Top 5 Best Pillows For Side Sleepers 2024

Editorial By Editorial | September 12, 2024

Side sleepers often have a tough time finding a pillow that balances support and comfort for a good night’s sleep. **These special pillows** are becoming more popular because they help reduce neck and shoulder pain and keep the spine perfectly aligned.

When selecting the best pillows for side sleepers, it’s essential to consider the pillow’s loft, firmness, and material. The loft of the pillow refers to its height and how much it raises your head from the mattress. The firmness of the pillow determines how much support it provides to your neck and head. The material of the pillow can also play a vital role in providing comfort and support.

We spent hours researching and testing various pillows to identify the best options for side sleepers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top pillows that offer the right balance of support and comfort for side sleepers.

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

We understand that finding the right pillow can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a side sleeper. The wrong pillow can lead to neck and back pain, restless nights, and even affect your overall health. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best pillows for side sleepers. Our selection includes pillows that offer the right amount of support, comfort, and durability, ensuring you get the quality sleep you deserve. Take a look at our top picks below.

Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow

If you’re looking for a pillow that will revolutionize your sleep experience, the Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow might be just what you need. Here’s what we love and what we think could be improved:

Pros

Cons

We recently tried out the Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow and were impressed with its unique design and customizable features. The hollow concave surface cradles your head while maintaining the natural curve of your neck, which helped reduce our neck pain and discomfort. The six contour zones work together to provide full support to our neck, shoulders, and arms, and we appreciated the adjustable height feature that allowed us to find the perfect sleep height.

The Q-Max 0.4 Arc-Chill cooling pillowcase was a game-changer, reducing skin temperature by 5℃ and keeping us cool and comfortable all night long. The highly dense 3D mesh design also offered excellent breathability, so we never felt too hot or stuffy.

While we loved the Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow, we do think it may not be suitable for those who prefer a firmer pillow. Some users may also find the pillow too high or too low, even with the adjustable height feature. Additionally, there may be a slight chemical odor upon first use, but it should dissipate quickly.

Overall, we highly recommend the Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for anyone looking to revolutionize their sleep experience and alleviate neck pain and discomfort.

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable pillow that can accommodate any sleeping position, the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows are worth considering.

Pros

Cons

We’ve been using the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows for a few weeks now, and overall, we’re satisfied with our purchase. The pillows are comfortable and provide adequate support for our neck and shoulders, regardless of our sleeping position. We appreciate that the pillows are machine washable, as it makes cleaning and maintaining them much easier.

One thing to note is that the pillows are quite thick, which may not be ideal for everyone. We also didn’t notice a significant difference in terms of the gel cooling feature, but it’s possible that it may be more effective for others. Additionally, while the pillows do retain their shape fairly well, they may not be as durable as memory foam pillows in the long run.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable pillow that can accommodate any sleeping position, the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows are a solid choice.

Osteo Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Relief

If you’re looking for a pillow that can provide relief from neck pain and improve the quality of your sleep, the Osteo Cervical Pillow is definitely worth considering.

Pros

Cons

We recently tried out the Osteo Cervical Pillow and were impressed by its unique design and customizable features. The hollow center provides excellent support for the neck, and the adjustable height means you can find the perfect level of comfort for your sleep style.

One thing to note is that the pillow does have a bit of a chemical smell when first unpacked, but this dissipates after a few days. We also found that the pillow is quite firm, although this is somewhat mitigated by the adjustable design.

Overall, we think the Osteo Cervical Pillow is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their sleep quality and reduce neck pain. It’s a bit pricier than some other options on the market, but we think the benefits are worth it.

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows Standard / Queen Size Set of 2 – Down Alternative Bedding Gel Cooling Pillow for Back, Stomach or Side Sleepers Down Alternative Queen

If you’re looking for a comfortable pillow that can keep you cool while you sleep, the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows are a great option. These pillows are made with a soft down alternative filling and have a 250 thread count cover that feels great against your skin. Plus, they’re designed to be breathable, so you won’t overheat while you sleep.

Pros

Cons

We’ve been using the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows for a few months now, and we’re very happy with them. They’re incredibly comfortable and provide great support for side sleepers. Plus, they’re designed to be breathable, so you won’t overheat while you sleep.

One thing to keep in mind is that these pillows may not be as supportive as some other pillows on the market. If you’re looking for a pillow that will provide a lot of support for your neck and shoulders, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable pillow that will keep you cool while you sleep, the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows are a great option.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows to anyone looking for a comfortable, breathable pillow. They’re easy to clean, provide great support for side sleepers, and are designed to keep you cool while you sleep.

Sidney Sleep Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers

If you’re looking for a comfortable pillow that can be tailored to your sleeping preferences, the Sidney Sleep Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers is an excellent option.

Pros

Cons

We’ve been using the Sidney Sleep Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its versatility. The adjustable shredded memory foam filling allows us to add or remove filling to achieve the perfect firmness and height, while the curved cervical neck pillow provides extra support for our neck and shoulders.

The pillow comes with an additional package of filling, so we could customize the pillow to our liking. The soft and breathable inner and outer pillow cases also make for a comfortable sleep experience.

However, we did notice an unpleasant odor initially, but it dissipated after a few days. It also took a bit of time to adjust the filling to our desired firmness and height. Some users may find the pillow too dense or heavy, but we found it to be comfortable and supportive.

Overall, if you’re a side or back sleeper looking for a customizable and comfortable pillow, the Sidney Sleep Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best pillow for side sleepers, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Loft

Side sleepers need a pillow with a higher loft, or thickness, to keep their head and neck aligned with their spine. Look for pillows with a loft of at least 4 inches. Memory foam and latex pillows tend to have a higher loft than down or feather pillows.

Firmness

The ideal firmness for a side sleeper’s pillow depends on personal preference and body type. Generally, a medium to firm pillow is best for side sleepers, as it provides enough support without being too hard. However, some people may prefer a softer pillow that allows their head to sink in more.

Material

The material of the pillow can affect its comfort, durability, and breathability. Memory foam and latex pillows are known for their support and pressure relief, while down and feather pillows are softer and more luxurious. Look for pillows with breathable covers to prevent overheating.

Shape

Some pillows are designed specifically for side sleepers, with a contoured shape that supports the neck and shoulders. Others are more traditional in shape, but may still provide enough support for side sleepers. Consider trying out different shapes to find what works best for you.

Overall, the best pillow for side sleepers is one that provides enough support and loft to keep the head and neck aligned with the spine. By considering factors such as loft, firmness, material, and shape, you can find a pillow that meets your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pillow should a side sleeper with neck pain choose?

Side sleepers with neck pain should choose a pillow that provides adequate support to the neck and spine. A pillow that is too soft will not provide enough support, while a pillow that is too firm can cause discomfort. We recommend choosing a pillow that is medium-firm and made of memory foam or latex. These materials conform to the shape of the head and neck, providing optimal support and reducing neck pain.

How should a side sleeper with shoulder pain select a pillow?

Side sleepers with shoulder pain should select a pillow that is soft and conforms to the shape of the shoulder. A pillow that is too firm can put pressure on the shoulder, causing discomfort and pain. We recommend choosing a pillow made of down or a down alternative, as these materials are soft and provide good support without putting pressure on the shoulder.

Which pillow materials are recommended by chiropractors for side sleepers?

Chiropractors recommend pillows made of memory foam or latex for side sleepers. These materials provide optimal support to the neck and spine, reducing pain and discomfort. Memory foam pillows conform to the shape of the head and neck, while latex pillows are durable and provide good support.

What pillow firmness is suitable for side sleepers with back pain?

Side sleepers with back pain should choose a pillow that is medium-firm. A pillow that is too soft will not provide enough support, while a pillow that is too firm can cause discomfort. We recommend choosing a pillow made of memory foam or latex, as these materials conform to the shape of the head and neck, providing optimal support and reducing back pain.

Is a high or low pillow better for someone who sleeps on their side?

For someone who sleeps on their side, a high pillow is better than a low pillow. A high pillow will provide better support to the neck and spine, reducing pain and discomfort. We recommend choosing a pillow that is at least 4 inches thick.

What are the best pillow options for side sleepers who also occasionally sleep on their back?

For side sleepers who also occasionally sleep on their back, we recommend choosing a pillow that is medium-firm and has a low loft. A pillow with a low loft will provide good support to the neck and spine when sleeping on the side, while a medium-firmness will provide adequate support when sleeping on the back. Memory foam or latex pillows are good options for this type of sleeper.