Best Pillows for Side Sleepers: Optimize Your Alignment
Side sleepers often need a very specific type of pillow to sleep comfortably. The best pillow for side sleepers will properly fill the gap between the shoulder and neck, keeping the spine in neutral alignment. If your pillow is too flat, your head will tilt down and strain your neck. Too puffy, and your head will be propped up, causing a bend in your neck. Getting the right pillow can prevent these issues and dramatically improve your sleep quality.
What Side Sleepers Need in a Pillow
High Enough Loft
Side sleepers typically require a thicker pillow than back or stomach sleepers. Your shoulder creates a space that needs to be bridged by the pillow. Make sure the pillow’s loft (height) is sufficient to keep your neck straight in line with your spine. Often this means a medium-high or high loft pillow, possibly with adjustable fill to fine-tune the height to your body.
Good Support
A side sleeper’s pillow should be somewhat firm or have a supportive core so it doesn’t collapse under the weight of your head. If the pillow goes flat overnight, you lose the alignment you need. Materials like memory foam, latex, or buckwheat hulls are excellent because they hold their shape and provide consistent support. You want the pillow to give enough for comfort but still hold up your head.
Pressure Relief
Even though you need support, the pillow should also cushion pressure points. The side of your face and ear press into the pillow, so it helps if the pillow’s surface has some softness or a contour that accommodates your ear. Memory foam and latex excel at this by conforming to your face and distributing pressure. If using a fiberfill or down pillow, ensure it’s firmly stuffed or consider using a second pillow so you don’t sink too far.
Stability
Side sleepers might benefit from a larger pillow (like a queen or king size) if they move around. A bigger pillow gives you room to shift without losing support. Additionally, a contoured pillow designed for side sleepers can keep you more stable – these often have a shape that sort of “hugs” your neck and shoulders, encouraging you to stay in the supportive zone of the pillow.
Side sleeping is generally a healthy sleep posture, but it’s essential to have the right pillow. If you find yourself waking up with shoulder or neck pain, or you end up folding your pillow in half for more height, that’s a sign your current pillow isn’t meeting your needs. Upgrading to a pillow designed with side sleepers in mind can make a world of difference.
One of the best options for side sleepers is the DonaHona Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow - Titan. This pillow is generously filled and has a higher loft to suit side sleeping, but crucially, you can adjust it. By removing some of the shredded memory foam fill, you can lower the height to perfectly fit your neck and shoulder. If you need it tall and firm, keep it fully stuffed – it will stay supportive all night. The Titan pillow also sleeps cool thanks to its breathable bamboo cover. It’s a great balance of firm support and customizable comfort, ideal for keeping a side sleeper’s neck and spine in perfect alignment and free from pain.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.