Side sleepers often need a pillow that is firmer and provides more support to keep their spine aligned. In this article we will introduce you what is side sleeper, if it's healthy to sleep on side and what kind of pillow should side sleepers use. And we will end up listing our picks of best pillows for side sleepers of 2023. We will keep updating this page if we find other great pillows.
It's important to keep in mind that the best pillow for a side sleeper will vary from person to person, and it may take some trial and error to find the right one. It's also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns about your sleep position or neck pain.
Part 1. What is side sleeper?
A side sleeper is someone who sleep on either left or right side of their body. Sleep on side is one of the most common sleeping positions. Research shows that side sleeping is more common among older adults. Besides of side sleepers, there are many people who sleep on their back, sleep on their stomach. Of course, a large number of people may change their sleeping position in the middle of night, it’s not easy to keep one position all night.
Part 2. Is it healthy to sleep on side?
Actually, each sleeping position has its own advantages and disadvantages. Sleeping on your back has been thought to be the ideal sleeping position in the past few years. However, research shows that side sleeping can have just as many benefits:
1). Sleeping on your side can reduce joint and back pain, as well as chronic pain associated with long-term conditions like fibromyalgia.
2). Sleeping on your side can reduce snoring since it will minimize the pressure on your windpipe, so it’s recommended to sleep on your side if you have obstructive sleep apnea.
3). Sleeping on your side (right) can protect your heart. When you sleep on your right side, the weight of your body puts less pressure on your heart.
However, if you have shoulder pain or you tend to drool when you sleep at night, it’s not recommended to sleep on your side.
Part 3. What kind of pillow (material) should side sleeper choose?
As side sleepers often need a pillow that is firmer and provides enough support to keep their spine aligned. And here are a few options that may be suitable for side sleepers:
- Memory foam pillow: Memory foam pillows are made from a dense, supportive foam that conforms to the shape of your head and neck. They can help keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure points. Memory foam pillow is what we most recommended for side sleepers.
- Buckwheat pillow: Buckwheat pillows are filled with small, hard seeds that can adjust to the shape of your head and neck. They are firm and supportive, making them a good choice for side sleepers.
- Latex pillow: Latex pillows are made from natural latex foam and are known for their firmness and support. They can help keep the spine aligned and may be suitable for side sleepers.
- Down pillow: Down or down alternative pillows are soft and plush, but can also be made firmer by adjusting the amount of fill. Some side sleepers may find these pillows comfortable, but they may not provide as much support as other options.
You may be interested in learning the advantages of memory foam pillow compared with the normal pillow:
Memory Foam vs Normal Pillow：Why You Need to Select Memory Foam Pillow?
Part 4. Our picks of best pillows for side sleepers.
Many side sleepers like putting a pillow between their head and shoulders, so it’s important to select a suitable pillow for side sleepers. Side sleepers should look for these firm pillows which are supportive. If you are one of the side sleepers who is looking for right pillow, this article lists best pillows for you. Now let’s get started.
Top 1. ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain Relief
The ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow is No. 1 in our rating of the best side sleeper pillows. And it’s also the best seller at Amazon. The pillow is made from high-quality, odorless memory foam without toxic or harmful chemicals, plastic. If you are a side sleeper, you can choose ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow for side sleeping with an ergonomic shape that offers excellent support for your head and neck.
- Price: $25.49-$37.39
- Support 4.5
- Softness 4.4
- Sleep quality 4.5
- Pain relief 4.4
- Comfort 4.4
Top 2. Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow
The Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow is another good option for a side sleeper pillow. It can support your neck in the neutral aligned position and lifts your head to the proper height while you sleep on your side. The pillow has been rigorously tested and certified by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD to ensure safety for you and your family.
- Price: $41.03-$49.99
- Support 3.7
- Softness 3.6
- Sleep quality 3.4
- Pain relief 4.0
- Comfort 3.5
Top 3. IKSTAR CPAP Pillow for Side Sleeper
IKSTAR CPAP pillows is made of high-quality odorless memory foam, creates a soft surface with just enough give to be comfortable and will not go flat or soft after use. It has scientific height and curvature can correct the sleeping angle and relieve cervical pain. If you a side sleeper who need to wear a mask, the IKSTAR CPAP Pillow works with any mask such as Nasal mask, Nasal Pillow, Mouth mask, Full mask.
- Price: $36.17-$51.21
- Support 4.2
- Softness 4.2
- Sleep quality 4.1
- Pain relief 4.0
- Comfort 4.2
Top 4. ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillow
The ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillow is the second ZAMAT pillow what we recommend for side sleepers in this article, it perfectly conforms to the natural curve of your head, neck and shoulder. It has both outstanding support and amazing comfort, brings you a pressure-relieving sleep experience night after night. The Zamat Cervical Pillow is accompanied with removable memory foam inserts so that you can adjust the height to your needs.
- Price: $50.00-$51.51
- Support 4.5
- Softness 4.4
- Sleep quality 4.5
- Pain relief 4.4
- Comfort 4.4
Top 5. Anvo Neck Contour Cervical Orthopedic Pillow
The Anvo contour cervical pillow with 2 personalized heights has two neck support levels to support your neck naturally which provide customize fit for side sleeper. We recommend side sleepers to use the higher side of the neck support pillow, which keeps your body spine properly aligned and reduces your pressure on the shoulder.
- Price: $27.99-$43.99
- Support 4.4
- Softness 4.4
- Sleep quality 4.3
- Pain relief 4.4
- Comfort 4.4
Top 6. Sidney Sleep-Side Sleeper Pillow for Pain Relief Sleeping
The Sidney Sleep pillow is made of shredded memory foam firm bamboo, and it uses a bamboo skin-friendly fabric blend which is softer and more breathable than cotton and it is much easier to care for. If you are a side sleeper, you can get maximum support and comfort with Sidney Sleep-Side Sleeper Pillow.
- Price: $44.98-$59.99
- Support 4.3
- Softness 4.2
- Sleep quality 4.7
- Pain relief 4.3
- Comfort 4.3
Top 7. DMI Body Pillow - Side Sleeper Pillow
The DMI Body Pillow may be a good choice for side sleepers who want a pillow made of cotton and polyester. The U-shaped side sleeper body pillow to provide an ergonomically designed and specifically tailored pillow to cradle and support the head, neck, and arms giving a firm yet contouring cushion of support all through the night.
- Price: $15.79-$25.79
- Support 3.6
- Softness 3.6
- Sleep quality 3.5
- Pain relief 3.4
- Comfort 3.5
Summary
In general, the standard for a good pillow is to give your head enough support to line up with your spine, avoiding a harsh bend in your neck. If you’re a side sleeper, you need a thinner pillow as the width of your shoulders lifts your head higher. And put a pillow between your knees can also improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure in the lower back and hips. All pillows listed in this article are great options of the best side sleeper pillow of 2023, and we hope this article could help you find a suitable one for yourself.
