Best Pillow for Side Sleepers: How to Get Perfect Alignment

Side sleepers often need a very specific type of pillow to sleep comfortably. The best pillow for side sleepers is one that properly fills the gap between the shoulder and neck, keeping the spine in neutral alignment. If you sleep on your side with a pillow that’s too flat or unsupportive, your head will tilt downward and strain your neck. A well-chosen pillow can prevent those cricks in the neck and give you better rest.

What Side Sleepers Should Look For

Higher Loft

Side sleepers typically require a pillow with a higher loft (thickness) than back or stomach sleepers. This is because your shoulder elevates your body off the mattress. To keep your neck straight, the pillow must be thick enough to support your head at the right height. Many side sleepers find success with pillows that are medium-high to high loft. Many sleep experts note that an adjustable pillow (where you can add or remove fill) is ideal, since one size doesn’t fit all side sleepers.

Firm Support

In addition to height, support level matters. A pillow that is too soft will collapse under the weight of your head overnight, losing the very height you need. The best pillow for side sleepers usually has a medium-firm to firm feel. You want it to compress just enough to cushion your head, but not so much that it sinks down a lot. Materials like memory foam, latex, or buckwheat hull filling excel here because they hold their shape and maintain support. A side sleeper putting pressure on a pillow all night long needs a resilient core.

Pressure Relief

While support is key, side sleepers also appreciate a pillow that relieves pressure. The side of your face, your ear, and your shoulder are all pressing into something for hours. Memory foam and latex pillows can contour to your face and ear, spreading out the pressure and preventing soreness. If you prefer a classic fiberfill or down pillow for its softness, make sure it’s overstuffed or use two pillows so it still gives adequate lift. Some advanced pillows even have gel or cooling foam layers to reduce pressure build-up and overheating in those contact areas.

Size and Shape

Don’t overlook the pillow’s shape and size. A larger pillow (queen or king size) can be helpful for side sleepers who move around, so your head doesn’t fall off the pillow. There are also contoured pillows made specifically for side sleepers, with a curved shape that supports the neck. These can be great if you struggle with neck pain. However, a well-filled rectangular pillow can work just as well if it’s the right loft and firmness for you.

Types of Pillows and Filling for Side Sleepers

There are a few popular pillow types for side sleepers. Memory foam pillows (solid or shredded foam) are popular because they combine support with contouring comfort. A single-piece memory foam pillow often has an ergonomic shape that supports the neck curve. Shredded memory foam pillows are adjustable and breathable, letting you mold or fluff them to the shape you want. Latex pillows are another great option—they are naturally resilient and cooling, offering a buoyant support that side sleepers like. Buckwheat pillows, filled with buckwheat hulls, provide excellent adjustable support as well; you can add or remove hulls to change the loft, and the hulls shift to cradle your head and neck. They’re quite firm, though, which not everyone likes. On the other hand, down or down-alternative pillows are very soft and shapeable, but you’ll typically need a high fill volume or to double them up for enough thickness when sleeping on your side.

Every side sleeper has personal preferences, but the goal remains the same: keep your spine straight from your lower back all the way through your neck. The right pillow will feel comfortable and also maintain healthy alignment. If you find yourself folding your pillow or using your arm under the pillow for extra lift, that’s a sign your current pillow is too low or soft. Upgrading to a pillow made for side sleepers can make a world of difference in how your neck and shoulders feel each morning.

One top choice is the DonaHona “Sandwich” Adjustable Pillow. It’s a uniquely designed pillow that lets side sleepers customize the height by adding or removing its inner layers. That means you can get the loft exactly where you need it to match your shoulder width. The Sandwich Pillow offers firm, supportive layers that won’t collapse, yet it still feels plush on the surface for pressure relief. With its breathable bamboo-fiber cover and multi-layer core, this pillow provides side sleepers the ideal balance of support and comfort for a pain-free night’s sleep.