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

March 26, 2025

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 top-performing pillows for side sleepers, with detailed insights into what makes each one stand out.

1. 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

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2. 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

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3. 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

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4. 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

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5. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

Why it's great:

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

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6. 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

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7. 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

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8. 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

BUY 🛒

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 eight pillows above cover every angle. Prioritize your posture. Sleep deeper. Wake up better.

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

1. Coop Home Goods – Adjustable Loft Pillow

2. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow

3. Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

4. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow

5. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

6. Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Pillow

7. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

8. Honeydew Sleep Company Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

Read More

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Best Sheets That Won’t Slide Off Just Like Your Life Goals

Your Back Knows the Best Memory Foam Mattress Before You Do