Are you one of the 70 percent of individuals who love to side sleep? If so, then you know what it’s like to wake up and fluff your pillow just to get a good night’s rest.  Side sleepers, unlike back and stomach sleepers, need additional support, which is why basic pillows just won’t cut it.

Since there is more distance between the mattress and the head, side sleepers must have support for their spine, shoulders and neck. The best pillow to have is something big in size and will contour the body’s shape and offer firm support. The right pillow materials for the job include buckwheat and memory foam, as they tend to reduce pressure on the pressure points that are found in the shoulders and neck region.

Many pillow manufacturers claim to be the best for side sleepers, only to come up short. Some manufacturers have developed a pillow that’s ideal for any sleeper – back, side or stomach.  What they fail to realize is that side sleepers need more support in their shoulders and neck regions. Though consumers do consider price in their selection, they should also be considering what kind of warranty or guarantees the manufacturer has to offer. 

Will it be worth the investment?

How can you get the most from side sleeping without facing any of the negative effects? Thankfully, there are a host of side-sleeping pillows (at different price ranges) that can alleviate any neck and shoulder pain. What are the best pillows for side sleepers?


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The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers 

Picture

Product

Key Features

Price

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

- Supportive CertiPUR-certified shredded memory foam
- Adjustable for any sleep style
- Breathable Tencel fabric keeps you cool

Drift the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

Drift the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

- Soft yet incredibly supportive
- Customizable design helps reduce snoring
- High-quality memory foam promotes air circulation

Cradle Me Cervical Pillow

Cradle Me Cervical Pillow

- Promotes proper alignment and support
- Highest quality durable memory foam
- Can ease neck and back pain

Hullo Buckwheat Pillow

Hullo Buckwheat Pillow

- The cover is removable and machine washable
- Buckwheat hulls are highly breathable
- Add or remove buckwheat hulls to adjust the loft

Lessa Hybrid Luxury Reversible Pillow

Lessa Hybrid Luxury Reversible Pillow 

- Great cooling properties from the ventilated gel layer
- Down-like quilted pocket layer makes it soft and fluffy
- Extremely adjustable

MedCline Advanced Positioning No Slide Pillow

MedCline Advanced Positioning No Slide Pillow

- Unique patented side-sleeping technology
- Prevents the body from sliding down overnight
- Efficient against heartburn and acid reflux

Mediflow Original Water Pillow

Mediflow Original Water Pillow

- Clinically proven waterbase technology
- Adjustable levels of firmness
- Hypoallergenic & comfortable cotton shell

Wamsutta Extra Firm Side Sleeper Pillow

Wamsutta Extra Firm Side Sleeper Pillow

- Your head won’t sink into the pillow
- Firm and durable polyester filling
- 3-year limited manufacturer’s warranty

Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow

Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow

- Unique adjustable design
- The case is breathable and soft
- CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified


Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow Review

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

- Supportive CertiPUR-certified shredded memory foam
- Adjustable for any sleep style
- Breathable Tencel fabric keeps you cool

Price: 

There are two key things that stand out when using the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow: first, it’s extremely comfortable; second, it’s easy to alter the pillow’s profile.

You can find it in three sizes – Standard, King, and Queen. Be sure to choose the size that’s best for you. All too often, pillows are too big or small for users, which can hinder one’s sleep quality. The Nest Bedding is made of CertiPUR-certified shredded memory foam that can provide ultimate support without the firmness commonly associated with memory foams.

The Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow can be adjusted for height and firmness. It arrives overstuffed, but with its zippered cover, you can easily remove or add foam to get the firmness and height you want. Everybody has a sleeping position they prefer, and this pillow ensures you have the proper firmness and height for your particular needs. With the right neck support, this is considered an excellent pillow for side sleepers.

It comes with a soft cover that has a nice feel to it. The fabric is made of Tencel – a breathable material that will keep you cool throughout the night. Tencel, unlike cotton, has better moisture absorption properties. The manufacturer offers a 30-nights demo that can be returned without any problems.


Drift the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow Review

Drift the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

- Soft yet incredibly supportive
- Customizable design helps reduce snoring
- High-quality memory foam promotes air circulation

Price: 

If you snore throughout the night, you need a side sleeper pillow that can alleviate the problem as well as relieve your back and neck pains. The Drift the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow will provide support for your neck and back, keep your spine aligned and relieve the pressure points that make it difficult to sleep. The unique design can decrease snoring or eradicate it completely. Snoring problems go back to breathing problems, and the Drift offers the right amount of head elevation to ensure proper breathing while sleeping.

The pillow’s height can be altered, as it has a zipper that allows you to add to or remove filling to ensure you get the loft that best works for you. Unlike other options, it maintains its softness even after you adjust its height. With this pillow for side sleepers, you don’t have to sacrifice on comfort for additional loft. You can have the best of both worlds.

The Drift the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow is made up of 100 percent CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which simply means it’s much healthier than typical foam. Copper helps keep foam cooler and offers antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. And, the company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee (with no cost to you to ship it back) if you’re not impressed with it.


Cradle Me Cervical Pillow Review

Cradle Me Cervical Pillow

- Promotes proper alignment and support
- Highest quality durable memory foam
- Can ease neck and back pain

Price: 

When it comes to pillows for side sleepers, you want an ideal cervical support. And, you just found it! The Cradle Me Cervical Pillow can ease your neck and back pain thanks to its orthopedic design. Its ergonomic shape will gently cradle your head, neck, and shoulders while proving a sensual feel of a high-end pillow.

The majority of orthopedic pillows use gel for their filling, but not the Cradle Me. It’s comprised of high-quality memory foam that will contour to the shape of your neck and head to ensure a good amount of support. Organic contours mimic the body’s natural curves and will adjust to the different sleep positions you get into much better than regular pillows.

With most pillows, you get one height at a time; the Cradle Me Cervical Pillow has a butterfly shape that provides several height choices without needing to add or remove filling. This unique feature allows for support of the parts of your body that need it the most. With the memory foam filling, your muscles can stay relaxed, which helps to ease the pain in your shoulders, back, and neck.

The Cradle Me uses only the best memory foam available – foam that is both odorless and non-toxic. It can also protect you against allergens that can cause health problems in sensitive individuals and hinder your ability to sleep well. Best of all, the 100 percent polyester blend cover can be removed, and machine washed.


Hullo Buckwheat Pillow Review

Hullo Buckwheat Pillow

- The cover is removable and machine washable
- Buckwheat hulls are highly breathable
- Add or remove buckwheat hulls to adjust the loft

Price: 

If you’re all about all-natural products, then the Hullo Buckwheat Pillow may be just what you are after. Buckwheat pillows are extremely popular in Asia, as they have helped millions of people get the much-needed sleep they’ve been longing for. The pillow only uses organic materials – fabrics and filling. Plus, the manufacturer is looking to keep its carbon footprint low during the production process to contribute towards environmental conservation.

Comfort is the biggest thing for these pillows, which are simple in design and quite durable. The twill casing is comprised of 100 percent cotton fiber. The company works to get organically sourced buckwheat hulls that have been certified to be free of both herbicides and pesticides. They go through stringent cleaning processes to eliminate any bugs, dust, seeds, and other fragments that can alter the pillow’s quality.

Commonly-used memory foam pillows lock in heat, which can make them uncomfortable for use – more so during the summer months. With no airflow, the warm air cannot escape from the fill. However, the buckwheat hulls let air move in and out of the pillow, which keeps it cool even when it’s really hot outside. There’s no reason to wake up and flip your pillow over because it stays cool throughout the night.

Most pillows you see on store shelves do not provide proper support, leading to strains on your neck, back, and shoulders. However, buckwheat hulls are extremely flexible, which means they move to your body’s shape to ensure all-natural support.

It’s important to find a pillow for side sleepers that can have its height adjusted, and with the Hullo’s hidden zipper, you can create a perfect support structure for your head and neck. The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow ships fully stuffed, which ensures you have plenty of buckwheat hulls to get the loft the way you want it. With its malleable quality, you’ll ensure there is support under your neck, so your spine stays straight, and your muscles will relax.

Special Note: Hulls cannot be cleaned in a washer machine. Instead, you’ll need to place them under the sun to disinfect them. If they get wet, place them in the sunlight to dry out.


Lessa Hybrid Luxury Reversible Pillow Review

Lessa Hybrid Luxury Reversible Pillow

- Great cooling properties from the ventilated gel layer
- Down-like quilted pocket layer makes it soft and fluffy
- Extremely adjustable

Price: 

When people talk about customizable pillows, they often mean the ones that allow to add or remove filling to adjust their firmness and height. And, they may be talking about the Lessa Hybrid Luxury Reversible Pillow, which aims to please side sleepers.

The Lessa is customizable in every sense – it comes with a down-like quilted pocket layer on one side and a ventilated gel layer on the other side. There is also a removable insert in the center. This side sleeper pillow is both soft and fluffy thanks to its quilted pocket top, but it also provides ample support for your neck and head. It’s not like other memory foam pillows where your head sinks down into the surface. With the Lessa Hybrid Luxury Reversible Pillow, your head still stays on top of the pillow. Regardless of your preference for customization, the product was created to give users the best support and allow your body to relax and sleep.

The Lessa gets its support from the ventilated gel layer, which also ensures the pillow stays in place while you sleep. Best of all, even in the dead of summer, it will stay cool on this side. How can you clean this pillow to increase its longevity? Open the pillow’s zipper cover and take the gel insert out. You cannot wash this insert, but spot cleaning is recommended. For the remainder of the pillow and the cover, you can throw them into the washer machine.

An even better deal? Lessa offers a 100-night, in-home trial. If you’re unhappy with the product for any reason, you can get a full refund… no questions asked.


MedCline Advanced Positioning No Slide Pillow Review

MedCline Advanced Positioning No Slide Pillow

- Unique patented side-sleeping technology
- Prevents the body from sliding down overnight
- Efficient against heartburn and acid reflux

Price: 

Of all pillows for side sleepers on the list, this is going to be the priciest of them all. Is it worth it, though? Absolutely! The MedCline Advanced Positioning No Slide Pillow has a unique design that includes an armrest, which side sleepers find useful. No worries about sliding down while sleeping, as the patented arm pocket at the top of the advanced positioning wedge ensures you won’t slide down.

The pillow uses four kinds of foam to improve overall comfort and support. When you sleep at an angle of the MedCline wedge, your stomach, head, and neck (entire torso) stay inclined. The manufacturer came up with its advanced sleeping position design – ideal for people who sleep on their left side. The pillow underwent five clinical trials and found it was extremely effective against coughing, choking, heartburn, regurgitation, nausea, and other health problems.

Thanks to this advanced positioning wedge, people can use their preferred pillow on top, which will make the transition to this new sleep position easier. The product comes in two sizes – large and small – all dependent on your height.

The plush cover, which is made up of 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester CBC velour, can be removed and washed. The fabric regulates the temperature and gives the utmost comfort. The foam, made in the U.S., contains no dangerous chemicals, which will improve the effectiveness, value, and comfort of the MedCline Advanced Positioning No Slide Pillow.


Mediflow Original Water Pillow Review

Mediflow Original Water Pillow

- Clinically proven waterbase technology
- Adjustable levels of firmness
- Hypoallergenic & comfortable cotton shell

Price: 

Mediflow makes use of the waterbase technology that an independent Johns Hopkins study has found to help alleviate neck pain and improve overall sleep quality.

For those who remember what a waterbed is, a waterbase pillow is similar to the waterbed mattress. It’s extremely comfortable to lay on but gives you the support side sleepers need to remain in a comfortable position all night long. Whether you sleep on your stomach, back or side or switch between any of them, the water moves with your head – no need to fluff or adjust this pillow.

A durable liner lines the interior of the Mediflow Original Water Pillow, where you add water to a height that you feel comfortable with. With this side sleeper pillow, you can get the right height for your head to remain in perfect alignment with the spine. This can be hard to do with a regular pillow.

Made of 100% cotton and hypoallergenic, the Mediflow Original Water Pillow won’t get hot at any point in the night, so you stay cool even in the dead summer heat. It is made in the USA and is very easy to care for. To show conviction in its product, the manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back grantee as well as a three-year warranty for manufacturer defects.


Wamsutta Extra Firm Side Sleeper Pillow Review

Wamsutta Extra Firm Side Sleeper Pillow

- Your head won’t sink into the pillow
- Firm and durable polyester filling
- 3-year limited manufacturer’s warranty

Price: 

If an extra-firm pillow for side sleepers is what you are after, then you need to purchase the Wamsutta Extra Firm Side Sleeper Pillow. It is made with a polyester filling and a 100 percent cotton, 300-thread count cover. With the extra firm pillow, side sleepers will get the much-needed sleep they’ve longed for. The pillow will conform to the body while giving you the support it needs.

The Wamsutta Extra Firm Side Sleeper Pillow comes in sizes of King, Queen, and Standard, so there is an option for anybody in the house. The pillow’s filling is a synthetic material, which means its loftiness will be held for longer compared to down or other natural fillings. And, even though it’s got some height to it, your head won’t easily sink in this pillow.

And, if you’re still hesitant about this product, the manufacturer offers a three-year limited manufacturer warranty.


Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow Review

Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow

- Unique adjustable design
- The case is breathable and soft
- CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified

Price: 

It’s not uncommon for side sleepers to enjoy the contour of memory foam. After all, the material will mold with the head and neck to reduce discomfort and prevent new pressure points from occurring.

The Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow offers a gusseted design for edge-to-edge support. It also includes padding with gel-infused, shredded memory foam as well as polyester microfibers. On top of consistently conforming to your body, the materials are also very breathable, so the pillow stays cool even in high heat temperatures.

The Coop Home Goods allows users to adjust the loft to meet their particular needs - you can add or remove fill at any time to increase or decrease the volume of the pillow. If you need even more bulk, the manufacturer provides you opportunities to buy more filling.

The Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow uses a cover that is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites – great for people with allergies. It’s made of bamboo rayon and polyester that are both breathable and soft. Coop Home Goods puts all its products through a stringent, third-party lab test to ensure safety and uses only GreenGuard Gold and CertiPur-US-certified materials for their best quality. You won’t find any toxic chemicals in this product. Free shipping is available for every U.S. state, and the company offers a 100-night sleep trial with a five-year warranty.


7 Things Side Sleepers Need To Be Mindful Of About The Position 

Many people find side sleeping best for getting high-quality sleep, but it can lead to a host of issues for your posture. This is something you must be mindful of.  It’s not unusual to find a comfortable position o fall asleep in only to realize you’re uncomfortable after a couple of hours of sleep. So, when shopping for a new pillow and getting settled in for the night, there are a few factors to remember. 

You Want To Maintain A Straight Spine, Parallel To Your Mattress

This is known as a neutral spinal position where there is very little joint or muscle tension and curves of the spine. If you don’t have a comfortable pillow or mattress, it’s not easy to maintain a straight spine all night. 

Be Mindful Of Your Neck’s Angle Compared To The Rest Of Your Body 

Most people have either too thin or too thick of a pillow, which causes upward or downward curves of the neck.  It’s why people would rather use a pillow that offers adjustable height (loft).  The best pillows for side sleepers will take loft into consideration.

Have Complete Neck Support 

You may have the best pillow for side sleeping and your neck in terms of height, but if the neck has no real support, it can easily become misaligned.  Traditional pillows either give your head support or neck support, but contoured/cervical pillows will take care of both of them. 

Remember Your Hips 

How your hips are during sleep can have a significant impact on the quality of it. You want your hips to be perpendicular with the bed (or the side of the hip touching the bed and directly below the other side. This will keep you from twisting the spine, which can add tension to the column.

Don’t Sleep In The Fetal Position 

Many people sleep in the fetal position, but it’s much harder to keep the spine aligned in it. If you were to look at someone laying in that position, you would see that the spine is placed under a lot of strain and has many curves to it. You may want to pull your legs up, but the fetal position isn’t the best position to sleep in. 

Place A Pillow Between The Knees

To keep your hips in a natural position, place a pillow in between your knees. You can find a specialty pillow for the job, but save your money and try a regular pillow first to see how you feel when you wake up.

Problems May Be More Than A Pillow

A new pillow for side sleepers may be the best way to deal with side sleeping problems. However, sometimes, it’s not the end-all, be-all to them. Side sleeping needs a balance of support, as well as some, give in the mattress you’re sleeping on. Your own body weight is carried in both the hips and shoulders, which can lead to spinal curves. Too soft of a mattress and pillow can also lead to little support. 


3 Key Benefits To Sleeping On Your Side

Many people, every night, are sleeping on their side… for good reasons. There is a multitude of benefits to sleeping on your side. It’s easier on your back and neck than back or stomach sleeping and is quite comfortable. What are some of the key advantages behind side sleeping?

Pain Relief For Your Shoulders and Neck

Many people complain about neck and shoulder pain after they sleep. This pain could be the result of a sleeping position, but not linked to any one in particular.  However, in many cases, side sleeping – whether you’re sleeping on your right or left – can cause less pain in your shoulders, neck and back due to the height of them. Why?  There is relief on the pressure points and additional support – something the best pillows for side sleepers offer.

The goal behind these pillows is to improve the alignment of your spine that reduces the pressure and tension between the body and mattress. This is important because it lessens the stuffiness and pain that is often felt in the neck and shoulders region. 

Snoring Relief 

There are all kinds of reasons a person snores. Sleeping on your back can lead to snoring because the tongue falls back into the throat while you’re sleeping. Side or stomach sleeping doesn’t cause this to happen, which reduces the chance for snoring issues.

That doesn’t mean you don’t need a side sleeping pillow, though. After all, a pillow for side sleepers helps to keep the neck aligned. The moment something unnatural occurs in the throat, the flow of air is blocked and can cause snoring. 

Better Alignment Of The Spine 

When you’re in the market for a new pillow for side sleepers, you want to keep in mind what will work best in keeping your neck and spine aligned.  

This is one of the biggest benefits of sleeping on your side, as it offers the most natural alignment that isn’t affected by the kind of mattress you are using. Simply put, you’ve got some flexibility here.  While you should have a bed that offers great support and comfort, people who side sleep can be rather tolerant of a less-than-ideal mattress. 

There is much to be said for an unaligned spine that is much more than pain in your neck, back, lower back, shoulders and hips. It can also lead to morning headaches, which can become chronic if not addressed timely.  A permanently misaligned spine may lead to a chronic inadequate sleeping position that can hinder your lifestyle. 

When it comes to your health, there are three things you must have to good health:

  • Great pillow
  • Nice bed
  • One sleeping position 

Never underestimate the power these things can have on your health. 


3 Negative Aspects Associated With Sleeping On Your Side  

Most people, instinctively, get onto their side to go to sleep due to the level of comfortability it has to offer. This is especially true if you snore while on your back or have back problems. Although it offers a plethora of benefits, there are some negative issues associated with side sleeping people should be aware of. 

Additional Pressure On Your Organs

When you sleep on your right side, it can raise the level of discomfort from heartburn. If you sleep on your side, it can put more pressure on organs such as lungs, stomach and liver.  However, placing a pillow under the neck along with under their waist and between the knees can alleviate some of this issue.

Problems With The Fetal Position

People who sleep on their side and in the fetal position may suffer from various health problems. For instance, they may have breathing problems because the diaphragm is constricted. They may have arthritis or other circulatory system problems due to the strain placed on the body.  It may be best to sleep in a log-like position.
Wrinkles

People who sleep on their side will sleep with one side of their face into the pillow. As time passes, this will lead to wrinkles. If you sleep on one side for most of the time, the wrinkles will be more noticeable on that side than the other one.  


7 Pillow Sizes For Side Sleepers To Choose From

When you’re buying your next pillow, you really need to consider the size. Many people feel the bigger the pillow, the better it is for them. However, that’s not necessarily how it goes. The best pillows for side sleepers are ones that provide them with the best support based on several factors such as bed size, height, etc.  What are the standard pillow sizes you can choose from and what are their benefits?

  • Standard - 20W” x 26L” – The most common pillow size is the standard pillow size. It’s not recommended for people who tend to toss and turn during their sleep, but it’s usually the cheapest choice on the market. 
  • Super Standard – 20W” x 28L” – For people who see the standard pillow as too compact, there is the Super Standard option to choose. It’s ideal for people who toss and turn while sleeping. 
  • Small – 20W” x 12L” – This size is typically seen with specialty pillows like buckwheat models and cervical memory foam. They help to elevate the neck and dip under the head to ensure complete support that’s highly targeted to the region.
  • Queen – 20W” x 30L” – A second most popular pillow size is the Queen, which can be used by most sleepers who have a tendency to toss and turn.
  • King – 20W” x 36L” – People who toss about in their sleep can benefit from a king-size pillow. However, it’s also great for individuals who love to sit up and watch TV in bed, read or need a backrest. 
  • Body – 48 to 54W” x 20L” – These pillows are very long, which is great for side sleepers who want to snuggle while sleeping. Pregnant women love them because it makes them feel as if they’re protecting their stomach and keeping them comfortable all night long. 
  • Euro – Various Dimensions – Euro-size pillows are extremely unique because of their square shape. The sizes vary in dimensions but are commonly seen in 20W” x 20L” and 26W” x 26L”. Some people are not keen on using them while sleeping, but instead for a back or head rest. 

What Are The Best Kinds of Pillows Side Sleepers Can Use For A Good Night’s Rest 

The best pillows for side sleepers will be ones that retain their shape and contour to the body. Most cotton pillows are overly soft, and down-filled pillows quickly flatten out. While there are all kinds of materials that can be used in pillows, the best pillows for side sleepers will consist of one of three types.

Memory Foam 

The difference between memory foam and other kinds of foam is that the memory foam will return quickly to its original shape and won’t fatten entirely.  Since it’s moldable memory foam, it will form to the body’s curves and change when you move without the need to fluff. 

The best pillows for side sleepers are ones that use shredded foam since you can easily bend and mold the pillow, unlike a solid foam piece. Shredded foam will allow air to freely move through the material, keeping the pillow temperature down (great for hot nights). While a solid memory foam is ideal for people who want an extra-firm pillow, it should also allow plenty of room for air to move through, so the pillow stays cool while sleeping. 

Buckwheat or Water-Fill

When choosing a pillow for side sleepers, you want one that will give you ultimate support for your body’s shape.  A negative aspect of a water-fill pillow is that water heats up because of the body’s temperature.

The buckwheat filling, however, will provide the utmost comfort and conforms to the body. Small gains keep knots from occurring in the pillow material, which ensures a smoother sleeping surface.  Buckwheat filling can release heat, so the pillow remains cool throughout the night. The best side sleeping pillow will be made with buckwheat that you can adjust to your preferred choice. 

Down Pillows

This type of pillow comprises of soft, naturally-insulating material that comes from the insides of ducks and geese.  Besides its lightness and molding abilities, these pillows have a higher loft to them – ideal for people who sleep on their side.

Two drawbacks to this pillow that make it iffy to go with include:

  • Potential for allergies due to material
  • Pricey 

Feather 

Down pillows comprise mostly of ultra-soft belly fluff, but feather pillows use denser feather from geese and ducks. Like the down pillow, feather pillows provide a high loft, which is why many side sleepers see them as the best pillow for them.  When you compare down and feather pillows, the feather pillows cost a bit less and are firmer. 

And, just like down pillows, there is a risk for allergies for sensitive individuals. 

Latex 

This material is firmer than memory foam and adapts to the body’s shape. In saying that, it’s not going to flatten out with use. This is why people who side sleep use latex material pillows because it provides the best support for their spine and neck.  The only drawback is if you turn around in your sleep – going from your side to stomach or back. The latex pillow may not be best for these sleepers. 

Gel-Fill

Regardless of what you have heard about gel pillows, it’s not a liquid inside of it. Rather, its memory foam micro-fibers surpass the conforming of shredded foam (making it even better than shredded foam). These pillows can be easily cleaned, offers great back and neck support and is hypoallergenic.  

For some individuals, the gel pillow may be too soft and can clump up, unlike other types. 

Synthetic Down 

Synthetic down materials offer nearly the same advantages as feather and down pillows, but there are two benefits to them that the others don’t give – there is no risk for allergies and are reasonably priced. 


6 Factors Side Sleepers Need To Consider When Buying A Pillow 

Material 

There are all kinds of materials that go into the best pillows for side sleepers such buckwheat shell inserts, gel, bead, water, standard cotton fiber and memory foam. Their differences determine how much loft and comfort your pillow will give. Side sleepers don’t want a pillow that allows their head to sink far into it. 

In many cases, side sleeping pillows comprise of thick, resilient materials that are heavier than people are typically used to. 

Shape 

Most pillows have a curved or even shape to them. While most people recognize even-shaped pillows, they are generally flat or full shapes (material-dependent).  The cervical memory foam pillow is a prime example of the curved-surface pillow.  The pillow is placed under the neck to elevate it while it sits lower the head. 

People who suffer from chronic shoulder or neck pain find this pillow very useful. 

Thickness (Loft) 

Side sleepers need pillows that offer them loft of a mid-to-high size.  Why is that? Sleeping on your side produces more space between the neck and head and pillow. Thick pillows will take into consideration the gap. Pillows that have a lower loft can cause a bend in the neck, which produces both pressure and pain. 

Along with the sleep position, many factors need to be taken into consideration when it comes to finding the best pillows for side sleepers:

  • Weight
  • Shoulder width
  • Head size 
  • Mattress firmness

Some manufacturers give users the option to adjust their loft by either adding to or removing filling.  These types of pillows are ideal for people who sleep on their side and need to adjust their level of thickness comfort. 

Firmness 

When you need a pillow under your head, you want one that offers you plenty of pressure and doesn’t give so your head sinks into it. When shopping for a pillow to put between your knees, firmer pillows work better to keep the upper left from twisting down. 

Moldable

Some individuals look for pillows that will retain their shape while they sleep, regardless of how much movement is seen during the night. Other folks want a pillow they can tuck and fold to the way they are laying. Do you put your arm under the pillow? Are you looking for a side sleeper pillow that can be placed under the neck but will still give your upper back support? If so, then avoid any pillows with a solid memory foam pad or has gusseted sides.  

The best pillows for molding include ones with the following materials:

  • Buckwheat
  • Gel fiber
  • Shredded memory foam
  • Water 

Company Character 

You may think that the reputation of a company is a huge deal, but when talking about quality pillows, a reputation can make or break a company. Companies that claim to offer the best pillows for side sleepers are ones that provide some type of assurance and will cost more than your typical pillow sold in stores. 

Manufacturers want to be sure that users are protected against damages, flattened materials, etc. By giving these assurances, it means the company stands by its products and will address any questions or concerns you may have. 


5 Other Important Considerations In Buying A Side Sleeping Pillow 

Prospective pillows buyers have many different pillow options to choose from, which makes it easy to feel anxious about the entire process. After all, you don’t want to waste your money on a pillow that doesn’t work for you. For the best pillows for side sleepers, you need to factor in the shape and size of your body to ensure the proper support and firmness is felt. 

You also need to consider the preferences you have for personal comfort.  For instance, if you’re not happy with a firm surface, then you may want to look for a softer surface that still provides you with solid support for your head. 


What is something to look for in your pillow?

Do You Sleep In More Than One Position – Many people find themselves going to sleep in one position but waking up to another one entirely. It’s hard for toss and turners to find pillows that meet their unique predicament. Be sure to search for pillows that offer comfort for every sleep position. Read others’ reviews about their experience. What are they saying?  

Are You Arms Tucked Up or Under The Pillow Or You – Many people will place their arm under their head at night, which can cause a misalignment of the spine. This misalignment is due to the head lift. Be sure you find pillows that will embrace the arm and not just let you rest your arm on it. This ensures support for both your neck and head. 

How Warm Do You Sleep – It’s not entirely possible to go to sleep when you’re hot, and if you’re hot while sleeping, you’re liable to wake up. Be sure to look for pillow materials that will keep you cool all night long. You want materials that allow air to flow freely through the pillow and take body heat away from the body – in essence, cooling you down. 

Are You Buying The Pillow For Yourself Or Someone Else – Ask yourself who the side sleeping pillow is for. Do you want one for yourself? If so, then you may need just one size or kind of pillow. If you’re purchasing multiple ones for everybody in the home and your guests, it may be best to go with a water or buckwheat filled pillow for the side sleepers. This will allow them to situate their pillow how they see best for themselves. 


What About Pillows For Pregnant Women and Young Children?

Pregnant women must have more support for their stomachs, which can be found in a firm, but moldable side sleeper pillow. The best material for this kind of pillow is shredded memory foam as it provides ultimate support and still wraps around the body. 

Children who side sleep need as much support for their head, spine and neck as the adults do, but the amount of space between them and the mattress is less. If they’re using a large or very thick memory foam pillow, it can cause them neck pain because the spine is not aligned.  Instead, go with a slimmer side sleeper pillow for the kids or a pillow that can be adjusted. 


What You Have To Remember About The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers 

What you want from a pillow will determine what pillow is best for you.  Ask yourself what kind of support your body needs and what you find most comfortable.  While the above pillows are deemed the best pillows for side sleepers, it really does boil down to what you think. There are many pillow manufacturers on the market, which is why you need to do your homework and read what people have experienced for themselves. 

While the above list of nine pillow manufacturers and pillows are a start, you may find another pillow that’s better for you. Again, it comes down to what you prefer and what you’re looking for from your pillow, which is ultimate comfort and support. 


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