Side sleepers usually opt for medium to high loft pillows that conform to their head while keeping the spine aligned. If you find yourself experiencing neck pain during your sleep or tossing and turning throughout the night, investing in a new pillow may be worthwhile.
Our top choice for side sleepers is constructed of ethically-sourced cotton and natural shredded Talalay latex for an ideal blend that provides softness, firmness and breathability.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is an excellent material for side sleepers as it conforms to the shape of their heads and necks, maintaining neutral spine alignment. Furthermore, its breathable material offers cooling technology. But to get maximum benefit out of memory foam pillows it’s important to select one with appropriate density; otherwise too soft pillows could sink in while too dense could result in stiffness.
Side sleepers need pillows with medium to soft fill, since too firm of an fill will not support their neck or head and could lead to them drooping toward one side or tilting toward it. Too much loft can put unnecessary strain on shoulders and hips which may result in backache.
When selecting a memory foam pillow for side sleeping, opt for one with a high loft (between 4″ and 6″). This will prevent it from flattening beneath your weight, keeping your spine aligned correctly and helping keep you cool and comfy all night long. A hypoallergenic and breathable cover may also be beneficial; such covers allow heat to escape while fresh air cycles in, helping you remain cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Latex pillows provide reliable support while being resistant to heat retention and flattening over time, making it an excellent option for side sleepers. You can find natural and synthetic latex varieties – as well as solid or shredded varieties – as perfect pillows for side sleeping. Its springiness makes latex an attractive option because memory foam tends to flatten out more quickly over time.
Side sleepers looking for relief may benefit from using a cervical pillow, designed to alleviate neck pain by supporting their head and spine in an ergonomic position. Designed specifically to fill the space between head and shoulder with its U-shape supporting upper neck area. Although less breathable and adjustable than its standard foam counterpart, cervical pillows may still offer effective relief of neck pain.
Latex
If you want to sleep comfortably with a neutral spine alignment, finding the ideal pillow can make all the difference. In our Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab testing, latex was identified as most supportive material for side sleeping and reduced neck pain significantly. Furthermore, latex’s air-permeability made it suitable for hot sleepers since it does not trap heat inside its fibers.
The ideal pillow for side sleepers will have a high loft and be made of lightweight yet firm fill material, without creating pressure points or sinking too deeply into it. A combination of organic cotton (or wool) and natural shredded latex may offer additional advantages since this biodegradable material doesn’t lose shape easily over time and offers buoyant comfort that won’t cause pressure points to form on your neck and head.
Natural latex comes from rubber trees (Havea Brasiliensis) grown on plantations in tropical climates across the world and harvested as raw material for use in bedding, tires and rubber gloves. Produced using renewable resources that have no environmental footprint whatsoever, natural latex has an eco-friendly appeal and has many applications including mattresses, tires and gloves made of it. With its smooth yet responsive feel that is less bouncy than memory foam yet still supportive and breathable. Synthetic latex (often referred to as rubber) made using Styrene Butadiene Rubber is less resilient but cheaper to produce thus found in budget pillows than natural latex options.
Body Pillows
Firmness levels for mattresses are an integral component of restful night’s rest; but they’re just as essential when selecting pillows. No matter if you prefer medium, firm, or extra firm pillows – selecting ones with enough loft to ensure neutral alignment between neck and spine is equally essential for side sleepers. Incorporating adjustable loft or thickness controls into the decision will ensure maximum neck comfort throughout the night.
Another key consideration for side-sleeper pillows is overall support. Side sleepers generally need firmer pillows than those designed for front or back sleeping, which have the added advantage of being less likely to compress down and lose shape over time.
Another key consideration when purchasing a pillow is its material composition. Ideally, look for pillows made of natural materials which are hypoallergenic and provide cooling relief – something like this Puffy Pillow from 100 percent organic cotton is an ideal option for side sleepers with these concerns because of its ethically-sourced wool fill and natural Talalay latex fill. Plus it comes with a breathable 3D mesh-fiber pillowcase which keeps you cool while sleeping!
While most body pillows are designed to be used in a C-shape, this Bearaby model was created for lengthwise wraparound so your head rests comfortably atop. Perfect for relieving chronic back pain as well as shoulder and neck fibromyalgia or arthritis symptoms.
This pillow features CertiPUR-US certified and Oeko-Tex approved memory foam, making it free from harmful chemicals and providing comfort and support to back and side sleepers alike. Featuring firm construction that’s ideal for back or side sleeping positions, its thickness can easily be adjusted by adding or subtracting small amounts from its inner fill. Not only that – its hypoallergenic qualities also make this an excellent option for those who experience sensitive skin conditions when side sleeping.
Pillowcases
An effective pillow case can dramatically improve or hinder your sleeping experience, so it’s vital that when selecting one you take into account factors like breathability and sweat-wicking capabilities. Cotton or bamboo fiber cover materials tend to be soft and comfortable while hypoallergenic options might be preferable if you suffer from allergies. Furthermore, side sleepers require well-insulated options with enough insulation properties that prevent heat loss while keeping cool air flowing throughout the night.
Memory foam pillows are an excellent choice for side sleepers as they offer substantial support while retaining their shape throughout the night. Hot sleepers will benefit from its 3D mesh fabric design that allows hot air to escape while fresh air enters, helping you remain cool and comfortable as you sleep. Plus, this pillow is CertiPUR-US certified and Oeko-Tex approved – two hallmarks that ensure it contains no harmful materials or substances!
The Lagoon Hippo Pillow is another highly rated option for side sleepers, made from molded memory foam which offers a firmer feel than traditional pillows. Furthermore, its ventilation helps keep you cool while its cooling down-to-the-bone construction adapts to the contours of your head and neck for a personalized fit. Furthermore, this pillow is hypoallergenic with a washable cover making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
When selecting the appropriate pillow for side sleepers, it’s essential to keep both bed size and height in mind. Many side sleepers prefer pillows with higher loft than back or stomach sleepers in order to ensure proper spine alignment; some models even feature an adjustable loft that enables users to add or subtract fill for the best possible fit – these features can be found on models like Coop Home Goods Side Sleeper Pillow and Layla Kapok; Brooklinen Down Pillow, Nectar Resident Pillow, Tempur-Cloud Breeze and Honeydew Sleep Scrumptious which have removable loft options as well.
No matter the type of pillow you prefer, it is essential that it be updated on a regular basis in order to remain at its optimal comfort and support. If any signs of wear such as odors, lumps or flattening occur then it may be time for a replacement purchase.
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