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From memory foam to strategic contouring, these pillows are made to help you sleep.
Side sleeping is the only sleeping position that matters. Yeah, we said it. Side sleeping is comfortable, obviously, but it also lends itself to a bit of a precarious body placement. Spending seven or eight (or OK, five, but we're working on it) hours a night in a single position on one side of your body can add up over time, and lead to neck and back pain.
Hopefully you're coming here having already accepted the fact that sleeping is hurting you, and it shouldn't. Because sleep should be the best part of the day, we suggest starting with a pillow made especially for side sleepers. And, that's where we come in.
Of course, getting a high-quality mattress is a wise choice for good sleep longevity. But, the mattress isn't the only thing that decides how your sleep will go. You also want to be in a supported position that puts minimal strain on your muscles and tendons. Side sleepers are particularly prone to sleep pain because of how gravity pulls the neck down over time. Best to kick that tin man-feeling to the curb, and it starts with a pillow that gets you in the best position possible. Here you can shop nine of the best pillows for side sleepers.
I bought this pillow in a panic during the pandemic, because I woke up every morning feeling like I was tearing my shoulder out of its socket. This smart little crevice leaves room for my shoulder to get the space she needs without sacrificing support elsewhere. I've tried a few other pillows since, but this one takes the cake.
Purple's signature Hex grid gel support is a great, supportive option for people who don't like memory foam or tend to sweat through other materials. This one looks a little higher than it really is and is best for people who don't have a whole lot of difference in neck and head placement when they roll to the side.
On the opposite end, this Parachute pillow is dramatically large and great for anyone who is constantly layering two pillows on top of each other to get the right support.
This Tempurpedic pillow is a classic with its supportive memory foam and strategic support for your cervical spine.
Cube pillows are a great option for side sleepers because they actually hold your neck in a place that keeps your spine in proper alignment. This thick one (there are other sizes, too) is great for tall people.
If you are a hot sleeper, the materials you're sleeping with are key. This Casper pillow is made of a foam with small holes to let the air keep a steady flow through the night.
If you start looking around for good pillows for side sleepers, you're going to find a whole bunch of unconventionally shaped pillows, some better than others. This is great for people who tend to sleep with a pillow under them and holding one. This keeps your arm and shoulder elevated so you're not being pulled out of alignment over night.
OK, yes, this pillow is a lot. It's basically a whole contraption. But for people who are really struggling with getting comfortable while they sleep—or that side sleep position is compounded by an injury or another health ailment—this mutli-pillow set up is the most ergonomic side sleep position you can get in.
Perhaps your neck feels fine but you're starting to feel tight in your back after you sleep. This pillow is designed to fit in between your knees so they align with your hips and your back. No uncomfy twisting again.