A Note On Editorial Testing
Sifting through product descriptions and customer reviews can be overwhelming. Were here to make researching products easier.
In some cases, that means having our writers and editors test products to see how they perform in real life. In others, we rely on crowdsourcing reviewer feedback from retail sites.
For this review, our writer tested many of the products herself. Heres what she kept in mind while testing:
- sleeping styles
- Size: 26 by 13 inches
Of all the knee pillows I tested, this one takes the cake. It apparently does the same for many, which may explain why its often sold out.
It can be used both between the knees for side sleeping or behind the knees for back sleeping. As a side sleeper, I kept it between my knees and found that it stayed put better than a memory foam knee pillow.
That may be thanks to its polyester fill, as well as its design. Its sewn down the middle to create two separate chambers and offer ergonomic support. This support, according to the brand, helps ease joint tension in the knees, ankles, and lower legs.
This design also helps keep the pillows shape it doesnt flatten like a traditional pillow. Its also soft but offers cradle-like support at the same time.
Another perk is that its machine washable. A 100 percent cotton pillow protector is available but sold separately. I tested the pillow protector too, and think its worth the protection.
- Size: 16 by 9.5 inches
- Size: 9.5 by 8.5 inches
- Size: 12 by 7 inches
- Size: 20.4 by 7.8 inches
Check The Return Policy
Since one pillow will not work for everyone, make sure to check the brands return policy. Many brands offer a trial period or returns, but some brands do not allow you to return the pillow. Youll want to choose a pillow with a good return policy in case the pillow does not work for you, unless youre willing to take the risk of not being able to return it.
Best For Side And Stomach Sleepers: A Pillow With A Cutout For The Shoulder
This pillow is specially designed for sleeping on your side. In this position, it is difficult to get comfortable, because the head is high above the level of the bed. This pillow will allow you to comfortably arrange your shoulder in the recess, and so comfortably and correctly positioning your head.
Benefits:
- The double-sided design allows you to turn the pillow to the comfortable side, adjusting to your posture and needs.
- Also made of memory foam, it provides reliable support for the head and neck. Retains density with prolonged use.
- Removable cover that can be machine washed
Flaws:
- The presence of an odor .
Promising review:
Helped my bad shoulder.Took a little while to get comfy with this pillow, but once I did, I found it really good. I have been suffering with a bad shoulder and neck, but after using this pillow it appears to be much better. I did have to persevere with this initially, but please do try, as it appears to work.Steve
Buy this pillow on Amazon HERE.
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How To Pick Your Knee Pillow
Its a good idea to decide on the material and your budget first. Do you like a dense or softer pillow? What about memory foam versus polyester fill? How large or small should it be?
Youll also want to consider if youll be traveling with your pillow and if the look of the pillow matters to you.
Be sure to read legitimate reviews before buying, and check out return policies.
What Are The Different Pillow Types
Considering how much sleep preferences vary, its not surprising that pillows come in a variety of styles. Materials and construction methods determine key performance features like contouring, loft, and support.
In addition to standard models, there are also a number of specialty pillows designed to address the specific needs of different types of sleepers.
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The Most Popular Sleep Position
There are all kinds of sleepers. Some can only fall asleep on their stomachs. Others need to sprawl out across the bed. Some curl up into little balls. And yet, others find that sleeping on their back is the way to go. Whatever you choose, its important to know that your sleep position can affect how you feel in the morning and throughout the day. And interestingly enough, it may also reveal a bit about your personality. Here, we focus on the side sleeper: the most popular sleep positionout there.
The Comfiest Pillows For Side Sleepers According To Reviews
If youre a side sleeper, theres one item on your bed that may be wreaking havoc on your sleep qualityand neck: your pillow. As someone whos experienced plenty of flat-tire pillows over the years, I can say that all pillows are definitely not created equal. Luckily, there are ones made specifically for side sleepers that offer the necessary support.
Pillows are especially important for side sleepers. To prevent a painful awakening in the morning, your spine, neck and head all need to be in proper alignment. Theres nothing worse than waking up with a stiff neck and an achy back. Luckily, side sleepers are not rare, so if you prefer facing your wall, window or the person who snores beside you every night, there are highly rated pillows that will make you much more comfortable as you count sheep.
Below, we rounded up the best pillows for side sleepers, according to those who actually went cheek to cheek with these ergonomic headrests.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
Weve updated this guide to reflect the redesigned Nest Easy Breather Pillow, which is now washable.
Nothing highlights the importance of a good pillow like trying to sleep on a bad one, and people who sleep on their side, in particular, can have a tough time finding the right fit because they need more neck and head support. After more than 1,000 nights testing 119 pillows, weve found a number of options for side sleepers and think the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow is the best for a range of side-sleepers.
Our pick
This pillow has a customizable and washable filling that offers firm support for back- and side-sleepers. What it doesnt have: the lingering chemical smell weve noticed in some other shredded foam.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $100.
We recommend the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow for both side- and back-sleepers in our full guide to bed pillows, and we know some stomach-sleepersthose who sleep half on their side, half on their stomachalso find it comfortable, and it offers neck support that doesnt cause pain.
Many companies advertise their pillows for specific sleep positions, but in our experience their recommendations dont match up all that well. Overwhelmingly, our side-sleeping testers have preferred pillows with shredded memory foam because of its moldability.
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.
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Best Pillows For Side Sleepers
Welcome, side sleepers! If youre reading this, that means youre well on your way to finding the right pillow to support you in your go-to position. Yes, its true that there are literally hundreds maybe thousands! of options out there, but Ive saved you some time and energy by rounding up the 10 that I think are the absolute best pillows for side sleepers.
Best Pillow For Back Sleepers With Neck Pain
The Purple Harmony Pillow
Price: $$$
With its combination of Purple Grid Hex technology and a Talalay latex core, this pillow instantly adapts to your head and shoulders to eliminate pressure and pain. It comes in two sizes to accommodate back and side sleepers.
Over 4,000 reviewers give it a 5-star rating, and the Harmony comes with a 1-year warranty and has a 100-night trial window.
While the pillow cover can be tossed in the washing machine, the core is spot clean only.
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Made For Side Sleepers By Side Sleepers
Old fashioned pillows are made with cheap foam dumped into a sack. But side sleepers need more support, and we will try anything to get it folding, stacking, nothing works.
Pillow Cube fills the gap between your bed and your head, aligns your spine, and supports your noggin.
Our customers report that they get better sleep, wake up pain free and full of energy.
Deals so good… You may just pause your Walkman Shop the Fall Sale Now
How Many Pillows Do I Need
Cotton pillows are usually the least supportive option because the material is unable to maintain its proper shape. This is primarily why they are most commonly used in combination with other types of materials. The upside to cotton is that its more breathable, though, so in conjunction with other materials, it could still be useful to side sleepers.
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Coop Home Goods Knee Pillow
Price: $
Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Side sleepers may benefit from sleeping with an extra pillow between their knees. This can help better align the spine.
This adjustable knee pillow is ergonomically shaped for comfort. Its designed to help side sleepers create more space between the legs. More space helps reduce hip pressure and maintain proper spinal alignment.
The pillow cover is made from polyester and bamboo-derived rayon and can be hand-washed. The fill is all CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane memory foam. Its hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
This pillow comes with a removable foam insert, so you can control the pillows thickness and density. You cant wash the fill or the insert.
The manufacturer provides a 100-night sleep trial and return window if the pillow doesnt work for you, as well as a 5-year limited warranty.
Other Pillows We Tested
From $49 at Garnet Hill
We loved the Garnet Hill Heirloom European White Goose Down Pillow, so its no surprise we also liked their down-alternative pillow as well. Its more plush and supportive than most other synthetic fill pillows we tested and keeps its shape throughout the night. Its washable and comes in three firmness levels. Garnet Hill also has a 90-day return policy.
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Parachute Down Side Sleeper
From $159 at Parachute
Down pillows can fall flat throughout the night, but the Parachute down side sleeper pillow has a side gusset, and when we tested this pillow it kept its shape fairly well. It contains some feathers as opposed to 100% down, which is not ideal, but we found the feathers didnt poke through the material or make too much noise. It also comes in a down alternative version for those that are allergic to down or prefer synthetic fill.
Shop It: The Big One Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow $75 For Two Kohlscom
Two state-of-the-art pillows for just $75? Your wallet may love this deal, but its your health thats going to truly benefit in the long run. The Big One Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow cradles your head and keeps your spine straight while you sleep, ensuring a well-rested, ache-free wakeup call every morning. Pure performance is whats made it a tried-and-true customer favorite with more than 1,300 five-star reviews.
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Match Your Pillow To Your Sleep Position
Start your search by matching the pillow to your dominant sleep position: side, back, stomach, or combination. Thats the position you settle into and is likely to be your favorite, says Rebecca Robbins, PhD, an instructor at the Harvard Medical School and co-author of Sleep for Success! . Many pillows are now labeled this way, but the terms vary from brand to brand.
Use our advice to fine-tune your shopping. And make sure to check pillow return policies, so you dont get stuck with a closet full of rejects.
Almost 70 percent of us sleep on our side, according to a Consumer Reports survey. A firm or extra-firm pillow is the best pillow for side sleepers. It maintains the proper alignment, or curve of the neck and head, at the most comfortable heightwhich, according to a 2015 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, is 10 centimeters . Either a traditional or contoured pillow in memory foam or latex can support your head at the proper angle without flattening as quickly over time when compared with a polyester or down pillow.
The best pillow for back sleepers supports or cradles your head without losing the natural curve of your neck. Start with medium-loft, medium-firm models filled with a down alternative, memory foam, or latex foam.
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.
Labor Day Sales Are Still Going On!
Labor Day is now behind us, but many companies are still offering major holiday discounts. Check our product reviews below for discount information. You can also head to our list of Labor Day deals and discounts.
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Find The Right Height
You may need a higher pillow than back sleepers, since youâve got your shoulder in the picture. But if you go too high, your neck will be at an angle all night and youâll be unhappy in the morning.
Ideally, you want your head and neck to be in line with your spine when youâre on your side. Think about forming one straight, comfortable line.
Down / Down Alternative
Down and down alternative pillows often feel soft, fluffy, and luxurious. Down alternative pillows offer a similar fluffy feel, but are more eco-friendly. You also dont have to research manufacturing and sourcing to be sure that your new down alternative pillows are cruelty-free.
Since down compresses more easily than other pillow materials, I recommend it more for back sleepers and stomach sleepers than side sleepers. However, a firmer down option can also work for side-sleeping. My best down pillows and best down alternative pillows roundups include some great side sleeping options.
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More Pillows For Side Sleepers To Consider
RestHavenShreddedMemoryFoamPillows: We were impressed with how cool these pillows remained during testing, especially considering you get two for such a low price. They make a great budget alternative to more expensive shredded memory foam pillows, but they were a bit too small to fill out our standard pillowcases.
AvocadoGreen Pillow: Made from 100 percent organic materials, this shredded latex pillow is both firm and soft at the same time. The zipper was a bit finicky, but this was the only pillow we tested that didn’t rise in temperature at all after 15 minutes of use.
Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow: This responsive, solid memory foam pillow is comparable to our best cooling pick in terms of structure and support. It features cooling gel beads to trap and pull away heat, but it’s worth mentioning that our tester didn’t notice a significant difference in temperature while laying on it.
How We Chose The Best Knee Pillows For Back And Side Sleepers
If youve done any shopping for knee pillows, you know there are almost too many to choose from. You can spend days sorting through slews of different shapes, sizes, materials, and brands.
To help make your choice a little easier, this list contains only pillows with high ratings and trusted reputations.
The pillows on our list have also been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthlines brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
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Honeydew The Scrumptious Side Sleeper
Dimensions:Fill:REASONS TO BUYREASONS TO AVOID
Honeydews 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 dont love is that you have to remove all of the fill to wash the Scrumptious pillow. In other words, the fill isnt washable. We dont 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 isnt a lot to complain about. All in all, we love the Scrumptious pillow. It has a nice balanced firmness, its fully adjustable, and we absolutely love the shape. We recommend this for anyone who wants a position-specific pillow, but really, wed recommend this for everyone. Its our favorite pillow weve ever slept on, and we think its the best pillow for side sleepers out there.
