The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers in 2024
Posted by Dr. Cannon on Feb 3rd 2023
A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Side sleepers require a pillow that is thicker on one side to provide proper spinal alignment. A pillow that is too flat or too thick can cause discomfort and lead to pain or stiffness in the morning.
In this article, we will discuss the best pillow options for side sleepers, including materials, firmness, and shape. From memory foam to a down alternative, we will help you find the perfect pillow to achieve a restful and rejuvenating sleep.
That's why we set out on a mission to find the best pillows for side sleepers. Having conducted extensive research and hands-on testing, The team at CNH Pillow recommends these 14 pillows for side sleepers due to their exceptional comfort and support.
What makes a Good Side-Sleeper Pillow?
If you are a side sleeper and looking for the best pillow for you, it's important to consider the following factors:
Firmness:
A pillow that is too soft will not provide enough support for your neck and shoulders, while a pillow that is too firm can cause discomfort. A medium-firm pillow is the perfect one.
Height:
A pillow that is too low will not keep the spine in proper alignment, while a pillow that is too high can cause neck strain.
Material:
The type of material used in the pillow can affect its firmness, breathability, and overall comfort.
What Pillow Materials Are Best for Side Sleepers?
The following materials are considered to be the best for side sleepers:
Memory foam:
Memory foam conforms to the shape of the head and neck, providing support and alignment. It is also a good option for those with allergies, as it is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
Latex:
Latex is a natural material that is both supportive and breathable. It is also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
Buckwheat:
Buckwheat pillows are filled with hulls of the buckwheat plant, which can be adjusted to the desired level of firmness. They are also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
Our Top Picks of the Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
We have categorized most of the pillows I've listed fall into the category of memory foam or down and feather pillows, with a few falling into the category of adjustable or cooling pillows. Here are our 14 top Side Sleeper pillow picks.
SleepEasy Side Sleeper Pillow With Ear Hole
This pillow is designed specifically for side sleepers and features a unique ear hole that allows for comfortable ear placement and helps to reduce side sleeper ear pain. Made with memory foam, this pillow provides excellent support and conforms to the shape of the head and neck for optimal comfort.
The SleepEasy CNH Pillow® is the ultimate solution for side sleepers who suffer from CNH pain, ear soreness, and otoplasty surgery pain. The pillow is also designed to keep your ears cool and protected throughout the night, so you can sleep soundly and pain-free. With its innovative design, the SleepEasy CNH Pillow has changed people's lives worldwide. Trust us! this is one of the best pillow with a hole, you can buy.
Coop Home Goods Eden Memory Foam Pillow
If you're a side sleeper in search of the perfect pillow, look no further. The Eden pillow from Coop Home Goods offers a unique blend of soft, gel-infused memory foam and microfiber fill for a cooler sleep experience and edge-to-edge support.
But what sets this pillow apart is its fully adjustable design. You have the ability to add or remove memory foam fill to suit your size, shape, and sleep position.
Not only is the Eden pillow comfortable, it's also safe. It's certified by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold, ensuring it's free of harmful elements. Plus, the pillow is vegan and cruelty-free, and the case is made from a breathable and soft ultra fabric.
Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Contour Pillow
This pillow is made with memory foam and has a contoured design that provides support for your head and neck. It also comes with a removable and washable cover for easy maintenance. If you're a side sleeper in need of a pillow that provides enhanced support and gentle alignment, look no further than the Memory Foam Contour Pillow.
One of the unique features of this pillow is its cervical support. You can choose between the higher or lower contour depending on the level of neck support you need, and the memory foam always holds its shape.
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
If you're in search of a pillow that offers both quality and luxury, look no further. The memory foam pillows undergo strict third-party lab testing and are GreenGuard Gold Certified, ensuring your safety and comfort.
This luxurious bamboo pillow is designed with shredded memory foam that provides added buoyant support and is tailored to fit your sleep schedule. And with its breathability and Kool-Flow technology, you won't have to worry about sweating during the night.
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
This pillow is made with a blend of down and feathers, providing a soft and fluffy feel. It also has a gusseted design that provides additional support for the head and neck.
It's designed with a soft, breathable cover and plush foam fill, and offers customizable firmness levels. Made from the best materials, including an eco-friendly cover and shredded CertiPUR-US® certified foam fill, this pillow is low in chemical off-gassing and has a low scent.
The side sleeper pillow case also doesn't compromise temperature regulation, making it a top choice for those looking for a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.
SleepBetter Beyond Down Gel Fiber Pillow
This pillow is made with a blend of gel fibers and down. If you're a side sleeper looking for a luxurious pillow experience, look no further than the Synthetic Down Side Sleeper Pillow. Made in the USA and imported, this pillow features a 100% cotton cover with a 300 thread count, and a 4.5-inch gusset for ultimate comfort for all sleep positions.
It's filled with micro-denier gel fiber that mimics the feel of goose down, offering the luxury of 600-fill power pure down without allergy issues. The pillow is also hypoallergenic and machine washable, making it easy to maintain.
Therapedic Classic Contour Memory Foam Pillow
The Therapedic Classic Contour Memory Foam Pillow is the perfect solution for side sleepers in search of ultimate comfort and support. The pillow is crafted with gel-infused memory foam, engineered with iCool Technology, this pillow is designed to provide exceptional ventilation, keeping you cool throughout the night.
The medium-soft support and cut-out shape of the pillow provide optimal neck support and cradling for your head, making it ideal for both side and back sleepers.
With a 5" gusset, the Therapedic Classic Contour Memory Foam Pillow is the best pillow for side sleepers who are looking for a pillow that is both comfortable and supportive.
Parachute Down Alternative Pillow
This pillow is made with a hypoallergenic down alternative fill that provides a soft and fluffy feel. It's also made with a durable cotton cover that is machine washable and easy to keep clean.
The pillow is also encased in a 100% sateen cotton shell that is soft to the touch, making it the perfect addition to your bedding collection. Say goodbye to a worn-out and flat pillow, and invest in a restful and rejuvenating sleep with the medium-density side sleeper pillow. Perfect for those who prefer a plush and supportive pillow, this pillow will keep you comfortable and well-rested all night long.
The CBD Pillow
This pillow is infused with CBD oil and is designed to help relax the muscles and promote better sleep. The pillow is made with a blend of memory foam and microfiber, providing excellent support and comfort.
This pillow is designed to support your head and neck in any sleeping position, making it perfect for side, stomach, and back sleepers.
The pillowcase is infused with millions of microcapsules filled with the highest quality CBD, proven to help relieve chronic pain and trouble sleeping, which is released throughout the night to help you sleep deeper and wake up feeling refreshed and balanced.
Unlike CBD oil or ingestible that wear off after 3 hours, this pillow releases micro-doses of CBD all night long, so you can have a relaxing uneventful sleep.
This pillow is also certified by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold, which ensures low chemical emissions for safety, so you can sleep soundly without worrying about headaches or dizziness.
Side Sleeper Pro
This is one of the curved pillows that is designed specifically for side sleepers and features a unique contoured design that helps to align the spine and reduce pressure on the head and neck. Made with a combination of memory foam and microfiber, this pillow provides excellent support and comfort.
The unique J-shaped design aligns your head, neck, and shoulders for maximum comfort and reduced strain. The ear-well feature positions your head for optimal support and the memory foam stuffing conforms to your body's contours for personalized comfort. Say goodbye to pain and hello to a better morning with the Side Sleeper Pro Pillow.
GhostPillow Memory Foam
This pillow is made with memory foam and features a unique cooling gel layer that helps to keep the pillow cool throughout the night. It also has a contoured design that provides support for the head and neck.
The Ghost Pillow is the perfect choice for side sleepers looking for a cool and comfortable night's sleep. Made with aerated gel memory foam and an inner-mesh cover, this pillow responds to your body's temperature to maintain a cool sleeping surface.
Its medium-loft design provides continuous support for your neck and head. Plus, its ergonomic design promotes ideal spinal alignment for maximum pain relief.
DreamyBlue Premium Pillow
The Dreamy Blue pillow features a unique design that combines memory foam and microfiber to make an optimal support pillow. It also has a built-in cooling gel layer that helps to keep the pillow cool throughout the night.
This pillow has a unique blend of shredded memory foam fill that offers a hybrid of the plush feel of down and the firm support of traditional memory foam. Whether you are a side sleeper needing lots of fill or a stomach sleeper needing just a bit, this pillow hits the sweet spots. Also, the pillow is also very easy to maintain and spot-clean.
It truly will be a game-changer for your sleep and you couldn't be happier with your purchase.
Hybrid Pillow
Say goodbye to overheating and restless nights with the best pillow for side sleepers. With a perfect blend of cooling fibers, down-like fill, and memory foam, this pillow provides unparalleled support and comfort for a truly restful night's sleep.
The removable insert allows for easy customization of support, ensuring that your head and neck are properly aligned.
Designed with a unique blend of cooling fibers, memory foam, and down-like fill, this pillow provides the perfect balance of softness and support for a truly restful night's sleep.
Bearaby Cuddler Body Pillow
The Cuddler pillow is a large, plush body pillow that is the ultimate solution for side sleepers. It's made with a soft and fluffy fill that provides excellent support and comfort. It also features a unique knit design that helps to keep the pillow cool throughout the night.
Its ergonomic design molds to your body shape, providing endless support and helping to alleviate joint, neck, and back pain. Made with natural Melofoam™, it's breathable and responsive to your body's shape, creating a sense of calm.