Best Pillows for Side Sleepers: Top Sellers

A supportive pillow for side sleepers has the proper height and firmness to fill the space between your head and shoulders. This ensures proper alignment of your head, neck, and spine, helping to reduce pressure points and improve your overall sleep quality. We’ve compiled a list of the best pillows of 2025 for side sleepers. These top-rated picks excel in comfort, support, and durability, based on customer reviews and our expert recommendations.

Sleep Doctor independently selects the products we test. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on our site.

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

  • Key Features
    • Adjustable fill to adjust firmness and loft
    • Plush, adaptive surface
    • Breathable cover helps sleep cool
  • Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow

    4.5
    Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5
    Sale price $89 at Sleep Doctor
    Key Features
    • Outlast cover is engineered to dissipate body heat on contact
    • Plush down alternative fill soothes pressure points and sore spots
    • Available in three firmness levels, including an adjustable option
  • Sijo CloudSupport Pillow

    4.5
    Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5
    Sale price $110 at Sleep Doctor
    Key Features
    • Ventilated latex core promotes airflow and sleeps cool
    • Excellent shape retention
    • Nylon-blend cover is breathable and long-lasting
  • Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

    4.4
    Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
    4.4
    Sale price $254 at Sleep Doctor
    Key Features
    • Long-strand silk fill is both cushy and durable
    • Cover is made of breathable, moisture-wicking viscose
    • Warranty covers pilling and other defects for up to 10 years
  • Sijo FlexCool Memory Foam Pillow

    4.4
    Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
    4.4
    Sale price $80 at Sleep Doctor
    Key Features
    • Shredded foam and down alternative fibers provide deep cushioning and contouring
    • Pillow is adjustable for firmness and loft
    • Nylon-blend cover is breathable and durable
  • Saatva Latex Pillow

    4.5
    Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5
    Sale price $165 at Saatva
    Key Features
    • Shredded latex and down alternative create soft and springy feel
    • Adjustable loft between 2 and 8 inches
    • Soft and breathable organic cotton cover

How to Find the Right Pillow for Side Sleepers!

FAQ's

The best pillow for side sleepers provides proper neck support and fills the space between the head and shoulders to maintain spinal alignment. There’s no one perfect pillow for everyone, but ideal features include:

  • Firmness: Medium-firm to firm to prevent the head from sinking.
  • Loft: A high-loft (thicker) pillow to bridge the gap between your neck and the mattress.
  • Material: Memory foam, latex, or hybrid pillows are excellent for support and contouring.

Side sleepers benefit from:

  • Contour pillows: Designed to cradle the head and support the neck.
  • Memory foam pillows: Conform to the shape of your head and neck while offering consistent support.
  • Latex pillows: Provide firm, responsive support with durability.
  • Adjustable pillows: Allow customization of loft by adding or removing filling.

Side sleepers can use different pillows for maximum comfort and alignment:

  • Head pillow: Place a supportive pillow under your head and neck to keep the spine straight.
  • Knee pillow: Use a smaller pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on the hips and lower back.
  • Body pillow: Side sleepers may hug a body pillow for additional support and comfort.

Down pillows can work for side sleepers if they’re firm and high-loft. However, many down pillows are too soft and may lack the structure needed to maintain neck and spinal alignment. A better option might be a down alternative pillow with firmer support.

Yes, side sleeper pillows are specifically designed to provide the right loft and firmness to support the head and neck in a neutral position. Many are contoured or have an ergonomic shape to enhance comfort for side sleepers. However, many pillows that aren’t specifically designed and marketed to side sleepers will work for most side sleepers.

Choose a pillow with the right loft and firmness to keep your head aligned with your spine. Medium-firm to firm pillows made from memory foam, latex, or hybrid materials are often ideal for most side sleepers. Other factors to consider include:

  • Material: Consider memory foam, latex, or adjustable fill for durability and comfort.
  • Shape: Some side sleeper pillows feature contoured or curved designs for better neck support.

Yes, body pillows are excellent for side sleepers! They help support the arms and knees, reducing strain on the hips and spine. Body pillows can also encourage proper alignment by keeping the body in a neutral position. They can also add extra comfort, especially for pregnant sleepers or those with joint pain.