Best Pillow for Side Sleepers That Support Your Next and Relieve Pressure

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers: Detailed Reviews

Now that we have highlighted each pillow brand’s major offerings, let’s take a closer look at these top contenders, which will have you dreaming sweetly all night.

1. PlushBeds Contoured Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Overall

Overview

PlushBeds’ three-fold mission is simple: make a better product in a better way, change how America sleeps, and use their voice to inspire change. Let’s see how that works with their pillows.

Unique Features

If you’re a side sleeper who has ever woken up with neck pain, PlushBeds’ hope of changing how America sleeps is all about you.

The ergonomically designed contoured side sleep pillow provides neck support, relieves shoulder pressure, and promotes the comfort you need to sleep all night long.

Stuffed with responsive latex and natural Shropshire wool and covered with a 300-thread-count cotton cover, this state-of-the-art pillow is all about sleeping cool, dry, and in utmost comfort.

Plus, everything in this pillow is sustainable and cruelty-free, so you can sleep without the threat of harmful chemicals.

Promo

Normally, the contoured side sleep pillow retails for $219, but now you can have it for just $164, and it comes with a generous 5-year warranty.

Customer Support Info

PlushBeds customer service can answer your questions toll-free at 1-888-286-3404, 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.

>>Save $55 on a PlushBeds Contoured Side Sleeper Pillow

2. PlushBeds CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers – Best Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers With Sleep Apnea

Overview

If you suffer from the uncomfortable and sometimes frightening malady of sleep apnea and need a CPAP machine, then PlushBeds has something that might make you sleep easier. It’s their specially designed CPAP pillow for side sleepers, and we’ll tell you all about it.

Unique Features

With a built-in contour to accommodate the mask and hose of a CPAP machine, this special pillow also features a special cut-out area to help relieve the pressure on the shoulder you sleep on.

This pillow is adjustable to the height you desire. Its breathable cotton cover will ensure that you are cool, comfortable, and dry all night. Plus, it’s machine washable.

Promo

The PlushBeds CPAP pillow for side sleepers usually sells for $219, but now you can save $55 and have it for just $164. In addition, there’s a 5-year warranty to help you sleep a little easier.

Customer Support Info

PlushBeds customer service can answer your questions toll-free at 1-888-286-3404, 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.

>>Save $55 on a PlushBeds CPAP Pillow

3. Eco Terra Buckwheat Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers

Overview

Founded in 2016 in Los Angeles, California, Eco Terra specializes in latex foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and bedding accessories made from sustainable and organic materials.

Unique Features

If you’re a side sleeper and tend to sleep hot, then the Eco Terra Buckwheat Pillow is for you. That’s because organic buckwheat hulls provide the best cooling neck support. In addition, each of the 3D-shaped hulls also works as a tiny cushion for superior head and neck padding.

This pillow is also adjustable. Simply use the provided cotton bag to fine-tune the support and height of your pillow. If tension is also an issue, buckwheat pillows are a time-honored method of soothing migraine sufferers.

Promo

The Eco Terra Buckwheat Pillow usually costs $114, but you can save up to $34 and get it for just $80. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.

Customer Support Info

Eco Terra customer service is available on the site via chat or toll-free at 1-888-605-0096 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.

>>Save $34 on an Eco Terra Buckwheat Pillow

4. Leesa Ultra Cool Memory Foam Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers

Overview

With a motto of “Better sleep, better world,” Leesa has been trying to keep America rested since its inception in 2014 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Since then, it has amassed over 20,000 5-star customer reviews.

Unique Features

This premium memory foam pillow features Leesa’s Quick-contouring design that cradles your head, neck, and shoulders to ensure a restful and therapeutic night’s sleep.

The innovative cooling technology of this pillow will also keep you cool and comfy, no matter how hot you’ve slept before. This is because cooling gel and copper-infused foam are injected into the pillow to provide not just ultimate breathability but also antimicrobial benefits.

Promo

The Leesa Ultra Cool Memory Foam Pillow usually sells for $129, but now you can save $26 and have it for just $103. This includes free shipping, a 30-day, risk-free trial, and a 1-year limited warranty.

Customer Support Info

Customer care is available Monday through Friday from 10 am to 7 pm EST and Weekends from 11 am to 7 pm at 1-844-33-LEESA (1-844-335-3372).

>>Save $26 for a Leesa Ultra Cool Memory Foam Pillow

5. Nolah Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers With Arm Under Pillow

Overview

With backgrounds in sleep science and product design, Daniel Galle and Anna Hjoelland established Nolah in 2016 to improve America’s wellness through good sleep,

Unique Features

This is the ultimate adjustable pillow. It is filled with contouring shredded foam and can be easily adjusted to your unique sleep needs by simply adding or removing foam. Find the perfect loft, firmness level, and feel quickly and easily.

This adjustable shredded foam pillow is refreshingly cool, thanks to its unique and breathable design. If you have stiff neck problems too often in the morning, this pillow cradles your neck and shoulders for the ultimate alignment and support.

Promo

The Nolah Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow usually retails for $119, but now you can have it for only $83 (a $36 savings). Plus, you’ll get free shipping and a 2-year warranty.

Customer Support Info

Nolah representatives can speak to you via email, chat, or by phone at 866-403-6615 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.

>>Get the Nolah Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow here

6. Bear Contour Pillow – Best Firm Pillow for Side Sleepers

Overview

Founded in 2015 by Scott Paladini, Bear’s mission is simple. They merely hope to empower their customers with sleep products that will bring them health and a wealth of relaxation. If you have an active lifestyle and value your rest, then let Bear help you hibernate.

Unique Features

The ergonomic contours of this unique pillow are specifically designed to support your head, neck, and spine for better circulation and a sound night’s sleep.

If you’re a hot sleeper, this contour pillow will help you sleep cooler due to its cool-to-the-touch ICE Fabric, which is made to keep you aerated all night long. Plus, the unique U-shape cut-out that contours the neck and shoulders is ideal for both side and back sleepers.

Promo

The Bear Contour Pillow usually sells for $125, though now you can save up to $43 and have it for just $82. It also comes with free shipping and a 2-year warranty.

Customer Support Info

Bear customer service can be reached Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm EST at 844-311-0035

>>Save $43 on a Bear Contour Pillow

7. Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Back Sleepers

Overview

Brooklyn Bedding’s story began in 1995 when the Merwin brothers began refurbishing mattresses, buying up closeout brands, and generally trying to help Americans sleep without breaking the bank.

They eventually started making their products and named the company after John Merwin’s daughter, not the borough in N.Y.C.

Unique Features

This luxury cooling memory foam pillow is designed to adjust to your every move and luxuriously cradle your shoulders, neck, and head for perfect comfort.

With an infusion of cooling gel, any excess heat while you sleep will also be neutralized, so you’ll sleep cool and comfy all night long. Plus, the copper-infused foam, which is also included, will keep you germ—and dust mite-safe with its formidable anti-microbial properties.

Available in both high- and low-loft models, this is the best pillow for side or back sleepers.

Promo

Normally retailing for $129, this pillow is now available for $96.75, which is more than $32 off. You’ll also get free shipping, a 120-night sleep trial, and a limited lifetime warranty.

Customer Support Info

The customer reps at Brooklyn Bedding can be contacted at 1-623-624-1222 for any questions you may have.

>>Save $32 on the Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow

8. Helix Talalay Latex Pillow – Best Pillow for Side and Stomach Sleepers

Overview

Jerry Lin, Adam Tishman, and Kristian von Rickenbach started Helix in 2015. It offers personalized mattresses based on a customer’s body type, sleep position, and preferred feel.

Unique Features

The Helix Talalay Latex Pillow is designed to fit all sleep styles, and you can choose a loft tailored explicitly for the support you need.

Its natural, breathable premium TENCEL cover will keep you cool and moisture-free by promoting superior airflow all night, no matter your sleeping position. And if you have allergies, this pillow is made with hypoallergenic fibers that resist mold, bacteria, and dust mites.

Promo

The Helix Talalay Latex Pillow usually sells for $89, but current buyers can get a 20% discount. It also comes with free shipping, a 30-night sleep trial, and a one-year limited warranty.

Customer Support Info

Helix can be reached via phone at 831-777-5976 from 11 am-6 pm ET Monday through Friday.

>>Save 20% on a Helix Talalay Latex Pillow

9. Layla Memory Foam Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers With Neck Pain

Overview

Founded in 2016 by sleep pioneer Akrum Sheikh, Layla is mostly known for its flippable memory foam mattress. But like many other cutting-edge sleep experts, it has also expanded into other sleep accouterments like bedding and pillows. Let’s talk about its pillows.

Unique Features

If you’re a side sleeper prone to neck pain, the Layla shredded memory foam pillow is the absolute bomb.

Made of a mix of open-cell memory foam and an eminently breathable polyester cover, sleeping on this pillow is as cool and airy as sleeping on a cloud. Plus, if you have a sensitive nose and an excessively neat nature, the cover of this super comfy pillow zips off easily for washing.

Last but not least, the Layla Memory Foam Pillow is also adjustable. That way, you find that critical point where your neck is perfectly aligned with the rest of your spinal cord so you can drift right off to la-la land.

Promo

Usually retailing for $89, the Layla Memory Foam Pillow is now available for just $59, with free shipping and a 30-night money-back guarantee.

Customer Support Info

Layla customer support can be reached via phone or chat at 855-358-1676 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.

>>Get $30 off the Layla Memory Foam Pillow

10. Nectar Tri-comfort Cooling Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers With Cervical Spine Issues

Overview

Established in 2015 as an offspring of the Resident Home Family of bedding companies, Nectar quickly established itself as a place where memory foam or hybrid mattress aficionados could find their dreams.

And let’s not forget pillows.

Unique Features

If you’re unsure whether you need a soft, medium, or firm pillow or want to experiment and adjust the support you need, the Nectar Tri-comfort pillow will satisfy you no matter what.

That’s because Nectar’s patented ComfortZip technology lets you switch back and forth with just a zipper pull. For firm support, zip up both sides, for medium undo one, and for soft undo both.

Plus, the cool-to-the-touch cover is designed to reduce heat, wick away moisture, and boost overall breathability, giving you a supportive, cool, and totally restful sleep.

Promo

The Standard size Nectar Tri-comfort Cooling Pillow costs $129, and the King size costs $149. Plus, you’ll get a 365-night home trial, a 1-year warranty, and free shipping.

Customer Support Info

Nectar customer support can be reached 7 days a week via email, chat, or toll-free at 1-888-863-2827.

>>Enjoy a 365-night trial for a Tri-comfort cooling pillow

11. Purple Pillow – Best Pillow for Adaptive Support

Overview

Founded by the Pearce brothers in 2015, the Purple mattress and bedding company was named after the color of the revolutionary new foam they discovered, Hyper-Elastic Polymer. Patented as GelFlex Grid technology, it revolutionized the foam bedding industry.

Unique Features

The Purple Pillow features Purple’s patented GelFlex Grid technology, which provides adaptive support that automatically adjusts to your head and neck.

In addition, this pillow has a pair of boosters that allow you to choose between 3 different sleep heights. The design also includes hundreds of air channels that keep air flowing for a cool and breathable sleep.

Last but not least, Hyper-Elastic Polymer is also durable and long-lasting, making the Purple Pillow not just a comfortable pillow but a dependable investment in your long-term sleep health.

Promo

The Purple standard-size pillow costs $249, and if you order a second one, you’ll get 10% off. Plus, there’s free shipping, a 100-night trial, and a 1-year warranty.

Customer Support Info

Purple support can answer any questions via chat or phone at 1-888-848-0248 or visit purple.com.

>>Get a 100-night sleep trial with the Purple Pillow

Things To Consider When Shopping for the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

Like a mattress, choosing the perfect pillow ensures proper spinal alignment and reduces neck pain. Some key factors to consider when searching for your ideal side sleeper pillow include:

Firmness

For side sleepers, a medium-firm or firm pillow is best for keeping your cervical spine properly aligned. Just as a medium-firm mattress has been shown to help prevent low back pain, a medium-firm pillow can also help maintain proper neck alignment, preventing neck strain.

A pillow that’s too soft can allow your head to sink too low, throwing off neck alignment and potentially leading to discomfort. To address these issues, you might also want to consider the best body pillow for side sleepers with back pain.

Material

Memory foam and latex are the most effective materials used in the best pillows for side sleepers. Both options can conform to the shape of your head and neck, providing comfort and support while also retaining their shape over time.

Shape

A popular design in the best pillow for side sleepers is a contoured shape with a curved area for the head to rest while the neck is supported just above the shoulder. This allows for proper cervical spine alignment and helps in reducing neck pain.

For even more comprehensive support, consider both the best knee pillow for side sleepers and the best body pillow for side sleepers. Using a knee pillow in conjunction with a body pillow helps align the hips and knees, reducing pressure on the lower back.

Cooling

For those who tend to sleep hot, it’s essential to have–alongside a cooling mattress–a pillow with a properly aerated cover. This feature lets air flow freely and effectively wicks away moisture so you can sleep comfortably and cool all night.

Loft

The loft of a pillow refers to its height, which is important to keep your head properly elevated and your spine aligned. To determine the best pillow height, consider your shoulder width. If you have broad shoulders, you may need a taller pillow loft.

Internal Fill

Everyone sleeps slightly differently, even after you’ve identified your most common sleep positions. That’s why the best pillow for side sleepers often contains fillers that can be inserted or removed to raise or lower your pillow to the proper height.

Wash Care

It is usually fine to use a washing machine to clean the cover of most memory foam and latex pillows, or you can put standard cotton pillow covers on them. At no time, though, should you put the actual foam in the washer, as it will likely disfigure its natural shape.

>>Save $55 on a PlushBeds Contoured Side Sleeper Pillow

Pillow Materials for Side Sleepers

For side sleepers, the right pillow material can significantly impact comfort and spinal alignment and improve overall sleep quality. Here’s a breakdown of popular pillow fillings and their suitability for side sleepers:

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a synthetic polyurethane foam that conforms to the shape of your head and neck to provide support when you lay on it, yet it is also firm enough to continually return to its original shape.

Down

Down pillows are filled with the soft substance that is underneath the feathers of ducks and geese. This material is usually very lightweight, soft, fluffy, and moldable to your head and neck. It is popular for those looking for the best pillow for side sleepers.

Down-Alternative

Down alternative pillows are usually filled with a synthetic substance known as polyfill, though some are also filled with natural fibers like kapok, silk, or bamboo.

Hybrid

This type of pillow combines various types of fillings, such as down, memory foam, and various other fibers, both synthetic and natural, to try and utilize the best of each in the perfect combination.

Latex

Latex pillows are made from natural sap excreted by the rubber tree. They are a natural alternative to memory foam that supplies firmness and adjustable support without manufactured synthetic ingredients.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat pillows are made from the hard outer shells of buckwheat seeds. When gathered together in a pillow, they mold to your head, neck, and shoulders. The shells are usually encased in a breathable cotton cover so you can have both a supportive and deep sleep.

Feather

As opposed to the best down pillow for side sleepers, a feather pillow uses the actual feathers of the birds. While these feathers are soft, their stems are solid quills that can stab through the pillow cover.

Poly Foam

Polyurethane foam, or “poly foam,” is a synthetically manufactured foam used to cushion furniture and fill pillows, among other things. It is cheaper than memory foam and designed to be compressible, resilient, and allow for more airflow.

What Firmness Is Best for Side Sleepers?

Medium to medium-firm pillows are considered the best pillows for side sleepers with back pain. A soft or too-firm pillow will either let the neck sink too far or hold it too high, causing your cervical spine to be out of alignment, leading to stiffness and pain. The best pillows for side sleepers should also be filled with either latex, memory foam, or poly foam.

>>Get the PlushBeds Contoured Side Sleeper Pillow here

How to Position Your Pillow as a Side Sleeper To Avoid Neck Pain

The most important thing to remember when positioning your pillow as a side sleeper is to ensure that your neck is not tilting either upwards or downwards. Either position would mean your spine is out of alignment, which could cause severe stiffness and neck pain.

Therefore, it is important to choose a pillow that is neither too thick nor too thin so that your head remains generally perpendicular to your shoulders.

Customer Testimonials

Here’s what customers online are saying about their experiences searching for the best pillow for side sleepers:

PlushBeds

Carolyn Kersbergen on Trustpilot gave PlushBeds a 5-star rating, saying her pillow was dreamy, she had no more neck pain, and it was also really comfortable [1].

A verified reviewer on the PlushBeds site claimed that the CPAP pillow she bought was the first one she’d encountered that worked with her CPAP machine [2].

Another Trustpilot reviewer had a different take, saying their pillow was a puff of air with no support or firmness [3].

Eco Terra

One reviewer on the official Eco Terra website rated the Buckwheat Pillow 5 stars, commending it for being comfortable and calm [4].

On Trustpilot, John S. was less satisfied, saying that not only did they accidentally order the wrong pillow, but the site has a no-return policy on pillows, no exceptions [5].

Leesa

Yun-Ju H. on the site raved that their neck and shoulder hurt far less now with their new Leesa pillow. However, Erik C. was less pleased, saying that they felt that their pillow was too thin for side sleepers [6].

Nolah

On the official website, Olivia felt their Nolah Sleep package was the perfect setup for side sleepers and, ultimately, a lifesaver [7]. On the other hand, a Nolah customer on Trustpilot warned future buyers to read the fine print (if you can find it) regarding warranties and returns [8].

Bear

Paula unabashedly proclaims she loves all Bear pillows, as does her husband. Meanwhile, James felt slightly different, saying they thought their Bear pillow had too much stuffing and hurt their neck [9].

Brooklyn Bedding

On the official site, Dianne H. loved their Brooklyn Bedding pillow, saying the high-loft version was perfect for side sleeping. That said, Kim G. took issue with the pillow’s cooling properties, saying it wasn’t quite as advertised [10].

Helix

Matthew S. was quite enamored of their pillow on the Helix website, saying it has given many a good night’s sleep since getting it. On the other hand, Daniel C. was not impressed with its cooling properties, saying, “Once you put a pillowcase on, it’s not any cooler than a normal pillow” [11].

Layla

Bonnie M., in her review on the product page, claimed their pillow is absolutely great and that she’s had no neck issues since using it [12]. On Truspilot, Kyra Saegusa was far less enthused, saying they bought 2 pillows and that less than 5 months later, both had lost more than ⅓ of their loft [13].

Nectar

In her review on the product page, Jessica R. said their Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow is simply the best pillow ever. However, Lyndsey G. felt that her pillow was reasonably comfortable but not as supportive as she had hoped [14].

Purple

A Purple customer review from the official site says the customer is in regular physical therapy and swears by the healing sleep he gets from the Purple Pillow. Another customer on the official site said they had high hopes, but ultimately, their Purple Pillow wasn’t for them [15].

>>Save $55 on a PlushBeds Contoured Side Sleeper Pillow

FAQs on the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

Here are some common questions customers have about the best pillow for side sleepers.

What Kind of Pillow Should Side Sleepers Use?

According to Chiropractors, the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain is a firm pillow that keeps their head in alignment with their spine [16].

What Pillow Do Chiropractors Recommend for Side Sleepers?

In an article on the Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth website, their chiropractors recommend that memory foam is the best pillow for side sleepers with shoulder pain [17]. That’s because it cradles the head and maintains its shape, thus reducing pressure on both the neck and shoulders.

How Often Should You Replace Your Pillows?

According to experts, it is wise to replace your pillow every year or two. Signs that it’s time to replace a pillow are lumps, discolorations, or neck pain. Replacing your pillow periodically also helps to reduce allergens and dust mites if you are allergic to them.

Are Memory Pillows Good for Side Sleepers?

Yes. Memory foam pillows are generally considered good for side sleepers because they can help keep the head high enough to stay in proper alignment with the rest of the spine.

Why Are Hotel Pillows So Comfortable?

Just like hotel mattresses, hotel pillows are considered comfortable because of several factors.

• They are usually made of high-quality materials like down and feather blends
• Hotel pillows are usually the proper combination of softness and support
• Hotel pillows are replaced frequently to maintain plushness
• They are often covered with high thread count cotton covers for softness and comfort

Do Side Sleepers Need a Firm or Soft Pillow?

The best pillow for side sleepers is usually firm to medium-firm so that the sleeper’s head can be raised adequately enough to maintain proper alignment with the shoulders. A soft pillow can often allow the head to go too low, putting improper strain on the neck.

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers: Conclusion

Hopefully, this collection of product reviews, customer feedback, and expert insights has been helpful in determining the best pillow for side sleepers. After all, you side sleepers out there are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to neck and shoulder pain from using an inappropriate pillow.

So, if you’re looking to improve the quality of your sleep and your overall health, here are 11 quality choices for the best pillow for side sleepers.

Whether you select our top pick, PlushBeds Contoured Side Sleeper Pillow, or any of the others, good luck and sweet dreams!

>>Save $55 on a PlushBeds Contoured Side Sleeper Pillow