So, you’re a side sleeper searching for the perfect pillow—one that supports your neck, aligns your spine, and keeps you comfortable all night. With countless options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

In this guide, we highlight the best pillows for side sleepers, focusing on support, comfort, cooling, and durability. Whether you need firm support for neck pain, a budget-friendly choice, or a cooling pillow for hot sleepers, we’ve tested a range of options to help you decide.

After extensive testing, our Editor’s Pick is the Zibroges Memory Foam Pillow—offering exceptional ergonomic support, adjustable height, and premium materials for a personalised sleep experience.

If you prefer an orthopaedic design, the JINXIA Memory Foam Pillow delivers superior spinal alignment and pressure relief. On a budget? The Silentnight Anti-Allergy Pillow balances affordability with comfort and hygiene.

And not all pillows are created equal. We also highlight one pillow to avoid so you don’t waste your money. Keep reading to find the best pillow for side sleepers and finally get the restful, pain-free sleep you deserve!

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Choosing the Right Pillow: What Side Sleepers Need

When shopping for the best pillow for side sleepers, there are key features that should be considered standard. A quality side sleeper pillow should offer proper support, comfort, and durability to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Here’s what to expect:

Essential Features to Look For

• Ergonomic Support: The pillow should keep the head, neck, and spine aligned to prevent strain and discomfort.
• Firmness Level: Medium to firm pillows provide the best balance between support and comfort.
• Height/Loft: A higher loft (typically 4-6 inches) helps maintain proper neck alignment.
• Memory Foam or Latex: These materials contour to the shape of your head and neck, providing pressure relief.
• Cooling Technology: Breathable covers and cooling gel help regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
• Hypoallergenic Materials: Reduces allergens, dust mites, and bacteria buildup for a healthier sleep environment.
• Durability: A high-quality pillow should maintain its shape and support for years.

Design and Build Quality

The construction of a pillow directly impacts its effectiveness, durability, and overall sleep experience.

• Contour vs. Traditional Shape: Contoured pillows offer structured support for spinal alignment, while traditional rectangular pillows may provide more flexibility.
• Material Quality: Look for high-density memory foam, latex, or premium down alternatives for lasting performance.
• Cover Fabric: A breathable, moisture-wicking, and removable cover (such as bamboo or cotton) enhances hygiene and comfort.
• Edge and Seam Durability: Reinforced stitching prevents fraying and ensures longevity.

Extra Perks to Look for in a Side Sleeper Pillow

Some pillows offer additional benefits that enhance comfort and usability. While not essential, these features can elevate the overall sleeping experience.

• Adjustable Loft: Some models allow height customisation by adding or removing foam layers.
• Infused Cooling Gels or Copper Fibers: Helps dissipate heat for a cooler sleep experience.
• Arm Cutouts: Designed to prevent arm numbness and discomfort.
• Machine-Washable Components: A removable, washable cover helps maintain cleanliness.
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US or Oeko-Tex certifications ensure the pillow is free from harmful chemicals.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can confidently choose a pillow that delivers both comfort and support—ensuring better sleep and overall well-being.

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Editors Pick

Zibroges Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow Support

The Zibroges Memory Foam Pillow is designed to enhance sleep quality by providing ergonomic support for the head, neck, and shoulders. With its customisable design, cooling features, and premium materials, it offers a practical solution for those struggling with discomfort or poor sleep posture.

Key Features

• Ergonomic Support: The wave-shaped contour naturally aligns the head and neck, helping to reduce stiffness and tension.
• Adjustable Height: A removable 2-cm layer allows for customisation, making it suitable for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
• Premium Memory Foam: Designed to maintain shape and density over time, offering consistent support.
• Cooling and Breathable Cover: The hypoallergenic, machine-washable fabric promotes airflow, preventing overheating.
• Certified Safe: Meets CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex standards, ensuring the materials are safe and durable.
• Long-Lasting Comfort: Built to retain firmness and support for years of restful sleep.

We tested the Zibroges Memory Foam Pillow and were impressed with its exceptional support and comfort. Right out of the box, it expanded quickly and had no strong odour (a common issue with some memory foam products).

The wave-shaped design provided excellent neck and spine alignment, making a noticeable difference in sleep quality. One of its standout features is the adjustable height, allowing for personalised comfort—a great option for back, side, and stomach sleepers.

The breathable, hypoallergenic cover also helped regulate temperature, preventing overheating during the night. While it took a couple of nights to fully adjust to the pillow's firmness, the long-term comfort and consistent support made it well worth it.

For anyone struggling with neck pain or poor sleep posture, this is a high-quality, well-designed pillow that delivers on its promises. We found it to be a smart investment for better, more restful sleep.

Runner Up

JINXIA Memory Foam Pillow, Ergonomic Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow

Finding the right pillow as a side sleeper can be a challenge, but the JINXIA Memory Foam Pillow stands out for its ergonomic design and superior support. We tested it over several nights, focusing on comfort, support, and sleep quality.

Key Features

• Pain Relief & Support: The orthopaedic design aligns the neck, shoulders, and spine, easing tension and pressure points. We noticed relief after just a few nights.
• Adjustable Heights: Two height options (13 cm and 10 cm) suit different sleeping styles. Back sleepers benefit from the higher side, while side and stomach sleepers prefer the lower.
• Memory Foam Comfort: The 5S slow rebound memory foam adapts to the head and neck, providing firm yet cushioned support.
• Cooling & Washable Cover: The breathable silk pillowcase stays cool and is machine washable for easy care.

The JINXIA Memory Foam Pillow exceeded our expectations in comfort, support, and sleep quality. The contoured design helped maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing neck and shoulder tension.

We especially appreciated the armrest areas, which prevented arm numbness—an added bonus for side sleepers. The memory foam offers consistent yet cushioned support without being too firm or too soft.

The cooling silk pillowcase kept the surface fresh and breathable throughout the night (a game-changer for hot sleepers). One minor drawback is the unusual shape, which makes finding a suitable pillowcase tricky. Additionally, the memory foam has a slight initial odour (but it fades within a few days).

Overall, this pillow delivers exceptional orthopaedic support. If you struggle with neck pain or restless sleep, it’s a worthy investment in better rest. We wouldn’t go back to a regular pillow after using this!

Budget Pick

Silentnight Anti Allergy Medium Support Anti Bacterial For Side Sleepers

Finding the right pillow can be a challenge, especially for side sleepers. We tested the Silentnight Anti-Allergy Medium Support Pillow, and here’s what we found.

Key Features

• Anti-Allergy Protection: Filled with anti-allergy fibres to reduce allergens and dust mites. British Allergy Foundation approved, ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers.
• Bacteria Blocker: Protects against bacteria and dust mites, keeping the pillow fresh and hygienic.
• Comfort & Support: Medium support—not too soft or firm. Great for side sleepers, offering good neck and head support. Use one pillow for softness or two for extra support.
• Machine Washable: Easy to clean without losing shape. Soft microfibre cover ensures durability and lasting freshness.

The Silentnight Anti-Allergy Medium Support Pillow offers excellent comfort and hygiene, making it a great choice for side sleepers. It maintains its shape well throughout the night, providing consistent support without feeling too firm or too soft.

The anti-allergy fibres make a noticeable difference, reducing allergens and dust mites—a huge plus for allergy sufferers. While it may not be the firmest option for those who need extra support, it still delivers a comfortable balance.

The machine-washable design ensures easy maintenance, and the soft microfibre cover adds to its durability. Overall, this pillow combines quality, hygiene, and comfort at a great value.

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic pillow that supports your neck and head while keeping allergens at bay, this is a fantastic choice. (Tip: stacking two pillows enhances support for those who prefer a higher loft.)

Most Versatile Pillow For Side Sleepers

Comfortpad Memory Foam Sleeping Neck Pillow Cushion

The Comfortpad Memory Foam Sleeping Neck Pillow is designed to provide customised support for all sleeping positions. With its dual-height contours, butterfly shape, and high-quality memory foam, it helps improve sleep posture, reduce neck pain, and enhance overall comfort.

Key Features

• Adjustable Support: Dual-height sides let you choose the best height for your sleeping posture.
• Ergonomic Design: Butterfly-shaped with six contour zones to cradle your head and align your neck.
• 15-Degree Inclined Surface: Reduces pressure points and supports spinal alignment.
• Memory Foam Comfort: Adapts to your shape while maintaining firmness for lasting support.
• Breathable & Easy to Clean: Triple-layered mesh cover enhances airflow and is machine washable.
• Versatile for All Sleepers: Works well for side, back, and stomach sleepers, promoting better sleep.

The Comfortpad Memory Foam Pillow impressed us with its exceptional comfort and support. The adjustable height made a noticeable difference, allowing for a customised sleeping experience that suited different positions.

Its contoured shape provided excellent neck alignment, helping to relieve strain and promote deeper, more restful sleep. The memory foam construction felt just right—not too firm, not too soft—offering fantastic pressure relief.

We also appreciated the breathable, machine-washable cover, which kept the pillow cool throughout the night (a major plus for those who overheat). While some might find it a bit lower than expected, it still provides excellent support, especially for back and side sleepers.

Overall, this is a well-designed, high-quality pillow that’s built to last. If you’re looking for better sleep and improved neck support, this pillow is definitely worth considering.

Eco-Conscious Sleeping Pillow For Side Sleepers

LuxBedCo Luxury Bamboo Pillow Pack of 2 For Side Sleepers

The LuxBedCo Bamboo Pillow is designed for comfort, breathability, and support. Crafted with a bamboo fibre filling and a smooth bamboo cotton cover, it provides a luxurious and eco-conscious sleep experience for side sleepers and those who prefer a plush feel.

Key Features

• Soft & Breathable: Bamboo fibre filling provides a plush feel, while the bamboo cotton cover ensures breathability.
• Cooling Comfort: Naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Supportive Yet Plush: Gentle head and neck support, ideal for side sleepers. Helps maintain spinal alignment.
• Hypoallergenic & Eco-Friendly: Made from sustainable bamboo, free from harsh chemicals, and gentle on sensitive skin.
• Durable Construction: High-quality materials retain shape and loft over time.
• Moisture-Wicking: Keeps the pillow dry and fresh throughout the night.
• Easy Maintenance: Requires gentle washing and air drying to maintain softness.

The LuxBedCo Bamboo Pillow is an excellent choice for those who value comfort, breathability, and eco-conscious materials. Once unpacked, the pillow quickly expands and provides a plush yet supportive surface that cradles the head and neck.

One of its standout features is its temperature regulation—it stays cool and fresh throughout the night, making it ideal for hot sleepers. The moisture-wicking properties help keep the pillow dry and hygienic, enhancing overall sleep quality.

While the pillow is soft and cosy, those who prefer extra firmness may find it a bit too plush. Additionally, it requires gentle washing and air drying to maintain its loft and softness.

Overall, this is a premium, well-crafted pillow that offers a luxurious sleep experience. If you’re looking for a high-quality, breathable, and eco-friendly pillow, this is a fantastic option—especially for side sleepers.

One To Avoid

CozyCharm Luxury Memory Foam Pillow & Silk Eye Mask

The CozyCharm Luxury Memory Foam Pillow & Silk Eye Mask claims to offer superior comfort and neck support, but our experience suggests otherwise. From the moment we unboxed it, the biggest issue became clear—the memory foam struggled to regain its shape.

Even after waiting the recommended 48 hours, it remained disappointingly flat, failing to provide the support necessary for relieving neck or shoulder pain. While the breathable cover is soft and designed to resist allergens, mould, and dust mites, it does little to improve the soft pillow’s overall comfort.

The thin structure means there’s hardly any real cushioning, making it an underwhelming choice for those seeking plush support. Despite the promise of a high-quality shredded memory foam core, the material never fully expanded, leaving us questioning its durability.

Sleeping on this pillow was far from the restful experience advertised. Regardless of the sleeping position, the lack of loft and firmness made it difficult to maintain proper neck alignment. The silk eye mask is a decent addition, but it hardly makes up for the pillow’s shortcomings.

Ultimately, this is one to avoid. The idea behind the design is solid, but the execution is severely lacking. If you're looking for true neck support and comfort, this isn’t it.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

When selecting the best pillow for side sleepers, we didn’t just consider a few options and make a decision. We carefully evaluated key factors such as comfort, support, durability, breathability, and adjustability to ensure our recommendations provide the best sleep experience. Here’s how we did it.

Comfort and Initial Feel

First impressions matter. Upon unboxing, we assessed the softness, firmness, and responsiveness of each pillow. We checked how quickly it expanded and whether it emitted any strong odours, a common issue with memory foam models.

To fully understand long-term comfort, each pillow was used for at least one week, allowing the materials to adjust to body weight and sleep patterns.

Neck and Spine Alignment

A pillow must maintain proper spinal alignment for side sleepers. We conducted a neutral spine alignment test by lying on each pillow and observing whether the neck stayed level with the spine. Loft height was another key factor, with an ideal range of four to six inches to prevent strain.

Pressure relief was also tested to ensure the pillow reduced tension in the neck and shoulders without feeling too firm or too soft.

Material and Durability

Durability is crucial for a pillow that maintains its shape over time. We tested the resilience of memory foam by pressing down and noting how quickly it regained its form. Long-term shape retention was observed over two weeks of consistent use, checking for flattening or loss of support.

Additionally, we evaluated the edge structure by applying pressure to see if it sagged or remained firm.

Breathability and Temperature Control

Overheating can disrupt sleep, so we tested how well each pillow regulated temperature. The heat retention test involved sleeping on the pillow for consecutive nights to determine if it trapped warmth or stayed cool.

We also looked for built-in cooling technologies, such as gel-infused foam, ventilated holes, or moisture-wicking fabric covers, to enhance breathability.

Adjustability and Customisation

Some pillows allow users to customise their loft or firmness, so we evaluated how easy these adjustments were to make. For models with removable layers, we tested different heights to gauge their versatility.

Adjustable firmness options were also assessed to determine if removing or adding filling significantly impacted support and comfort.

Hygiene and Maintenance

Ease of cleaning is a key factor in maintaining pillow hygiene. We checked whether the pillow covers were removable and machine washable and observed how well they retained their shape after multiple washes.

Additionally, we performed an odour assessment, noting any chemical smells upon unboxing and how long they took to dissipate.

Noise and Motion Transfer

A great pillow should remain silent when shifting positions. We tested for noise levels by moving around on each pillow to identify any sounds from the filling, which can be a concern with materials like buckwheat. Motion isolation was another consideration, particularly for those who share a bed.

We evaluated how well each pillow absorbed movement to prevent sleep disturbances.

Performance Across Different Sleepers

Since not all side sleepers have the same needs, we tested how well each pillow adapted to various sleeping styles. Back sleepers were assessed for neck support and spinal alignment, while combination sleepers were monitored to see how easily the pillow was adjusted to different positions.

Value for Money and Warranty

Price does not always indicate quality, so we compared the performance of each pillow against its cost. We factored in durability, comfort, and additional features to determine if the pillow offered good value.

Warranty and return policies were also reviewed, with a preference for options that provided at least a 30-day trial and a warranty of one to three years for added reliability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Side Sleepers Need Two Pillows?

Side sleepers do not necessarily need two pillows, but using an additional one can enhance support. The ideal setup is a supportive pillow under the head to maintain spinal alignment and a second pillow between the knees to reduce pressure on the hips and lower back for improved comfort and posture.

What Is the Proper Pillow Position for Side Sleeping?

The proper pillow position for side sleeping involves placing a supportive pillow under the head and neck to align the spine. A second pillow between the knees can help reduce hip pressure and prevent misalignment.

Ensuring the head pillow is at the correct loft prevents neck strain and promotes better sleep.

Is Memory Foam Good for Side Sleepers?

Memory foam is good for side sleepers because it contours to the head and neck, providing excellent support and pressure relief. Its ability to adapt to body weight and shape helps maintain spinal alignment, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders, making it a great choice for side sleeping comfort.

Should Side Sleepers Use a Down Pillow?

Side sleepers can use a down pillow, but it may not provide enough support unless it is firm and high-loft. Down tends to compress over time, which can lead to poor spinal alignment. A better option for side sleepers is a firmer pillow that maintains its shape and provides consistent support.

What Material Is Best for Side Sleepers?

The best material for side sleepers is memory foam, latex, or a high-quality down alternative. These materials offer medium firm support, contouring comfort, and durability. Memory foam and a latex pillow retain shape well, while breathable options with cooling features help regulate temperature for a more restful sleep.

How High Should a Pillow Be for a Side Sleeper?

A pillow for a side sleeper should be between four and six inches high to maintain proper spinal alignment. The height should be sufficient to fill the space between the head and shoulder, preventing the neck from tilting uncomfortably and ensuring pressure relief for the head, neck, and shoulders.

Is Sleeping on the Left or Right Side Better?

Sleeping on the left side is often considered better because it promotes better digestion, reduces acid reflux, and improves circulation. However, sleeping on the right side may be beneficial for those with certain heart conditions.

Both sides can be healthy as long as spinal alignment and comfort are maintained.

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Final Word

Hopefully, you found our best pillow for side sleepers guide helpful and feel more confident in your choice. With so many great options, it’s a tough decision, but we do have a clear favourite.

The Zibroges Memory Foam Pillow is our top pick, offering exceptional support, adjustable pillow height, and premium memory foam—ideal for side sleepers. If you need orthopaedic support, the JINXIA Memory Foam Pillow is another excellent choice.

For those on a budget, the Silentnight Anti-Allergy Pillow provides great comfort and hygiene at an affordable price. However, not all pillows are worth it. The CozyCharm Luxury Memory Foam Pillow & Silk Eye Mask fell short—failing to expand properly, leaving it flat and unsupportive.

What are your thoughts on our guide? Have you found your ideal pillow yet, or are you still weighing your options? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear from you!