Choose The Right Loft
According to Josh Tal of Josh Tal & Associates Sleep and Health Psychotherapists, people who sleep on their sides need to look for a pillow that provides support for the shoulder, neck and head, and allows for a neutral, supportive position. Because of this, Tal says, side sleepers usually prefer a pillow with more loft to cradle the head, paired with an indentation to comfort the shoulder and a potentially an elevated bump in the bottom of the pillow to support the neck.
Also, keep in mind that everyones neck is different, so the type of contour or density of fill that achieves this will vary from individual to individual. If youre smaller-framed, you may need a lower loft pillow if youre bigger, you may need a higher loft pillow to keep the neck aligned with the spine.
$12499 From $9999 At Eli & Elm
The supportive Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow has a curved cutout that creates room for your shoulder when sleeping on your side, setting this pillow apart from the rest. We found the extra room quite comfortable and also appreciated how it let us hold onto the edges of the pillow while sleeping on our side, keeping our arms and hands more comfortable too. As a bonus, we loved that we felt like we were cradled when we slept on our backs too, so its a great choice if you shift positions often.
The pillow is filled with a blend of latex and polyester that is adjustable and removable. Similar to other adjustable pillows, you can take out as much fill as you want to achieve the exact height and firmness level thats most comfortable. We found the pillow came with plenty of fill for those that like a firm pillow, though we had to remove some to soften it up. If you like an extra-firm pillow, Eli & Elm offers an option to buy extra fill. It took a few nights of trial and error before we figured out the optimal amount of fill, but once we did we found the pillow very comfortable.
The Side Sleeper has two slight drawbacks. First, we found that the pillow sleeps slightly hot not so much so it disturbed our sleep but if you are sensitive you may want to keep that in mind or plan to accessorize with some of our recommendations for hot sleepers.
Lay On The Pillow For At Least 15 Minutes
Susan J. Gordon research professor at the Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Adelaide, Australia, who has studied the effect of pillow types in relation to sleep quality and their effect on waking back and neck pain, recommends laying on a pillow for at least 15 minutes to try it out. Thats the time it takes for the body to fully settle so youll know whether or not the pillow is right for you.
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Why Its Good For Back/side Combo Sleepers
- The ergonomic memory foam keeps the neck supported without causing any craning.
- It has a slow-sinking memory foam thats comfortable for side sleepers. But it still has a firm feel, thus creating enough support for back sleepers.
- It comes in three different sizes, so you can pick the right one for you.
Price: $109$149 with a 5-year warranty.
What Type Of Pillow Material Is Most Comfortable
While there are many types of pillows to choose from, the fill is the most important aspect when it comes to comfort. Here are the key differences between the most common options:
- Down pillowstend to be the fluffiest, but a combination of down with feather may be firmer and less expensive.
- Down alternative pillowscan still feel soft and offer good support, but they’re usually made with synthetic fill so they’re more affordable than down.
- Memory foam pillowsare thicker and often firmer. You can choose from solid memory foam or memory foam clusters, which feel plusher to lie on while still offering the support of foam.
- Latex pillowsfeel similar to memory foam, but they have more of a bouncy feel with less contouring. Another difference: latex foam is typically made from rubber trees.
- Hybrid pillows mix foam and fiberfill so you get the best of both categories i.e., supportive yet plush.
How do I pick the best pillow?
After picking your favorite fill, before you get shopping for a new pillow, here’s what to keep in mind as you pick out your best pillow:
According to Dr. Baxi, “Your ears should be aligned with your shoulders and your chin faced forward.” To achieve this alignment, you’ll need to factor in your body size and how you sleep. Here’s how to pick your height:
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Best Pillow For Neck Pain Overall: Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow
Why We Like It: The Original pillow uses hypoallergenic, memory-foam-and-microfiber fill, which you can take out or add in for a thicker or thinner pillow, depending on your needs.
Its Worth Noting: It may be too soft for those who prefer a firm pillow.
Our best overall choice for a pillow that relieves neck pain is Coop, The Original from Coop Home Goods because of its versatility. One thing that all three of our experts made clear: There isnt a one-size-fits-all best pillow for people with neck pain. Your body shape, sleep position, and personal pain points all come into play for what will be comfortable for youwhich is why the adjustability of this pillow from Coop Home Goods is your universal best bet.
The Original Pillow comes standard with a healthy loft but then, it has a zipper opening so you can take out some of the fill to make a flatter pillow, or add more in from the included extra half-pound of fill for an even higher loft. So, if your sleep position or pain points change, you can adjust the same pillow instead of having to buy a new one.
What makes it stand out from other adjustable pillows is that the Coop Original is filled with medium-firm fill made from memory foam and microfiber. Not only do you get the natural body-conforming features of memory foam, but it’s also hypoallergenic and GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certified, so it won’t cause irritation.
Price at time of publication: $72
Product details:
Best Overall Pillow For Side Sleepers
Dr. Thomas Schuler, chairman of the National Spine Health Foundations Medical and Scientific Board and founder of the Virginia Spine Institute Dr. Janet Kennedy, clinical psychologist and founder of NYC Sleep Doctor
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Find The Right Pillow Shape
If you sleep on your back, look for a pillow with a cervical spine curve, meaning thereâs a bit of a roll or bump under your neck and a flatter spot for your head.
If you sleep on your side, you need a slightly higher pillow to keep your head in line with your spine, and you may also want a pillow with a bump under your neck to support it.
If you sleep on your stomach, consider forgoing the pillow completely and lying directly on the mattress.
Donât forget about travel. If you have the perfect pillow at home, what happens when youâre on the road or in the air? A U-shaped travel pillow can keep your head upright instead of angled to the side when youâre trying to sleep sitting up.
Best For Side Sleepers: Layla Kapok Pillow
Courtesy of Layla
Why We Like It: The Layla Kapok Pillow is a medium-firm, high-loft pillow to keep side sleepers heads higher and in line with their spine, thanks to a hypoallergenic fill of memory foam and natural Kapok fibers.
Its Worth Noting: This pillow is a good choice for side sleepers but is not ideal for back or stomach sleepers.
Side sleepers need a pillow with a higher loft , to bring their head up and in line with their spine, our experts say. The Laya Kapok pillow is filled with shredded memory foam and soft, all-natural Kapok fibers , creating a plush and airy feel while still being supportive. Kapok has a silky, cotton-like texture thats perfect for pillows because it naturally repels moisture. The pillow comes at a medium firmness, which is usually perfect for side sleepers, but you also have the ability to take out some of the fill if you want something softer.
This pillow also comes with a 120-night sleep trial so you can return it if it doesnt suit your sleep style, and is backed by a five-year warranty.
Price at time of publication: $109
Product details:
- Fill material: Memory foam and Kapok fibers
- Firmness: Medium
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Best Pillows For Neck Pain Video
Watch our video below to learn more about our labs top pillow picks for sleepers with neck pain.
Read our top picks to learn more about each ones materials and unique qualities. In the buyers guide section, well break down the reasons you could be experiencing neck pain and how your pillow can help. Well take a deeper look at how body position and pillow construction can enhance comfort, and well teach you what to look for when shopping for a pillow for neck pain.
Black Friday is a great time to buy a pillow, with many companies offering some of their biggest discounts of the year. Head to our complete list of Black Friday discounts to learn about the most up-to-date deals. You can also check out our list of Cyber Monday mattress and bedding sales to learn about deals happening after Black Friday ends.
Best For Back Sleepers: Tri
- Sizes: petite , mid-size , full
The Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow is designed for back sleepers. The center dips down to cradle the head and promotes proper alignment in the spine.
For back sleepers, the sturdy cervical roll supports the neck while the head rests in the contour. One side of the pillow has a larger neck roll for more support, while the other has a smaller neck roll for less support.
The manufacturer advises that the pillow may not suit side sleepers but also states that if a side sleeper decides to use the pillow, they should use the side areas because they are higher, allowing for proper neck alignment.
Adjusting to pillows such as this can take time because it requires changes in sleep posture. The manufacturer recommends that people alternate between this pillow and a standard pillow while adjusting to a new one. This will help their body adjust to the new sleeping posture.
The company describes this pillow as very firm. The pillow has a polyester fiber fill and a cotton-polyester blend cover.
- Sizes: small , standard , king
Buckwheat pillows are a suitable option for people who want an adjustable pillow, or a product made with natural materials.
These pillows contain thousands of buckwheat hulls instead of foam or fibers. The company describes buckwheat hulls as firm but malleable and breathable.
According to Hullo, the cotton case is certified organic.
Pros:
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Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
- Customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Firmness: adjustable
- Material: memory foam
Many people are mostly side sleepers who also sleep on their backs or stomachs at varying points during the night. If thats you, you might appreciate that this pillow lets you choose the amount of fill youre most comfortable with, allowing you to individualize firmness and height.
It comes stuffed with the amount of fill recommended for side sleepers. It also comes with an extra 1/2-pound bag of hypoallergenic memory foam fill, so you can tailor the pillows loft to whats comfortable for you. You can easily adjust this pillow to accommodate a combination of sleeping positions. This makes it a good choice for stomach sleepers as well.
Its CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it contains no toxins or harmful chemicals. Its also vegan and cruelty-free.
It has a removable outer cover thats easy to machine wash. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty.
How Firm Should A Pillow Be To Alleviate Neck Pain
A somewhat firm pillow is generally best for neck pain, especially if you sleep on your side. A pillow that is too soft and unsupportive will put pressure on your cervical spine. But the pillow should still have some softness. Any pillow that feels uncomfortable is going to be bad news for your neck.
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How To Choose A Pillow For Neck Pain
If you experience neck pain, choosing the right pillow can be a key step toward living pain-free. The right pillow will depend on your individual needs. Well walk you through the most important considerations, including how to choose the best material, shape, and thickness for your individual sleeping style.
Other Tips For Side Sleepers
In addition to selecting a supportive pillow that promotes spinal alignment, side sleepers can use the following strategies for sleeping comfortably each night.
Choose the Right Mattress: The best mattress for side sleepers will provide ample cushioning to the shoulders and hips in order to align the spine and alleviate pressure in different areas. Most side sleepers on our test team prefer mattresses with softer feels that conform closely to the body without sinking too much beneath their heavier areas.Use a Pillow Between the Knees: A pillow between the knees can also improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure in the lower back and hips. Pillows filled with down/feathers, shredded foam, and other moldable materials tend to be most comfortable. You may also find more comfort and pressure relief by placing the pillow beneath your legs.Invest in a Mattress Topper: A topper is a single layer of cushioning material placed on top of your mattress. Toppers can measure up to 4 inches thick, so using one can make your mattress feel significantly softer or firmer. For side sleepers, the right topper can mean closer conforming, better spinal alignment, and less pressure.
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What To Look For In A Pillow If You Snore
Finding a pillow that holds your head in the correct position is crucial if you snore.
According to Dr. David Edelstein, interim chair of Lenox Hill Hospital/MEETH Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, choosing a pillow that helps hold your neck slightly flexed at the upper chest and extended at the back of your head can help keep the upper airway maximally opened to prevent snoring.
However, there are several other factors to consider when shopping for an anti-snoring pillow, including:
Besides choosing the right pillow, there are several other steps you can take to reduce snoring.
Here are a few snoring remedies to try:
- Avoid eating or drinking near bedtime, which may give you acid reflux or indigestion when you lie flat.
- Avoid caffeine 4 hours before bedtime.
- If you have allergies, take allergy medications to avoid congestion.
- Try taking a hot shower before bed to help open your nasal passages.
- If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking may increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, which could worsen snoring.
- Limit your alcohol intake within
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team at Sleep Foundation includes experts and testers with years of experience in the sleep product industry. We have tested over 300 pillows in order to determine which ones are best suited to sleepers with different needs. Our team includes back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers, as well as sleepers of different body types. This allows us to represent as wide an array of sleep preferences as possible in our findings.
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Best Pillows For Side Sleepers Video
Watch our video below to learn more about our labs top picks for pillows for side sleepers.
We provide an overview about each of our picks, covering features that set each pillow apart from the competition. Further down, well take a closer look at how pillows affect side sleeping and offer a few tips for choosing a pillow based on thickness, material composition, price, and other factors.
Black Friday is a great time to buy a pillow, with many companies offering some of their biggest discounts of the year. Head to our complete list of Black Friday discounts to learn about the most up-to-date deals. You can also check out our list of Cyber Monday mattress and bedding sales to learn about deals happening after Black Friday ends.
Best Pillows For Neck Pain 2022
Keep reading to learn more about each of these pillows unique qualities and specific build thats aligned with our idea of the best pillow for neck pain! The type of pillow you might need will vary differently depending on your body shape, size, weight, and individual preferences. Because a pillow can play such an important role in neck pain, we have tested each of our pillow picks to make your search easier.
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