Best Bed Pillows for Side Sleepers

Paul Souliac
2026-03-23T02:17:21-07:00

The best bed pillows for side sleepers should help keep your head, neck, and shoulders in a better line while you sleep on your side. Discover the Best Bed Pillows for Side Sleepers

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Explore Honeydew Sleep to find a side-sleeper pillow built for better support and everyday comfort

What Side Sleepers Should Look For in a Bed Pillow

Side sleepers often need more loft than back or stomach sleepers because the pillow has to fill the space between the head and the mattress. A pillow that feels too flat can let the head drop, while one with better structure can help with neck comfort and shoulder relief.

If you are comparing side sleeper pillows or browsing best bed pillows, focus on fit before anything else. Honeydew also has helpful guides on what to look for when buying a pillow and determining best height for your pillow for a closer look at loft and feel.

Medium-high or high loft often works best for side sleeping.

A pillow should have enough support to keep the head from sinking too far.

Cooling features can help if heat builds up around your face and shoulder.

Shape retention matters if you do not want to keep fluffing the pillow all night.

Adjustable fill is useful when you want to fine-tune height and firmness.

How Pillow Materials Change the Feel

The fill inside a pillow changes how it supports side sleeping. Latex tends to feel springy and breathable, memory foam usually feels more contouring, and adjustable fills can make it easier to change loft over time.

For more detail, Honeydew has articles on the science behind pillow ergonomics and memory foam vs down vs latex that help explain how different materials feel in real use. Those guides pair well with the brand’s main pillow collection if you want to compare shapes and builds on one site.

1. Pick latex if you want a cooler, more buoyant feel that pushes back instead of sinking deeply.

2. Pick memory foam if you like contouring around the neck and shoulder area.

3. Pick adjustable fill if your current pillow feels close, but never quite right.

4. Pick a contoured or side-sleeper shape if a standard bed pillow leaves a gap near your shoulder.

Top 10 Best Bed Pillows for Side Sleepers

1. Honeydew Sleep - Best Bed 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. Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow is a popular choice for side sleepers who want a pillow shaped with shoulder room in mind. It is often highlighted for its shredded memory foam fill and side-sleeper-friendly design, which gives it a more tailored feel than a flat, standard bed pillow. That makes it a good match for people who want a mix of cushioning and structure instead of a very soft, loose fill.

Key features: Shredded memory foam feel, side-sleeper shape, ergonomic support.

Pros: Good shoulder space, supportive feel, easier neck cradling than a standard pillow.

Light cons: The shape may feel less familiar if you prefer a classic rectangle.

3. Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow is a strong fit for side sleepers who like a buoyant pillow that feels lifted and responsive instead of deeply sink-in. Sleepopolis lists it as a best overall pillow for side sleepers, and latex designs like this tend to hold shape well through the night. It suits sleepers who want a cleaner, springier feel with support that stays more even from edge to edge.

Key features: Latex support, breathable feel, loft that suits side sleeping.

Pros: Good shape retention, easy movement, balanced support.

Light cons: May feel too bouncy for sleepers who want a very plush pillow.

4. Coop Sleep Goods Original Crescent Adjustable Pillow

Coop Sleep Goods Original Crescent Adjustable Pillow stands out for people who want to change the loft until the fit feels right. Its curved shape is made to give the shoulder a little more space, and the adjustable fill can help side sleepers dial in height more closely than a fixed-fill pillow. It is a smart pick for shoppers who have tried regular pillows and still wake up with a stiff neck.

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

Pros: Easy to tweak, flexible fit, strong choice for mixed support needs.

Light cons: Takes a little setup time to find the right amount of fill.

5. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is a good option for side sleepers who want firmer support and a cooler, more breathable feel. Mattress Clarity highlights it as a strong side-sleeper pick, especially for sleepers who like a firmer pillow that still feels responsive. It works well for shoppers who want lift and shape retention without the denser feel of solid memory foam.

Key features: Talalay latex feel, firmer support, breathable build.

Pros: Strong lift, cooler feel, keeps its shape well.

Light cons: Less plush than softer fill styles.

6. Layla Kapok Pillow

Layla Kapok Pillow is a nice fit for side sleepers who want a pillow that feels plush on the surface but still keeps enough loft underneath. Sleep Foundation says it suits side sleepers who want a moldable pillow with high loft and a balance of softness and support. That makes it a solid middle-ground choice for shoppers who do not want a pillow that feels too stiff or too flat.

Key features: Kapok blend feel, moldable shape, high loft.

Pros: Soft hand feel, balanced support, good for people who like some plushness.

Light cons: May feel too lofty at first for sleepers used to flatter pillows.

7. Luxome LAYR Pillow

Luxome LAYR Pillow fits side sleepers who want cooling and the ability to adjust how the pillow feels. Sleepopolis includes it among strong side-sleeper options and calls it a standout pick for cooling. It is a good choice for hot sleepers who still want enough support under the neck and shoulder area instead of a thin, airy pillow that goes flat.

Key features: Cooling focus, adjustable setup, side-sleeper support.

Pros: Better for warm sleepers, flexible comfort, useful loft control.

Light cons: More moving parts than a simple one-piece pillow.

8. Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow is a solid pick for sleepers who want a softer pillow with some room to adjust the feel. It is often noted for adjustable firmness, which can be helpful for side sleepers who need a little more support than a soft hotel-style pillow usually gives. This one suits shoppers who want a softer look and feel but still want some control over comfort.

Key features: Adjustable firmness, softer feel, easy setup.

Pros: Flexible feel, simple design, better than fixed softness for some side sleepers.

Light cons: Softer builds may need more fluffing over time.

9. TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is a better fit for side sleepers who want firmer, contoured support and a more structured shape under the neck. It is often recommended for people with neck pain because the contour helps guide the head into a steadier position than a flat bed pillow. Shoppers who like a molded, no-fuss design may find it more supportive than softer fill pillows.

Key features: Contoured shape, firmer support, neck-focused design.

Pros: Good structure, steady feel, useful for sleepers who want less sink.

Light cons: The firmer shape can feel too rigid for plush-pillow fans.

10. Pillow Cube Side Cube

Pillow Cube Side Cube is built around a boxier shape that aims to suit side-sleep positioning more directly than a standard pillow. Its rectangular profile appeals to sleepers who want the pillow to keep a more even height across the surface. That makes it a good match for people who care more about straight-on side-sleep support than a soft, traditional pillow feel.

Key features: Box-style shape, side-sleep-focused height, flat support surface.

Pros: Distinct side-sleeper design, consistent height, easy fit for strict side sleepers.

Light cons: The shape is more specialized than a classic bed pillow.

How to Choose the Best Bed Pillow for Side Sleepers

The best pillow for side sleeping should match your body, not just a product label. Shoulder width, mattress firmness, sleep temperature, and whether you like plush or firmer support all change what feels best.

If you want more options to compare, browse Honeydew’s best pillows for sleeping, best pillow for neck support, and full pillow shopping guide.

Choose higher loft if your shoulders are broad or your mattress is firm.

Choose cooling-focused materials if you wake up warm.

Choose adjustable fill if you often stack or fold your pillow to get comfortable.

Choose a side-sleeper shape if a standard pillow leaves pressure near the shoulder.

Best Pillow Loft for Side Sleepers

Most side sleepers do best with medium-high to high loft because the pillow needs to support the gap created by the shoulder. The right height can still vary based on body frame and mattress feel, which is why adjustable pillows are so useful for many people.

Honeydew’s pillow size chart can help with sizing, and its best cooling pillow for side sleepers page is useful if you want loft plus airflow in the same search.

Sleeper need | Loft direction
Narrow shoulders | Medium to medium-high loft can work well.
Broad shoulders | Medium-high to high loft is often a better fit.
Soft mattress | You may need a little less height because the shoulder sinks more.
Firm mattress | You may need more height to keep the neck level.

How Often Should You Replace a Side Sleeper Pillow?

A side sleeper pillow should be replaced when it loses shape, stays lumpy, or no longer supports the neck the way it used to. Even a good pillow will not feel the same once the fill breaks down and the loft starts to drop.

Honeydew has guides on how to clean and maintain a side sleeper pillow and exploring the different types of pillows, which can help you spot wear and compare replacement options. You can also shop its best bed pillows collection if your current pillow is not holding up.

Replace it when it stays flat after fluffing.

Replace it when the fill shifts and leaves empty spots.

Replace it when neck or shoulder comfort gets worse night after night.

Replace it sooner if the cover or fill no longer feels clean and fresh after care.

FAQ

What is the best pillow height for side sleepers?

Most side sleepers do best with a medium-high or high pillow because the head needs more lift on the side than it does on the back. The goal is to keep the neck from bending too far up or down. A pillow that matches your shoulder width usually feels better than one that is simply labeled soft or firm.

Are memory foam pillows better for side sleepers?

They can be, especially if you like contouring and want the pillow to mold around your head and neck. Memory foam often feels more hug-like than latex or down alternative. That said, some side sleepers like latex or adjustable fill more because those options can feel cooler or easier to customize.

What kind of bed pillow helps side sleepers with shoulder pain?

A pillow with enough loft and a shape that leaves room for the shoulder often feels better than a flat standard pillow. Adjustable pillows can help because you can change the height if your shoulder feels jammed or unsupported. Side-sleeper-specific shapes can also help reduce pressure where the shoulder meets the pillow.

Do side sleepers need a firm or soft bed pillow?

Most side sleepers do best with a pillow that has some firmness underneath, even if the top feels plush. If a pillow is too soft, the head can sink too low and throw off neck comfort. A balanced feel usually works better than an extra-soft one for long nights on your side.

For a pillow built around side-sleep comfort, browse Honeydew Sleep’s side sleeper pillows or shop The Scrumptious Side Pillow.