What Is The Best Pillow For A Side Sleeper With Neck Pain
If you’re experiencing neck pain in the side sleeping position, your current pillow may be to blame. By purchasing a new pillow that encourages proper neck alignment, you may notice that your pain subsides. If pain continues with a proper side sleeping pillow, consider transitioning to back sleeping, which is the healthiest sleeping position according to doctors.
Best Cooling Pillow For Side Sleepers: Casper Foam Pillow With Snow Technology
Also available at Casper and Target.
Who it’s for: People who want a cooling pillow that maintains its shape.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a pillow that can be adjusted to their desired loft or firmness.
Made from solid-core memory foam, this sturdy pillow from Casper will maintain its shape throughout the night and provide the height and firmness necessary to support a side sleeper’s neck. But this pillow really stands out for its cooling abilities. We tested the version that comes with “Snow Technology,” a type of temperature-regulating technology that absorbs heat away from your head and neck as you sleep. Plus, it’s constructed with three layers of breathable memory foam designed to promote air circulation. In our testing, it did prove itself able to pull away heat, rising just 8 degrees Fahrenheit in 15 minutes and keeping our tester cool and comfortable.
Although the memory foam inner pillow is not machine-washable, the polyester-spandex cover is, and it remained just as soft post-wash as it was right out of the package. This pillow isn’t adjustable like many shredded memory foam pillows, but it will still provide the loft and firmness necessary for side sleepersno fluffing or reshaping necessary.
Product Details:
A Side Sleeper Pillow That Checks All The Boxes
Layla
Fill: Shredded memory foam, kapok fibers | Trial period: 120-night trial period | Adjustable: Yes
In a nutshell, the Layla kapok has it all: softness and support, sustainability, adjustability, washability, hygienic and cooling features, and of course, great customer reviews. Its stuffed with a blend of kapok fibersa responsibly-sourced, natural plant material with a down-like feeland body-molding memory foam for a mix of cushiness and support. The cover is infused with copper, known for its hygienic and cooling properties and the fill can be removed or added to customize your comfort level. According to Layla, its the only pillow youll ever need, and thousands of 5-star reviewers agree.
What the reviews say: Without doubt, the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used, says one buyer. I love the fact that I can remove or add the filling as needed. Somehow it manages to be soft, firm and cozy at the same time. It’s also malleableyou can press it into a shape that it will retain until you change it.
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What Pillow Types Are Best For Side Sleepers
The type of pillow isnt the primary concern for side sleepers, but rather the support and loft. The ideal side sleeper pillow will have a high loft to keep the head and neck in a neutral position. A firmer feel in the pillow can also prevent the head and neck from sinking. The larger and broader-shouldered you are, the higher loft youll require to fill the space between your ear and neck.
That being said, all pillow styles can be a good fit for side sleepers, so the right type will come down to your personal preferences.
Best Side Sleeper Pillow Of 2022
We researched 35+ top-performing pillows before buying and testing the top 11 products available today in search of the best pillow for side sleepers. Our review team spent night after night atop each product to determine which ones work best for those who prefer to sleep on their sides. We looked for the comfiest, highest quality pillows and put them through the paces on our beds and in our washing machines. We checked features, tested for firmness, and measured thickness to bring you this in-depth review. Let us help you find exactly what your nights have been missing.
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This Affordable Premium Pillow
Fill: Shredded memory foam | Trial period: Lifetime replacement and warranty | Adjustable: Yes
Finding a pillow with the right amount of support is critical for side sleepers. Made with the brands trademark shredded memory foam, the DreamyBlue pillow allows sleepers to add and remove foam until they achieve their ideal feel, ending their days of stacking pillows. Plus, the pillow case is breathable and Certipur-US certified so you can sleep cool without worrying about harmful chemical exposure.
What the reviews say: Shoppers appreciate how the DreamyBlue has minimized aches and pains that are often caused by low-quality pillows. I have serious back problems that can also impact my neck and I am in chronic pain pretty much 24/7….but not anymore, one shopper says. Stiff neck? Gone! Neck pain? Gone! Twisting and turning all night? Completely and totally gone! raves another.
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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Special Concerns For Side Sleepers
When it comes to side-sleeping, flat pillows can be a pain in the neck literally! Sleeping laterally with or without your arms under the pillow presents some potential issues.
Supporting your head and neck are the most important things your pillow does for you, whether you realize it or not. If your neck is in a position that irritates other joints, you may experience headaches, shoulder tension or pain, and back pain.
A medium loft/height and firmness pillow that provides temperature control is highly recommended for side sleepers, says Dr. Religioso. Head and neck support and maintaining a cool body temperature will improve sleep quality, recovery from injury/pain, and improve work performance.
Side-sleepers should take certain things into consideration when shopping for a pillow:
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Price: $$
Customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you hate the sinking feeling of memory foam, opt for a pillow made of latex foam instead. Supportive natural latex helps cradle the head and neck while you rest easy on your side. The organic cotton cover is said to be breathable, easy to clean, and soft to the touch.
The pillow is also hypoallergenic and available in a low or high loft. High is likely the best choice for side sleepers.
Side sleepers like that the pillow provides plenty of neck support without being too firm. A handful of customers also appreciate that it doesnt sleep hot like memory foam.
The brand offers free shipping, a 30-night trial, and a 3-year warranty.
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How To Choose A Pillow For Side Sleepers
The best pillow for side sleepers will provide adequate cushioning to support the head and neck. Our testing shows that pillows that either sink too deeply or feel too thick can interfere with spinal alignment, and neck and shoulder aches typically occur as a result. In determining the best pillow, you should look at several factors, including loft, firmness level, and material composition. In the next few sections, well discuss how side sleepers can find a pillow that will work for them.
Honeydew The Scrumptious Side Sleeper
Dimensions:Fill:REASONS TO BUYREASONS TO AVOID
Honeydew’s The Scrumptious Side Sleeper pillow claimed the top spot for our favorite pillow for side sleepers. We absolutely loved the crescent shape, which gave room for our testers’ shoulders, and pleasantly cradled our heads even when rolling around. We also really liked how adjustable the pillow is and how the fill kept the pillow full and reasonably firm even when we removed a decent amount of the fill.
The only thing we don’t love is that you have to remove all of the fill to wash the Scrumptious pillow. In other words, the fill isn’t washable. We don’t wash pillows all that often in our normal lives, but when we do, they usually really need it. There is also a band of stiffer fabric running around the side of the pillow that made a crinkly noise when we folded the pillow to read. Aside from that, there isn’t a lot to complain about. All in all, we love the Scrumptious pillow. It has a nice balanced firmness, it’s fully adjustable, and we absolutely love the shape. We recommend this for anyone who wants a position-specific pillow, but really, we’d recommend this for everyone. It’s our favorite pillow we’ve ever slept on, and we think it’s the best pillow for side sleepers out there.
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Why Its Good For Side Sleepers
- The foam contours nicely to the head and neck, promoting spinal alignment.
- Its adjustable, so sleepers can choose the right comfort level for them.
- Its polyester fiber provides support for sleepers.
Price: $65$85 with a 365-night trial.
Our full review for the Brooklinen Marlow pillow is coming soon!
With a classic memory foam feel, this latest pillow from Brooklinen should give side sleepers plenty of contouring and pressure relief.
Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow
We recommended this pillow for side sleepers in our general guide to pillows for its adaptive qualities: You can add or remove the memory foam fill to adjust the thickness and firmness. All you have to do is unzip the outer case and liner to access the fill. The pillow has an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 49,000 reviews on Amazon. The company also offers a 30-day return policy.
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How Much Do Body Pillows Cost
Body pillows can cost under $10 or over $200, but most fall in the $20 to $100 price range. While low-cost options may look like a good deal on the surface, they sometimes use lower-quality materials that make them less durable. A higher-end body pillow may come at a higher initial price-point, but it could be a better value in the long run if you hope to use the pillow for years to come.
Other Pillows For Side Sleepers We Tested
The Tempur-Cloud Breeze is a hefty, solid-foam pillow that offers a lot of loft and support. Its dense, making it a great pick for people who prefer a firm, supportive feel. Nonetheless, even with my smaller frame and fairly narrow shoulders, I didnt find it was too thick or too firm. It gave a sensation similar to memory foam, adapting to the pressure of my head and letting it sink in just enough.
The cooling abilities of this pillow cant be glossed over. I’ve been skeptical of “cooling” products since testing the Tempur-Cloud foam mattress, which cooked me overnight, so my expectations for this pillow were virtually nonexistent.
Other pillows we tested claimed to be “cooling pillows,” but didnt performyet this pillow came through. In sleep tests, this pillow was remarkably cooling even through a protector and pillowcase. In the lab, it diffused heat better than any of the other pillows we tested. The performance lives up to the high expectations its $100-plus price sets.
It ranked lower on our list due to its high price and limited washing options. And while its cooling is impressive, its not a feature that everyone wants or needs in a pillow. Plus, Tempur-Pedic has one of the strictest return policies on our list. If you use it, you keep it. Theres no trial period, and used pillows can only be returned if they have manufacturer defects.
Pros
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Epabo Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
- Material: memory foam, bamboo fiber cover
- Dimensions: varies, two queen and standard sizes with different heights and widths
- Best for: all sleeping positions
As one of the more affordable anti-snore pillows, this one can easily be purchased on Amazon.
Its made out of memory foam. Its contour design is meant to allow for proper alignment of the neck, shoulders, and back, and you can adjust the fill to be higher or lower depending on your preference.
Reviewers say the pillow has helped them with neck pain and is versatile whether youre a back or side sleeper.
Depending on your height, you may need more or less support. One tall reviewer, for example, said the customer service was professional, and the company even sent him extra inserts for his pillow to reach his perfect height.
A Good Size Sleeping Pillow Helps With Snoring
Snoring is a common problem that can occur for a myriad of reasons. Back sleeping, for instance, is associated with snoring mainly because your tongue moves back into your throat while you are sleeping.
However, if you sleep on your side, you wouldnt have to worry about this particular cause of snoring. The same goes for sleeping on your stomach. Thats not to say side sleepers dont snore it is just less likely because the posture addresses a common cause of snoring.
At the same time, you should find a side sleeper pillow that provides you with the proper neck alignment. As soon as there is an unnatural or unaligned curvature in your throat, the airflow will be blocked or impaired. Both cases could lead to snoring.
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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.
How We Chose The Best Pillows For Neck Pain
To choose the best pillows for neck pain, we did a deep-dive into dozens of the top brands on the market and rounded up their top-selling pillow models. Next, we narrowed down the field using factors like customer reviews, comfort ratings and overall value. We also spoke with a physical therapist, who confirmed the qualities we should be looking for in the best pillows for neck pain. Finally, several of our staffers shared their own personal experiences and favorite purchases, helping us to further narrow the field of top contenders.
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Finding The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Since the side sleeping position is by far the most popular among adults, its only natural that weve been investigating what the best pillow for side sleepers looks and feels like. And though there are many reported benefits to sleeping on your sidelike reduced sleep apneawhen done improperly, it can cause neck and shoulder strain, potentially leading to nerve pain and soft tissue issues in the spine.
Pittsburgh-based Premier Chiropractic Clinic owner and chiropractor Dr. Brian Meenan regularly advises his over 1.6 million followers on TikTok and treats patients for sleep-related pain everyday. According to him, your ideal pillow should put the least amount of stress on your spine and neck. You want your neck mostly in neutral, not bending too far to the right or left when lying on your side, he says. So to help you achieve the most restful nights sleep, weve rounded up the 16 best side sleeper pillows we could findincluding recommendations from Dr. Meenan, top-reviewed online picks, and cushions my colleagues at AD and I have tried ourselves.
What To Look For In A Pillow
Certain pillow qualities have a bigger impact on comfort and support than others.
Type and Material
The type and quality of materials used determines the feel and function of a pillow. Down, cotton, and microfiber clusters yield a fluffier pillow, while memory foam and latex models have more structure.
Pillows made with synthetic materials are sometimes less breathable and durable than their natural counterparts. If you have allergies, you should approach latex and down models with caution.
Height or Loft
A pillows relative thickness is critical for support and proper spine alignment. Each sleep position has different loft needs in order to reinforce good sleep posture. Body weight and frame also influence loft preferences.
Low loft pillows are typically less than 3 inches thick. Medium loft designs are between 3 and 5 inches, while high loft pillows are taller.
Firmness
Firmness indicates a pillows feel and relative support. Softer pillows allow the head and shoulders to sink more than firmer models.
Special Features
Some pillows boast special features to enhance comfort. If you tend to overheat at night, you might want to consider pillows with gel infusions, open-cell foam, copper fibers, and other cooling technologies. If you have allergies or asthma, you may benefit from pillows with antimicrobial treatments. Materials like latex and cotton can also help, as they naturally resist allergen triggers.
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