Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
Research shows that we spend about a third of our lives sleeping. Where every human needs sleep, it is not common that they sleep in the same position. As we all are different in terms of looks, feelings, habits, and opinions, so are the sleeping positions we adopt.
Sleepers are creative in the way they sleep at night. More specifically, it’s their brain.
Some sleepers lie straight on their back whereas others sleep on their stomach. Some are spread out on the bed with arms and legs wide apart. And for some, sleeping in a fetal position is the way to go.
But the most popular sleeping style is the one where you lie on your side. This position gives birth to the most popular term amongst the sleepers known as Side Sleepers.
What is a Side Sleeper?
Side Sleeper is simply somebody who lies on his side.
The hip and arm are attached right to the bed, leaving a large gap between the back and the mattress. Moreover, the head is no longer in a linear position with the back.
Heather Turgeon, the author of The Happy Sleeper, says “Because of the greater distance between their heads and the mattress, side sleepers often need a thicker pillow to keep their head and neck in a neutral position”.
Where side sleeping has its pros, especially if the sleeper sleeps on his left side, it certainly has its cons too, especially if you aren’t using the right pillows.
The Result: Negative effect on your Well-Being!
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Squished-Arm-Numbness
Side sleepers tend to take support of a single arm for the entire night. Given the amount of weight it has, they are likely to experience a distressing condition of arm numbness in the morning.
Resting on a single arm can cause limited blood flow. Along with the pressure it has on the nerves, the arm is bound to experience the prickling and tingling feeling, like a thousand ants crawling under your skin.
As named by the experts it results in the popular “Rubber Arm Condition.”
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Shoulder and Neck
Side sleeping means you are putting further pressure on your shoulder and neck. This will lead to a great amount of strain on both. The sleepers will wake up to stiffness. As a result the feeling of an incomprehensible pain will last throughout the day.
You cannot afford to have your shoulder nerves damaged as shoulders support most of the body weight.
It can also undermine the stomach and lungs because of the pressure. The more time is spent on the side, the further impact it will have on your entire body.
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Wrinkles and Acne
Side sleepers have the side of their face resting against the pillow almost every night. This can result in a breakout of acne if your pillows aren’t regularly washed. At times it is the material or the texture of your pillow that can cause an allergic reaction.
Moreover waking up with side sleeping wrinkles is another nightmare encountered by the side sleepers. Individuals with dehydrated and dry skin are most likely to suffer more than those who moisturize their face before sleeping.
It is most definitely not a pretty sight when you wake up with giant imprints of bamboo blinds covering half of your face and neck.
Given the luck, it appears on one of the most important days of your year, like a tragic comedy.
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Anxiety
Many sleepers aren’t aware of the fact that your sleeping position can tire your muscles. As a result it could affect your anxiety.
Which eventually starts a pattern; your anxiety makes you tense which further increases your anxiety and as a result you wake up feeling depressed.
Recommendations
1. Get the right mattress. One which has the perfect
- Material
- Thickness
- Size
- Layer
2. Get your sleep schedule on point!
3. Put yourself to sleep the right way just like you’d put a baby to
- This means that you should work your muscles throughout the day so that you tire them down but not an hour or two before the sleep. By the time you lie down on your bed, you are exhausted. And you will jump right into sleep without a hint of pondering
- Make sure the lights are dim
- Pull down the blinds
- Take a hot shower
- Drink warm milk like our ancestors used to
4. Setting up Aromatherapy in your bedroom would take the blues away and help you relax
5. Choose the most accurate pillow!
On that account, this article investigates the perfect pillow for Side Sleepers. As it is one of the prerequisites for a comfortable sleep. Therefore there are several questions one must have regarding the perfect pillow.
What kind of pillow makes the best choice? More importantly what type makes the best pillow? What are their pros and cons?
While Side Sleepers struggle with their never ending pillow hunt, we have gladly come to their rescue!
For the aid of Side Sleepers, we list down different types of pillows along with their pros and cons.
Pillow Type
Memory Foam
Pros:
Provides a good support to the back and neck
Acts as a pain-relief
They are long-lasting
In time it will not curl into a ball
Cons:
Possibility of Off-gassing
As it is made up of single piece of foam, breathability problems can occur
Shredded Memory Foam
Pros:
It provides a great support
It is easy to clean
The firmness is helpful
Moldable quality
Cons:
It may become flat over time
Possibility of off-gassing
Drying it takes more time than usual
You might find it too hard
Polyfill
Pros:
It doesn’t have breathability issues
It provides a great support
It is moldable
Cons:
Not easy to maintain if the material comes out
Down
Pros:
It is soft
It is light in weight
It is Insulating
It is durable than the synthetics
Cons:
Difficult to clean
Can cause allergies
Can be expensive
It will require fluffing
Feather
Pros:
It is light in weight
It is soft
Doesn’t lose its shape over time
It stays firm
Cons:
Can cause allergic reactions
May heat up
The quills may come out
Latex
Cons:
Heavier compared to others
Breathability problems can occur
Can cause latex allergies
Gel
Pros:
Easy maintenance
It is Hypoallergenic
Pressure relieving ability
It has a cool base
Cons:
You might feel the surface is too firm
Our Picks of Top 10 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Overview of Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
![Layla Pillow]( "Layla Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Layla |
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Pros:
It is very soft and doesn’t lose its shape
It is firm
It offers great sleeping experience
It is very comfortable
It comes with a 120 night sleep trial
The shipping is free
Cons:
It is a little expensive
The filling might gather at one side in some cases
Manufacturers present Layla pillow as distinct because it offers distinguishable features in terms of nature, form and quality. It is authentic memory foam pillow filled with kapok tree fibre fill (100% natural) hence making it the best of both.
Because of the fibre filling, the air flow is easy. It is also lofted in terms of shape. In other words, it provides a great support which makes it neck friendly.
Layla Pillow is also known as the copper pillow. This is an example of innovation at its best. Both sides of the pillow remain cool throughout the night and take away all the extra heat radiating from your body.
That means no more waking up to a sweaty neck and damp pillow covers. You will for sure sleep like an angel. Great, isn’t it? But this isn’t where it ends. There is more to it.
The cover is equipped with CuTECⓇ. This is a copper-infused yarn which lowers the possibility of your pillow oozing bad odor and therefore has an easy maintenance than any other pillow. It further assists in eliminating any kind of dead skin, which makes it a must for those who take their skin care quite seriously.
The pillows have a zip sewed into it, which makes it easy to take out the filling and adjust the firmness according to your preferences. This further makes it very easy to clean.
Layla Pillow comes with a 5 year warranty. This means it will not lump overtime no matter how overly used it is. Moreover it doesn’t require smacks to retrieve its original shape as the fluff is constant.
![Wamsutta Extra-Firm Pillow]( "Wamsutta Extra-Firm Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Wamsutta Extra-Firm |
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Pros:
It is fluffy but firm
Good quality
It is comfortable
Good Price
It will last
Cons:
It is firm but not “EXTRA” firm
Wamsutta promises a luxurious experience with a 100 % cotton cover and a 100% polyester fill, an ideal option for the side sleepers. Manufactured in the USA, it has various features. It is corded. It has a 300 thread count and includes two gussets.
It is designed to offer a firm support which lasts throughout the night. This will help keep any kind of neck or lower head pain at bay.
What makes it stand out is the level of comfort offered at an affordable price along with a three year guarantee. There is also a Price Match Promise. So for those of you who are consistent side sleepers but are budget conscious, this is a great option for you.
You can shop it at the Bed Bath and Beyond, both inhouse and online. It is not offered in set but sold separately. The sizes available are standard, queen and king. You can find it in the Bedding Basics section online. The website outlines its features, reviews and ratings. This will help make your selection options easier.
![Leesa Hybrid Pillow]( "Leesa Hybrid Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Leesa Hybrid Pillow |
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Pros:
Comfort
able surface
Soft and Fluff
100 night trial
Easily washable
Reliable return policy
Cons:
The headrest demands a little maintenance than usual
Leesa Hybrid Pillow is equipped with a cooling gel that would keep you cool throughout the night. It has Down-like quilted pockets to its one side which gives off a padded-like style. The down like filling gives a very quilt like feeling and hence makes a very comfortable sleeping experience.
Between these pockets are removable pillow inserts that can be taken out or added to suit your sleeping preferences. It has a zipper sewn into it that doesn’t get stuck. You can easily open or close it to add or remove inserts suiting your comfort level.
The cover made with TencelⓇ and Nylon is Silpure Treated. This means it is an antimicrobial treatment which destroys bacteria that causes odor. The fabric is easy to maintain and can be washed in a washing machine.
From Inner pillow fabric to interlining and quilted pocket filling, everything is made up of polyester.
![TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow]( "TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling |
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Pros:
Best cooling pillow
Best support
5 year guarantee
Durable
Cons:
It cannot be returned, only repaired or replaced
Tempur Pedic is yet another spectacular case of innovation. They claim to have one of a kind pillows since they use layers of cooling gel on both sides. This keeps your body cool the entire night, no matter how much heat your body radiates.
The cover is 100% Quilted Cotton. This makes it very soft to place your face on. The cover can be easily removed as it is made up of fabric that is easy to maintain. It is also easily washable, unlike those covers that you fear putting in a washing machine.
The use of Lightweight TEMPUR® material makes it very soft. It feels like a breeze to lay your head down on it. This experience leaves no room for tossing or turning as you feel like you are sleeping in the clouds.
It gives you the perfect support and holds your head gently while keeping you cool. This makes the whole sleeping experience all the more fun with comfort at its best. The Hybrid Pillow is available in two sizes, standard, and queen along with a three-year limited warranty.
![Down Pillow]( "Down Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Down Pillow |
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Pros:
Amazing quality
Relieves neck pain
Great support
Lightweight
Cons:
Odour issues because of the feather filling
Some find it more soft than firm
Expensive
Down Pillow is another name for a Deluxe sleeping experience as claimed by its manufacturers. With a firm yet plush quality to it, this serves multiple purposes for a side sleeper. It also provides a perfect backward slope to the head. In contrast, provides a comfortable time with its plushness.
It is offered in three different densities: soft, medium, and firm. Firm is constructed especially for the use of side sleepers as it provides a significant amount of support for the neck.
Manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, it is made of authentic European white down with 100% sateen cotton shell. It has multiple certifications, which makes it all the more reliable.
The website provides excellent insight and detailed information on the use of Down Pillows. You must go through it before stopping by their store.
![The Luxe Pillow® (Down and Feather)]( "The Luxe Pillow® (Down and Feather)")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for The Luxe Pillow® |
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Pros:
Helps reduce neck pain
Amazing Quality
100 nights sleep trial
Voted best Down and Feather pillow, it is made up of high quality, authentic white goose down and waterfowl feather. This makes it the best package full of firm, soft, and lightweight qualities.
But if you think that it is a cruel way through which the feathers are plucked off ducks and geese that is not the case. Luxe Pillows are Responsible Down Standard Certified; this means no animal cruelty is used in the process of making these pillows.
For individuals with sensitive skin, there is some good news. The Luxe Pillow are Certified Hypo-allergenic, which means they are unlikely to cause any allergies. The covers can also be removed to wash regularly.
It is also equipped with a 300TC Pillow Protector. In simpler terms, this means it has a 300 thread count which makes it a high-quality product.
It also is shipped without any delivery cost. In case you are not satisfied with the pillow you can arrange for a free return.
![Xtreme Comforts Kool-Flow Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow]( "Xtreme Comforts Kool-Flow Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Xtreme Comforts Kool-Flow Bamboo Memory Foam |
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Pros:
Provides good support
Will not deshape over time
Cons:
The memory foam might feel too hard
Return process can be difficult
Might produce foul smell
Poor customer service
It has been rated as THE BEST BED PILLOW by WIRECUTTER, an independent review organization. This means it is made for the sole purpose of providing comfort to the consumer.
Xtreme Comforts has all your typical pillow problems in mind. They believe you suffer from Migraines, Insomnia, Snoring, Neck Pain, Allergies, Asthma and Tingling in Your Fingers because your pillow fails to provide the right alignment which as a result disrupts the flow to your cervical nerves.
Xtreme Comforts Pillows promises you a solution to these problems. The pillow suits every sleeper’s preference and provides just the right support to the head, alignment, and the perfect curve to the neck.
The Kool-FlowTM Bamboo Cover will keep your skin cool. It also has a smooth zipper sewn into the pillow; this is easy to use whenever you want to customize the filling according to your comfort level. This means you can determine the thickness of the filling, by taking it out to putting it back in.
Even though you have to wait longer for your order to arrive than you are used to, but Xtreme Comforts promises to bring you the best products from all over the world at the lowest prices possible.
![Tuft and Needle Pillow]( "Tuft and Needle Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Tuft and Needle |
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Pros:
Lab tested to last for 25 years
Doesn’t de-shape
Balanced support not too soft or too firm
Free shipping
Cons:
Could be considered pricey
Might smell weird in start
Difficult to modify
Made in the USA, this brand takes positive results quite seriously; therefore, it has invested in a unique design and manufacturing process.
It doesn’t believe in using Down, Fiber, Shredded Foam, or Molded Foam as they don’t give the desired result. Instead, it is equipped with T&N Adaptive® Foam, which makes it the most comfortable pillow ever.
It comes with a soft cover that can easily be washed. Also, the material allows easy air flow, which prevents any chances of foul smell. It is also Hypo-allergenic, which means they are unlikely to cause any allergies.
The softness shouldn’t be confused with it lacking firmness because it is the kind of firm that provides the perfect support. Hence it is the ideal blend of soft and firm.
It is also equipped with cooling qualities radiating from both the sides which last throughout the night.
![Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow]( "Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow |
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Pros:
#
Expensive
Free shipping
This pillow filled with Down alternative and soft puff gel microfiber is a prominent example of customization at its best.
You can adjust the thickness of the pillow to your heart’s desire. You can test out with all the six layers to find out what gives the complete loft to your head, the perfect arc to your neck and the absolute alignment for your back.
The inner layers can be easily added or removed without any hassle to get the soft, medium, or firm support. With a 300 thread count, it immediately becomes a high-quality product.
The cover is 100% cotton. This makes it very soft to place your face on. It also has a three-side zipper which is very smooth to open and close whenever the layers have to be adjusted
![The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow]( "The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow")
| Customer Satisfaction Ratings for The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow |
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Pros:
Adjustable filling
Comfort
able
Free shipping
60 days night trial
The twist is in the name. Unlike your traditional rectangular pillows, this is innovative in shape to fully support the neck. The unique curve in the pillow is made to nestle the neck and the back of your head.
Since it is made especially for the side sleepers, it considers all the minute details from the loft for your head, the arc for your neck and lastly the alignment for your back.
The ribbon with scrumptious engraved on it runs around the pillow. It is not just for decor purposes but certainly has a more significant role to play. The ribbon, in reality, keeps the shape of the pillow intact and helps it from de-shaping.
The brand stresses the importance of beauty sleep that can be achieved when you have had a well-rested night on the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow. It is also made up of Certipur-US certified foams; this means they are healthy and unlikely to cause any allergies.
To get a detailed insight into the specifications, you must go through their website.
Pricing Information
| Pillow Name |
Standard |
Standard (Medium Firmness) |
Queen |
King |
King (Medium Firmness) |
Layla
|
N/A |
N/A |
$99 |
$119 |
N/A |
Wamsutta Extra-Firm
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$14.99 |
N/A |
$14.99 |
$19.99 |
N/A |
Leesa Hybrid Pillow
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$125 |
N/A |
$135 |
N/A |
N/A |
TEMPUR- Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling
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N/A |
N/A |
$169 |
$209 |
N/A |
Down Pillow
|
N/A |
$109 |
N/A |
N/A |
$149 |
The Luxe Pillow® (Down and Feather)
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$129 |
N/A |
N/A |
$149 |
N/A |
Xtreme Comforts Kool-Flow Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow
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$64.97 |
N/A |
$69.97 |
$74.97 |
N/A |
Tuft and Needle
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$75 |
N/A |
N/A |
$100 |
N/A |
Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow
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$119.99 |
N/A |
$119.99 |
$139.99 |
N/A |
The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
|
N/A |
N/A |
$99.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.