When most people think about getting a pillow, they usually only look for one that is comfortable. However, and despite comfort is an important factor to consider, there are other issues that you need to address when you are looking for the best pillow for you – the pillow support quality. And this becomes even more important when you like to sleep on your side.
The best pillow for side sleepers should be one that provides an extra support for their neck. This will make sure that you’ll keep your spine aligned and that you don’t wake up with neck, shoulders, back, and head pains.
Also check out: Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers In 2021
When you sleep on your side, the distance between your head and the mattress is greater than when you sleep on your back or on your stomach. So the best pillows for side sleepers will make sure that despite this distance exists, your spine won’t be affected by it.
Finding the best pillow for side sleepers may take you some time because there are so many different ones available. So, since we want to make sure that you only buy the best side sleeper pillow for you, we decided to create a list with the 12 best pillow for side sleepers in 2021. Make sure to check it out.
12 Best Pillow for Side Sleepers in 2018 (content updated in 2021)
#1: Coop Home Goods – PREMIUM Adjustable Loft – Shredded Hypoallergenic Certipur Memory Foam Pillow – Queen
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The Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Pillow is one of the best choices when you’re looking for the best pillow for side sleepers. Made of 60% polyester and 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon, The Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Pillow is made in the United States.
One of the main features that make this one the best pillows for side sleepers is the fact that you can adjust it. You can simply add or remove foam to make sure that it’s perfect for you. And since it’s made with a high-quality memory foam, you can be sure that it provides enough ventilation and you’ll be able to get a deeper sleep throughout the entire night.
Also read: 7 Best Bamboo Pillow Reviews In 2021 For Better Sleep
The Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Pillow is CertiPUR-US certified which means that you do not have to worry about it being made with products that can harm your health. The Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Pillow is made without PCEP flame retardants, PBDEs, ozone depleters, TDCPP, formaldehyde, lead and heavy metals, mercury, CFCs, and phthalates regulated by the CPSC.
And when you are looking to get the best side sleeper pillow, you want to make sure that it’s dust mite resistant as well as hypoallergenic. And this one is. Plus, it is machine washable. All you need to do is to remove the stay cool cover and you’re good to go. The Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Pillow also includes a 5-year warranty.
#2: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow – Queen
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The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is one one of the best side pillows for side sleepers, as well as for people who sleep on their stomach or back.
While when you just have a comfortable pillow you need to keep adjusting it throughout the night because they can’t hold their shape, with the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow this doesn’t happen.
The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow are the perfect choice when you are allergic to feathers and you just want to have a good night sleep, and not waking up in the morning with aches and pains on your back, neck, and shoulders.
Check out: How To Choose The Right Pillow For You
The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is made of a high-quality memory foam that is not only hypoallergenic as it’s CertiPUR-US certified. So, when you get this amazing pillow, you can be sure that it does not contain any formaldehyde, PBDE flame retardants, ozone depleters, phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, lead and other heavy metals, mercury, and is low in VOC 8Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor quality air.
And in case you are worried that this pillow may be too hot because it is made using memory foam, you don’t have to. The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow comes with the Ultra-Luxurious Kool-Flow Micro-Vented Bamboo Cover that makes sure that the pillow provides a high breathability.
When you get the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, you’ll have a 20-year warranty and you can even test it for free for 90 days.
#3: SLEEPHI Collection Hypoallergenic Microfiber Pillow (currently unavailable)
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When you’re looking for a side sleeper pillow, you definitely need to consider the SLEEPHI Collection Hypoallergenic Microfiber Pillow.
The SLEEPHI Collection Hypoallergenic Microfiber Pillow is made with 100% microfiber and is also hypoallergenic. Able to provide the right amount of support you need without bending your neck, the SLEEPHI Collection Hypoallergenic Microfiber Pillow is ideal for side sleepers. You will have your neck fully supported while the SLEEPHI Collection Hypoallergenic Microfiber Pillow makes sure that your spine is always aligned.
If you are one of those people who usually wakes up with neck pain, these days will be over as soon as you try out the SLEEPHI Collection Hypoallergenic Microfiber Pillow. And the best thing is that you can try it for 30 days. In case you don’t like it, just return it. As simple as that.
You know how important it is to wash your pillows. And this one is also washable. However, it’s better if you bring it to a dry cleaner to make sure that it can hold its shape.
#4: Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow, Full Size, Standard Firm
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When you are searching for the best pillow for side sleepers that is recommended by medical professionals, the Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow, Full Size, Standard Firm is a perfect choice. With 3 different size options depending on your age (children and young teens are also included), the provides you all the support you need.
The Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow, Full Size, Standard Firm includes a trapezoid-shaped center which is perfect to provide you not only the support as well as the comfort you need to make sure that you get a full night sleep. Plus, the built-in neck roll will make sure that your spine maintains its alignment since this pillow offers you the unique ability to finally sleep in a natural position. Depending on your size, you can choose to use the top or the bottom neck rolls.
The Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow, Full Size, Standard Firm is made with a high-quality fiber that is extremely durable. The blended cotton cover is not only soft to the touch as it’s breathable, making it perfect for even the hotter nights.
One of the biggest fears, when you are a side sleeper and see this pillow, is that your head will just slide into the center. However, this will not happen. And if by any chance, when you’re sleeping you just stay on your back for a while, this is when your head will go to the center of the pillow, and even then, the neck support is provided.
#5: Mkicesky Soft Memory Foam Bamboo Sleeping Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers (currently unavailable)
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One of the best side sleeper pillow on the market is the Mkicesky Soft Memory Foam Bamboo Sleeping Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers. With a special butterfly-wings shape design, the natural curves fully support both your shoulder and neck. Plus, you can also be sure that your spine will be aligned.
The Mkicesky Soft Memory Foam Bamboo Sleeping Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers may also be a great help for you if you usually snore or have a stiff neck because your neck muscles will be completely relaxed.
The Mkicesky Soft Memory Foam Bamboo Sleeping Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers includes a soft bamboo fabric cover that is not only dust mite resistant as it’s hypoallergenic as well, which is great in case you have sensitive skin. And since its breathable, you’ll be able to feel cool during the entire night. The cover includes a zipper on the back side which will make your life a lot easier when it is time to wash it.
One of the main advantages of the Mkicesky Soft Memory Foam Bamboo Sleeping Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers is the fact that it’s made of a slow rebound memory foam. This material will make sure that the pillow will mold to your sleeping position as well as it’s able to maintain its shape for many years.
#6: Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow
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The Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow is 100% cotton and is imported. When you are looking for the best pillow for side sleepers, the Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow may be a good choice.
There are many things that make the Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow one of the best pillows for side sleepers. One of them is that it has clinically shown that it can improve your sleep 4 ways as well as it decreases the neck pain (the clinical study took place at the Johns Hopkins University). Another reason that makes this pillow so good is the fact that it is adjustable to anyone as well as no matter how much you move during the night, it will continue to provide you with the support you need.
The Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow features a hypoallergenic and soft fiber and is supported by water pouch that is very easy to fill.
With this pillow, you’ll finally be able to get to sleep quickly as well as you will be able to sleep during the entire night without waking up one single time. This is because the pillow will give you the comfort you need, and the waterbase will make sure that the support is continuous since it adjusts automatically.
Another reason that makes the Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow one of the best pillows for side sleepers is the ability you have to adjust its firmness. You just need to add or remove the amount of water to make sure it’s perfect for you.
#7: Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow – Medium Soft
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The Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow – Medium Soft was designed by a chiropractor to make sure that you maintain a good posture especially when you’re sleeping.
Many people consider the Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow – Medium Soft as the best pillow for side sleepers on the market. Since it has an ergonomic design, you can easily change your position during the night from side to back, without needing to fold or adjust the pillow.
When you like to sleep on your side, your neck is the area on your body that you need to pay more attention to. And since this pillow contours your natural neck curve while you are sleeping, it is able to promote the proper neck cervical alignment as well as it offers extra support to this particular area.
The Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow – Medium Soft is both designed and made in the United States and it is made from biodegradable materials only – 55% lyocell and 45% cotton. Besides, it is hypoallergenic and it is machine washable.
The Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow includes two different versions. The Medium soft that is ideal for children and smaller adults, and the medium firm, that works very well for larger adults as well as for people who prefer a firmer pillow.
#8: Duro-Med Hugg-A-Pillow Neck Pillow For Sleeping
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The main problem that side sleepers have is neck pressure. Since your head is far distant from the mattress, you need a good side sleeper pillow that is able to provide the support you need for this area of your body. One of the best options you have when you’re looking for the best pillow for side sleepers is the Duro-Med Hugg-A-Pillow Neck Pillow For Sleeping. The Duro-Med Hugg-A-Pillow Neck Pillow For Sleeping is an orthopedic neck pillow that is not only comfortable as it provides support for neck, head, and shoulders while it helps with your posture. This is the best side sleeper pillow when you want to end up with all the pressure and strain on your neck.
With the Duro-Med Hugg-A-Pillow Neck Pillow For Sleeping, you will finally wake up completely revigorated and full of energy. The L shape will allow the pillow to mold to your own body. Plus, it will hold its shape.
The Duro-Med Hugg-A-Pillow Neck Pillow For Sleeping comes with a removable and hypoallergenic cover made of poly cotton. You can easily wash it on the machine.
#9: Sleep Joy ViscoFresh Memory Foam Pillow (currently unavailable)
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Made with memory foam, the Sleep Joy ViscoFresh Memory Foam Pillow is the best pillow for slide sleepers according to many people who are already using it.
With a narrow and sleek profile, the Sleep Joy ViscoFresh Memory Foam Pillow counter sides elevate your head and neck to provide the proper alignment and support. You will notice that your neck muscles will start to be a lot more relax and that you won’t feel the neck pain when you wake up. All you need to do is to line up your shoulder and neck with the pillow curved indentation.
The Sleep Joy ViscoFresh Memory Foam Pillow is made of ViscoFresh Memory Foam with green tea. The green tea is particularly important since it’s the one responsible for the ventilation. As you probably know, memory foam usually have a slight odor and the green tea will help you with that. Plus, it helps with the ventilation, making sure that you remain comfortable during the entire night. The cover is made with 100% polyester nano-tex that does not only wick away moisture as it is breathable.
The Sleep Joy ViscoFresh Memory Foam Pillow includes two different covers. The inner cover protects the pillow making sure that it will last, and the outer cover is zippered.
#10: Laniloha Premium Orthopedic Charcoal Bamboo Comfortable Memory Foam Pillow (Queen Size) (currently unavailable)
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One of the best things in what concerns with the Laniloha Premium Orthopedic Charcoal Bamboo Comfortable Memory Foam Pillow is the fact that it includes the charcoal bamboo technology. This technology works as an air purifying agent and a deodorant which is crucial when you want to have a good night sleep. So, the Laniloha Premium Orthopedic Charcoal Bamboo Comfortable Memory Foam Pillow works as an equilibrium pressure diffuser, a pressure and temperature sensor, and as an environmental protector.
In terms of the inner liner, the Laniloha Premium Orthopedic Charcoal Bamboo Comfortable Memory Foam Pillow is both anti-mite as well as antibacterial because it’s breathable.
With the pillow, you’ll also get the decorative cover that is breathable as well. The Laniloha Premium Orthopedic Charcoal Bamboo Comfortable Memory Foam Pillow will be able to provide you with an effective head and neck support as well as it will promote the blood circulation. When you wake up, you’ll notice that you no longer feel that neck pressure and fatigue.
When you get this side sleeper pillow, you’ll have a 1-year warranty.
The first time you use the Laniloha Premium Orthopedic Charcoal Bamboo Comfortable Memory Foam Pillow, it might feel that this pillow is not only firmer as well as heavier than what you might be expecting. However, it will only feel this way when you’re holding it. When you’re sleeping on it, you will simply be comfortable.
#11: Side Sleeper Pro Neck and Back Pillow with Cover (currently unavailable)
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The Side Sleeper Pro Neck and Back Pillow with Cover was invented by a doctor and its design is already patented. With a unique design, the Side Sleeper Pro Neck and Back Pillow with Cover is the best pillow for side sleepers for many people.
The Side Sleeper Pro Neck and Back Pillow with Cover is made of 100% polyester fiber and is soft enough for you to be comfortable but firm enough to hold your posture.
One of the best things about this pillow is the fact that it will only take one-night sleep to wake up without any aches or pains.
The Side Sleeper Pro Neck and Back Pillow with Cover also includes a cover that has a zipper.
#12: Product Stop, Inc Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow (currently unavailable)
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The Product Stop, Inc Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow is an amazing side sleeper pillow that is manufactured entirely from 60D memory foam. This material will not only make sure that you have a comfortable night sleep as well as it provides the support you need to your neck and head during the entire night.
One of the best things about the Product Stop, Inc Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow is the fact that it is able to mold itself to your own head and body. Plus, since it’s made of memory foam, it will hold its shape.
One of the main problems of memory foam is related to the temperature. However, the Product Stop, Inc Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow uses a cooling gel that completely solves this issue. So, you won’t feel any hot or start sweating during the night, which would make you get up. Instead, you’ll be able to sleep the entire night, with the right temperature.
The Product Stop, Inc Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow is dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic.
How to Choose the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers?
When you’re looking for the best pillows for side sleepers, you’ll notice that the variety is huge. There are many different kinds of pillows. So, starting by knowing each one better will help you on making a better decision.
#1: Traditional Pillows:
Traditional pillows are just like normal pillows and are very popular especially among people who keeps changing position when they’re sleeping. These pillows usually provide a good support and have an increased airflow when compared to other pillow types.
#2: Cervical Pillows:
Cervical pillows are specially designed for people who usually suffer from neck pain. They usually include a lot more material under the neck which allows them to offer more support.
#3: Egg Crate Pillows:
Egg crate pillows are one of the best choices when you prefer to sleep on your side and back. They usually include lumps that provide you additional support. This kind of pillow also has a better airflow, which will help you not only keep cool as well as it will make it easier for you to breath.
#4: Neck Roll Pillows:
This side sleeper pillow works great not only to sleep as well as to relax when you’re watching television or reading a book. They usually tend to work well for people who have both neck and back pain.
#5: Other Shaped Pillows:
When you’re looking for a side sleeper pillow, you’ll find many pillows with different shapes. Some may be contoured, others have a v-shape, and even others are wedge shaped.
When you make your decision on the shape, it’s time to consider other features to make sure that you choose the best side sleeper pillow for you:
#1: Material:
Pillows aren’t made off with the same materials. You can easily find pillows made of feathers, fiber, memory foam, gel, among others. The most common side sleeper pillows are made with memory foam. However, since this material tends to retain heat, manufacturers are now using gel beads infusion to make sure that you can sleep at the right temperature. So, in case you have problems sleeping with the heat, make sure to choose one pillow that is made with this material.
#2: Firmness:
Unlike mattresses that have a rating to determine their firmness, pillows don’t actually have a specific rating. However, it’s good to know what you prefer since you can get a side sleeper pillow that is firm, medium, or soft.
#3: Size:
Pillows, just like mattresses, also have different sizes. Despite some manufacturers only have one size fits all, others do have different pillow sizes to choose from.
#4: Warranty:
Having a warranty on any product that you buy is important. This is one of the ways manufacturers have to show you that they stand by their products. In what concerns to pillows, you should also make sure that you get a warranty. As a rule of thumb, you should only consider a pillow that has at least 1-year warranty.
When you’re searching for the best side sleeper pillow, you’ll also see some manufacturers that allow you to test theirs during at least 1 month. This is a great opportunity to see if this is the right pillow for you or not. In case it’s not, you can always return it and get your money back.
Types of Side Sleeper Pillows
When you’re searching for a good side sleeper pillow, you already know that you need to take into consideration different factors. However, one of the most important ones is the material used to fill it.
While normal cotton pillows tend to be too soft, down-filled pillows usually flatten out too quickly. So, which material is better? Which material allows you to finally have a good night sleep, without waking up with neck and back pain?
#1: Memory Foam:
One of the main advantages of getting a memory foam pillow is the fact that they are able to hold their shape through time. This unique characteristic allows the pillow to mold itself to your own head and body, even when you move a lot during the night.
However, even when you simply look for memory foam pillows, the variety is still huge. So, to make your choice a bit easier, it’s better to stick with shredded foam pillows. And the reason is pretty simple: it’s far easier to mold and bend this pillow than one that is made of a solid piece of foam. Plus, the ventilation is also better which will allow you to have a better temperature during sleep.
In case you prefer a firmer pillow, you should then go for a solid memory foam. However, since you might get a temperature problem, you can always look for one that offers plenty of ventilation.
#2: Gel-Fill:
Gel-fill pillows are usually one of the best side sleeper pillows that you can find. They are made of memory foam but they use gel to make sure the temperature is just at the right spot. These kinds of pillows are even better than the ones that used shredded memory foam since they are hypoallergenic, easy to clean and provide a great support for your back and neck.
However, in case you prefer firmer pillows, these are not for you since they tend to be very soft.
#3: Water-Fill:
Despite there isn’t a wide variety of water-fill pillows, they tend to work pretty well for side sleepers. The pillow has a fillable inner core that you need to fill with water. The main advantage of this kind of pillows is that they allow you to make them the way you want. Depending on the amount of water you add, they can be softer or firmer.
#4: Latex:
Latex pillows are the perfect ones for someone who just sleeps on their side. Latex is even firmer than memory foam, and the pillow won’t flatten out as well as it molds to your body shape. Latex pillows provide a great support for both spine and neck.
However, if you’re one of those people who keeps moving during the night, this isn’t the best kind of pillow for you.
#5: Polyester:
Polyester pillows have different densities and heights. However, they are always hypoallergenic and tend to be soft.
Despite these pillows can be fluffed up again, they tend to develop hollow spots and they often flatten.
#6: Multiple Materials:
In the last couple of years, we’ve been seeing a new trend emerging: the use of multiple fill materials. The combinations are endless. One of the most common is a pillow filled with polyester that includes a component to fill water. Another one is a memory foam or a shredded memory foam pillow with a gel insert.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of materials that are being used to fill pillows. No matter the one you choose, you now know their advantages and disadvantages which allow you to make a better decision at the end of the day.
Why Should You Get A Good Side Sleeper Pillow?
There are many advantages of getting the best side sleeper pillow for you. Here are the 3 most important ones:
#1: Stability:
When you’re a side sleeper, you need something that allows you to get the stability you need to make sure that you get a deeper and restful sleep. In case you don’t, you’ll most probably tip over during the night.
Stability can be provided by the right side sleeper pillow. This way, your body won’t slip to the side which is usually what leads to aches not only forming as well as to becoming hard to deal with.
#2: Comfort:
Comfort is, for many people, the first reason they can think off when they want to get a new pillow. We all know that a good night sleep allows us to be more focused, energetic, and with a good overall health.
The perfect side sleeper pillow makes sure that you’re not only comfortable as you will also feel that you don’t want to use another pillow ever again. A good pillow will snug against the head and will keep it in place without causing any pain or irritation.
#3: Posture:
Maintaining a good posture is easier to achieve when you’re awake than when you’re sleeping. After all, you don’t have any control over the position that you prefer to sleep. In case you’re a side sleeper, when you’re using the wrong pillow, your posture will suffer as well as you’ll suffer from back and neck pain. The goal of a good side sleeper pillow is to make sure that the distance between your head and the mattress is filled by the pillow itself, providing you the needed support for this area.
One of the things that you need to avoid when you prefer to sleep on your side is soft pillows. They won’t be able to provide the support you need and you’ll end up with the exact same aches and pains as before.
As a rule of thumb, the thicker the pillow the better the support it will provide. However, make sure that your head isn’t tilted upwards. A firmer pillow is also preferred. And even though it may seem hard to adjust to it in the beginning, you’ll see how better you wake up in the morning. In no time, you’ll be wondering how you could have been not using such a pillow for such a long time.
Last Considerations When You’re Choosing a Side Sleeper Pillow
We already mention some of the factors that you need to be aware off before you make your final decision on the best side sleeper pillow for you. However, there are a few considerations that you should pay attention to as well:
#1: Company Reputation:
When you’re searching for the best side sleeper pillow, you need to make sure that it includes a warranty. This is one of the things that helps you tell if the company is reputable or not. However, you should look further. By reading others reviews, especially from people who weren’t happy with the product, you’ll easily find out how their warranty actually works.
#2: Moldable Or Formed Pillow:
When someone is mentioning the features of a pillow, they usually refer if the pillow is moldable or formed. And this is entirely up to you since it depends on what you prefer. While a moldable pillow can be twisted and tucked to fit your body, a formed pillow will stay perfectly shaped, no matter how much you move during the night.
If you like to put your arm under the pillow or if you prefer to be the one who adjusts the pillow to your own neck, your best options are to choose a side sleeper pillow filled with shredded memory foam, gel fiber, or water-fill. And you should definitely avoid solid memory foam or pillows with gusseted sides.
#3: The Right Size:
When you’re buying a pillow for someone else, you need to make sure not only the person preferences as well as the age. For example, pillows for children and pregnant women need to have different kinds of support. While for a child you should look for a side sleeper pillow that either is adjustable or has a slimmer profile, a pregnant woman needs more support on her stomach. So, a good side sleeper pillow for her should be firm but should be moldable at the same time.
Having a good night sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health. When you have problems to fall asleep, keep waking up during the night, or your sleep is not deep, you need to do something about it. Just remember that you’re not alone. Many people have problems sleeping. However, unless you decide to check your mattress and your pillow to see if they are still ok or not, your bad sleep nights are going to continue. Even if they are both in perfect conditions, this doesn’t mean that they are the right ones for you. So, knowing your preferred sleeping position, what’s interfering with your sleep, as well as any pain you might already suffer are enough factors to tell you that it’s time to change.
In order to help you solve your sleeping problems, make sure to take some time and check foam mattress and sleeping accessories reviews.
