You can also invest in pillow covers with cooling fabrics, like breathable cotton, to help keep your pillow cool if the pillow itself feels too warm for your taste.
Materials
As Dr. Jones mentioned above, memory foam and latex pillows are excellent choices for side sleepers, since these materials help your pillow mold to the unique shape of your head and neck. “Latex pillows are naturally resilient and supportive,” Dr. Saifullah adds, “which helps them maintain their shape and provide consistent support throughout the night.”
Still, you’ll want to steer clear of one popular pillow material if you sleep on your side. While down pillows may be luxurious and soft, they likely won’t offer enough support for side sleeping, Dr. Saifullah says.
Price
This list includes some of the best pillows for all price points, but before shopping around, you’ll want to consider your budget, especially if you’re planning to purchase a mattress for side sleepers or other bedding. Investing more money in a high-quality pillow over a budget buy may be worthwhile long-term, and can help guarantee your pillow will maintain its loft and firmness over time (after all, you don’t want your pillow to go flat after one month of use).
However, it’s not just face value you’ll want to consider when finding the perfect side sleeper pillows. Be sure to take warranty and trial period into account. In the event that your pillow gets damaged or doesn’t live up to manufacturer claims, a good warranty can cover the cost of a replacement pillow. A lengthy trial period, meanwhile, can give you more time to test your pillow to determine whether or not it’s right for your comfort preferences, body type, and bedroom aesthetic.
Durability
Poor quality pillows won’t last as long as their high-quality counterparts. Luckily, memory foam and latex, which are two of the best pillow materials for side sleepers, tend to last the longest (anywhere from two-to-four years). Be sure to clean and care for your pillow regularly to help extend its lifespan (here’s our guide on how to wash your pillows properly).
Other considerations
A few other features can help elevate and customize your sleeping experience. Adjustable pillows, Dr. Saifullah says, can be a great option for side sleepers looking to adjust their pillow loft to the ideal height. “By adding or removing filling, you can tailor the pillow to provide the perfect level of support,” he says.
A pillow with an ergonomic design, such as a contour or cervical pillow, can also be an excellent choice for side sleepers with neck or back pain. “These have a raised edge and a depression in the center to support the natural curve of your neck,” Saifullah explains.
Meanwhile, side sleepers with allergies may want to opt for latex pillows, which are naturally hypoallergenic.
FAQs
What pillow is best for side sleepers?
A medium-firm pillow with a loft of four-to-six inches offers the best support for side sleeping and can help keep your neck and spine neutrally aligned. Pillows made out of memory foam or latex are also great options for side sleeping and can conform to your body.
Should a side sleeper use a firm or soft pillow?
A side sleeper should use a medium-firm pillow to help keep their spine in neutral alignment. A pillow that’s too soft may cause your head to sink down, which can cause neck or back pain.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Memory foam is one of the best pillow materials for side sleepers. Since memory foam contours to the unique shape of your head and neck, it can offer just the right amount of support.
How often should you replace your pillows?
Most experts recommend replacing your pillow every two years, but a pillow that’s well cared for and made out of quality materials may last up to four years. If your pillow is sagging or losing its shape, or if it’s developed an odor that just won’t budge, it may be time to replace your pillows.
What pillows do chiropractors recommend for side sleepers?
Chiropractors often recommend pillows that support your neck while side sleeping. Look for a pillow height that matches your shoulder breadth. If you have very wide shoulders, you’ll likely need a taller pillow—at least five or six inches tall. Also look for firmer pillows that keep your head and neck lifted in line with the rest of your spine. The Tempur-Neck Pillow is a good example of a firm pillow. The EdenCool Adjustable Pillow by Coop Home Goods is a great example of a pillow that can be adjusted to various heights.
