And the Award for Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Goes to…
Sleep Is the Foundation’s Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Sleep Is the Foundation’s Shredded Memory Foam Pillow features adaptive shredded memory foam and an adjustable level of fill, providing personalized comfort with a breathable bamboo cover for a cooler sleep experience.
Given the popularity of side sleeping, you might think that it’s easy to find a pillow that’s well suited for this sleep position. As it turns out, many of the pillows we’ve tested aren’t designed for the unique needs of side sleepers.
This guide is specifically crafted for side sleepers in search of the perfect pillow. If you’re a side sleeper dealing with shoulder pain, check out our guide to the best pillows for shoulder pain. To see the best pillows for other sleep positions, take a look at our list of the best pillows of 2025.
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Shredded memory foam
Adjustable (soft to medium)
$96
Adjustable (8″ standard)
Pros
- Shredded memory foam makes the pillow adaptive to side sleepers of any body weight
- Adjustable design lets you add or remove fill to customize the loft
- Cover made from polyester and bamboo-derived viscose is breathable and moisture-wicking
Cons
- Memory foam fill can shift during the night and lose its original shape
- It can take some trial and error to find the right level of fill
For most side sleepers, the key to a comfortable pillow is ample cushioning to fill the space between the neck and downward-facing shoulder. This promotes proper alignment and reduces the potential for pressure buildup along the spine. With the Shredded Memory Foam Pillow from Sleep Is the Foundation, you can add as much fill as you need to create your ideal loft. Each order includes extra fill if you prefer maximum volume, but you can also remove the foam based on your head size and shoulder width.
Why We Like It
For our side sleepers, being able to customize how thick and firm a pillow feels is an important quality. The inner pouch makes the pillow easy to adjust without making a mess. Unlike solid foam pillows — which can be somewhat dense — this Sleep Is the Foundation model feels squishy and adaptive, forming a gentle contour around the head and neck. Temperature control is another strength. The foam retains a bit of heat, but this is offset by the breathable, moisture-wicking cover.
How Does It Feel?
The pillow’s shredded foam molds to your head and neck for a cradling effect some of our testers described as “cloud-like.” How closely the foam contours will depend on how much fill you use. Most side sleepers on our team preferred the pillow full or nearly full, while back and stomach sleepers didn’t need as much fill. Keep this in mind if you’re a combination sleeper — we recommend keeping the fill close by whenever you change positions and need to adjust the loft. The cover is composed of viscose derived from bamboo, a breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry. Viscose is also exceptionally soft. An inner pouch holds the foam. You can separate the outer cover from the pouch and machine-wash the former in any household machine, but the foam should never be exposed to moisture.
Down alternative clusters
Medium soft, medium firm
$70
5″ (all designs)
Pros
- Down alternative fill mimics the natural softness and fluffiness of real down
- Available in two loft/firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions
- Tencel cover is smooth, breathable, and moisture-wicking
Cons
- Frequent fluffing needed to maintain a full shape
- Expected durability is below average
Sijo’s FluffBase Eucalyptus Pillow proves you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a high-quality pillow. Priced well below most of the competition, the pillow delivers a soothing sleep experience with a cushy down alternative fill that cushions the head, neck, and shoulders, and a Tencel cover that feels smooth and cool to the touch.
Why We Like It
After testing both of the FluffBase’s firmness levels, our team has determined side sleepers are most likely to prefer the medium firm design. This model provides more pushback to keep the head, neck, and shoulders aligned with the rest of your spine. Back sleepers on our team also enjoyed the medium firm pillow, whereas stomach sleepers felt more comfortable on the medium soft design because it compressed more and didn’t strain their necks. This pillow also earned high marks for temperature control – thanks in large part to the breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel cover – moldability, and ease of care.
How Does It Feel?
The medium soft FluffBase feels invitingly plush as the down alternative fill molds around your head and neck. You’ll feel more support from the medium firm design, which doesn’t sink as much. Both versions feel luxuriously cool, and this can be attributed to the cover made of Tencel – a eucalyptus-derived fabric prized for its breathability and moisture control. We also recommend the pillow to people who are allergic to real down and/or averse to using sleep products that contain animal-based materials. The entire pillow is machine-washable for quick, convenient care.
75% latex, 25% polyester fiber
Medium (adjustable)
$131
Adjustable
Pros
- Breathable latex and polyester fill stays cool through the night
- Contoured design is specifically tailored for side sleeping
- Adjustable fill lets sleepers fine-tune their perfect loft
Cons
- Only available in one standard size
- Shorter-than-average 45-day return window
The U-shaped design of the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow cushions the shoulder and lifts the head, encouraging proper spinal alignment for side sleepers. An interior fill consisting of 75% latex noodles and 25% polyester fibers provides responsive support.
Why We Like It
Side sleepers on our testing team found that the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow responded well to gentle shaping while maintaining support. Some back sleepers may also enjoy the contouring for the neck and support for the head. The shredded fill makes the pillow quite moldable, so sleepers can readjust fill to get support where they need. But it also retains its shape quite well, preventing you from having to fluff it as often. With a mix of temperature neutral latex and breathable down alternative polyester, the pillow also earned high marks from our testers who sleep hot.
How Does It Feel?
With a distinctive shape and adjustable firmness, the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow caters specifically to side sleepers. The soft and supportive combination of latex noodles and polyester fibers makes the pillow especially moldable, making it a good option for side sleepers across all weight categories. A zippered cover made from cotton, polyester, and spandex allows sleepers to add or remove fill to adjust the medium firmness level.
Long-strand mulberry silk
Medium soft
$254
5.5″
Pros
- Silk fill is exceptionally soft, breathable, and long-lasting
- Excellent shape recovery and resistant to pilling over time
- Cover composed of moisture-wicking viscose derived from bamboo
Cons
- Expensive pricing may be a dealbreaker for budget shoppers
- Dry cleaning required
The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is a luxurious choice if you’re looking to splurge on your new purchase, but high-quality materials and a durable design justify the high sticker price. Fill composed of long-strand mulberry silk provides the same deep cushioning as shredded foam or down, but without losing shape or trapping heat. A pill-resistant cover adds to the Silk Pillow’s appealing construction.
Why We Like It
Measuring roughly 5.5 inches thick, the pillow offers enough loft for side sleepers. Back sleepers also receive the support they need without neck strain. Hot sleepers should find the pillow comfortable, as well, because the cover is made of moisture-wicking fabric and the silk fill retains very little heat. Another aspect of the pillow that impressed us was shape retention. The fill doesn’t clump like down or down alternative, allowing the pillow to spring back to its original shape when compression is removed.
How Does It Feel?
As we noted during our team’s hands-on tests, this pillow has a unique feel compared to many competing models on the market today. The silk fill is both plush and supportive, creating a surface for your head and neck that one tester likened to ultra-fine mesh. We also noticed how cool and breathable the pillow felt. This can be attributed to both the viscose cover and the pure silk fill. One downside to the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is ease of care – you should only have it dry cleaned and never wash or dry it in a household machine.
Solid, ventilated Talalay latex
Medium
$110
6″
Pros
- Solid latex core provides light cushioning without hugging too tightly
- Tencel cover promotes airflow and wicks moisture away from the body
- Excellent shape retention and long-term durability
Cons
- May not conform closely enough for people who prefer foam pillows
- Too thick for most combination side and stomach sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper who struggles with neck pain, the Sijo CloudSupport Pillow is thick and supportive enough to accommodate your desired position and alleviate sore spots around the neck and shoulders. A solid latex core ensures light cushioning and a noticeable bounce in response to compression, allowing your head and neck to remain aligned with the rest of your spine.
Why We Like It
Many of our team members prefer latex over traditional memory foam because it doesn’t sink too much or mold closely to your figure. The solid latex core of the CloudSupport Pillow feels exceptionally buoyant, allowing you to lie on your side without your head and neck slipping back and out of alignment with your spine. At 6 inches thick, the pillow should provide ample loft for most side sleepers – and a number of back sleepers on our team also liked how the pillow kept their heads aloft. Breathability is another key strength. Between the ventilated latex and moisture-wicking cover, this pillow sleeps quite cool.
How Does It Feel?
You’ll notice the latex pushing back against your head and neck when compression is applied, and the pillow sinks very little beneath your weight to maintain a full shape. Latex isn’t very moldable, and the pillow springs back to its original form as soon as you get up. Temperature control is another defining quality. The viscose cover feels cool to the touch, while the aerated core promotes plenty of airflow to keep the pillow’s interior at a comfortable temperature.
Down alternative fibers
Medium soft, medium firm
$79
4″ (medium soft), 5″ (medium firm)
Pros
- Outlast cover is engineered to dissipate body heat on contact
- Two firmness/loft options
- Premium down alternative fill cushions sore spots and pressure points
Cons
- Limited shape retention means frequent fluffing is needed
- Shorter-than-average expected lifespan
If you’re a side sleeper who runs hot in bed, the Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow checks both of these boxes. The cover is made of Outlast, in innovative textile infused with phase change material that captures and releases body heat when it comes into contact with your skin. Two firmness levels are available – most side sleepers on our team preferred the thicker, firmer design.
Why We Like It
The UltraCool Pillow lives up to its name with a breathable, moisture-wicking cover and down alternative fill that doesn’t retain too much heat. During temperature control tests, our team was greatly impressed with how cool and comfortable the pillow felt. We also appreciated the multiple firmness options. We expect most side sleepers will prefer the medium firm, 5-inch model because it provides the loft needed to keep their head and neck aligned with the rest of their spine. The same is true for combination sleepers who switch between the side and back positions. That said, combination side and stomach sleepers may prefer the softer 4-inch pillow.
How Does It Feel?
Two designs are available. The medium firm pillow provides light cushioning, but won’t compress too much beneath the weight of your head and neck. This design measures 5 inches thick. The medium soft pillow has a 4-inch profile and sinks a bit, making it ideal for stomach sleeping – and less so for side sleeping. Both designs feel luxuriously cool to the touch. Since the pillow contains down alternative fill, you’ll need to fluff it regularly to maintain a full shape.
How We Test Pillows
Loft, firmness, and pressure relief are all critical factors for side sleepers. We test for each of these qualities and more in our Seattle-based sleep lab. Our team combines hard data with in-person testing scores to determine how effectively a pillow works. To determine whether or not a model will work well for side sleepers, the side sleepers on our team try it personally. Because body weight plays a role in how well pillows function, we make sure side sleepers from every weight group try and score each pillow we test.
Why Pillows Are So Important for Side Sleepers
Pillows should be comfortable, but their role in supporting spinal alignment for side sleepers is just as important. If your pillow isn’t supportive enough to keep your head and neck in a neutral position, you may wake up with discomfort or neck pain.
How to Choose a Pillow for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers should choose a pillow that aligns the head and neck with the spine, providing cushioning without allowing the neck to bend unnaturally. This means finding a pillow with enough firmness and loft to lift the head away from the shoulders.
Pillow Type
We’ve found that certain types of pillows work best for side sleepers:
- Memory Foam: Pillows made from solid or shredded memory foam contour to the head and neck, generally providing excellent support and pressure relief.
- Latex: Durable and supportive, most latex pillows have plenty of firmness, are temperature neutral, and hold their shape well, offering consistent support over time.
- Polyfoam: Similar to memory foam but generally less expensive, polyfoam pillows typically offer good support. Depending on the type of foam used, these pillows may be less firm and durable than other types.
- Buckwheat: Filled with natural buckwheat hulls, these pillows are firm and breathable. The amount of fill can be adjusted, making these pillows an adaptable option for side sleepers.
Loft
The loft, or thickness, of a pillow should be at least 4 inches for most side sleepers. Those with broader shoulders may need over 6 inches for proper alignment, while people with a softer mattress may fare better with a slightly lower loft.
Firmness and Shape Retention
Firmness affects how deeply a pillow compresses under pressure, while shape retention describes how well it maintains its shape after prolonged use. Side sleepers typically benefit from medium to high firmness for adequate support, coupled with sufficient shape retention to keep the spine aligned throughout the night.
Breathability
Breathable materials like latex and buckwheat hulls allow air to flow through the pillow’s fill and prevent heat buildup. A breathable pillow can reduce overheating and sweating, making it an important feature for those who sleep warm or live in hotter climates.
Neck, Back, or Shoulder Pain
Many side sleepers experience back, shoulder, or neck pain. The right pillow can alleviate these issues by providing adequate firmness, contouring, and pressure relief for the head and neck. Side sleepers should look for pillows that provide adequate support and contouring to reduce strain on the neck and upper body.
Video: How to Pick a Pillow for Side Sleepers
Our sleep experts offer advice on how to pick a perfect pillow for side sleepers. We’ll discuss pillow designs that are best suited for this sleep position, from the type of fill to the pillow’s thickness.
How to Keep Your Spine Aligned When Sleeping On Your Side
For side sleepers, keeping the spine in a neutral position while sleeping may involve more than just the right pillow.
- Use a Pillow Between Your Knees: Placing a pillow between your knees helps maintain alignment in the hips, reducing strain on your lower back and promoting a neutral spine.
- Try a Body Pillow: A body pillow provides full-length support, aligning the hips and shoulders. It’s especially helpful for those who are pregnant or enjoy cuddling.
- Sleep on the Right Mattress: Choosing a mattress that complements your sleeping style is essential. To find the best mattress for side sleepers, look for a model that’s tailored to your body weight and comfortably contours to your shoulders and hips without letting you sink too deeply.
- Add a Mattress Topper: If a new mattress isn’t in your budget, a mattress topper can change the firmness of your sleep surface, offering additional support or cushioning based on your individual needs.
Discover More Pillow Solutions
If you’d like to expand your pillow search, we’ve broken down the best pillows on the market into a series of handy guides.
Best Pillows by Type
How We Test
At Sleep Doctor, our testing is grounded in extensive experience in the sleep product industry. For this guide, our team personally tested each pillow. We focused on how well each pillow supports side sleepers, assessing characteristics like firmness, loft, and overall comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Memory foam pillows can be an excellent choice for side sleepers due to their supportive contouring. The best memory foam pillows provide elevation and pressure relief for the head and neck, aiding in proper spinal alignment. Shredded memory foam has the added advantage of adjustability, allowing you to tailor the pillow’s loft and firmness to your specific needs.
A medium to firm pillow is typically best for side sleepers. It provides the necessary support to keep the head and neck aligned without being overly rigid. A pillow that’s too soft may cause the head to sink too much, shifting the spine out of neutral alignment and straining the neck.
For many side sleepers, a pillow height of 4 to 6 inches ensures that the head and neck are adequately supported and aligned with the rest of the spine. The ideal loft also depends on your body type and the firmness of your mattress.
The best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain should offer enough support and contouring to prevent strain and promote proper sleep posture. Pillows with memory foam fill or a contoured design may reduce neck pain by providing necessary support and promoting healthy alignment.
A pillow should primarily support your head and neck, keeping them aligned with your spine. For side sleepers, the pillow should comfortably fill the space between your head and shoulders. Your shoulders need to sink into the mattress enough to keep your spine straight, so resting them on the pillow may lift your shoulders out of alignment.
While some side sleepers like to stack pillows, we don’t recommend using two pillows under the head, as one can easily slip out during the night. It’s better to find one pillow with the appropriate loft for your body type and sleeping style. However, side sleepers can use multiple pillows to support the body. A pillow between the knees can help maintain alignment in the hips, while hugging a body pillow can provide extra comfort and stability.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
