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Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
Are you one of the 70-percent of people that sleep on their side? It may surprise you to learn that side sleepers require a particular pillow design. If you’re one of the many people that continuously toss-fluff-and-adjust their pillow to get a comfortable sleep position, then this guide is for you.
We analyzed the best pillows for side sleepers and came up with a list of top options. Our picks help you get a restful night by increasing your quality of sleep. Throw away your old neck-breaker pillow and try out one of these masterpieces for a decent night’s slumber.
Side Sleeping – Why Your Pillow Matters
Side sleepers have a wide gap between the pillow surface and the bed. So, they require a pillow with a little more thickness to provide the support they need to keep the spine in a neutral position and prevent a stiff neck. It’s typical for side sleepers to use a stack of pillows during the night. Two pillows under the head, one behind the back, and another between the knees are popular configurations.
Side sleepers typically fall into one of three categories regarding their sleeping position.
The log – Both arms and legs extended.
The Fetus – Arms bent at the shoulders under or to the side of the head. One or both legs bent at the knee and hip.
The Yearner – One or both arms stretched out in front of the body. Legs extended.
Pillow Problems for Side Sleepers
Soft pillows typically provide poor results for side sleepers. They’re okay between the knees or behind the back, but you’ll need a firm pillow to rest your head. There’s nothing worse than waking in the middle of the night to readjust because your shoulder starts going numb. Choose a product with firm support to prevent distortion and the need to fluff the pillow continuously.
Sleep on the right pillow, and you’ll find your bedtime an entirely different experience. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and restored in the morning, as opposed to rubbing the knots out of your shoulders and neck.
Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
Best Pillows For Side Sleepers | Our Rating | Reviews | Buy Now |
Snuggle-Pedic Pillow | 4.3 | 5500+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Cushy Form Knee Pillow | 4.3 | 4500+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow | 4.5 | 3500+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Everlasting Comfort Pillow | 4.4 | 2700+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Bluewave Bedding Pillow | 4.4 | 940+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Drift The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow | 4.5 | 340+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
The Best Pillow Design for Side Sleepers
eople suffering from medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, may find it beneficial to sleep on their side. In the side position, the airways open up, improving circulation. Side sleepers prefer a firm and supportive pillow to keep the spine aligned during sleep.
Side sleepers will prefer a pillow with a contoured profile that has a minimal recess in the middle surface. The sides require excellent support and structure to prevent the edge from slumping. This slump forces the neck to compensate for the lack of support, giving rise to the “crick-in-the-neck,” that many side sleepers experience sooner or later.
Pillows aren’t limited to the rectangular fluffy types we’ve all grown accustomed to throughout our life. Nowadays, manufacturers spend millions in research and development of their products. Top companies work with spinal and sleep professionals to design pillows that provide the best balance of support and comfort.
Popular options for side-sleeping pillows
- L-shaped – Support for the head, neck and upper back
- Curved rectangle – Support for the neck and shoulders
Pillow fillings suitable for side sleepers
- Memory Foam – Lightweight foam that conforms to the shape of your head and neck position.
- Latex – Resilient and supportive, a bit dense and heavy.
- Buckwheat – Easy to shape and contour, slightly pricey but worth the investment.
Our Top Picks - The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
The manufacturers claim that this shredded style memory foam pillow never goes flat. The combination of CertiPUR-US Certified and Biogreen foam is an industry-leading standard that makes this pillow supportive and comfortable.
The micro-vented cover features 43-percent viscose bamboo for a soft, yet breathable cover. Stay comfortable and dry all night long with optimal airflow in this product. The cover is removable and washable. The orthopedic design of this pillow provides excellent support to the neck and shoulders in the side sleeping position.
We like shredded memory foam pillows for the fact that you can undo the dual zipper system, reach inside, and adjust the height of the filling to any loft you desire. Adults may require a thicker pillow, while children need a thinner option. The adjustable loft means that this product suits any7one of any age or sleeping style. The hypoallergenic foam is dust mite resistance, so there’s no need to worry about a bout of sinusitis flaring up from using this pillow.
The Snuggle-Pedic comes with a 20-year warranty and a 120-day sleep trial. If you’re not happy with the product, return it for a full refund.
PROS
- Breathable cover
- Well-priced
- Made in USA and features “green” materials
- Outstanding warranty and trial period
CONS
- No gusseting on the sides of the pillow
Cushy Form Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Do you place a pillow between your legs when you go to bed? It’s a reasonably common strategy for side sleepers. People that choose to sleep on their side, without the assistance of a pillow between their legs, risk injury to their hips.
Sleeping on your side without the pillow means that you’ll need to place one knee in front of the other. This awkward placement of the joints leads to structural imbalances developing in your hips. Over time this can lead to the development of joint disorders and posture problems. Sciatica is an example of a nerve problem where the piriformis muscle becomes too tight, placing pressure on the sciatic nerve that results in pain.
The Cushy Form knee pillow for side sleepers is the ideal solution to this issue. The filling in this pillow features memory foam for excellent support and comfort. This product comes recommended by doctors, chiropractors, and sports trainers. The product is also suitable for pregnant women in need of additional comfort and support to help them sleep on their side. The breathable cover is removable, washable, and soft against the skin.
PROS
- Specialist design for side sleeping
- Recommended by medical professionals
- Soft and supportive memory foam
- Well-priced
CONS
- Not suitable as a standard pillow for your head
- Challenging to travel with, especially on planes
Coop Home Goods Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
For those side sleepers that enjoy a sense of luxury, the Coop Eden shredded memory foam pillow is your top choice. As you pull this pillow out of the box, you’ll be impressed with its luxurious appearance. These pillows look like they belong in a 5-star guesthouse, rather than your bedroom.
The pillow comes with gusseted edges to provide your neck with additional support during the night. The gussets ensure that the sides font collapse – a critical feature for side sleepers. If your sleeping on a traditional pillow, you’ll notice that you need to fold it over or fluff the filling into the edges for the right cervical support.
The filling in this pillow is shredded memory foam injected with gel particles. Most memory foam pillows heat up with body heat. For those people that wake up sweating with wet hair, this product is the solution to this issue.
The dual zippers on the side of the cover allow you to adjust the filling to any area of the pillow you prefer. The Lulltra fabric cover has excellent breathability and provides excellent airflow.
PROS
- Excellent value for money
- Great support with gusseted sides
- Breathable cover
- Adjustable loft height
CONS
- Slightly expensive – but good value for money
Everlasting Comfort 100% Pure Memory Foam Knee Pillow
Here’s another knee-pillow option for side sleepers. Keep your hips and knees healthy with the Everlasting Comfort knee pillow. We like this pillow for the stability it offers during sleep. Any side sleeper will tell you that when they move during the night, their pillow between the knees comes out of position, requiring adjustment.
You never have to worry about adjusting your knee pillow with this model. The Everlasting Comfort features a Velcro strap that fits comfortably over your leg, holding it in place, even when you move. The ergonomic curved design ensures maximum comfort while the memory foam filling conforms to the shape of your knees.
This side-sleeping necessity comes with a free set of premium quality earplugs and a travel bag that lets you take your pillow with you wherever you go. It’s the ideal addition to your travel gear and perfect for those professionals that spend a lot of time in hotels.
Everlasting Comfort offers a lifetime guarantee on this product. If the pillow ever loses its shape, or it’s not entirely what you thought it would be concerning functionality, return it to the manufacturer for a full refund.
PROS
- Strap for easy positioning during sleep
- Comfortable memory foam construction
- Free travel bag and earplugs
- Lifetime guarantee
CONS
- Exposed zipper pull
- The strap can be uncomfortable
Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow
The Bluewave pillow is one of our top choices in this guide. We like its slim design with two different edges. On side of the pillow comes with a gentle slope, while the other is square. This feature allows the user to transition from side to back sleeping, without the need to fluff the pillow.
This product features hypoallergenic memory foam infused with gel particles. Typically, memory foam pillows absorb body heat which leads to sweating during the night. The gel infusion in this pillow absorbs and disperses body heat, keeping you dry. The ventilated structure further improves air flow.
The low profile and loft of this pillow means that it’s best suited for side sleepers that only use one pillow. If you’re stacked or folding pillows for added height, this product might not meet your needs.
However, the specialized memory foam formula is remarkably firm, while providing plenty of sink. We liked that it didn’t squash the side of our face and gave us plenty of room to breather, even when we placed our head in the center of the pillow. The bamboo and polyester cover is machine washable and feels soft against your face.
PROS
- Slim-line design
- Ventilated memory foam with gel infusion for heat absorption
- Dual edges for side and back sleepers
- Breathable cover
CONS
- Thin design may not suit people that like to stack pillows
- Stacking not recommended
- Might be too firm for people that enjoy a soft pillow
The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
The flexibility of this pillow makes it an excellent choice for people that like to transition between side and back sleeping during the night. Most products don’t have the design features to support the head and neck in more than one position. The Scrumptious Side Sleeper features a unique curve that provides support for the neck and shoulders in both back and side sleeping positions.
This product features proprietary memory foam materials that meet CertiPUR-US certified virgin gel requirements for memory foam. The addition of gel particles to the foam means that you get an improved cooling effect that keeps your head and neck dry while you sleep.
The discreet zipper on the side of the pillow allows you to adjust the height of the filling to achieve the loft you desire. Whether you prefer a thick or thin loft, you can customize your options using the Scrumptious Side Sleeper.
This product is American made, and you can tell in the final build quality of the pillow. Honeydew sleep offers a free 60-night trial, with your money back if you feel it’s not the perfect pillow for you.
PROS
- Excellent for side sleepers that need more support in the center of the pillow
- Supportive memory foam with cooling gel infusion
- Adjustable loft
- Gusseted pillow sides
CONS
- Premium pricing
Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow
We love the design of this pillow. The ergonomic support on offer is second to none. The L-shape provides maximum support the upper back, shoulders, neck, and spine.
The “doughy” hypoallergenic memory foam filling feels softer under your head than other memory foam models. We found that it has plenty of “give” in the foam – meaning that your head sinks readily into the pillow. This feature feels soft against your face, without the center falling too far to get in the way of your nose, preventing breathing.
The memory foam filling comes with injected silicone gel particles to absorb body heat. You’ll never wake up sweating again. The pillow features a mesh inner cover and a removable outer cover constructed from bamboo and polyester. The cover breathes well and allows excellent airflow.
The CertiPUR-US certification on memory foam materials means there are no strange odors emitted by the pillow when you pull it out of the box. The product requires no airing and is ready for use straight out of the box.
PROS
- Ergonomic design for added comfort
- Gel particles injected into the memory foam for heat dispersion
- Dual edges on the pillow for side and back sleepers
- “Doughy” memory foam for a softer experience
CONS
- May get in the way of couples snuggling
- Heavy
Best Pillow For Side Sleepers - Wrap Up
Sleep is essential for your quality of life. To get the full therapeutic value of your rest, you need a pillow designed for your sleep position. If your tired of waking up tired, maybe it’s time to look at a new sleep strategy. Considering we spend nearly thirty years of our life asleep, (assuming we all live to an average age of 90-years) investing in quality pillows, bedding, and a mattress seems like a prudent move.
Let this guide serve as your introduction to what’s possible the next time you slip off to la-la-land. Choose the pillow that’s right for you and never wake up with a stiff neck again.
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