Top-Rated Pillows for Side Sleepers Based on Extensive Testing

Top Pick

The Snuggle-Pedic pillow features shredded memory foam that gently supports the head and neck while maintaining the firmness side sleepers need. Its adjustable design allows you to customize the fill to achieve the perfect loft. After six months of use, we found it exceptionally supportive and noticed a significant reduction in neck discomfort.

We were impressed by how effectively this pillow stayed cool. While foam pillows often retain heat, the Snuggle-Pedic's surface temperature rose by just 3 degrees after resting our head on it for 15 minutes in the lab. It stayed noticeably cooler compared to many other pillows we tested. 

Over time, the pillow did lose some of its loft, but the change was minimal. Despite the slight flattening, the Snuggle-Pedic remained comfortable and supportive. Additionally, it includes a complimentary bag of extra fill to restore support if needed.

Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Bamboo-derived viscose | Machine Washable: Cover only

Top Affordable Option

The Linenspa pillow offers exceptional value, combining quality and comfort at an affordable price. Sold in packs of two, it’s priced lower than many competitors. The shredded memory foam conforms to your head and neck, reducing strain and pressure, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers who need balanced support without excessive loft.

During testing, we found this pillow to have a medium-firm feel that suits a variety of sleepers. Some testers even took it on trips for reliable comfort. However, the pillow does retain some heat, warming up by 6 degrees after 15 minutes of use. This could be an issue for those who sleep hot or sweat at night, though similar heat retention is common among foam pillows.

This pillow is slightly smaller than standard sizes, which means it doesn’t fit as tightly in regular pillowcases compared to others we’ve tested. While this is a minor visual issue, it doesn’t impact its functionality. For budget-conscious side sleepers, it remains an excellent choice. 

Firmness: Medium firm | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Polyester | Machine Washable: No

Top Cooling Option

While many foam pillows excel in providing contouring support, they often fall short as cooling pillows. Coop Sleep Goods’ EdenCool foam pillows break this trend. Designed specifically for those who sleep hot, the EdenCool Plus stands out as the coolest option in their collection. It features shredded, gel-infused memory foam combined with microfiber on one side and a layer of ventilated memory foam on the other. The bamboo-derived viscose cover adds to its appeal, offering a refreshingly cool surface for your head.

The EdenCool Plus allows for customization, as you can adjust its thickness by adding or removing fill. It includes an additional half pound of fill for those who prefer extra loft or firmness. During testing, the pillow provided exceptional support and effectively alleviated neck pain. However, the shredded foam filling can sometimes result in a slightly uneven feel.

While the fill of the pillow is not machine washable, the cover can be cleaned in a washing machine. A standout feature of the EdenCool is its Greenguard Gold certification, ensuring the foam meets rigorous standards to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals—a benefit not commonly found in many foam pillows.

Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Memory foam and microfiber | Cover: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon | Machine Washable: Cover only

Best Down

Down pillows are celebrated for their sumptuously soft texture, though they may not provide adequate support for side sleepers. The Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow offers a choice of three firmness levels, including a firm variant. While comfort is subjective, our tests suggest that the firm option is ideal for maintaining proper head and neck alignment for side sleepers.

Each firmness option envelops the head with a feathery softness typical of down. The firm and medium versions, filled with denser material, offer sufficient support to keep the head comfortably positioned. Additionally, the pillow's minimal heat retention makes it a cooler alternative for side sleepers who often find foam pillows too warm.

While the pillow tends to flatten over time, a quick fluff restores its shape. It’s also machine washable—a rare feature among down pillows, which usually require spot or dry cleaning. Always adhere to the provided care guidelines for best results.

Firmness Options: Soft, medium, and firm | Fill Material: Down and feather blend | Cover Fabric: Organic cotton | Washing: Machine washable

Top Latex Choice

The Saatva Latex Pillow stands out as one of the most long-lasting pillows we’ve evaluated. Its buoyant latex provides gentle support for your head and neck without sinking as much as foam or down, delivering exceptional comfort. Naturally cool, latex ensures minimal overheating, and the shredded design promotes airflow between the pieces, enhancing breathability.

Choose between a standard or high loft option. The high loft, measuring 6 to 7 inches, is perfect for side sleepers needing extra neck support, while the 5-inch standard loft suits those preferring a slimmer profile. Even after three months of use, this Saatva pillow maintained its shape remarkably well.

Although the pillow cover is machine washable, it shrank slightly after drying, making it tricky to reattach. Air drying the cover can prevent this issue. Additionally, the pillow’s weight makes it slightly more challenging to fit into a pillowcase.

Firmness: Medium firm | Fill Material: Shredded latex | Cover Fabric: Organic cotton | Washing: Cover only

Top Firm Choice

Firmness varies by preference, but this pillow leans toward the firmer side. Its top layer features Purple’s GelFlex Grid, a sturdy polymer with a slightly yielding texture. The core uses a specialized foam that offers strong support while conforming to alleviate pressure. If you prefer softer, plush pillows, this may not suit your needs.

The DreamLayer pillow’s height is adjustable with two removable polyfoam layers. The pillow and its layers are encased in a stretchy knit cover that’s simple to take off and put back on.

The grid-like surface has a textured feel that some testers found less comfortable, and while the price is steep, it’s a worthwhile investment for side sleepers looking for a firm, cooling pillow.

Firmness: Firm | Fill Material: GelFlex Grid polymer and polyfoam | Cover Fabric: 78% recycled polyester, 22% spandex | Washing: Cover only

Top Curved Choice

Many side sleepers struggle with finding a comfortable position for their lower shoulder, but the Sleep Number ComfortFit Curved Pillow addresses this issue effectively.

The ComfortFit line includes various shapes, but the Curved model is tailored for side sleepers. Its unique design accommodates the shoulder while maintaining proper head and neck support. During testing, we never needed to adjust or fold the pillow to make space for our shoulders.

The Lyocell blend cover feels cool to the touch, and the fill combines memory foam with a down alternative. With medium firmness, the pillow supports the head and neck while offering a plush feel. Since the loft isn’t adjustable, ensure the thickness suits your preferences.

It’s worth noting that the pillow’s curved design may not fit standard pillowcases perfectly. The standard Curved Pillow measures 25 inches in length and 19 inches in width, while the king size is 35 inches long and 19 inches wide, so ensure you have a pillowcase that fits these dimensions.

Firmness: Medium | Fill Material: Memory foam and down alternative | Cover Fabric: Lyocell blend | Washing: Not machine washable

Top Double-Sided Choice

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Symphony Pillow features a flat side and a gently curved side. The curved side is ideal for back sleepers, but we discovered it’s equally comfortable for side sleepers, as the indentation accommodates the shoulder perfectly. Both sides provide exceptional cushioning and support. However, the 5-inch loft is fixed, so you can’t adjust the thickness by adding or removing fill.

Tempur-Pedic is renowned for its premium foam, and this pillow upholds that reputation—it maintained its shape without flattening during testing. While foam can retain heat, we didn’t find the warmth disruptive during sleep, though it might bother those who tend to overheat at night.

Unlike many other pillows, the Tempur-Symphony is non-refundable and doesn’t come with a sleep trial. This means you’ll need to be sure it’s the right fit before buying. The foam insert requires spot cleaning, but the removable polyester cover is machine washable.

Firmness: Medium | Fill Material: Memory foam | Cover Fabric: Polyester | Washing: Cover only

Final Verdict

We highly recommend the Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow for its customizable loft and excellent contouring. It also remains relatively cool, a rare feature among foam pillows. For a more budget-friendly option, the Linenspa Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow offers a great balance of support and comfort at less than half the cost of the Snuggle-Pedic.

Our Testing Process

At Mytour, we rigorously tested 117 pillows in our Lab and during extended home trials, sleeping on them for months to assess their performance. Given the subjective nature of pillow comfort, our testers represented a wide range of preferences. For this evaluation, we focused exclusively on side sleepers.

Testing began in our lab, where we examined the materials and construction of each pillow, including the fill and cover. We also checked how well they fit into standard pillowcases. For adjustable pillows, we tested the ease of adding or removing fill.

Next, we spent at least five minutes lying on each pillow in a side-sleeping position to evaluate comfort, paying close attention to any neck or shoulder discomfort. We assessed the level of support provided and compared the pillow’s performance to the brand’s claims.

To evaluate cooling and breathability, we used an infrared thermometer to measure temperature changes before and after lying on each pillow for 15 minutes. We documented the temperature rise and compared heat retention across different models. For pillows with cooling covers, we checked if the material felt cool upon contact.

We assessed short-term durability by measuring the dimensions of machine-washable pillows and pillowcases before and after washing, following the manufacturer’s care instructions. We noted any shrinkage or quality changes. Finally, we analyzed the price-to-performance ratio to determine value.

After completing lab tests, we took the highest-rated pillows home for extended use, monitoring their performance over several months. We evaluated factors like support, ease of maintenance, and whether they flattened over time.

How to Choose the Best Pillows for Side Sleepers Like an Expert

Fill Material

Solid foam: Solid foam pillows provide precise contouring to the head and neck, alleviating pressure while maintaining support. Foam can be solid or shredded, with solid foam being less flexible. Solid foam typically has a fixed loft and may retain more heat, though it often includes perforations for better airflow.

Shredded foam: Shredded foam pillows contain small foam pieces, making them highly adaptable and contouring. A key benefit is adjustability—you can add or remove fill to customize the loft. Shredded foam is also more breathable than solid foam due to the air gaps between pieces.

Latex: Latex pillows offer a buoyant feel, molding to your head and neck without sinking as deeply as foam or down. Latex quickly regains its shape, providing consistent support. Naturally cool and breathable, it’s ideal for hot sleepers. Many latex pillows are eco-friendly and organically sourced.

Down: Down pillows are celebrated for their plush, lightweight feel, perfect for side sleepers who prefer soft, huggable pillows. However, they may lack the firm support of latex or foam, so side sleepers needing extra support should choose denser down options. Down pillows can be expensive, so down alternative pillows are a great budget-friendly choice.

Loft

A pillow’s loft refers to its thickness, which varies widely. Many pillows allow you to adjust the loft by adding or removing fill. Low-loft pillows are under 3 inches, medium-loft ranges from 4 to 6 inches, and high-loft pillows are 6 inches or more. While loft preference is personal, side sleepers often favor higher lofts for better head and neck support.

“Support is crucial for side sleepers—ensuring spinal alignment during sleep prevents discomfort or waking up with neck pain,” says Debbie Liu, director of product development and merchandising at Coop Sleep Goods. “Typically, side sleepers need a higher loft than back or stomach sleepers.” Liu notes that adjustable loft pillows are ideal for side sleepers, allowing customization for optimal comfort.

Firmness

Firmness is subjective, as perceptions of “firm” and “soft” vary. “Firmness is a personal preference,” Liu explains. “Some prefer firmer pillows, while others favor softer or medium-firm options.”

Generally, firmer pillows provide stronger support and maintain their shape better under pressure. This makes them a popular choice for side sleepers aiming to keep proper spinal alignment.

Many pillows now feature adjustable designs, letting you add or remove fill to achieve the desired firmness and loft. This is especially useful for those unsure of their ideal firmness level.

Shape

While traditional rectangular pillows work well for many side sleepers, specialized shapes are designed to cater to specific sleep positions.

“Cut-out or crescent-shaped pillows are perfect for side sleepers, as the design accommodates the shoulder, ensuring proper head and body alignment,” Liu explains. Some side sleepers also use knee pillows between their legs to enhance spinal alignment.

Return Policy

Research can only go so far—sometimes, the best way to determine if a pillow suits you is to test it at home. Most brands offer sleep trials, giving customers time to evaluate the pillow. Always check the return policy before purchasing, as sleep trials can range from 30 days to a year. Note that some brands, like Tempur-Pedic, do not accept pillow returns.

Common Questions

Do side sleepers require thicker pillows?

“Typically, side sleepers need thicker pillows than they might expect,” Dr. Robbins explains. “Consider the gap between your head and shoulder, combined with the weight of your head. A pillow with high fill power—meaning ample volume—is essential to support these factors.”

The ideal thickness varies by person, but a good rule of thumb is to choose pillows with a medium to high loft, typically 4 inches or more. Some sleepers even use two pillows stacked to mimic the effect of a thicker pillow.

How can you tell when it’s time to replace a pillow?

Pillows generally need replacing after about two years. “That’s nearly 6,000 hours of your 8- to 10-pound head compressing the fill, so we recommend replacing your pillow within that timeframe,” Liu advises. However, durability depends on the pillow’s quality and fill type—latex, for instance, lasts longer than cheaper memory foam or down alternatives.

Proper care can extend a pillow’s life, but replace it if it develops persistent odors, loses its shape, or causes neck pain upon waking.

How much should you spend on a quality pillow?

Pillows range in price from $10 to over $200, but you can find a comfortable option for under $150. Factors like fill type, cover material, and construction quality influence cost. While budget-friendly pillows can perform well, higher-priced options often offer greater durability.

“Quality pillows are costly because the materials are more expensive,” Liu notes. “However, this ensures better support and longevity.” Liu adds that some brands use cheaper shredded memory foam, which lacks consistency. “At Coop, we use custom machinery to cut virgin memory foam made exclusively for us,” she explains.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Mina Hochberg, a Mytour writer with three years of experience in sleep product reviews. Our selections are based on testing 117 pillows in both lab and home settings, assessing factors like durability, breathability, performance, quality, and value. We also sought expert advice from Dr. Rebecca Robbins, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and sleep scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Debbie Liu, Coop Sleep Goods’ director of product development and merchandising.