Pillows provide comfort and are a must-have for those who value sleep especially side sleepers. That extra support for the neck will contribute to a comfortable sleep without any tosses and turns. The wrong pillow will affect your sleep quality and you will hardly be rested even after 8 sleep hours.
There are pillows specifically made for side sleepers because they provide the required comfort for restful sleep without any strain on the back shoulders and head. Despite seeming like a common product finding the right pillow as a side sleeper can be a challenge.
This is why we have compiled the useful list of the best pillows for side sleepers along with useful information to help you buy the best one for you.
List of Top 10 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers in 2018
It is only sensible that you begin your quest for the best side sleeper pillows by going through the best ten that will give you all the specifics to help you make the ideal choice for your needs. Here are the top 10 best pillows for side sleepers from the best brands.
#1 Coop Home Goods – PREMIUM Adjustable Loft – Shredded Hypoallergenic Certipur Memory Foam Pillow
This will allow you the best sleep time allowing you to wake up rested, energized and pain-free. It features this very useful adjustable design that allows you to customize it according to the shape of your body by taking out some of the foam inside or adding it for more comfort.
Thanks to its shredded Visco elastic memory foam, this pillow allows for better airflow and adjusts better than a normal memory form does. It features this polyester bamboo cover that offers breathability and feels absolutely delightful against the skin.
With the unique combination of breathability and firmness, this pillow is also great when it comes to using it to sleep in other sleeping positions apart from side-sleeping. Whether you are a side, back or stomach sleeper, you will find this pillow very accommodating and comfortable.
It is also ideal for users with respiratory issues and you don’t have be worried about bacteria growth or any potential causes of allergies and skin inflammation because it is hypoallergenic.
Maintaining it is also easy, all you need to do is simply throw the covers in the washer and you can then use your dryer to fluff it back again. With good washing and maintenance, this pillow will serve you for years.
Despite being a luxury pillow, this costs affordably and also comes with a 30-day trial period and a 5-year warranty. Considering the many positive reviews online and our great research on it we definitely highly recommend this pillow for that price range.
Pros
- An adjustable pillow that allows you to change the construction, firmness, and thickness depending on your personal preferences.
- Features a removable, washable and stay cool cover that is made from a mixture of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon for great breathability.
- A hypoallergenic construction that contributes to great night sleep, dust-mite resistance hence no reactions for sensitive skins or people with respiratory issues.
- A 30-day trial period and an amazing 5-year warranty.
- Very safe to use because it is made with CertiPUR-US Certified foam without the use of ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the CPSC, or CFC.
Cons
- Could be too firm to sleep on at the beginning.
- More comfortable for side sleepers compared to back and stomach sleepers because it is thick.
- A new pillow odor coming out of it initially.
#2 Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
If you are looking for a budget option on the market right now, this is the pillow to choose. This snuggle-pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam pillow will never go flat thanks to a combination of shredded memory to ensure that doesn’t. You can use it for years and it still remains fluffy and comfortable with the lovely feel against the neck and head.
The memory foam within this pillow is made with polyurethane material which enhances density and it is heat sensitive in a way that it has the ability to conform to the shape of your body and offer you the ultimate sleep experience.
The pillow also features an exclusive mix of special hypo-allergenic V.O.C. Biogreen® memory foam and CertiPUR-U.S. certified foam to create the best and safe sleeping experience. This ultra-luxurious comfort is further supported by a Kool Flow Micro-vented Bamboo Cover which offers unparalleled breathability when compared to other options.
This special cover allows air to circulate throughout the pillow, keeps you cooler and smells amazing. The cover just like the rest of the pillow is washable in the washing machine and can be tumble-dried afterward making the pillow easy to maintain.
This pillow also offers an amazing orthopedic support and a special combination of resilience and fluffiness to adjust to each position that you sleep in. This makes it the perfect headrest for sleepers who sleep on their back, stomach or side.
You will also find this pillow very accommodative if you are pregnant because it conforms to the shape of your body and offers this impressive unparalleled support. It is also available in standard, queen and king sizes to suit various preferences.
Pros
- Very comfortable when sleeping in any position and back and neck pains might actually come to an end with regular use.
- A great airflow technology that is perfect for controlling body temperature.
- A hypoallergenic construction that makes it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or respiratory issues.
- Pillow and cover are washable in a machine making them easy to maintain
- Comes with a 90-day free trial.
Cons
- It could be too firm initially
- The odor that lingers after the first few days of purchase.
- Requires a few days to get comfortable.
#3 Good Life Essentials – Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with Stay Cool Bamboo Cover
This Goodlife shredded memory foam pillow allows you to feel good about the foam you sleep on since there are no toxins or chemicals used in its production. The shredded memory foam promotes more airflow in the pillow and, while you can’t remove the filling in this pillow, you can still shape it from the outside by prodding it in order to allow it to conform to your body’s alignment. This will ensure more comfort during sleep.
This pillow also features a super soft outer cover that will no doubt lull you to sleep comfortably. This soft outer cover is thanks to it being made from 50% bamboo and 50% a polyester blend. The bamboo might be a woody plant but yes it does make great soft fabrics. After being crushed to create the natural fibers, they are then spun into yarn that creates the soft cover.
If you are environmentally conscious then you will love the fact that this is an eco-friendly pillow made from a good amount of natural raw material. The bamboo fiber is further advantageous in that it naturally wicks away moisture a fact which is essential and ensure that no strange odors as a result of moisture linger on the pillow.
What We Like
- Offers a safe and firm and superior quality support to the user for all sleeping positions.
- The pillow can be machine washed. Just toss it in the washing machine every six months.
- It is an eco-friendly product made from 50% bamboo.
- The pillow is hypoallergenic thanks to the shredded memory foam, which is very convenient for allergy sufferers who require the comfort it offers.
- So great quality that the manufacturer is giving it a 5-year warranty.
What We Don’t Like
- As much as the pillow offers good support, it could be too firm for some.
- The chemical smell of foam that stays for days but can go away without laundering.
- Compared to its counterparts in the market it does begin to flatten out after continued use.
#4 Down Alternative Pillow Cotton Cover Super Plush Microfiber Fill Hypoallergenic & Allergy Safe Bed Pillow
If you want a pillow that you can sleep on anywhere on the ground, on a rock, in a hammock or just about anywhere where there is no bed, this is the pillow. It contains 100% hypoallergenic Microfiber fill for firm support. Out covering is made of a 300-thread-count with 100% fabric. This is a very healthy, safe and breathable material that will keep you cool and prevent sweating.
If you are a backside or stomach sleeper then you will find this pillow quite accommodating. The softness of down and the great support makes it perfect for individuals with back and neck pains. Sometimes there is really no condition, it is simply a matter of changing your pillows to get rid of the pains.
The pillow is also great for storage and travel thanks to the plastic carrying case it comes packed in. In case you want to carry a few home bedroom comforts wherever you are going to spend your nights for a while, you will need a pillow like this one.
It is great to have a pillow that you can throw into a machine and give it a nice cleaning. This makes this pillow easy to maintain which results in years of comfortable sleep.
Pros
- 100% cotton cover that doesn’t retain heat
- Thick Stuffed and fluffy striking a good balance between firm and squishy.
- Easy to maintain since can be thrown into the washing machine.
- Also great for sleeping in all positions and even sitting up to read.
Cons
- Loses the firmness fast
- Too big and poofy.
- Takes forever to fully dry after washing
#5 Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow
This is a great choice of pillow especially if you are a side sleeper. The crisp and clean cover feels great and you can sleep on this pillow in various positions in order to achieve a support level that best suits you.
With its great support, the pillow is more on the firmer side and it holds up well under pressure. If you are one of those people who love to have their head sinking in the pillow, then this pillow might not be for you. Think more firmness and less cushiness with this pillow, and if you are also used to softer models, you will need to have some time to get used to it.
The filling is Visco-elastic memory foam which is very convenient when it comes to offering comfort and support. With foam that is of great quality and hypoallergenic, it is also breathable and comfortable to use.
Tiny PCM beads also feature within the pillow and are able to absorb heat and release it depending on your skin’s temperature. You can easily clean the cover but as for the rest of the pillow being machine washable, no it isn’t.
Overall, this is a great choice of pillow if you are a side-sleeper. The support and extra loft will contribute to the quality of sleep because you are getting the best support. Its gusseted cover will always retain its shape and the contour option is very convenient especially if you are the type of sleeper who keeps changing positions at night. You might not even change position at all because it is comfortable.
What We Like
- The cover and the filling are hypoallergenic for allergic people.
- Great for side and back sleepers.
- 100% Cotton cover with Outlast Adaptive Comfort material that has microscopic PCM beads that absorb heat and feel cool, or releases heat and feel warm
- Machine-washable cover.
What We Don’t Like
- Not cushy more on the firmer side.
- Requires time to get used to using it.
- Has a higher loft which might not be favored by everyone.
#6 MALOUF Z 100% Natural Talalay Latex Zoned Pillow
This is one of those pillows with a price that is on the higher side but it is worth every dollar spent. It’s ideal for anyone but what makes it so appealing is its superior cooling. The 100% natural Talalay latex offers great support and a great sleeping sensation.
The zoned technology enables proper and enhanced airflow which feels better than the memory foam ones. It also comes with natural protection from mildew and mites. Made from 25% rayon from bamboo and 75% polyester the cover is also soft, removable and machine washable.
It is available in standard, queen and king sizes making it perfect for various preferences. With its enhanced cooling capabilities, you won’t be turning this pillow from side to side because it got hot, never ever!
Pros
- The firm density perfect for back and side sleepers.
- 100% pure natural Talalay Latex with zero synthetic additives
- Naturally mildew proof and dust mite resistant
- Breathable and maintains a comfortable sleeping temperature
- Removable cover that is machine-washable.
Cons
- The overwhelming new pillow smell that goes away after some time
- Requires a couple of days of the break-in period.
- Price on the higher end.
#7 Classic Brands Conforma Ventilated Memory Foam Cushion Firm Pillow, Queen
This is a pillow made with a denser memory foam that has been ventilated for airflow. The memory foam is very comfortable and provides a lot of support. Combined with its 5″ height, the pillow might be a good option for some sleepers and not for others.
Back and side sleepers will find this pillow appealing thanks to its firmness and height but stomach sleepers might find it a bit uncomfortable. It will also offer pressure relief to the head and neck while staying cool because of the holes doe ventilation that encourages airflow.
The memory foam inside is fairly dense despite the holes in it and when you lie on it, your head will sink into the pillow but not very far down, which is okay. The foam also conforms to your body shape and cradles it to make you comfortable.
This pillow also has a soft velour cover that is machine-washable but if you want to save yourself from having to wash it frequently, you can always throw in a cover over it.
There is no doubt that this pillow is on the firmer side. Therefore if you keep shifting positions when sleeping in order to sink into your pillow or do your sleeping on your stomach, you will want a less dense pillow and not this one.
What We Like
- Comes with a ventilated foam that promotes airflow
- Will never go flat,
- Soft removable cover that is washable and dryable.
- Great for those who like firm pillows
- Offers pressure relief for the head and neck
What We Don’t Like
- The pillow can’t be re-shaped or adjusted
- The filling can only be spot cleaned
- Not a good choice for all sleepers
#8 Beyond Down Gel Fiber Side Sleeper Pillow King
This pillow has “Side Sleeper” as part of its name which is saying in other words that it was made for side sleepers. As for its construction, the pillow contains a micro denier gel fiber that emulates goose down.
This means that you are able to buy such a luxury product but without the price tag that accompanies the real thing and at the same time you will avoid allergy problems that might arise when sleeping on real feathers. This is why it is often marketed as “synthetic down pillow”.
Apart from the gel fiber fill, the pillow has a 4.5″wide gusset which is simply an extra piece of material that gives this pillow that extra boxy structure. The gusset is made with double needed corded edges and contributes to the loft and lift which are two major things that side sleepers require in a pillow.
A 300 thread count that is 100% cotton makes the cover which is also pretty soft with a nice feel to it. The pillow retains it shape which is great and a sign that it won’t go flat.
Also, it is machine washable and hypoallergenic which is ideal because you are able to keep it clean and yourself protected from any health issues that arise from a dirty pillow.
Pros
- Extra wide 4.5” gusset side stitching for extra loft and support
- Extra large pillow for all-around support and it big enough that it allows you to wrap your whole body around it for positioning and spine support.
- Superior air flow for cool sleeping comfort
- Soft and luxurious, great for stomach sleepers too.
- Does a great job of mimicking down fill.
Cons
- The gel fiber fill eventually flattens out
- It physically looks like a brick and nothing like a traditional pillow.
- Even though machine-washable, cleaning it can be quite hectic.
#9 The Water Pillow by Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow
When it comes to this water pillow, the latest researches in the Orthopedics field have been incorporated. It is indeed a water-based pillow that offers the solution to two of the most common sleep problems which are comfort level of pillow stuffing and adaptability of various sleeping positions.
This waterbase pillow is made of cotton and offers more comfort and support resulting in smooth and restful sleeping. The intention of the manufacturers with this pillow was to improve sleep quality and ease neck pain.
The pillow looks just like any other polyester pillow but contains a water pouch which can be found in its base. The fiber covering the stuffed polyester is very soft and hypoallergenic. It is actually difficult to find a pillow that offers customization the way this Mediflow waterbase pillow does.
It caters to everyone’s preference of firmness that’s to its ability to adjust. It is also machine-washable, so no stress there either.
What We Like
- Comfortable when laying on back or side and always automatically responds to changes in sleeping position.
- Easy to fill with water
- True to its claims of neck pain relief
- Height and firmness can be personalized to preferred comfort level.
- Insulation keeps the Mediflow pillow cool, but not cold
What We Don’t Like
- Pillow still sloshes after trying to remove the air
- Might not help with back pain
- The idea of a leak is not appealing.
#10 ComfySleep Rectangular Buckwheat Hull Pillow
This is the pillow to get if you are looking for superior support as you sleep. It contains buckwheat hulls which are cleaned without any chemicals and fumigants. The cover is 100% durable organic cotton.
The Buckwheat hull pillow is special because it is stuffed with buckwheat hulls which are easy to shape according to your body shape. There is actually a small and hardly visible zippered opening that enables you to remove and add buckwheat according to how you prefer.
Don’t underestimate the buckwheat hulls because they are extremely durable and capable of lasting up to 10 years. This is unlike many pillows out there that have a lifespan of not more than 3 years.
When it comes to cleaning, the pillow cannot be put into the washing machine or drier. Instead, cleaning it requires you to empty all the buckwheat hulls and put them in the sun to dry. The cotton pillow cover can then be washed and dried.
With such a rigorous cleaning process and the lack of chemical use during production, the pillow doesn’t have that irritating smell that comes with other new pillows.
Pros
- Very comfortable to use and adjustable to body shape.
- The option to add or remove buckwheat according to your preference.
- Available I various sizes.
- No irritating smell since no chemical used in the production
Cons
- Slightly pricey compared to others
- It is harder than regular pillows, and you have to arrange it properly to achieve the expected result.
- Rigorous cleaning process.
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers – Buying Guide
Pillow Placements for sides sleepers
Most side slippers are always on the prowl for the best side sleeper pillow that will only give them the comfort they seek. Wrong sleeping results in the feeling of tiredness, headaches and neck pain. However, you can ensure that you have a great night rest by practicing several strategic pillow placements. Here are some of them.
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Hip Supporting Knee Pillow
This is where you place a pillow between the knees in order to keep the hips in proper alignment. Just like your neck, improper hip alignment forces the spine out of position resulting to nerve and muscle pain. Also just like the neck and head pillow, your knee pillow has to be comfortable and strong enough to withstand sleeping pressure.
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Back and Stomach supporting pillows
Side sleeping is a position that also causes general tension because you are in a position that is not stable like back or stomach sleeping. Therefore, putting a support pillow behind your back or in front of your stomach will always provide complete support and keep your body in position without straining your muscles.
In most cases, the back and stomach support pillows have to be very firm to prevent any flattening or loss of support under the strain caused by your full body pressure.
If you are pregnant then a stomach supporting pillow will also be great especially if you find the pressure on the belly to be painful when lying in various sleeping positions. The best thing to do in this case is buying supporting pillows for various supporting positions and always ensure that they are comfortably soft but firm enough not to yield under pressure.
Things to Consider Before buying a side sleeper pillow
There are a few things that you should consider when buying a side sleeper pillow and they are as follows:
- Pillow Size
When buying these side sleeper pillows some of us opt for the largest size available. Most of the awesome side sleeper pillow come in two or more of the common pillow sizes which are standard, queen or king sizes. King-sized pillows are ideal as body pillow but there are still many standard-sized ones that will work just fine as body pillows.
- Pillow stuffing and cover material
There are various materials used for pillow-stuffing and covering and they are all good in different ways. Some materials are great for support while others are ideal for comfort. It is always about what you want more and what material offers what.
- Personal requirements
As you shop for your side sleeper pillow consider personal requirements as well. You could be pregnant, experiencing back pains or just require comfort for maximum sleep. For pregnant women, for example, full-body pillows are great for support.
You could also be a great fan of plush and luxurious sleeping sensation and there are pillows that offer exactly that like latex pillows. However, if you want contouring and don’t move a lot during sleep, a regular memory-foam pillow will do just fine.
Closely examine what you personally need in a pillow and you will take home the best side sleeper pillow for you.
The Benefits of having a side sleeping pillow
Using a specific pillow that is tailor-made for a specific sleeping position has many benefits. Many sleepers love relaxing on their side and these side sleeping pillows accord them the following benefits.
- Ease of neck and shoulder pain.
Neck and shoulder pains are common issues that affect many people. The chief cause of these pains is a wrong sleeping position with pillows that don’t offer comfort and support. Side sleeping has been known to ease neck, back, and shoulder pain thanks to the side sleeping pillows which offer support and relief to the pressure points.
- Effective Spinal alignment.
Side sleeping pillows have also been known to help in spinal alignment by easing the tension and pressure between the body and the mattress. This is also very important because it automatically lessens the pain and stiffness that you could be experiencing on your upper body.
Also, remember that lack of proper spine alignment could translate to a range of conditions. You can start feeling pain in your back, neck, lower back, hips, and on your shoulders. Morning headaches are also a result of wrong spine alignment, and these can very quickly turn to chronic conditions that you definitely don’t want to experience. Ultimately, a permanent misalignment as a result of extended improper sleeping position is one of the things that could seriously harm your overall lifestyle.
- Tackles snoring problem
The snoring problem often happens because of the wrong sleeping position. Snoring happens because the tongue moves right back into your throat while you are sleeping. Back sleeping is often times attributed to this.
However when you discover that you can sleep comfortably on your side thanks to a good side sleeping pillow then snoring problems will be no more. However, if you continue snoring even after comfortably side sleeping just seek a medical solution.
Conclusion
And now after examining the ten best pillows for side sleepers, we announce the best one which is none other than our number one and that is Coop Home Goods – PREMIUM Adjustable Loft – Shredded Hypoallergenic Certipur Memory Foam Pillow
This pillow is great for side sleeping because is adjustable, with a washable cover, hypoallergenic construction and very safe to use thanks to its CertiPUR-US Certified Foam.
The manufacturers are so confident in this product that they offer a 30-day trial period and an unbelievable 5-year warranty which says a lot about its durability. It also offers most of the important features that the other pillows on this list lack in one way or another.
As clearly seen the choice of pillow contributes a lot to the quality of sleep. Consider all of the above factors next time you go shopping for the ideal side-sleeping pillow.
Best Sleeping Position for Side Sleepers
You might have prepared your room with just the right lighting soothing music, enough food in your belly and are tired enough to sleep but the position that you sleep in makes sleep elusive or makes you wake up with an ache on your neck, shoulder and back.
Side sleeping is one of the most common positions for sleeping because it is usually the most comfortable. It is actually the best way to sleep especially when it comes to spinal support. If you are pregnant or a heavy snorer then side sleeping is recommended over back sleeping.
However despite side sleeping being the best and most comfortable position still many side sleepers toss, turn and wake up with an ache in their neck, shoulder or back. This results in poor sleep quality and in some cases, it has been the cause of wrinkles and even sagging breasts.
Is there a best side for side sleeping?
Good side sleeping should be accompanied by proper spinal alignment. The spine shouldn’t bend in any way because that means it will be straining. It also shouldn’t be locked in an unnatural position because that results in pain.
Before you sleep on your side, ensure that your mattress supports the curved areas which are mainly your neck and your waist. Remember that the muscles and ligaments of your back usually relax and heal when you are asleep. Make sure your posture is good and adequately supports your neck and waist so that your spine can be well aligned during that restorative sleep period.
Side sleeping tips
- Get The Ideal Mattress
The mattress is the number one influencer of the quality of sleep. If you have to replace your mattress for one that adequately supports your body. Fill the space under your neck or waist areas using a rolled towel to avoid experiencing strain on your spine. Your mattress should also be supportive and firm but at the same time gentle under your pressure points.
- Get the ideal side sleeping pillow
Find the best pillow for your head and neck. The best side sleeping pillow should adequately support your head and neck in order to keep your entire spine in the right position as you sleep. Your pillow should support the curve on your neck. Your head should neither be curved down nor be propped up too high. To ensure that you are comfortable, your ear, shoulder, and hips should be aligned.
Go for larger pillows if your shoulders are large. If your pillow is too high or too flat you might experience muscle strain on your neck back and shoulders. Find an adjustable pillow if you can so that you can side sleep left or right.
- Get more support with a thin pillow between your knees.
Your upper leg could be getting inadequate support and might get pulled down resulting to an unaligned spine with more strain on the hips and lower back, simply use a pillow between your knees. This will result in a more comfortable feeling.
- Morning stretches are great
As soon as you wake up, do some stretching. As a side sleeper often times you could have curled up in the fetal position when sleeping. The morning stretch will reduce any accumulated muscle tension and enhance your mood. All creaks and pains might actually go away with some good stretches.
Right Side or Left Side?
Many of you might be wondering, is there really a difference whether you sleep on the right side or on the left side? The truth is that yes, it does matter. The side you choose to sleep on will affect your health in a way. Left side sleepers have a lower risk of heartburn and acid reflux. Doctors actually recommend pregnant women to sleep on their left side for better blood flow.
Do not despair if you happen to be a right side sleeper because you can train your body to stick to that side. All you need to do is simply spend a few nights sleeping on the couch. For better results place a full body pillow behind you to enable you to adjust better to sleeping on the left side.
There are doctors who discourage side sleeping because it happens to cause damage to the rotator cuff on the shoulder. However, hurting your shoulder will only occur if your pillow doesn’t provide adequate neck support. Check the pillow on your neck, the one between your knees and the one in front of your stomach to ensure that they offer adequate support.
Fetal Position Sleeping
The fetal position is the most common side sleeping position. However, the disadvantage comes when the sleeper is curled up too tight. This can result in the restriction of the diaphragm resulting in difficulty in breathing deeply. If you happen to have arthritis you will experience more discomfort or pain when you are curled up tighter. The only thing you can do to solve this is stretching out a bit and avoid tucking your chin too close and never pull up your knees too high.
Is side sleeping the best?
Side sleeping is perfect for people experiencing chronic back pain, acid reflux or sleep apnea and anyone who is expectant.
The airways stay open, your head and neck stay aligned and your esophagus remains slightly elevated when you sleep on your side. All that results in a better quality of sleep because you will not experience any sleep apnea, acid reflux or snoring. Actual doctors have recommended side sleeping as one of the forms of treatment for snoring and mild cases of sleep apnea.
The Side Sleeping Downside
Like with everything good there is also a downside when it comes to side sleeping. When your face is pressed against the pillow, you could experience facial wrinkles. For women, sleeping on your side might result in your breasts leaning downward and resulting in breast sagging.
Also, the disadvantages of fetal sleep position which is also a form of side sleeping also apply as a downside. Curling up tighter in a fetal sleep position results in breathing restrictions and more discomfort if you have arthritis.
As a side sleeper choose the position with more advantages. It is clear that the left side sleeping is the best. Consider all the advantages and take measures as explained in this article, to ensure that you have the best side sleeping experience every night.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article !