Home / Side Sleeper Pillows

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is the most common sleep position, but it requires the right pillow to maintain proper spinal alignment. You need a higher loft pillow to fill the gap between your shoulder and neck.

What Side Sleepers Need in a Pillow

When you sleep on your side, there's a significant gap between your mattress and your neck. Without proper support, your head tilts down toward the mattress, causing neck strain and poor spinal alignment.

Key Features for Side Sleeper Pillows

  • High Loft (5-7 inches): Fills the space between shoulder and mattress
  • Medium-Firm to Firm Support: Prevents head from sinking too far
  • Contoured Shape (Optional): Some pillows have a raised edge for extra neck support
  • Pressure Relief: Soft enough to be comfortable against your ear and face

Signs Your Pillow Isn't Right

  • Waking up with neck pain or stiffness
  • Shoulder pain from poor alignment
  • Numbness or tingling in arms
  • Frequently adjusting your pillow at night

Top Pillows for Side Sleepers

Compared by loft, firmness, and fill type

Pillow Fill Type Loft Firmness Rating Price
Coop Home Goods Original Loft
Coop Home Goods Original Loft
Adjustable shredded memory foam
 Memory Foam Adjustable (5-7") Medium-Firm
★★★★★ 4.8
$72 View on Amazon
Saatva Latex Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
Shredded natural latex core
 Latex High (6") Firm
★★★★★ 4.6
$165 View on Amazon
Purple Harmony Pillow
Purple Harmony Pillow
Hyper-elastic polymer grid + latex
 Hybrid Tall (7.5") Medium
★★★★☆ 4.4
$179 View on Amazon
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper
U-shape design with arm tunnel
 Memory Foam/Latex Adjustable Medium-Firm
★★★★★ 4.5
$129 View on Amazon
Sleepgram Pillow
Sleepgram Pillow
3-pillow-in-1 adjustable system
 Microfiber Adjustable Medium
★★★★☆ 4.3
$60 View on Amazon
Layla Kapok Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow
Copper-infused memory foam + kapok
 Memory Foam Adjustable Medium
★★★★★ 4.6
$109 View on Amazon

Detailed Reviews

Best Overall: Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow

The Coop Home Goods Original remains our top pick for side sleepers because of its adjustable fill and excellent support. You can add or remove shredded memory foam to achieve the perfect loft for your body.

Pros

  • Fully adjustable fill amount
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam
  • Machine washable cover
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Initial off-gassing smell
  • May need refluffing regularly
  • Heavier than traditional pillows
Fill TypeShredded Memory Foam + Microfiber Blend
Cover MaterialBamboo-derived Lulltra fabric
DimensionsQueen: 20" x 30", King: 20" x 36"
Weight4-5 lbs
Made inUSA

Best Luxury: Saatva Latex Pillow

For those willing to invest more, the Saatva Latex Pillow offers exceptional durability and natural materials. The shredded Talalay latex core provides responsive support that doesn't flatten over time.

Pros

  • Natural, organic materials
  • Excellent breathability
  • Naturally antimicrobial
  • Very durable (5+ years)
  • No off-gassing

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Heavier than foam pillows
  • Not ideal for stomach sleepers
Fill TypeShredded Talalay Latex
Cover MaterialOrganic cotton
DimensionsQueen: 18" x 26", King: 18" x 34"
CertificationsGOLS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX

Best for Shoulder Pain: Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

The unique U-shape design of the Eli & Elm pillow provides a tunnel for your arm, reducing shoulder pressure. This is particularly beneficial for side sleepers who experience shoulder pain or numbness.

Pros

  • Unique arm tunnel design
  • Adjustable fill
  • Reduces shoulder pressure
  • Great for combination sleepers

Cons

  • Takes getting used to shape
  • May not work for all body types
  • Higher price than standard pillows

Side Sleeper Pillow Buying Tips

How to Measure Your Ideal Loft

Your ideal pillow loft depends on your shoulder width. Broader shoulders need higher loft pillows. Here's a simple test:

  1. Stand with your shoulder against a wall
  2. Measure the distance from your ear to the wall
  3. This measurement is approximately your ideal loft

Firmness Considerations

Side sleepers generally need medium-firm to firm pillows. Soft pillows compress too much under the weight of your head, losing the loft you need. However, if you have a softer mattress, you may need a slightly lower loft pillow since your shoulder sinks deeper into the mattress.

Fill Material Recommendations

  • Memory Foam: Excellent for pressure relief and consistent support
  • Latex: More responsive than memory foam, stays cooler
  • Adjustable Fill: Best option if you're unsure of your needs
  • Down Alternative: More affordable but may flatten faster