The Best Bed Pillows for Side Sleepers: Support Where It Counts

Side sleepers know the struggle of finding the perfect pillow. If you sleep on your side, you need a pillow that’s high enough and supportive enough to keep your spine aligned from your neck down through your back. The best bed pillows for side sleepers are typically medium-firm to firm and on the thicker side (often called “high loft”). Why? When you lie on your side, there’s a larger distance between your head and the mattress, thanks to your shoulder. A pillow that’s too thin will let your head sag down, bending your neck at an awkward angle. On the flip side, a pillow that’s overly thick can crane your neck upward. You want that “just right” height that fills the gap and keeps your neck straight. Sleep experts note that most side sleepers do well with a pillow around 4 to 6 inches thick that doesn’t compress too easily.

Key Features for Side Sleeper Pillows: Aside from loft and firmness, consider the material. Memory foam and latex pillows are popular among side sleepers because they contour to the neck and head, offering tailored support. A solid memory foam pillow (one piece of foam) can work, but ensure it has some softness on the surface or a cushioned cover so it’s not too rigid against your ear. Shredded memory foam pillows are a fantastic option as well – they allow you to adjust and mold the fill, and they tend to be more breathable. Many side sleepers also love cooling pillows, since sleeping on one side means that side of your face is in contact with the pillow all night. If you run warm, look for pillows with cooling gel or breathable covers to prevent overheating. Additionally, pillows designed for side sleepers sometimes have a gusset (an extra side panel around the border) which helps maintain loft and shape under pressure.

Specialty Pillows for Side Sleepers: There are even pillows cut specifically for side sleeping, such as those with a curved neck support or a shoulder cut-out. These can provide extra relief if you experience shoulder pain or numbness when on your side. Another trick some side sleepers use is using two pillows: one firm pillow under the head, and hugging a second pillow or placing it between the knees. The knee pillow helps keep your spine aligned by preventing your upper leg from pulling your hip downward – a common source of lower back pain for side sleepers. You can either buy a dedicated knee pillow or simply use a regular long pillow (body pillow). A body pillow serves double duty: it can support your top arm and knee, reducing strain on your back and hips, while you still have your main pillow supporting your head and neck.

Our Top Pillow Pick for Side Sleepers: Ultimately, the right pillow will depend on your body and preferences, but one standout option is an adjustable loft pillow. For example, the DonaHona Hungarian Bread Pillow is highly rated among side sleepers for its plush yet supportive feel. It’s filled with a blend of ultra-fine microfiber and hollow fiber, compartmentalized so it stays evenly lofty. Side sleepers report that it cradles the head without collapsing, maintaining that crucial alignment all night. If you need even more customization, an adjustable shredded memory foam pillow like DonaHona’s Lunar pillow lets you add or remove fill to achieve the perfect height for your shoulder width. Remember, your pillow should feel comfortable right when you lie down on your side – no folding or bunching needed to make it “work.” When you find one that properly supports your neck and allows your shoulders to relax, you’ll likely notice you sleep deeper and wake up without those cricks in your neck. Ready to upgrade your side-sleeping comfort? Explore our top-rated side sleeper pillows like the Hungarian Bread Pillow here: DonaHona Pillow for Side Sleepers