Pillows For Side Back And Stomach Sleepers

What Makes A Pillow Best For Back And Stomach Sleepers

In stomach and back sleeping positions, your head is positioned close to the surface of your mattress, requiring just a bit of support to keep your neck and spine aligned. A pillow with too much loft, though, can force your head and neck out of alignment and create severe pain and discomfort. Our low loft pillow design cradles your head in stomach and back sleeping positions, help you enjoy your deepest night’s sleep.

Best Adjustable: Marlow The Pillow

• Not particularly cooling

• Spot-clean only

Perfect for multiple-position sleepers, the clever design allows you to customize the firmness and loft with the hidden zipperno extra bag of fibers and no mess. While it claims to be a cooling pillow, our tester said it doesn’t seem to be any better at regulating temperature than others they tried.

Price at time of publish: $65 for a Standard size

Sizes: Standard, King | Fill Material: Gel-infused chopped memory foam, poly fiber | Shell Material: Sateen cotton, polyester mesh | Care: Spot-clean

Best Memory Foam: Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Courtesy of Amazon

• Some say it’s too firm

• Pillow can initially smell

At just three inches high, this ultra slim gel memory foam pillow is thinner than some of the other options on the market. Its perfectly designed for stomach sleepers, as well as back and side sleepers looking for support without excessive loft. With a rounded top and flat bottom, this pillow keeps your spine in better alignment. By doing so, it has the potential to also alleviate snoring and improve shoulder, back, and neck pain. If your body tends to run warm during the night, the pillows infused gel particle technology has you covered: it absorbs and transfers heat away from the sleeping surface. Along with ventilation holes to increase circulation, youll be able to make it through the night without breaking a sweat.

Price at time of publish:$40

Material: Polyester, rayon,memory foam | Feel: Firm

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The Purple Harmony Pillow

• Pros: hypoallergenic, nontoxic, cooling
• Cons: core isnt machine washable

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 and a choice of three heights to accommodate back and side sleepers.

Thousands of 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.

Down Blend Firm Support Pillow

Stuffed with a blend of down and feathers, these machine-washable pillows are perfect for side and back sleepers. With an average rating of 4.4 stars based on more than 3,200 reviews, Wayfair shoppers call the two-pack of pillows “really nice.” They’re “stuffed full, medium-firm, not squishy, soft feathers,” writes one reviewer. “They’ll keep their shape and they reinflate after using.”

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What Pillow Materials Are Best For Side Sleepers

Based on our hands-on tests, weve noticed that the best pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, buckwheat hulls, and other components that offer sufficient support without feeling too firm. However, the amount of comfort a pillow offers side sleepers depends on a few other factors. The most common pillow materials are outlined below.

Best Antimicrobial: Nest Bedding Easy Breather Natural Pillow

• Core isn’t washable

We also like the Nest Easy Breather Pillow for combination sleepers. It’s filled with GOTS-certified organic shredded latex and poly fibers. The former is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it won’t harbor bacteria and resists mold and mildew.

This bed pillow is supremely plush yet supportive, and you can adjust the fill to achieve your ideal density. Upwards of $100 is a lot for one pillow, but Nest backs the high-quality design with a two-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $149 for a Standard size

Sizes: Standard, Queen, King, Side Sleeper | Fill Material: Organic shredded latex, poly fiber | Shell Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine-wash cover

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Why You Should Trust Us

Our team consists of sleep product experts with different sleep positions, body weights, and preferences. Testers personally assess hundreds of pillows based on the criteria that matter most to sleepers, such as temperature control, moldability, and conforming. Our stomach sleepers were particularly interested in finding models that provide support and cushioning without excessive loft.

$65 From $5850 At Brooklinen

The Brooklinen Marlow pillow is extremely firm our tester compared it to sleeping on a sandbag, but in the best way. So if you love an extremely firm pillow, youll love this pillow for its very dense yet light feel. If you find this pillow too firm, the side zippers open gussets that allow more give to make the pillow softer, though we found the difference in feel was minimal.

Unfortunately, this pillow is spot-clean only, so youll want to make sure to use a pillowcase to protect it. If youre prone to spills or heavy sweating you may even want a pillow protector.

The Marlow comes in standard and king sizes and was one of the less pricey options among our top picks. Brooklinen also has a generous 365-day return policy, so you can try it for a while and return it if it doesnt work for you.

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Why Its So Innovative

Purples polymer grid is similar to a honeycomb outfitted with tons of spaces for airflow and flexibility. When you touch it, it feels soft and squishy, but when you lie down on it, it only collapses when a certain amount of pressure is applied. This is why its able to adapt to your body so well, regardless of your sleeping position.

We also think its an excellent cooling pillow. The grid leaves lots of room for air to flow through it, and it comes with a soft and breathable cover. Thanks to all the innovations here, we think the Purple Pillow can work for just about anyone.

To learn more about this unique product, head on over to our full Purple Pillow review!

Best Pillows For Back Sleepers

If youre a back sleeper, a lower-profile pillow is your friend. With a pillow thats too high, you run the risk of craning your head and neck too far forward, leading to pain. The optimal height for a back sleepers pillow is about 10 centimeters , Michael Gallizzi, MD, MS, FAAOS, a spine surgeon with OrthoOne at Sky Ridge Medical Center, previously told SELF.

Here are some of the best pillows for back sleepers, including the Elite Rest Slim Sleeper and Bluewave memory foam pillow, both of which clock in at seven centimeters. If you prefer down, the Casper down pillow is low enough for back sleepers and has supportive internal chambers that help it maintain its shape. For a supportive yet soft and cooling pillow, the Purple Harmony pillow contains Talalay Latex, surrounded by the companys unique squishy grid material that resists overheating .

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Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow

• Pros: pressure relieving
• Cons: may be too soft for some sleepers

Parachute made our list again with a pillow specifically designed for side sleepers. Its another medium-density option, which means itll still be comfortable if you move from your side to your back.

The pillow is designed with a 3.5-inch gusset to relieve pressure on the neck and shoulders, while European down makes it soft and luxurious.

Reviewers credit the pillow with eliminating neck pain from both back and side sleeping positions. It comes with a 3-year warranty and can be dry cleaned or machine washed. Again, theres no option for a trial.

How Firm Should Your Pillow Be

Firmness describes how much the pillow compresses and conforms under the head and neck. Side sleepers often need firmer pillows that keep their shape under pressure. This, along with a pillows loft, helps properly support the head and neck. Generally, sleepers with larger frames and heads need a firmer pillow than lightweight sleepers.

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Why Its A Good Pillow

Because the Nolah Squishy Pillows cover features bamboo, hot sleepers should sleep cool at night. When used in pillows, bamboo viscose is known for naturally cooling down sleepers, and the Nolah Squishy Pillow is no exception. The shredded foam allows for extra breathability.

Those concerned with quality of materials should like to know that the foam in this pillow is OEKO-TEX certified. So, its free of harmful toxins and chemicals.

Need more information? Head over to our full Nolah Squishy Pillow Review.

Price: $198, with a two-year warranty and free shipping.

The Saatva Latex Pillow

• Size: queen, king
• Height: 8 inches
• Considerations: The pillow is filled with latex and has an inner cover and outer layer, but only the outer can be machine washed.

Though this pillow feels very soft, its dense and flat enough to accommodate stomach sleeping comfortably. Because of its loft, or height, this pillow might be a good choice if you are a stomach and side combination sleeper.

The fill is made from shredded American Talalay latex and is hypoallergenic. Because the fill is shredded, it helps promote airflow and cool you down.

Latex allergy

The latex in this pillow may be an allergen for some people. If you have a latex allergy, this might not be the best option for you.

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Why Its Good For Hot Sleepers

My favorite thing about this pillow is how icy-cool it is. Its covered in phase change material, filled with ventilated foam, and infused with copper and graphite. Phase change material is an ultra-cooling textile crafted to feel soothing and crisp on the skin, while copper and graphite serve to dissipate body heat. Plus, this foams ventilation promotes great breathability!

An added bonus is that this pillow is made of Talalay latex. While this does help keep the pillow cool, it also means that the pillow is hypoallergenic, so its designed for those with asthma and allergies in mind.

If youre a combo sleeper looking for a cooler way to slumber, I suggest checking out my full Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow review.

Price: $129$149, with a generous 120-night trial period.

Stomach Sleepers: If Youve Got To Sleep On Your Stomach The Best Pillow Is Soft

Even though stomach sleeping isnt recommended by doctors due to the strain it can cause on the neck and back, usually sleepers are resorting to this position because they cannot get comfortable otherwise.

Soft support down pillows are the ideal pillows for stomach sleeping. Sleeping on your stomach increases pressure on the neck and spine which are being twisted and bent backwards the whole night. Only soft support pillows allow your head to sink down comfortably and minimize strain on your back while sleeping.

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Contour Living Cpap Pillow 20

• Size: 13.5 x 21 inches
• Height: 5.2 inches, though its adjustable
• Considerations: The pillow has removable layers so you can adjust its height and is designed to work with CPAP machines.

Your doctor may recommend that you use a continuous positive airway pressure machine for a number of medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .

A CPAP machine works by pumping air through a tube and into a mask that you wear over your nose and mouth while you sleep. Stomach sleeping can be challenging if you use a CPAP machine. This pillow works with most major mask brands and styles.

One side is a cool mesh designed to allow air to flow through. The other side is soft, hypoallergenic fiberfill. The indentations on this side are meant to leave room for your mask and the hose of your CPAP machine.

The pillow has a concave center and crescent-shaped bottom to accommodate your shoulder when you twist your neck to the side. Plus, its core is infused with charcoal support foam that helps eliminate odors.

The manufacturer offers a 45-day return policy and a 1-year warranty for damage and defects.

How We Test Pillows

All pillows are evaluated in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab. We’ve tested more than 130 different pillows in recent years, and we review data and scores from these tests before deciding which pillows to recommend for every type of sleeper.

In the Lab, we first check the care labels to make sure they’re washable , then we wash them five times to see whether they’ll actually hold up to laundering. We also look at how well they fit into a pillowcase and we perform support and recovery tests that mimic the pressure from your head lying on it all night: A weight is left on the pillow for an extended period then we measure how quickly it returns to its original shape.

In addition to Lab testing, we also have our consumer testers try them out at home for in-depth feedback on things like comfort, support, temperature regulation and more. Testers are assigned a pillow based on an initial survey to make sure they’re getting a good match for their sleep styles, then they’re given weeks to sleep on it before providing both scored and open-ended responses.

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Why Its Great For Side Sleepers

The pillows filling is soft enough to properly cradle the head and neck, while supportive enough to keep you properly lifted .

However, the Layla Kapok Pillow is also adjustable, so if youre a stomach sleeper who needs a low loft or a back sleeper who needs a medium loft, all you have to do is unzip the case and remove or add the fill to your liking. This really is a versatile sleep accessory.

For more on the Layla Kapok Pillow, see our full review!

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How To Determine The Right Level Of Support

What makes pillows different? When on the search for your perfect pillow, here are some things to consider:

• The pillow loft: This simply describes the height of the pillow, based on how much it’s stuffed. A tall, side-sleeper might opt for a taller, higher loft pillow, but a back-sleeper with a slighter neck might prefer a lower loft pillow.
• Firmness and shape: The great debate – firm or fluffy? The firmness depends on the material. Feathers, for example, might feel luxurious and nice for those who like sink-in softness, but without constant plumping, they often lose their shape and support.
• Adaptability: Because most people do move around in their sleep, you should consider finding a pillow that can adapt to multiple positions. Our Dual Pillow, with its innovative 2-in-1 design, was created to adapt to movement.

Why Its Good For Neck Pain

Being an ergonomic pillow, the Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is a great match for sleepers with neck pain. Its thinner in the center than on the sides, which allows it to support the head. The pillows fill is also adjustable so you can shift it to your liking. I think overall it does a good job of aligning the spine to prevent any new pain and relieve existing pain.

The cotton cover and latex filling in this pillow also make it very breathable. Both those materials are nice picks for eco-friendly shoppers. Since this pillow doesnt come in a standard shape, Eli & Elm offers a pillowcase meant to fit it as well.

Along with this pillow, Eli & Elm offers sheets to help keep you cool, so take a look at them after checking out the full Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow review.

Price: $120-135, with a 45-night trial period.

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Caring For Your Pillow

Before using it

Consider buying a pillow protector they’re quite inexpensive and available in most home and bedding shops. The pillow protector can be easily washed as well. Often pillow slips and/or protectors will stain yellow from a mixture of moisture and oils from your skin. Maintaining your pillow helps to keep your pillow fresh and clean, away from moisture and oils, and will also keep it from staining.

Daily

Give your pillow a good shake and fluff it up. This will help kill any dust mites and keep it fresher and cleaner.

Weekly

Some pillows can be put through a gentle washing machine cycle to keep them really clean, particularly polyester and latex pillows. Check the labels on your pillows, and if they’re suitable, pop them in the wash.

Every six months

Test your pillows with our simple four-step method to ensure your pillows are still in good condition.

Read more: How to wash a pillow

Why Its Good For Sleepers With Allergies

In addition to being hypoallergenic, the Puffy Pillow is dust mite-resistant pillow and made of a special blend of polyester and bamboo rayon. Its cover utilizes the bamboo rayon material to make the Puffy breathable and quite cool, plus its washable.

It gets even better with adjustable comfort. No neck and shoulder height is quite the same, and Puffy knows this well. Inside the pillow, youll find an inner sleeve, which you can remove or add foam to make it work best for you. When Puffy says their pillows have cloud-like comfort, they arent messing around. This makes it a great option for combo sleepers looking for added support in head, neck, and shoulders.

If you want to dig a little deeper into your research, feel free to head over to my Puffy Pillow review.

Price: $100, with a lifetime warranty and an extra-sweet 101-night trial period.

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