The 7 Best Pillows For Side Sleepers in 2020
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My best friend sleeps on his stomach, which makes me, a side sleeper, think that he’s crazy.
You understand me, right?
I mean, how great does it feel to curl up on your side under a blanket?
So, today, my fellow side sleepers, I’ve prepared something quite useful for you: top 7 pillows perfect for this comfy sleeping position. Let’s dive right in!
“You might be surprised, but sleeping on the side is the most popular position. Almost half of the American population enjoys sleeping on the side, whether it’s lying straight or curling up in a cozy, warm fetal position.”
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| Name | Material | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Pillow | Filling: shredded memory foam and down alternative; cover: 100% polyester. | Standard – 26 x 18 inches, King – 32 x 18 inches | 80% |
| Perfect Cloud | Filling: solid memory foam; cover: 100% polyester cover with mesh inserts | 24 x 16 x 5.5 inches | 80% |
| Organic Shredded Latex Pillow by Plushbeds | Filling: shredded late, cover: organic cotton. | Standard – 24 x 15 x 4 inches, Queen – 28 x 16 x 5 inches, King – 34 x 16 x 5 inches | 95% |
| Leesa Pillow | Filling: proprietary Avena Foam (with ventilation channels); cover: 70% polyester + 17% viscose + 13% nylon. | Standard – 26 x 18 x 5 inches, King – 33 x 18 x 5 inches. | 95% |
| Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow by Coop Home Goods | Filling: shredded visco elastic memory foam; cover: 60% polyester + 40% bamboo rayon | Standard – 20 x 26 inches, Queen – 20 x 30 inches, King – 20 x 36 inches. | 85% |
| Cotton-Encased Down Blend Pillow by Plushbeds best down | Filling: down and feather blend; cover: pure cotton. | Standard – 25 x 16 x 7 inches, Queen – 29 x 16 x 7 inches, King – 35 x 16 x 7 inches | 80% |
| Sleep Innovations | Filling: memory foam; cover: polyester and cotton blend | Standard – 21 x 14 x 5 inches, Queen – 24 x 15 x 5 inches | 80% |
Side Sleeper Pillow for Pain Relief
Helix Pillow
This top-rated pillow for side sleepers has a lot to offer to a typical side sleeper. First, its thickness can be regulated to your liking, taking into account the weight of your head and the size of your shoulders. Second, its construction makes it very conforming, which leads us to the best part:
Helix is great for pain relief.
Its softness and support combined together provide excellent pressure relieving properties, helping your body stay relaxed throughout the whole night and ensuring there’ll be no pain in the morning.
Have a quick look at the main features of this pillow:
- The pillow comes in two sizes (Standard and King).
- The cover is a blend of Tencel and polyester. There is a gusset layer under it.
- The pillow comes with 2 additional layers you are free to insert or remove to find the perfect loft. Each layer is a blend of cross-cut memory foam and down alternative.
The product is protected by a 100-night sleep trial and a 3-year warranty.
The coolest thing about this pillow is the overall comfort it provides. Thanks to the blended filling, you get the support of memory foam and the softness and coziness of down alternative in one pillow. To me, that’s the best of both worlds.
The thing that disappointed me the most was that this pillow didn’t do much to help me sleep cool during the night. I’m not saying I was sweating heavily. It’s just that I expected it to be more breathable and cooling. If you tend to sleep hot, you should keep this in mind. Perhaps, the cooling model by Helix would work better.
Below are the main pros and cons:
PROS
CONS
Having a luxurious touch to it, this model by Helix does have enough benefits to outweigh the weak sides. And its ability to help you get rid of neck and back pain is one of them.
Want to try it out? Click here to order!
Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers
Perfect Cloud
The next option to be considered the best pillow for side sleepers is the Perfect Cloud. It literally stands for its name because cooling properties are its most prominent feature.
The Perfect Cloud pillow has a medium feel. Along with that, it’s pretty thick and can support your neck region properly while cradling your head.
Now, let’s take a look at its main features:
- The cover has a mesh gusset throughout the perimeter for better airflow and heat removal.
- The pillow easily adjusts to your sleeping style and remains supportive throughout the night.
What is really great about that pillow?
As you can see, the Perfect Cloud pillow is a great deal for hot sleepers or those who live in hot climates. It can offer you cooler sleep without any effort.
What is wrong with that pillow?
The drawback, however, is weak edges. Since this pillow is made as a solid piece of foam, it can’t be fluffed if it goes flat. And the worst thing is, it really can go flat, as foam tends to lose its supportive properties over time.
PROS
CONS
Overall, I enjoyed sleeping on this pillow. It feels cool and keeps you comfortable throughout the night.
Great Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers
Organic Shredded Latex Pillow by Plushbeds
This model by Plushbeds is comfortable, supportive, thick, and organic. Dunlop latex, which serves as a filling for this pillow, is known to be firmer than its alternative – Talalay latex. That’s the main reason this is a great latex pillow for side sleepers. Besides, the filling is shredded into small pieces, which makes it easier to fluff the pillow and adjust it according to how you place your head when sleeping on your side.
Here’s what you need to know about it:
- It comes in three different sizes (Standard, Queen, and King), which provide more comfort choices.
- The filling is made from organic Dunlop latex, which is safe to use and GOLS certified.
The cover is 100% organic cotton, which is breathable and pleasant to the touch.
What is really great with that pillow?
The coolest thing about this pillow is how safe it is to use. If you are concerned about your health and what you sleep on, you are going to appreciate the fact that this pillow is GOLS certified (Global Organic Latex Standard) and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or dyes. It is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, which makes it safe even for children.
What is wrong with that pillow?
The worst thing about this pillow is the fact that you can’t adjust its thickness, as there’s no zipper on the cover. I mean, I realize that, for side sleepers, the pillow is supposed to be thick. But tastes differ, and some people might enjoy the pillow more if it was a little bit thinner.
PROS
CONS
The bottom line is: this pillow helped me sleep like a baby without having to wake up and move the filling around or adjust it in any other way. I’m sure you will fall in love with it too the second your head touches the cover.
Want to try it out? Click here to order!
Breathable Pillow for Side Sleepers
Leesa Pillow
I guess people at Leesa are really serious about high-quality sleep and everything that’s connected to it. Its proprietary filling is what makes it stand out from other memory foam pillows on the market. Unlike them, it is well ventilated and, consequently, sleeps rather cool. Side sleepers who tend to get hot during the night or live in hot and humid climates will really appreciate this pillows construction.
Let’s see its main characteristics:
- The filling is made of the Avena Foam, which has numerous ventilation channels for breathability.
- The cover is a combination of polyester, viscose, and nylon.
- It comes in two different sizes – Standard and King.
The manufacturer offers a 100-night trial period.
What is really great with that pillow?
The absolute best thing about this pillow is how it is able to keep its shape. The foam is quite bouncy and responsive, and the pillow doesn’t go flat even after regular use. This means it will be able to provide consistent support for your neck and head without flattening.
What is wrong with that pillow?
The worst thing I’ve noticed about this pillow is off-gassing. It wasn’t harsh or too strong, but I could clearly feel it. It is a common issue for a foam material, still, I know that some people are quite sensitive to smells and might find it too annoying. But don’t worry, it disappeared completely in a day.
PROS
CONS
To tell you the truth, I can’t complain about this pillow. It is great for sleeping on the side, supportive, and soft. I’m sure you are going to love it just as much.
Don’t hesitate and order now!
Best Value for Money
Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow by Coop Home Goods
Let me introduce you to another contender for the title “the best pillow for side sleepers”. This adjustable pillow by Coop Home Goods combines quite a few appealing features, including comfort levels and versatility. You can change the firmness and height, you can choose from different sizes, you can easily clean the cover by throwing it into the washing machine. And it’s all for under $60 only! Isn’t it the best value for money?
“Sleeping on the side creates a greater distance between your head and the mattress than when lying on your back. Therefore, this distance needs to be filled with a taller and firmer pillow in order to keep your neck and spine in a proper neutral position.”
Let’s look at its main features:
- The filling is the CertiPUR-US certified visco elastic shredded foam, which is supportive and safe to use.
- The cover is a blend of polyester and bamboo rayon, which is soft, breathable, and pleasant to the touch.
- The zipper on the cover allows sleepers to adjust the thickness of the pillow by simply removing some of the foam.
It comes in three different sizes – Standard, Queen, and King.
What is really great with that pillow?
The coolest thing about this pillow is how supportive it is. It impressed me so much that I decided to test it out and put a couple of books on top of it. They sank in, obviously, but the foam still managed to support them. And, given the fact that a human head is lighter than a stack of books, it will also be properly supported when sleeping on the side.
What is wrong with that pillow?
The worst thing I’ve noticed about this pillow is all those little lumps of shredded foam. When the pillow is fully filled, they aren’t that noticeable, but if you decide to make the pillow a bit thinner and take out some of the foam, you will feel the lumps. It’s not a big issue, but it might still annoy some sleepers.
PROS
CONS
In general, I enjoyed sleeping on this pillow. It is firm enough for a side sleeper like me but provides some cushioning and contouring as well. And that, in my opinion, is a great combination.
Excellent Down Pillow for Side Sleepers
Cotton-Encased Down Blend Pillow by Plushbeds
This Plushbeds product definitely deserves to be on this list and can fairly be called an excellent down pillow for side sleepers. It’s breathable, hypoallergenic, lightweight, and moldable.
Thanks to a blend of down and feather, this pillow is both supportive and soft. Besides, it won’t go flat over time and will last considerably longer than feather and memory foam pillows, of course, if you take care of it properly.
Here are the most important points about this model:
- It comes in three different sizes (Standard, Queen, and King).
- The filling consists of a down and feather mix.
- The 250-thread-count cotton cover protects from feather quills and ensures breathability.
The manufacturer offers a 3-year warranty. There is no option of sleep trial for this product.
The thing I liked the most about this pillow was its softness. Down is naturally a soft material that contours around your head very well. It’s not as resilient as memory foam but is very cradling, helping your body relax and keeping your body aligned.
The worst thing about this pillow is, again, its softness. To me, it was fine because the feeling of sinking in helps me relax and fall asleep faster. But I feel some side sleepers would not be comfortable with such level of softness. And unfortunately, there are no alternative firmness options available with this model.
“Down pillows should be washed and dried very carefully. Moisture that remains on the down clusters can become a welcoming environment for mildew and mold. It’s a good reason for getting a pillow protector.”
Consider the following pros and cons:
PROS
CONS
Here’s the deal:
With this down pillow, I felt like I slept on a cloud.
Other side sleepers, though, might not like such a soft feeling. But you’ll never know if you don’t try.
Want to get a personal cloud to sleep on? Order your Plushbeds pillow here!
Best Contour Pillow for Side Sleepers
Sleep Innovations
The Sleep Innovation pillow has a curved shape that can contour your neck and relax the strained muscles. The fill of the pillow is solid memory foam, which keeps its shape better and doesn’t need regular fluffing, as it can return to its original form after you get up.
Let’s see the main characteristics of this pillow:
- It has medium firmness that suits most side sleepers.
- It is available in Standard and Queen sizes (plus a small option for traveling).
- The cover can be removed and washed.
What is really great about that pillow?
The most significant advantage of the Sleep Innovation pillow is its contour design that provides excellent pain relief. With this pillow, you can easily forget about any pains in your neck.
What is wrong with that pillow?
The only issue I managed to find is that the zipper on the cover seems a bit weak. Although it doesn’t impact your sleep, it does impact maintenance, so you need to be careful with the cover when it’s time to wash it.
PROS
CONS
I enjoyed sleeping on this pillow a lot. It’s supportive, has a temperature-neutral construction and can relieve the tension in the neck area.
Which Material Is the Best for Side Sleepers
I know, the number of choices on the market can be very overwhelming. However, there aren’t too many materials to choose from when it comes to side sleeping, as the pillow for such a position has to be firm and supportive enough. So, here are the best and the most popular pillow materials for side sleepers:
- Memory foam. This doesn’t even have to be explained, right? Dense memory foam is thick and supportive, which is perfect for side sleeping. And when it’s shredded, it only adds a bit more cushioning and a more plush feel.
- Latex. This material is squishy and responsive, highly supportive, and maintains its shape rather well.
Buckwheat. It might seem to be weird at first, but this material is actually great for side sleepers. It is firm, easy to mold, and natural. The only downside is the grinding sound the buckwheat makes when you move the pillow.
- Down. Pillows made from down are very durable (they can last up to ten years!). They are good for side sleepers because of their great moldability and adjustable loft. But some models might lack proper support.
- Feather. Similar to down pillows, these are long-lasting, moldable, and conforming but they might sleep hot and require constant fluffing to maintain proper support for a side sleeping position.
“There are not many pure down or pure feather pillows on the market. However, some manufacturers falsely advertise their pillows as such, misleading their consumers. If you want to avoid being deluded, you should pay close attention to labeling on feather and down products.”
Why You Absolutely Need a Special Side Sleeper Pillow
Look, I know that choosing a pillow specifically for your sleeping position might seem like too much fuss. But do you know how many benefits you can get by investing in a good side sleeper pillow? Let me tell you:
- You will get rid of your neck and shoulder pain. Sleeping on a suitable pillow will keep your neck and spine in a neutral position, which will reduce stiffness and allow the muscles to relax completely, thus eliminating any neck and shoulder pain.
- You won’t experience morning headaches anymore. When your neck is supported incorrectly (or not supported at all) during sleep, this can result in morning headaches or even migraines. However, sleeping on a proper pillow will prevent those things from happening.
- If you’re pregnant, you will create a healthier sleeping environment for yourself and your child. Sleeping on her side is the #1 recommended position for a pregnant woman. It’s hardly possible to sleep on the stomach when pregnant, and back sleeping is also not an option for it puts too much weight on the body. Side sleeping, on the other hand, puts the weight and pressure away from the body. It’s especially beneficial to sleep with a special body pillow for pregnant women.
You will stop snoring. Back sleepers are usually the ones who snore, but side sleepers also experience this issue when sleeping on an unsuitable pillow. With the right pillow, your neck will be properly positioned, your spine will be aligned, and your head will stay straight, which will prevent you from snoring.
Pay Attention
When searching for the best pillow, don’t be fooled by loud words in the advertisements or by good bargains. Instead, pay more attention to the following factors:
- Material. Look, I’m sure you already know this, but let me repeat: the pillow material for a side sleeper should be firm and supportive. Feather pillows just won’t do!
- Shaping possibilities. Some pillows have a shredded filling, others come in solid shapes. You should consider your sleeping preferences and decide, whether you want your pillow to keep its solid shape during the night or want something moldable and adjustable.
- Certification. If you’re anything like me, you also feel concerned about your health. That’s why making sure that your pillow is safe to use and certified is very important.
Trial period. This comes in handy when you don’t know what you’re looking for (yet) and want to try out a couple of options. A trial period is just a guarantee for you, which will make you feel safer, especially if you’re considering investing in a more expensive pillow.
What’s the Point in Leg Pillows for Side Sleepers?
Do you know that proper knee support is essential for people sleeping on their side? It’s even more important if you have one of the following health issues:
- recent surgery;
- arthritis;
- sciatica;
- hip bursitis;
- knee injuries.
But even if you don’t have any of them, you may still greatly benefit from having a pillow between your hips. The thing is a side sleeping position promotes knee friction during sleep. Some people feel discomfort from that to a very great extent, which results in restless nights with lots of tossing and turning.
A knee pillow is an inexpensive solution, but it can really make a difference. it’s capable of not only removing hip discomfort but also relieving lower back pain.
Another benefit is better spinal alignment. When sleeping on your side without proper alignment, you risk ruining your posture. This can result in chronic pains, stiffness, and even more serious health issues. By the way, it’s not necessary to buy a special knee pillow. You can use one of the pillows mentioned above. Or, your old one that you’ve been using for your head before upgrading to the new one from this list.
Conclusion
You might be wondering, how hard can it be finding a nice pillow for sleeping on the side? Well, let me just tell you: it’s really hard. Some are not thick enough, others are too soft, and some just don’t feel right.
However, the 7 pillows I’ve introduced to you today have everything to be called the best pillow for side sleepers. And the most comfortable one among them, in my opinion, is the Organic Shredded Latex Pillow by Plushbeds. It is supportive and cradling at the same time, and its thickness doesn’t even need to be regulated, as it is perfectly suitable for sleeping on the side. I loved using this pillow and I believe it can help you sleep like a baby too!
Which one is your personal favorite? Are you ready to toss away your old pillow and get a new one, designed specifically for your favorite sleeping position? Comment down below!
Product links on Happysleepyhead are referral. We get a commission on purchases made through our links at no additional cost to you. More information in my disclosures.
Martins Bright
Jun 22, 2018 at 5:51 amI need help please..
We moved into a new apartment and the bed settings i got from my furniture artist had it that all the beds in the house are low.
I can sleep on any side of my body, which pillow type do you suggest for my house?
What would you say about ultimate pillow?
John Breese
Jul 5, 2018 at 8:10 amMartins, I would recommend you a memory foam pillow because it remembers your shape during the night and allows different parts of your body to rest in natural positions.
Dona D
Jun 29, 2018 at 9:46 amOrganic Shredded Latex Pillow has helped me a lot especially in sleeping very comfortably wit my kid. My baby don’t sleep alone on her bed thereby leaving me anxious.
This always me sleep with one eye open. Recently i enjoy every bit of my sleep because i lye on my side comfortably.
The product is worth it.
Gary Lawson
Sep 22, 2018 at 5:10 pmThere’s no zipper on organic shredded latex pillow and I was ignorant of it. Pillows with side zips are easier for adjustment. Anyways, it isn’t bad.