s not a joke because heat can quickly evaporate your skin moisture to cause premature aging symptoms.
A pillow with a cooling gel or a bamboo cover will do the trick. It sports a professional-grade heat dissipation system that can draw heat from your head.
Best Cool – Snuggle-Pedic Luxury Pillow
⇒ Oxygen-Promoting Pillow
You might feel weak breathing sometimes because of an improper pillow. It can obstruct the airflow of your body. The essential method is to use an oxygen-promoting pad to ensure smooth breath.
⇒ Anti-Snore Pillow
Do you know whether you often snore when you are sleeping on your side? Snoring can not only bother your sweet sleeping but become a severe health issue. An anti-snore pillow with adjustable thickness will relieve severe pressure from your neck and offer a relaxing experience.
⇒ Wedge pillow
When it comes to special-shaped pillows, the wedge pillow is recommended firstly.
This pillow which comes with a triangle shape make s it ideal for easing your sleeping issues, helping you rest easier. If you are suffering from sleep and health issues, such as, neck and back pain, snoring, or sleep apnea, this wedge-shaped pillow can help you.
⇒ Knee pillow
Generally, knee pillows refer to a cushioning between your knees. You can also place one under your legs, ankles to play a supporting role.
A knee pillow is a great option for side sleepers who need a cushioning for neutral spine alignment. That means you can avoid severe neck and back pain. Otherwise, the knee pillow as a cushioning buffer can avoid your knee joints from rubbing together.
⇒ Lumbar support pillow
Compared with other bed pillows, the lumbar support pillows come with a thin and flat design. With the support of a lumbar pillow, your spine can keep a neutral alignment when you put one under your back.
Apart from bringing you a comfortable sleep, the lumbar support pillow allows you to support your lower back no matter when you feel back pain.
Best ComfiLife Lumbar Support Pillow
⇒ Bolster pillow
This type of pillow features a long and narrow shape, not a standard size or shape.
It’s also worth noting that bolster pillows do a good job of supporting your body. You can use one when you are reading or lying. It helps you to keep a good posture. There are several benefits to using a bolster pillow listed.
Best Everlasting Comfort Bolster Pillow
How Do You Buy the Side Sleepers Pillow?
Picking a side sleeper pillow is a complex process. Here are some crucial points for you.
⇒ Sleeping Style
As we all know, choose a medium loft pillow if you love to slumber on your back. Pick a higher and firmer pillow than the common ones when sleeping on one side.
But what if you rock different sleep postures during sleeping? One of the accessible solutions is picking an adjustable pillow that adapts to your sleep positions. Certainly, there are a quite few options for a combo sleeper, such as a side back sleeper, a side stomach sleeper.
Best for Side Back Sleepers – DreamNorth Premium Pillow
Best for Side Stomach Sleepers – EPABO Contour Pillow
⇒ Material
The following analyzes the features of some common pillow materials recommended for side sleepers.
→ Memory Foam
Memory foam is the most common and popular materials in your pillows. It can adjust its shape according to your sleeping style and provide ample cushioning for side sleepers. Your head can be aligned with your neck and spine to avoid neck and shoulder strain.
Different from a fixed foam, shredded memory foam contains plenty of small pieces of foam to make your pillow customize its thickness and shape. Undoubtedly, it can meet your personalized needs.
Best with Shredded Memory Foam – Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow
→ Latex
Latex pillow is more responsive and less contouring than memory foam. So, side sleepers can move around to find a comfortable posture, not stay one position all night.
If you’re worried about pillows trapping heat, rest assured that these latex ones can promote a cooling sensation for you.
→ Down
A real down lover appreciates the cloud-like feel provided by a pure down pillow. However, some folks express that too soft down pillow lets their head sink too far in, and causes headache.
It is a great option to seek an alternative down pillow which can offer stronger support and usually is affordable.
→ Down and Feather
It’s also worth noting that pillows stuffed with down and feather serve to maintain ample cushioning.
Reviewers are frequently delighted about how such a particular pillow relieves neck pain and helps them relaxed and refreshed.
Best with Down and Feather – Puredown Natural Pillow
⇒ Size
The standard sizes contain a king, queen, medium dimension. Sometimes, there is an extra-large dimension for specific folks.
Take notice that the extra-large size makes it perfect for side sleepers who have a larger head or broader shoulder.
⇒ Shape
The familiar pillow shape for side sleepers is a bit boxy, which can adapt to your head. The full body pillow with a long way makes it great for side sleeping and provides a more comfortable experience.
Interested in the unique shape pillow? This ergonomic design curves pillow around the body is suitable for you.
Best with J-shape – Avana Ergonomic Curve Pillow
⇒ Care Instructions
Take notice that few pillows aren’t washable. If you mind that, the removable cover is a better option. Generally, pillows filled with gel fiber, polyester are machine washable. Memory foam and buckwheat hulls ones aren’t.
FAQ
⇒ How High Should A Pillow Be for Side Sleepers?
The loft of side sleeper pillows is much higher than other ones.
Generally, four inches or more pillow is an excellent choice since such thickness can make sure your neutral spine alignment as well as relieve the pressure on your shoulder.
Moreover, there are some extra-lofty pillows about eight inches to suit particular needs.
⇒ What Firmness Is Best for Side Sleepers?
Side sleepers usually prefer the firmer pillow as you need a more reliable cushioning for your neck. Moreover, a firmer one can not quickly lose its shape over time so that it will be durable.
The firm pillow won’t necessarily work for everyone. If you dislike the firmness, a medium-soft and fluffy one will be suitable for you.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best pillow for side sleepers, we recommend all the ten pads above.
There are still some different types of side sleeper pillows or side pillows that meet individual needs. No matter what sleep situations you are, you can get the right fit here.
Sweet dreams, side sleepers!