How To Choose The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
With so many options available, it can feel dizzying trying to find the perfect pillow. However, we believe the most important thing to consider is spinal alignment. Side sleepers will want to make sure their ears line up with their shoulders and their chins align with their sternums. Selecting the correct pillow with the proper loft should prevent and alleviate aches and pains along your neck.
So, how do you reach a neutral alignment when youre resting on your side? Keep reading to learn more about what you should look for.
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.
Wamsutta Stomach Sleeper Pillow
If you are looking for Wamsutta pillows that will provide you with much sleeping comfort, this one is great for you. This is the ultimate treat for all belly/stomach sleepers out there. Made from premium-quality cotton and polyester, you are always sure that you would wake up comfortable with no sting and pain on your back and neck.
The two inches gusset provides medium support throughout the night. Once this medium-firm pillow touches you, as they say, youre going down. You cant even feel it. You have dozed off and knock yourself to dreamland. We understand that you have put a lot of premium on sleeping essentials, have this one and youll never going to regret it.
You May Like: What To Put Under Mattress On Bunk Bed
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.
Are Firm Pillows Good For You
A good pillow is one that maintains neutral alignment in your neck and spine. The right firmness depends on your preferred sleeping position, your weight, and your body type.
That means that not all firm pillows are automatically good for all sleepers. However, back and side sleepers tend to benefit from the support of firm pillows.
Recommended Reading: Who Will Pick Up Old Mattresses
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.
How Do You Sleep On Your Side With A Wedge Pillow
Wedge pillows have many benefits. They help people sleep apnea and those who suffer from acid reflux. But they can also aid side sleepers! If you choose a wedge pillow, however, make sure to place your head at the correct place. This differs from person to person, but no matter what, your ears should line up with your shoulders. For the best results, find a wedge pillow with a 35-45 degree incline.
Read Also: What Mattress Do Orthopedic Doctors Recommend
What Is The Wamsutta Cotton Pillow Made Of
The Wamsutta Pillow features two main materials: cotton and polyester. The exterior cover is 100% cotton, which allows air to pass through the pillow easily and create breathability. The pillow also wicks away moisture rather than absorbing it. This moisture-wicking effect is great for those who tend to sweat during the night or who sleep hot. If youre a hot sleeper and need to upgrade your sleep setup, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses.
The pillow fill is 100% polyester, which is stretchy yet supportive, and can maintain its shape and structure for a very long time. Considering its construction, you should also be able to use the pillow for years without worrying about it deflating or flattening.
The pillow has a thread count of 300, meaning that there are 300 horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the material. The Wamsuttas 300 thread count adds to the soft feel of this pillow.
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.
Don’t Miss: 3 My Pillow Mattress Topper
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
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best mens wardrobe basics, white T-shirts for men, jeans for men, white sneakers for men, and flattering clothes for men. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
What Makes The Wamsutta Cotton Pillow Stand Out
- 100% polyester fill is stretchy and supportive, and allows the pillow to retain its shape and structure for a long time
- The 300 thread count makes this pillow feel soft to the touch and more comfortable compared to most feather pillows and down pillows.
- The pillow comes in soft, medium, and firm support levels. These varying levels of support allow it to accommodate a wide range of sleep personalities and preferences.
- The 100% cotton pillow cover is machine-washable and easy to clean.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Tempurpedic Mattress So Hard
Why Its Good For Back Sleepers
- The ergonomic memory foam keeps the neck supported without causing any craning.
- It has a firm feel with slow-sinking memory foam.
- It comes in three different sizes, so you can pick the right one for you.
Price: $109$149 with a 5-year warranty.
Check out our full review of the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow for more information!
The TEMPUR-Neck is a molded memory foam pillow with an ergonomic shape designed to follow the natural curvature of the body.
Are Flat Pillows Good For Side Sleepers
Flat pillows dont typically work well for side sleepers. In this sleeping position, people need a thick and firm pillow that will help keep the neck in the proper alignment. If youre unsure whether your pillow is too flat, check and see if your ears align with your shoulders whenever you rest on it. If your ear faces upward, you may need to get a pillow with a higher loft.
Also Check: How Long Do Mattresses Typically Last
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.
Who Is It For
There are two height options, 5 or 6, and what you get will depend on how tall you are. Its made from a single piece of thick memory foam, which gives it a slow-moving feel. Youll sink in a little bit, but because this pillow is so tall, your head and neck will stay in a neutral alignment while you sleep.
Don’t Miss: What Type Of Foundation For Memory Foam Mattress
What Makes The Layla Kapok Pillow Stand Out
- Its one of the best cooling pillows. Designed with cooling in mind, the pillowcase is made with breathable polyester fabric and has copper fibers sewn in. Copper not only has antimicrobial properties, but it also helps pull heat away from the body.
- It boasts a plush feel. For additional comfort, Layla includes shredded pieces of open-celled memory foam. If its fluffiness youre after, you cant go wrong with the Layla Kapok.
- This pillow is made with high-quality materials. The filling comes from Kapok tree fibers, so it feels similar to down feathers.
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.
| Size | ||
|---|---|---|
| 48W x 20L | Rare | A body pillow is at least 4 feet wide, and should be ideal for anyone who enjoys snuggling with a pillow. Pregnant women often find body pillows comfortable when placed between their knees. |
Read Also: How To Ship A Mattress Fedex
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.
How Do Wamsutta Pillows Promote A Suitable Sleeping Experience
Since they made Wamsutta pillows from 100% cotton and polyester, your back or head feels nothing but the only comfort. Its material construction allows air to pass through easily, creating a breathable soft cushion underneath you. Wamsutta pillows wick away moisture rather than absorb it, so you are completely dry all night long.
People who sweat a ton every night should shift to Wamsutta pillows. Remember you are sleeping and not doing cardio or any other type of exercise. Wamsutta pillows allow you to have an incredible feeling of getting rid of that hot sensation that makes you sweat a lot every time you sleep.
Polyester stretches comfortably, taking your form and contour when you lie down on it. It also maintains its shape and structure for a long time, allowing you to use it for several more years without worrying about buying another set, thus saving you a lot of money in the long run.
The 300 thread count is just fantastic. It adds an extra layer of comfort for people who love to sleep and wake up late during the weekends. As we said, we spend a lot of time sleeping. Make sure you are getting the best set of sleeping essentials, so youll wake up the next day with a new set of energy and vitality.
Don’t Miss: Do Serta Mattresses Have A Warranty
How To Choose A Firm Pillow
Theres no universal standard for measuring pillow firmness. Generally, its a reference to how much give a pillow has when you put your head on it. Individual manufacturers often have their own scales as a reference point, so thats a good place to begin.
If youre unsure whether youll like a firm pillow, consider how you spend most of the night:
- Stomach sleepers should avoid firm pillows that have a high loft
- Back and side sleepers can do well with medium-firm to firm pillows for proper alignment in the back and neck.
- Combination sleepers should consider an adjustable pillow, or one thats very responsive.
Pillow material also plays a role in firmness level:
- The firmest pillows are typically made with memory foam, latex, or buckwheat.
- You can also find firm options made with down or down alternative.
However, even the firmest down pillow might not be as firm as other types of pillows.
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.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Mattress For Lower Back Problems
Who Are Firm Pillows Best For
Side sleepers in particular tend to benefit from firm pillows, because they need adequate support for the head and neck to maintain alignment. Without this support, side sleepers may find themselves waking up with neck pain.
Back sleepers may also do well with firm pillows, because they need enough support to properly maintain the necks natural curve.
Ultimately, the right pillow is going to come down to personal preference. Its important to try different pillows to see what works for you. Always make sure your pillow supports a neutral spine.
Choosing The Right Pillow Materials For Side
The pillow fill material you choose has a big impact on how your pillow feels. While the right loft and firmness level for side sleepers are fairly universal, fill materials can impact more specific preferences. For example, do you want a pillow that feels warm or cool? Bouncy or moldable? Lets go over a few different pillow materials:
Also Check: Do Firm Mattresses Get Softer
What Makes The Tuft & Needle Pillow Stand Out
- It doesnt sag overnight. The Tuft & Needles foam construction allows it to keep its shape overnight. This is important for people with neck pain who rely on a pillow that keeps its shape and proper loft.
- It has a responsive feel. While it is made of foam, this pillow still has some bounce to it. You shouldnt feel stuck when moving around on the Tuft & Needle.
- Its priced at an excellent value. Its Standard price is $85 and its King price is $105 without discounts.
How Do You Clean A Wamsutta Pillow Can You Wash It
After using your Wamsutta pillows and you notice it needs some TLC , you dont need to worry as Wamsutta pillows are machine-washable. That is right. You can slide it down your washer and make it look and smell brand new. We recommend cleaning the cotton cover in cold water and giving it a short tumble dry on a low setting.
Read Also: What Kind Of Mattress Is Best For Baby
