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Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

If you are a side sleeper, you know what a challenge it can be to find a comfortable pillow. A standard run-of-the-mill pillow isn’t ergonomically ideal for any sleeping posture, but it can pose particular problems for side sleepers.

Your shoulder may be crushed under you as you sleep. There can be painful pressure on your ear. The pillow can suffocate your nose.

So you might go out to buy a pillow to provide better ergonomic support—only to find a lot of neck pillows which are designed for back sleepers more than side sleepers. A neck roll, for example, is designed to support the natural C-curve of the neck when lying on your back—but if you are lying on your side, all it is going to do is give you a headache.

I am both a side sleeper and a back sleeper, so I am intimately familiar with the difficulties faced by both. In fact, I tend to fall asleep on my side and then wake up on my back. So I had to go shopping for a pillow which would allow me to do both comfortably.

​Best Practices for Side Sleepers

Do:

  • Lie on a firm, comfortable mattress which provides adequate support.
  • Turn over on your other side if lying too long on one side is causing discomfort.
  • Choose a pillow which provides firm support for your neck. Your neck should be kept in a neutral, straight alignment. It should not curve to either side.

Do Not:

  • Allow yourself to roll over onto your stomach which is mainly a problem for stomach sleepers who are trying to adjust to side sleeping (stomach sleeping is terrible for your neck).
  • Sleep with your pillow under your shoulder. This method is a great way to screw up your spine alignment.
  • Use a neck roll or similar pillow. If you choose a pillow which has a curved portion to support back sleepers, make sure it also has a flat section which you can use to sleep on your side. If the entire pillow has a “roll” shape, it will deform your spine while you are lying on your side.

Important Features to Look for in a Pillow for Side Sleeping

  • A shape which suits your sleeping posture(s). Some side pillows are ideal only for side sleeping, but others are hybrid designs which combine features for side and back sleepers.
  • Features to alleviate various types of pain. Some people are particularly prone to ear pain or shoulder pain while sleeping on their sides. If that describes you, there are side sleeper pillows out there specifically for your needs.
  • A comfortable material. Many different materials are used for both the casing and fillings of side sleeper pillows. You can choose from buckwheat, memory foam, microbeads, and more.
  • A pillow which is suitable for your sleeping environment. Do you sleep in a hot or cold environment? Do you prefer your head to be warm or cool? Choose a material which is suitable to your needs. For example, if you live in a hot climate and need something to cool your head down, you could buy a gel foam or buckwheat pillow. But if the reverse is true, these pillows might make it hard for you to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.


Best Shapes for Side Sleeper Pillows

While shopping for side sleeper pillows, you will notice that they come in a variety of shapes, some of them quite unusual at first glance:

  • Traditional rectangle. Some side sleeper pillows have a fairly standard rectangle shape.
  • Rectangle with arced indent. This is your standard rectangle shape, but with a concave indent along the bottom to make room for your shoulder.
  • U-shape, L-shape, J-shape, or V-shape. These also make room for your shoulder.
  • Arm rest pillows. These can vary quite a bit in terms of shape, but all offer room for you to rest your arm (nice for former stomach sleepers).

Top Pillows for Side Sleepers

Now that you know what to look for in a side sleeper pillow, here are some options.

Pillows For Sleeping Mainly or Only on Your Side

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow


This pillow has a basic rectangle shape, except that there is a concave curve at the base which leaves room for your shoulder.

Key Features

  • Hidden zipper so you can add or remove stuffing to adjust the height.
  • Contains a combination of Certipur Gel Memory Foam and micro gel fiber.

What The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow Is Best For


While this pillow does not provide the extra support needed for back sleeping, it is ideal if you sleep mainly or entirely on your side. It is not too far off from a traditional pillow shape, which may make for a smooth transition if that is what you like.

Pros and Cons


This pillow should be about the right thickness to keep most spines aligned, but the adjustability feature is fantastic since you can customize it to your needs. Unfortunately, there is no way to add filling, but if you need to remove some, you can.

Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow


Another option which is even closer to a traditional pillow is this one from Coop Home Goods. There are more than 13,000 customer ratings for this pillow online, so it is a big seller in the marketplace.

Key Features

  • 60% polyester, 40% rayon derived from bamboo.
  • Filled with proprietary Visco elastic memory foam.
  • Adjustable height.
  • Machine-washable, hypoallergenic, and dust mite resistant.
  • This pillow includes a 5-year warranty.

What the Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Is Best For


This pillow is a kind of hybrid between a traditional down pillow and a memory foam pillow, providing a balance of softness and support. You can open it up and remove some of the fillings if you need to flatten it.

Pros and Cons


The adjustability of this pillow is of course fantastic. Quite a few buyers have mentioned that it is excellent for reducing neck pain. Some, however, have said that it is a bit flatter than what they need. So if you prefer a flatter pillow, it may be an ideal choice, but for a thicker pad, you may prefer some other options on this list.

CR Sleep Ventilated Memory Foam Pillow with AirCell Technology


Consider this memory foam pillow if you are a side sleeper in a warm climate looking for something with a cooling effect. This pillow also has a traditional rectangle shape.

Key Features

  • ​Gel-infused memory foam filling. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified to be free of toxic ingredients.
  • Inner cover is made of breathable jersey fabric.
  • Hypoallergenic.
  • Resistant to dust mites.

What the CR Sleep Ventilated Memory Foam Pillow Is Best For


One side of this memory foam pillow features ice fabric and polyester, while the other is of polyester and Tencel. The ice fabric and polyester side are designed for summertime use, as it can keep your head cool. Polyester and Tencel retains its heat, making one side of the pillow perfect for the winter. The contoured memory foam design provides support for comfortable side sleeping.

Pros and Cons


According to buyers, this comfortable pillow does a great job holding its shape and maintaining proper support throughout the night. Just note that you cannot use a standard pillowcase for it, or you will eliminate the cooling, ventilating effect. Of course, this is only a drawback if you are determined to use a regular pillowcase.

Pillows For Sleeping Mainly or Only on Your Side

Nakital Contour Memory Foam Pillow


I would more readily recommend this for back sleepers, but it is a suitable option for side sleepers as well (indeed, the manufacturer recommends it for side sleepers). If you sleep in hot climate conditions, this is a good option.

Key Features

  • The outer cover is removable and washable.
  • The filling is breathable contour memory foam.
  • The pillow is hypoallergenic.

What the Nakital Contour Memory Foam Pillow Is Best For



You will notice that this pillow is contoured all along the lower edge to provide extra neck support. For this reason, I think it would be best for those who spend significant time sleeping on their backs, but who also sleep on their sides. Usually, I would not recommend a pillow with this kind of contouring for side sleepers, but the extra support here doesn’t appear to be overkill, so I think the neck would stay aligned in either position.

Pros and Cons


The Nakital Contour Memory Foam Pillow maintains its shape and offers a fresh, breathable sleeping surface. On the downside, it may have an unpleasant chemical smell when you first unpack it. You will notice this with other memory foam pillows as well. After a short period, the scent should fade away.

CR Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow


This pillow is similar in design to the one above. It has a cervical curve to support the neck while sleeping on one’s back, but it is recommended for side sleeping as well.

Key Features

  • Contains CertiPUR-US certified gel-infused memory foam.
  • Ventilated, cool inner cover.
  • Soft, removable, warm outer cover.
  • Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
  • Unique contour wave design.

What the CR Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow Is Best For


Quite a few buyers of this pillow mentioned that they sleep on their sides or their sides and backs. So it is a fantastic option if you want to enjoy firm, comfortable support in both positions, alleviating tension throughout the night.

Pros and Cons



The mild contouring on this pillow is one of the drawbacks for some customers, who would have preferred more of a curve. I would say this makes sense if you were sleeping exclusively on your back. For a back/side sleeper, however, I would say the mildness of the contouring is an advantage, as too much contouring would misalign the neck while lying on one’s side. In short, the CR Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow offers a good compromise, which is what you need if you sleep in both positions.

Perform Pillow Medium Profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow


This memory foam neck pillow features a gentle contour, ideal for back and/or side sleepers.

Key Features

  • The cover is 56% polyester and 43% bamboo. It is micro-vented to stay cool and breathable, but it is soft enough that you shouldn’t feel tempted to put a traditional pillowcase over it.
  • Contains a special density foam. This along with the orthopedic design were selected by a chiropractor.
  • Eco-friendly and made without toxic materials.
  • ​Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
  • Thick and thin profile versions available.

What the Perform Pillow Medium Profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow Is Best For


Back and side sleepers will love this pillow. The manufacturer suggests flipping it upside-down if you are a side sleeper and resting your shoulder under the curve. What works just as well would be keeping it right-side up. Flipping it around so that you are sleeping your neck on the smaller curve.

Pros and Cons


You can choose from either of two contours on the same pillow for comfort, and you can also pick between the thicker or thinner pad when you make your purchase. So this pillow offers excellent versatility. Aside from sizing issues (which may be present with any pillow), it is hard to spot any possible significant detractors.

Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow


This smart pillow was designed to provide zones for back and side sleeping. That way you can choose what you need for optimal support.

Key Features

  • Special contoured design with zones for different sleeping postures.
  • Made out of soft, hypoallergenic materials.
  • Machine-washable. The patented filling is designed not to clump.
  • Two versions available: medium soft or medium firm.

What The Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow Is Best For


You should think about this pillow if you want one which provides cervical support for your neck when you are on your back, but which also includes non-contoured sections for lying comfortably on your side without deforming your neck.

Pros and Cons


Whether you love or hate this pillow will probably depend on your sleeping preferences. If you need a large area for neck support while lying on your side, you might find it confining. If however you sleep near the edge of your pillow anyway on your side (like I do, as I feel stifled otherwise), you will probably find this pillow to be ideal.

Note that changing the pillow’s orientation might help you out. Try turning the pillow 180 degrees from the direction you use for back sleeping. Which in turn, provides some extra room for side sleeping.

Side Sleeper Pillows for Ear Pain

The Womfy Ear & Neck Pain Relief Pillow


Suffer from ear pain while you are sleeping on your side? One pillow you might want to think about is the unusually-shaped Womfy. Its unique design provides radial support, and there are holes for your ears.

Key Features

  • The pillowcase is made from bamboo-jersey.
  • The core consists of memory and gel foam.
  • The design of the pillow prevents pressure on your ears, mouth and face.

What The Womfy Ear & Neck Pain Relief Pillow Is Best For


While this pillow is odd to look at, the design was carefully thought out to keep side sleepers’ spines aligned and relieve pressure on the face and ears.

Pros and Cons


The most significant benefit of this pillow is that it does provide the support you need as a side sleeper while keeping pressure off your ears. The added support means you can lie comfortably on the same side for much longer. On the downside, there are a few customers who have reported that the pillow suffers from a lack of longevity owing to a breakdown of the foam.

Side Sleeper Contour Pillow by Remedy


This pillow is U-shaped which creates a place for your head to relieve pressure on the ear. The U-shape provides space for your shoulder.

Key Features

  • Made from hypoallergenic poly-fiber cushioning with a cotton cover.
  • Designed to keep your neck, shoulders, and back comfortably aligned.
  • Travel size so that you can bring it anywhere.
  • Includes an ear hole.

What the Side Sleeper Contour Pillow by Remedy Is Best For


This side sleeper pillow is excellent for a couple of applications. The first is relieving ear pain, while the second is travel. Nonetheless, you do not have to use this as a travel pillow; it works perfectly well as your first pillow for home use as well.

Pros and Cons


According to buyers, this pillow is incredibly comfortable whether you are a side or back sleeper. It does a great job relieving pressure on the ear, and you can comfortably sleep on either side. It also has a removable, washable cover, which is essential, as you will have a hard time finding a pillowcase to fit this product. On the downside, it does not contain memory foam, so some buyers may not feel it provides the support that they are looking for in a pillow.

Side Sleeper Pillow for Pregnancy

Cheer Collection Down Alternative J Pillow


This pillow has a very unusual shape. At first glance, you may not even know how you are supposed to sleep on it. It is, however, the perfect size and shapes for side sleeping, particularly during pregnancy.

Key Features

  • Microfiber.
  • Features a full body design which not only provides support for your back, but also for your back. This design relieves quite a few pressure points, and can be tucked between the needs.
  • The pillowcase can be unzipped and removed so that you can wash it as needed.

What the Cheer Collection Down Alternative J Pillow Is Best For


This side sleeper pillow is mainly ideal for women who are pregnant. Even if you are not pregnant, however, you may find it very comfortable, particularly if you suffer from lower back pain or sciatica.

Pros and Cons


The pillow is fluffy and provides plenty of support for your entire body. The few buyers who did complain about it seemed primarily overwhelmed by its size. Just make sure that a full body pillow is something you want before you make your purchase.

Side Sleeper Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow


This side sleeper pillow is an excellent choice for alleviating shoulder pain. The L-shaped design provides a convenient space for your shoulder to rest.

Key Features

  • The L-shape is ergonomic and provides support for the head and neck while relieving pressure on the shoulders.
  • The memory foam is made using a special “gel dough” formula. This keeps it cool and soft, relieving pressure points.
  • The cover is made out of soft rayon derived from bamboo.  It is removable, washable, and hypoallergenic.

  • Your purchase is protected by a 5-year warranty.

What the Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow Is Best For


You should consider this pillow if you are looking for a way to reduce shoulder pain while you are sleeping. Additionally, it is a good option in general if you need to rest in a warm climate and want something breathable.

Pros and Cons


This pillow is quite firm, but it has enough firmness to it that it is not overwhelming. It also maintains its durability well through use and time, so it is an excellent choice for longevity. I should mention that some buyers reported that the pillow split after a short time. Thankfully this flaw seems pretty rare.

Side Sleeper Pillows with Arm Wrests

Sleep Yoga Side Sleeper Pillow


Are you looking for a side sleeper pillow with an armrest? One option from Sleep Yoga is this ergonomic pillow. It has a unique shape designed to provide optimal support for your neck, shoulders, and back.

Key Features

  • 80% cotton and 20% Coolmax. The pillow should remain relatively cool even in warm environments.
  • The notch in the side of the pillow makes room for your shoulder while providing support for your neck. This is great for reducing tension and protecting your rotator cuff muscles.
  • The cover can be removed and washed. It is breathable and soft.
  • The pillow itself can also be washed. The filling will not clump so long as you follow the directions.

What the Sleep Yoga Side Sleeper Pillow Is Best For


Stomach sleepers who are trying to transition into sleeping on their sides are often well served by armrest pillows like this one. Having something to rest your arm on can help to simulate the familiar feeling of stomach sleeping. This pillow also is an excellent option for those who need to prevent shoulder tension and pain.

Pros and Cons


This pillow is incredibly comfortable and features an ingenious, unique design. It does a fantastic job relieving shoulder pain; even buyers with shoulder injuries mentioned it was helpful. As to drawbacks, a few buyers said they found it a bit firm. Whether this is a drawback or not depends on your needs.

Sleep Yoga Side Sleeper Arm Wrest Posture Pillow


This is an supplementary pillow, as opposed to a main pillow for your head. It is designed to serve exclusively as an armrest while you are sleeping on your side. So you cannot buy it to serve as your one and only pillow—but you may find it helpful in conjunction with another pillow from this list for cozy side sleeping.

Key Features

  • Made of a cotton Coolmax blend for comfort.
  • You can rest your entire arm and improve the alignment of your shoulder, elbow and wrist.
  • Hypoallergenic and washable materials.

What the Sleep Yoga Side Sleeper Arm Wrest Posture Pillow Is Best For


Think about purchasing this pillow to raise up your arm while you sleep. If you used to be a stomach sleeper, this could help you assume a posture that feels more natural. It may also be useful for those with shoulder, wrist, or elbow injuries.

Pros and Cons


Sleep Yoga is a comfortable pillow which can potentially reduce pain in your shoulder, neck, arm or wrist. Most customers who didn’t like it felt they were sleeping in an unnatural position, so only buy this if it makes sense for your needs.

Conclusion: There is a Perfect Pillow Out There For Any Side Sleeper

Whatever position(s) you sleep in and whatever types of pain you need to alleviate, there is a pillow out there which is ideal for your needs. With the right support for your neck and the right ergonomic features for your ear and shoulders, you can get a deep, restful night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and pain-free each morning. It may be more of an expense than a traditional pillow, but as a long-time sufferer of neck and shoulder pain who is now feeling much better, I can tell you it is worth it.

If you enjoyed this article check out our other articles:

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About the Author

Peekaboo! Barbara speaking. I'm currently the Chief Editor at Sleep Titan and my job is to make sure that the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed on all of our amazing content! The lovely people here at Sleep Titan often tell me that my Friendly Superpowers come out after a glass of wine, but personally, I prefer a strong IPA. The sort of strength that screams alpha all the way! Maybe that's the reason why everyone wants me to have a drink around here. Right?!

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