6 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleeping on your side has a lot of noteworthy benefits, like improving joint pain and helping with digestion. You'll need that extra neck and spine support if you're a side sleeper. Check out our editors' top side-sleeper pillow picks.

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Updated on January 17, 2024

Our Top Side-Sleeper Pillow Picks

If you wake up in the morning with lower back pain or if your partner hates your snoring, it might be time to change your sleeping position. Sleeping on your side is one of the most beneficial positions (along with sleeping on your back); it's known to reduce back pain, neck pain and acid reflux (if you sleep on your left side). Plus, it can improve blood flow and digestion and is the best position for those suffering from sleep apnea.

And did you know there are a few ways to sleep on your side? Nearly half of adults sleep in the fetal position (curled up), while others sleep in a log position (straight arms and legs) or prayer position (hands together). Whatever your side-sleeping position is, you'll need a pillow that will support your neck and spine. Traditional pillows are meant for back sleepers, so if you're a side sleeper or want to train yourself to become one, a firm pillow meant for side sleeping is essential. Below, we share our favorite pillows that will provide the extra support your neck and spine need to help you sleep and feel better.

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How to Choose the Right Pillow for You

Finding the perfect pillow to help you sleep soundly and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated can be tricky if you're a side sleeper. You want a pillow to support your neck and keep your spine neutral. Side sleepers usually need a thicker cushion to fill the space between their head and shoulders. A pillow that molds to your body shape and provides the proper support will make your neck feel light and keep your body aligned. If your neck is out of alignment, it can lead to discomfort. Choosing the right pillow can be overwhelming, but we've got your back (and neck)! We've tested and handpicked the best pillows explicitly designed for side sleepers like you. So, you can easily choose the best one for you and start enjoying the quality sleep you deserve every night.

From $72

When you sleep on your side, the distance between your head and mattress depends on the broadness of your shoulders. You want your neck to be in a neutral position, so each person needs a pillow firmness specified for his or her body type. Coop Home Goods' adjustable pillow allows you to easily unzip and add or remove filling as needed. (Yes, it comes with extra filling.) It's somehow super soft but provides the firm support your neck needs. Plus, it makes a great pillow to prop up while reading or watching TV.

HGTV managing editor Kayla Kitts says, "While I typically start out the night on my back, I always end up on my side," she explains. "I've used pillows for back and stomach sleepers, since I’ve always considered myself one, but knew I needed to try a true side-sleeper pillow and test the difference. Enter the Original Coop Home Goods Pillow. A word of warning: Be prepared to spend a few nights breaking in the pillow and getting the foam 'just right'. After removing almost half of the foam insert, I understood the rave reviews. While I topped it with my silk pillowcase for the ultimate night’s sleep, the ultra-breathable and super-soft Lulltra case would be incredible on its own."

HGTV editor Laura James says, "The first night I slept on this pillow, I woke up with a headache and realized the amount of filling it comes with was way too thick for my comfort. I removed about a fifth of the filling, re-fluffed it and then started sleeping like a baby and didn’t wake up with any more headaches. I like that this pillow doesn’t lose its shape as easily as a traditional pillow — it’s the perfect combination of firm and soft, perfect for supporting my head and neck as a side sleeper. I also appreciate that it’s hypoallergenic, breathable and machine washable."

From $159

Laura also tested the Purple Harmony Pillow. She says, "The most unique thing about Purple’s pillow is that it uses a patented purple Grid Hex material instead of traditional filling. It’s constructed in a honeycomb pattern that you can see and feel through the outer fabric; it feels and wiggles almost like there’s a block of unbreakable Jell-O inside the pillow. For me, the best part about this design is that when I lie down, the pillow compresses just where I need it to and always bounces back to its original shape. It maintains its shape over time, too, and it does not require constant fluffing due to the filling shifting around as traditional pillows do. It’s also hypoallergenic, machine washable and breathable, thanks to its moisture-wicking cover. I don’t find this to be a huge deal, but the pillow will sometimes leave a hexagon pattern imprint on my cheek in the morning. The price of the pillow is steep compared to others we’ve tried, but Purple does offer a 100-night trial and a one-year limited warranty as well as free shipping and returns."

The Luxury Cooling Pillow from Brooklyn Bedding has memory foam that allows it to comfortably conform to the head and neck, making itequally comfortable for both back- and side-sleepers (as well as hot sleepers). This pillow is equipped with copper-infused foam that helps fight allergens, mold, and dust mites. Plus, its natural minerals promote breathability and comfort. And don't worry about getting too hot at night - it is infused with a cooling gel to combat heat buildup, keeping you cool and cozy all night long. Managing Editor Felicia Feaster suggests wrapping the pillow in a thin, preferably silk or breathable, pillowcase (and avoid flannel) to maximize its cooling power.

From $119

If you're searching for a solution to enhance your sleep posture and alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing in your neck and shoulders, the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow from Tempur-Pedic may be just what you need. This pillow is designed with therapeutic properties specifically crafted to alleviate tension and pressure in those areas while ensuring that your body is correctly positioned. You can choose from three sizes (small, medium, and large) to find the perfect fit for your body type and sleeping preferences. The pillow comes with a hypoallergenic cover that is easy to remove and wash whenever you need it.

From $165

Indulge in a comfortable and rejuvenating hotel-quality sleep with this luxurious latex pillow. It is available in two loft heights designed to keep you in perfect alignment, regardless of your sleeping position. Its natural latex core molds to the shape of your head and neck, providing unbeatable support. If you're a stomach or back sleeper who prefers a lower pillow, the standard loft option (around 4-5 inches) is the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you're a side sleeper who enjoys a more elevated and fluffy pillow, the high loft option (approximately 6-7 inches) is just what you need. This pillow even comes with a soft cotton cover and is machine-washable for easy care.

From $109

Are you tired of tossing and turning all night? This pillow features a 3.5-inch gusset providing ample support while maintaining a soft and comfortable feel. The pillow's 100% cotton sateen shell is not only luxurious to the touch but is designed with a reinforced double-stitched piping seam, allowing it to withstand frequent use. Plus, it contains a hypoallergenic down alternative that can help you relax and alleviate pressure from your neck and shoulders, ensuring you wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.

TESTED REVIEW

This Down-Alternative Bed Pillow Mimics Down So Well I Had to Double Check the Tag

It's perfectly crinkly just like luxe hotel bedding.

How We Tested

Multiple HGTV editors who typically sleep on their sides spent many nights sleeping on popular pillows that claim to be ideal for side sleepers to determine which ones were the most supportive, highest quality, most durable and, of course, the most comfortable. We also took into consideration price, user reviews and ratings. Read on to see which pillows come highly recommended by our editors who tested them first-hand.

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