Best Pillows for Side Sleepers in 2026

Is your neck sore from a pillow with too much loft? Or maybe you wake up with a sore shoulder because your pillow is too flat? If you’re a side sleeper who’s waking up with morning-after symptoms of a pillow that’s just not working, we can help. 

Our team of sleep experts personally evaluates every pillow in our Seattle-based Test Lab. After rigorous assessment across performance categories, we’ve curated a list of the best pillows for side sleepers.

Read on to learn about choosing a pillow that’s for comfortable side sleeping, how to shop for the perfect pillow, and above all, what makes a pillow good for a side sleeper. We’ve found side sleepers feel most comfortable on thicker, supportive pillows. The flexibility of adjustable loft can also make the pillow the right height for your body.

Best Overall: Saatva Latex Pillow

Best Overall

9.6/10Test Lab Score

Saatva Latex Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Saatva

Price: $165 – $185

Fill: Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative

Loft: Standard (4-5″), high (6 to 7″)

Firmness: Medium Soft

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For:Side sleepers looking for high neck and shoulder support.
• Feel:Medium soft firmness that offers comfortable contouring and ample neck support.
• What It’s Made Of:Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative
• What We Don’t Like:The latex interior should never be laundered or exposed to moisture.
• Why Choose the Saatva Latex Pillow:Side sleepers looking for a pillow to help with spinal alignment will find it in this Saatva latex pick.

Most side sleepers feel comfortable using high-loft pillows because added thickness ensures adequate head and neck support. However, some who favor this position prefer low- to medium-loft instead. The Saatva Latex Pillow has an adjustable design that served all side sleepers on our test team regardless of their loft leanings.

How It Performs

The pillow contoured closely without buckling or sinking during our tests, while the outer chamber contains plush microdenier fibers that felt similar to natural down. The pillow has an 8-inch profile if you use the core and outer chamber, but you can also separate the two components to create less loft if that’s what you prefer. Since latex has natural cooling properties, this model felt cool to even the hot sleepers on our team.

Best Value: Layla Kapok Pillow

Best Value

9.3/10Test Lab Score

Layla Kapok Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Layla

Price: $109 – $129

Fill: Shredded memory foam and kapok tree fiber blend

Loft: Adjustable

Firmness: Medium Soft

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: We think all sleeping positions can find a comfortable level of fill with Layla’s Kapok pillow.
• Feel: Soft and lightweight like real down, this plushy pillow is great at cradling and supporting the neck and shoulders, especially because you can adjust the loft based on your personal preference.
• What It’s Made Of: Shredded memory foam and kapok tree fiber blend
• What We Don’t Like: In testing, stomach sleepers had to remove half the fill to get comfortable.
• Why Choose the Layla Kapok Pillow: A combination of plush softness and support, the Layla Kapok Pillow’s adjustable fill also makes it a versatile choice across the board. Its cover is moisture-wicking and breathable while its shredded memory foam fill promotes airflow, too.

Fibers from the kapok tree offer the same softness and lightness as real down, but without triggering allergy symptoms or using animal-based materials. The Layla Kapok Pillow combines this material with shredded memory foam to create a supremely soft feel. We recommend the pillow to anyone who needs a plush surface to alleviate neck and shoulder pain.

How It Performs

Since the Layla Kapok Pillow offers adjustable loft, our testers evaluated multiple profiles. The stomach sleepers on our team preferred a mid-level profile with roughly half of the fill removed. For our back sleepers, three-quarters of the fill provided enough loft without elevating the head too much, while our side sleepers preferred the pillow’s fill at full volume.

Breathability proved to be one of the pillow’s biggest strengths during our tests. The shredded fill promotes steady airflow, and the cover is both breathable and moisture-wicking. We also found the pillow quite moldable and snuggly. If the Kapok Pillow feels uncomfortable at first, try removing some of the fill to lower the profile.

Most Comfortable: Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow

Most Comfortable

8.9/10Test Lab Score

Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow

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Price: $115 – $124

Fill: 75% shredded latex or shredded memory foam, 25% polyester fiber

Loft: Adjustable

Firmness: Adjustable

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who are looking to prioritize spinal alignment.
• Feel: The unique U-shape of this pillow makes this pillow distinct in its design. It’s designed to offer ample support at the top, conforming to your neck and head with a medium to high loft. You can also adjust the loft by adding or removing fill.
• What It’s Made Of: 75% shredded latex or shredded memory foam, 25% polyester fiber
• What We Don’t Like: The U-shape design may not be for everyone.
• Why Choose the Eli & Elm Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow: If, as a side sleeper, you like to have a lot of support by your upper body (think head, shoulders, and neck), the U-shape design can definitely help with that. Aside from its distinct look, you can also purchase additional bags of fill to adjust the loft level to your liking.

The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is constructed with a distinctive U-curve on the bottom end, designed as a space for your shoulder to rest while sleeping. The top of the pillow provides plenty of support and conforming for your head and neck to help reduce neck pain and keep your spine aligned.

How It Performs

The Side-Sleeper Pillow has a medium to high loft that suited the needs of side sleepers on our testing team. You can adjust the loft by adding or removing fill, with additional bags of fill available for a small charge. Adjusting the pillow’s loft will also affect its firmness, which we found allows it to adapt to a variety of different sleepers.

Best for Neck Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Best for Neck Pain

9.0/10Test Lab Score

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

25% off sitewide Shop At Brooklyn Bedding

Price: $89 – $99

Fill: Talalay latex

Loft: 4″ or 5″

Firmness: Medium Firm

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Warm sleepers who experience pain points in the neck and shoulders.
• Feel: Talalay latex effortlessly cushions pressure points without “over hugging” or surface shrinkage. It also has natural cooling properties thanks to small holes that allow for air circulation.
• What We Don’t Like: The trial period (30 nights) is a bit short in comparison to other brands.
• Why Choose the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow: The talalay latex construction is bouncy, breathable, and comfortable, offering the best of the best without paying too high of a price tag. You can also pick between two loft levels.

The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is constructed with a distinctive U-curve on the bottom end, designed as a space for your shoulder to rest while sleeping. The top of the pillow provides plenty of support and conforming for your head and neck to help reduce neck pain and keep your spine aligned.

How It Performs

The Side-Sleeper Pillow has a medium to high loft that suited the needs of side sleepers on our testing team. You can adjust the loft by adding or removing fill, with additional bags of fill available for a small charge. Adjusting the pillow’s loft will also affect its firmness, which we found allows it to adapt to a variety of different sleepers.

Best Cooling: Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Side Sleeper

Best Cooling

8.1/10Test Lab Score

Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Side Sleeper

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Price: $123 – $136

Fill: Solid memory foam

Loft: 4.75″ – 5.25″

Firmness: Medium

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers with neck pain or those who sleep warm.
• Feel: Its medium firmness is available in two loft levels (4.75- or 5.25-inches), both of which have excellent heat retention and cooling properties. The 5.25-inch option, in particular, is best for side sleepers, since we found it did a great job of cradling the head and neck and aligning the spine.
• What It’s Made Of: Solid memory foam
• What We Don’t Like: The interior foam should be spot cleaned.
• Why Choose the Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow — Side Sleeper: Armed with top-tier pressure relief, this Helix pillow is a major win for side sleepers. It supports the neck, shoulders, and head without sinkage, offers incredible breathability, and keeps your spine aligned with the rest of your body.

For all of its health benefits, side sleeping can compromise proper alignment and leave you feeling stiff in the morning. The right pillow can make a world of difference. Helix’s GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is available in two profiles, each intended for different sleep positions. The thicker 5.25-inch model provides ample cushioning to support the neck, cradle the head, and keep these areas aligned with the rest of your spine.

How It Performs

All side sleepers on our team awarded favorable ratings to the GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow during hands-on tests. Our back sleepers were also impressed with the pillow — despite the higher profile, none of them experienced excessive neck strain. Stomach sleepers will probably find the 5.25-inch loft too thick. We recommend the 4.75-inch pillow if you sleep on your stomach, or if you’re a combination sleeper who sometimes uses the stomach position.

Pressure relief is a major strength of this pillow. The solid memory foam conforms closely without sinking or compressing too much, resulting in optimal neck support and little to no pressure buildup. We also found the pillow sleeps fairly cool compared to other memory foam models we’ve tested. This can mostly be attributed to the GlacioTex cover that dissipates heat and feels cool to the touch.

Best Foam: Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Best Foam

9.1/10Test Lab Score

Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Use this link for the most current Sleep Is the Foundation discounts Shop At Sleep Is the Foundation

Price: $90

Fill: Shredded memory foam (gel-infused)

Loft: Adjustable (8″ standard)

Firmness: Adjustable

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers who want a pillow to support the natural curves of their head, neck, and shoulders.
• Feel: Additional bags of fill allow you to find your perfect loft and firmness level.
• What It’s Made Of: Gel-infused shredded memory foam
• What We Don’t Like: You have to remove all of the fill before washing the inner pouch.
• Why Choose the Sleep Is The Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: It’s a versatile option that works well for side, back, and stomach sleepers alike. Priced at less than $100, you can also find your ideal loft and firmness.

The Sleep Is the Foundation Loft Pillow is filled with shredded memory foam that you can adjust and mold to your desired loft and shape. The adaptive feel and customizable design make this a great fit for side sleepers who either aren’t sure of their ideal pillow preferences or who enjoy a high degree of customization options.

How It Performs

All the side sleepers on our team enjoyed the soft to medium feel of the Loft Pillow, regardless of their body type. The pillow measures 8 inches thick when completely filled, which is considered a high loft. Thick pillows are helpful for side sleepers, since it keeps the head supported and properly aligned with the neck and spine. However, you can remove fill at any time to achieve a lower loft if this feels more comfortable. Each pillow comes with a bag of shredded fill to use as needed.

Our testers unanimously agreed that this pillow excelled at moldability. The adaptive shredded fill lets you shape the pillow with ease, whether you’re folding the pillow to boost support or snuggling it for comfort. We noted that the pillow does not regain its shape easily, so you may need to fluff it to return it to its original shape.

Best Luxury: Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow – Soft

Best Luxury

9.2/10Test Lab Score

Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow – Soft

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Price: $159 – $219

Fill: White down, down/feather blend

Loft: Varies

Firmness: Soft

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers
• Feel: Available in multiple firmness levels, they’re all luxe, comfortable, and breathable thanks to the natural cooling properties (this is because down and feathers have limited temperature retention).
• What It’s Made Of: Down, down-feather core
• What We Don’t Like: Not every firmness option is a good pick for side sleepers
• Why Choose the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow: The three-chamber design of this pillow offers the perfect amount of contour. Depending on which firmness option you choose (Soft, Medium Firm, or Firm), it’ll contain down or a combination of down and down alternative that will provide support and cushioning.

Boll & Branch has a reputation for producing luxurious and comfortable bedding, and the Down Chamber Pillow is no exception. This model comes in several firmness options, all containing down or a combination of down and feathers that offer the mix of support and cushioning preferred by most side sleepers.

How It Performs

The pillow is available in a soft, medium, and firm design. All models offer the luxe cushioning that down pillows are known for, but the medium and firm options generate stronger support while the soft design is exceptionally plush and compresses deeply. Our product experts agree that the firm and medium options are a better fit for side sleepers, since this group usually needs a fair amount of loft and support to keep the head and neck in proper alignment.

A major strength of this pillow is its natural cooling properties. The shell is made with lightweight and breathable cotton, while the down and feathers retain minimal heat. Hot sleepers should find this pillow comfortable.

Best Neck Support: Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Best Neck Support

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Use code SF10 for 10% off sitewide Shop At Sweet Zzz

Price: $135 – $150

Fill: Plant-based down alternative fibers

Loft: 5-6″

Firmness: Medium

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who want a pillow with a medium loft or medium firmness level.
• Feel: In testing, its mid-range firmness was thick enough for side sleepers to feel properly aligned, adequately supporting the upper body. The plant-based fiberfill is both breathable and moldable, too.
• What It’s Made Of: Plant-based down alternative fibers
• What We Don’t Like: The fill may slump over time.
• Why Choose the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow: Softer than your average pillow, the plant-based down alternative fibers deliver a cushy yet breathable feel. Its medium loft and firmness offer extra cushioning at the neck and head, relieving pressure found at frequent sore spots.

Finding a high-quality pillow with a reasonable price-point can be somewhat challenging. The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow is constructed with fill and cover materials that our testers found both breathable and long-lasting. Our testing team gave the pillow high marks for durability and affordability, making it a great option for shoppers with limited budgets.

How It Performs

Our testing found the down alternative construction and medium feel a great option for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, as well as back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. People in higher weight categories may find their heads sink too deeply, which may cause neck strain, while stomach sleepers will likely find the pillow too firm and thick.

While the pillow was thick enough for most side and back sleepers on our team, the fill may flatten over time. Whenever this occurs, you can re-expand the shape by placing the pillow in any household dryer. The entire pillow is fully machine-washable, so cleaning is a quick and easy process. Simply wash on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.

Best Soft: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

Best Soft

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

25% off Shop At Cozy Earth

Price: $254 – $297

Fill: Long-strand mulberry silk

Loft: Adjustable

Firmness: Medium Soft

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Sleepers who tend to run warm or want something soft and luxurious to lay their head on at the end of the day.
• Feel: The silk fill in this pillow is soft and offers excellent shape retention, too. In testing, we also found that the silk didn’t flatten or clump together during use, which is a defect Cozy Earth’s warranty covers for 10 years.
• What It’s Made Of: Long-strand mulberry silk
• What We Don’t Like: You can machine wash this pillow, but Cozy Earth recommends spot or dry cleaning it.
• Why Choose the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow: The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow offers a soft and plushy surface to sleep on without any sinkage. It’s also impressively breathable, thanks to silk’s natural cooling properties and the moisture-wicking cover that’s made from bamboo-derived viscose.

When you think of pillow fill, silk may not be the first material that comes to mind, but this pillow from Cozy Earth is a nice showcase for how soft, breathable, and long-lasting a pillow can be. Hundreds of individual silk fibers create a surface for your head and neck that feels remarkably plush, but also supportive enough to promote even alignment. A moisture-wicking cover made from bamboo-derived viscose completes the luxurious design.

How It Performs

Our testing team was very impressed with the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow, as many of us had little to no hands-on experience with this pillow type. Silk has a unique feel, toeing the line between the softness of down and the support of solid foam. Since the fibers are naturally pliant, the pillow creates a cradle for your head and neck without compressing too deeply. Side sleepers on our team found this to be a valuable attribute. We all agreed another strength of this pillow is temperature control — the silk is exceptionally breathable, and the bamboo-derived cover feels cool against your skin.

Best for Shoulder Pain: MedCline Shoulder Relief System

Best for Shoulder Pain

7.7/10Test Lab Score

MedCline Shoulder Relief System

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Price: $250

Fill: Shredded memory foam

Loft: 6″ (both pillows)

Firmness: Medium

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who suffer from regular pain or soreness in their shoulders.
• Feel: A combination of plushness and dense foam, Medcline’s three-piece shoulder relief system aims to help relieve aches by positioning your arm in a more comfortable position.
• What It’s Made Of: Shredded memory foam
• What We Don’t Like: It’s not recommended for use at night if you have a number of health conditions, like scoliosis, fused vertebrae, and more.
• Why Choose the MedCline Shoulder Relief System: Thoughtfully designed, those who deal with frequent shoulder aches can work to alleviate it by aligning their head and neck with the rest of their spine. This pillow system also supports the shoulder and reduces pressure in the hips while offering functional features, such as an “arm pocket” and different lengths of body pillows for the most comfortable experience.

MedCline goes above and beyond the typical side-sleeper pillow with the Shoulder Relief System. This advanced design consists of a J-shaped body pillow and a firm wedge with a compartment for your arm. When used properly, the system properly aligns the head and neck with the rest of your spine, supports your shoulder, and reduces pressure in the hips.

How It Performs

The Shoulder Relief System is one of the most complex pillows our team has tested firsthand. There was an initial learning curve during setup, but once we’d determined how to arrange the various components, most side and combination sleepers on our team found the system very comfortable. The body pillow’s memory foam is dense and adaptive, allowing you to squeeze the fill without compressing it too much, and the J shape tucks nicely between your legs. Paired with the firm wedge, this pillow checks a lot of boxes for anyone who uses the side position some or all of the time.

The “arm pocket” is a nice addition. By sliding your downward arm into the compartment, you can hold the body pillow without pressure or soreness in your shoulder — as any side sleeper can attest, this discomfort is a common occurrence. We also appreciated the multiple length options for the body pillow, as our team members vary considerably in terms of height.

Best Down: Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow

Best Down

9.2/10Test Lab Score

Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Quince

Price: $120 – $159

Fill: 100% European white goose down

Loft: Adjustable

Firmness: Medium Firm

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Warm sleepers who are looking for less pressure along the spine or multiple density options.
• Feel: During testing, we found the goose fill to be rather soft and snuggly, with some team members even describing it as “cloud-like.” It was also pretty moldable, and it was definitely on the luxurious side, regardless of which loft or density you choose.
• What It’s Made Of: 100% European white goose down
• What We Don’t Like: The down filling required some fluffing during testing.
• Why Choose the Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow: If you like a plushy, luxurious sleeping experience, you’re a good candidate for Quince’s Luxe Goose Pillow. You can pick the firmness level (soft/medium, medium/firm, firm/extra firm) and size (standard, king), though the goose feather made them all feel decently soft. Still, we liked that the fluffy feel resisted deep sinkage.

In today’s market, a well-made pillow for side sleepers can run on the expensive side, but some models prove you can pay a low price without sacrificing quality or performance. Quince’s Luxe Goose Alternative Pillow is a great example. Packed with down clusters, the pillow provides the ample cushioning side sleepers need to ensure proper alignment and less pressure along the spine.

How It Performs

The pillow is available in soft/medium, medium/firm, and firm/extra firm densities. Our team tested all three, and we found that the latter two designs are best suited to side sleepers. Both nicely fill the space between your head and downward-facing shoulder when you lie in the side position. Those who prefer extra loft should opt for the firm/extra firm pillow, while the medium/firm is a solid match for combination sleepers who switch between the side and back positions.

Our tests show the pillow offers excellent temperature control. The fill doesn’t retain too much heat, and the cotton cover provides extra breathability while you sleep. Moldability is another defining quality — this pillow is great for snuggling — but at the same time, frequent fluffing is needed to maintain a full shape.

Best for Pressure Relief: Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow

Best for Pressure Relief

8.0/10Test Lab Score

Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow

33% off first purchase Shop At Nectar

Price: $130 – $150

Fill: Shredded memory foam Microfiber down alternative

Loft: 6″

Firmness: Adjustable

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who aren’t sure what loft or firmness level they need — this pillow offers three profiles to test out.
• Feel: While the feel will ultimately depend on which profile you land on, we found that adjusting the fill was a breeze, and temperature control was a major callout of this pillow. It boasts a breathable mesh cover that’s engineered to wick moisture away from the skin.
• What It’s Made Of: Shredded memory foam, Microfiber down alternative
• What We Don’t Like: Machine washing should be avoided since it can cause permanent damage to the pillow.
• Why Choose the Nectar Tri-Comfort Pillow: Whether you’re new to the world of pillows or you’re unsure of your personal preferences, the Nectar Tri-Comfort offers multiple options at an affordable price. It’s a breeze to adjust the interior fill, and you can even test out your pillow using the company’s 30-night trial period before deciding to keep it.

Side sleepers often experience painful pressure points in their neck and shoulders – and for many, a primary culprit is the pillow they use. Your pillow should fill the space between your head and downward shoulder in order to promote even spinal alignment. The Nectar Tri-Comfort Cooling Pillow lets you easily adjust the loft by zipping and unzipping side gussets, which make the pillow thinner or thicker. With three profile options, most side sleepers get the cushioning they need with at least one of the loft settings.

How It Performs

Our team was impressed with the Nectar Tri-Comfort, and enthusiasm wasn’t limited to just side sleepers. Most of our back and stomach sleepers also found at least one loft level comfortable and sufficiently supportive, and adjusting the pillow was a breeze – the zippable design means you won’t need to mess with inserts or shredded fill during the night. Temperature control is another defining strength. Thanks to the breathable mesh cover, you shouldn’t notice much heat buildup, and the fibers are engineered to wick moisture away from your skin.

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers Video

Watch our video below to learn more about our lab’s top picks for pillows for side sleepers.

We provide an overview about each of our picks, covering features that set each pillow apart from the competition. Further down, we’ll take a closer look at how pillows affect side sleeping and offer a few tips for choosing a pillow based on thickness, material composition, price, and other factors.

How to Choose a Pillow for Side Sleepers

The best pillow for side sleepers will provide adequate cushioning to support the head and neck. Our testing shows that pillows that either sink too deeply or feel too thick can interfere with spinal alignment, and neck and shoulder aches typically occur as a result. In determining the best pillow, you should look at several factors, including loft, firmness level, and material composition. In the next few sections, we’ll discuss how side sleepers can find a pillow that will work for them.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow for Side Sleepers

In your research for a pillow that is compatible with side sleeping, you’ll no doubt come across pillow manufacturers who claim their products are suitable for all sleep positions, or that their pillows’ construction and materials offer universal comfort for all sleepers regardless of body type or personal preference. These marketing claims are misleading. Each pillow is uniquely designed to provide a distinct feel. Given the demands of different sleep positions, any pillow you select will be better suited to some sleepers and less so for others.

Rather than using marketing jargon to guide your pillow search, focus on the following attributes instead.

• Loft: Loft, or thickness, is arguably the most important consideration for side sleeping. Most side sleepers need medium to high loft pillows that provide enough cushioning for the head and neck without sinking too low. If your thickness preferences vary by night, you may be a good candidate for a pillow with adjustable loft levels.
• Support: Support refers to how well the pillow maintains an even surface for your head and neck. Spinal alignment is imperative for side sleepers, so you’ll want a pillow that doesn’t sink too much or elevate your head excessively. We’ve tested a vast array of pillows and have found that models with solid foam or latex cores typically provide the best support.
• Firmness Level: A pillow that feels too soft will probably sink too much beneath your head, leading to alignment issues and the potential for added pressure. If the pillow is too firm, then you may experience discomfort around the neck and shoulders. Pillows with mid-level firmness are usually the best choice for side sleepers because they provide a balance of contouring and support.
• Pressure Relief: Many side sleepers feel pressure in the shoulders and hips because their mattress is not supportive enough. Likewise, pressure points may develop around the neck and shoulders if the side sleeper’s pillow does not keep these areas aligned with the spine. For this reason, side sleepers generally need a supportive pillow that also contours to the body.
• Shape: Some fill materials compress over time, causing the pillow to flatten and feel less comfortable. You’ll need to regularly fluff these pillows in order to give them a full shape. Other materials, such as solid foam and latex, maintain their shape with less effort.
• Price: The price of a pillow largely depends on its material components. We’ve observed that pillows made of polyfoam, down alternative, and feathers typically have the lowest price-points, while those with memory foam, latex, down, and buckwheat hulls tend to be the most expensive models. That said, you should be able to find a high-quality pillow with any fill material for $150 or less in a queen size.
• Quality Materials: The materials used to construct a pillow’s cover and inner components can impact a wide range of qualities, including durability, temperature regulation, and shape retention. You may pay more for a pillow with higher-quality components, but you can also count on more longevity and stronger performance from many of these models.

What Pillow Materials Are Best for Side Sleepers?

Based on our hands-on tests, we’ve noticed that the best pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, buckwheat hulls, and other components that offer sufficient support without feeling too firm. However, the amount of comfort a pillow offers side sleepers depends on a few other factors. The most common pillow materials are outlined below.

Based on our hands-on tests, we’ve noticed that the best pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, buckwheat hulls, and other components that offer sufficient support without feeling too firm. However, the amount of comfort a pillow offers side sleepers depends on a few other factors. The most common pillow materials are outlined below.

• Memory Foam: Memory foam, or viscoelastic polyurethane foam, is engineered to feel softer when it comes into contact with body heat. This creates deep conforming for your head and neck when lying on a memory foam pillow, which can help to align the spine and reduce pressure in different areas.
• Buckwheat: Buckwheat pillows are filled with hulls, the hard outer casings of buckwheat kernels. We’ve found that these pillows have a very firm and supportive feel; our testers liken them to hard bean bags. Most buckwheat pillows can be adjusted for loft by adding or removing kernels, and they promote good airflow, too.
• Feather: Feathers are the outer plumage of ducks and geese. While light and airy, feathers have a coarser and denser feel than down. As a result, side sleepers won’t sink as deeply into the pillow. Feather pillows also sleep very cool and offer good durability compared to other pillow types.
• Latex: Latex is a substance derived from the sappy extract of rubber trees. When molded into a foam, latex contours to the body like foam but feels much more responsive. Our side-sleeping testers typically find latex pillows more supportive since the material does not sink as deeply.
• Down: Down is the soft inner plumage of ducks and geese. The material is exceptionally airy and light, and it also promotes insulation. To ensure adequate support for sleepers, many down pillows are reinforced with feathers in their outer chambers. This prevents side sleepers from sinking excessively.
• Polyfoam: Polyfoam molds to the body but it also feels more responsive. You won’t feel the same deep contour as memory foam, but the material is more adaptive than latex. Our temperature neutrality tests show that polyfoam has a tendency to sleep hot, but many manufacturers ventilate or aerate their foam to minimize body heat absorption.

Other Tips for Side Sleepers

In addition to selecting a supportive pillow that promotes spinal alignment, side sleepers can use the following strategies for sleeping comfortably each night.

Choose the Right Mattress: The best mattress for side sleepers will provide ample cushioning to the shoulders and hips in order to align the spine and alleviate pressure in different areas. Most side sleepers on our test team prefer mattresses with softer feels that conform closely to the body without sinking too much beneath their heavier areas.

Use a Pillow Between the Knees: A pillow between the knees can also improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure in the lower back and hips. Pillows filled with down/feathers, shredded foam, and other moldable materials tend to be most comfortable. You may also find more comfort and pressure relief by placing the pillow beneath your legs.

Invest in a Mattress Topper: A topper is a single layer of cushioning material placed on top of your mattress. Toppers can measure up to 4 inches thick, so using one can make your mattress feel significantly softer or firmer. For side sleepers, the right topper can mean closer conforming, better spinal alignment, and less pressure.

How We Test

Every sleeper has unique needs and preferences when it comes to choosing the best pillow for them. Our team of experts personally evaluates each pillow in our Seattle-based Test Lab. Each pillow undergoes the same hands-on process, which involves testing across different performance categories, including conforming, support, temperature regulation, and off-gassing. 

When testing any pillow, including those for side sleepers, we also consider firmness, ease of care, and pricing when assigning ratings. Our test team is comprised of sleepers with various sleep preferences and body types to ensure that our testing represents a wide array of sleepers. Guidelines for our pillow testing process are listed below.

Dive In Deeper: More Pillow Buying Guides

Check out these helpful guides to buying pillows for every sleeping position and preference.

Frequently Asked Questions