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Sleeping is one of the best ways to relax and recharge after a long day. Unfortunately, sleeping can also be one of the most difficult activities for those with back pain. The wrong pillow or even no pillow at all can push you away from this beneficial practice and make it much more difficult to fall and stay asleep.
Before making your decision, it’s important to understand what kind of sleeper you are and which pillow is best for side sleepers.
There are three primary sleeping positions: back, stomach and side. Your sleeping position can impact your health and the amount of sleep you receive each night, so it’s important to choose the right pillow for you. To determine which type of sleeper you are consider these easy questions: What do you prefer to sleep on – your stomach or your side? When lying down how much of your body does the mattress support?
Side sleepers typically prefer to rest on their side with the majority of their weight supported on one side of the body, usually the “fill” side. A pillow that provides firm support is best for these types of sleepers. The additional lift in this position can help align your neck and spine while reducing any pressure you may feel on your shoulders, hips, and lower back.
I would like to highlight some options to consider while searching for the best pillow for side sleeper.
Best Pillows For Side Sleepers On The Market:
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable-Loft Pillow | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Layla Sleep Kapok Pillows | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Hullo Buckwheat Pillow (Standard Size – 20×26) | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Flalivi Cervical Memory Foam Pillow | 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Honeydew Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow | 7.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | DreamyBlue Premium Pillow for Sleeping | 7.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Zoey Sleep Side Sleeper Pillow | 7.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 30th May 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Do I Know Which Size My Pillow Should Be?
This question is mainly about personal preference, but here are a few general guidelines to help you determine the size of your new pillow. Pillows come in standard sizes of Standard, Queen, and King. You can also find specialty pillows that are sized as small, medium or large.
Standard pillow – The standard-sized pillow is 20″ x 26″. This size can be used alone or in combination with a larger, specialty pillow.
Queen pillow – A Queen-sized pillow measures 20″ x 30″, and it’s best suited to those who like extra space in their bedding and enjoy the feeling of full coverage.
King pillow – A King-sized pillow is 20″ x 36″, and this size provides excellent support while still offering the extra space desired by many side sleepers. It’s also a popular choice for couples.
Pillows for side sleepers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but King pillows are often the best choice because they provide ample support without feeling bulky. A standard bed pillow may also be a good fit for those who enjoy having lots of additional space to curl up under their covers.
What Makes a Good Side-sleeper Pillow?
If you experience pain in body areas like the lower back, hips, or shoulders it may be due to poor sleeping habits. This discomfort could be relieved by choosing the best side sleeper pillow to give you the support that all side sleepers need.
Side-sleepers usually feel the need for a thicker pillow that cradles their head and shoulders in place, helping them avoid a neck or back strain that comes from rolling over throughout the night.
If you find yourself tossing and turning as you try out different pillows, it is because your neck needs support. A good pillow for side sleepers will support your head and shoulders while still allowing you to move comfortably throughout the night.
When choosing the best pillow for your sleeping style, it’s important to select one that will provide you with support and comfort. Consider how much cushioning you need – too much or too little could disrupt your sleep cycle. It’s also a good idea to choose a firm yet soft feel to your pillow. I would also advise you to check out some knee pillows too, as they can add a great deal of comfort when combined with your standard pillow!
What Pillow Types Are Best for Side Sleepers?
When you find the right pillow for sleeping on your side, there will be less neck strain, which means no more soreness or discomfort when getting up in the morning. A good pillow will also help your spine maintain its natural alignment throughout the night, which means less back pain in the morning.
Standard pillows are great for added support, but a larger pillow – like the King – is often a better choice. If you’re looking for something that provides even more room to move around during the night, look for a specialty-sized pillow, such as a medium or large.
While the shape of the pillow isn’t always a priority for side sleepers, it’s still an important thing to consider when choosing your ideal pillow. Some pillows are made with cylindrical shapes, while others have more contour or are completely flat. The latter is usually best for side sleepers since it will provide great support without leaving your neck feeling stiff.
While so many people who sleep on their side complain about problems with shoulder or hip pain, most of this can be prevented if you use the proper pillow. A good pillow will cradle your neck and shoulders in place, relieving pressure points that cause aches and pains all over the body.
If you’re still not convinced that a thicker pillow is the way to go, consider that this position can actually help your lungs and heart function better. Side sleeping is perhaps the best choice for people who suffer from shoulder pain or discomfort when they’re in bed at night. It’s also beneficial because it allows you to take advantage of your body’s natural alignment by keeping your spine straight throughout the night.
No matter what your sleeping habits might be, side sleeper pillows are made to accommodate people who enjoy this position. It allows you to switch between positions easily, so you don’t have to toss and turn all night long trying to find the right spot for your body.
What to Consider When Looking for the Best Pillow for Side Sleeper?
Many people sleep on their side, which is one of the best ways to ensure you have a night of quality sleep. Sleeping on your side has many advantages, such as reducing snoring, chronic pains, and low back pains. Buying the best pillow can be a hard task. Many manufacturers produce similar pillows and have invested heavily in the advertisement, making it pretty hard for you to decide the best product. That should, however, not be a problem. We will take you through the vital factors you should consider when buying pillows for side sleepers.
Loft
For side-sleepers, too low and you’ll feel like your head is hanging down. Too high and it will be difficult to actually fall asleep as your head can’t relax on the pillow without slipping off. A lofty pillow with a soft feel will give you just enough support but still allow you to move freely during the night.
People who sleep on their side need to find a pillow that will provide just enough support without feeling stiff. While traditional pillows tend to be either high or low, specialty size pillows such as medium or large tend to work best for sleeping on your side.
Since side sleepers don’t need as much pressure as back or stomach sleepers, a firm pillow is a way to go. Look for something that has some give and isn’t too hard.
Pressure Relief
Unlike back sleepers, side sleepers often need less pressure on their neck and more support for their head. Your spine should be straight while you’re sleeping on your side, so it’s essential to find a pillow that can cradle your neck and shoulders perfectly.
People who sleep on their side most often complain about neck pain. This is mainly because traditional pillows aren’t always the best choice. A pillow with contouring or more structure is usually better, as it will reduce pressure points and keep your body aligned during the night. Although a firm pillow can help keep your spine straight, it may not be ideal for those who have certain neck problems.
Shape and Size
When you’re looking for pillows to accommodate your side sleeper needs, finding the right shape and size is essential. The overall shape of the pillow will give it more support and contouring, while a larger size like medium or large works best as it provides room to move around without sacrificing too much support.
Instead of cylindrical or contoured shapes, side sleepers need pillows that are flat or provide just enough support to keep your head and neck in the proper position.
While it’s not always an important factor for people who sleep on their side, size does play a role in how well the pillow supports you. If you’re a smaller person, an extra-large size might be too big and provide too much support for someone of your stature. Two standard-sized pillows stacked on top of each other may work better than one large pillow to keep your neck and shoulders supported throughout the night.
Material
Finally, the most important factor to consider when you’re looking for a new pillow is what it’s made of. This determines how well it supports your body and keeps pressure points away.
If you’re looking for a pillow with enough support and contouring, memory foam is one of your best bets. These pillows are made from polyurethane and provide just the right amount of loft and softness to keep both your head and neck in alignment while you sleep. Memory foam will mold to the shape of your body while still providing plenty of support.
On the other hand, memory foam can be too thick for people who are smaller in stature. Since the material is so dense, it’s important to test it out before making a purchase. This way you’ll know if the pillow will feel like it’s sinking in when you lay down or if your head and neck are high enough to stay comfortable all night long.
Polyfoam is a more affordable alternative to memory foam and can provide plenty of support for side sleepers. It’s slightly firmer than memory foam but will keep your head and neck in the right position through the night.
Many people prefer polyfoam over memory foam because it provides just enough support without being too thick or high. The material is also more affordable than memory foam, making it a great alternative for those looking to spend less.
Latex is another option that can provide just enough contouring for side sleepers. This material is firm and supportive, so it keeps your body in the proper position all through the night. Latex pillows are usually more expensive than memory foam or polyfoam but may be worth it to some people who prefer latex over their other options.
Buckwheat pillows are also a popular option for those who sleep on their side. They’re made from buckwheat hulls instead of memory foam or polyfoam and provide plenty of support without being too thick. These pillows conform to the shape of your body but won’t be as moldable as other options, so your neck might feel uncomfortable if it’s not in the right position.
While many people prefer memory foam, latex, or buckwheat pillows because of their firmness, there are plenty of soft options for side sleepers as well. Feather pillows and down pillows are both plush and soft because they’re filled with feathers. They provide just enough support but maybe too thin or high for some people who sleep on their side.
Medical conditions
As mentioned above, pillows have a significant effect on the spine and general body alignment. Therefore, when buying pillows for side sleepers, you should consider your medical condition or that of the person you’re buying for. You might also want to consider using a posture brace during the day for better results.
Types of pillows for side sleepers
There are different types of pillows that serve to correct different medical conditions and improve the user’s health. They include;
Oxygen promoting – if you want to promote your body’s oxygen intake, you’ll definitely find this vital for you. Oxygen-enhancing pillows can boost your body’s oxygen content by about 29%, which is a very significant improvement.
Anti-snore – do you want to eliminate the discomfort that comes with snoring people around you at night? Then this is the perfect pillow you should get them. These pillows have a relieving effect on the neck that helps do away with the snoring.
Cervical – for a perfect and enhanced cushioning of your lower body, you will need this pillow type. They are available in a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and materials used to make them.
Cool – perfect for people who experience night sweats. Suitable for women who have reached the menopause stage and experience sweaty nights more often.
Water-based – these are customized to offer a specific level of density, support, and comfort, these types of pillows are recommended mainly by therapists because of their customized support level.
Price
Pillows are an essential part of the bed, but the price tag that comes with them is not always ideal. There are plenty of budget-friendly options for side sleepers that provide just enough support to keep your head and neck in alignment throughout the night without breaking the bank.
Memory foam pillows range from $20 to $50, making them one of the most affordable options. They’re hypoallergenic and mold to your head, so they provide just the right amount of support for side sleepers.
Polyfoam pillows are slightly lower in cost than memory foam pillows, but can still provide enough support throughout the night. This material is also hypoallergenic and will conform to your body without sinking in too deeply.
Down pillows are a low-cost option that provides enough loft to keep your head and neck in alignment while you sleep. Latex pillows are a little higher in price but may be worth it to some people who prefer latex over memory foam or polyfoam. These pillows offer just enough support for side sleepers without being too thick. However, there are also plenty of affordable options available if you don’t mind sleeping with a firm pillow.
Buckwheat pillows are about average when it comes to price, but maybe worth the extra cost for some people. When it comes to finding the right pillow for your side sleeper, you have several options to choose from. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex pillows are all great for those who sleep on their side. You will find numerous budget-friendly options available as well since not everyone wants to spend a lot of money to get a better night’s sleep.
FAQ
How Thick Should A Pillow Be For Side Sleepers?
Should Side Sleepers Have A Firm Pillow?
How Often Should Side Sleepers Change Their Pillows?
What is a double contour pillow?
Contour pillows are typically about seven inches wide and shaped like a horseshoe. Side sleepers benefit the most from this type of pillow because it keeps their spine straight while they’re sleeping on their side, which helps prevent neck pain or even upper back pain in some cases.
