The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Ahhh… a good night’s rest. If you’re not already experiencing good sleep, it might be time to rethink your bed and pillow. What you sleep on and what you rest your head on effect the quality of your zzz’s. Choose a pillow based on your sleep position to optimize your rest. Using a pillow designed for sleeping on your side supports your spine, hips, neck, shoulders, and knees, ultimately improving your quality of sleep.

We looked at dozens of pillows for side sleepers on Amazon to find you the best ones out there. We checked out pillows of all sizes and shapes, with various types of filling. With a number of choices to sort through, we divided our findings into categories. Keep reading to see what we discovered.

Coop Home Goods - Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow

Choose your personal level of fill, made from hypoallergenic, cross-cut memory foam, to customize your side sleeper pillow.

We chose the Coop Home Goods – Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow as our top pick for the best overall pillow for side sleepers. Made in the USA, Coop Home Goods offers you a 100-night sleep trial. Try out the pillow for 100 nights, and if you aren’t satisfied, return the pillow for a full refund.

In This Article

The 5 Top-Rated Pillows for Side Sleepers

Editor's Picks	Brand	Rating
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Overall	Coop Home Goods - Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow	4.4
Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers	SUMITU Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack Hypoallergenic Gel Pillows	4.5
Best Budget Pillow for Side Sleepers	Ocesoph Neck Pillows for Sleeping, Memory Foam Pillow	4.2
Best Pillow with Arm Support for Side Sleepers	EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillows	4.2
Best Knee or Leg Pillow for Side Sleepers	ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow Memory Foam Wedge Contour	4.3

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Overall: Coop Home Goods – Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow

The Coop Home Goods – Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow is an adjustable-fill side sleeper pillow. Customize your level of fill to achieve your personal desired results for the most comfortable sleep based on your own measurements. Add or remove the hypoallergenic, medium-firm memory foam to make the loft higher or lower. A half-pound bag of fill is included so you can increase the original loft, if necessary. The filling, which is a blend of microfiber and memory foam, is certified-safe by CertiPUR-US and Greenguard (including gold).

Available in queen and king size, the Coop Home Goods loft pillow comes with a pillowcase separate from the filling’s liner. The pillowcase is made from a breathable, bamboo-derived rayon, which is allergy-friendly. It’s also removable and washable. Coop Home Goods stands behind its product and offers a 5-year warranty. Tens of thousands of customers highly recommend this pillow.

Coop Home Goods – Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow Key Features:

Washable bamboo-derived rayon cover
Greenguard gold certified
Queen and king size available
Made in the USA
Half-pound bag of fill included
5-year warranty

Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers: SUMITU Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack Hypoallergenic Gel Pillows

SUMITU Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack Hypoallergenic Gel Pillows

Keep your head cool with the Sumitu hypoallergenic gel pillow, with a cover made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton.

Keep your head and neck cool and supported while you sleep on your side. Check out the SUMITU Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack Hypoallergenic Gel Pillows to help you do both. Filled with 100 percent German imported poly gel fiber, this 2-pack of pillows feature filling that never goes flat, and doesn’t shift around. The pillows are even machine washable in cold water. They’re also hypoallergenic and dust mite, fade, and stain-resistant.

The Sumitu cooling pillows for side sleepers come with covers that are made from 100 percent cotton, so they’re breathable and soft. They’re available in standard, queen, and king size. The company is confident in its product and offers a 100-night trial run. Try the cooling pillow for 100 nights, and if you’re not satisfied, contact the company for resolution. The pillows also come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

SUMITU Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack Hypoallergenic Gel Pillows Key Features:

Down alternative cooling pillow
Standard, queen, and king size available
Machine washable
100-night trial run
1-year warranty

Best Budget Pillow for Side Sleepers: Ocesoph Neck Pillows for Sleeping, Memory Foam Pillow

Ocesoph Neck Pillows for Sleeping, Memory Foam Pillow

Cradle your neck and head on a contoured memory foam pillow made for side sleepers.

Don’t let money ruin your chances for a good night’s sleep. Check out our favorite budget pillow for side sleepers. We like the Ocesoph Neck Pillows for Sleeping, Memory Foam Pillow because it’s contoured for your neck. The shape of the pillow cradles your head while supporting your spine and relieving pressure throughout your core. Constructed with memory foam, the pillow is soft but firm.

Choose either side of the pillow to personalize your loft height. One side measures 2.9 inches, while the other side measures 4.5 inches. The memory foam core is protected with a permanent cover. The outer pillowcase is made from a breathable, bamboo-derived rayon, mixed with polyester, which is machine washable.

Ocesoph Neck Pillows for Sleeping, Memory Foam Pillow Key Features:

Outer cover is removable and washable
Breathable bamboo material
Memory foam core features two loft heights
Cover is water repellent

Best Pillow with Arm Support for Side Sleepers: Coisum Store Cervical Pillow Contour Pillow Orthopedic Memory Foam

Coisum Store Cervical Pillow Contour Pillow Orthopedic Memory Foam

Support your arms comfortably while you sleep on your side with the Coisum contoured memory foam pillow.

When you sleep on your side, your whole body is affected. If your arms are what need the most support, check out the Coisum Store Cervical Pillow Contour Pillow Orthopedic Memory Foam. This pillow is made for side sleepers who need extra support or placement for the arms. Shaped like a butterfly, the Coisum memory foam pillow is designed to cradle your head, support your neck, align your spine, and cushion your arms to avoid numbness and tingling.

Choose from a higher or lower loft to customize your sleeping experience. The pillow is uniquely designed to optimize supporting your neck and shoulders. The Coisum side sleeper pillow memory foam is certified-safe by CertPUR-US. An inner liner protects the foam, while an outer cover gives you a breathable surface to lay your head. The outer cover is removable and washable, as well.

Coisum Store Cervical Pillow Contour Pillow Orthopedic Memory Foam Key Features:

High and low position options
Outer cover is removable and washable
Certified for safety
Winged armrests

Best Knee or Leg Pillow for Side Sleepers: ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow Memory Foam Wedge Contour

ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow Memory Foam Wedge Contour

Align your spine more efficiently while sleeping on your side with the ComfiLife orthopedic knee pillow.

Sometimes it isn’t the head pillow that makes the most difference. Sometimes, a knee or leg pillow is what you need to have a comfortable night’s sleep when you’re on your side. We like the ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow Memory Foam Wedge Contour as our favorite knee or leg pillow for side sleepers. It fits between your knees or thighs to align your spine and keep your knees from bearing too much weight on each other.

Made from high-density memory foam, the wedged knee pillow has en ergonomic design, contoured to keep you comfortable. The outer cover is removable via a zipper, but it’s breathable, soft, and easy to clean. The knee pillow measures almost 10 inches in length, 8 inches in width, and about 6 inches in height.

ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow Memory Foam Wedge Contour Key Features:

High-density memory foam
Use in multiple positions
Zippered cover is machine washable
Lifetime warranty

Who Should Buy a Pillow for a Side Sleeper

If you’re someone who prefers to sleep on their side, consider purchasing a side sleeper pillow. They’re designed to help support your neck, shoulders, and arms to keep your spine in alignment while cushioning your pressure points. Well-designed side sleeper pillows also help support your hips and knees.

If you experience neck or back pain, speak with your doctor. However, consider your sleeping style, the quality of your mattress, and the type of pillow you use. See our list of features to look out for when considering your new pillow.

If you’re really trying to improve your sleep, you may also want to check out The Best Mattress Pads.

Coop Home Goods - Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow

Choose your personal level of fill, made from hypoallergenic, cross-cut memory foam, to customize your side sleeper pillow.

Important Features to Consider

A pillow for a side sleeper should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a pillow for a side sleeper:

Head, body, knee, arm, or leg pillow. First, determine which type of pillow you want. Do you need a new head pillow, or are you looking to add a knee pillow to the mix? Narrow down your search. Think about what part of you needs the most support. A head pillow should be firm enough to support your neck, but soft enough to cradle your head. Body, knee, or leg pillows are designed to help align your spine and hips, and support your knees, so your body is in the best possible position for sleeping on its side.
Amount of fill, and what it’s made of. What’s your side sleeper pillow made from? Consider what you want for the fill material. Side sleeper pillows are made with memory foam, shredded foam, polyester, rayon, cotton, or a combination of materials. Some side sleeper pillows allow you to adjust the filling by removing or adding filling material.
Shape and size of the pillow. Once you have figured out which type of side sleeper pillow you’re interested in, take into consideration the size and shape of the pillow. Some pillows for side sleepers are shaped like a standard pillow. Others are shaped like butterflies or are contoured. Side sleeper pillows typically are available in standard, queen, and king sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pillow should a side sleeper use?

For those who prefer to sleep on their side, it’s best to use single-piece foam pillows. This way, the pillow cushions and conforms to the head and neck while you sleep. You may also want to look for breathable memory foam when selecting a side sleeper pillow.

What is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain?

For side sleepers who experience neck pain, you’ll want a pillow that is firm but soft. There is a specific material that is best suited for those with neck pain, according to studies performed by the Health SA, and that is Visco-Elastic Polyurethane or VEP.¹ VEP pillows are most often labeled as memory foam and is definitely one of the better options for those with neck pain, such as our top choice.

Do side sleepers need firm pillows?

The top recommended pillow for people who sleep on their side is a relatively firm pillow, in order to help support the neck and shoulders. Memory foam gives you a firm but soft area to rest your head.

Are body pillows good for side sleepers?

Yes, body pillows are good for side sleepers. So are knee and leg pillows. Check out our favorite knee pillow to help you support your spine, hips, and knees while you sleep on your side.

Other Pillows for Side Sleepers We Reviewed

Coop Home Goods - Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow

Choose your personal level of fill, made from hypoallergenic, cross-cut memory foam, to customize your side sleeper pillow.

We looked at 20 other pillows for side sleepers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best pillows for side sleepers list, they’re still great options for sleeping on your side. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.

Cooling Pillows for Side Sleepers
Pillows with Arm Support for Side Sleepers
Knee or Leg Pillows for Side Sleepers
Contoured Pillows for Side Sleepers
Other Pillows for Side Sleepers

Cooling Pillows for Side Sleepers

Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow, 2-Pack, Luxury Plush

The Beckham Hotel Collection features a 2-pack of cooling gel pillows made with 100 percent cotton. The pillows are allergen and chemical-free.

Key Features:

Queen or king-size available
240 thread count
Mite, mold, mildew, stain, and fade resistant

Cost: $40

Meoflaw Pillows for Sleeping, 2-Pack, Gel Pillow

The Meoflaw 2-pack of cooling gel pillows are made with a breathable mesh material so you’re comfortable all night long.

Key Features:

Standard, queen, and king size available
1-year warranty
Machine washable

Cost: $37

Milemont Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow, Bed Pillows for Sleeping

The Milemont cooling gel pillow is made from memory foam to cushion your head. One side of the pillow features cooling technology, while the other side increases warmth.

Key Features:

4.5-inch loft, Certified safe, Removable outer cover is machine washable

Cost: $29

Plixio 2 Pack Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillows Bamboo Cooling Sleep Pillow

The Plixio 2-pack of pillows is made from a shredded, bamboo memory foam that’s infused with a cooling gel to keep you both cool and comfortable.

Key Features:

Outer cover is removable and washable
Queen size
10-year warranty

Cost: $35

SORMAG Bed Pillows for Sleeping Set of 2 Gel Pillows

Support your neck and shoulders with the Sormag cooling gel pillow.

Key Features:

Standard, queen, and king size available
Machine washable
Made with 100 percent Egyptian cotton

Cost: $32

WonderSleep Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow Series

WonderSleep offers a cooling pillow made from a blend of shredded memory foam and polyester fiber. Adjust the filling to your personal preference.

Key Features:

Outer cover is machine washable
Bamboo-derived, rayon cover
1-year warranty

Cost: $22

Pillows with Arm Support for Side Sleepers

EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillows

Made from a blend of hypoallergenic, bamboo-derived rayon and polyester, this memory foam pillow is contoured to support your neck and shoulders.

Key Features:

Outer cover is removable and machine washable
Firm, standard, or queen available
Personalize the fill amount

Cost: $44

Misiki Memory Foam Piilow Orthopedic Pillow

The Misiki memory foam pillow is shaped like a butterfly, and features armrests to help support your arms while you sleep on your side.

Key Features:

Outer cover is 100 percent polyester
Removable cover is washable
Two different height options

Cost: $50

SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow, Orthopedic Pillows

The Sepoveda memory foam pillow features armrests to help support your arms while sleeping.

Key Features:

Outer cover is made from cotton and polyester
Supports multiple sleeping positions
Foam is made from rayon and polyester

Cost: $35

Knee or Leg Pillows for Side Sleepers

5 Stars United Store Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers Memory Foam Wedge Contour

Align your spine and support your legs when you sleep on your side. The wedge, memory foam knee pillow raises your top leg to reduce pressure on your joints.

Key Features:

Outer cover is removable and washable
Measures about 10 inches by 8 inches by 6 inches
100 percent money-back guarantee

Cost: $20

Contour Legacy Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow

Sleep more comfortably on your side with the Contour legacy memory foam knee and leg pillow. It supports both your leg and knee, to relieve pressure on your back, hips, and knees.

Key Features:

Outer cover is removable and washable
Measures 10 inches by 9.5 inches by 3 and 6 inches
1-year manufacturer warranty

Cost: $20

Everlasting Comfort Pure Memory Foam Knee Pillow with Adjustable and Removable Strap

The Everlasting Comfort memory foam knee pillow features a removable strap for your knee to help keep the pillow in place during slumber.

Key Features:

Comes with two earplugs
Lifetime replacement policy
Outer cover is machine washable

Cost: $23

Contoured Pillows for Side Sleepers

Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow, Orthopedic Contour Pillow

Made with certified-safe memory foam, the Milemont side sleeper pillow features an ergonomic design to help support your neck and spine.

Key Features:

Standard, queen, and king size available
10-year warranty
Low and high profile options

Cost: $39

Mkicesky Side Sleeper Contour Memory Foam Pillow, Orthopedic Pillow

Support your neck and shoulders with the Mkicesky contoured, side sleeper pillow made from memory foam.

Key Features:

Outer case is machine washable
Measures 25 inches by 16 inches by 4 to 5 inches
Low rebound

Cost: $50

Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow, Neck Pillow Bamboo

Made from 100 percent bamboo-derived rayon, the Royal Therapy memory foam pillow is contoured for spine alignment and features a breathable outer case.

Key Features: