Side Sleepers, Meet the Best Pillow for Pain-Free Mornings

March 26, 2025

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

Finding the best pillow for side sleepers isn’t just about softness or aesthetics. It’s about waking up without neck stiffness, shoulder pain, or constant tossing and turning. Side sleepers need a pillow with enough loft and firmness to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned. After four decades in the pillow business, I’ve tested them all. Below are the six top-performing pillows for side sleepers, with detailed insights into what makes each one stand out.

Table of Contents

1. Coop Home Goods – Adjustable Loft Pillow

Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow

Why it’s great:

This pillow gives you total control. It comes filled with a blend of memory foam and microfiber that you can add or remove to adjust the loft. Side sleepers often need a higher pillow to fill the space between the head and shoulder. Coop Home Goods nails it.

Support level: Medium-firm to firm, depending on how much fill you use.

Cover: Breathable Lulltra fabric (a bamboo-derived viscose blend).

Maintenance: Machine washable cover; adjustable fill can be fluffed and refreshed.

Best for: Making it a top pick for those looking for the best pillow for side and back sleepers.

Average price: $70 – $80

2. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Cloud Pillow

Why it’s great:

Made from the same adaptive TEMPUR material used in their mattresses, this pillow contours precisely to the shape of your head and neck. It’s not adjustable, but it strikes a great balance between softness and structured support. Especially valuable for those with chronic neck tension.

Support level: Medium-soft with deep contouring.

Cover: Soft knit polyester; removable and washable.

Durability: Holds its shape for years without flattening.

Best for: Anyone looking for the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain who still prefers a bit of plushness.

Average price: $60 – $90

3. Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

Why it’s great:

This uniquely shaped pillow was designed specifically for side sleepers. Its curved U-shape creates a cradle for your shoulder, keeping your spine aligned and easing tension. The latex/polyester blend fill offers just the right amount of responsiveness.

Support level: Medium-firm with responsive feel.

Cover: Organic cotton; soft and breathable.

Bonus: Fill is removable for height customization.

Best for: Targeted neck and shoulder support, easily one of the best neck pillow for side sleepers on the market.

Average price: $100 – $120

4. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow

Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow

Why it’s great:

This pillow is filled with shredded memory foam that adapts to your shape but won’t go flat. The bamboo cover is ultra-breathable and great for hot sleepers. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a solid choice for sensitive users.

Support level: Medium-firm to firm.

Adjustability: Fully adjustable fill, remove or add for a perfect fit.

Best for: Hot sleepers, allergy sufferers, and those switching between back and side sleeping. It’s one of the best pillow for side and back sleepers that doesn’t lose its shape.

Average price: $60 – $75

5. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

Why it’s great:

This isn’t your average body pillow. The Snoogle is shaped like a giant C and supports your head, neck, belly, back, and hips. It’s a go-to for pregnant women but is also perfect for anyone who needs full-body support while side sleeping.

Support level: Soft to medium; body-conforming.

Cover: Removable cotton cover, machine washable.

Length: Over 60 inches. Wraps around your body.

Best for: Pregnant sleepers or anyone with hip or lower back issues. Easily the best body pillow for side sleepers looking for comfort head to toe.

Average price: $60 – $85

6. Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Pillow

Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Pillow

Why it’s great:

This small but powerful pillow fits between your knees and improves alignment in your hips and spine while sleeping on your side. It reduces pressure on the lower back and is especially helpful for people with sciatica or restless legs.

Support level: Medium, with high-density foam.

Design: Ergonomic shape fits snugly between knees.

Breathability: Vented memory foam helps reduce heat buildup.

Best for: Pairing with any pillow above to relieve full-body strain. It’s the best knee pillow for side sleepers and often an underrated sleep upgrade.

Average price: $30 – $45

7. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Why it’s great:

Made with natural Talalay latex, this pillow offers excellent bounce and responsiveness without compromising on support. Latex is naturally cooler than memory foam and resists dust mites, making it a great choice for hot and allergy-prone side sleepers.

Support level: Medium-firm, with quick rebound.

Loft options: Available in high or low loft — the high is perfect for side sleepers.

Breathability: Ventilated design keeps it cool all night.

Best for: Side sleepers who want eco-friendly materials and a cooler surface. It’s also a smart pick for those needing the best pillow for side and back sleepers with some spring.

Average price: $80 – $100

8. Honeydew Sleep Company Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

Honeydew Sleep Company Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

Why it’s great:

This pillow is specially designed with a curved shape to cradle the neck and shoulder area, reducing pressure points. It has a cooling copper-infused foam core and an ultra-soft Tencel blend cover — both breathable and antimicrobial.

Support level: Medium-firm, with supportive edge-to-edge fill.

Adjustability: Fill can be removed to fine-tune loft.

Cooling tech: Copper gel memory foam + Tencel cover for heat control.

Best for: Those seeking the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain in a luxurious, long-lasting design.

Average price: $110 – $130

Choosing the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

Choosing the best pillow for side sleepers isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people need customizable lofts, others want cooling features, and some need total body alignment. Depending on your sleep style, combining a main pillow with a knee pillow or a body pillow can drastically improve your sleep quality.

Whether you’re looking for the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain, a flexible option for switching positions, or even the best pillow for side and back sleepers, the six pillows above cover every angle.

Prioritize your posture. Sleep deeper. Wake up better.

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