People who sleep on their side should get a pillow with a fuller shape so that it keeps the spine and neck properly aligned, and they should opt for soft and conforming materials. If you want to get a new pillow for your bedroom, we will help you make the right decision. Our pillow buying guide for side sleepers is based on in-depth research and analysis and verified customer experiences.
Many people sleep mostly on their side; it is the most common sleep position. Preferences of individuals vary, but they usually feel the most comfortable in a side sleeping position. Not only this position is the most popular, but it is also among the healthiest, besides back sleeping. Some of the health benefits that you can expect are the proper spinal alignment, reduced snoring and acid reflux. When we sleep on the side, our pelvis, spine, and shoulders are properly aligned, and as a result, pressure on the neck, back, and other sensitive areas is minimized. It is also the best sleep position if you tend to snore or have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping on the side keeps airways open, and air can flow inside and out of our bodies with ease, without any obstructions on its path. On the other hand, the worst position for snoring is back sleeping. Reduced acid reflux is another health benefit that side sleepers can enjoy. However, not both side positions are equally healthy. It is crucial to be aware that resting on the left side is more beneficial compared to the right side. Left side sleeping can alleviate heartburn, improve digestion, enhance the drainage of toxins from our bodies, and more. It is also the best sleep position for pregnancy as it enhances the blood flow to the fetus. As you can see, this position is very healthy, and it is not a surprise that many people sleep in it.
If you want to be comfortable while sleeping in your favorite position, it is crucial to have the right pillow to help you achieve this goal. It is vital to get an excellent pillow if you want to maximize the benefits that side sleeping provides. However, choosing the right one can sometimes be difficult if you have no idea what to look for. People who sleep on their side should get a pillow with a fuller shape so that it keeps the spine and neck properly aligned. Opting for soft and conforming materials is also a must as they provide adequate comfort and cushioning to the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders. If you want to get a new pillow for your bedroom, we will help you make the right decision. Our pillow buying guide for side sleepers is based on in-depth research and analysis and verified customer experiences.
The Easy Breather from Nest Bedding is an excellent shredded memory foam pillow for side sleepers. What makes it a fantastic solution for this sleep position is its ability to conform to the sleeper’s head and neck closely, forming a tight shape around these parts of the body. This pillow provides amazing pressure relief on sensitive areas including shoulders, head, and neck. Also, it has an adjustable loft, which means that people can adjust the thickness of this model.
This pillow has a cool, soft, and breathable cover made with Tencel-blended fabric. This fabric is a substitute to cotton, it is plant-based, and it is increasing in popularity. It is not a surprise as it draws moisture away from the body, and it is very sensitive. Thanks to the cover made with this material, it helps sleepers stay cool and dry during the night. Additionally, the zipper on this pillow is very reliable and durable, and people don’t have to worry about faulty zippers with this model. The pillow itself is 8” thick, and it is filled with shredded memory foam, which makes it very breathable as it allows air to circulate throughout the interior of the pillow. Easy Breather delivers exceptional coolness, fantastic pressure relief, and incredible comfort.
Easy Breather from Nest Bedding has excellent shape retention and a slow response to the applied pressure. It has a medium firmness, and it is a perfect choice for people who fall into light and average weight category. Heavier sleepers can also use this model if they prefer pillows that are less firm. Three sizes of Easy Breather are available on the market – standard, queen, and king, and each of them offers amazing cushioning and support. The pillow is highly moldable and very comfortable. It is also an excellent choice for those who like to snuggle with a pillow while sleeping. Another fantastic thing about Easy Breather is that Nest Bedding offers a lifetime warranty on this model.
Easy Breather comes with a trial period of 100 nights, free shipping and returns in the continental U.S., and a lifetime warranty.
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Another excellent choice for side sleepers is the Eden pillow from Coop Home Goods. The materials used in the production of this model conform well to the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders, and provide relief from pain and aches on these sensitive areas. It has exceptional cooling benefits thanks to its shredded memory foam infused with gel, and it sleeps cooler than most memory foam pillows. Also, it doesn’t retain any body heat and has amazing breathability, which aids in cooling even more. Air can flow freely throughout the pillows thanks to its breathable cover and shredded foam filling.
The cover of this pillow is very smooth, breathable, and soft, and it is made with 60% polyester and 40% viscose rayon from bamboo. It is hypoallergenic, and it is a fantastic choice for people who suffer from allergies. It is suitable for hot sleepers thanks to its cooling benefits. There is also a reliable zipper on the side of this pillow, and sleepers can adjust the loft to match their preferences, which makes it ideal for those with changing loft preferences. It is possible to add or remove the filling based on the thickness preferences of people who sleep on this pillow. The pillow itself is filled with the combination of memory foam infused with cooling gel and microfiber fill. The filling of this model is shredded, which makes it very breathable. Memory foam filling is also Certi-PUR US certified.
The Eden pillow is a medium soft model, and it has an excellent ability to retain its shape. It is very comfortable and breathable and has good edge-to-edge support. It is available in standard, queen, and king size, and it doesn’t require regular fluffing. Another great thing about this pillow is that it conforms close to the sleeper’s neck and head and provides amazing pressure relief on these areas. It also aids proper spine alignment. Besides having an adjustable filling, shoppers will also receive extra filling from Coop Home Goods with every model that they buy. The Eden pillow is very durable, has a long lifespan, and it is an excellent model for every weight group. The maintenance is easy as its removable cover can be washed in the washing machine.
Eden Pillow from Coop Home Goods comes with a 5-year warranty and sleep trial period of 100 nights. It also has free shipping to shoppers in the continental United States.
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The Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Pillow is also known simply as the Snuggle-Pedic, and it is an excellent choice for side sleepers. It is a perfect pillow for all sleep positions, but it is the best for sleeping on the side. It was voted the best pillow 2018. This model has an adjustable loft, which makes it suitable for people who have shifting thickness preferences. Additionally, it is suitable for every weight category. The cooling benefits that this pillow provides are amazing, and it is an ideal choice for every side sleeper who tends to wake up in sweat. Thanks to it, hot sleepers can get enough quality sleep that they need without worrying about night sweats.
The outside cover of the Snuggle-Pedic is breathable, soft, and it has a cover made from bamboo rayon, polyester, and lycra. This cover also has micro vents which allow the pillow to sleep very cool and improve its breathability even more. The inside cover of the Snuggle-Pedic is very thin, and it helps hold the fill of the pillow in place. When it comes to filling, this model contains shredded memory foam, and it allows good air circulation. Memory foam used in this pillow is Biogreen and CertiPUR-US certified. Snuggle-Pedic is a very breathable pillow with advanced cooling features.
This pillow has a medium firmness, and it offers exceptional relief from pain and pressure. It is a perfect choice for sleepers who have problems with pain in the shoulders and neck. Also, it is very moldable, and it is suitable for people who prefer snuggling with a pillow while sleeping. Shape retention of this model is fairly good, and it is available in standard, queen and king size. This pillow is one of the best cooling pillows for side sleepers that you can find on the market. Its sinkage is moderate, but people won’t bottom out on it.
Additionally, despite being filled entirely with shredded memory foam, it offers the proper amount of bounce. This model closely conforms to the sleeper’s body and provides fantastic support. Another great thing about the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo is that it is made with materials that are hypoallergenic, and this makes the entire pillow excellent for people who suffer from allergies. Off-gassing is lower than in most memory foam models. The pillow is very supportive and comfortable, and it is possible to adjust its thickness by adding or removing the filling. The maintenance of this model is effortless as it can be washed in a washing machine and machine-dried. It is one of the best cooling pillows for hot side sleepers.
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Pillow has a trial period of 120 nights, and a 20-year warranty, which is much longer compared to an average memory foam pillow. The shipping is free for customers in the continental United States.
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The Luxe is another excellent pillow for side sleepers who prefer soft sleeping surfaces. This pillow has an intricate design, and it is made with premium materials. What makes this pillow an excellent option for people who prefer sleeping on the side is that it is filled with down and feathers. Side sleepers love pillows made with the combination of down and feathers as these pillows sink beneath the head and neck and provide close conforming to the sleeper’s body. The down used in these models offers exceptional comfort while feathers provide the much-needed support to the entire pillow.
The cover of the pillow is made with 100% cotton damask, and it is very soft and breathable. It allows sleepers to sleep cool on it and it can be removed and washed in a washing machine. This cover also has double-stitched piped edges which prevent the filling from escaping the pillow. The filling of this model is a combination of down and feathers, and it provides exceptional support and comfort. Down adds softness and comfort to the pillow and helps people sleep comfortably throughout the night on it. On the other hand, feathers are firmer, and they stabilize the pillow, prevent the sleeper from sinking into it too deeply, and offer the proper support to the entire pillow. The central chamber of this model is filled with feathers, and it keeps the Luxe from falling flat, while the two outer chambers are filled with white goose down and they offer unique softness and buffering. Thanks to these three chambers, the Luxe pillow is a perfect combination of soft and firm in all the right places.
The Luxe is an excellent model for people who are in the light or average weight category as it provides softness and support suitable for side sleepers, especially those who weigh less than 230 pounds. It is available in two sizes – standard and king, and it is one of the best goose down pillows in 2018. The pillow is very breathable, and it allows hot sleepers to stay comfortable and cool throughout the night, without waking up in sweat. What makes this pillow a perfect model for side sleepers is that it keeps the spine properly aligned and provides amazing pressure relief on sensitive areas including shoulders and neck. It adjusts quickly to the sleeper’s body and cradles to neck and head. The Luxe is very lightweight, and it is easy to move it around during the night. It is also very soft yet durable and strong thanks to its central chamber. It is probably the softest pillow for side sleeping. Additionally, it is crafted from feathers and white goose down that are sustainably sourced, and it is an excellent option for people who worry about the environment. It is also certified as hypoallergenic, despite containing feathers, and it is a good model for sleepers who suffer from allergies.
The Luxe Pillow comes with a sleep trial period of 100 nights, free shipping and free returns for all shoppers.
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TEMPUR-Neck pillow is an orthopedic pillow that has an ergonomic shape, and it is a fantastic choice for side sleepers. This model offers excellent pressure relief and fantastic support that people sleeping on the side need. It is extra firm, and it doesn’t conform closely to the sleeper’s body, which makes it a perfect choice for people with broader shoulders as they tend to sink too deeply into soft pillows. TEMPUR-Neck is an ideal model for side sleepers who suffer from neck and shoulder pain, and those in the average and heavy weight category.
The cover of this pillow is made entirely of polyester, and it protects the rest of the pillow from allergens and dust. Additionally, it is removable, and it is possible to wash it in the washing machine, which makes taking care of it very easy. The pillow also has a polyester netting beneath the cover, and its purpose is to provide additional protection to the pillow when the cover is removed. The pillow itself is made of visco-elastic memory foam that is made by the company Tempur-Pedic. Additionally, it is available in 3 different loft options.
TEMPUR-Neck memory foam pillow is quite durable, and it has a longer lifespan compared to most solid foam models. Its orthopedic design helps with the proper spinal alignment and enables keeping the correct posture while sleeping. It provides excellent pressure relief on sensitive areas including head, shoulders, and neck, and provides excellent support. With this side sleeper pillow shoulder pain can be in the past. Additionally, this pillow is responsive to the weight and temperature of the person sleeping on it, and it is also moldable. It is one of the best pillows for side sleepers who prefer exceptional durability and orthopedic design. Three sizes of this pillow are available on the market – small, medium, and large. TEMPUR-Neck model has a slow response time and deep compression, and these things make it perfect for people with average weight and heavyweight individuals. This model is considered the best pillow for neck pain, and it is an ideal solution for sleepers prone to aches and pain in sensitive areas. Its price is below average compared to most memory foam pillows, but it is very durable, and that’s why it is a perfect model for value seekers.
TEMPUR-Neck pillow by Tempur-Pedic is backed up by a warranty of 5 years, and it comes with free shipping to customers in the continental U.S.
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Hullo is an excellent buckwheat pillow for side sleepers. It is a firm model that closely conforms to the sleeper’s body and offers fantastic pressure relief. It was designed to improve the overall health and comfort of people sleeping on it. Hullo pillow is also very durable, and it was made to last. What sets this pillow apart from most of the other models is its responsible production. The carbon footprint of the manufacturing process of the Hullo is kept low, and it is a perfect solution for people who are trying to be as eco-friendly as possible. Additionally, it contains natural and organic materials and fabrics, which makes it great for sleepers who prefer using natural products.
The cover of the Hullo is made with 100% organic cotton. This cover is very breathable and provides excellent cooling benefits. It is an incredible solution for people who tend to wake up in sweat during the night as it will keep them cool. It also has a durable zipper thanks to which you can adjust the loft of the pillow. The pillow is filled with buckwheat hulls that hug the sleeper’s neck, head, and shoulders and alleviate pressure on these sensitive areas. Its interior is also very breathable as it allows the proper air circulation and aids in maintaining temperature neutrality.
The Hullo is an exceptional pillow made with quality materials, and it has a long lifespan. Multiple sizes of this pillow are available, and sleepers can choose the size that they prefer the most. It is also possible to adjust the thickness of the Hullo by removing the buckwheat hulls from the zippered opening. Thanks to its excellent air circulation it sleeps very cool, which makes it an ideal solution for hot sleepers. Besides being an excellent model for people who prefer sleeping on the side, it is also great for back sleepers. Also, it is a good model for people in the average and heavy weight category.
Hullo pillow provides amazing pressure relief on sensitive body areas, and it is ideal for sleepers who suffer from pain in neck and shoulders. The cover of this model is removable, and it is possible to wash it in the washing machine. Make sure you air dry the cover and wait until it is completely dry to add the filling back in. The filling doesn’t need to be cleaned at all. This pillow is a fantastic option for sleepers who strive to be friendly to the environment. The cover is made with 100% organic cotton, and the pillow is filled with organically sourced buckwheat hulls, and it is perfect for anyone who wants to lead an organic lifestyle. However, despite having an adjustable loft, it is not a good pillow for people who prefer very soft sleeping surfaces.
The Hullo comes with a sleep trial period of 60 nights and free shipping to shoppers in the continental United States.
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Sleeping on the side is one of the healthiest sleep positions as it keeps the airways open and improves air circulation. Side sleeping is the best sleep position for pregnancy, and it is also beneficial to people with sleep apnea, snoring, and acid reflux. However, if you want to be comfortable when sleeping on the side, you need to have the right pillow that will provide the support and pressure relief that you need. Here are some of the factors that side sleepers should take into consideration when searching for the perfect pillow that fits their needs and sleep style:
If you sleep on the side, you need to be careful when selecting the right thickness of a pillow. Pillows shouldn’t be too thin not to be able to keep your spine straight, but they shouldn’t be too thick either to cause your neck to bend upwards and out of alignment. In most cases, sleepers prefer pillows with medium or high loft. It is a good idea to consider getting a pillow with adjustable loft as it is possible to add or remove the filling to increase or decrease the thickness. If your preferences fluctuate, you should get an adjustable model of pillows.
Side sleepers prefer pillows on the firmer side because of the benefits that these models provide. Firm pillows are the best when it comes to providing consistent support that people sleeping on the side need. These models won’t flat out during the night, and that’s what makes them ideal for side sleeping. As you can see, the best pillow firmness for side sleepers is firm.
Pillows are made from a variety of materials, and each type has its benefits and drawbacks. Down pillows usually have a long lifespan, they are durable and lightweight, have an adjustable loft, and they sleep cool. However, they can be expensive, have poor shape retention, allergy potential, and they are often not supportive enough for side sleeping. Down alternative pillows have similar features, except for having a shorter lifespan, and there is no risk of allergies. Feather pillows conform closely to the sleeper’s body, are adjustable and lightweight, and have a long lifespan. However, they require fluffing, can be expensive, and tend to sleep hot. Latex models have excellent support, close conforming and they sleep cool, all of which is important for side sleepers, but the thickness of most latex pillows is not adjustable, and they also have odor potential. Polyester models are affordable, there is no risk of allergies and unpleasant smell, and interlocking pillows have good shape retention, but shredded polyester pillows can flatten easily. Memory foam pillows provide close conforming, excellent support, are adjustable if filled with shredded foam, but their lifespan is not long. Finally, buckwheat pillows are adjustable, sleep cool and have good support, but some sleepers consider them too firm and heavy.
Another factor that you should consider when choosing the right pillow for yourself is the price. Some pillows are more expensive than others, and you need to determine your budget for this purchase before you go shopping. Their price varies depending on the type, materials used, quality, and more. However, according to their average price, polyester pillows tend to be the cheapest and real down pillows are usually the most expensive.
Renata is an economist who has always had a passion for writing. She is a dog lover, Netflix addict and a sleepaholic. When she is not busy doing sleep research, she spends her time reading books, hiking and playing video games.