- We’ve spent more than 2,000 hours researching and testing sleep products and more than 150 hours testing pillows specifically. We’ve also consulted more than 20 sleep experts to make our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated more than 130 mattresses, tested more than 50 pillows, and recorded our findings on a 20-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document any issues with each product, and describe our personal experience with each product.
- We pay close attention to specific considerations identified by respondents in our two sleep surveys, one of 600 general customers and another of 600 higher-weight sleepers (250 pounds or more). The considerations we identified include price, features, and sleeping position.
- Learn more about how we test the best pillows for side sleepers.
Key takeaways
- The Luxome LAYR is our pick for the best pillow for side sleepers overall because it provides customized loft and firmness to keep the spine and neck properly aligned.
- Side sleepers need a pillow that helps maintain their neck and spine in a neutral position, which can help prevent neck pain.
- Pillows with a medium-firm, firm, or extra-firm feel and a medium to high loft are ideal for side sleepers.
- Pillows for side sleepers can cost around $49–$159 or more, depending on size, construction, and materials.
Finding the right pillow for your sleep needs can be an involved process. While there are hundreds of pillows to choose from, knowing your personal sleep needs can help you narrow your options down.
In the same way that mattresses can cater to different types of sleepers, many pillows are also designed to support your head and neck depending on your sleep position. Factors such as firmness, loft, and materials can all affect how well you are supported.
“Side sleepers need a pillow that is firm enough to maintain its shape and provide support throughout the night, but not so firm that it feels uncomfortable. A medium to firm pillow helps in keeping the head, neck, and spine aligned,” says Amelia Woods, a sleep specialist with over 10 years of experience in sleep medicine. “A higher loft is generally better for side sleepers because it fills the gap between the shoulder and the head, keeping the spine in a neutral position. Typically, a loft of four to six inches is recommended.”
The wrong pillow can prevent you from getting the sleep you need, which can increase your risk for anxiety, depression, heart disease, and even some cancers. For this reason, getting quality sleep should be a top priority, and ensuring your sleep environment is set up to help you is key.
If you sleep on your side and are looking for the perfect pillow, our Handbook Team of experts tested and evaluated dozens of pillows and rounded up the four best pillows for side sleepers. Continue reading to see our top pick and the others on our list.
Four best pillows for side sleepers of 2024
- Luxome LAYR: Best pillow for side sleepers overall
- Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Best memory foam pillow for side sleepers
- TEMPUR-Neck Pillow: Best firm pillow for side sleepers
- The Otter: Best adjustable pillow for side sleepers
Luxome LAYR: Best pillow for side sleepers overall
Why the Luxome LAYR is our pick for best overall
The Luxome LAYR is a high-quality luxury pillow designed so sleepers can easily adjust its firmness and loft. To do this, you can add or remove the pillow’s inserts, which give it a higher or lower loft, making it feel firmer or softer. Side sleepers typically need a higher loft to keep their neck and spine aligned. But adjustability offers sleepers the option to lower their loft based on comfort and personal preference.
Who may want to use the Luxome LAYR: Side sleepers of all body types looking for an adjustable experience that provides good support and contour.
Who may want to avoid the Luxome LAYR: Sleepers looking for a budget pillow or those who don’t want to add or remove filling to find their preferred firmness level or loft.
Luxome LAYR tester insights
This pillow offers varying levels of support and loft through three different inserts. One is made with 100 percent memory foam separated into two pieces (one thicker and one thinner), another contains a down alternative, and the third contains a blend of shredded memory foam and down alternative. You can mix and match the inserts and even pull material out from each insert for greater customization.
For side sleeping, our testers prefer using the down alternative layer, the shredded memory foam and down alternative layer, and the thinner solid memory foam layer together. They say the down alternative side offers a plush but supportive surface, while the down alternative and memory foam are more responsive and firm. Our testers’ necks remain aligned and well-supported in the side sleeping position. While a medium to high loft is recommended for side sleepers, everyone has their own preferences, and customizability allows side sleepers of all body types to find the right firmness and loft for a good night’s sleep.
In addition to being adjustable, the pillow’s outer casing is made with a cooling bamboo material that’s soft to the touch and helps wick away moisture. The memory foam inserts are also made with cooling gel memory foam, which may help prevent sleepers from overheating. Our testers gave it a 3 out of 5 for cooling, so we think it provides above-average cooling.
From one of our Luxome LAYR testers:
“Typically, I get nervous pillows this high are going to be too firm and uncomfortable, but this one allows me to sink in a bit while still feeling supported. I have very broad shoulders, so I typically cannot find pillows that actually support my shoulder, head, and neck alignment. Impressed!”
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Best memory foam pillow for side sleepers
Why the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow is our pick for best memory foam
We chose the Brooklinen Marlow pillow as the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers because it offers a medium-firm feel and loft, which is ideal for side sleepers. Plus, this pillow is designed with an adjustable zipper on each side so that when it’s unzipped, it’s softer, and when it’s zipped, it’s firmer. We also love that Brooklinen offers a 365-trial period, allowing you to make sure it’s the right pillow for you.
Who may want to use the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Side sleepers looking for a softer, contouring pillow that also offers cervical alignment may like this option.
Who may want to avoid the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Tall side sleepers with broad shoulders may want a pillow with a higher loft to ensure their neck doesn’t slope downward.
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow tester insights
This pillow offers adjustability through zippers on each side. When the two sides are unzipped, it’s designed to offer a softer feel (zipping the sides compresses the pillow, which makes the fill firmer and the loft lower). One side unzipped offers a more medium feel, and with both sides zipped, it’s at its firmest. While our testers say they didn’t feel a huge difference in firmness, they feel all three lofts work well for side sleepers and keep their spine and neck in alignment. Leaving both sides unzipped provides the softest feel and highest loft.
Our testers also note that back sleepers should feel comfortable on the Brooklinen Marlow, so you should still be comfortable and supported if you switch between your back and side.
From one of our Brooklinen Marlow Pillow testers:
“I love the neck support and cushion, with my favorite being the plush. It’s so supportive and provides a design that works well for a variety of sleepers. Great design.”
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow: Best firm pillow for side sleepers
Why the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is our pick for best firm
We chose the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow as our pick for best firm pillow for side sleepers because it’s made from the brand’s proprietary TEMPUR-Material, one reason our testers gave it a four out of five for durability. This pillow features a curved design meant to mimic the natural curve of the head and neck to support proper alignment. The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow also comes in three different sizes, designed for sleepers with varying body types.
We recommend following the measurement guide on the Tempur-Pedic website to help you find the best pillow. It helps you choose a pillow based on your shoulder width for the best fit. For example, side sleepers with a distance of less than four inches can benefit from the small pillow, while those with a width of six inches or more can benefit from the large.
Who may want to use the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow: Side sleepers who like the feel of memory foam yet want a firm, supportive feel.
Who may want to avoid the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow: Sleepers who prefer a plusher feel to their pillow may not like how firm it is.
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow tester insights
Despite this pillow’s firmness, our testers feel it offers some contouring and cradle. One side is higher since the pillow is curved with a sloping design. Our testers say the higher side of the pillow works for side sleeping and helps keep their neck aligned with their spine and supported. With its dense material and medium to high pillow loft, this pillow can also work for back sleepers,
One downside is that the memory foam in the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is not great at dissipating heat. If you’re looking for a cooling pillow, we suggest the Luxome LAYR or Brooklinen Marlow, which both scored 3 out of 5 for cooling.
From one of our TEMPUR-Neck Pillow testers:
“This firm pillow provides a lot of support, but I still feel pressure relief by sinking into the memory foam. I also love this ergonomic shape because it provides great neck support.”
The Otter by Lagoon: Best adjustable pillow for side sleepers
Why The Otter Pillow by Lagoon is our pick for best adjustable
We selected The Otter as the best adjustable pillow for side sleepers because you can easily adjust the loft by removing some of the inner fill made with shredded gel memory foam.
And although the Luxome LAYR also offers one insert with shredded gel memory foam, the adjustability of the Otter stood out in a few key areas: First, our testers appreciate that Lagoon offers the option to purchase extra gel-infused memory foam fill in case you need more support. The only option if you want to add more support in the Luxome LAYR is to add inserts that are solid pieces of memory foam, which offer less customization.
Also, our testers say the shredded gel memory foam in the Otter had a slightly more uniform feel compared with the Luxome LAYR’s shredded foam, likely due to the extra down alternative in the Otter (20 percent down alternative and 80 percent shredded foam compared with the LAYR’s 10 percent down alternative and 90 percent shredded foam). The extra down alternative fiber helps fill the gaps between the shredded foam, which results in a more uniform-feeling pillow.
The slight difference in fill might also be the reason the Otter also scored higher in cooling—a perfect 5 out of 5 for cooling, while the LAYR scored a 3 out of 5, which is still considered above-average.
Lastly, for an adjustable pillow, a long trial period is key. It may take some trial and error for you to find the perfect feel. The Otter offers a 100-night trial along with a five-year warranty. The LAYR, on the other hand, has a shorter trial period at only 30 days with no warranty.
Overall, the Otter has a medium feel and offers a good blend of contouring and support. We also love that Lagoon offers sleepers a customizable sleep experience with a quiz to help match users with a pillow that suits their needs.
Who may want to use the Otter: Side sleepers who are unsure which type of pillow they want may appreciate the trial period and adjustability.
Who may want to avoid the Otter: Shoppers on a budget, or those who don’t feel like adjusting their pillow’s loft.
The Otter tester insights
Our testers love the ease of removing the fill to customize this pillow and appreciate that the foam is CertiPUR-US Certified CertiPUR-US is a certification that shows the foam in the mattress has been crafted with no ozone depleters . They say The Otter contours around the head and provides a lot of support while side sleeping. Our testers’ necks stay in proper alignment, and they say the pillow’s plush, medium-firm feel works great for side sleepers.
While our testers feel this pillow works for all body types, they suggest that lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) side sleepers remove some of the pillow’s fill to give it an even softer feel, while higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) side sleepers may want to add more fill to the pillow or fluff it up to create a higher loft.
This pillow offers so much versatility that we think it’s also a good option for back and combination sleepers People who sleep in multiple positions throughout the night. For example, a person might be a back-and-side sleeper or a stomach-and-back sleeper. , providing cervical alignment with support and pressure relief in all positions.
From one of our Otter testers:
“I just love how the memory foam in this pillow provides support while contouring around my head. Keep the loft high for side sleeping.”
How we test and choose the best pillows for side sleepers
The Handbook Team has researched 100+ pillows online and in person and hand-selected 50 pillows (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also interviewed recent pillow customers to understand the buying process and how their new pillows have impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every pillow we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 20-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each pillow.
For this review of the best pillows for side sleepers, we focus on pillows that provide a medium to high loft and good support to help cradle the neck.
Surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our surveys of 1,200 total people.
For example, we discovered that most people sleep on their side and that 40 percent of side sleepers report neck pain. We use this information to prioritize certain criteria when selecting the best pillows for side sleepers.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and pillow ratings.
Tips for relieving neck pain while sleeping
Research shows neck pain can impact your quality of life and that poor pillow support can contribute to neck pain. However, you can adjust your sleep experience to limit symptoms, improve sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. As always, consult your primary physician to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your neck pain first.
- Try limiting stomach sleeping: Experts seem to agree the best positions to help manage neck pain are on your back or your side. Stomach sleeping requires you to twist your neck to the side, which can exacerbate pain and create tension in your neck. Sleeping on your back or side can help keep your neck and spine neutral, minimizing tension as long as you have the proper support. Finding the best mattress for you can also provide the support and pressure relief you need.
- Make sure your pillow isn’t too high: If you’re sleeping on your side, you’ll want to make sure your pillow loft is right so your neck isn’t craning upward when you sleep. While side sleepers benefit from a higher loft than stomach or back sleepers, you don’t want your pillow to be too high. Make sure your pillow cradles your head and keeps it in line with your spine.
- Take steps to improve your overall sleep quality: Learning how to improve your sleep can be key in pain management. Research shows that a lack of sleep can lead to increased chronic pain over time, so ensuring you get enough sleep each night can help you manage neck pain. Avoiding bright screens before bedtime, reducing your caffeine intake, and meditating can help create a better sleep environment.
What to look for in a pillow for side sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper, it’s important to know that you have different pillow needs than back or stomach sleepers. You’ll want to find the right fit to ensure that you’re well-supported as you sleep.
Factors like firmness, loft, and the materials used can all contribute to whether or not a pillow will properly support you in a side-sleeping position. Knowing how these factors affect your overall comfort will be key in determining which pillow is best for you.
Loft
Loft refers to the height of a pillow, the part that fills in the space between your head and the edge of your shoulder. Side sleepers need a pillow that has a medium or high loft to ensure their head doesn’t dip down and throw their neck out of alignment. You’ll also want to ensure the loft isn’t so high that it cranes your neck upward. In general, the loft should be at least four to six inches tall, but this may also depend on the distance between your head and the edge of your shoulder and personal preference.
Firmness
Side sleepers will want a medium-firm, firm, or even extra-firm pillow. This is because pillows with a firmer feel tend to maintain their loft longer, ensuring side sleepers are well-supported. Softer pillows may compress over time causing the pillow to decrease in loft and throw the neck out of alignment. To ensure that doesn’t happen, side sleepers should opt for a firmer pillow that can maintain its form over time.
Materials used
The type of materials used in a pillow will affect both its loft and firmness levels and should be carefully considered. Denser memory foam pillows offer side sleepers a lot of contouring, providing comfort and pressure relief while offering a lot of support. On the other hand, softer materials, like down or down alternatives, tend to compress easily and lead to a lower loft over time, which is unsuitable for side sleepers.
Our final verdict
Side sleepers generally need a pillow that’s supportive enough to maintain their neck and spine in a neutral position. Because of its versatility and customization, we chose the Luxome LAYR as the best pillow for side sleepers overall.
The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow is our pick for the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers for its comfortable medium-firm feel and loft. We also love that it uses a 100 percent cotton shell for a breathable feel.
We chose the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow for its firm, ergonomic support, and The Otter for its easy adjustability and comfort. When choosing a pillow combination, sleepers will want to be on the lookout for loft, firmness levels, and the type of materials used to determine which pillow will best suit their unique needs.
Compare the best pillows for side sleepers of 2024
| Fill material | Down alternative, shredded gel-infused Memory foam | Gel-infused foam and polyester fiber | Memory foam | 80 percent shredded gel memory foam, 20 percent cotton |
| Outer cover material | Bamboo viscose | 100 percent cotton with a sateen weave | Polyester knit | Polyester and bamboo blend |
| Firmness | Soft, medium, firm | Plush, medium, firm | Firm | Medium |
| Loft | Adjustable | Adjustable | Medium | Adjustable |
| Sizes available | Standard, king | Standard, king | Small, medium, large | Queen, king |
| Cost | $120, $150 | $49, $69 | $119, $129, $159 | $119.99, $139.99 |
| Trial period | 30 nights | 365 nights | No trial | 100 nights |
Frequently asked questions
Pillows with a medium-firm, firm, or extra-firm feel and a medium-to-high loft are best for side sleepers. Side sleepers may also want to explore memory foam or latex pillows since they are firmer and don’t compress as easily as softer materials.
It’s generally recommended that you replace your pillow every one to two years. Pillows can compress, leading to a lower loft, and they also collect dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.
Pillows with a medium-firm, firm, or extra-firm feel are best for side sleepers since they tend to maintain their high loft for longer than pillows made with softer materials.
- How sleep deprivation impacts mental health. Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. (2022, March 16). Link
- Sleep disorders and heart health. American Heart Association. (2023, August 17). Link
- Sleeping less than 6 Hours may raise risk of cancer, even death. American Heart Association. (2021, August 16). Link
- Pang, J. C., Tsang, S. M., & Fu, A. C. (2021). The effects of pillow designs on neck pain, waking symptoms, neck disability, sleep quality and spinal alignment in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Biomechanics, 85, 105353. Link
- Say “goodnight” to neck pain. Harvard Health. (2022, February 2). Link
- The best — and worst — sleep positions for back pain. Keck Medicine of USC. (2024, April 18). Link
- Stomach sleeping may be the cause of your chronic neck pain. A Family Chiropractic Clinic & Integrated Pain Relief. (n.d.). Link
- Simpson, N. S., Scott-Sutherland, J., Gautam, S., Sethna, N., & Haack, M. (2017). Chronic exposure to insufficient sleep alters processes of pain habituation and sensitization. Pain, 159(1), 33–40. Link