The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper has a curved shoulder cutout and adjustable fill. Our original reviewer received a king-size sample and wrote the firsthand account below; current fill choices and care details may differ from that earlier pillow.
Disclosure: Yawnder may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Eli & Elm supplied the original review sample.
Our verdict
The Side Sleeper is worth considering if you sleep on your side and want a shaped pillow whose height you can adjust. Our reviewer enjoyed the soft cover and squishy, supportive feel of the original sample. Its bulk and unusual shape were less convenient for travel or using it as a general-purpose cushion, and the reviewer wanted to remove some fill to soften it.
Our original hands-on experience
The sample arrived rolled in a long box. Once unpacked, the reviewer described its gold-and-ivory shape as resembling half of a fingertip bandage. The quilted fabric felt soft and the fill plush and squishy. A zipper made it possible to remove fill and change the loft.
On the bed, the fill compressed under the reviewer’s head while the curved edge accommodated the neck and shoulder. The reviewer liked its combination of support and give while changing positions, but found it heavy and unwieldy to carry. The original recommendation was to remove some fill if it initially felt too stiff.
The reviewer also tried it with Eli & Elm’s Whitney cooling bedding in a cool room and found the combination comfortable. That is a personal impression, not an isolated temperature measurement or a guarantee that the pillow stays cool all night.
Design, fill and sizing
Eli & Elm’s current product page lists two fill choices: latex noodles with polyester fiber, or shredded memory foam with polyester fiber. Both are adjustable by adding or removing fill. The current cover is a cotton, polyester and spandex blend; do not assume every version has the same organic-cotton claim as the earlier review sample.
The brand currently lists queen at approximately 18 × 28 × 6 inches and king at 18 × 32 × 6 inches. Height changes when you remove fill, so measure how the pillow supports your head once compressed. A shaped pillowcase is sold separately or in a bundle; verify what is included before checkout.
| Fill | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Latex blend | Springier, responsive fill; avoid if latex is unsuitable for you. |
| Shredded memory-foam blend | A more contouring foam feel; comfort and heat perception vary. |
How to adjust the pillow
- Start with the pillow on your usual mattress and lie in your normal position.
- If your head is pushed upward or the pillow feels too firm, remove a small amount of fill and set it aside.
- Try it again for several nights; add fill back if the pillow no longer supports the space between your head and mattress.
- Recheck after changing mattresses or adding a topper, because shoulder sink can change the loft you need.
The shoulder cutout can help some side sleepers position the pillow, but it does not guarantee a particular spinal alignment or relieve pain for everyone.
Care, price and returns
The current product instructions say to remove the cover and wash it cool, then tumble dry low. The fill should not go in the washer or dryer; the inner liner is spot cleaned and air dried. Follow the care label for the version you receive. The original reviewer described putting an older pillow in a dryer, but that is not a recommendation for the current fill.
Prices vary with size, fill, bundles and promotions. Eli & Elm advertises a 45-night direct trial and a five-year warranty for qualifying defects; its FAQ asks customers to sleep on the product for at least two weeks before starting a return. Confirm the current terms and any exclusions for your specific seller. Contact Yawnder’s Encinitas showroom to ask what is available to view.
Original review photos
These photographs show the earlier king-size sample and its packaging. The current product may look different.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the loft?
Yes. The zippered liner lets you remove or add fill. Adjust gradually and keep unused fill in a clean container.
Is it suitable for back sleepers?
Some back sleepers may find a comfortable configuration, but the cutout is designed around side sleeping. Personal fit matters more than the label.
Can I wash the entire pillow?
The manufacturer’s current instructions say not to wash or dry the fill. Wash the removable cover as directed and spot clean the liner.
Does the pillow come with a fitted pillowcase?
Not necessarily. The current listing offers pillow-only and pillowcase bundle options, so check what your selection includes.
Is the current fill the same as the original sample?
Not necessarily. Current latex and memory-foam versions each include polyester fiber. Verify the materials in the selected listing.
Related: How to choose pillow height.