Side sleeping is the most common position for Americans to sleep in, which is why picking the right pillow for your sleeping position can make a large impact on your life.
Anywhere from 55-74% of sleepers sleep on their side (studies differ in their estimations). But did you know that, depending on factors specific to each individual, there is a correct side to sleep on at night?
Sleeping on either side can decrease back and neck pain, with proper pillow use, because sleeping on your side helps create less stress on your spine (make sure you have the right mattress for reducing back pain, too). Additionally, sleeping on either of your sides is a better option than sleeping on your back if you suffer from sleep apnea or you tend to snore at night. This is because sleeping on your side helps opens up your airway, allowing more oxygen to reach your lungs and brain.
Pregnant women should sleep on their left side so increased circulation is sent to the baby. Sleeping on your left side while pregnant also decreases the pressure your liver places on your uterus, and it also decreases acid reflux commonly experienced during pregnancy.
Below are listed the top 10 pillows for side sleepers. Read below to find out which pillow is right for you.
PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow, U-Shape Full Body Pillow
The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow is not just for pregnancy, but can be used by side sleepers who want a pillow that provides full support no matter their sleeping position. This pillow has a detachable extension that can be used as a full body pillow, or leave it attached for extra support of your back and neck. U-shaped and able to replace the use of five other pillows, the PharmMeDoc pillow’s double-stitch seams make it incredibly durable. Four colors are available to choose from: light blue, light pink, light gray, and gray/star patterned.
Most customers give this pillow a 5-star rating, and the ones who gave the PharMeDoc pillow only one star complained about the zipper breaking. PharMeDoc listened to its customers and has changed the previous zipper for a more durable one, so this concern is no longer a problem. Priced under $40, this pillow will get you sleeping without nightmares about paying too much for your pillow.
Stats
- Price: $39.90
- Material: 100% cotton fabric
- Filling: Polyfill
- Lifespan and warranty: Lifetime manufacturer warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Special features: Available in 4 colors, Detachable extension
Coop Home Goods – Memory Foam Body Pillow with Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam
The classics are classics for a reason—and the Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow has a classic body pillow design, along with the advances of memory foam filling. This pillow gives you the ability to customize the amount of memory foam filling so your pillow is customized to your needs and wants. The bamboo and polyester pillowcase will ensure you stay cool throughout the night. Coop Home Goods is known for making quality pillows, and you can rest assured with the 100-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you suffer from allergies, this may be the body pillow you need. This pillow is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. Unlike some other memory foam pillows, the Coop Home Goods body pillow is machine washable, allowing you to keep your pillows clean for a refreshing night’s sleep.
Stats
- Price: $69.99
- Material: 40% bamboo and 60% polyester
- Filling: Gel-infused memory foam and microfiber fill
- Lifespan and warranty: 100-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee and 5-year warranty
- Special features: N/A
Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow (Full Size)
Get the softness of a down pillow without the hassle of the feathers spread throughout the house. The Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U body pillow is made of a polyester polymer fusion that feels like a down pillow. The fibers are polished with extra care so you don’t end up with a clumpy, uncomfortable pillow over time.
Customer reviews indicate that the pillow itself is very comfortable and meets their expectations. The problem with this purchase lies with the pillowcase it comes with. Many reviews indicate that the pillowcase ripped after a few months of use or after washing it, so you may want to purchase another pillowcase (possibly from another manufacturer). Additionally, the actual dimensions of the pillow are not provided, which is an oversight that needs to be corrected in the product description. The Moonlight Slumber Comfort body pillow looks large in the pictures, much like the PharMeDoc pillow we listed earlier.
Stats
- Price: $99.95
- Material: Cotton
- Filling: Synthetic down stuffing
- Lifespan and warranty: N/A
- Special features: N/A
Wonwo Memory Foam Pillow
The Wonwo memory foam pillow has two heights, ensuring a side sleeper’s neck remains in alignment throughout the night. The pillow comes with a dustproof inner cover so you can enjoy your memory foam pillow for many years. If you suffer from neck pain, this pillow can help you wake up pain free. A removable and washable pillow case is included with each Wonwo memory foam pillow.
Stats
- Price: $35.99
- Material: Polyester
- Filling: CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam
- Lifespan and warranty: Lifetime no-questions-asked warranty
- Special features: N/A
The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
If you tend to wake up hot during the night, and tend to sleep on your side, the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow should be in the running if you’re in the market for a new pillow.
Honeydew Sleep Company, which makes this pillow, uses a proprietary-blend fill composed of memory foam and gel fibers. The gel fibers absorb heat during the night and help you keep you cool. Some of the filling can be removed, so you can customize the pillow height to your specifications. The half-moon shape allows sleepers to move throughout the night and still remain on the pillow.
Customer reviews indicate that this pillow comes out of the box with a strong smell. It may behoove buyers to open the box in a well-ventilated area and leave it there for a day, as suggested by one buyer. You can also purchase pillow cases made for this curved pillow on Amazon.
Stats
- Price: $99.95
- Material: Polyester
- Filling: Proprietary blend of memory foam and gel fibers
- Lifespan and warranty: 60-day risk-free trial
- Special features: Handmade in the USA
The snuggL Pillow
The snuggL Pillow was created by doctors for side sleepers with back pain. The hypoallergenic micro gel filling has a medium firmness. For those looking for an ultra soft pillow, the snuggL is a less than ideal option. The pillow, which is shaped like a capital L, comes with its own cotton 300-thread-count pillowcase, and additional cases can be purchased on Amazon for $24.99. Four colors are available, including white, grey, light blue, and navy blue. Reader’s Digest and Good Housekeeping named this the best pillow for side sleepers.
Customer reviews affirm that this pillow is on the firmer side and may not be ideal for sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night.
Stats
- Price: $74.99
- Material: 100% cotton 300 count
- Filling: Microgel fibers
- Lifespan and warranty: 60-day risk-free trial
- Special features: Pillowcase is included
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Full Size Body Pillow
The Snuggle-Pedic body pillow has a classic rectangular shape and is composed of a memory foam body that will conform to your body no matter the position you sleep in. The bamboo pillowcase keeps hot sleepers cool at night. Unlike many other memory foam pillows, this pillow is 100% machine washable.
Relief-Mart, the parent company of Snuggle-Pedic, has been in business for more than 17 years, which means that they will likely be around for a while longer. The 4-month sleep trial allows you to test out the pillow to make sure it’s the right one for you, and the unprecedented 20-year warranty inspires confidence in this product.
Stats
- Price: $69.99
- Material: Bamboo, polyester, and lycra
- Filling: Memory foam mix
- Lifespan and warranty: 120-night risk-free trial and industry-leading 20-year warranty
- Special features: Free customization
The Original Pillow with a Hole
Every Original Pillow with a Hole is made by hand in England. As the name suggests, the pillow has a hole in the middle where your ear fits while sleeping in the side position. If you have ear pain, like to wear headphones or earbuds while you sleep, or have ear piercings that make it uncomfortable to sleep, this is the ideal pillow for you. Even if you don’t have an ear condition, this pillow relieves unnecessary pressure placed on the ears—making for a more comfortable and enjoyable night’s sleep.
This pillow comes out of the box on the firmer side, but the polyester filling can be removed to accommodate your preference in softness and pillow height. The pillow comes with a cotton pillowcase specifically designed with a corresponding hole in the middle, and you can purchase additional pillowcases for it for around $20 on Amazon.
Customers reviews indicate that the pillow takes about two weeks to be delivered from England. So if you need a pillow ASAP, this one may not fit your needs. However, reviewers rave about how this pillow alleviated their ear pain associated with various ear-related diagnoses. This may be one of the best pillows for side sleepers with ear pain.
Stats
- Price: $59.00
- Material: Cotton
- Filling: Hollow fiber (polyester)
- Lifespan and warranty: N/A
- Special features: Hole in pillow were ear lays
Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow
The Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow is a versatile tool for pain relief for side sleepers with neck pain or low back pain. This pillow has a two-layer core design: the top layer of the pillow is made of memory foam that molds to the natural shape of your head and neck, and the bottom layer is resilient foam, which provides added support for the memory foam top.
The pillow is infused with a lemon aroma to aid with getting to sleep and staying asleep. Don’t purchase this pillow if the thought of falling asleep with the scent of lemon in your nose doesn’t sound pleasant. The Half Moon Semi-Roll Pillow can be placed under your knees if you suffer from back pain, used as a pillow for side sleepers, used as a bed divider, and more. Additionally, the size of the pillow makes it perfect for taking in the car for a road trip or when traveling out of town.
Stats
- Price: $19.99
- Material: Cotton
- Filling: Memory foam (top) and resilient foam (bottom)
- Lifespan and warranty: 100% money back satisfaction guarantee
- Special features: Semicircular shape
PureComfort – Side Sleeping Pillow
The PureComfort Side Sleeping Pillow has everything you could ask for in a pillow. Two ear holes alleviate pressure on the ears when side sleeping. The soft, durable bamboo pillowcase is great for hot sleepers. The pillowcase is also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant for allergy sufferers looking for a new pillow. The memory foam core will form to and support your neck during the night.
Customer reviews are almost all positive, with a 4.9 rating. There were not any one-star ratings at the time this article was written. Additionally, the manufacturer of the PureComfort pillow is a family business that responded promptly to many non-five star ratings. What more can you ask for from a pillow manufacturer?
Stats
- Price: $69.99
- Material: Bamboo
- Filling: Memory foam
- Lifespan and warranty: 100-day money back satisfaction guarantee
- Special features: Two ear holes
Now that you’ve found the right pillow, check out our review of the best online mattresses to transform the way you sleep.
More Pillow Articles:
- Best Pillows for a Good Night’s Sleep
- Best Pillows for Neck Pain
- The Best Pillows for Kids
- Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Best Travel Pillows
- Best Body Pillows
- Best Firm Pillows
Additional Reviews of Sleeping Products for Side Sleepers
Best Hybrid Mattresses For Side Sleepers
Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
