“The height and thickness of the pillow is critical,” explains Robert Hayden, DC, chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. “If it is too tall or too short, it will create angles in the neck that may cause long-term harm, such as chronic strains or bone spurs.” Dr. Hayden adds that the pillow should be firm enough that the head does not burrow into it, creating those angles while you sleep. We tested the below options for durability, comfort, and quality after months of sleep and found the Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow to be the best pick for most side sleepers, but when it comes to pillows, personal preference plays a big part. After months of testing, here are the best pillows for side sleepers. This adjustable pillow was a winner with our tester because it could be customized to their needs with the easily removable stuffing that can be added or taken out. The thick cover also provided added support while our tester slept on this. The fill is unique with its memory foam and microfiber that’s breathable and hypoallergenic. For added peace of mind, the foam is also CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold-certified, meaning it’s met rigorous safety testing standards. The pillow is described as being medium-firm, though its texture can be called cloud-like. The real perk of this pillow for side sleepers is that it ships with an additional half-pound of filling that you can add to the pillow for extra loft. Side sleepers will especially appreciate this feature since sleeping on your side can create the need for support between your shoulder and neck. The stretchy liner makes it easy to squish, scrunch, and mold the pillow into the position that’s just right for you. What’s more, the breathable outer cover is made from bamboo-derived viscose rayon for a soft touch and cooling feel. It’s hard to beat the assurances that come with this adjustable pillow for side sleepers. In addition to customizing the fill, the company offers a 100-night sleep trial in case you don’t love it right away. It’s also machine washable for years of sweet dreams. Price at time of publish: $78 The Harmony Pillow incorporates a gel-infused layer with a moisture-wicking breathable mesh cover to keep you cool throughout the night. Our tester loved how this pillow regulated their temperature throughout the night, helping to avoid overheating. It held its shape throughout use, never falling flat or losing its shape. The moisture-wicking cover is removable and can be tossed in the laundry, and our tested notices no changes in its quality or shape after multiple washes. Price at time of publish: $179 One of our favorite parts about this pillow is that it’s adjustable, with two zippers to customize the height and loft. After a bit of trial and error, our tester found the perfect stiffness for her, eliminating overnight neck pain. Even hot sleepers will find this pillow to be comfortable enough to sleep on, which isn’t always the case with memory foam pillows. Price at time of publish: $65 In general, a medium-firm pillow, like this option, is the best for side sleepers because it’s not too soft or too firm for your body. If you suffer from allergies you’ll enjoy the hypoallergenic down-alternative fill that gives you the down-like feel without the sneezes. But for those who do prefer down pillows, you can get the same side sleeper pillow with that fill. Our testers have always enjoyed Parachute’s premium pillow shell, and this 100 percent cotton sateen shell adds a nice luxurious touch while also looking good after many nights of rest. Price at time of publish: $109 Aside from accommodating multiple sleeping positions, the pillow-in-pillow design makes it easy to remove and machine-wash the outer layer. Our tester found the pillow to be soft, but not so soft that it won’t support your head throughout the night. Price at time of publish: $65 One advantage of these Pure Down pillows: They don’t lose a considerable amount of feathers compared to other down pillows on the market because the weave of the 100 percent cotton pillow cover helps keep the feathers inside. Not only does this keep the pillow full for longer, but it also means fewer feathers poking you when you lay your head down at night. These down pillows may look very flat upon unpacking, but follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to give these pillows 24 hours to fluff up to their full loft. Feather pillows can also be cleaned in the washing machine. Price at time of publish: $57 “Putting a pillow between your legs [when sleeping on your side] helps the hips and lower back to relax. That way it reduces pain,” says Samantha March-Howard, D.C. “On your back, having a pillow beneath the knees can also relax the lower back muscles and reduce pain.” Since everyone has different views on how firm a pillow should be, Snuggle-Pedic offers fill customization. The company will actually adjust the proprietary mix of shredded foam inside to make changes to the support, firmness, thickness, or weight of the pillow if you go to the manufacturer directly. You may find the pillow is lumpy when it’s initially unpacked, but following the manufacturer’s instructions to fluff and refresh the pillow in a dryer seems to help. And while Snuggle-Pedic has stellar customer service and pillow customization, one con is that the pillow is sewn shut on the end and you can’t make simple adjustments to the fill yourself. Price at time of publish: $112
What to Look for in Pillows for Side Sleepers
Material
Pillows come in a whole range of materials, and each has its pros and cons. Think about what is most important to you, and look for a material that supports that. For instance, memory foam pillows are firm and maintain their shape well, but they can trap heat at night. In that case, look for one specifically made to regulate our temperature, like Marlow’s. Our tester loved that they didn’t overheat throughout the night. Down pillows and polyester-stuffed pillows are fluffy and pliable, but may not offer enough support for those who like a firm place to lay their head. For a hypoallergenic option, look for a down alternative like our pick from Parachute.
Shape
Look for a pillow shape that will properly support your neck and accommodate your shoulders properly when you sleep on your side. The best pillows for side sleepers are a bit boxy, rather than round, in order to keep your neck and spine aligned as you sleep.
Firmness
In the case of pillows, softer isn’t always better. While your preferred firmness is a personal decision, side sleepers will need a medium-firm pillow to keep your neck properly aligned while you rest. If you like a super-soft surface to lay your head, consider a pillow with a firmer core and a fluffier outer layer to give you the best of both worlds. Some brands even offer an adjustable firmness like Marlow or three different pillow heights like Purple, both of which scored big points with our testers.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer specializing in home products and organization hacks. She reviews the latest and greatest home products for The Spruce. Her work has been featured on Bustle, Ranker, Inside The Magic, and Upright Citizens Brigade. For this list, she used insights from product testers, who slept on each pillow for weeks, evaluating the durability, softness, and comfort of each. For additional background on pillows, we spoke to Dr. Samantha March-Howard, doctor of chiropractic at 100% Chiropractic office in Dunwoody, Georgia, as well as Robert Hayden, DC, chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. Additional reporting was done by Ashley Abramson, a writer whose work has appeared in MyDomaine, the New York Times, Washington Post, Allure, InStyle, and more.
