The 15 Very Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
If you like sleeping on your side, you’re in good company — it’s the sleep position preferred by 60 percent of adults. But side-sleeping is more than a comfortable way to cozy up; according to Keith Cushner, a product expert at SleepFoundation.org, it can “improve spinal alignment, reduce the risk of snoring, and reduce back pain.” And to achieve the perfect spine, neck, and head alignment, choosing the right pillow is key. Dr. Rennes Toussaint-Keshinro, a chiropractor and mental-health coach, says side sleepers should aim to “maintain a neutral position and posture of the back,” with a pillow that lifts their head high enough to line up with the neck and spine, but not too high.
Summary of items we will discuss in this buying guide :
Eli & Elm Organic-Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
Himoon Sleeping Pillows - 2 Pack
Pillow Cube Classic
Coop Sleep Goods The Original Cut-Out Pillow
Mediflow Water Pillow
Honeydew The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Body Pillow
Our top picks :
Eli & Elm Organic-Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
With a unique curved design, Eli & Elm’s side-sleeping pillow nestles into the space between your head, neck, and shoulders to help you achieve ideal spine alignment. It’s filled with a blend of soft and supportive noodled latex and polyester fiber, and you can adjust the height and firmness by removing or adding filling. According to Cushner, most side sleepers need medium-to-high-loft pillows that provide “enough cushioning for the head and neck without sinking too low,” so the customizable fill level will let you figure out the loft that works best for your body.
Himoon Sleeping Pillows - 2 Pack
Covered in silky-smooth microfiber material, this set of two pillows is filled with CertiPUR-US & GREENGUARD Gold downlike microfiber fill. The fluffy fill, combined with the bowed pillow shape, creates a plump and plush surface to support your head and neck. The highly rated, high-loft pillows come in three sizes — standard, queen, and king.
Pillow Cube Classic
The logic behind the brick-shaped Pillow Cube is that its 90-degree angles will completely fill that essential space between your head and your mattress to keep your neck aligned. I’ve tested this pillow myself and found that it delivers on that promise — nestling along the side of my head, the crook of my neck, and the top of my shoulder. It’s made of solid viscoelastic polyurethane and nanofibers (read: sturdy memory foam), so it’s on the firmer side, but it still has the satisfying squish that you’d expect from a foam pillow. The design is ideal for side sleepers who hardly ever sleep in other positions, as its angles and loft aren’t really compatible with back or stomach sleeping.
Coop Sleep Goods The Original Cut-Out Pillow
Like our top-pick Eli & Elm pillow, Coop’s cutout pillow leaves space to accommodate your shoulder so that it can fit more easily and snugly under your head and neck. Coop’s cutout pillow has a more pronounced curve than Eli & Elm’s, with an overall blockier shape. The effect is similar to that of the Pillow Cube, with good support in the space between your head and neck, but the Coop pillow is much fluffier and softer than the Pillow Cube.
Mediflow Water Pillow
Yes, water beds went out of style a few decades ago but Alanna McGinn, the founder and CEO of Good Night Sleep Site, and Toussaint-Keshinro agree that water pillows are the gold standard for people in need of more neck support. Water pillows are “perfect for any type of sleep position and many are chiropractor-approved, as the firmness provides the support for head, neck, and spine alignment that will help individuals with chronic pain,” explains McGinn. A favorite of Toussaint-Keshinro, Mediflow’s Water Pillow has a soft layer of fiber that sits atop a water reservoir that you fill yourself, creating a responsive pillow that can help reduce neck pain. The adjustable pillow can be made firmer by adding more water or softer by removing some.
Honeydew The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
Honeydew’s side-sleeper pillow, which appears on our list of the best pillows for neck pain, has a curved design and contains cooling copper-infused gel memory foam to promote temperature regulation as you sleep, according to the product description.
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Body Pillow
For a more standard body pillow, this one by Snuggle-Pedic is filled with shredded memory foam and covered in breathable bamboo fabric to support your knees, legs, and back while you sleep by helping to evenly distribute your weight. It’s shorter and wider than the Bearaby Cuddler, at 20 by 54 inches, and filled with shredded memory foam to hug and conform to your body. And perhaps best of all, the entire pillow is machine washable.
Conclusion
Embarking on the quest for the perfect pillow for side sleepers can significantly enhance your sleep quality and overall well-being. In this guide to the 15 very best pillows for side sleepers, we aim to simplify your decision-making process by highlighting crucial points to consider before making a purchase.
1. Loft Height: Consider the loft height, or thickness, of the pillow. Side sleepers often benefit from a medium to high loft to maintain proper spinal alignment and support the head and neck.
2. Firmness: Assess the firmness level of the pillow. Side sleepers generally find medium to firm pillows more comfortable, providing adequate support for the neck and preventing discomfort.
3. Pillow Material: Evaluate the material of the pillow. Memory foam, latex, and down alternatives are popular choices for side sleepers due to their ability to conform to the head and neck while providing support.
4. Contouring and Support: Look for pillows that offer contouring and support. Ergonomic designs and memory foam pillows that mold to the shape of your head and neck can alleviate pressure points and enhance comfort.
5. Pillow Size: Consider the size of the pillow. Standard, queen, or king sizes are available, so choose a size that complements your bed and personal sleeping preferences.
6. Cooling Features: If you tend to sleep hot, explore pillows with cooling features. Gel-infused memory foam or pillows with breathable covers can help regulate temperature and promote a cooler night's sleep.
7. Hypoallergenic Properties: For allergy sufferers, opt for pillows with hypoallergenic materials to reduce the risk of allergens, dust mites, and other irritants affecting your sleep quality.
8. Washability: Check if the pillow is machine washable or has a removable, washable cover. Easy maintenance contributes to the cleanliness and longevity of the pillow.
9. Brand Reputation: Research the reputation of pillow brands. Established brands with positive reviews and a history of providing quality sleep products are more likely to deliver a satisfying experience.
10. Trial Period or Return Policy: Look for pillows that come with a trial period or a flexible return policy. This allows you to test the pillow and ensure it meets your comfort needs.
11. Certifications: Check for certifications indicating the quality and safety of the pillow, such as CertiPUR-US for foam pillows or OEKO-TEX for textiles.
12. Budget: While considering your budget, weigh the features offered by different pillows. Investing in a high-quality pillow tailored to side sleepers can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall comfort.
By considering these critical points, you can confidently choose a pillow that aligns with your side sleeping preferences and provides the support needed for a restful night's sleep. A well-chosen pillow can make a significant difference in alleviating neck and shoulder pain, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Sweet dreams!
