Side Sleeper’s Guide: Best Pillows for Optimal Comfort

09/21/2024

Ben Trapskin

I have carefully studied and evaluated many mattresses, sheets, pillows, duvet inserts, comforters, sleep gadgets, and adjustable beds for over a deca... Full Bio

Side Sleeper Pillow Guide: Top 5 Best Picks for 2024

Finding the Perfect Side Sleeper Pillow for Optimal Comfort

When it comes to finding the best side sleeper pillow, comfort and sleep quality are paramount. For those who sleep on their side, the right pillow can make a world of difference. To help you make an informed decision quickly, here’s what you need to know:

High-Loft Pillows: Fill the gap between your neck and the mattress for better alignment.
Medium-Firm Support: Offers a blend of comfort and neck support.
Breathable Materials: Regulate temperature to keep you cool.
Adjustability: Customize the loft to suit your preference.

Choosing a side sleeper pillow that offers optimal comfort is crucial for improving your sleep quality and overall well-being. A pillow that aligns your neck with your spine, relieves pressure points, and stays cool through the night can make a world of difference.

I’m Ben Trapskin, the founder of Yawnder, and I’ve spent years researching the best sleep products, particularly focusing on side sleeper pillows. My journey began with my own struggles with poor sleep, which led to a deep dive into finding the most comfortable and supportive pillows.

Easy side sleeper pillow glossary:

Best Overall Side Sleeper Pillow

Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow

When it comes to the best overall side sleeper pillow, the Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow stands out. Its unique crescent shape is designed specifically to fit the contours of your shoulder, neck, and head, providing unparalleled support and comfort.

Key Features:

Adjustable Loft: The pillow’s loft can be customized by adding or removing its filling. This adjustability ensures that the pillow suits various body types and sleeping preferences, making it a versatile option for many side sleepers.
Crescent Shape: The standout crescent shape allows the pillow to cradle your shoulder and neck, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment. This feature is particularly beneficial for those with broader shoulders or those who frequently switch between sleeping on their side and back.
Fill Material: The pillow is filled with a blend of latex noodles and polyester fiber. This combination offers a balance of softness and support, ensuring that your head doesn’t sink too deeply while still feeling cushioned.

User Experience:

When I tested this pillow, I was impressed by how well it supported my neck. The cutout design allowed me to snuggle the base of my neck right up to the edge of the pillow, providing excellent support. Additionally, the pillow’s responsiveness was a pleasant surprise; it felt springier than many memory foam pillows I’ve tried.

Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen, a stomach and side sleeper, also praised the pillow for its ability to mold around her shoulder and compress under her head, preventing any pressure buildup around her ear. She found it more responsive and springy compared to other memory-foam pillows.

Maintenance and Extras:

The pillow comes with a machine-washable exterior cover, making it easy to keep clean. Eli & Elm also offers a cotton pillowcase that fits the unique shape perfectly, which you can bundle with the pillow at the time of purchase.

Price and Value:

While the Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow is on the pricier side, its unique design and customizable features make it worth the investment for those seeking optimal comfort and support.

For more details on the Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow, you can check out Yawnder’s in-depth review.

Next, let’s dive into the Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain, which can make a huge difference for those struggling with discomfort.

Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Saatva Latex Pillow

If you wake up with neck or shoulder pain, the Saatva Latex Pillow might be your best bet. This pillow is designed to provide excellent support and alignment, helping to alleviate pain and improve sleep quality.

Key Features:

Breathable Design: The Saatva Latex Pillow features a cotton cover with a gusseted perimeter. This design helps the pillow maintain its shape throughout the night and improves breathability, keeping you cool while you sleep.
Dual-Layer Fill: Inside, the pillow has two layers of fill. The core is made of shredded latex, known for its buoyant and responsive feel, which helps relieve pressure points. Surrounding this core is an outer layer of microdenier fibers that mimic the plush feel of down.
Durability: Latex is more durable than many synthetic foams, ensuring that the pillow maintains its supportive qualities over time. Its natural resistance to dust mites and mildew makes it a great option for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.

User Experience:

Dr. John Christoforetti, an orthopedic surgeon, emphasizes the importance of a pillow that supports the head and neck without increasing strain on the shoulder. The Saatva Latex Pillow achieves this with its gusseted design and dual-layer fill. Users have reported significant relief from neck and shoulder pain, noting that the pillow helps maintain proper spinal alignment.

Maintenance and Extras:

The outer layer of the pillow is machine-washable, making it easy to clean. Simply remove the latex core, and you can wash the cotton cover and fiberfill layer at home. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining hygiene and extending the pillow’s lifespan.

Price and Value:

While the Saatva Latex Pillow is an investment, its durability and pain-relieving features make it a worthwhile purchase for those suffering from neck or shoulder pain. The adjustable loft also ensures that it can be custom to fit your specific needs, providing personalized comfort.

For a detailed review of the Saatva Latex Pillow, visit Yawnder’s in-depth review.

Next, let’s explore the Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers, ideal for those who struggle with overheating at night.

Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers

Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

If you often wake up feeling hot and sweaty, finding the right pillow can make a big difference. The Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow is designed specifically for side sleepers who need help with temperature regulation.

Key Features:

Cooling Gel Pads: This pillow stands out because of its gel pads on both sides. These pads provide an initial cool sensation when you lie down, helping to reduce overheating. While the cooling effect fades over time, you can flip the pillow for another burst of coolness.
Memory Foam: The Tempur-Cloud Breeze is filled with Tempur-Pedic’s signature memory foam. This material is known for its contouring properties, which means it molds to the shape of your head and neck, providing excellent support and alignment.
Breathability: Despite memory foam’s tendency to retain heat, the gel pads and the pillow’s design improve airflow, making it more breathable than typical memory foam pillows.

User Experience:

Goertzen, a user who tested this pillow, reported that the foam slowly molded around her head and neck, maintaining her spine’s alignment. She also noted that the pillow did an excellent job of regulating her temperature, a crucial factor for those who tend to run warm at night.

Best Budget-Friendly Side Sleeper Pillow

Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow

Finding a great pillow doesn’t have to cost a lot. The Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow offers excellent value without sacrificing comfort or support.

Affordable and Valuable:

Priced at around $60 for a two-pack, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow is one of the most budget-friendly options available. Despite its low cost, it rivals pricier pillows in terms of comfort and support.

Supportive Down-Alternative:

This pillow uses a down-alternative fill that strikes a perfect balance between plushness and firmness. The denser fill cradles your head and neck, providing the support needed for side sleepers. Unlike traditional down, this fill maintains its shape throughout the night, preventing your head from sinking too far.

Plush Comfort:

The Beckham pillow is surprisingly soft and compressive, giving you that cozy, cushioned feeling without losing support. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a pillow that feels luxurious but still offers the necessary firmness.

Machine Washable:

One of the standout features is its easy maintenance. The pillow is fully machine washable, making it simple to keep clean. However, the manufacturer recommends drying it flat to maintain its shape and longevity. Some users have noted that it holds up well even when machine-dried, but frequent machine drying might reduce its lifespan.

User Experience:

Many users have praised the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow for its comfort and durability. One user noted, “The pillow’s support didn’t fade over the course of the night, as the firm fill doesn’t fall flat, unlike some other pillows we tested.”

Price and Value:

For those looking to save money without compromising on quality, this pillow is an excellent choice. It offers the plush comfort and support that side sleepers need, at a fraction of the cost of high-end pillows.

For more details, check out Yawnder’s review of the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow.

Next, let’s explore the Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers, ideal for those who want personalized comfort.

Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers

Layla Kapok Pillow

Customizable Comfort:

The Layla Kapok Pillow offers a unique combination of shredded memory foam and kapok fiber, making it highly customizable. This blend allows you to adjust the loft and firmness to suit your personal preferences.

Adjustable Loft:

This pillow comes overstuffed, allowing you to remove or add filling to achieve the perfect height. This feature is especially useful for side sleepers who need to maintain proper neck and spine alignment. Simply unzip the inner cover and adjust the fill to your liking.

Personalized Comfort:

The mix of shredded memory foam and kapok fiber creates a supportive yet plush feel. Memory foam provides structure, while kapok fiber adds a soft, airy touch similar to down but more eco-friendly. This blend ensures that the pillow molds around your head and neck, offering personalized comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions about Side Sleeper Pillows

What kind of pillow should a side sleeper use?

Side sleepers should look for a high-loft, medium-firm pillow to fill the space between their head and the mattress. The goal is to keep your neck and spine aligned, reducing the risk of neck pain and ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.

A high-loft pillow is typically around 4-5 inches thick, which is ideal for most side sleepers. However, if you have broad shoulders, you might need a loftier pillow to maintain proper alignment.

Chiropractors often recommend firm pillows that provide excellent support for the neck and spine. According to Dr. Carlo Milani, an assistant attending physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, pillows with a contour or cervical shape can help support the curve of the neck, especially for side sleepers.

Adjustable pillows with removable filling are also recommended because they allow you to customize the height and firmness to suit your specific needs, ensuring optimal neck support and alignment.

Is a soft or firm pillow better for side sleepers?

For side sleepers, a medium-firm pillow is generally the best choice. A pillow that’s too soft won’t provide enough support, causing your head to sink and misaligning your spine. On the other hand, a pillow that’s too firm might not be comfortable and could create pressure points.

A medium-firm pillow strikes a balance, offering enough support to keep your head aligned with your spine while still being comfortable. This helps prevent neck and shoulder pain, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed.

For more detailed information on finding the perfect pillow, check out our Yawnder pillow reviews.

Conclusion

At Yawnder, we understand that finding the perfect pillow is crucial for a good night’s sleep, especially for side sleepers. Our expert evaluations are designed to help you steer the myriad of options available, ensuring you find a pillow that meets your specific needs.

We’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of pillows to bring you the best recommendations. Whether you need a pillow for neck and shoulder pain, cooling features, or budget-friendly options, we have you covered. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal comfort and improve your sleep quality.

The right pillow can make a world of difference. For more detailed information and to explore our top picks, visit our Yawnder pillow reviews.

Sleep well!