Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Welcome, side sleepers! If you’re reading this, that means you’re well on your way to finding the right pillow to support you in your go-to position. Yes, it’s true that there are literally hundreds — maybe thousands — of options out there, but I’ve saved you some time and energy by rounding up the 10 that I think are the absolute best pillows for side sleepers.

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

• Best Overall – Saatva Latex Pillow
• Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers – Luxome LAYR Pillow
• Best Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
• Best Affordable Pillow for Side Sleepers – Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow
• Best Pillow for Neck Pain for Side Sleepers – Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
• Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers – Brooklinen Marlow Pillow
• Best Medium-Firm Pillow for Side Sleepers – Lagoon Otter Pillow
• Best for Back Sleepers / Side Sleepers – TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
• Best Organic Pillow for Side Sleepers – Birch Organic
• Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers – Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers Video Review

What We Look For In The Pillows for Side Sleepers

Best Overall Pillow – Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow

A fluffable mix of down-alternative and Talalay latex makes this pillow cozy, cool, and great for combo sleepers.

Sleepopolis Score

4.80 / 5

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The Saatva Latex pillow is supportive in multiple positions, including side sleeping. It features a unique dual-layer design wherein an inner pillow is tucked inside an outer pillow, and they complement each other to offer balanced support.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• The outer pillow is filled with a down-alternative that feels soft to the touch. The core of the pillow is filled with shredded Talalay latex.
• The latex offers a springy feel that serves as the support system, while the down-alternative makes this pillow fluffy and foldable.
• Side sleepers are bound to enjoy the way this pillow-in-pillow design maintains its lofty build and medium-firm feel.

Price: $165–$185, with a 1-year limited warranty.

What Customers Say

The Saatva Natural Latex Pillow is a popular choice among back and side sleepers. Many reviewers praised its ability to alleviate shoulder and neck pain. Customers also often highlight the excellent service they receive. However, some users think it is too pricey, and combination sleepers have noted that it may not provide the best comfort for stomach sleeping.

Think this pillow is the perfect fit for you? Check out our full Saatva pillow review for all the details. And take a look at our Saatva mattress review while you’re at it. You can also check out our other picks for the best pillows.

Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers – Luxome LAYR Pillow

Luxome LAYR Pillow

The LUXOME LAYR Pillow is a customizable option with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam and naturally cooling bamboo.

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One of the best parts about the Luxome LAYR Pillow is its adjustability. Side sleepers can add or remove the pillow’s inserts of varying firmnesses until they reach the ideal loft. Anyone who overheats at night should love that the medium and firm inserts, which include memory foam, are gel-infused for cooling. And the Luxome LAYR pillow comes outfitted with a naturally-cooling bamboo viscose cover.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• Luxome offers free and speedy shipping on all orders in the contiguous U.S.
• All of the covers are removable and washable.
• The Luxome LAYR pillow is made with hypoallergenic materials, making it a stellar option for those suffering from allergies.

Price: $120–$150, with a 30-night sleep trial.

What Customers Say

Many reviewers enjoy the LAYR Pillow’s adjustable support and enhanced cooling capabilities. Some side sleepers have reported that, while it is a comfortable pillow, it took a while to find the perfect adjustment for them. While the versatility is a strong point, a few users find the process of switching between the various comfort settings to be somewhat complex.

Our full Luxome LAYR pillow review is coming soon. In the meantime, check out our roundup for the best cooling pillows.

Best Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Combo sleepers can enjoy light, buoyant support to ease neck and back pain in every position!

Sleepopolis Score

4.70 / 5

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Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex pillow is made from natural materials and can be purchased with either a high or low loft. I chose this pillow because the latex foam offers a responsive and supportive feel to promote a neutral spinal alignment for side sleepers, while still offering some contouring for comfort.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• The ability to choose a high or low loft makes this pillow a good choice for side sleepers, as well as sleepers in every other position.
• Eco-friendly shoppers should love this pillow, which contains sustainably sourced and hypoallergenic materials.
• Talalay latex foam is naturally cooling, making it a nice choice for hot sleepers, too.

Price: $89–$99, with a 3-year warranty and 30-night trial.

What Customers Say

The Brooklyn Bedding Latex Pillow is a favorite among many side sleepers because of its soft feel and exceptional support. Many side sleepers say it keeps their necks aligned and shoulders comfortable through the night, reducing pain during the day. However, some users find it too tall and firm for their personal preference.

Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow review. If you are interested in learning more about latex pillow, check out our recommendations for the best latex pillows.

Best Affordable Pillow for Side Sleepers – Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow

Coop Eden Pillow

With cooling Lulltra fabric and shredded gel-infused memory foam fill, this down alternative pillow from Coop Sleep Goods is great for hot sleepers, side sleepers, and back sleepers.

Sleepopolis Score

4.60 / 5

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Those wanting a luxury feel without the luxury cost should set their sights on the Eden pillow by Coop Sleep Goods. For under $100, you can experience a balanced feel, a cooling cover, and quality materials. It’s filled with shredded memory foam that’s hypoallergenic, CertiPUR-US certified, and GREENGUARD Gold certified.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• The loft is adjustable, so you can choose what height is most comfortable for side sleeping.
• This pillow contours well around the head and neck.
• You should feel plushness from the foam and ample support from its medium feel.

Price: $96, with a 100-night home trial and 5-year warranty.

What Customers Say

The Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow is a popular choice for side sleepers, with many of them noting significant relief from neck pain thanks to its adjustable loft. The cool-to-the-touch feel makes it even more comfortable throughout the night. However, some reviewers feel that the price point is a bit steep.

Read our full Coop Sleep Goods Eden pillow review for more information. And take a look at our roundup for the best affordable pillows.

Best Pillow for Neck Pain – Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow

Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow

The Eli & Elm side sleeper pillow is one of the best pillows for side sleepers. It’s constructed in a unique u-shape to support side sleepers’ heads and necks and reduce shoulder pain.

Sleepopolis Score

4.30 / 5

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The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper pillow is a great pick for folks who need help alleviating neck pain. With a boomerang-shaped, ergonomic design that conforms to the exact contours of your head, neck, and shoulders, it’s truly ideal for side sleeping.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• It has a cotton cover, and is filled with a blend of latex and polyester, which combine to create a plush yet supportive feel.
• While the pillow comes amply stuffed into a lofty build, sleepers have the option to adjust the internal fill to their liking.
• Despite its rather specific title, it’s great for back sleeping too.

Price: $120–$135.

What Customers Say

The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow is a home run among many side sleepers for its adjustable design that allows users to find the perfect fit for their needs. Many side sleepers reported significant relief from neck and shoulder pain. However, some users mention that it takes a bit of time to get used to the pillow’s unique shape and feel.

For the full scoop, be sure to check out our full Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper pillow review or our review of all the Eli & Elm pillows. If you have neck pain and want to check out some more options, you can look into the best pillows for neck pain roundup.

Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers – Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

The Marlow pillow from Brooklinen is filled with shredded foam and polyester fiber fill and uses a zippered design to offer an adjustable feel.

Sleepopolis Score

4.20 / 5

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The Brooklinen Marlow pillow offers a comfy, but supportive feeling that can be great for side sleepers in search of a memory foam pillow. Additionally, its shredded foam fill is gel-infused, which is beneficial for side sleepers who tend to overheat.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• The foam contours nicely to the head and neck, promoting spinal alignment.
• It’s adjustable, so sleepers can choose the right comfort level for them.
• The mix of shredded foam and polyester fiber provide a plush feel for comfort, but still provide neck support.

Price: $65–$85 with a 365-night trial.

What Customers Say

Customers love that the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow offers a unique adjustable feature that allows sleepers to customize their comfort without the hassle of adding or removing stuffing. Many appreciate this convenience, but some users feel that the zipper design limits their ability to fully tailor the pillow to their preferences. Additionally, a few sleepers find it to be on the firmer side.

Read our full Marlow pillow review to learn more. You can also look into our other top picks for the best memory foam pillows.

Best Medium-Firm Pillow for Side Sleepers – Lagoon Otter Pillow

Lagoon Otter Pillow

The Lagoon Otter pillow features a bamboo-blend cover and is filled with shredded gel-infused memory foam. It's also adjustable, so you can change the loft to suit your preferences.

Sleepopolis Score

4.80 / 5

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While many folks who sleep on their side prefer a firmer, higher lofted pillow so they can get a good amount of support and spinal alignment, there are definitely side sleepers out there who want something a touch softer. They might find just what they need in the medium-firm Lagoon Otter Pillow. It’s made of foam and offers a responsive, on-top-of-the-pillow feel while also adding contouring and sinkage.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• The memory foam is shredded and treated with cooling gel, which helps side sleepers stay cool.
• The Otter is adjustable, allowing you to customize the loft that works best for you.
• The foam is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, so side sleepers can rest assured that it was made with safe materials.

Price: $119–$139 with a 100-night trial.

What Customers Say

The Lagoon Otter Pillow has received a lot of praise from side sleepers for its supportive firmness and effective cooling properties. Many reviewers also note that it helped them eliminate neck pain. However, some users find it too fluffy and experience difficulty when trying to adjust the firmness to their liking.

See our Lagoon pillows review.

Best Pillow for Back Sleepers / Side Sleepers – TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

The TEMPUR-Neck is a molded memory foam pillow with an ergonomic shape designed to follow the natural curvature of the body.

Sleepopolis Score

3.90 / 5

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Looking for a pillow to better support the neck? Well, look no further than the TEMPUR-Neck pillow. As the name suggests, it’s all about neck support and preventing pain in that area. This pillow’s ergonomic wave-shaped design features one taller end, which is placed under the neck to provide that sturdy support.

Now, I already recommended a pillow that’s good for combination sleepers (people who switch between all three sleeping positions). But I found that the TEMPUR-Neck pillow is an especially nice fit for those who change between just their back and their side.

Why It’s Good for Back/Side Combo Sleepers

• The ergonomic memory foam keeps the neck supported without causing any craning.
• It has a slow-sinking memory foam that’s comfortable for side sleepers. But it still has a firm feel, thus creating enough support for back sleepers.
• It comes in three different sizes, so you can pick the right one for you.

Price: $109–$149 with a 5-year warranty.

What Customers Say

Many side sleepers hold the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow in high regard for its ability to relieve neck tension and reduce pain. Other reviewers found it to be a good pillow for arthritis. On the other hand, some users feel that the pillow is either too hard or too small for their preferences.

Check out our full review of the TEMPUR-Neck pillow for more information. If you want more information on pillows for back sleepers, you can check out our top picks for the best pillows for back sleepers.

Best Organic Pillow for Side Sleepers – Birch Organic Pillow

Birch Organic Pillow

The Birch Organic pillow is a GREENGUARD Gold certified product that is a great for back and side sleepers.

Sleepopolis Score

4.10 / 5

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From the cover fabric to the internal fill, this entire pillow is made from organic materials. The cover is made from 100 percent organic cotton, which means no genetically modified cotton seeds or synthetic pesticides were used to make it. It’s filled with a mix of ethically sourced wool, and natural shredded Talalay latex.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• The combination of wool and Talalay latex make for a fluffy, medium-firm feel and high loft that offers a good level of support for side sleepers’ heads and necks.
• Pure wool is thermoregulating, which means it adapts to your body’s temperature.
• The mix of shredded latex and wool make this pillow moldable, allowing you to shape it around your head and neck.

Price: $99–$119, with a 1-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial.

What Customers Say

Many sleepers are fans of the Birch Organic Pillow, thanks to its high-quality materials and generous 100-night trial period. Customers have also noted that it is a good fit for back and side combination sleepers. However, others wish that it had a zipper for easier height adjustments.

If you’re looking for an organic pillow that won’t go flat while you snooze, I suggest you check our full Birch Organic pillow review for all the details.

Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers – Nest Easy Breather Pillow

Nest Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow

The Nest Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, which can be removed to adjust the loft. The pillow is made in a unique boomerang-style shape, an ergonomic design specific to side sleepers.

Sleepopolis Score

4.50 / 5

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The Nest Bedding Easy Breather pillow is made of shredded memory foam, so you can adjust the loft to fit your preferences. All you have to do to is remove some of the fill that’s included inside, which can be done by unzipping the pillow and taking the foam out by hand. No matter how much fill you choose to use (or not use), the Nest Easy Breather pillow offers great support and provides contouring around the neck. The shredded fill in this pillow also promotes airflow, so body heat shouldn’t be trapped near the sleeper’s face.

Why It’s Good for Side Sleepers

• The adjustability of this pillow allows side sleepers to keep a high loft on their pillow. This will keep their head and neck elevated during the night.
• The memory foam feel of the Nest Easy Breather allows this pillow to have some squish to it, which is great for side sleepers who like extra plushness around their face.
• By adjusting the loft to their own preferences, side sleepers can find the right fit to keep their spine in a neutral alignment during the night.

What Customers Say

The Easy Breather Pillow by Nest Bedding is a hit with customers for its machine-washable cover and adjustable height, allowing users to customize their comfort. Many have noted that its supportive firmness helps alleviate neck pain. However, some customers still find it too firm even after adjusting the fill.

Price: $89–$146 with a 30-night trial.

Read our full review of the Nest Bedding Easy Breather pillow to learn more. You can also look into our other recommendations for the best adjustable pillows to learn more.

How to Choose the Best Pillow for Side Sleeping

Now that you have a few pillows in mind, let’s discuss the methodology behind my picks. While a lot comes down to personal preference, consider the key factors below. And if you’ve already made your decision, you can check out my list of the best pillowcases to go with your pillow.

Loft

When shopping for a side sleeper pillow, the very first thing to pay attention to is the loft — or height — of its profile. The general rule of thumb is that side sleepers need a pillow with a higher loft of at least four inches in order to maintain a neutral spine alignment and relieve pressure at the shoulders.

If you’re shopping online, scroll through the brand’s website to find the “dimensions” info in order to determine the exact loft of a pillow. Or, if you’ve taken advantage of a brand’s trial period and are testing the pillow at home, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this pillow lofty enough to keep your spine in a straight line, or does your head sink below the shoulders?
• Is this pillow so lofty that it cranes your neck upwards, out of alignment with your spine?
• Is this pillow’s loft providing enough pressure relief for your shoulders?

Remember, your pillow’s most important job is to promote healthy posture, and a side sleeper pillow should be the right height to hold your head in neutral alignment with your spine. For more info about healthy sleeping posture, be sure to check out my guide to picking the best pillow for your position. And if you’re not sure what loft you’d prefer, check out some adjustable loft pillow options.

Firmness

The next thing I look at is firmness. Loft and firmness go hand in hand. Why? Well, think of it this way: A high-lofted pillow won’t stay lofty for long if it’s too soft to maintain its shape. And the softer a pillow is, the more it’s going to compress under the weight of your head.

That’s why side sleepers need a pillow with a firmer level of support. A pillow with a medium-firm, firm, or even extra firm rating is going to do a better job of maintaining its loft, which serves to keep your head aligned with your neck and spine. So look for firm pillows that don’t compress too far under your weight while you shop.

Support

Loft and firmness level work hand in hand to create support. It’s crucial for side sleepers to find a pillow that offers them appropriate neck support. You don’t want to crane your neck up or down as you sleep, as this can lead to pain over time. A pillow that properly supports your head and neck will help you achieve a neutral spinal alignment, which can help prevent neck and back pain. Generally, a high loft and firm feel will provide appropriate support for side sleepers.

Pressure Relief

While you want a supportive pillow, you’ll also want one that offers a bit of pressure relief. If you pick a pillow that’s too firm, you could end up with a sore ear or stiff neck. Make sure you feel comfortable with the amount of cushion your pillow is offering around the side of your head.

Keep in mind that a pillow that offers soft support might let your head and neck sink below your shoulders. This will actually increase pressure around your shoulders, which can feel uncomfortable over time. So a pillow that offers firm support will actually offer more pressure relief in your shoulder area.

Shape

While you can feel comfortable on a standard-shaped pillow regardless of your preferred sleep position, some brands offer alternatively shaped pillows specifically designed for side sleepers. If you struggle with neck pain, you may want to consider an ergonomically designed side sleeper pillow. These pillows often feature a u-shape that fits around your shoulder and reduces pressure around your neck. If that appeals to you, take another look at the Eli & Elm pillow above.

Cooling

A breathable pillow is important for all kinds of sleepers. If you’re a hot sleeper you may want to opt for pillows made of materials like latex or gel-infused memory foam, which tend to sleep cool. You might also want to consider pillows made with covers that encourage airflow. Take a look at our best cooling pillows to learn more about choosing a breathable pillow option.

Pillow Wash Care

You’ll also want to consider pillow wash care when choosing a pillow for side sleeping. Many of the best side sleeping materials (like memory foam) are spot-clean only. I would recommend opting for a pillow with a removable and machine-washable cover as a way to keep wash care simple.

Fill

Speaking of materials, choosing the right fill for your pillow is quite important for side sleepers. I’ll go over how the different pillow fill materials perform for side sleepers in the next section, but first let’s take a minute to talk about whether or not to choose an adjustable fill as a side sleeper.

It’s not mandatory, but choosing a pillow with an adjustable fill allows you to manipulate the loft and firmness in order to fit your exact needs. Again, this isn’t necessary, but you may find that being able to customize the internal fill of your pillow helps you reach your perfect comfort zone.

For example, if you find your pillow to be too lofty or firm, simply unzip the cover and remove as much internal fill as you like. In my experience, it can take a little trial and error in order to find the perfect level of support. But trust me, a good night’s sleep is worth the effort.

What Pillow Firmness Level is Best for Side Sleepers?

What firmness is right for you depends on your body type, preferences, and how you sleep. However, for side sleepers, I generally suggest a firmer pillow can help keep your head and neck aligned. The firmer pillow will help you promote neutral spinal alignment across the back and neck. I also recommend that you opt for a pillow that’s 4–6 inches high to prevent neck strain.

Choosing the Right Pillow Materials for Side Sleeping

The pillow fill material you choose has a big impact on how your pillow feels. While the right loft and firmness level for side sleepers are fairly universal, fill materials can impact more specific preferences. For example, do you want a pillow that feels warm or cool? Bouncy or moldable? Let’s go over a few different pillow materials:

Memory Foam

Memory foam pillows have a slow response to pressure and offer a lot of body-contouring. In my opinion, the best memory foam pillows with a high loft are some of the best options available to side sleepers. Memory foam has a tendency to trap heat, but choosing a gel-infused foam or a pillow that uses a shredded memory foam fill (instead of a solid block of foam) can help mitigate these heat trapping tendencies.

Poly foam

Poly foam is a little more responsive than memory foam, and is often less dense. If you’re looking for a foam feel but don’t like a lot of body-contouring, a poly foam pillow could be a nice option for you. But keep in mind that poly foam is often a little less durable than other foams, so your pillow may not last as long.

Latex

Latex pillows are naturally cooling and hypoallergenic. They have a very bouncy feel that sleepers who like to feel “on top of” their pillow should prefer. Latex offers less sinkage than most other pillow materials, so it could be a supportive option for many side sleepers. Check out our best latex pillows roundup to learn more about this material.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls and naturally feel very firm. If you prefer fluff and softness, this is not the pillow material for you. But buckwheat pillows are often great options for side sleepers, as they’ll stay supportive for a long time. In fact, a high-quality buckwheat pillow can last up to 10 years. These pillows can also be very helpful with combatting neck or back pain. Learn more in our best buckwheat pillows roundup.

Feather

Feather pillows are cooling, fluffy, and soft. They’re a little denser than down or down alternative pillows, which can make them more moldable. You can find flat or overstuffed feather pillows, so side sleepers after fluffiness and malleability should be able to find a feather pillow that meets their loft and firmness needs. Check out our best feather pillows roundup to see a few options.

Down / Down Alternative

Down and down alternative pillows often feel soft, fluffy, and luxurious. Down alternative pillows offer a similar fluffy feel, but are more eco-friendly. You also don’t have to research manufacturing and sourcing to be sure that your new down alternative pillows are cruelty-free.

Since down compresses more easily than other pillow materials, I recommend it more for back sleepers and stomach sleepers than side sleepers. However, a firmer down option can also work for side sleeping. Our best down pillows and best down alternative pillows roundups include some great side sleeping options.

How to Position Your Pillows as a Side Sleeper

Before you drift off to sleep, consider positioning your pillows like this to improve your sleep posture and prevent pain.

• When you lie down on your pillow, make sure your ears are in line with your shoulders and your chin is neutrally positioned. Tucking your chin against your chest or curving your neck down can lead to pain over time.
• Place a second pillow between your knees and lift them up towards your chest. This helps keep pressure off your knees and hips, which means your back will stay straighter at night.
• Make sure your arms and hands are below your shoulders. Some people find hugging another pillow near their waists can make this more comfortable. You can also try using a body pillow as a between the legs and under the arm solution.

Avoiding Neck Pain

If you struggle with neck pain, you should try to stick to the tips above to reduce pain. If you’ve replaced your old pillows and are maintaining the sleep posture suggested above, but still struggle with neck pain, you might want to consider training to sleep on your back. Back-sleeping is often best for maintaining a healthy posture and avoiding pain. You might also want to check out some of the best pillows for neck pain.

More Resources for Side Sleepers

• Best mattress for side sleepers
• Best mattress for shoulder pain
• Best mattress for hip pain
• Best orthopedic pillows
• A guide to better sleep with hip pain
• Mattress firmness guide
• Mattress glossary

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Amelia Jerden

Senior Staff Writer

About Author

Amelia is a Senior Staff Writer for Sleepopolis. She primarily covers bedding and sleep accessory products in reviews, how-to guides, and more. You can also find her over on the Sleepopolis YouTube channel. Amelia is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with double majors in media and journalism and in dramatic art. Outside of work, Amelia can usually be found on a hike, traveling to a new city, or at her local thrift store.

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