Finding the perfect pillow to sleep with every night is almost as difficult as finding the perfect person to sleep with every night. At least pillows usually come with return policies. We kid! Pillow preference can make or break a good night’s sleep, and finding a pillow that fits your sleeping style is imperative to getting your zzz’s and waking up feeling rested.
What to Consider Before Buying a Pillow for Side Sleepers
There are different studies on the benefits of sleeping on your back versus your side, ranging from short-term pain to long-term health effects. But if you spend all night reading these articles, you probably won’t get any sleep anyway. If you feel more comfortable sleeping on your side, but still feel some discomfort, then you might want to get a pillow that’s made with side sleepers in mind. Fortunately, there are tons of great options.
How We Chose Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper, you need a pillow that will provide additional support for your upper body, including your neck and spine, with the ability to contour to your body. Some options have removable foam, so you can sleep at the best angle that won’t strain your neck. Others will have a particular shape that works best for side sleepers. For example, one of our favorite options is a crescent shape that leaves more space for your shoulders and neck as you lay your head on it. These are some of our favorite pillows for side sleepers.
1. Zoey Sleep Side Sleeper
This pillow from Zoey is specifically made with side sleepers in mind. It has a unique crescent-shaped design that allows your head to rest directly on the pillow and leaves space for your shoulders. The pillow contains shredded memory foam, and you can remove or add foam as needed to find the optimal loft that works best for you. The cover is breathable to keep you cool.
Pros: Shredded foam allows this pillow to contour to body shape better than more rigid pillows.
Cons: Memory foam can retain more heat than cotton or other materials.
2. UTTU Sandwich Pillow
This pillow from UTTU is a unique option that suits different sleeping styles. The unique curved shape ensures you get ample support throughout the night. What makes this pillow especially unique is the ability to remove the middle layer, meaning you can find the right loft for your head. UTTU’s pillows are Centi-PUR and OEKO-TEX certified, meaning you’ll sleep better for a variety of reasons.
Pros: Removable middle layer, more rigid.
Cons: 60% polyester cover may become too hot for some users.
3. Cushion Lab Extra Dense Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
The price of good quality pillows can keep you up at night, but with the Cushion Lab Extra Dense Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, customers get a great pillow designed for side sleepers at an affordable price. The pillow can be geared towards the individual sleeper by adding or taking away the Hyperfoam inserts, making the pillow totally customizable. The hypoallergenic pillow comes with a breathable, bamboo fiber cover that can easily be removed and thrown in the washing machine.
Pros: Machine-washable for easy maintenance.
Cons: If you prefer a more rigid structure, this is not the right pillow for you.
4. Sobella Best Side Sleeper Pillow
The Sobella Best Side Sleeper Pillow is a hotel-quality pillow that will make your bedroom feel like a resort getaway. The soft but firm pillow is designed for side sleepers and boasts a 300 thread count, with a polyester filling and cotton cover.
Pros: High thread count, middle-ground firmness. Cotton tends to be more breathable as a cover.
Cons: The polyester filling can get hot when compared to cotton or other materials.