If you are a side sleeper, finding a pillow that doesn’t give you neck, back or shoulder pain, can be a ball-ache. An average pillow with medium-firmness or a loose pillow that provides no support, are neither ideal for a decent night’s sleep. There’s only one kind of pillow solution, and you can read all the fluff right here…
If your pillow doesn't have enough support it isn’t uncommon to experience myriad aches and pains in various parts of your body. Therefore, it is vital to choose your pillow based on the way you sleep – be it on your back, on your side or on your belly.
Just to note, if you do suffer from osteoarthritis, foraminal herniated disc, or spinal stenosis, sleeping on your side is recommended. Do try to however swap your sleeping sides over from time to time so you do not experience any muscle imbalance.
The general rule of thumb is that side sleepers go for a pillow with firm support, back sleepers go for a pillow with medium support and front sleepers go for a pillow with soft support. Then you’ve got sleepers who tend to be a combination of them all. Whatever you may be, ensure you buy something that gives you proper alignment (side sleepers) or prevents your neck or shoulders from tilting in awkward positions (back sleepers) while in a deep sleep.
How to select the perfect pillow for a side sleeper
There are a few main factors to consider when selecting the best pillow for side sleepers:
Firmness: ensure your pillow provides firm support
Loft: ensure the height and the type of fill is medium to high for full comfort. Perhaps go for an adjustable loft if you are a combination sleeper and move between the positions
Shape: keep in mind that some pillow fills such as latex and solid foam keep their shape better and require less maintenance than others
Size: pillow sizes do range, but the two most common pillow sizes include a standard (20 x 26 inches) and a king (20 x 36 inches)
Quality: invest in a pillow with high-quality materials, especially the pillow’s cover and fill to ensure durability
Reviews: a great indication of a pillow’s performance is to look at its customer reviews
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From contour pillows to teardrop pillows, here are seven of the top pillow recommendations for side sleepers:
Best pillow for side sleepers
1. Slumberdown Anti Allergy White Pillows 2 Pack Firm Support Bed Pillows
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The Slumberdown anti-allergy white pillows are the best pillows for side sleepers as they are specifically made with firmer support. Very affordable, the pillows offer the right level of comfort and support for your head and neck while keeping your spine straight. It's also ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies with its specially formulated polyester, reducing the build-up of bacteria or dust mites.
Specs
Firmness: Firmer support
Filling: Microfibre (anti-allergy)
Size: 48cm x 74cm
2. Snuggledown Side Sleeper White Pillow Firm Support
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Snuggledown's side sleeper white pillows are another top pick. With firm support, these pillows are designed to help support your head to be slightly raised and aligned to your spine, preventing aches and neck pain. They too are constructed with soft hollow fibre filling coupled with a soft touch cover for full comfort.
Specs
Firmness: Firm support
Filling: 100% polyester
Size: 48cm x 74cm
3. Ecosafeter Contour Memory Foam Pillow- Cervical Orthopedic Deep Sleep Neck Pillow
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The Ecosafeter contour memory foam pillow is another fantastic cervical orthopaedic deep sleep neck pillow. With medium-firm support, the pillow is made of premium high-density memory foam which is completely adjustable based on your personal sleep position, head size, overall body size and shoulder width. Sleeping in perfect alignment, you'll breathe better and snore less. It too has a dust-proof and breathable inner cover for the pillow.
Specs
Firmness: Medium-firm support
Filling: Memory foam (and bamboo)
Size: 50cm x 30cm x 10cm
4. John Lewis & Partners Specialist Synthetic 2-Way Memory Foam Standard Support Pillow, Medium/Firm
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John Lewis's Specialist Synthetic 2-Way Memory Foam Standard Support Pillow is another decent solution for side sleepers who struggle with body pains. This pillow helps keep your spine aligned for a comfortable and undisturbed night's sleep. The dual-contoured pillow has a pressure-relieving core, whereby the larger contour supports the spine alignment of side sleepers.
Specs
Firmness: Medium/Firm
Filling: 100% moulded memory foam
Size: 40cm x 60cm x 9-12cm
5. Tempur Comfort Cloud Standard Support Pillow
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John Lewis's Tempur Comfort Cloud Standard Support Pillow is another great alternative for side sleepers. Made with TEMPUR and visco-elastic temperature-sensitive material, the pillow gives you a balanced amount of softness and support. It not only moulds to the natural curvature of your neck and head but provides the best allergy-free support needed for a good night's sleep.
Specs
Firmness: Support
Filling: Visco elastic
Size: 74cm x 50cm
6. The Eve Memory Foam Pillow
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The Eve pillow is a renowned pain solution for side sleepers with its perfectly supportive memory foam and careful design to relieve tension. Providing a good amount of support, the pillow aims to keep your neck and spine aligned alongside its cooling air holes for maximum comfort. It's washable, making it a great head prop for a relaxing night's sleep.
Specs
Firmness: Firm
Filling: Memory foam
Size: 50cm x 75cm
7. The Emma Pillow
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The Emma Pillow is the best solution for side sleepers due to its 'endless possibilities'. The non-toxic, vegan, and naturally hypoallergenic solution gives you the freedom to adapt the height and firmness to your needs. As a result, this pillow and its three layers of premium foam have been designed for all body types and sleeping positions. It's extra breathable and ultra-durable! Side sleepers are suggested to use all three layers.
Specs
Firmness: Adjustable height and firmness
Filling: Durable foams (HRX, Airgocel, ZeroGravity and Viscoelastic)
Size: 40cm x 70cm
8. Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow
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This new Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow will leave you extremely supported when it comes to how you sleep thanks to its versatile design. It features three interchangeable inner pillows: a firm one of foam-enclosed patented Aerocoil® micro springs and two softer ones of breathable Simba Renew. It may be at the pricey end for a pillow, but because it's customisable it is ideal for side and back sleepers because you can configure it to your own sleep style. There are three options recommended for a side sleeper to improve your sleep style all you need to do is unzip the outer layer and rearrange the pillow inside.
Specs
Firmness: Medium, Medium Firm, Firm
Filling: Pillow 1 & 2 100% Better Cotton with Simba Renew cluster fill, Pillow 3 Patented titanium Aerocoil® spring layer encased in Simba Pure foam (100% Polyurethane)
Size: 45 x 70cm
Tried and tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "I recently discovered that I was more comfortable sleeping on my side, but my pillow situation has never worked well for me. I have been sleeping with a firm and soft pillow, so to be able to upgrade to the Simba Hybrid Pillow has really helped. So far I've tried out the firm combination which has been very supportive but as I switch over in the night I think having the firm pillow in the middle with the two softer pillows will be perfect. The climate control has also been a dream during these hot summer nights, as I don't wake up with my head in a sweat."
In addition to selecting the right pillow, it might be worth reassessing your mattress or mattress topper to make sure it’s providing enough support. Small knee pillows are also another effective tool in minimizing back, neck and shoulder pain with back and side sleepers.
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Simply place the pillow under your knees if you are a back sleeper, or between your knees if you are a side sleeper. This will secure your hip joints and ensure a natural curvature of the spine.