The Best Editor-Tested Pillows for Side Sleepers
In our experience, a good night of sleep is key to having a great day, and without it, you’ll be operating at half capacity. Having top-notch bedding essentials is part of the recipe to success. Actually, in our option, it’s the most important part. We’ve determined the best mattresses for different sleep positions, have a whole list of the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers, and tested a ton of silk pillowcases to find out which ones are worth it. We’ve even got a round-up of the best back sleeper pillows, but what about those best suited for the most popular sleep position? Hint: It’s side sleepers.
It all starts with the perfect pillow. If your pillow isn’t built for your sleeping position, it feels next to impossible to wake up refreshed. Without the right pillow, your body is basically guaranteed to feel like it’s out of commission during the day. You might not be able to control all of those external factors that may be keeping you up at night, but you can tailor your bedding exactly to your sleep preferences. Once you find the right combination of features, you’ll be getting the best snoozes of your life. Pillows are typically one of those bedding essentials you don’t really notice until something’s wrong. For side sleepers, it’s usually that it’s not supportive enough to curb your neck and back pain.
We know that not every pillow is created for the same needs (back sleepers and side sleepers have completely opposite constructions), so we had the side sleepers on our staff test the best pillows in that specific category. From cooling to shape to material, we have a side sleeper pillow for everyone, and at least one pick on our list is bound to transform your sleeping experience. Find out which one is right for you below:
The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Best Overall: Honeydew Side Sleeper Pillow
- Best Value: Indulgence by Isotonic Side Sleeper Pillow
- Best Luxury: Cozy Earth Down Alternative Pillow
- Best for Neck Pain: Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
- Best Cooling: FluffCo Down Alternative Pillow
- Best Foam: Earthfoam Pillow
- Best Memory Foam: Marlow Pillow
- Best Down: The Company Store Company Essentials Better Down and Feather Firm Pillow
- Best Unique: Pillow Cube Side Cube Deluxe
- Best Pillow with Arm Space: Coop EdenCool+ Cut-Out Adjustable Pillow
- Best Body Pillow: Hugl Cooling Body Pillow
What to Consider When Buying a Pillow for Side Sleepers
As mentioned in our complete guide to the best pillows, there are two main features to consider when shopping for one: firmness and fill. But when you narrow your search for the best pillow for you and you tend to sleep on your side — or even in multiple positions — shape becomes the third important aspect to consider. Altogether, a pillow’s shape, firmness, and fill contribute to its overall support, and for side sleepers, personalized support is key.
Types of Fill
For a breakdown of the most common types of pillow fill, you can reference our complete guide. Once you know the basics of memory foam, gel, down, down alternative, and latex fill types, it’s time to chat about their pros and cons for side sleepers.
Memory foam: This common fill type tends to allow the head to sink into it. Keep in mind, leveling up the firmness of a memory foam pillow could also mean experiencing extra warmth from heat trapped by its density. This said, memory foam pillows in contouring shapes can help counter these effects and provide the head and neck more tailored support for side sleepers.
Gel: Gel is a form of memory foam — its longer name is “gel-infused memory foam.” The main benefit of gel is that it makes the foam much more breathable, which is great for sweaty sleepers who need a cooling material. It’s also a bit denser than memory foam, so it offers greater support for side sleepers.
Down: Down, made from the natural material found under the feathers of geese or ducks, tends to flatten over time. A high-quality down pillow with a firm feel can combat this in the short term, but since side sleepers require support, you’ll see more synthetic fiber fills in our list than natural ones. Real down material can also trigger allergies and/or ethical concerns for some.
Down alternative: If you want the same luxurious feel as natural down, there are plenty of down alternative options that are nearly identical to the real thing. The added benefit here is that synthetic down fill has less of a tendency to flatten over time, so lack of support is less likely to creep up on side sleepers.
Latex: Latex comes from the rubber tree and is a chemical-free alternative to foam. Soft, bouncy, and durable, it’s a high-quality material that typically has a higher price tag. It’s also hypoallergenic and anti-fungal, and it doesn’t absorb heat like foam does. Most organic pillows are made from latex, and it’s an excellent, sustainable fill option for side sleepers.
Firmness and Height
Because they work in tandem, it makes sense to think about pillow firmness and height in relation to each other. For side sleepers, a pillow’s height is possibly one of the most important factors: It has to be able to raise your head enough to align your spine without letting it sink throughout the night (or over time, for that matter). That said, if you’ve got a pillow with plenty of height that lacks firmness, you may still not be sleeping with a level of support critical for side sleepers. Because the space between our shoulders, neck, and head differs from person to person, our ideal fits can vary from piling up multiple soft pillows to sleeping on a single firm pillow with a taller height. As with most things, a little experimentation might be called for.
Tip: If you sleep in multiple positions, consider two pillows of different firmness levels: one suited for the position you fall asleep in and another nearby in case you toss and turn and need more or less support in the position you wake up in.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US: Ensures the foam is free from harmful chemicals, flame retardants, heavy metals, and more.
- GREENGUARD: Ensures the foam has low chemical emissions.
- Responsible Down Standard (RDS): Confirms that the down used comes from animals not subjected to any harm.
- Downmark: Ensures the authenticity and high quality of down-labeled products.
- GOTS: Confirms the ecological and social responsibility with which textile products are made.
- MADE SAFE: Ensures everyday products are non-toxic, made with safe ingredients and materials, and are family-safe.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Ensures every component of a product has been tested and is free of harmful chemicals.
- CPSIA: Ensures a product is safe for children and meets general consumer product safety rules.
What We Look for in a Pillow for Side Sleepers
We tested a wide range of pillows for our list, judging them on the following criteria:
- Support: How tall is the pillow? Is it firm or soft? Is the firmness and height combination supportive? Do we sink into the pillow? Do we wake up feeling sore?
- Longevity: What’s the fill material? What about the shell? Are they conducive to support for a side sleeper year after year?
- Shape: Does the pillow fit into a standard-size pillowcase? Does it contour around the head, neck, and/or shoulders? Does the shape genuinely improve our sleep?
Best Overall: Honeydew Side Sleeper Pillow
Family-owned and made in the USA for over 30 years, this successful business strives to bring comfort in every pillow they create. “This side-sleeper pillow blew me away,” says executive lifestyle director Charli. “Not only is it beautifully made, but it’s also the softest side sleeper pillow I’ve ever used that doesn’t sacrifice pressure relief or neck support. I was impressed with the unboxing, the cooling, and the night-after-night softness and support. This side sleeper is officially a believer!” Designed with cooling copper gel memory, the Honeydew Scrumptious Side Pillow not only works to cool you down at night, but it also adds softness to the overall feel. The fill is fully adjustable to your firmness needs, too, with help from the pillow’s hidden zipper.
“From my neck to my shoulders and even my back, I could instantly feel my body being aligned,” says commerce SEO editor Sarah, who loves it too. “Needless to say, I was excited to get to bed. That night I got what I can only describe as the best sleep of my life.” However, the proof is really in how she felt afterward. “The next morning, I woke up with no pain whatsoever, and more than four months later, I’m still sleeping the same. If I had to sum up my thoughts on this pillow in two words, it would be this: miracle worker.”
Read our full review of Honeydew Side Sleeper Pillow.
Specifications:
- Cotton and tencel cover with gel memory foam, microfiber, and down alternative fill
- Available in 2 sizes
- Adjustable firmness
- Machine-washable cover
- Certi-PUR US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- 3-year warranty
Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who have neck pain.
Good to Know: When you first unbox the pillow, you can toss it in the dryer on low to have it fluff up more quickly.
Best Value: Indulgence by Isotonic Side Sleeper Pillow
Don’t give up support or comfort with this affordable pick. The popular Indulgence by Isotonic Side Sleeper Pillow offers a cushy feel while also giving quality support, so it’s a great option to provide in a guest bedroom or take with you while traveling. The pillow comes with a removable cover, and usually, that means only the cover is washable. However, that’s not the case for the Isotonic Side Sleeper Pillow — both pillow and cover can be thrown into the washing machine for convenience without compromising their luxurious feel. Many reviewers report that they’ve repurchased these pillows time and time again just because of how much they love them!
“I am prone to a painful neck if sleeping with pillows that are too firm or too flat, but this pillow is at the perfect intersection of puffy and supportive that has led to many lovely nights of slumber,” says AT social media manager Sam. “It’s also held up its shape over many nights, which was great since many don’t.” The pillow easily fluffs right back up after a night of sleep, so it will feel brand new each time you crawl into bed.
Specifications:
- 100% cotton cover with synthetic down fiber fill
- Available in 2 sizes
- Medium-firm feel
- Machine washable
- 3-year limited warranty
Who It’s Best For: Those who need extra neck and shoulder support but don’t want a firm, high-density option.
Good to Know: Macy’s has an extended holiday season return window for those who want to give these pillows as gifts.
Best Luxury: Cozy Earth Down Alternative Pillow
Say yes to a luxury worth the splurge. Cozy Earth’s Down Alternative Pillow is buttery soft and keeps you cool at night with its temperature-regulating bamboo and recycled polyester fill. You won’t be tossing or continually flipping it over to the cool side. As opposed to traditional down, this pillow is hypoallergenic, too. The filling also stays consistent for comfort; however, if it does shift, Cozy Earth has you covered with a warranty. To top it all off, its cover is made with the brand’s smooth-to-the-touch viscose from bamboo, which wicks away moisture and is just as luxurious as it sounds.
Commerce editor Britt says that down and down alternative pillows are usually a hit or miss for her due to their softness. When she sleeps on her side, she prefers options that give some support to prevent neck pain. This pillow delivered. “The Cozy Earth Bamboo Down Alternative pillow is the best of both worlds,” she praises. “It’s supportive enough for side sleeping, yet soft enough for stomach sleeping.”
Specifications:
- 100% bamboo viscose cover with a 60% recycled polyester and 40% bamboo viscose fill
- Available in 4 sizes
- Medium-firm feel
- Spot clean or dry clean only
- 10-year warranty
- 100-night sleep trial
Who It’s Best For: Combination sleepers; those who sleep hot; those who need additional neck support.
Good to Know: The brand recommends putting on a protective pillowcase to validate the warranty.
Best for Neck Pain: Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
“The Easy Breather Pillow arrives at its firmest,” says Britt. “It’s packed with a mix of memory foam and polyester fiber, and it comes overstuffed on purpose. The point of the pillow is for you to adjust it to your liking by removing the fill, and it even comes with a complimentary cloth bag to hold any removed fill in case you want to add it back in later.” So far, so good. Not only is the pillow height and firmness adjustable, but its cover is cooling and machine washable, “so you end up with a versatile pillow that won’t need to be replaced as quickly as others,” Britt says, “which saves money in the long run.” Even better.
Britt adds that she’s impressed with the shape of the Easy Breather Pillow. “I’ve become more of a combination sleeper these days, alternating between my stomach and side, so a firm-but-not-too-firm pillow is perfect for me. To accomplish that with the Easy Breather Pillow, it just meant taking out a fraction of the fill to make it softer while preserving a supportive level of firmness.” Easy Breather, easy peasy.
Read our full review of the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow.
Specifications:
- Polyester, icecore, and spandex cover with non-toxic foam and polyester fiber fill
- Available in 3 sizes
- Adjustable firmness
- Machine wash cover in cold water on gentle cycle; tumble dry low
- CertiPUR-US-certified
- 2-year warranty
- 30-night trial
Who It’s Best For: Those with neck pain; those who want the ability to customize support levels; combination sleepers.
Good to Know: Nest Bedding advises making your Easy Breather “very soft first by removing a lot of fill… then add some back as you test to reach your optimal firmness.”
Best Cooling: FluffCo Down Alternative Pillow
With the hotel experience in mind, FluffCo designed a Down Alternative Pillow that replicates the luxurious feel of down and feather with all-vegan materials. Tencel, a cooling fabric derived from eucalyptus, will also keep you cool in addition to comfortable. The pillow can be ordered in a soft or firm feel, making it a good fit for nearly any type of sleeper. It’s also machine washable, too, so you can easily keep it fresh all year long.
Sarah tested and confirmed that this pillow really is worth it. “The second I laid down, I knew I was in for a treat as I let out an audible, ‘ooooh,'” she says. “This pillow was different in the best ways. The support was amazing; I slept soundly, cool, and didn’t wake up with any neck pain — a sign of a good pillow.” If you’re planning on purchasing more than one, bundle and save 20% on two pillows and a pillowcase set.
Read our full review of the FluffCo Down Alternative Pillow.
Specifications:
- Cotton cover with microfiber fill
- Available in 2 sizes
- Available in Soft Fluff or Firm Fluff
- Machine wash cold with gentle detergent; tumble dry low
- 30-day trial
Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who experience neck pain.
Good to Know: If you’re unsure if this pillow is right for you, FluffCo offers a quiz that will narrow down which pillows are the best fit.
Best Foam: Earthfoam Pillow
Crafted with a natural foam rubber at its core, the overall feel of this pillow is meant to feel much softer and springier for the utmost head support. Despite the lack of memory foam, the specially designed foam rubber also conforms to your body as you sleep and won’t lose shape over time. “If someone were to tell me to imagine what a cozy pillow would feel like off the top of my head, the Earthfoam Pillow would be it,” says Britt. “I have at least five pillows on my bed, nearly all made with different materials, and Earthfoam’s is nothing like them, which makes it stand out from the bunch.” If you don’t like to fold or fluff your pillow, you won’t have to worry, as it holds the shape all on its own.
If, like Britt, you also sleep on your stomach, take note: “The brand mentioned that their pillow might not be a good fit for stomach sleepers who enjoy pillows that can be ‘molded for comfort,’” she says. “However, as a stomach-favoring combination sleeper, I haven’t had trouble achieving comfortable, deep sleep with this pillow.” Nearly a year later, it still holds true.
Read our full review of the Earthfoam Pillow.
Specifications:
- Cotton cover with natural foam rubber fill
- Firm feel
- Removable cover is machine washable
- GOTS, Global Organic Latex Standard, Fair Trade, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- 5-year warranty
Who It’s Best For: Those who want a firm feel; those seeking additional head support.
Good to Know: You can use the pillow straight out of the packaging because it doesn’t require fluffing to uphold its shape.
Best Memory Foam: Marlow Pillow
Once you unbox the Marlow Pillow, you’ll soon understand why it secured a spot on the list. No matter which way you turn at night, you’ll always feel supported and cool at every angle with gel-infused memory foam. Also contributing to the Marlow’s temperature-regulating capabilities is the pillow’s shell, which has a sateen weave that assists with breathability. If you find that the pillow feels too firm, all you have to do is unzip the sides to make it softer. You can also choose to zip or unzip either side, however you see fit, to make the Marlow Pillow suitable for your sleeping habits.
“Whether firm or soft, I found the Marlow to be super comfy!” says Britt. “For the first week, I slept with it fully zipped, not realizing the zipper had a special purpose. At its firmest, it was just the right density for lounging while sitting up in bed or laying down while reading or scrolling on my phone.”
Read our full review of the Marlow Pillow.
Specifications:
- Cotton cover with polyurethane foam and polyester fiber fill
- Available in 2 sizes
- Adjustable firmness
- Spot clean only
- 2-year warranty
Who It’s Best For: Combination sleepers; those who want customized comfort.
Good to Know: Save up to 30% if you bundle your purchase.
Pillows filled with down tend to flatten with use, but a higher-end version like the Company Essentials Better Down and Feather Pillow already has a firm feel to prolong its life. However, the firmness won’t make it any less comfortable for those who lie on their side. The half-down, half-feather blend is filled to the max, gently holding up your head and neck and keeping your body in a straight line. Commerce deputy editor Alicia, who deals with neck pain, has no complaints about this soft-yet-supportive pillow. “I was skeptical of having a flatter down pillow at first, but it has really won me over,” she says. “Sometimes, the higher side sleeper pillows can aggravate my TMJ and this one doesn’t. It’s the only side sleeper pillow on my bed right now.”
Specifications:
- 200-thread count cotton cover with a down and feather fill
- Available in 3 sizes
- Available in soft, medium, firm, and extra-firm
- Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified; Responsible Down Standard-certified
Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who want a dense pillow that won’t give you neck pain. Also, it does use real down, so it’s suited for those without allergies.
Good to Know: The brand recommends that side sleepers go with either the firm or extra firm options for extra support.
Best Unique: Pillow Cube Side Cube Deluxe
Some side sleeper pillows are even more unique in shape than those with cut-outs — like this one that looks like a cube. Don’t be fooled by its angular appearance: It’ll help those that lay on their sides get a more comfortable night of sleep. Pillow Cube’s Side Cube Deluxe is larger in size than its original pillows, which claims to add the benefit of relieving ear pressure. There are also ventilation holes that contribute to that and give it more breathability. According to the brand, the type of foam used will keep its support longer than others. All of this is topped off by an ultra-soft shell.
Home projects director Megan has been trying to sleep only on her side, though she usually ends up on her back or stomach by the time she wakes up. Neither is ideal, since she snores more in those positions and ends up with neck pain. “I do think this pillow has helped keep me on my side if for no other reason than it’s supremely uncomfortable as a back or stomach sleeper pillow,” she explains. “The shape holds up well, the pillow doesn’t get hot in the way foam sometimes can, and I like that it’s a King length. Not sure I could go back to a regular pillow after this one. I really like it!”
Specifications:
- AeroPluff foam fill
- Available in 3 heights
- Machine-washable cover
Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers; those trying to stick to their side throughout the night.
Good to Know: Pillow Cube provides guidance on the pillow thickness you should choose according to your height. You also can’t wash the pillow itself, though you can toss the cover in the machine.
Best Pillow with Arm Space: Coop EdenCool+ Cut-Out Adjustable Pillow
Coop’s EdenCool+ pillow was designed specifically with side sleepers in mind, offering a cut out for your shoulder. The shape reduces the gap between your neck and the pillow, providing full neck and head support. It also features the brand’s signature cooling technology, which several of our editors have tested and approved. The cover is cool to the touch, and it goes even further with its heat-wicking inner liner and special memory foam layer that draws heat away from your body.
Sarah has tested dozens of side sleeper pillows, and this one comes out on top. “Without any intervention on my part, it was already at the perfect height (no adjusting needed!) and it was icy cold — on par with my favorite cooling pillow, in fact,” she says. “And before you ask, yes, I woke up the next morning with no neck pain.”
Read our full review of the Coop EdenCool+ Cut-Out Adjustable Pillow.
Specifications:
- 100% virgin foam fill
- Available in 2 sizes
- Adjustable firmness
- Machine wash cover cold on gentle cycle and tumble dry low; pillow insert is spot clean only
- GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified
- 5-year warranty
- 100-night trial
Who It’s Best For: Those who run hot during the night and want some extra neck and head support.
Good to Know: You can bundle two pillows and save 10%.
Best Body Pillow: Hugl Cooling Body Pillow
If you find yourself hugging a pillow during the night, you might want to upgrade to a body pillow like this one from Plufl. The brand is most known for its internet-famous Human Dog Bed, but it has expanded its offerings to more traditional bedding. The body pillow isn’t your average body pillow, though. It claims to be cooling, and it’s built to relieve tension in your body. It’ll keep you comfortable with its evenly-distributed memory foam and microfiber fill, not getting lumpy like other body pillows you might’ve tried.
“I love curling up with it to sleep, but my favorite way to use this pillow is when I’m relaxing and watching TV or browsing the web on my laptop,” Britt says. “You can curl one side of the pillow over your lap to create an instant lap desk or fold both arms to turn them into arm rests. It’s seriously impressive!”
Specifications:
- Bamboo and polyethylene cover with micro-fiber and memory foam fill
- Available in 2 sizes and 2 colors
- Adjustable firmness
- Machine washable cover
Who It’s Best For: “It’s best for those who have the space to use and store it (even folded, it’s still pretty big), but you can use it anywhere from the bed to the sofa to the floor,” Britt explains.
Good to Know: Britt says that though it’s breathable and she hasn’t overheated while using it, she wouldn’t say the pillow is necessarily cool to the touch.
Additional reporting by Britt Frankin and Kendall Cornish.