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A regular good night’s sleep is important, as quality sleep helps support overall health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Research suggests something as simple as using a supportive pillow tailored to a sleeper’s needs can help improve sleep quality.
Most people find comfort in sleeping on their sides. Our survey of 600 respondents found side sleeping was the most preferred position, with 48% of respondents saying they are side sleepers (compared to only 14% identifying as stomach sleepers, 17% as back sleepers, and 21% as combination sleepers).
For side sleepers, the right pillow is vital to maintaining spinal alignment and preventing discomfort. Chris Peloquin, a physical therapist at Luna Physical Therapy in Denver, told us, “It’s important for side sleepers to reduce lateral [side] force on the spine, a common source of back pain in this position. A well-chosen pillow can support the head, neck, and shoulders, ensuring the spine remains neutral, which helps reduce the risk of waking up with pain or stiffness.”
In this article, we review four top-rated pillows specifically designed for side sleepers. We delve into the features, benefits, and our tester insights for each pillow to help you make an informed choice for a better night’s sleep.
The Brooklinen Marlow pillow stands out as a versatile option for side sleepers due to its unique design and materials. This pillow features a blend of shredded foam and polyester fiber fill, offering a unique combination of support and plushness. It’s this blend that caused our testers to say this was one of the most comfortable pillows they tried—the polyester fiber helps plug the gaps between the shredded foam, making the Marlow pillow feel more uniform and less lumpy than other pillows.
The Marlow also has an adjustable loft (height). Zippers on the side help sleepers customize the pillow’s height and firmness to three different levels. Simply unzip both sides for maximum loft and softness, only one side for medium loft and softness, and keep both sides zipped for lowest loft and maximum firmness. The more you zip, the more compressed (and more firm) the pillow becomes. And unlike other adjustable pillows, no material is removed from the Marlow, making it a less messy option.
For side sleepers, the Marlow pillow performs well across different body types:
Our testers were pleased with the Marlow Pillow’s performance in testing. They gave the pillow a comfort rating of five out of five due to the pillow’s customizable design and soft, supportive materials. It also scored well in support, earning four out of five due to its adjustable loft options and material blend. Durability was also impressive, with a four out of five rating due to its high-quality shredded memory foam fill and a quilted cover. If you do find the pillow isn’t durable enough, Brooklinen offers a generous 365-night sleep trial and a two-year warranty.
Despite its adjustability, the Brooklinen Marlow pillow may be too firm or high for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers typically need a softer and shorter pillow to keep their spine aligned.
“I found the Marlow pillow very comfortable for sleeping on my side, particularly with the sides zipped up. I felt supported and my neck felt in alignment with my spine.”
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Studies show pillows with cooling properties may improve sleep quality. Designed with a gel-infused CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam and polyester fiber fill, this pillow offers both support and temperature regulation. The shredded material has good airflow throughout from the infused gel, and the pillow’s bamboo cover helps naturally regulate temperature. Our tester noted the pillow increased in temperature only by about five degrees during tests, which indicates “exceptional” temperature regulation.
The Otter is adjusted by adding or removing fill material. For side sleepers, this pillow provides both support and comfort across different body types:
The Otter pillow performs well in several other key areas. Testers rated support as four out of five, since the pillow’s adjustable fill makes it versatile for side, back, but maybe not for combination sleepers—because they switch positions throughout the night, combination sleepers may find this pillow not responsive enough for their different positions.
Comfort received a four out of five, as the pillow offers a balance of firmness and plushness, with the option to adjust the fill to achieve the desired loft. Off-gassingⓘ The chemical odor given off from a new mattress—the smell is harmless and is usually gone within the first few days is rated four out of five, with only a slight initial odor that dissipates quickly. The pillow is made with hypoallergenic materials, earning it a four out of five rating for allergens. Cleaning and care are rated five out of five, as both the cover and inner pillow are machine-washable. Lastly, the Otter pillow offers a 100-night sleep trial and a five-year warranty.
“I love how the memory foam fill contours around the head and neck to help with support. Great neck alignment and plush feel.”
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The best pillows for neck pain tend to offer a good mix of adjustability and strong support. The Luxome LAYR pillow has both and is a top choice for side sleepers with neck pain due to its design and range of customization options. This pillow comes with three different adjustable inserts to fine-tune height and firmness. Not only can you make adjustments by switching out the different inserts, but the inserts themselves can be adjusted by removing some of the material (two of the inserts are solid pieces of memory foam, and one is shredded memory foam).
Upon unboxing, our tester noted the Luxome LAYR comes with eight total pieces: the main zipper pillowcase, two memory foam layers, one down alternative layer, one down alternative and shredded memory foam layer, and three zipper bags for storing unused layers.
For side sleepers, the Luxome LAYR pillow provides tailored support that can help reduce neck pain for most body types:
The Luxome LAYR pillow’s performance in various categories is impressive. It scored high in support, due to its adjustable design that caters to the specific needs of side sleepers. The pillow’s combination of memory foam and latex help contour the head and neck while providing a responsive and supportive feel. Durability is also a strong point, with high-quality materials ensuring the pillow maintains its shape and support over time. The pillow is hypoallergenic and designed to minimize allergens, making it a suitable option for those with sensitivities. Also, the pillow’s cover is removable and machine-washable (unlike the Brooklinen Marlow).
Like some other pillows in this review, the Luxome LAYR may not be suitable for stomach sleepers. Although it’s adjustable, stomach sleepers typically need a soft, short pillow—firmer and higher pillows tend to push their spine up and cause a slight arc in their back that may cause pain in the morning. The Luxome LAYR is also one of the most expensive pillows in this list, so if budget is your top concern, we recommend the Brooklinen Marlow (about half the cost of every other pillow in this review).
“The Luxome LAYR pillow’s adjustable layers allowed me to find the perfect height and firmness. It significantly reduced my neck pain.”
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The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow offers a body-hugging solution for both side and back sleepers. Its solid, molded memory foam construction follows the natural curvature of the body, providing firm support to keep the neck aligned with the spine. Available in three sizes (small, medium, and large), this pillow caters to various body types.
For side sleepers, the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is particularly effective in maintaining proper neck alignment, despite its firmer feel. Lighter-weight side sleepers might prefer the small size to avoid excessive lift, while average- and higher-weight sleepers may benefit from the medium or large sizes.
Back sleepers should also find this pillow supportive and comfortable, as it cradles the neck without elevating it too much. The mix of support and comfort also makes this pillow a good candidate for one of the best pillows for back pain.
The pillow scored well in several performance categories. It offers good support with a rating of five out of five, helping to promote spinal alignment for both side and back sleepers. Durability is rated four out of five, reflecting the high-quality dense foam that maintains its shape over time. Comfort received a four out of five, as the pillow’s firmness is well-suited for side and back sleepers, but might take some getting used to.
The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow scored lower in temperature regulation (two out of five) due to memory foam’s tendency to trap heat, but the company does offer a cooling cover for an extra $20. The standard cover is hypoallergenic, removable, and washable, leading to a cleanliness and care rating of five out of five. Although it comes with a five-year limited warranty, it does not come with a sleep trial.
Stomach sleepers will probably not like this pillow. Its body-hugging design cradles the neck and shoulders for side sleepers, but stomach sleepers will likely experience a rounded back (the opposite of an arched back), which may strain the spine.
“Even though this pillow is technically for side and back sleepers, I prefer it for back sleeping. While the firmer feel is good on my side, it feels wonderful while lifting the neck and head when lying on my back”
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We evaluate each pillow’s suitability for back pain by testing for firmness, support, and pressure relief. Pillows that keep the spine in alignment with lower back support will score the highest.
Firmness
Firmness is key in determining how well a pillow can support the neck and head, which directly affects spinal alignment. Adjustable pillows can help sleepers of all types align their spines, so we included several adjustable models in this article.
We evaluate the firmness by:
Side sleepers usually benefit the most from medium or medium-firm mattresses. See our picks of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more information.
Support
Support is a key factor in a good night’s sleep. A supportive pillow ensures the head, neck, and spine remain in proper alignment throughout the night. Foam is a particularly supportive material, so you will see many pillows with foam construction in this review. We assess support by:
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is a must for reducing strain on the shoulders and hips—two common areas of pressure for side sleepers. We test pressure relief by:
To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.
We continuously test new pillows each month to provide you with the most up-to-date information possible. By staying current with the latest products and innovations, we aim to offer the best options tailored to your needs.
Selecting the right pillow as a side sleeper involves considering several important factors to ensure the best support and comfort. Here are the top aspects to keep in mind:
Firmness is key for side sleepers. A pillow that is too soft won’t provide enough support, leading to misalignment of the neck and spine. On the other hand, a pillow that is too firm can cause pressure to build up. The ideal firmness for most side sleepers is medium to firm, which offers the right balance of support and comfort, helping maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night.
The loft of the pillow is another important factor. Side sleepers need a higher loft to fill the space between the mattress and their head and neck to keep their spines aligned. A pillow with adjustable loft options is a good choice, allowing you to customize the height to your preference and body type.
The materials used in a pillow have a big impact on its comfort, support, and durability. Memory foam and latex are popular choices for side sleepers because they contour the head and neck, providing consistent support. Pillows made with cooling materials, such as gel-infused foam or breathable fabrics, can also help regulate temperature, creating a more comfortable sleep environment.
A pillow’s durability is essential, especially for maintaining its supportive qualities over time. High-quality materials tend to last longer and provide consistent support. When selecting a pillow it’s important to have the opportunity to test the pillow in your own home to ensure it meets your needs. Many reputable pillow manufacturers offer a trial period, allowing you to experience how the pillow performs over time, as it may take several nights to adjust and determine if it provides the right support and comfort. A generous trial period (we recommend a 100-night minimum) ensures you can return or exchange the pillow if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
A good warranty (we recommend a one-year minimum) indicates a manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Warranties for pillows can vary, but a standard period is usually between one to five years. Some higher-quality pillows may come with even longer warranties.
When evaluating a warranty, consider what it covers—common aspects include defects in materials and workmanship. A comprehensive warranty protects your investment, ensuring you receive a product that lasts and performs as promised.
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pillow, as prices can vary significantly depending on materials, brand, and extra features. While high-quality pillows often come with a higher price tag, they may provide better support, comfort, and durability, making them a worthwhile investment. Budget-friendly options are available, but they may not offer the same level of support or durability.
When evaluating your budget, consider the long-term benefits of a well-made pillow, including improved sleep quality and reduced pain or discomfort. It’s often better to invest a bit more in a pillow that meets your specific needs and will last longer.
Choosing the right pillow material is essential for side sleepers to ensure support and comfort. Different materials offer unique benefits, from contouring support to breathability. Understanding the characteristics of each type can help you find the right pillow for your needs.
Memory foam pillows are popular among side sleepers due to memory foam’s ability to contour the head and neck, providing personalized support. This material helps maintain spinal alignment and reduces pressure, which can ease pain and discomfort. Memory foam pillows also tend to retain their shape well over time.
Latex pillows are another good option for side sleepers, since latex is known for its responsiveness and natural support. Latex pillows provide a good balance of firmness and comfort, promoting proper spinal alignment. Also, latex is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it a great choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Down pillows offer a softer, more luxurious feel, which can be appealing to some side sleepers. While down pillows provide good comfort, they may not offer as much support or loft as memory foam or latex pillows.
Down alternative or polyfiber pillows mimic the softness of down while being hypoallergenic and more affordable. These pillows provide a plush feel and may be a good option for side sleepers who prefer a softer pillow without compromising on comfort. While they may not offer the same level of contouring support as memory foam or latex, they can still provide enough loft and cushioning for a good night’s sleep.
| Pillow type | Shredded foam and polyester | Shredded foam and polyester | Shredded foam and down-alternative | Solid foam |
| Cost | $49 for standard-size, $69 for king-size | $120 for queen-size, $140 for king-size | $120 for standard-size, $150 for king-size | $119 for small, $129 for medium, $159 for large |
| Firmness | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable | Extra firm |
| Trial period (nights) | 365 | 100 | 365 | None |
The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow stands out as the best overall choice for its balance of comfort and support. The Otter offers excellent cooling properties, making it good for those who sleep hot. For those experiencing neck pain, the Luxome LAYR provides targeted support to soothe discomfort. Lastly, the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is ideal for those who alternate between side and back sleeping, offering versatile support.
Weigh factors like cost, firmness levels, materials, and trial periods when shopping for the best pillow for side sleepers. All the pillows on this list have been tested by our Reviews Team, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Side sleepers should look for a medium-to-firm pillow. This level of firmness provides the necessary support to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned, preventing discomfort and pain. A pillow that is too soft may not offer enough support, causing the head to sink too low and misaligning the spine.
Side sleepers should use a pillow that offers enough support and maintains spinal alignment. Memory foam and latex pillows are excellent choices because they contour the head and neck, providing personalized support. Down alternative/polyfiber pillows can also work for those who prefer a softer feel but still need good loft and cushioning.
A side sleeper pillow should be thick enough to fill the gap between the neck and the mattress, typically around 4 to 6 inches. The ideal thickness depends on body type and shoulder width, but the goal is to keep the head and neck aligned with the spine, ensuring comfort and preventing strain.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
