Memory Foam Pillow For Side Sleepers

How To Choose The Right Mattress For Your Sleep Position

If your body isnt properly supported while you sleep, you can start experiencing weird aches and pains. As we mentioned above, neck and shoulder pain could indicate that your pillows arent doing their job. But back pain or other types of discomfort might mean that you need a more supportive mattress. Regardless of your preferred sleep position, the goal is to get to a place where spinal support and pressure-point relief intersect.

As is the case when youre standing, proper spinal alignment is important when youre lying down. Your spine should more or less be straight, except for that subtle curve inward toward the belly, in your lower back.

Pressure points are the bony or heavier parts of your bodysuch as the shoulders, hips, or kneesthat press against the surface of the bed. They vary depending on your sleep position. Pressure-point relief is helpful from a musculoskeletal standpoint if you have muscle or joint issues. For instance, if youre a side-sleeper with hip pain or rotator-cuff tendinitis , youll want a mattress that isnt too firm, so it doesnt put excessive pressure on these painful areas.

In general, here are the features you should look for based on your sleep position, as well as tips on how to check for good alignment:

What Makes A Pillow Best For Side Sleepers

In side sleeping positions, your head will be elevated just a bit from the surface of your mattress. To prevent dangerous stress on your neck and spine as your head falls to meet the top of your pillow, we’ve designed a high loft pillow with a sturdy shredded memory core that sits perfectly beneath your head, providing important support and alignment.

Best Memory Foam Pillow: Wondersleep Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam styles are among the best pillows for side sleepers. Like a warm hug, this WonderSleep pillow has just the right density and recovers with every move, which means no more head sinking. Its also made of premium fabric that will dissipate the heat your head produces while you sleep. So toss out your old pillow, along with the rest of these bedroom items that probably need replacing, and finally get a comfortable, truly restful night of sleep.

Via Chilisleep.com

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What Is The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers With Neck Problems

The best pillows for neck pain contain the right loft and fill to fully support the neck without taking the head out of a neutral position works best. For some people, thats a solid or contour pillow that hugs the curves of the spine and allows the head to sink into the pillow. The memory foam will further contour to the sleeper the longer their head stays on the pillow.

Others will find relief with shredded latex or memory foam that allows them to adjust the shape of the pillow for better neck support.

Does It Keep You Cool Or Warm Enough

If you sleep hot, you should probably avoid foam mattresses, which are notorious for trapping heat. Innerspring mattresses tend to be more breathable because body heat moves from the surface through the spaces in the coils and disperses out to the room. If youre a hot sleeper but you prefer the feeling of foam, look for foam hybrids or innersprings quilted with a foam topper. Many foam mattresses tout materials designed to allow for varying levels of heat transfer, such as foam with air channels or gel, copper, or graphite infusions. But be aware that they usually cost more and wont work for everyone, and the effects can be minimal. Mattresses made of latex sleep cooler and feel springier than those made of memory foam.

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From $99 At Casper And Amazon

Casper describes this pillow as feeling like a marshmallow and we couldnt agree more thats exactly what this pillow feels like. The squishy yet supportive Casper Hybrid pillow has a synthetic fill core surrounded by an outer layer of memory foam, which offers the perfect balance between excellent support and comfortable plushness, unlike some other foam pillows which we found too firm or too soft in our testing. The ventilation holes in the foam layer also give the Casper Hybrid an advantage over other memory foam pillows it never left us feeling overheated while sleeping, so its a great choice if you are a hot sleeper.

While the Hybrid Pillow is sold for general use, we liked it for sleeping on our side because of its rectangular shape and substantial side gusset, which helped keep our head elevated in a comfortable position but didnt dig into our shoulder or neck. It also kept its shape throughout the night.

The Hybrid Pillow comes in two heights, regular with a 2-inch gusset and low loft with a 1.25-inch gusset. You can take a quiz on Caspers website to help determine which loft height is right for you. Casper recommended a low loft pillow for our testers needs and we found it was the perfect size for our petite tester, so if you have a larger frame you may want to consider the regular loft size.

Natural And Organic Fill

Natural fill usually refers to feathers or down. However, other natural fills include wool, latex, kapok, or buckwheat. These fillers may also be organic, but only if they have a certified organic label from an independent organization that confirms organic growth, harvesting, and manufacturing of the pillows materials.

Heres a breakdown of the common natural fillers in organic pillows:

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Uttu Sandwich Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow

The UTTU Sandwich Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is designed to provide neck support, especially for people who sleep on their sides, but during testing, our experts werent particularly blown away by it. While it was reasonably comfortable and contoured to our heads when we laid on it, other memory foam pillows proved to be more comfortable and supportive than this one. We also found the foam material to be a little cheap, which is why it didnt make our list.

Why Might You Need A Different Pillow If Youre A Side Sleeper

Your sleeping position dictates how thick your pillow needs to be and the firmness level you need, says Rosie Osmun, sleep science coach at sleep science platform Sleep Junkie. Sleeping comfortably is all down to spine alignment.

For side sleepers, Rosie explains, Some can feel sore when their neck isnt in a neutral position, notes osteopath Anisha Joshi. Being supported should ease any pain and help you to get a good night’s sleep.

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What Size Pillows Are Available

The most popular pillow sizes are standard, queen, and king. However, some manufacturers offer additional sizes to accommodate sleepers with different preferences. The following table lists facts and figures for the five most common pillow sizes. For the dimensions column, please note these are average measurements that will differ from brand to brand.

Best Pillow For Neck Pain: Tempur

This pick is another suggestion from Dr. Okubadejo, which makes sense because it will provide you with the proper alignment and support. Following the natural curve of your body, the contoured shape ensures your head will rest in the best possible position all night. It might be hard to believe, but if you lay your head on this pillow at night, youll wake up without your usual aches and pains.

via Amazon.com

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What Were Looking For

Loft: The loft, or height, of your pillow is a crucial factor for side sleepers to consider. Dr. Toussaint-Keshinro explains that keeping your head, neck, and shoulders in a neutral and even position is most important. If a pillow is too flat or too high, it can create an uneven muscle tone in the neck and shoulders, leading to spasms over time. While there isnt a formula to figure out the ideal loft of your pillow, Dr. Dennis Colonello, celebrity and professional-athlete chiropractor at Peak Wellness and all33 co-founder, suggests that your pillow be around four inches off of your mattress. But dont go breaking out your ruler just yet, as there is wiggle room with this number. For taller people with broader shoulders, a higher loft may be more comfortable, and conversely, a petite person with more narrow shoulders will likely rest comfortably with a lower loft.

Firmness: All of our experts agreed that medium-firm pillows tend to be the best option for people sleeping on their side. While there is room for personal preference here, a medium-firm pillow helps your head stay in the right position without sinking while you sleep. For people who like to dream on a bed that feels like fresh brioche buns instead of a firmer surface, gusseted-down and down-alternative pillows can be a plush compromise. Additionally, Cushner and Foley suggest memory foam pillows, as they sort of mimic the softness of down by contouring to your body, while still providing support.

Sleep Better Iso Pillows

Another big winner is the Sleep Better ISO memory foam pillow, it has a longer product life than the My Stunning Abode, however during that time the average consumer rating has fell slightly below. With 2,999 customers rating the Sleep Better ISO 3.9 out of 5 for comfort, durability and general use.

Made in the USA, the Sleep Better ISO has microscopic PCM beads that absorb heat and feel cool & a gusseted design which helps maximize comfort for side sleepers.

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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. Ive 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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Memory Foam Pillow For Side Sleepers Reviews

With the huge range of pillows on the market, it can be difficult to sieve through all the options and find the perfect one for your needs. Thats why we are here, which is to help provide you with all the pertinent information you need in order to make a smart decision. By reading our reviews, youll be able to know exactly which products you should consider, and what factors to keep in mind before purchasing.

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Is A High Medium Or Low Loft Pillow Better For Neck Pain

It depends on what type of sleeper you are. If youre a stomach sleeper, it may be best to choose a pillow with a low loft to minimize the pressure on your spine. If youre a back or side sleeper, a medium loft pillow that allows your head, neck, and spine to form a straight line may be right for you.

Finally, if youre a side sleeper with bigger shoulders, a high loft pillow may be suitable. Note the pillow should equal the distance between the ears and the edge of the shoulders.

A Sustainable Down Pillow With Three Firmness Options

Brooklinen

Fill: Down and feathers | Trial period: 365-day return policy | Adjustable: No

Soft but still firm enough, the Brooklinen down pillow is constructed of sustainably sourced Canadian down clusters and feathers, which provide the cushion side sleepers need. Brooklinen lets you choose between plush, mid-plush and firm options, but recommends that side sleepers opt for firm for that extra support and spine alignment.

What the reviews say: The overall comfy feel seems to do the trick for most reviewers. I haven’t had a down pillow in years, but I thought I would give this a try because I haven’t been able to find a pillow that works for me. I really like the pillow and am happy I bought it. I am getting a good night’s sleep and wake up without a neck ache, writes one newly pain-free sleeper.

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The Benefits Of Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position among U.S. adults. This position has a few advantages over back or stomach sleeping. For one, side sleeping can minimize snoring because it keeps your airway open back sleepers snore more often because the tongue falls back into the throat, creating an obstruction for the airway. Side sleeping can be beneficial to people with sleep apnea and/or acid reflux for the same reason. If youre a pregnant woman, chances are youll feel more comfortable on your side than you will in other sleep positions a bolster pillow for the legs or knees can also provide comfort for pregnant sleepers.

Side sleeping can also align the spine and reduce discomfort in the shoulders, hips, and other areas where pressure points tend to develop. However, this is contingent on a mattress and pillow that offer enough support to align your head and neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips.

Keep reading to learn about special pillow considerations for side sleepers, and how to choose a pillow model based on your body type and personal preferences.

Memory Foam & Ergonomic Pillows

Fancy a great night’s sleep with a pillow that really suits you? A memory foam pillow moulds itself to the shape of your head and neck, giving you good support that helps you relax. They come with covers that can be machine washed so you can easily keep them clean and fresh. To find the pillow for your perfect nights sleep, start with your favourite sleeping position and then look for specific benefits and features for your individual needs. But no matter which one you fall for, theyre all designed to make you sleep like a log. Opt for a weighted blanket that will provide you with more comfort ease stress and improve your sleep quality. See how to pick the best ergonomic pillow for your neck comfort.

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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.

What Makes The Brooklyn Bedding Latex Pillow Stand Out

• This pillow comes in two different lofts. For side sleepers and larger back sleepers, we recommend the high loft for proper neck support. Smaller back sleepers and stomach sleepers are likely going to need the lower loft.
• It has a wonderful balanced feel. We felt so much support and also great pressure relief from this pillow. It has a bit of bounce and airiness that we appreciated as well, and this is due to the feel that the latex provides.
• It has a washable cover. We also loved that the cover is so easy to take off.

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How To Find The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers

When buying the top pillows for side sleepers, you need to consider many factors before you are able to make the right decision which one is ideal for you. When buying the top pillow for side sleeper UK, some of the most important factors to consider are a machine washable cover/pillowcase, loft, support, shape and firmness. Each of these factors will have a significant impact on whether you will be able to sleep comfortably during the night.

Remember that not all side sleepers have the same personal preferences, so consider what you need. Also if you have pain in a particular place, then that is the first thing to address. Also your mattress and topper play big role beside the sleep pillows so bear in mind this when shopping for the best side sleeper pillow UK.