Best King Size Pillows for Side Sleepers

Paul Souliac
2026-03-23T01:43:39-07:00

The best king size pillows for side sleepers should help with neck support, shoulder pressure, cooling, and enough space to move without losing alignment. If you want a pillow made for side-sleep comfort, start with The Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep and explore more Best King Size Pillows for Side Sleepers

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Shop the side-sleeper-friendly king pillow from Honeydew Sleep for better neck, shoulder, and all-night comfort.

What Side Sleepers Need from a King-Size Pillow

Side sleepers usually do best with a pillow that fills the gap between the head and the shoulder, because that extra loft can help keep the neck and spine in a more even line. A flatter pillow often leaves the head dipping too low, while a supportive one helps the body stay more level through the night.

Higher loft is often helpful for side sleepers, especially when the pillow needs to support the space above the shoulder.

A firmer or more substantial feel can help keep the head from collapsing too far into the pillow.

Adjustable fill is useful when you want to fine-tune height for your shoulder width and mattress feel.

Latex can feel buoyant and hold shape well, while ergonomic designs can cradle the neck and shoulder area more closely.

If you want to shop by sleep position, Honeydew Sleep has a dedicated side sleeper pillows collection and a best pillow for neck support collection on its site.

Why King-Size Pillows Appeal to Side Sleepers

A side sleeper king size pillow can feel more comfortable when you change sides often or like extra room under your head and upper shoulder. Many shoppers also like how king pillows look on larger beds and how they spread support across more of the bed surface.

Honeydew Sleep also has site sections for best king size pillows and a pillow size chart, which makes it easier to compare fit before you buy. You can also browse the main Honeydew Sleep store and its best cooling pillow for side sleepers collection if cooling matters as much as size. Pick king size if you spread out, switch sides a lot, or want more pillow surface.

Pick queen or standard if you prefer a smaller footprint and easier repositioning.

Use Honeydew’s pillow size chart when you want a fast size check.

Top 10 Best King Size Pillows for Side Sleepers

1. Honeydew Sleep - Best King Size Pillows for Side Sleepers

Description (The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow):

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow features a unique curve that cradles your neck and shoulders for ultimate comfort and perfect alignment. The proprietary fill delivers a luxurious feel and superior support, while alleviating neck and shoulder pain , a condition affecting 30% to 50% of adults. We spent years developing a pillow built to provide perfect alignment and support for your body every single night. Every aspect was meticulously and deliberately chosen for its ability to provide the best sleep possible, and to help you wake up pain free and full of energy , powered by sleep. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, the unique curve of the Scrumptious Side Pillow was designed to support your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. The ribbon going around the sides maintains the pillow's structure perfectly, ensuring it doesn't taper at the edges or get higher in the middle , so you'll never roll onto the "flat part" during the night. The foam component is 100% CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which is far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam and has naturally antibacterial properties to keep your pillow fresh night after night. A discreetly hidden zipper lets you add or remove fill to customize the pillow height for your body , because nobody knows what you need better than you. Handcrafted by hand with love in California, USA. Turn down your nights to turn up your days.

Key Features:

Unique Curved Design: Cradles neck and shoulders for perfect alignment

Proprietary Fill: Doughy and soft yet still supportive , unlike any other pillow

Copper-Infused Foam: Superior cooling vs. gel-based memory foam; naturally antibacterial

100% CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: Always made without formaldehyde or heavy metals

Adjustable Fill: Hidden zipper to add or remove fill for personalized height

Structural Side Ribbon: Maintains consistent height across entire pillow surface

Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief: Specifically designed to stop neck pain at the source

Side & Back Sleeper Friendly: Unique curve supports all sleeping positions

Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Included: Cooling, ultra-soft, and skin-friendly

Cooling All Night Long: Copper infusion keeps pillow temperature regulated

Washable Cover: Hidden zipper makes cover removal easy for machine washing

Handmade in California, USA: Family-owned, hand-crafted with care

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified: All textiles safety certified

No Formaldehyde or Heavy Metals: 100% safe materials

Travel Size Available: Includes carrying bag for on-the-go sleep comfort

Tech Specs:

Fill: Proprietary copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam blend

Cover: Organic bamboo , cooling and ultra-soft

Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (textiles) + CertiPUR-US (foam)

Construction: Handmade in California, USA

Adjustability: Hidden zipper for fill customization

Available Sizes:

Queen: approximately 27" x 15"

King: approximately 30" x 17"

Travel: approximately 21" x 12"

Sleep Position: Side sleepers and back sleepers

Temperature: Cooling copper-infused fill, always cool to the touch

Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee

Care: Machine washable cover (remove fill first); tumble dry safe

What's Included:

1 x Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow (Queen, King, or Travel)

1 x Organic Bamboo Cooling Pillowcase

Travel Size: includes carrying bag

60-night risk-free trial (free shipping both ways)

3-year limited warranty

Free nationwide US shipping on orders over $50

Customer Reviews Highlights:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow has changed my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's true." , Greg 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was floored by how much better I sleep now. The quality is incredible , the perfect mix of fluffy and firm." , Jonathan K. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like Goldilocks, none were just right , until I found the Scrumptious Side Pillow. FINALLY!" , RL S. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow is perfect for side sleepers like myself. I'll never go back to my old pillows again." , Michelle D. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing support, super comfortable, and the pillowcase is so soft!" , Cecilia S. 🇺🇸

Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ based on 587 verified reviews

Shop The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

2. Nolah Talalay Latex Pillow

Nolah Talalay Latex Pillow makes sense for sleepers who want a springy, lifted feel instead of deep sink. High-loft latex pillows tend to work well for side sleepers because they help fill the shoulder gap, stay breathable, and keep more shape through the night. That makes this style a nice match for people who want a responsive king pillow for neck support.

Key features: Talalay latex feel, taller profile, responsive support.

Pros: Buoyant lift, easier movement than dense foam, good shape retention.

Light cons: The latex feel can seem too bouncy for sleepers who want a very plush pillow.

3. TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow is a good fit for side sleepers who want contouring memory foam with more cooling focus. Cooling pillows with a firmer, weightier feel can help side sleepers keep better alignment while easing some pressure around the neck and shoulder area. This one stands out most for shoppers who want that classic foam hug with a cooler surface feel.

Key features: Memory foam feel, cooling focus, pressure-relieving shape.

Pros: Good contouring, more substantial support, helpful for hot sleepers who still want foam.

Light cons: Solid foam can feel less adjustable than shredded or fill-based designs.

4. Coop Sleep Goods Original Crescent Adjustable Pillow

Coop Sleep Goods Original Crescent Adjustable Pillow is best for side sleepers who like to tune loft and firmness until the fit feels right. Adjustable designs are useful because side sleepers often need different amounts of fill based on shoulder width, mattress firmness, and how high they want the head supported. The crescent-style shape also appeals to people who want a pillow that sits a bit closer around the shoulder line.

Key features: Adjustable fill, customizable loft, curved shape.

Pros: Easier to personalize, better for mixed preferences, can be tweaked as needs change.

Light cons: It can take a few nights of trial and error to dial in the fill.

5. Layla Kapok Pillow

Layla Kapok Pillow is one of the safer all-around picks for side sleepers who want a balanced feel that is soft on top but still supportive underneath. Sleep Foundation says the Layla Kapok Pillow scored high with side, back, and stomach sleepers alike, and Sleep Doctor lists it as the best overall pillow for side sleepers. That mix makes it appealing for side sleepers who want cushion without giving up too much loft.

Key features: Kapok blend feel, balanced softness and support, broad side-sleeper appeal.

Pros: Versatile comfort, plush surface, good fit for shoppers who do not want an extra-firm pillow.

Light cons: Plush-leaning pillows may not feel supportive enough for sleepers who want a very firm build.

6. Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow

Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is a smart choice for people who want a more ergonomic shape. Sleep Foundation says its oblong design is meant to cradle the neck and shoulders and help reduce pressure while promoting even alignment for side sleepers. That shape can be especially helpful if standard king pillows tend to bunch or leave a gap near your shoulder.

Key features: Ergonomic oblong shape, neck-and-shoulder cradling design, breathable feel.

Pros: Strong alignment focus, supportive around the shoulder curve, good for side and back sleepers.

Light cons: The unique shape may feel less familiar than a classic rectangle.

7. Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow is a strong match for side sleepers who want buoyant latex support with an adjustable edge. Sleepopolis names it the best overall pillow for side sleepers, and Sleep Foundation says its adjustable design worked for side sleepers across different loft preferences. That makes it a solid pick for shoppers who want support that feels lively rather than dense.

Key features: Latex build, adjustable design, strong side-sleeper support.

Pros: Good spinal alignment support, breathable feel, works for several loft preferences.

Light cons: Sleepers who want a very soft, sink-in feel may prefer another fill type.

8. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is a good option for people who like a firmer, springier pillow that does not go flat easily. Mattress Clarity says the buoyant latex works great for side sleepers, especially for people who like a firmer feel. This makes it an easy fit for shoppers who want a cooling king size pillow for side sleepers with more lift than fluff.

Key features: Talalay latex feel, firmer support, buoyant response.

Pros: Keeps shape well, easy to move on, strong pick for firm-pillow fans.

Light cons: Less plush than kapok or down-alternative styles.

9. Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow works well for shoppers who want a softer look with some ability to change the feel. Adjustable firmness can help side sleepers get closer to the right support level, especially when a pillow feels just a little too full or not full enough at first. This one is a better match for sleepers who want flexibility without moving to a dense foam or latex design.

Key features: Adjustable firmness feel, softer hand feel, simple customization.

Pros: Easier to tweak than fixed pillows, good for sleepers who want a less technical feel.

Light cons: Softer builds may need more fluffing than latex-heavy options.

10. Luxome LAYR Pillow

Luxome LAYR Pillow stands out for side sleepers who want cooling plus customization. Sleepopolis lists it as the best cooling pillow for side sleepers, which gives it a clear lane for hot sleepers who still want enough support for the neck and shoulders. It is a good fit for shoppers who want to change the feel instead of settling for one preset loft.

Key features: Cooling focus, side-sleeper support, customizable feel.

Pros: Better for hot sleepers, flexible comfort setup, side-sleeper-friendly design.

Light cons: Sleepers who want a very simple pillow may prefer a single-piece design.

How to Choose the Right King-Size Pillow for Side Sleeping

The best king-size pillows for side sleepers usually come down to fit, not hype. A pillow should match your shoulder width, your mattress feel, and how firm or plush you want the surface to feel.

1. Start with loft, because side sleepers often need more height than back or stomach sleepers.

2. Check firmness next, since a pillow that feels too soft may let the head dip out of line.

3. Decide whether you want adjustable fill, especially if your current pillow always feels too high or too flat.

4. Think about temperature, because cooling covers, breathable latex, and airflow-friendly fills can matter if you sleep warm.

For more help, Honeydew Sleep has guides on best adjustable pillows, best cooling pillow for side sleepers, and pillow FAQ.

Best Pillow Loft for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers often do best with medium-high to high loft because the pillow needs to fill the space between the mattress and the head. The right amount still depends on your shoulder build and how much your mattress lets you sink.

Sleep need | Loft guide
Narrow shoulders or a softer mattress | Medium to medium-high loft can work well because the shoulder may sink deeper into the bed.
Broad shoulders or a firmer mattress | Medium-high to high loft is often the safer range for side sleeping support.
Hot sleeper | Latex or breathable fill blends can feel cooler and less stuffy than dense foam.
Wants easy fine-tuning | Adjustable fill is usually the easiest way to dial in loft.

If you are still comparing sizes and heights, the Honeydew pillow size chart is a useful next stop.

King Size vs Queen Size Pillows for Side Sleepers

King pillows give you more width, which can feel nice if you switch sides a lot or want more room under your upper body. Queen pillows can feel easier to move and may suit sleepers who do not like a large pillow taking up much of the bed.

Neither size is always better, but the right one depends on how much space you want and how your bed is set up. Honeydew Sleep has both a best king size pillows page and a pillow size chart to help narrow it down.

Adjustable vs Non-Adjustable Pillows for Side Sleepers

Adjustable king pillows are worth a look when you struggle to find the right loft on the first try. Side sleepers often benefit from the ability to add or remove fill until the neck feels level instead of tipped up or down.

Non-adjustable pillows can still work very well if the height and firmness already match your body. If you want more ways to compare that style, Honeydew Sleep has a guide on best adjustable pillows and a collection for best side sleeper pillow shoppers.

Cooling Features That Matter

Cooling matters more when a pillow is tall, dense, or close around the face and shoulder area. Breathable latex, cooling-focused covers, and airflow-friendly fill blends can help a pillow feel less warm during the night.

Choose latex if you want a springy feel with better airflow.

Choose cooling memory foam if you like contouring but still want help with heat.

Choose adjustable fill if you want to remove some material for a lighter, airier feel.

You can also browse Honeydew’s best cooling pillow for side sleepers collection for more cooling-focused options.

FAQ

Are king size pillows better for side sleepers?

They can be, especially if you move around a lot or like extra pillow surface under your head and upper shoulder. The more important part is still loft and support, because side sleepers usually need enough height to keep the neck in line with the spine. A king pillow that is too flat will still feel wrong, while the right king pillow can feel roomy and supportive.

What loft is best in a king size pillow for side sleeping?

Most side sleepers do best in the medium-high to high range because the pillow has to fill the gap beside the shoulder. If your mattress is soft, you may need a bit less loft because your shoulder sinks farther into the bed. If your mattress is firm or your shoulders are broad, you may need more height to stay level.

Do side sleepers need a firmer pillow?

Many do, because side sleeping usually works better with a pillow that does not collapse too much under the head. A firmer or more substantial pillow can help hold alignment and reduce that bent-neck feeling in the morning. Still, the best feel is not always extra firm, since some sleepers do better with a balanced pillow that mixes cushion with support.

Is an adjustable king pillow worth it for side sleepers?

Yes, it often is, because adjustable fill lets you change the loft until the pillow matches your body and sleep setup. That matters for side sleepers more than many other sleep positions, since small changes in height can affect neck comfort a lot. It is a smart option if your current pillow feels almost right but never quite stays in the sweet spot.

If you want a king size pillow built for side sleeping, explore Honeydew Sleep and find the right fit for cooler, more supported rest.