Mattress Reviews 
Best Mattresses 
Compare Mattresses 
Accessory Reviews 
Sleep Science 
Sleep Disorders 
Sleep Tips 
Health 
When picturing the most comfortable pillow in the world, a cube probably isn’t the first shape that comes to mind. However, the innovators at Pillow Cube had something different in mind when developing their flagship Side Cube pillow. Its unusual, cube-shaped structure sets it apart from traditional pillows, promising better spinal alignment and targeted pressure relief for the shoulders and neck.
But does its innovative design deliver next-level comfort, or does it feel like sleeping on a block of cardboard?
To find out, our heroic product tester Dan Caffrey brought the box-shaped Pillow Cube home and evaluated it across several categories, including comfort, materials, ease of care, and overall value.
At Sleepopolis, we’ve been testing mattresses and sleep products since 2014, helping more than 60,000 people (and counting) discover the best mattresses and perfect pillows for them. Our team of certified sleep science coaches and expert testers has evaluated over 375 beds and countless sleep accessories using our proprietary, medically informed review methodology. We also collaborate with our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, to provide accurate advice for common sleep issues.
Read on to see how the Pillow Cube Side Cube performs in areas like pressure relief, cooling, and overall sleep quality.
Pillow Cube Side Cube
The Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro a great pillow for side sleepers. We tested the 5-inch loft version, but I’d say the 4-inch is best for those with narrow shoulders, while those with broad shoulders will want to go for the 6-inch version.
Sleepopolis Score
4.20 / 5
Pillow Cube Side Cube Overview
The Side Cube is a pillow meant for side sleeping, but our tester, Dan Caffrey, found it worked well in multiple positions. Dan, who describes himself as a combo back and side sleeper, noted that the non-traditional shape made it take longer to fall asleep than usual.
“While I definitely thought that this pillow was comfortable for side and back sleeping, it takes a minute to get used to its exceptionally high loft and squishy foam,” he explained. “Once I settled in, though, I was able to sleep comfortably through the night and wake up without any neck pain or shoulder pain.”
After using our thorough review methodology to assess its comfort, materials, and features, he rated the overall experience a solid 4 out of 5. His wife, a dedicated side sleeper, also found the Pillow Cube comfortable, though she suggested using a snug pillowcase to prevent her cheek from slipping off the surface.
Pillow Cube Side Cube Materials
The Side Cube’s construction immediately stands out for its unique shape and lofty design. Its memory foam is made of breathable polyurethane. Memory foam pillows are often a solid choice for side sleepers, as they provide an excellent balance of support and gentle contouring.
According to our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, “Memory foam pillows offer personalized support and pressure relief by contouring to your head, neck, and shoulders, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing discomfort.”
The Side Cube also comes with a stretchy pillowcase that Dan found to be “durable, soft, and resistant to tearing.” He gave it a 4-star material score overall.
Inside, the pillow features a temperature-regulating core that helps keep heat from building up. While Dan noted that it didn’t feel directly cool to the touch, he was impressed with how well it dispersed heat.
“Though it was breathable, I’m not sure that I would call it a cooling pillow,” Dan said. “But I never woke up hot or sweaty, so I would say it kept things at a nice, neutral temperature.”
Pillow Cube Side Cube Care
For folks who want something easy to maintain and refresh, the Side Cube delivers. Although Dan noted that no instructions were on the pillow’s tag, he was able to find them on the website. Both the cover and optional case are machine-washable, making upkeep straightforward. For this reason, Dan gave the Side Cube a 4 out of 5 for care.
The foam core itself, however, isn’t washable. “It’s just a single big block of foam that would likely deteriorate in the laundry,” Dan explained.
If stains seep through the cover, the core will need to be spot-cleaned instead. While not unusual for a memory foam pillow, it’s worth considering for long-term use or for people who intend to use this pillow for travel.
Pillow Cube Side Cube Value
At just $70 (and often available at a discounted price), the Side Cube offers impressive value given its construction. Dan praised its durable, high-quality materials and noted that it holds its own against more premium, higher-priced hotel-like pillows, and awarded it a perfect 5 out of 5 in our value category.
How the Pillow Cube Side Cube Feels in Every Sleep Position
The Side Cube by Pillow Cube is designed by side sleepers, for side sleepers. However, Dan found it did a pretty darn good job for back sleeping, too. Stomach sleepers, unfortunately, may have to look elsewhere. See what Dan had to say about its performance in each sleeping position below.
Side Cube Performance for Side Sleepers
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Dan found that the Side Cube performed the best on his side. He reported strong pressure relief, but noted it can take a moment to settle in due to the unusual shape and slow-responding foam.
“This cube-shaped pillow has a higher loft than any pillow I’ve ever slept on,” Dan said. “But because the foam is so squishy, it allows you to sink in just the right amount for a proper spinal alignment, in addition to giving you some really generous contouring at the shoulders and neck.”
Side Cube Performance for Back Sleepers
The best surprise about the Side Cube, Dan found, was how comfortable it was to use for back sleeping. As a combination back and side sleeper, Dan found that the pillow offered the ideal balance of support and comfort throughout the night.
“I spent most of the night on my back on the Pillow Cube and felt great in the morning,” he said. “I thought that the pressure-relieving foam did an excellent job contouring around my upper vertebrae.”
Side Cube Performance for Stomach Sleepers
Unfortunately, Dan found that the Side Cube was not the best fit for stomach sleepers. For these sleepers, Dan recommended buying something firmer with a lower loft instead.
“The loft is just way too high,” he said. “It wasn’t uncomfortable for the first 5 minutes, but it went downhill quickly.”
My Final Thoughts About the Pillow Cube Side Cube
No pillow is perfect, so while the Side Cube might check all the boxes for some sleepers, it might not be the best match for everyone. Here’s who I would recommend the Side Cube for, and who might be better off finding something different. If the side cube isn’t your jam, check out some of our best pillow picks for more options.
Who I Recommend the Pillow Cube Side Cube For
- Side sleepers who need pressure relief around their necks and upper bodies.
- People looking for a soft, contouring memory foam travel pillow.
- Combination sleepers who switch between their sides and backs.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Pillow Cube Side Cube For
- Strict stomach sleepers. The high loft of this pillow may cause spinal misalignment and pressure buildup in their necks.
- Sleepers who prefer a firm, responsive pillow. These sleepers would likely prefer a springy, latex pillow over the slow-moving memory foam of the side cube.
Pillow Cube Side Cube Policies
| Warranty | 24-month limited warranty |
| Shipping/Return Policy | Returns and exchanges are only available within the 48 contiguous states. There is a $15 return shipping fee, unless you purchase the “Re:do” option at checkout for $3.98. Pillow Cube offers a full refund minus the shipping costs. |
| Customer Reviews | This pillow earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on the Pillow Cube website based on 3,400 customer reviews. On Amazon, the Side Cube has an average rating of 4.1 based on 2,868 reviews. |
Pillow Cube Side Cube vs. Competitors
If you’re still unsure about whether the Side Cube is the best fit for you, seeing how it fares against some of its pillow competitors might help you make a decision. Below you can see how the Side Cube compares to the competition.
Pillow Cube Side Cube vs Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow features a distinctive contoured “bump” designed to support the neck and help reduce pain. For side sleepers, a loft that’s too low can lead to tension buildup. This raised section of the TEMPUR-Neck provides the extra lift needed, similar to the Side Cube. Our tester found the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow most comfortable when lying on his side. Like other Tempur-Pedic accessories, it’s crafted with high-quality materials, though it is more expensive than the Side Cube.
- Sleeping position: Both pillows are ideal for side sleepers, but can work for back sleepers. However, the Tempur-Pedic pillow is a better option for stomach sleepers, thanks to its lower loft.
- Care: Both pillows are relatively easy to care for, as they both come with removable, machine-washable components.
- Price: The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is more expensive than the Side Cube at $129. The Side Cube is only $70 before any discounts.
Read our full TEMPUR-Neck Pillow review for more information.
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
4.20 / 5
Pillow Cube Side Cube vs Luxome LAYR Pillow
The Luxome LAYR Pillow is a luxury pillow with adjustable fill that makes a potentially great pick for all types of sleepers. While the LAYR offers more flexibility than the Side Cube, it is also more than twice the cost of Pillow Cube’s offering.
- Sleeping position: The Luxome LAYR Pillow can potentially work for every sleeping position, thanks to its adjustable fill. However, we would still recommend the Side Cube’s unique design to side sleepers looking for a pillow that’s specially designed for them.
- Care: Both pillows come with covers that are machine-washable. You cannot wash the fill for either pillow.
- Price: The Luxome LAYR Pillow costs $150 for a standard, which is over double the price of the Side Cube.
Our Luxome LAYR Pillow review is coming soon.
Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow
The LUXOME LAYR Pillow is a customizable option with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam and naturally cooling bamboo.
Sleepopolis Score
4.70 / 5
Other Models from Pillow Cube
Pillow Cube also offers other models to fit the needs of specific sleepers. While all of their pillows feature their unique, cube-like shape, some provide more support and added features for cooling.
Pillow Cube Side Cube vs Pillow Cube Ice Cube
As the name suggests, the Pillow Cube Ice Cube cranks up the chill with a cooling-fiber-infused removable cover. This temperature-regulating feature adds a few more dollars to the price tag; however, hot sleepers may find this is a better fit for their needs. We don’t have first-hand testing notes for the Ice Cube yet, but we compiled enough information to make a general comparison below.
- Sleeping position: Like the rest of Pillow Cube’s product line, the Ice Cube is made for side sleepers.
- Care: The Ice Cube features a removable and washable cover. Unlike the machine-washable cover on the side cube, the Ice Cube’s cover must be hand-washed.
- Price: The Ice Cube is about $20 more than the original Side Cube at $90 before any discounts.
Pillow Cube Side Cube vs Pillow Cube Side Cube Deluxe
The Side Cube Deluxe is an elevated version of the brand’s original Side Cube pillow. It claims to be 35 percent larger than the standard version, which could offer more space and support for sleepers with broad shoulders. It also has an antimicrobial surface that stays cleaner for longer. We don’t have first-hand testing notes for the Side Cube Deluxe yet, but you can find a general comparison below.
- Sleeping position: According to Pillow Cube, the Side Cube Deluxe is ideal for side sleepers.
- Care: Like Pillow Cube’s other products, you can remove and wash the Side Cube Deluxe’s pillow case and cover. The memory foam core is not machine-washable.
- Price: The Side Cube Deluxe is the premium version of the Side Cube pillow, and it comes with a premium price tag. At $110 before any discounts, it is about $40 more than the original Side Cube.
Our Review Process
At Sleepopolis, our team of certified sleep science coaches of different body types and sleep preferences personally test each mattress and accessory. We start by unboxing the product to figure out how difficult (or easy) it is to get the mattress from the box to the bed. Next, we perform our Sleepopolis tests, using specialized tools to measure qualities like motion transfer, bounce, pressure relief, and more. These steps allow us to give our final verdict on the mattress or accessory.
FAQs
How is the side cube pillow different from traditional pillows?
The Side Cube pillow is smaller than a traditional pillow, measuring 12″ wide × 24″ long × 5″ high. It also has a unique cube shape that has a higher loft than most standard size pillows.
What is the best side sleeper pillow?
According to Dr. Dasgupta, the perfect pillow for side sleepers is a high-loft, firm pillow that provides enough support to keep their neck and spine aligned while sleeping.
How firm should a side sleeper pillow be?
A side sleeper pillow should ideally be medium-soft to medium-firm with a higher loft. This firmness range ensures spinal support while providing enough cushioning around your neck and upper body.
Is the Side Cube good for back pain?
Although it isn’t specifically designed for back sleeping, the Side Cube still promotes proper alignment of the neck and upper body, which could help some sleepers relieve back pain.