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The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Eli & Elm (Photo from Eli & Elm)

Did you know your sleeping position affects your posture? For every sleeping position, the right pillow is crucial to maintain a healthy neck and shoulder angle. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best pillows for side sleepers and provide tips to choose the perfect one based on your needs and preferences. 

If you or someone you know is a side sleeper, consider getting a suitable pillow for a better sleeping experience.

1

Best Firmness

Best firmness
It’s made with hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill, making it a safe choice for those with allergies.
$7.44
from Walmart
May be out of stock
Dimensions20 x 26 inches (Standard)
MaterialPolyester fill, cotton cover
ShapeStandard pillow shape
Machine-washabilityFully machine-washable
AdjustabilityNon-adjustable
CoolingNot specifically designed for cooling
Buy if…
  • you want firm support.
  • you sleep on your side.
  • you need a budget-friendly option.
  • you like hypoallergenic materials.
  • you prefer machine-washable pillows.
  • you want a durable pillow.
Don’t buy if…
  • you prefer soft pillows.
  • you need long-lasting fluffiness.
  • you sleep on your stomach.
  • you need a highly breathable pillow.

The Mainstays bed pillow for back & side sleepers is a good budget option for side sleepers.

This pillow offers firm support, which is great for keeping your neck and spine aligned. It’s made with hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill, making it a safe choice for those with allergies. Plus, it’s machine washable, so it’s easy to keep clean.

On the positive side, many users find this pillow comfortable and supportive. It holds its shape well after multiple washes, which is a big plus. Some reviewers mention that it helped reduce their neck and shoulder pain due to its firmness.

However, there are some downsides. Some users feel the pillow goes flat too quickly and doesn’t stay fluffy. Others find it too firm and would prefer something softer. There are also a few complaints about it not being as breathable as desired.

Overall, the Mainstays pillow is a solid choice if you need a firm, affordable pillow for side sleeping. It offers good support but might not be the best if you prefer a softer pillow or need something with premium materials. 

Mainstays Extra Firm Bed Pillow for Back & Side Sleepers Reviews

  • Supportive: Users appreciate the firm support, which is great for side and back sleepers.
  • Affordable: Many find it a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
  • Hypoallergenic: The pillow’s hypoallergenic materials are a plus for allergy sufferers.
  • Flattens quickly: Some users report the pillow loses its firmness and fluffiness over time.
  • Too firm: A few find it too firm, causing discomfort.
  • Not breathable: Some reviews mention that the pillow doesn’t stay cool, leading to a sweaty sleep.
2

Best for Hot Sleepers​

Best for hot sleepers​
Cooling gel fibers keep the pillow cool, Fully machine-washable, Memory foam
$99.99
from Amazon
May be out of stock
Dimensions20 x 28 inches
MaterialMemory foam, cooling gel fibers
ShapeStandard pillow shape
Machine-washabilityFully machine-washable
AdjustabilityNon-adjustable
CoolingCooling gel fibers keep the pillow cool
Buy if…
  • you need cooling features.
  • you sleep on your side.
  • you like memory foam.
  • you want adjustable fill.
  • you appreciate hypoallergenic materials.
  • you need machine washable pillows.
Don’t buy if…
  • you sleep on your stomach.
  • you need a firm pillow.
  • you prefer down fill.

The Beckham Hotel memory foam pillow for side sleepers is a great pick if you want firm support and cooling. It’s filled with shredded memory foam, making it adjustable to your liking. Many side sleepers love it because it keeps their neck and spine aligned, reducing aches and pains.

People who sleep hot appreciate its cooling features, though some say the cooling effect fades. It’s also hypoallergenic and machine washable, which is a big plus. On the downside, it might be too firm for back and stomach sleepers, and it doesn’t have the same softness as down pillows.

If you’re looking for the best pillow for side sleepers, the Beckham Hotel memory foam pillow is worth considering. It’s also on our list of the best hotel pillows that offer luxurious comfort and support.

Discover a range of pillows for your needs in our comprehensive guide on the best pillows.

Beckham Hotel Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers Reviews

  • Comfortable: Users love its soft yet supportive feel, ideal for all sleep positions.
  • Cooling: The pillow’s cooling gel fibers help keep users sweat-free all night.
  • Durable: Many find it maintains its shape and fluffiness over time.
  • Expensive: Some users feel it’s a bit pricey compared to other options.
  • Too soft: A few users find it too soft for their preference, lacking firmness.
  • Flat packaging: The pillow arrives vacuum-sealed, which can be off-putting at first.
3

Best Customizable Support

Best customizable support
features shredded memory foam, allowing you to add or remove fill to customize the loft and firmness to your preference.
$75.00
from Amazon
May be out of stock
Dimensions20 x 30 inches (Queen), 20 x 36 inches (King)
MaterialShredded memory foam, bamboo-derived rayon cover
ShapeStandard pillow shape
Machine-washabilityFully machine-washable
AdjustabilityAdjustable fill for personalized comfort
CoolingBreathable cover keeps the pillow cool
Buy if…
  • you need adjustable firmness.
  • you sleep on your side.
  • you like memory foam.
  • you want hypoallergenic materials.
  • you prefer a washable pillow.
  • you need cooling features.
Don’t buy if…
  • you sleep on your stomach.
  • you prefer very firm pillows.
  • you need a lower loft.

The Coop Home Goods original adjustable sleeper pillow is a standout choice for side sleepers looking for the best pillow for side sleepers.

This pillow features shredded memory foam, allowing you to add or remove fill to customize the loft and firmness to your preference. This adjustability makes it a versatile option for different sleep positions.

Many users love its supportive and comfortable feel, especially side sleepers who appreciate the ability to tailor the pillow to keep their spine aligned.

The pillow is also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the pillow is fully machine washable, which is a huge plus for easy maintenance.

However, there are a few downsides. Some users find it too firm even after adjusting the fill, while stomach sleepers may find it too high. It’s also not the cheapest option, but its quality justifies the price for many.

In short, the Coop Home Goods pillow is highly recommended in pillows for side sleepers reviews for its customization, comfort, and quality. If you’re searching for the best pillow for side sleepers, this one is worth considering​.

Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Sleeper Pillow Reviews

  • Customizable: Users love that they can adjust the fill to get the perfect loft and firmness.
  • Supportive: Many find it offers excellent support for side sleeping, reducing morning aches.
  • Breathable: The cover helps keep the pillow cool, which is a big plus for hot sleepers.
  • Too firm: Some users find it too firm, even after adjusting the fill to their preference.
  • Bulky: A few reviews mention it feels bulky and takes up more space on the bed.
  • Pricey: Some users feel it’s a bit expensive for a pillow, considering other options available.
4

Best Customizable Comfort

Best customizable comfort
It has adjustable layers, so you can add or remove them to get the right loft and firmness for your needs
$299.98
from Walmart
May be out of stock
Dimensions18 x 28 inches (Queen)
MaterialPolyester, cotton cover
ShapeRectangular with adjustable layers
Machine-washabilityCover is machine-washable
AdjustabilityAdjustable layers to change firmness
CoolingCooling cover helps regulate temperature
Buy if…
  • you want adjustable firmness.
  • you need cooling features.
  • you sleep on your side.
  • you prefer hypoallergenic materials.
  • you want a washable pillow.
Don’t buy if…
  • you prefer very firm pillows.
  • you sleep on your stomach.
  • you need a lower loft.

The Bedsure layer bed pillow is a great pick if you want something customizable. It has adjustable layers, so you can add or remove them to get the right loft and firmness for your needs. This makes it super flexible for different sleep positions, especially for side sleepers.

A lot of people love its cooling cover, which helps keep things nice and cool at night. If you have allergies, you’ll appreciate the hypoallergenic materials that keep the pillow clean and comfy. Plus, it’s machine washable, which is always a plus for easy cleaning.

On the downside, some folks find it a bit too soft or not supportive enough, particularly if they prefer a really firm pillow. Stomach sleepers might also find it too high since it’s designed with more loft for side and back sleepers.

In simpler terms, the Bedsure pillow is a solid choice if you’re looking for the best pillow for side sleepers. It’s got lots of positive reviews for its adjustability, cooling features, and hypoallergenic benefits.

Bedsure Adjustable Layer Bed Pillows Reviews

  • Adjustable: Users appreciate the ability to add or remove layers to adjust the pillow’s firmness.
  • Cooling: The cooling cover is highlighted as a great feature, keeping the pillow cool.
  • Hypoallergenic: The hypoallergenic materials are beneficial for users with allergies.
  • Too soft: Some users find it too soft and not supportive enough for their liking.
  • High loft: Stomach sleepers might find it too high, which can be uncomfortable.
  • Maintenance: The inner layers are not machine-washable, making it harder to clean thoroughly.
5

Best for Neck Pain

Best for neck pain
The pillow’s cotton cover is breathable and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
$129.99
from Amazon
May be out of stock
Dimensions17 x 29 inches
MaterialOrganic cotton, latex, polyester
ShapeU-shape design for shoulder support
Machine-washabilityOnly the cover is machine-washable
AdjustabilityAdjustable fill for personalized firmness
CoolingBreathable cover promotes airflow
Buy if…
  • you need adjustable firmness.
  • you sleep on your side.
  • you want a pillow that contours to your neck.
  • you appreciate hypoallergenic materials.
  • you prefer a breathable cover.
Don’t buy if…
  • you sleep on your stomach.
  • you want a completely machine-washable pillow.
  • you need a pillow that fits standard cases.

The Eli & Elm Ultimate side sleeper pillow is designed for side sleepers. Its unique U-shape fits around your shoulder, aligning your head and neck. This design helps reduce shoulder pain and promotes better sleep.

Users love the adjustable firmness. You can add or remove the latex and polyester filling to find your perfect comfort level. The pillow’s cotton cover is breathable and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. Many users report waking up with less neck and shoulder pain.

However, stomach sleepers may find it too high and firm. Some users note that it’s pricey compared to other pillows. While the outer cover is machine-washable, the inner pillow is not, which could be a drawback for those seeking easy maintenance.

Overall, the Eli & Elm Ultimate side sleeper pillow is highly recommended in pillows for side sleepers reviews. If you’re in search of the best pillow for side sleepers, this one is worth considering​.

Eli & Elm Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow Reviews

  • Supportive: Users find it excellent for reducing neck and shoulder pain, offering great support.
  • Adjustable: The customizable fill allows users to tweak firmness to their preference, enhancing comfort.
  • Hypoallergenic: Hypoallergenic materials help users with allergies, making it a safe option.
  • Expensive: Some users feel the pillow is quite pricey compared to other side sleeper pillows.
  • Heavy: A few users find the pillow heavier than expected, making adjustments harder.
  • Not fully washable: Only the cover is machine-washable, which can be inconvenient for thorough cleaning.
6

Best Cooling Technology​

Best cooling technology​
The cover is breathable, moisture-wicking, and machine washable, although the latex core can only be spot-cleaned.
$199.00
from Amazon
May be out of stock
Dimensions26 x 17 x 7.5 inches (Tall)
MaterialTalalay latex core, GelFlex grid, polyester cover
ShapeRectangular with hex grid design
Machine-washabilityCover is machine-washable
AdjustabilityAvailable in three loft options (Low, Medium, Tall)
CoolingExcellent airflow and moisture-wicking cover
Buy if…
  • You need excellent cooling.
  • You sleep on your side.
  • You prefer a bouncy feel.
  • You want adjustable loft options.
  • You appreciate hypoallergenic materials.
  • You want a durable pillow.
Don’t buy if…
  • You sleep on your stomach.
  • You are on a tight budget.

The Purple Harmony pillow has a Talalay latex core wrapped in a Purple Grid Hex layer. It’s perfect for hot sleepers, thanks to its excellent airflow and cooling properties

The pillow is available in three loft options: low (5.5 inches), medium (6.5 inches), and tall (7.5 inches), so you can find the perfect fit for your sleeping position. It’s durable, maintaining its shape over time, and provides a bouncy yet supportive feel. 

The cover is breathable, moisture-wicking, and machine washable, although the latex core can only be spot-cleaned.

This pillow is particularly great for side sleepers, offering excellent support and alignment to help prevent neck pain. It’s highly regarded as one of the best pillows for side sleepers and even considered one of the best hotel pillows for side sleepers.

However, some users find it too firm, especially stomach sleepers. It’s also on the pricier side, which may not suit budget shoppers. Additionally, the pillow is relatively heavy and has a mild initial odor that dissipates after a few days.

Purple Harmony Pillow Reviews

  • Cooling: The GelFlex grid and ventilated latex core keep the pillow cool throughout the night.
  • Support: Offers excellent neck and head support, especially beneficial for side sleepers.
  • Durable: High-quality materials ensure the pillow maintains its shape and support over time.
  • Expensive: The pillow is quite pricey, making it a significant investment.
  • High loft: Even the low version can be too high for stomach sleepers.

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