The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers That Helped Me Achieve a Cozy Sleep Sanctuary
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Being a side sleeper has plenty of quirks, like lessening your snoring and giving your back a break. However, many also fail to mention the challenge of finding pillows that would suit your sleep style to achieve those benefits in the first place. Swapping to the best pillows for side sleepers can be the best decision you’re making for your nighttime rest.
The Problem for Side Sleepers
The typical pillows work well in terms of giving your body some cushioning to sleep on. However, after a night of sleeping on my side, I tend to notice some pain in my shoulder and lower back, potentially since they bear the brunt of my weight when I’m fully asleep. And don’t even get me started on the sleep neck.
Some research led me to like finding a different bed. Certain ones could provide proper spine alignment while cradling your body, which did make a difference to my sleep quality. At the end of the day though, where you rest your head also matters.
The Top 4 Pillows to Look Out for
1. Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers – Coop Home Goods Eden Bed Pillow
2. Best Side Sleeping Pillow for the Head – Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Symphony Pillow
3. Best Firm Pillows for Side Sleepers – Huhu Sleep Firm Cube Pillow for Side Sleeper
4. Best Soft Pillows for Side Sleepers – Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers on Amazon
I have searched and tried as many pillows as possible to figure out which ones work best for the side sleeping positions. Here are the best ones that I swap with throughout the week.
1. Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers – Coop Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow
The Coop Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow gave me one of the best sleeps of my life. I didn’t even know that I needed a cooling pillow until I stumbled across it. True to its worth, it gave me a dry and deep sleep that truly rejuvenated me for the next day.
The cooling technology comes from gel-infused oomph fill-ins, which can provide as much airflow as needed to create that effect. Paired with memory foam and microfiber, lying on this felt like a dream.
- U.S. and Greenguard Gold Certified
- Double-sided with a cushioned cool side and the firm, supercooled pad side
- Comes in queen size and white color
2. Best Side Sleeping Pillow for the Head – Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Symphony Pillow
The head pillow is one of the trickiest to choose for a side sleeper, considering that it takes plenty of pressure. That said, the Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Symphony Pillow is my pick because it adapts to the weight without losing its shape in the morning.
It also contains the signature Tempur material, which is known for adjusting to the natural contours of your head, neck, and shoulders while you move throughout the night. Just remember to break it in by kneading the foam on the first couple of nights. You can also use it on your back while sitting upright on the bed.
- Has a machine-washable cover made of polyester
- Double-sided with a contoured side and a flat side
- Comes in standard size to fit twin or double beds and white color
3. Best Firm Pillows for Side Sleepers – Huhu Sleep Firm Cube Pillow for Side Sleeper
If you’re specifically looking for firm pillows, the Firm Cube Pillow for Side Sleeper from Huhu Sleep is a solid choice. Its three-layer structure provides just the right amount of hardness without feeling too boxy, which surprisingly helps me sleep well.
In terms of the material, it’s memory foam for the filling and a mix of cooling tencel, breathable fabric and perforated pillow for the rest. Plus, It also helps that the side sleeper cube can provide an aesthetically pleasing look to the table.
- Features 5-inch and 6-inch options
- Packaged with a cooling case and an instruction packet
- Come in a king or queen size and white color
4. Best Soft Pillows for Side Sleepers – Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
Soft pillows are my personal favorite when sleeping on my side, as I love feeling my head sink into them. The Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows exceeded my expectations, as they have such a plush feeling as soon as you rest your head on them.
The softness can be credited to the cotton cover and the 100% soft polyester filling. The 250 thread count is a small detail, but it can help the material feel seamless. Plus, because of its standard look, you can slip on any coverings you’d like.
- Made in an OEKO-TEX Standard Certified factory
- Easy to clean by popping them in the washer and tumble drying.Â
- Comes in queen and king sizes and white color
5. Best Elevated Side Sleeper Pillows – Gadole Elevate Sleeping Cervical Neck Pillow
Some side sleepers recommended using an elevated pillow, and the Gadole Elevate Sleeping Cervical Neck Pillow, with its crescent shape and butterfly design, was a game changer. It had enough support and structure that your body could adjust to without sacrificing the plush quality that soothes your neck.
- CertiPUR-US certified and Oeko-Tex-approved
- Offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty
- Comes in queen size and light gray color
6. Best Body Pillow for Side Sleepers – Sirius Sleep Systems Full Body Cuddle Pillow
I’m the kind of side sleeper who simply needs a body pillow, not just for emotional support but also for ergonomics’ sake. The Sirius Sleep Systems Full Body Cuddle Pillow feels great to snuggle with since it’s filled with polyester virgin fiber. There’s even a patented control system that prevents clumping even after longer periods of use.
- All body pillows are handmade in the U.S.A.
- Has a cooling and washable cover you can remove
- Comes in a medium size and white color
7. Best Leg and Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers – Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Leg & Knee Pillow
A leg and knee pillow was interesting to use, and it provides quite a nice cushion if you’re holding that position for a long time. Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Leg & Knee Pillow is marketed for people seeking sciatica pain relief or anyone who wants to give their hips and back a break. I did notice that it helped ease a little bit of pressure from those areas.
- FSA/HSA Eligible
- Has an adjustable strap to keep in place
- Comes in a standard size and white color
8. Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers – DreamyBlue Signature Pillow with Adjustable Loft
Adjustability can be a key factor for side sleepers, and the DreamyBlue Signature Pillow delivers. Its cross-cut shredded memory foam feels soothing to lie on. Every order comes with a free bag of extra foam, so you can add as much as you need to make it thicker. You can also remove some bits if you feel like it’s too much.
- CertiPUR-US Certified Foam
- Features a washable bamboo rayon cover
- Comes in a queen size and white color
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Pillow Should Side Sleepers Use?
Side sleepers should generally look for a thicker and firmer pillow since it best supports that position. Granted, you still have to take several things into consideration, like your personal preferences and what is currently accessible to you.
Is Latex or Memory Foam Better for Side Sleepers?
As you may notice, most of the best pillows for side sleepers are memory foam. It works better for adapting to how contorted the body gets. That said latex is still a good option if you’re after a firmer material and you prioritize cooling over everything.
What Is the Ideal Pillow Profile for Side Sleepers?
Pillow profiles refer to the general height of the pillows. Since sleeping on your side means having to account for your shoulder’s height boost, a medium to high profile is best. If you have a tinier frame, a medium should work just as fine.
What Thickness Is Best for Side Sleeper Pillows?
The general consensus for side sleeper pillows is about four to six inches, which is much more chunky than regular pillows. While some may not offer these right away, you can adjust the them by adding in extra filling or simply using two at once.
Sleep More Comfortably On Your Side
Assess which of the best pillows for side sleepers suits your sleep style and set up your bed to be as comfortable as possible. Aside from getting better sleep, you’d also be furnishing your space to be the coziest resting space possible.
About The Author
Evelyn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Renovated with over 5 years of experience immersed in researching and writing on interior design, construction, and renovation. She is a passionate advocate for improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. When she's not writing, you can find her reading at coffee shops in Lancaster.
Her insights have resonated far beyond Renovated, gracing publications like the National Association of Realtors, Construction Executive, Fieldwire, DecorMatters, and Renewable Energy Magazine.
For more sharp takes on design, construction, and everything in between, you can follow Evelyn on Twitter at @renovatedmag.
