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Blog > What is the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers? 2024

What is the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers? 2024

What is the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers? 2024

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!

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Pros:

It will maintain its original shape

It is soft

Suitable mattress for heavy sidesleepers

It is long-lasting

It provides a great support

It will biodegrade in time

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

BrandPillow NamePillow CategoryTrial PeriodWarranty 
Layla Sleep Brand Logo

Layla

Best Features & Benefits
Molty Foam and Kapok Tree Fibre FillTrial Period
120 nights
Warranty
5 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Best value for money with an excellent sleeping experience

Wamsutta Brand Logo

Wamsutta Extra-Firm

Best Features & Benefits
PolyfillTrial Period
100 nights
Warranty
3 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Provides firm support at an affordable price

Leesa Sleep Brand

Leesa Hybrid Pillow

Best Features & Benefits
Polyfill and GelTrial Period
100 nights
Warranty
3 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Customizable headrest that can be changed according to your comfort level

Tempur-Pedic Brand Logo

TEMPUR- Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling

Best Features & Benefits
GelTrial Period

90

nights
Warranty
5 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

The best cooling gel pillow

Parachute Brand Logo

Down Pillow

Best Features & Benefits
Down and FeatherTrial Period

90

nights
Warranty
3 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Good in quality(both firm and plush) and lightweight

Luxe Pillow Brand Logo

The Luxe Pillow® (Down and Feather)

Why Choose this Mattress
White goose down and Waterfowl featherTrial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
5 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Works great for those with neck and shoulder pain

Xtreme Comforts Brand Logo

Xtreme Comforts Kool-Flow Bamboo
Memory Foam Pillow

Best feature
Shredded Memory FoamTrial Period
30 Nights
Warranty
3 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Multipurpose portable pillow( use in bed, office chairs or car) as it provides support

Tuft and Needle Brand Logo

Tuft and Needle

Best Features & Benefits
T&N Adaptive® FoamTrial Period
100 nights
Warranty
3 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Uses unique material to provide the perfect support

Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow Brand Logo

Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow

Best Features & Benefits
Down and GelTrial Period
30 nights
Warranty
2 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

It has an adjustable thickness which is worth the price

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow Brand Logo

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

Best Features & Benefits
Virgin gelTrial Period
60 nights
Warranty
3 years

Read Full Review

Best Features & Benefits

Shaped like an arc to nestle the neck

Overview of Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

1. Layla

Layla Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Layla 

Comfort

85

 
 

Support

88

 
 

Temperature Regulation

80

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

85

 
 
Buy Now
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.

2. Wamsutta Extra-Firm

Wamsutta Extra-Firm Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Wamsutta Extra-Firm 

Comfort

85

 
 

Support

82

 
 

Temperature Regulation

82

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

83

 
 
Buy Now
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.

3. Leesa Hybrid Pillow

Leesa Hybrid Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Leesa Hybrid Pillow 

Comfort

90

 
 

Support

82

 
 

Temperature Regulation

88

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

86

 
 
Buy Now
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.

4. TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling

TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling 

Comfort

85

 
 

Support

92

 
 

Temperature Regulation

82

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

87

 
 
Buy Now
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.

5. Down Pillow

Down Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Down Pillow 

Comfort

85

 
 

Support

82

 
 

Temperature Regulation

82

 
 

Durability

88

 
 

Overall Value

84

 
 
Buy Now
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.

6. The Luxe Pillow® (Down and Feather)

The Luxe Pillow® (Down and Feather)

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for The Luxe Pillow® 

Comfort

85

 
 

Support

82

 
 

Temperature Regulation

80

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

83

 
 
Buy Now
Pros:

Helps reduce neck pain

Amazing Quality

100 nights sleep trial

Cons:

Expensive

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.

7. 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 

Comfort

85

 
 

Support

82

 
 

Temperature Regulation

82

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

83

 
 
Buy Now
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.

8. Tuft and Needle

Tuft and Needle Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Tuft and Needle 

Comfort

88

 
 

Support

92

 
 

Temperature Regulation

90

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

88

 
 
Buy Now
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.

9. Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow

Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow 

Comfort

85

 
 

Support

82

 
 

Temperature Regulation

86

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

84

 
 
Buy Now
Pros:

#

Expensive

Free shipping

Cons:

Might be too fluffy

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

10. The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

Customer Satisfaction Ratings for The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow 

Comfort

88

 
 

Support

87

 
 

Temperature Regulation

90

 
 

Durability

85

 
 

Overall Value

88

 
 
Buy Now
Pros:

Adjustable filling

Comfort

able

Free shipping

60 days night trial

Cons:

Expensive

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 NameStandardStandard (Medium Firmness)QueenKingKing (Medium Firmness)

Layla

N/AN/A$99$119N/A

Wamsutta Extra-Firm

$14.99N/A$14.99$19.99N/A

Leesa Hybrid Pillow

$125N/A$135N/AN/A

TEMPUR- Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling

N/AN/A$169$209N/A

Down Pillow

N/A$109N/AN/A$149

The Luxe Pillow® (Down and Feather)

$129N/AN/A$149N/A

Xtreme Comforts Kool-Flow Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow

$64.97N/A$69.97$74.97N/A

Tuft and Needle

$75N/AN/A$100N/A

Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow

$119.99N/A$119.99$139.99N/A

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

N/AN/A$99.00N/AN/A

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