best travel pillow uk for side sleepers

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The best travel pillows for taking on a long flight

By Lauren Burvill and Charley Ward

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flyer and a rookie – the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flyer, hanging from a backpack or being worn around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realise that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research though – as we’ve done for you here – and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game recently. Specialised brands like  trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while neck pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles.

The best travel pillow to buy in 2023 at a glance

• Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow and Travelrest pillow
• Best for price: Ecosafeter portable travel pillow
• Best lie flat pillow: Mini Snoooze travel pillow

How we tested the best travel pillows

Every travel neck pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed in our office by our editors Charley Ward and Lauren Burvill . Each pillow is then passed on to a member of the wider team to take with them on a flight to further test when travelling. When testing, we look for quality, design features and value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

What are the different types of travel pillow?

There’s a variety of shapes on offer, so think about your personal needs and preferences before making your choice. The main kinds are:

• Memory foam travel pillows. These mould to your body in a way that’s far superior to the traditional beanbag styles on offer at the airport. Cabeau Evolution and Kierain do these very well, and Ecosafeter’s version also has a slight hump at the back to help relax your spine.
• Body slings. These styles are great for side sleepers, offering full upper body support that you can lean against while you drift off. Travelrest’s inflatable travel pillow is our favourite, which can be worn cross-body or to your side to create a firmer separation between yourself and your neighbour. Dot & Dot does a similar version that can be twisted however suits, so you can use it around your neck, shoulders or even tucked below your lower back, helping to ease whichever area is most achey.
• Wraparound neck pillows. These twist around the neck like a scarf, offering double the support of U-shaped designs. They also tend to be cosier as a result. Bcozzy’s has a flat back, to help you keep a better posture, while Huzi’s infinity neck pillow is comfy, soft and scrunchy, allowing you to bunch it up where it suits best.
• Neck supports. Travel brand Trtl has been upping the ante lately. The brand's signature fleecy wraparound scarf cleverly hides an internal neck and chin support structure that keeps your neck in the optimum upright sleeping position, even in the middle seat or aisle seat. There’s now an adjustable version, as well, providing extra support for those on the taller side. They come with a carry bag that attaches to your rucksack.
• Mini classic pillows . Perfect for adding a bit more comfort when sitting in first or business class seats – and when in your hotel room too. Snoooze does our favourite, which is 100% machine washable and rolls up into a carry bag just 30 by 11cm, so it’ll tuck nicely in your hand luggage when not in use.

See below for our full take on each of the best travel neck pillows available to buy now.

Cabeau Evolution's S3 travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for a basic does-the-job travel pillow, the one below from Kierain is the ideal buy. But if you're looking for a step above in terms of design and comfort, or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket – ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest though are the velcro straps at the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we like it:  “I tested this pillow when I flew to Mexico City. The foam in it is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on luggage , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." Sarah Allard, digital editor

Kierain’s travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall value

Kierain has one of the top-rated and best selling  travel pillows on Amazon , and it’s easy to see why. A step above the standard microbead styles, this travel pillow is 100 per cent memory foam with a soft velour cover, plus has an easy-to-use snap closure, making it simple to secure and stay in place.

Why we like it:  “The bag it comes in is surprisingly small (about the size of a small wash bag), so it hardly takes up any room in your  carry on luggage , which is a real plus. The best part though is the plush and squidgy memory foam. I often find the traditional neck pillows too stiff and constricting, but this one was soft while still giving good support.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

trtl's original pillow

Best travel pillow for: neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage – it weighs only 148 grams. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved u-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we like it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortable on, so I was keen to try this style when I flew to Vancouver. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

Trtl Travel Pillow Plus

Best travel pillow for: customised support for your exact requirements

Olivia Morelli

John O'Ceallaigh

Tabitha Joyce

Monisha Rajesh

Trtl has revamped its clever wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate people of all heights more comfortably. The latest iteration is adjustable, to better suit your particular requirements, and the pillow section itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s offering is a lot smaller than standard U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 225 grams, so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack .

Why we like it: “I tried both the original and the revamped Trtl pillows on a flight to Japan, and this one definitely proved a more comfortable fit. It does take a bit of fiddling to get it to sit properly, and the fleece wrap is certainly cosy – even a bit too warm at points. Reviews are mixed online, but I think it’s worth taking the time to adjust it correctly as, once I did, it made for a far more comfortable experience than using standard U-shaped neck pillows. For long haul flights in coach, it’s certainly worth a try; I had no neck pain at all when I finally disembarked from the plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Travelrest pillow

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever across-body-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage

Our verdict:  “This pillow came in handy on a flight to Australia. I really love the shape of this style, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Dot&Dot’s twist travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders or even lower back.

Why we like it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best travel pillow for: ergonomic design with a luxurious feel

Ostrichpillow has a number of interesting travel pillows (are you brave enough to try this napping aid ?), including a genius padded headband -come-eye mask that makes quickly grabbing some shut-eye while leaning against the window actually comfortable. The Go pillow, however, is the brand’s most traditional offering. It has a memory foam core with a velcro closure to ensure a snug fit, no matter the shape or size of your neck. It compresses down impressively small when stored in the included drawstring travel bag, making it easy to bring along in even the smallest cases. It has a removable and washable cover as well.

Why we like it: “It’s really, really soft, and satisfyingly squishy at the same time; the memory foam filling is clearly high-quality. In fact, out of all the travel pillows I’ve tried, this one feels the most luxurious when in use. It kept my neck at a good angle to avoid aches and pains – it was surprisingly supportive, in fact. It’s easy to adjust and I like that the cover can be slung straight in the washing machine, so it’s ready to go for your next trip.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Ecosafeter’s portable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: price

The Ecosafeter travel pillow is a memory foam style with a slight “hump” shape that’s designed to help relax the Cervical spine. The design is particularly great for sleeping upright, especially if you suffer from back or neck pain, with added neck support as well as a soft and flexible feel.

Why we like it:  “I find it super difficult to sleep upright, which is why I loved the high back and firm cushioned support on this pillow. I took it with me on an overbooked flight with a 2am takeoff and did manage to get some sleep, admittedly in and out, but that’s better than my usual long haul wide-eyed experience.” Sophie Knight, visuals editor

BCozzy's neck pillow

Best travel pillow for: side sleepers

Similar to the trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we like it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without feeling too suffocating." Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Huzi infinity pillow

Best for: warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Our verdict:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cosy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck, ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Snoooze travel pillow

Best travel pillow for:  lying flat

One for not just the plane but also the hotel, this flat pillow from Snoooze is particularly suited to business or first class passengers flying in a flatbed. Danish designer Ann Sjogreen Sanger worked with scientists, sleep experts and leading UK manufacturers to create the two travel pillows – a full size and mini option. Both are machine washable, come with a soft 100 per cent cotton pillow case and roll up into compact travel bags – the mini fits into a cylindrical bag that’s 30cm by 11cm.

Why we like it:  “This pillow feels surprisingly full and thick compared to how compact it can be stored. I always struggle with hotel pillows (they’re often too big and fluffy), but the Snoooze feels firm yet squidgy and helped me get proper deep sleep during a hotel stay in Greece recently. I tested the full size, but think the mini can do the same job if you’re short on carry-on space or would prefer to use a flat pillow to get some sleep in economy.”

Lifeventure inflatable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: space-saving

You won’t find any bells and whistles with Lifeventure’s inflatable travel pillow, but at £12.99, the price is hard to beat for your standard u-shaped travel pillow. It packs down into a remarkably bijou carrying case and weighs in at just 54 grams. A dual valve makes it easy to blow up very quickly – I inflated it by mouth in two minutes.

Why we like it: “I wasn’t convinced by the idea of an inflatable polyester travel pillow, especially not in comparison to some of the super-soft memory foam numbers I’ve tried (Ostrichpillow cinches it for me in the cosiness stakes). However, I was pleasantly surprised on test. The material is clearly good quality and it provides decent enough neck support when fully inflated. But really, the main plus point of this pillow is how compact and lightweight it is when deflated. It folds down smaller than your average purse. If you have back or neck issues, avoid this one. But if you’re off backpacking, or space in your bag is an especially hot commodity, then this pillow is the one to buy.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Slip travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: fashionistas

Beauty aficionados will know that silk pillowcases are superior to cotton offerings for those seeking smoother, sleeker hair – studies have shown that its slippery, friction-free surface helps to both tackle frizz and reduce stress on delicate facial skin while you slumber. So why compromise when you’re on a plane? Luxury silk pillowcase brand Slip has used the same 22 momme long fibre mulberry silk for its travel pillow as it does its regular cases, along with a super-dense foam inner that secures around the neck with an adjustable strap for 360-degree support. It’s available to purchase separately or as a set with a matching silk eye mask for an extra cost (currently on sale ).

Why we like it:  “This is another unusual option – its vivacious appearance generated some comments in the office upon unboxing. It’s not one for wallflowers; it’s very colourful and one of the largest pillows (if not the largest) we’ve ever seen. Nobody’s going to miss you while you’re wearing it – and if you’re especially petite, it likely won’t suit. Nonetheless, the silky finish feels both luxurious and cooling when around the neck, which doesn’t go amiss on a stuffy aeroplane. The traditional U shape doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but for those seeking a little luxury on long haul flights, this is a welcome treat. Be warned: this pillow isn’t going to squeeze into your suitcase, so bear that in mind, but it gives a high level of support and keeps your neck upright, so a good choice if this is the most comfortable position for you on a plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Snugl travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: versatility

Snugl’s well-designed and thoughtful memory foam travel pillow is available in three sizes to ensure you get the best fit (taking a different approach to Trtl, with its adjustable number above). It’s made from quality, hypoallergenic memory foam with a removable washable cover. There are a selection of colours to choose from, and there’s a carabiner clip to attach the travel bag to your suitcase.

Why we like it: “Don’t be fooled by the chunky appearance – this Snugl pillow packs down into an impressively small bag. It toes the line well between portability and being robust enough to ensure a lack of neck ache when you disembark the plane; this really impressed. But what we like the most is how adjustable it is. There are two straps to secure it around your neck to your preferred tightness, and it’s been created to comfortably sit around your neck in either a conventional, reversed, forward facing or shoulder-facing arrangement to accommodate your sleeping style – a real plus for me as a side-sleeper.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

The Best Travel Pillows for Long-Haul Flights

By Lauren Burvill

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flier and a rookie—the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flier, hanging from a backpack or being worn (wrongly) around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realize that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research though—as we’ve done for you here— and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game recently. Specialized brands like  Trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles.

How we choose the best travel pillows

Every pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by our editors. When testing, we consider quality, price, unique design features, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

Our top picks:

• Best overall travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow
• Best budget buy: Dot & Dot Twist memory foam travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for an upgrade to a basic does-the-job travel pillow or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's Evolution S3 travel pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket—ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest are the velcro straps on the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we love it:  “The foam in this pillow is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." — Sarah Allard , digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from Trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage—it weighs only 4.5 ounces. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved U-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we love it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortably on, so I was keen to try this style. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” — Sarah James , deputy digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever crossbody-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable, too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage.

Why we love it:  “I really love the shape of this pillow, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” — Lauren Burvill , senior commerce editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: red-eye flights

More than just a neck pillow, the Pluto Pod boasts a lightly structured and padded hood, as well as a pull-down eye mask. Do you resemble a bobble-headed, 1950s-style alien when you wear it? Yes, you do. Is it, by far, one of the best travel pillows we've tested? Absolutely.

Why we love it : “The pillow has helped me cut down on my sleeping tools. With the Pod, I can eschew ear plugs and an eye mask because the padded hood dampens noise and the flip-down eye mask blocks almost all light. Sleeping with one is like being inside a mini sensory deprivation tank, except you don’t have to worry about getting wet.” — Juliet Izon , contributor

Read a full review here .

Best travel pillow for: flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders, or even lower back.

Why we love it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” —L.B.

Best travel pillow for: side sleepers

Similar to the Trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck, and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture, but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we love it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without it feeling too suffocating.” —L.B.

Best for: warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Why we love it:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cozy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck—ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” —L.B.

Best travel pillow for : Versatility

Slip this microbead-filled cap over your head and you’ll completely redefine the experience of sleeping on the go. From the outside, the wacky-shaped headpiece may feel a tad like a Teletubbies costume, but once you pull your head through the 27.5-inch opening, any place you find yourself in—no matter how bright or how loud—can turn into a sleep zone.

Why we love it: “And there’s no right or wrong way to use it: On a plane, use it to lean against the wall of the window seat, lie head down on the tray table of the middle seat, or tilt backward on the headrest of the seat.” — Rachel Chang , contributor

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

Sitting upright for hours on end can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight or taking the train, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested 24 travel pillows based on traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, and train rides. Our top pick for the best travel pillow overall is Cabeau The Neck's Evolution S3. We love that this pillow folded down into its own, compact carrying case and comes with a washable cover to keep it fresh between trips. We also found the best pillow choices for travelers who like a softer or firmer pillow along with styles that are perfect for middle seats and budget-conscious travelers, too. 

Best Overall

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

The seat strap system keeps the pillow in place and prevents painful neck cramps.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft and cozy, yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted although it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow case is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Portable case | Machine washable

Best Overall, Runner-up

Cushion lab ergonomic travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 4 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that allows travelers to adjust the amount of support needed.

It can have a snug fit.

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow can make your trip much more comfortable, whether in the middle seat of a plane or a car. With an ergonomic design, one side of the pillow is larger than the other to support the chin if your head tilts while sleeping, and the back has a cushion that is contoured to keep the head in an upright position. During testing, the neck pillow provided a comfortable rest for the chin, and we didn’t feel too hot while wearing it. Although the cushion fits snugly around the neck, it didn’t take long to get used to it, and we could nap comfortably during a train and car ride. The buckled strap was easy to adjust, and we liked having the ability to spin the pillow around to use the asymmetrical sides and back to find the most comfortable position for sleeping in the window and middle seats. With a soft, recycled polyester exterior and Cushion Lab’s extra-dense memory foam, the quality of the travel pillow is luxurious and sturdy, and it folds into a small ball to fit inside a carrying bag that can clip onto a backpack or a suitcase.

The Details:  Polyester, Hyperfoam   | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Watch How We Test Travel Products

Best budget, cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4 /5

It molds to the shape of your neck to prevent bobbing.

The cover can't be removed and washed.

The Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow is a no-frills option that offers generous neck support for a budget-friendly price. It is filled with tiny microbeads that quickly mold to the shape of your neck and prevent your head from bobbing around while sleeping. We appreciated its lightweight but sturdy feel, and that there were no signs of damage after using the neck pillow or when clipping it onto a suitcase to transport. Although the cover can’t be removed, we noted that the fabric is easy to touch up with instructions to spot clean the surface as necessary. Cozy and breathable, the travel pillow did a solid job of regulating temperature and keeping the neck warm during cold flights and cool during hot flights.

The Details: Polyester, microbeads | No portable case | Machine washable

Best Splurge

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort, allowing us to get more rest on a flight than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it rolls up to fit in a compact drawstring sack. The pillow holds its shape despite being in the bag for long periods, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and can be machine washed, but we air dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allowed for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

• Quality 4.5 /5

The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable. 

It’s made of firm memory foam.

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers that get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up as you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. We liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric, and said we didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard. We especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable-feeling carrying case), and the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. This pillow quickly unfolds to its original shape despite being rolled up and going in and out of the compact case as well.

The Details: Memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Best Sustainable

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

• Portability 4 /5

It’s made of recycled and upcycled materials that are comfortable and breathable.

It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.

If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and it compresses down to be easily transported whether you’re flying or camping. The recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. We also loved how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling.

The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | No portable case | Machine washable

Best for Window Seats

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

It’s easy and intuitive to use for resting your chin and head.

It could be more supportive when you’re leaning against a window.

The J-Pillow Chin-supporting Neck Pillow has a J-shape that wraps around the neck to support the chin and the front, back, and one side of the head. Despite the different design than a typical U-shaped travel pillow, it is easy to use and fits securely while sleeping or resting during travels. The pillow comes with a compact case that can be attached to a piece of luggage to make traveling with it effortless. After being folded up in the carrying case for some time, the J-shape didn’t falter, and remained supportive and soft. We think the J-Pillow is ideal for any type of traveler since it's very portable and lightweight.

The Details: Polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

• Durability 4.5 /5

It’s supportive without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers that like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck, and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the circular carrying case that can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The holder also has a frontal slip pocket for storing the earplugs and eye mask that are included with the travel pillow. After a trip, the carrying case can be unzipped and machine washed, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Side Support

Cabeau evolution s3 travel pillow.

• Durability 4 /5

This pillow is soft and durable.

The suede-like outer material has a tendency to pick up lint.

This travel pillow was designed to keep your head and neck supported for even the longest of flights. Not only is the semicircular pillow adjustable, so you can get the shape perfect for you, it also features and adjustable seat strap to prevent your head from dropping while you rest. Right out of the box, we loved the high-quality of the memory foam, which makes it supportive and soft, and the cover material feels great against the skin. It gives users a great balance of softness and support. To keep your pillow protected and prevent any risk that it will end up getting dragged across the airport floor, this also comes with a compact carrying case that compresses down to fit into carry-on luggage.

The Details: Polyester, microsuede, memory foam | Portable case | Machine- washable

Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

To protect your hair and skin throughout your travels, a silk pillow is the way to go.

It's 12 x 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories , but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but can still be used in bed in a pinch and is perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your carry-on bag. After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

While we were able to narrow down the travel pillows for our best list, there were some that almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses noted by our testers. 

Hest Pillow : This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.

Gingerlily Silk Travel Neck Pillow : We love that this pillow is high-quality and made with luxurious material, but it doesn't come with a carrying case, which we think you would need to keep this pillow protected.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

We sent out 24 travel pillows to our testing experts to use during their upcoming trips. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched popular options to fit a variety of comfort preferences, including pillows made of memory foam and microbeads, and tested different shapes, too. 

On a scale of one to five, our testers rated the pillows based on comfort, quality, durability, and portability. The pillows with the best comfort scores met or exceeded our expectations for special features, including cooling, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer. Our testers used the pillows for several hours at a time, if not longer, to see how comfy they were while sleeping, reading, or watching a movie while traveling. We asked our testers to note if they were able to sleep with the pillow on, if it caused any neck pain or discomfort, and how warm or cool the pillow felt around the neck. To check for quality and durability, our testers examined the build of the pillow to feel how well-made it appeared. After using the pillows during trips, they judged durability based on their functionality after several uses. The pillows with the highest score for portability were able to compress down into carrying bags that allow travelers to transport the pillow with exceptional ease. The best pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it restricts your breathing and can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or over-pack, a travel pillow that compacts into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station.  

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a more firm pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Generally, washing instructions will be included with the purchase of a travel pillow or on its tag. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our testers opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth or rag dipped into soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that wraps around the neck to support the neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability. Finally, while traditional pillows might be better suited for a traveler in the window seat, there are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna participated in this real-world product test and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel pillows based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train this summer.

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12 best travel pillows for long-haul flights and adventures in 2024

Whether you’re camping, flying or on a long car journey, ensure you’re well rested with one of these, article bookmarked.

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Travel pillows are everywhere – slung around the necks of passengers waiting to check in, poking out of backpacks and dangling from cabin cases . But they’re not just designed for use on planes – they’re great for arduous journeys by car, bus or ferry, too, and can be a lifesaver when (god forbid) a delayed flight means you’re forced to spend the night on a cold airport floor.

Most importantly, they play a crucial role when it comes to body alignment, lightening the load on our neck, head and shoulders by preventing the dreading head bob and making sure that our head stays upright even when we’re out for the count.

The key thing to finding the best travel pillow is that it provides support for your head – if a pillow does this, your neck, back and shoulders will benefit, too. This doesn’t necessarily mean pillows that loop around the neck are the only option because different people sleep in different ways (something reflected in the wide range of options we’ve recommended).

Beyond the shape and filling, there are other, less important factors to consider. Is the lining removable? This isn’t the be-all and end-all, but bear in mind travel pillows are quick to acquire stains and signs of wear and tear, so if it’s not, consider a design that hides those pesky marks. How well does it fit around your headphones , if your go-tos are over-ear models ? This isn’t a problem with most pillows, although there are certainly some options in our round-up that score better than others in this regard.

Finally, in an era when airlines are rolling out increasingly restrictive regulations relating to cabin baggage, how does it do in the stash-ability stakes? If you’re prone to exceeding your size or weight allowance, an inflatable pillow in a carry sack which can be stuffed into a side pocket or dangled from your backpack’s carabiner attachment might be the best option.

Related stories

How we tested the best travel pillows.

A selection of the best travel pillows that we tried for this review

We tested these travel pillows in a whole host of scenarios – at our desks, on long flights, on painfully arduous train journeys and bus journeys across southeast Asia . And trust us – as keen travellers accustomed to long trips on planes, trains and automobiles, we’ve got through more travel pillows than we can count.

We considered multiple factors – were they suitable for trips on which space was at a premium? What did the outer lining and stuffing feel like? Were they as useful on trains and long car journeys as they were on planes (anything that means we get more bang for our buck can only be positive, after all)? In other words, you can rest assured you’re (well, your head, neck and shoulders specifically) in good hands.

The best travel pillows for 2024 are:

• Best travel pillow overall – Ostrichpillow go neck pillow: £55, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget travel pillow – Lifeventure inflatable neck pillow: £12.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best luxury travel pillow – Slip jet setter travel pillow: £79.29, Beautybay.com
• Best breathable travel pillow – Trtl pillow cool: £29.99, Amazon.co.uk

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Ostrichpillow go neck pillow

• Best : Travel pillow overall
• Material : Viscose
• Filling : Memory foam
• Weight : 350g
• Dimensions : 25cm x 17cm x 7cm
• Ultra-soft materials
• Brilliant ergonomic design

This fantastic memory foam pillow ticked all of the boxes – a removable, ultra-soft lining, a top-quality memory foam filling and generous patches of Velcro to keep it in place, which allows for more adjustability than we’re used to. It’s got a more ergonomic design than other pillows of this size, with a tapered shape which allows it to tuck neatly under our chin. The two-tone colourway also looks incredibly stylish, and we appreciated the tiny size of the label – all too often these are too large and attached to parts of travel pillows where they’re almost certainly going to rub against our skin.

Lifeventure inflatable neck pillow

• Best : Budget travel pillows
• Material : Polyester and TPU bonded fabric
• Filling : Inflatable
• Weight : 54g
• Dimensions : 33cm x 47cm x 12cm
• Very tough fabric on the pillow and stuff sack
• Great value
• No fastening to secure the ends at the neck

These days a growing number of travel pillows are made from memory foam. But as travellers who are perpetually short on space, we’ve got a major soft spot for inflatable ones, such as this piece of portable perfection. It inflated and deflated in seconds and the material – a combination of polyester and TPU-bonded fabric – didn’t chafe or rub, even on long flights. We also loved that it came in its very own bag – an ultra-tough one made with ripstop fabric.

Snugpak butterfly neck pillow

• Best : For travellers short on space
• Material : Nylon
• Weight : 100g
• Dimensions : 37cm x 15cm x 8cm
• Stashes into the smallest of pockets and pouches
• Butterfly shape might not appeal to all

This pillow’s outer material was wonderfully soft, with a thickness that did a fantastic job of ramping up the comfort. It’s a great option for jet-setters who don’t gel with traditional travel pillows worn around the neck – we loved the way its butterfly shape meant it could be jammed into awkward corners and used as a headrest against airplane windows. It inflated and deflated incredibly quickly, and bonus points were awarded for its handy stuff sack, which can be dangled from buckles on backpacks.

Vango deep sleep ergo pillow

• Best : For frequent flyers
• Material : Knitted elastic
• Weight : 80g
• Dimensions : 41cm x 30cm x 11cm
• Incredibly soft fabric
• Supersized valve makes inflation and deflation a breeze
• Not the best option for those in need of neck (rather than head) support

The shape of this one is inspired by traditional pillows in that it doesn’t loop around the neck but acts as a headrest. Its small size makes it both wonderfully portable and versatile – it works just as well on planes as it does on long coach journeys and camping trips. The large valve means it takes just seconds to inflate and deflate, and the combination of the super soft fabric and a slightly sunken area in the centre did a great job of cushioning our head on a long-haul flight.

Slip jet setter travel pillow

• Best : Luxury travel pillow
• Material : Silk
• Filling : Foam
• Weight : Unspecified
• Dimensions : 25cm x 25cm x 12.5cm
• Soft outer cover
• The filling is not memory foam

Twenty years ago, when we were backpacking around the world using our wallet, socks or pants as pillows on bus journeys and flights, we’d have loved a pillow such as this one. Yes, it’s expensive but it’s also ridiculously comfortable – a thick curve of foam covered with top-quality mulberry silk (which didn’t just feel great on the skin but kept our hair frizz-free too). An integrated zip allows the cover to be removed and washed (because let’s face it, we’re all prone to the odd mid-snooze dribble). We’re not quite willing to award this a full five stars on account of the filling, which is standard foam. Yes, it’s top-quality stuff but we were hoping for memory foam given the use of the finest silk for the exterior.

Ostrichpillow light versatile pillow

• Best : Lightweight travel pillow
• Materials : Viscose
• Filling : Microbeads
• Weight : 110g
• Dimensions : 31.5cm x 16.5cm x 7cm
• Comfortable
• The toggle is great for adjusting the fit
• No washable lining

Yes, this particular pillow looks a little different to the average travel pillow – the suggested way of wearing it is to place it around your head, halo-style, so that it covers your ears and eyes while also cushioning your bonce in all the right places (we could use the toggle to adjust to fit).

We were initially a little nervous about the filling, which consisted of microbeads that felt similar to the ones inside bean bags, albeit slightly smaller. However, our concerns were unfounded – perhaps due to their small size, the result is a wonderful mouldability which provided high levels of comfort, boosted by the ultra-soft lining. The only reason we’re not giving this pillow five out of five is because there’s no removable outer covering should it get dirty, but trust us – this is a minor issue when comfort levels are this high.

Trtl pillow cool

• Best : Breathable travel pillow
• Material : Tencel
• Weight : 299g
• Dimensions : ‎25.4cm x 20.32cm x 10.16cm
• Innovative design
• Breathable material
• Not the most compact of travel pillows
• The fastening can be a little fiddly at first

We’ve not come across many travel pillows that come with instruction manuals and were somewhat sceptical about the slightly more complicated design of Trtl’s pillow. In summary, it’s got a built-in rigid section designed to offer firm support for the neck – you keep this section in place by wrapping the scarf-like section around your neck. It was much more comfortable than we imagined and did a great job eliminating the dreaded head-bob, although it only offers support on one side. Despite the built-in rigid section, it’s incredibly light, and the material is surprisingly breathable, too.

Vango Shangri-La memory foam pillow

• Best : For superior comfort
• Material : Brushed polyester
• Filling : Memory foam and an air pocket
• Weight : 450g
• Dimensions : 36cm x 11cm
• Superior comfort
• Soft fabric

We loved everything about this pillow, which has a precision-engineered ergonomic shape and is covered by some of the softest fabric we’ve come across. The memory foam provided the optimal amount of cushioning, and a colleague who borrowed it for a few moments described his experience as “similar to sleeping on a cloud”. What that actually feels like is anybody’s guess, but we reckon that’s a pretty good endorsement.

The secret to the superior comfort lies in its design, which comprises an outer layer of memory foam and a central air pocket. The result? The mouldability of memory foam and the support which comes courtesy of the air pocket – AKA the ultimate double act, we reckon.

Lifeventure inflatable pillow

• Best : For a traditional pillow option
• Material : Polyester and TPU fabric
• Weight : 77g
• Dimensions : 36cm x 51cm x 10cm
• Ergonomic shape provides support

An ergonomic shape provided just the right amount of support (including all-important lumbar support) and the deep grooves aided airflow during a particularly hot, sticky night on a cramped red-eye flight. It’s got enough flexibility to use on planes and trains, and the combination of polyester and TPU fabric makes for an extremely durable pillow. The carry case, made from ripstop fabric, is equally rugged.

Exped air pillow

• Best : For durability
• Material : Polyester and TPU polyether film laminate
• Weight : 60g
• Dimensions : 46cm x 30cm x 12 cm
• Easy to adjust rigidness
• Quick to inflate

Another pillow with an unusual shape – in this case, a semi-rectangular profile – the Exped air pillow isn’t the softest of travel accessories, but it’s ridiculously quick to inflate and wonderfully easy to adjust when it comes to rigidity. It took five short breaths to inflate it fully, and the presence of separate, dedicated inflation and deflation valves cranks up the efficiency. An internal flap in the intake valve means a minimal chance of leaks, too.

Go Travel memory dreamer travel pillow

• Best : For lumbar support
• Material : Polyester
• Weight : 355g
• Dimensions : 26cm x 25.5cm x 12.5cm
• Memory foam core provides great lumbar support
• Thick lining
• No hook to hang it off backpacks

A memory foam core provides great lumbar support along with cushioning for the head and shoulders, and the lining has a surprising thickness – one which suggests that the memory dreamer is more than capable of standing up to some serious wear and tear. There’s no hook to hang it off backpacks, but we loved the buckle-style clip, which meant we could quickly and easily tweak the fit (something which press studs don’t allow).

Outwell dream boat ergo pillow

• Best : Multipurpose travel pillow
• Materials : Polyester
• Weight : 300g
• Dimensions : 50cm x 29cm x 10cm
• Large makes it versatile
• Top-quality memory foam construction
• Provides great support

This pillow is one of the largest we’ve tested, but we can confirm it’s still perfectly suitable for plane journeys, thanks to its amazing squishiness. The upside to its supersized design is that it can be used for camping holidays too, and its versatility is ramped up due to a number of factors.

Firstly, the low-flat valves, which are easy to inflate but won’t snag when the pillow is squashed into small spaces or stashed into backpacks. Add a top-quality memory foam construction, super soft fabric and a shape designed to support not just the head but the back and shoulders too, and you’ve got a one-way ticket to the land of nod.

Travel pillow FAQs

What is the best travel pillow shape.

If you’re lucky enough to be one of those few people whose in-flight discomfort doesn’t come from head bobbing but the displeasure stemming from resting your head against hard surfaces, opt for a travel pillow with a traditional shape, rather than a looping design (another benefit of these is that they’re more versatile, and double as great camping pillows when space is at a premium).

What is the best travel pillow filling?

Don’t make the mistake of insisting on memory foam – although memory foam is usually best when it comes to fantastic support, there are plenty of other fillings (such as lightweight microbeads) which work just as well, while inflatable pillows are handy if you’re short on space.

The verdict: Travel pillows

What’s not to love about a cloud-like neck pillow filled with the finest quality memory foam and precision-engineered to support our head, neck and shoulders? Nothing – which is exactly why Ostrichpillow’s go neck pillow bags the top spot. Snugpak’s butterfly neck pillow comes second for its wonderful versatility while Lifeventure’s inflatable neck pillow earns a special mention for its hat trick of practicality, comfort and value for money.

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Best pillow for side sleepers 2023: sleep in comfort with our favourite memory foam and hollowfibre pillows.

• Jane Hoskyn
• Gareth Thomas

Discover the best ergonomic pillows for sleeping on your side and waking up in comfort

The best pillows for side sleepers tend to offer more support and “loft” (pillow jargon for height) than pillows for people who sleep on their back or front. Why? Because when you sleep on your side, there’s a whole shoulder to support too. Without enough height, your poor shoulder will crunch while you slumber – and neither it nor your neck or back will thank you for it. And considering just how many of us prefer to sleep on our sides, there’s a good chance we’re all crunching our necks at night by sleeping on flatter pillows than we need.

With that in mind, our buying guide will tell you how to choose a pillow that offers the correct support for sleeping on your side and snugly filling that gap between your ear and shoulder. We will also reveal our pick of the best side-sleeper pillows currently available.

Bag the Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow for less with this Kally Sleep deal

If you head to Kally Sleep now, you can bag the best soft pillow for side sleepers at discounted prices. Save a solid £11 when you buy a single pillow, down from £35 to £24, and a whopping £27 on a four pack, in a price drop from £90 to £63.

Best pillow for side sleepers: At a glance

How to choose the best pillow for you, what type of pillow is best for side-sleepers.

“We would normally recommend a higher pillow or even two pillows for side sleepers rather than one, for more support,” explains Gary Jones, physiotherapist at Physio 206 . Don’t just dig out an extra old pillow from the loft and chuck it on top, though. A healthy pillow is a new pillow. “Think about how many hours you sleep each week,” said Jones. “Your car has an annual MOT, but how often do you do an MOT of your pillow? It’s literally: let’s wait until it’s gone threadbare!”

Sleeping on your side is popular for good reason: it’s comfortable. It naturally maintains healthy spinal alignment and reduces pressure points all over your body. However, if you don’t choose a pillow with enough depth to fill the space beneath your head and neck, that comfy foetal position could still leave you waking up with a crick in your neck. Here are a few pointers to remember…

Moulded support pillows are ideal for side sleepers because their high raised section provides support for your neck and room for your shoulder without pushing your head up high too. “A moulded pillow with a high bit for your neck lets your body rest in a more natural and healthy position,” said Jones. “This is especially important if you’re on the phone a lot during the day because you will need to counteract that compression to your neck and open up your spine.”

Memory foam pillows might feel unfamiliar to those who are used to pillows with microfibre or down fillings. But once you get used to the sensation, they can be a very supportive option. This is because memory foam moulds to the contours of the body, cradling your head and neck to help keep your spine aligned. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that memory foam retains heat, so it might not be the best choice for those who get uncomfortably hot at night.

Natural latex also feels buoyant and supportive, and is a more sustainable option than memory foam. However, its eco credentials can push the price up – especially if you go for organic and other certifications. However, given how many hours you spend sleeping on your pillow, a good one is worth investing in. Feather and down pillows are soft and naturally cooling, but they quickly lose their “loft” and fail to give consistent support. Wool is another great natural material that maintains its shape better than down, and we’ve included a wool pillow in our roundup below. Bear in mind, however, that neither down feather or wool is vegan-friendly.

Two pillows may be better than one if you sleep on your side. A pillow that’s too flat on its own can lead to the dreaded “shoulder crunch”, stressing and straining the muscles in your neck as you sleep. So you could go for a firm contoured pillow as a base and a relatively squishy pillow on top for softness.

How often should you replace your pillow?

A good memory foam or latex pillow will last a few years before it loses its firmness. Some sleep experts reckon you should replace soft fluffy pillows as often as once a year, but that’s excessive (not to mention wasteful). Instead, we would recommend investing in a well-made pillow that you can put in the washing machine on at least 40˚C. Wash your pillow every month or two to remove dust mites, dead skin cells and other allergens you would probably rather not know about, let alone sleep on!

How we test pillows

While the hallmark of a good pillow might be a good night’s sleep, there are a number of other factors we take into account in our testing, such as firmness, loft (another word for height), value for money and temperature control.

How lofty a pillow is becomes particularly important when recommending a mattress for side sleepers. As we’ve mentioned above, side sleepers might want a pillow with a bit more loft to support their head and shoulder. How hot a pillow can feel during the night will vary depending on what it’s made from. Some pillows, all-foam ones for instance, will feel warmer than others, making them less suitable for those prone to overheating at night.

We also pay close attention to other details including removable covers, trial periods and extra features such as adjustable and ergonomic designs – all of which help to build a clear overview of the product.

READ NEXT: Best mattresses for side sleepers

The best pillows for side sleepers you can buy in 2023

1. kally sleep the ultimate side sleeper pillow: best soft pillow for side sleepers.

The Kally Side Sleeper pillow has that wonderful hotel-quality softness, but its walled shape is more supportive for your shoulder and neck than a standard soft pillow, making it comfy to fall asleep on and great for preventing joint pain. It has a really luxurious feel thanks to its bouncy hollowfibre filling, which is treated to protect against allergens and bacteria, and it doesn’t get clammy.

Despite being an unusual shape the pillow is a standard size, so you can adorn it with your favourite pillowcase. It comes with a removable cover made from breathable poly-cotton. Like the cover, the pillow itself can be machine washed at 40˚C, so you can potentially use it for years longer than a cheap standard pillow and the structured design helps ensure it doesn’t lose its supportive shape. Kally also offers a 14-night “sleep trial” on selected products, to customers ordering direct from its online store. During this time, you can return your pillow if you’re not happy with it.

Key features – Filling: Hollowfibre; Cover: Cotton (machine washable 40˚C); Size: 70 x 40cm (15cm height)

Check price at Kally Sleep

2. Silentnight Side Sleeper: Best value soft pillow for side sleepers

Key features – Filling: Hollowfibre; Cover: Microfibre (machine washable); Size: 69 x 46cm

Check price at Habitat

3. Silentnight Eco Comfort Pillow: Best eco-friendly alternative to memory foam

It’s available in two firmness options, soft and medium/firm (featured), so you can choose whichever you find most comfortable – although we would recommend side sleepers opt for the firm variant. It’s also got a breathable, hypo-allergenic cover that can be machine washed at 40°C.

Key features – Filling: Recycled polyester Eco Comfort Fibres; Cover: 98% Polyester, 2% Elastine (machine washable); Size: 74 x 45cm

Silentnight Eco Comfort Soft Pillow - Super Soft Luxury Quality Cosy Sustainable Eco Friendly Recycled Pillows For Front Sleeper - Machine Washable Eco Conscious Gifts

4. tempur original x large pillow: best memory foam pillow for side sleepers.

At £109, it’s the most expensive pillow on our roundup, but the huge number of cheap imitators is testament to the effectiveness of its design.

Key features – Filling: Memory foam; Cover: 100% cotton cover (machine washable 60˚C); Sizes: 61 x 31cm (13cm max height); also available in Medium (10cm max height) and Large (11.5cm max height)

Check price at Tempur

5. Woolroom Natural British Wool Pillow: Best eco-friendly cooling pillow for side sleepers

This pillow is quite lofty (15cm) and it’s packed tightly enough with wool to give medium/firm support, so despite its cosy feel it will keep your head, neck and shoulders well-supported. It’s also extremely breathable, thanks to its 100% natural materials and quilted cotton percale cover, which helps to wick moisture away from your body and stop you getting clammy. The main downside is it needs to be dry cleaned, although the cover is machine-washable.

Key features – Filling: Wool (dry-clean only); Cover: Cotton (machine washable); Size: 74 x 48cm (15cm max height)

Woolroom Natural British Wool filled Bed Pillow I Medium Firm I Classic I White I Hypoallergenic I Suitable for Side Back Stomach Sleepers I Feather and Down Alternative (48 x 74 cm)

Best Pillows For Side Sleepers UK (2024)

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About 74% of the world’s population sleeps on its side. 🌏

And probably about half of those people wake up with neck and shoulder tension because their pillow doesn’t adequately support them.

Finding the right pillow for side sleepers is vital to ensure optimal upper spinal alignment - and prevent pains. 😲

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best pillows for side sleepers in the UK - and tell you what to look out for!

So let’s get started. 🚀

The UK's best pillows for side sleepers

• Sleep Hero Favourite - Panda London Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow*
• Customisable Comfort - Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow*
• Great For Hot Sleepers - Emma Premium Pillow*
• Very Firm - Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow*
• Luxury Option - Tempur Comfort Original Pillow*

Panda London Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

• Third-generation memory foam technology
• Machine-washable bamboo cover
• Medium feel

Tell me more about the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow combines supportive memory foam with a breathable bamboo cover. 

Third-generation memory foam technology provides improved neck, shoulder, and spine support .

Plus, the bamboo cover is eco-friendly and promotes airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable even if you are a warm sleeper. 

Bamboo is antimicrobial by nature, which helps to keep dust mites and germs at bay.

A mesh fabric protector is also included and helps extend the life of your pillow. 

The Panda bamboo memory foam pillow offers  amazing value for money, and the excellent customer support makes this brand a no-brainer. 

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

• Simba Renew cluster fill, Simba Pure foam & titanium Aerocoil springs
• Adjustable to all sleep positions 
• Machine-washable cover at 40°C

Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

The Simba Hybrid Firm pillow has three layers, which can be adjusted to your perfect height and firmness. 

The supportive Aerocoil layer is encased in soft, cushioning Simba pure foam, relieving pressure from the head and shoulders.

The super-soft Simba renew fibres cushion your head gently, maintain their shape, and stay fluffy for longer.

Made with a 100% Better Cotton cover , this eco-friendly pillow choice supports the Better Cotton Initiative .

The Stratos technology and the breathable mesh border keep you cool throughout the night.

Emma Premium Pillow

• ThermoSync foam, supportive foam & soft foam
• UltraDry machine-washable cover
• Adjustable layers

BUY EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW

Tell me more about the Emma Premium Pillow

The Emma Premium Pillow offers a unique experience thanks to its multi-layered, adjustable design .

The pillow as a whole has a firm feel and high loft, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers.

However, the pillow's adaptability allows it to suit all sleeping positions by simply removing or reordering the foam layers.

The Emma Premium pillow supported the neck and cushioned the head for a comfortable sleep that alleviated any pressure. 

Another unique aspect is the thermoregulating layer and UltraDry cover, which ensure temperature regulation throughout the night.

Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow

This unique pillow features 4 adjustable layers, so you can find the loft perfect for your build.

The Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow is the ultimate solution for  support and pressure relief for your neck and spine.

This support pillow features a unique 4-layer adjustable design that allows you to customise it to your desired comfort level while keeping its shape and maintaining a cool sleep environment.

The Eclipse memory foam layers

Designed with an emphasis on support , the Brightr Eclipse Pillow is an ergonomic memory foam pillow that cradles your neck and head, promoting proper alignment and reducing tension and discomfort. 🥰

This makes it an ideal choice for side sleepers who require extra support.

Memory foam is characterised by its memory imprint , which means it'll contour around the shape of your head and neck for more targeted support and pressure relief. 🤗

This pillow is ideal if you're struggling with shoulder pain and offers great neck support for a better night's sleep. 

Look at the below pictures to see how this works:

Memory foam usually retains heat, but Brightr uses cooling graphene memory foam , which helps regulate temperature and wicks away moisture. 💦

This promotes a cooler and more comfortable sleep throughout the night.

We tested the Eclipse pillow during a UK heatwave and never felt too hot or uncomfortable on the pillow.

Instead of having one solid chunk of memory foam, Brightr has split the memory foam into four layers that slot together like Tetris pieces.

The layers also have different thickness levels, which gives you a good number of building blocks to design your perfect pillow height and firmness level.

While the Eclipse pillow will be much firmer than the others in the Brightr Sleep range, you can still move from a medium-firm to a firm feel, depending on your composition of the layers. 🧱

40% copper-infused pillow cover

The Eclipse pillow's signature copper-infused cover provides protection against allergens and bacteria that can cause breakouts. 🦠

With 40% premium copper fibres woven into the cover, it offers a hypoallergenic sleep surface that is gentle on your skin.

Copper's antimicrobial properties help fight bacteria, viruses, and allergens, ensuring a hygienic and allergy-free sleep.

The pillow cover is really thick , which adds a nice level of softness and comfort to the firmer memory foam.

It has a zip that stretches over two sides so you can take out the memory foam layers, which are further protected by a zipped casing.

The four separate layers are in this second casing. 👍

Both the casing and the pillow cover are easy to unzip and zip up again. 

Brightr Eclipse pillow size

Like the other pillows in the Brightr Sleep range, the Eclipse pillow has dimensions of  45 x 65 cm (17.7 x 25.6 inches).

The exact height of the pillow will differ according to how many layers - and which layers - you decide to keep in the pillow. 

• High loft with 4 layers and an average height of 18 cm (7 inches)
• Medium-high loft with 3 layers and an average height of 16 cm (6.3 inches)
• Medium loft with 2 layers and an average height of 12 cm (4.7 inches)
• Lower loft with 1 layer and an average height of 6 - 10 cm (2.3 - 3.9 inches)

Side sleepers generally need higher-loft pillows, while back sleepers require medium lofts and front sleepers lower lofts. 😁

The exact pillow loft you need will depend on your body and the mattress you use.

For example, one of our side sleeper testers had a smaller build and used this pillow on a medium-firm mattress. 

This means that the mattress didn't give way much, and the pillow needed to adequately fill the gap between the shoulder and the head.

For our test sleeper, using the two thicker memory foam layers with one thin layer in this pillow was ample. 

But a side sleeper of a larger build may need all four layers to adequately fill the space.

Offering four layers of different thicknesses makes the Brightr Eclipse pillow uniquely qualified to meet most (if not all) sleep requirements. 

Eclipse pillow delivery

Like all Brightr pillows, the Brightr Eclipse is delivered plastic-free , vacuum-packed and tightly rolled up in a bag placed in a cardboard cylinder. 🎁

As you'll see from the photo below, the Eclipse pillow will hold its shape much more tightly than the other pillows, which popped back to their original size as soon as they were released from the bag.

This is because memory foam is more compressible than other materials, and it'll take a few moments longer to expand.

Our pillow expanded to its full height in under 30 minutes. ⏰

We did notice very faint off-gassing (which is normal for compressed memory foam products), but this also disappeared within a few minutes in a well-ventilated room.

Delivery takes place within 2 - 4 days of ordering, and you'll get to enjoy a 30-night trial that starts with delivery.

If you're not 100% happy with your pillow, simply send it back to Brightr for a full refund . 💷

BUY BRIGTHR ECLIPSE PILLOW £ 64.54

Tempur Comfort Original Pillow

• Tempur material & cotton cover
• Medium feel & deep loft 
• Machine-washable cover

Tell me more about the Tempur Comfort Original pillow

The Tempur Comfort Original pillow is designed with Tempur material micro cushions that provide superior comfort whilst maintaining complete pressure relief. 

The medium-feel firmness of these Tempur side sleeper pillows cushions your head and shoulders to alleviate pain and discomfort.

It's slightly firmer than the Cloud pillow, ideal for those who don't want to completely collapse into their pillow. 

The Original is the perfect choice for side sleepers because it helps to keep the head lifted and aligned with the spine while gently cocooning the head and shoulders. 

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated  hundreds of hours  to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a  team of testers  of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

What to consider when purchasing the best pillow for side sleepers

Side sleepers frequently feel neck, shoulder, and back pain upon waking, a tell-tale sign that their pillow isn't matched to the side sleeping position.

In contrast to other types of sleepers, side sleepers need a very supportive pillow that aligns the neck and spine , keeping everything in a neutral position.

But how exactly do you find this perfectly suited pillow?

There are a few things that you ought to consider. 🙇‍♀️

Pillow loft

The height of the pillow is vital.

Generally, your sleeping position affects the pillow loft as follows :

• Side sleepers need a high-loft pillow.
• Back sleepers need a medium-loft pillow.
• Stomach sleepers need a low-loft pillow.

But your build and body size also affect this. 🤔

If you're of a more petite build, with a shorter neck-to-shoulder distance, you would need a lower loft pillow than someone of a larger build with a longer neck-to-shoulder distance.

We’re big fans of adjustable loft pillows , as these would allow you to choose the loft that’s perfect for you.

Customisable pillows allow you to add or remove filling to find your perfect match.

Some of our favourites include :

• Emma Original pillow
• Simba Hybrid pillow
• Kally Sleep adjustable pillow
• Brightr Eclipse adjustable pillow

Pillows with layers like the Brightr and Emma will give you slightly more support. 👍

In contrast, shredded foam pillows like the Simba will give you more of that traditional pillow feel, largely because the foam filling is more likely to give way than a solid piece of foam.

BUY SIMBA PILLOW £ 109

Pillow firmness and support

While pillow loft influences whether or not your neck bends up, down, or stays in a neutral position, the pillow support will also influence how much this will change during the night.

Memory foam pillows like the Panda Bamboo pillow will give you even support all night long. 🌱

BUY PANDA PILLOW £ 44.95

If you choose a softer pillow - like a hollowfibre or microfibre pillow - your support may dwindle.

Cheaper shredded foam pillows also generally offer decreased support as the filling is likely to move during the night. 🤦‍♀️

But you could do fine on a softer pillow that's bunched up to fill the space between head and mattress.

Generally, though, we’d recommend that the best side sleeper pillow is slightly firmer.

A firmer pillow for side sleepers will keep your head and neck in optimal alignment all night long and not sink in too much as you exert pressure on the pillow.

But you still need to sink in slightly, so don't go for an extra-firm side sleeper pillow unless you're of a larger build.

Pressure relief

Pressure relief is largely related to pillow loft and pillow support.

If your pillow doesn't have the correct height and doesn't offer a good amount of support, you're likely to experience a build-up of tension and pressure points.

This will cause you to wake up with aches and pains. 😳

Your ideal pillow will relieve tension and pressure points so you can wake up ready to jump into your day.

Side sleepers will often notice that there's more tension in their neck and shoulders - simply from sleeping in this position - so finding the perfect support pillow is vital.

Pillow shape and size

Pillows come in a range of different shapes and sizes .

The standard UK pillow sizes include :

• Standard pillow size : 50 x 75 cm (19.6 inches x 29.5 inches)
• Super king-size : 50 x 90 cm (19.6 inches x 35.4 inches)

A standard size is a good option for most sleepers , though this is also down to personal preference. 🤔

Some neck pillows also have unusual designs, offering enhanced ergonomic support .

While these can be great for a good night’s sleep, remember that you’ll have a greater difficulty finding a suitable pillowcase . 🤷

These pillows may also not be comfortable for some people.

While we agree that the above points are the most important, it would be unrealistic not to consider your budget . 💰

The price of a pillow is largely dependent on the materials it is made of - and the quality of those materials.

This is why the Kally adjustable pillow is much cheaper than the Emma adjustable pillow. 😲

30% OFF KALLY ADJUSTABLE PILLOW £ 34.99

Both have different foam layers you can add and remove to suit your preferences, but the Kally is made out of hollow fibre, while the Emma is made from more expensive memory foam.

That said, you don't necessarily have to purchase an expensive pillow to get a good-quality pillow.

As long as the pillow gives you enough support, you could choose budget or premium options.

Keep in mind, though, that premium pillows are likely to last longer.

Most hollow fibre pillows will need to be replaced after 2 years, but latex, memory foam, or down pillows can last up to 10 years . 🗓

Side sleeper pillow discount codes

You can also buy your pillow when it's on special. 🤑

Our favourite pillow brands have frequent sales and coupon codes.

We share all of them on our discounts page .

You'll also get the best deals straight in your inbox if you sign up for our newsletter.

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What material is best for side sleeper pillows?

While pillow material may influence the firmness level, you also need to consider what type of pillow you enjoy.

• Do you like your pillow to be firm and stable?
• Or are you the type of person who likes to cuddle with the pillow?

You won’t be able to do the latter with a memory foam pillow like the Emma!

Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common pillow materials . 👇

Best memory foam pillows for side sleepers

Memory foam is an excellent pillow material for side sleepers.

This is because memory foam pillows tend to be firmer and offer more neck support . 🤗

They’re also very contouring , so your head will sink in just enough to be “hugged” by the pillow, but not enough to decrease support.

Memory foam is also a hypoallergenic material that's resistant to dust mites and allergens, making these pillows an excellent choice for people prone to allergies . 🤧

It also retains more heat, so it's not a good choice for hot sleepers - though you may find some great gel-infused memory foam cooling pillows that can help counteract this problem.

In addition, some people simply don’t like the feel of memory foam pillows.

If you prefer to snuggle with your pillow and want memory foam, then your best bet is a shredded memory foam pillow like the Simba Hybrid pillow.

A shredded foam pillow may offer slightly decreased support (depending on how much filling you keep), but you’ll still get the feel of a traditional pillow and not the firm support typical of memory foam pillows.

Best feather and down pillows for side sleepers

Premium down and feather pillows can be very comfortable. 🦆

But they tend to flatten out over time and are likely to offer decreasing support during the night.

This means that they’re not necessarily the best choice for side sleepers.

If you’re a fan of down pillows, though, and like the enhanced breathability and mouldability , you should opt for a luxury pillow with lots of stuffing. ❄️

This will better support you.

Keep in mind, though, that you may need to fluff up your pillow frequently to keep its shape.

The Hypnos Feather and Down pillow is our favourite feather pillow for side sleepers.

20% OFF HYPNOS FEATHER PILLOW £ 69.95

Best hollowfibre and microfibre pillows for side sleepers

These are synthetic anti-allergy pillows with a polyester base, and are often recommended as down-alternative pillows.

But, we’d err on the side of caution with hollow fibre and microfibre pillows.

While these are affordable, lightweight options generally available in a wide range of lofts and firmness levels, they don’t usually last as long.

Many polyester pillows will need to be replaced after as little as two years.

Support with these types of pillows also decreases rapidly.

So even though you may sleep well at first, you could start experiencing neck and shoulder pains after a few months. 😔

If your budget only allows for one of these, then we’d stick to microfibre, which is slightly better quality.

Alternatively, you could opt for a premium microfibre or hollowfibre pillow with more stuffing, like the Emma Premium Microfibre pillow .

BUY EMMA MICROFIBRE PILLOW

How to make side sleeping more comfortable

We wouldn't be sleeping on the side if it weren't comfortable.

But, there are ways to make side sleeping even more comfortable - and better for your body!

Here are a few key tips. 🔑

Use the right mattress

It's important to remember that even the best pillow can't get rid of aches and pains if your mattress is shoddy.

You need a mattress that provides enough cushioning for the hips and shoulders.

This will enhance spinal alignment, reduce pressure points , and allow you to snooze pain-free.

Many side sleepers prefer soft or medium-firm mattresses.

Choosing the right mattress is so important that we'll look at it in more detail in the FAQ section of this article. 👇

Keep a pillow between your knees

Side sleepers sometimes struggle with pelvic rotation .

This is a painful condition resulting from the displacement of the back muscles and the lumbar spine.

It occurs frequently when the upper body is turned in the opposite direction of the lower body - something that’s quite likely in the side sleeping position!

The best treatment (and avoidance) plan is to place a pillow between the knees while sleeping.🧎‍♂️

This greatly reduces pressure in the lower hips and back and improves spinal alignment.

For this, we’d recommend a fluffier pillow like a shredded memory foam pillow, down pillow, or even a microfibre or polyester pillow. ☁️

Since this pillow's prime purpose is comfort and not support, you don't need to invest in a quality option.

Even a budget pillow will suffice.

You could also try something like the Kally Body Pillow for full-body comfort and support.

20% OFF KALLY BODY PILLOW £ 47.99

Invest in a mattress topper

Unless you have a soft mattress or one with a pillow top, your mattress may be too firm for the side sleeping position.

But this doesn't mean you need to buy a new mattress. 🛌

A mattress topper is an extra layer of material placed on top of your mattress.

Mattress toppers add both cushioning and comfort.

For side sleepers, a good memory foam topper , like the Panda mattress topper or the thick Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper , can aid pressure relief and allow for better spinal alignment. 🐼

Excellent memory foam toppers:

25% OFF HYPNIA TOPPER

What is the best pillow for side sleepers?

The best pillow for side sleepers will meet these criteria:

• High enough to fill the space between your neck and the mattress.
• Supportive enough to keep your neck and spine aligned.
• Comfortable enough, so you feel good sleeping.

As long as you’re opting for a quality pillow with enough height and firmness , you’ll be good to go. 🙌

We also really like customisable pillows , which will suit a greater variety of builds.

Below is a recap of some of our favourite pillows for side sleepers. 👇

Don’t forget to read our full pillow reviews for more info if needed.

Best side sleeper pillow UK:

25% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PILLOW

Table of Contents

Frequently asked questions, how firm should a side sleeper’s pillow be.

Side sleepers generally do best on medium-firm pillows or slightly firmer pillows.

With soft pillows, your head will sink in too much.

This decreases support and causes tension. 😣

But if the pillow is too firm, your neck may feel strained , also causing tension.

Ideally, you’d need the perfect match between firmness, support, and pillow loft.

What’s the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain?

Side sleepers with neck pain will do well on a body pillow , u-shaped pillow, or v-shaped pillows that can support your head, neck, and shoulders at the same time.

Look at our full article on pillows for neck pain for more information.

Should you wash your pillow?

Well, that largely depends on the pillow you have. 

Some materials, like memory foam, are not washable, so memory foam pillows can generally not be washed.

Others, like the MyPillow  or the Kally pillow , are fully machine-washable and can be popped into the wash whenever needed. 🧼

To protect your pillow, we recommend choosing a good pillowcase - like a traditional cotton cover, a soft bamboo cover, or a luxurious silk pillowcase - and a pillow protector.

What are the benefits to side sleeping?

While we often recommend back sleeping as the optimal position that causes the least amount of pain and tension, side sleeping has some benefits. 

These include :

• Side sleeping minimises snoring as it keeps the airways open.
• Side sleeping reduces acid reflux and sleep apnoea .
• Sleeping on your left side can improve digestion.
• Side sleeping is the most comfortable for pregnant women .
• With the right mattress, side sleeping allows for optimal spinal alignment.

The only sleep position we’d advise against is sleeping on your stomach.

Even if it’s comfortable, stomach sleepers frequently struggle with severe neck and back pain.

Unfortunately, no pillow or mattress exists that can help relieve that pain. 

What's the best mattress for side sleepers?

We’ve mentioned that the mattress you choose is vital to your comfort as a side sleeper. 

Even the best pillow can’t help you if your mattress is causing tension.

Like with pillows, you need to focus on optimal spinal alignment . 🦴

Your mattress needs to be soft enough to allow your hips and shoulders to sink in and firm enough to keep the rest of your body firmly supported.

This balance will result in optimal spinal alignment, which decreases pressure points and prevents a build-up of tension.

And that allows you to wake up pain-free (with the right pillow, of course). 🥳

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Nicky Peters

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with BA, BA(Hons), and MA qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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Best Mattress For Side Sleepers

Side sleepers have a unique set of mattress requirements. Find out what they are in our guide.

Best Anti-Snore Pillows

Snoring can literally be a cause of nightmares. The best anti-snoring pillows may help.

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Could a memory foam pillow be just what you need for a healthier sleep? Find out here.

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Best pillow for side sleepers – tried and tested for perfect spine alignment

We've tried and tested the best pillows for side sleepers from Simba, Panda, Woolroom, Tempur, and a whole host more brands, to help you find the right pillow for your sleep style

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• Best overall
• Best for neck pain
• Best memory foam
• Best for hot sleepers
• Best for side and back sleepers

How to choose

• How we test

The quick list 1. Best overall 2. Best for neck pain 3. Best memory foam 4. Best for hot sleepers 5. Best firm 6. Best for side and back sleepers How to choose FAQs How we test

If sourcing the best pillow for side sleepers is high on your agenda, then you're in the right place. 

Your sleep style – that's whether you're most likely to sleep on your side, front, or back – is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when shopping for a good night's sleep, whether you're searching for the best pillows or the best mattress for a comfortable night's kip.

The best pillow for side sleepers is one that will keep your head, neck, and spine in perfect alignment, without raising your head too high or allowing it to drop too low – both of which can put undue pressure on the neck whilst you rest. 

The good news is that we've tried and tested multiple pillows from multiple brands – including Simba, Panda, Woolroom, Tempur, and many more – to curate this shortlist of the best pillows for side sleepers. 

We've tracked down the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain, the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers, plus plenty more pillows that deliver great side sleeping support to make finding your ideal pillow – and therefore getting a better night's sleep – far quicker and easier.

The quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the very best pillows for side sleepers. You'll find more information on each pillow and why our testers recommend it if you keep on scrolling.

Best pillow for side sleepers overall

The versatility of its adjustable fill means we voted this the best pillow for side sleepers overall. You can add or remove the foam 'nanocubes' inside to make the pillow the exact right height for you.

Read more below

Best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain

We think this is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain thanks to its firmer support and cleverly designed ergonomic shape that cradles the neck to offer optimum support during the night.

Best memory foam pillow for side sleepers

Far more luxurious than your usual memory foam pillow, this slightly more malleable memory foam option is brilliant for spinal alignment. Several of our testers now won't sleep without it.

Best pillow for hot sleepers, and the most eco-friendly

This is the best pillow for side sleepers who tend to overheat, thanks to its naturally breathable and thermoregulating adjustable wool fill. Plus, it's the most sustainable and eco-friendly pillow we've come across.

Best firm pillow for side sleepers

Another entry from Panda, the brand's original memory foam pillow is both higher and more solid feeling than the brand's newest Hybrid launch, making it the best firm pillow for side sleepers. It's also significantly cheaper.

Best pillow for side and back sleepers

If you switch sleep positions in the night then this softer memory foam pillow with a lower loft makes it the best pillow for side and back sleepers. It's an investment, but our reviewers found it hard to part with.

The best pillow for side sleepers

Why you can trust Ideal Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

I'm Amy the Ideal Home team's Sleep Editor. I put all manner of products through their paces to find the top recommendations for a good night's sleep, whether that's the best duvets or the best electric blankets . Along with the wider team, I've tested multiple pillows to find the best pillow for side sleepers – a mission close to my heart as I switch between side and front sleeping myself.

1. Simba Hybrid Pillow

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Thanks to its adjustable fill (a genius concept) multiple testers found this Simba option to be the best pillow for side sleepers overall. 

It's the pillow's versatility that meant it scored so highly, with it being one of the few pillows on the market that allows you to adjust the inner filling to make it just the right loft (height) for you. This is great for side sleepers as it means you can raise the height of the pillow to just the right loft for your spine to be in alignment. Just add or remove the foam 'nanocubes' to make the pillow the correct height for you. There's also a handy storage bag for storing any spare foam filling.

That adjustable fill also means this pillow can work just as well for back and front sleepers too, making it a great all-rounder, and especially useful for spare bedrooms where overnight guests can tailor the fill to exactly their liking. 

The only testers this pillow didn't impress were those who prefer a firmer sleep surface – it is quite soft – and those who prefer to opt for more breathable natural materials over synthetics.

This pillow is an investment, so take advantage of one of Ideal Home's Simba discount codes , or keep an eye on our Simba deals page to make the most of one of the brand's frequent sales when you shop. The brand also offers a sleep trial to help you make sure it's a good sleep for you before you commit.

2. Kally Sleep Neck Pain Pillow

We've tested multiple options, and we think this high-density memory foam pillow is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain. 

Its firm structure means your neck is kept static during the night to decrease twinges and aches and although its firmer feel takes a little getting used to at first, it quickly became our reviewer's go-to sleep aid. 

Plus, our testers with no existing neck problems were just as impressed by its ergonomic shape that cradles the neck to offer optimum support during the night. 

It's also a great buy if you tend to switch positions during the night, with slightly higher headrests on either side of the pillow to cater for comfortable side sleeping and a shaped centre to support the cervical spine whilst sleeping on your back. Not just the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain, but the best pillow we've found for neck pain in general, and, there's a manufacturer sleep trial, so you can check it helps with your neck pain too before you commit.

The only downside is that its ergonomic shape doesn't fill out a pillowcase that well, so it's not going to help you achieve a well-styled bed. But if you're looking for pain relief and a good night's sleep then that's probably a sacrifice well worth making.

3. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow

Memory foam pillows can divide opinion, with some loving the adaptive sleep surface and others less keen on the firmer feel. 

However, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow converted even our most memory foam-averse reviewers, with this pillow scoring highly amongst all testers, especially our side sleepers. That's why we voted it the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers.

Alongside a slightly more malleable memory foam core that is brilliant for creating good spinal alignment whilst you sleep, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow is topped with a cool and silky bamboo rayon top layer that gives the pillow a really luxurious feel compared to your usual rather 'boxy' memory foam pillow.

Panda has also incorporated several ways of increasing airflow into this pillow to combat the usual downside of solid memory foam, which is overheating. The memory foam has ventilation holes throughout it, there's a breathable mesh panel on the side of the pillow, and that upper layer of bamboo rayon helps to cool down your sleep – it certainly impressed our hot sleepers who found it far more breathable than expected.

In fact, several of our reviewers now say they won't sleep without this pillow. Panda's sleep trial will help you to assess if the same is true for you. 

Best pillow for side sleepers who overheat

4. Woolroom Chatsworth Collection Washable Wool Pillow

If you're a side sleeper who suffers from overheating during the night then natural materials – in particular wool, which is perfect for hot sleepers thanks to its breathable, thermo-regulating qualities – are the way forward. 

Our bodies – including our heads – naturally give off heat and moisture during the night, and with a synthetic pillow, this heat and humidity is often reflected back toward the sleeper. If you regularly wake up and turn your pillow over looking for the cool side, then your pillow likely lacks breathability and is making you too hot, which can cause sleep disturbance.

If your pillow is filled with polyester or memory foam then these are both forms of plastic derived from petroleum – and, if you think of their essence as being similar to a plastic bag, it's easy to see why a synthetic pillow can lack breathability and get hot and sweaty pretty quickly! 

A natural wool fill pillow eliminates this problem, as wool is adept at wicking heat and moisture away from the body and releasing it into the air. A wool-fill pillow, therefore, creates a breathable sleep surface that's ideal for hot sleepers. Plus, this washable wool-filled pillow is a far more sustainable option compared to synthetic pillows. 

Woolroom's Chatsworth Washable Wool Pillow is similar to the Simba Hybrid pillow with its adjustable foam 'nanocubes' in that you can unzip its quilted cover to adjust the amount of wool filling inside. The only downside is that you're not provided with that much fill as standard, so if you're a side sleeper with wider shoulders then you might find you need to invest in a little more filling – extra wool fill can be bought on Woolroom's website – or opt for two pillows. But again, there's a sleep trial on offer, so you can see what works best for you before you commit.

5. Panda Memory Foam Pillow

Another entry from Panda, the brand's original memory foam pillow is a design that's amassed a host of positive reviews online. And little wonder, because in testing we found this the best firm pillow for side sleepers, as well as being a brilliantly affordably buy.

The Panda Memory Foam pillow is higher than the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow and a good degree firmer, but in our tests, it proved very popular with our side sleeping testers with wider shoulders who appreciated the extra loft.

Minus the quilted bamboo rayon upper layer that the Panda Hybrid Bamboo offers, the Panda Memory Foam pillow doesn't feel as luxurious, but it still offers good quality compared to most similar firm memory foam pillows we've tested. Its textured cover, which can be unzipped and washed at 40°c is a nice touch. As is the embroidered Panda logo – although unfortunately, we did find this showed through pale coloured pillowcases, so we tended to flip the pillow to the reverse to hide it.  

And the real plus point? Compared to the Panda Hybrid Bamboo, the Panda Memory Foam pillow is nearly half the price, and reasonable in relation to most memory foam pillows you price check it against. 

This makes it not only the best firm pillow for side sleepers but a good value side sleeping option all round. Plus, it comes with a handy sleep trial to help you assess whether it's the right fit for you before you commit.

6. Tempur Comfort Cloud Pillow

If you like the more solid feel of memory foam under your head for side sleeping, but also crave a softer sleep surface if you roll onto your back during the night, then Tempur's Comfort Cloud Pillow could be for you. 

Tempur is the brand widely accredited with creating the very first memory foam as-we-know-it after it adapted 'viscoelastic' – a material invented by NASA for use as cushioning in its spacecraft – for use in mattresses. It remains the only sleep brand to hold NASA's Certified Space Technology® license.

Unlike the usual rectangular shape that most memory foam pillows adopt, the Tempur Comfort Cloud Pillow echoes the shape of a 'traditional' pillow, and it's this slightly softer and lower loft that means we think it's the best pillow for side and back sleepers; perfect if you're someone who switches up their sleep position during the night.

If how your bed looks is also important to you, then that classic pillow shape also means it fills out a pillowcase better than most memory foam pillows, so this option still looks great on the bed. 

It may be an investment, but after sleeping on this pillow for a week several of our reviewers said they wouldn't return to another pillow, with one saying, 'this pillow has changed my mind about memory foam – I'm definitely a convert!'. Tempur's sleep trial allows you the option to find out if it can also convert you. 

If you sleep on your side then usually you'll be best choosing a thicker pillow – or two thinner pillows – that will lift your head off the mattress enough that it keeps your spine and neck in good alignment. 

However, this can be a challenge as everyone’s shoulders are different widths. Wider shoulders mean that you're likely to need more pillow height to keep your neck straight once you're laid on your side and narrower shoulders mean you'll need less loft, so sometimes it can take a little trial and error to get the correct pillow height for side sleeping.

A higher loft memory foam or boxwall pillow can be a good bet as they both provide height and prevent your head from sinking too low. Or, a pillow with adjustable fill – like the two on our shortlist – can help you to create just the right height pillow for your body frame.

However, you'll also want to take the pros and cons of different pillow materials into account when you shop.

If you find yourself regularly flipping your pillow over at night looking for the cooler side, it’s likely you need a more breathable pillow filling. Synthetic fibres are usually the biggest culprit when it comes to nighttime sweats, with the plastic polymers prone to reflecting heat back towards the sleeper and causing overheating. 

Many pillow manufacturers aim to combat this lack of breathability by adding in ‘spaces’ between the synthetic fibres to enable airflow, but opting for natural materials for the pillow casing and fill is usually the best bet for staying cool at night. Look for cotton, wool, feather, or down which are all far more breathable and so make the best pillows for those prone to getting a hot head at night, delivering a far cooler sleep. 

What is the best pillow for side sleepers?

The best pillow for a side sleeper is one that allows the neck and spine to rest in perfect alignment. 

As Kora Habinakova, sleep and bedding expert from bedding specialist Sleepseeker , clarifies, ‘The purpose of a pillow is to support your head and align your neck and spine while you lie down’. Misalignment between the neck and spine can create ‘discomfort, stiffness, and even pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. It can also exacerbate existing spinal conditions or lead to new ones over time.'

That means that finding the best pillow for a side sleeper requires finding a pillow that is the right height for your exact measurements, with those with wider shoulders requiring a higher pillow than those with a narrower frame. 

You also need to factor in body weight, and how soft your mattress is. As Kora explains, ’Lighter individuals are less likely to sink into the mattress and tend to prefer medium-thick pillows that will help to promote optimal spinal alignment. Those with heavier weight considerations are more likely to experience sinkage and may find a thinner pillow helps keep the head level with the spine.’

What kind of pillow should side sleepers use?

As well as getting a comfortable pillow (or two) for under your head, side sleepers might also want to consider an extra pillow – for between the knees.

‘Placing a pillow between your knees whilst side sleeping can help to keep your spine in proper alignment' says Emily Attwood, co-founder of bedding brand  Scooms . 

Kora from Sleepseeeker agrees, 'When sleeping on your side, your spine can pull out of alignment and cause pain in your lower back and hips’. That's why adding a pillow between your legs can help to prevent the lower back from twisting. 

How we test pillows

You'll find the general principles of how we review products at  Ideal Home on our how we test page, however, what better way to test out a pillow than to lay your head down for a nap?

In order to thoroughly test all the options in this round-up, each of the best pillows in our guide has been tried out by multiple members of the Ideal Home team for a minimum of two weeks. We recruited a mix of different self-proclaimed side sleepers to make sure we had a variety of opinions, including hot sleepers, memory foam lovers, and those who are averse, plus testers who struggle with neck-related aches and pains.

To earn a place on our shortlist, each pillow has to have impressed our reviewers, proved itself good value for money, and delivered a great night's sleep.

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After studying Print Design at Winchester School of Art, Amy spent multiple years working in the interior industry, including styling and visual merchandising for many well-known brands. She’s now Ecommerce Editor at Ideal Home , offering expert advice on the best products for decorating your home and ensuring it functions smoothly. That includes sourcing stylish yet affordable furniture – from the best sofa beds for combining style, comfort, and function, to the best artificial Christmas trees for a stress-free festive season – helping our readers to find the best mattress for their sleep style, and testing top-rated dehumidifiers and air purifiers to narrow down the best-in-class.

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The Best Travel Pillow

Short of scoring a row of empty seats—dream on!—your best bet for getting at least a little sleep while flying is a travel pillow.

After asking 10 panelists to try on eight travel pillows and after taking four cross-country red-eyes in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the comfortable and easy-to-pack  Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people.

Everything we recommend

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

Buying Options

Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

A travel pillow available at airports.

This memory-foam neck-support pillow is highly adjustable, but without a contoured back, it can’t quite sit flush with the headrest. It’s available at many airport stores, though.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace, but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Bcozzy Pillow

Great with large headphones.

Featuring an adjustable design that accommodates over-the-ear headphones, the Bcozzy is an excellent chin-support pillow for people who nod forward as they sleep.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case.

Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, while supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks. While the memory foam feels plush, it’s also quite firm; this offers excellent support, but not much give. It also doesn’t let you adjust the fit, like our two wrappable picks: the Turtl and the BCozzy . If the Travelrest fits your neck, it’s an excellent pillow. If your neck is much longer or shorter than this pillow’s 5-inch wall, though, you might prefer the fit of one of our other pillow picks.

If our top pick sells out, or if you find yourself pillowless past security, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is almost as good a pillow. It lacks the Travelrest’s angled, lay-flat back, but its U-shape, contoured memory-foam core and machine-washable velour cover still provide comparable levels of comfort. Its adjustable string closure also means that you can fit the pillow much tighter around your neck than you can with the Travelrest, making it a good choice for people with smaller necks or people who prefer a more constricted fit. Additionally, it’s the only one of our picks that we’ve regularly seen in stores located behind the security checkpoint at many airports.

If you typically lean to the same side while sleeping, the Trtl Pillow’s fleece-covered plastic frame provides unshakeable support to one side of your neck while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s basically a one-sided neck brace. The pillow’s cozy wraparound fleece will also keep your neck warm, making it a good choice for anyone who gets cold while flying (and a poor choice for those who sleep hot). But the Trtl’s winning quality is its tiny, packable size. Unlike any of our other picks, the Trtl does not need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. It will always take up about as much space as a PB&J sandwich. (It costs a lot more than one, though.)

The Bcozzy , a variation on the hemi-doughnut theme, is our pick for anyone who wears large over-the-ear headphones on a flight or tends to nod forward while they sleep. The pillow’s overlapping ends form a snug cushion that holds your chin in place far better than do the Trtl’s plastic frame or the Travelrest and Cabeau’s chin-facing gap. While the pillow does not provide great support to either side of your neck, if paired with a large pair of headphones, the Bcozzy holds a head in place perfectly. While not as compressible as our other picks, the pillow has a small loop that can be clipped to the outside of most bags so it doesn’t have to take up space inside your bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked our best travel pillow finalists, how we tested travel pillows, our pick for the best travel pillow: travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow, runner-up for the best travel pillow: cabeau evolution classic pillow, also great for portability: trtl pillow, also-great chin-support pillow for forward-nodders: bcozzy pillow, other good travel pillows, the competition.

I am a frequent flyer who often takes red-eyes from coast to coast—I now live in Brooklyn but fly home to San Francisco to visit my parents. I’m also an insomniac, so falling asleep on planes has never been easy for me. While writing this article, I tested eight travel pillows on two five-hour flights and slept with our four picks on two more cross-country flights. I also spoke with Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change at the time of the interview, to see what she looks for in a travel pillow.

In addition, my Wirecutter colleagues as a whole are an exceptionally mobile group. We’ve worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica, so I asked some folks on staff which pillows they like and use regularly. (They’ve also since contributed some additional testing.)

Boarding a red-eye without a travel pillow in your bag is like choosing to sleep on the floor when there’s a perfectly good futon nearby. Sure, it’s no bed, but it’s a hell of a lot better than hardwood. In an interview she did in 2017 with The Atlantic reporter Kelly Conaboy, Dr. Mary O’Connor, then the director of Yale’s Center for Musculoskeletal Care, said that despite a lack of clinical studies that support the efficacy of travel pillows, “Many of us who travel have experienced falling asleep with our neck in a weird position and it bothering us thereafter. So, I think they can be helpful, but that depends on how they’re used and whether they support the neck.” In other words, using a supportive pillow may decrease the chances you wake up with an unwanted crick. It certainly has in our experience.

However, not all travel pillows are the same, and if you also happen to have a zealous hatred of your travel pillow, you probably have a bad one. So even if you have a generic pillow you picked up at some airport a few years ago, consider upgrading to one of our picks. And of course, these pillows work well on buses and trains, too.

So how can you tell if a pillow is likely to actually support your head? Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow studying sleep at the time of our interview, says the best travel pillows will keep your head elevated and in alignment with your spine: “Look for something that would really be supportive. My one gripe with most travel pillows is that they’re too soft and not too full—you want something that will be supportive as you try to get comfortable in your limited space.” Robbins also recommends finding a pillow that can keep you cozy but not too hot, as she says it’s easier to sleep with a lower body temperature.

Robbins does her best to avoid one common travel situation. “My number one sleep tip is to not take a red-eye if you can avoid it,” she said. “If the flight is five hours, you’re going to only have three hours of true rest, because all the announcements—‘lower your window,’ ‘raise your window.’ Those can be significant distractions.”

We also looked at existing editorial reviews for guidance. Ethan Green , founder of the sleep resource blog No Sleepless Nights, compiled an extensive comparative review of popular travel pillows that we found helpful when deciding what models to test.

For people who want a travel pillow that will ease some of the discomfort of sleeping upright on a bumpy plane ride, we’ve identified the following key features:

• Comfort and support: The pillow should offer ample support for the weight of your neck and head but not restrict your movements or feel too tight.
• Portable (but not inflatable): You don’t want your travel pillow to take up so much space in your carry-on that you can’t bring other things you need, so it should compress to a smaller size. Barring that, there should at least be a way to clip it to the outside of your bag or luggage. Inflatable pillows are easy to pack but should be avoided. They inevitably spring a leak, often sooner rather than later.
• Soft: The material should feel plush against your skin but not trap so much heat that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
• Universal fit (or as close as possible): The pillow should allow space for people to sleep with a ponytail or accommodate bigger hair, as well as a whole variety of head shapes and sizes and neck lengths.
• Sleeping styles: It should also accommodate people who move their head in any direction while they sleep. It should also work in a window, a middle, or an aisle seat.
• Speed of compression/decompression: In case you need to quickly stow your pillow before exiting the plane, or if you want to catch some shut-eye in a moment’s notice, it shouldn’t take too long to stuff the pillow into its carrying case or unfold it to full size.
• Weight: Ideally, the pillow shouldn’t add undue burden to your carry-on. While inflatable pillows will always be the lightest option, memory-foam pillows don’t weigh much more and can offer significantly more comfort.
• Grip/traction: Your head will likely move around a bit while sleeping on a plane, especially if there’s turbulence. So any kind of grip or traction around the bottom of the pillow will help it stay in place and keep you snoozing.
• Machine washable: As you might expect from a vessel that ferries hundreds of people back and forth across the sky on a daily basis, planes can be filthy. So you’ll want to be able to wash the whole pillow—or at least its cover—before you take it on your next trip.

We researched more than 40 travel pillows—which ranged from variations on a hemi-doughnut to inscrutable crowdfunded designs—and after comparing hundreds of glowing and enraged Amazon reviews, we decided to test eight. We asked a panel of 10 people to try each of the pillows in a chair pushed against the wall of a conference room (the closest we could come to airline conditions in our office) and surveyed them on the fit, comfort, and support of each pillow. The panelists all had a variety of neck lengths and jaw sizes, and one even had a substantial beard. We also ran all of the pillows or their detachable pillowcases through a washing machine as instructed to see how well each stood up to a spin cycle and tumble dry.

And because simulations are rarely enough, I brought eight travel pillows on two cross-country flights to see how the pillows felt in the specific back design of an airplane seat. As I was lucky enough to have unnecessarily kind and understanding neighbors (thank you, Mike and Deborah!), I wore each of these pillows in a window, a middle, and an aisle seat to see if they felt comfortable in each configuration. I also tried on Deborah’s Muji travel pillow (as she offered), but determined it had much less support than our picks. I also carried all of our picks on two more cross-country flights on a different airline to ensure the pillows did just as well in different seat designs.

The Travelrest Ultimate remains our top pick after several years because its plush but firm memory-foam core offers more support to your neck than that of any other pillow. It’s also one of the few pillows we tested that felt specifically designed for an airline seat, with an angled, grippy back that aligns perfectly to both upright and reclined positions and ensures the pillow won’t slide down as you nod off. The velvety-soft pillow supports heads and necks of all sizes and can be fitted with an adjustable cord and clasp. In the tried-but-true shape of a hemi-doughnut—imagine a doughnut with a bite taken out—the Travelrest Ultimate may look like other pillows, but a number of thoughtful details make it a softer, more supportive pillow than all the rest.

The Travelrest offers better all-around support than any other pillow we tested. Its broad, marshmallowy walls hug the whole circumference of your neck. It feels supportive but not stifling. The easy-to-fasten Velcro strap means it can be adjusted to a snug fit for necks of many sizes. There’s even a small crevice for curlier hair or a ponytail.

In addition to fitting your neck, the Travelrest’s back tapers up to a point to fit flat against an airline seat back. Most neck pillows lack this tapering on the back and the excess padding can push your neck away from the headrest, causing your neck to droop forward. Additionally, the Travelrest has grippy dots on the back that prevent it from slipping.

In addition to its excellent support, the Travelrest is very comfortable and cozy to wear. Its memory-foam core is wrapped in velour, which kept my neck warm without overheating it. The Travelrest’s velour also felt softer and smoother against my skin than similar coverings on other pillows, such as the Cabeau Evolution. It’s also easy to clean: The Travelrest’s cover is easily unzipped and machine-washable. The velour retained its softness after going through a wash and dry cycle.

While the Travelrest isn’t inflatable, it packs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper in its carrying case. Once you fold it cinnamon-roll style and it’s small enough to fit inside the bag, a Velcro strap on the pouch helps you compress it even further. If there’s still not enough space for it in your bag, you can always clip its drawstring to any exterior loop.

All of these thoughtful details were not lost on our testing panel. They gave the Travelrest the highest marks of any pillow in comfort and neck support, and two-thirds of our testers picked it as their favorite pillow.

How the Travelrest has held up

After over a year of use, this pillow had lost none of its supportiveness. The memory foam was just as firm and springy as it was when we bought it. Its velcro strap was still easy to secure. If it fits you, this is a pillow that stays secure and comfortable on your neck for the duration of a long flight. However, we’ve also heard from multiple travelers that this pillow doesn’t fit them. The memory foam is quite firm, which offers excellent support, but not much give. If a pillow of up to 5 inches doesn’t fit comfortably on your neck, we think you’ll be happier trying one of our other picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Travelrest Ultimate will never compress to the thin, flat size of a tiny pillow like the Trtl. But its unparalleled, cushiony support can still pack down to a reasonable size, and its 13 ounces won’t make your carry-on noticeably heavier. And if saving space is your highest concern, we think the Trtl provides space-conscious support without the spit-filled fuss of an inflatable pillow.

While the Travelrest’s voluminous plush can support all heads that lean left, back, or right, the pillow may not hold up the chins of people with smaller faces. When my head bobbed forward, my small face sank into the gap between the pillow closure and my neck. You can adjust the Velcro strap for a tighter fit, but the short strap cannot be pulled as tight as the Cabeau’s adjustable strings.

The Travelrest Ultimate’s unbeatable support is in part due to the height of its sides, designed to come up to the jaw of the wearer. This means the pillow may be incompatible with larger over-the-ear headphones for people with shorter necks. For instance, when I tried to wear the Travelrest Ultimate with my noise-cancelling Bose headphones , the pillow pushed the headset uncomfortably far up on my head, taking my earlobes with it. However, my editor, who has a longer neck, didn’t have this problem.

If you want a tighter, more adjustable fit, the Cabeau Evolution Classic  (which used to be called just the Evolution) is the way to go. Its contoured memory-foam design offers almost as much neck support as our main pick does, albeit without some of the Travelrest’s luxurious height. But the Cabeau’s adjustable clasp allows a far greater range of cinching than the Travelrest. In other words, the pillow can fit as tightly as you like.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau’s hemi-doughnut shape offers 360 degrees of support for anyone wearing it. It also boasts a cushioned memory-foam core and a contoured top that will keep your neck upright and head in place. But unlike the Travelrest’s gently arched bottom, the Cabeau’s flat bottom won’t sit as securely on your shoulders and may move around during your sleep. The Cabeau also lacks the Travelrest’s smartly tapered, grippy back that helps keep the pillow in place during flight. The Cabeau’s velour cover is also machine-washable, but it feels less soft than the Travelrest’s.

Although the Cabeau’s fit and shape aren’t quite as good as the Travelrest’s, this pillow is more adjustable. It can be tightened or loosened with two adjustable strings that clip together, which results in a far more adjustable range than the Travelrest’s short strip of Velcro. If you have a smaller neck and know you find a tighter grip on your neck comforting, the Cabeau may be the way to go.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau also packs down to a quarter of its size, thanks to an adjustable strap bisecting its carrying case. But at 15.2 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than the Travelrest.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Cabeau Evolution is sold in many of those ubiquitous news stores inside airports. So if you find yourself lacing up your shoes after security and wishing you had bought one of our picks before your flight, look for the Cabeau’s contoured shape among the novelty hemi-doughnuts dangling off the travel pillow racks. It’s the best pillow you can buy at an airport. But if you have the chance to order online, the Travelrest offers more support.

There is a newer model of the Evolution Classic, the S3 , which has straps to hook onto a seat’s headrest. We think it’s a good choice if the Classic version is out of stock or otherwise unavailable. It’s still supportive and comfortable, but not as thick or soft as the Classic.

The Trtl Pillow , though odd-looking and unconventional, won a contingent of ardent fans with its firm support and slim, packable size. But it’s not our top pick because it works on only one side, and its warmth-trapping fleece can cause your neck to overheat. It’s also the most expensive of our picks. The Trtl consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside of a soft, fleece scarf that wraps once around your neck and then closes with Velcro to hold the pillow in place. You just lean your head against the convex end of the bendy frame, wrap the pillow around your neck, and your head has a soft but firm pedestal on which to rest while you sleep. It sounds weird, but it’s not that different from a neck brace—only it’s one-sided and softer.

Because the Trtl Pillow is little more than a scarf with a plastic plate in it, it packs down to the size of a sandwich and can lay flat against the back of your bag. This is the smallest travel pillow we tested and also requires none of the squashing or awkward cinching it takes to stuff the Travelrest or Cabeau into their holding bags, which are also easy to lose. Unlike any of the other pillows we’ve seen, the Trtl is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or handbag, making it the best option for people who don’t normally travel with backpacks. And at a featherweight 5 ounces, the Trtl is the lightest pillow we tested.

Though the Trtl can support your head from only one side, the tall, bendy plastic frame inside offered more support on that one side than either the Travelrest or Cabeau. Yet even with its soft, wraparound design, it lacks the all-around support provided by our top and runner-up picks. If you are an asymmetrical sleeper (if you prefer sleeping with your head leaning to one side), the Trtl may be a good choice. However, it’s not a good choice for people who nod forward—the plastic insert is too stiff. If that’s you, we prefer the Bcozzy, which we talk more about below .

Some testers found the Trtl’s quasi-corseted-turtleneck design off-putting. But then again, no one looks cool wearing any travel pillow. And on that note, the Trtl’s cozy fleece will keep your neck toasty. So if you know you run hot, the Trtl may not be the pillow for you.

Wirecutter’s Ganda Suthivarakom swears by the Trtl: “It packs almost flat, weighs next to nothing, and can be helpful for sleeping even when you are stuck in a middle seat. As someone who is always cold on the plane, I don't mind the whole fleece scarf design, either.”

Trtl has a more padded version of the pillow that claims to be more adjustable; one of our longer-necked staffers tried it and reported that it is indeed more comfortable for him than the original Trtl was. However, the same limitations of the original apply to the new version.

The Bcozzy is a snakelike spin on the traditional hemi-doughnut that’s perfect for anyone traveling with large headphones or people who tend to nod forward while sleeping and wake themselves up. It lacks the tall, supportive sides of our other picks, but the overlapping front is the perfect height to keep your chin from nodding forward as you doze off. It’s not as supportive on the sides, but this leaves ample room for big headphones.

The Bcozzy’s best advantage is its overlapping circular design, which allows you to adjust the pillow to degrees of personal preference. You can place the overlapping ends of the pillow around any point of your neck (though it only really makes sense in the front or on the sides), and wear the pillow as loose or as tight as you’d like. We think it’s most comfortable when the ends meet right under your neck—and in that position, it cushions your chin better than any other pillow we tested.

The longer, leaner Bcozzy lacks the plush, ensconcing neck support of the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution. It lays so low on your shoulders that it might not even touch your jaw. But this makes the pillow perfect for anyone who likes to wear over-the-ear headphones along with a travel pillow while they sleep on the flight. I personally like to fall asleep to music and drown out the dull roar of an airplane, so the Bcozzy works perfectly for me.

We still think the Travelrest Ultimate is a superior overall hemi-doughnut pillow, but the Bcozzy is an excellent choice if you plan to wear big headphones or know the feeling of that sharp, waking drop when your head falls forward on a plane.

The Bcozzy is also one of the least packable pillows, as it doesn’t come with a carrying case and does not compress particularly well. But its 7.4 ounces is around half the weight of the Travelrest or Cabeau, and it does comes with a little loop that clips onto the outside of a backpack or duffel. And even when squished down at the bottom of a bag, it doesn’t take up that much more space than the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau.

If you’re a back sleeper who can fall sleep sitting upright in your seat, facing forward, and not need to curl up or lean your head on the airplane window: You may want to try the Posture+ Travel Pillow, which is a U-shaped neck cushion, padded with memory foam, that looks like the back half of a cervical collar. When testing it, we slept surprisingly well, but it won’t suit all (or even most) sleep styles. It’s also not machine-washable, and it is pricy.

If you have a shorter neck and tend to run hot on planes and would prefer a pillow designed to keep you cool: Consider the ventilated Cabeau Evolution Cool —the combination of a silky polyester cover (similar to spandex) and vented design did feel mildly cooler against our necks. And we liked the pillow’s silky feel, packable size, zippered carrying case. But it was significantly smaller than the standard Cabeau Evolution and the Travelrest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive—now about $20 more than the Travelrest.

If you always lean to the same side when sleeping: Consider Travelrest’s All-in-One , which has a novel across-the-shoulder design that could be comfortable in such a situation. It has a similar fabric to the company’s winning Ultimate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, but in our tests its bulky inflated tube offered no structured head support, which could pose a problem in bumpy conditions.

If you tend to be a forward-falling head bobber: Consider the Caldera Releaf , which is less travel pillow and more neck brace. It does offer superior neck support, but it constricted the throat too much for our comfort.

The Trtl Pillow Plus , a later addition to the Trtl lineup, is more height-adjustable and has more padding than its older sibling . Our self-described “giraffe-necked” tester said that it did indeed fit him better than the original Trtl had. However, it still supports your head from only one side, making it not a great choice for sleepers who nod forward. It’s also bulkier than the original and costs nearly twice as much.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a newer version of our runner-up pick , the Evolution Classic. We liked it, and we think it’s a solid choice if the original Evolution isn’t available. It has added straps that you can hook onto a headrest to keep your head from falling forward while you sleep, but our runner-up pick is softer and slightly thicker, which offers a bit more support. We did find the S3 to be easier to roll up into its carrying case, however.

Intrigued by one of the stranger innovations that we’ve seen in travel pillow design, we tested the Huzi Design Infinity , but we can’t recommend it. Instead of cinching or clasping at the front, it is designed to be looped several times around the wearer’s neck like an infinity scarf. But the pillow failed to support our testers’ necks. Regardless of who tried it, testers found that looping it twice was too loose and thrice was too tight. It was also the largest and least compressible pillow we tested.

The J-Pillow offered a singular, three-pronged design that proved impossible for anyone to figure out without instructions. After some explanation, our testers could wear the pillow correctly, but they still felt that its squishy stuffing offered insufficient support, and only to one side of the head. It’s also impossible to pack away efficiently due to its pyramidal shape. If you want a one-sided pillow, skip this and go for the Trtl instead.

We tested the inexpensive Travelrest Curl because we loved its plush and contoured big cousin, the Travelrest Ultimate. But while the Curl contains the same luxurious memory-foam filling as the Ultimate, the pillow is so small that many testers found that it didn’t even come up to their jaws when worn. It does have an attractive price, but its skimpy size and unsupportive design could support only the shortest of necks.

We found the air-filled Sea to Summit Aeros Traveller Pillow to be similarly lacking. We liked how easy it was to fill—its dual-valve inflation mechanism means it won’t let air out between breaths—and we appreciated that it weighed only about a fifth as much as the Travelrest, but the Travelrest’s 360-degree support made it too hard to go back to an open-ring design that offers no support in the front. Also, one of our former freelance writers recently reported that when she pulled her pillow out of storage, after a few years of not using it, its internal bladder disintegrated in her hands.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Rebecca Robbins, postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change , phone interview , October 20, 2017

Meet your guide

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow: A First-Class Sleep Experience in Economy

by Dorie Chevlen

This travel pillow is so great you won’t even care if you look silly wearing it.

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

by Elissa Sanci

You might look funny while wearing the one-sided Trtl travel pillow in flight, but you won’t care when you land at your destination bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The 31 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech and Dorie Chevlen

Here we present practical and whimsical finds to delight any intrepid traveler.

• 💎 Best Luxury Mattresses
• 👌 Best Cheap Mattresses
• 📐 Mattress Size Chart
• Best Memory Foam Mattress
• Best Hybrid Mattress
• Best Pocket Sprung Mattress
• Best Mattress for Back Pain
• Best Mattress for Hip Pain
• Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia
• Best Mattress for Heavy People
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Best Camping Mattress for Couples
• Best Mattress With Edge Support UK
• Best Orthopaedic Mattress
• Best Futon Mattress
• Best Floor Mattress
• Best Pillowtop Mattress
• Best Mattress for Adjustable Bed
• Best Dormeo Mattress Toppers
• Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain
• Best Mattress Toppers for Hip Pain
• Best Cooling Mattress Topper
• Best Bamboo Pillows 🍃
• Best Latex Pillows
• Best V Shaped Pillows
• Best Knee Pillows
• Best Silk Pillowcases

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

• Best Pillows for Front Sleepers
• Best Orthopaedic Pillows
• Best Cooling Pillows
• Best Firm Pillows
• Best Bath Pillows
• Anti Snore Pillows
• ⭐ Best Mattress Protectors
• ⭐ Best Mattress Pad
• Best Pyjamas
• Best Blackout Curtains UK
• Best Earplugs for Sleeping
• Best Fabric Softeners
• Best Plants For Bedroom
• ⭐ Best Bed Sheets
• Best Grey Bedding
• Best Dunelm Bed Sheets
• Best Deep Fitted Sheets
• Best Zebra-Striped Sheets
• ⭐ Best Duvets
• Best All Seasons Duvets
• Best Duvets for Hot Sleepers
• Best Wool Duvets
• Best Winter Duvet
• Best Coverless Duvet
• Best Duvet Covers
• Best Silk Duvet Covers
• ⭐ Best Weighted Blanket
• ⭐ Best Electric Blankets
• Best Sleep Headphones
• Best Air Purifier
• Best Fans for Bedroom Comfort
• Best Cooling Fan
• Best Humidifier
• Best Sleep Trackers
• Best Steam Cleaners
• Best White Noise Machine
• Best Cot Bed
• Best Sleigh Cot Beds
• Best Travel Cots
• Best Baby Pillow
• Best Toddler Pillows
• Best Duvets for Toddlers
• Best Bed Guards & Bed Rails for Safe Sleep of Your Toddlers
• Night Light For Kids
• Best Baby Bedtime Lullaby Songs
• ⭐ Best Bed Frames
• Low Bed Frame
• Best Bunk Bed with Desk
• Best Cabin Beds
• Best Chair Beds
• Best Day Beds For Adults
• Best Ottoman Bed
• Best Storage Beds
• Beds For Small Rooms
• ⭐ Best Sofas
• White Bedroom Furniture
• Best Blanket For Dogs

Written By Connie

Certified Sleep Consultant

How We Test

Our testing process

8 March 2024 17 min read

But, it's just the way it is – you fall asleep the way your body wants to. Luckily, we know some ways you can improve your quality of sleep – and it all begins with getting the best pillow for side sleepers.

And it all comes down to proper spinal alignment and neck support! Think about it, when you're on your side, the pillow needs to perfectly cover the distance from your shoulder to your cheek, otherwise your head will be tilted to one side. And this puts a lot of strain on your neck and makes the top of your spine crooked as well!

So, if you're a side sleeper and are looking for sleep improvement techniques, trust us when we say – getting the right pillow should be step number one! Therefore, we've selected the best pillows you can buy in the UK and displayed them all here.

And if you're curious about side sleeping advantages, as well as how to ensure proper neck support and spinal alignment, stick around until the end.

10 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Best Overall: Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

Introducing the Panda Bamboo Pillow, our top pick for side sleepers in the UK. This memory foam pillow is not only highly breathable but also exceptionally durable, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relief from neck and shoulder pain. Its innovative design caters to all sleeping positions, with a special focus on side sleepers, ensuring optimal support and comfort.

The memory foam is infused with bamboo, enhancing its adaptability to your body shape and temperature. Meanwhile, the bamboo cover not only adds a touch of luxury but also prevents moisture retention and bacteria buildup, keeping the pillow fresh and hygienic.

In a quick look, the Panda Bamboo Pillow ( check its review here ) stands out as one of the best memory foam pillow options, especially for those suffering from neck and shoulder pain. Its high-quality support and adaptability to various shoulder widths make it a top-notch choice for side sleepers . Plus, with the added benefit of the bamboo-infused cover acting as a pillow protector, you can enjoy a peaceful and refreshing slumber every night.

• Size : 60 x 12 x 40 cm
• Weight : 1.5 kg
• Material : Cover: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo fibre Filling: 3rd generation memory foam
• Warranty : N/A
• Delivery : 5-7 days
• Care : Dry clean
• Good for : Back & side sleepers

Disadvantages

Best Down: Snuggledown Goose Feather & Down White Pillow

The Snuggledown Goose Feather & Down White Pillow is a fantastic option for side sleepers as it offers the perfect blend of comfort and support, keeping your head in the right position to align with your spine during sleep.

Made with a combination of 85% Goose Feather and 15% Goose Down, this pillow ensures not only a cosy feel but also excellent breathability, making it suitable even for those who tend to get hot during the night. The 230 thread count cotton cover adds an extra layer of softness, meeting the criteria that sleepers often seek in their top pillow.

Convenience is a key feature of this pillow, as i t can be easily machine-washed and tumble-dried , making maintenance a breeze.

So, if you frequently change positions during the night and want the best pillow for side sleepers that offers both comfort and support, the Snuggledown Goose Feather & Down White Pillow is an excellent choice.

Read our detailed review of the Snuggledown Goose Feather & Down pillow to find out more on this product.

• Size : 74 x 48 x 10 cm
• Weight : 2.1 kg
• Material : Cover: cotton Filling: goose feather & down
• Delivery : 3 days
• Cary : Dry clean

Best for Neck Pain: Temperature Reactive Memory Foam Firm-Support Pillow

The standout feature of this Dunelm pillow, perfect for those who prefer sleeping on their sides, is its exceptional loft. In contrast to many other pillows filled with down or synthetic materials, this one boasts an impressively high loft that plays a crucial role in maintaining proper spinal alignment during side sleeping .

What sets it apart even further is its remarkable firmness , which prevents your head from sinking and tilting during the night. This attribute is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently wake up with neck discomfort, especially if they have broader shoulders. Additionally, the memory foam filling of this pillow ensures not only support but also a high level of comfort.

Moreover, the pillow's back is crafted from 100% cotton , promoting breathability and effective dissipation of excess heat. This feature ensures that you stay comfortably cool throughout the night, avoiding the discomfort of waking up drenched in sweat. In summary, this Dunelm pillow is a must-have for side sleepers seeking both the right loft and firmness to enhance their sleep quality and overall comfort.

• Size : 64 x 40 cm
• Weight : N/A
• Material : Cover: Front: 100% polyester, Back: 100% cotton Filling: memory foam
• Delivery : 1-5 days
• Care : Machine washable
• Good for : Side sleepers

Best Adjustable: Silentnight Geltex Pillow

If you're on the hunt for a pillow that goes above and beyond in delivering outstanding support, exceptional breathability, and a firm yet comfortable feel, your quest should lead you straight to the Silentnight Geltex Pillow. This pillow stands as the ultimate choice for individuals who prefer sleeping on their sides. What sets it apart is its remarkable extra firmness, and it proudly bears the reputable name of one of the most well-established and respected brands in the pillow industry.

The Silentnight Geltex Pillow is meticulously designed to address the unique requirements of side sleepers, who often contend with discomfort in their neck region due to the significant gap that exists between their necks and the sleeping surface . Recognising this common issue, this pillow has been crafted with precision to provide the ideal solution.

As a result, the Silentnight Geltex Pillow emerges as a premier option for side sleepers seeking not just any solution, but the perfect one to meet their specific needs. Its combination of firmness, quality, and thoughtful design makes it a standout choice for individuals who prioritize their comfort and overall sleep experience.

Here is our thorough review of Silentnight Geltex pillow so take a look.

• Size : 74 × 48 cm
• Weight : 1 kg
• Material : 100% Polyester with 4cm geltex foam insert
• Delivery : 4 days
• Good for : Back & stomach sleepers

Best Two-Pillows Pack: BedStory 2Pack Pillow

What distinguishes the BedStory 2Pack Pillow, apart from its affordability and the fact that you receive two shredded memory foam pillows, is its innovative ergonomic design, specifically tailored to address neck pain in the UK. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who experiences discomfort in the neck and head area upon waking.

These pillows feature a filling composed of a down alternative, ensuring that you enjoy the plush comfort reminiscent of traditional down pillows . However, what sets them apart is the use of polyfiber instead of natural down, making these two pillows hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. Furthermore, their machine-washable feature adds to their convenience and ease of maintenance.

Despite being a pair, the BedStory 2Pack Pillow proves to be among the finest pillow options available in the UK market. Its exceptional quality shines through, particularly in its capacity to provide enhanced support for the neck and head, ultimately contributing to a more comfortable and pain-free sleep experience.

Here is our BedStory 2Pack pillow review .

• Size : 70 x 42 x 11 cm
• Weight : 1.30 kg
• Material : Cover: No cover Filling: 100% polyester; down alternative
• Care : Fully machine washable

Best Classic Design: Emma Original Pillow

One of the standout memory foam pillows that offers an impressive degree of loft customization is the Emma Original pillow. It has a unique design featuring two sloped layers that provide firm support, enveloping a softer memory foam layer that delivers exceptional comfort. For those seeking to adjust the loft to their preference, this pillow allows you to easily remove the layers, granting you the flexibility to achieve your desired loft height.

The Emma Original pillow, designed with side sleepers in mind, boasts a durable and thick case crafted from a blend of polyester and 2% elastane. The added convenience of being able to remove and wash this cover ensures hygiene and longevity. Importantly, this pillow is hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for side sleepers who contend with allergies.

In terms of quality and safety, the pillow holds an OEKO-TEX certification, providing assurance of its adherence to high standards. Additionally, it comes with an enticing 200-night trial period, allowing you to truly test its suitability for your needs, and a generous 2-year guarantee. As a bonus, the Emma Original pillow offers free delivery, making it a compelling option for those seeking a customizable, comfortable, and allergy-friendly pillow for their side-sleeping needs.

Check out our full Emma Original Pillow review .

• Size : 40 x 70 x 11 cm
• Material : Cover: polyester (98%) & elastane (2%) Filling: Polycotton
• Warranty : 2 years
• Delivery : 1-3 working days

Best Hybrid: Simba Hybrid

The Simba hybrid pillow is a remarkable fusion of traditional memory foam and cutting-edge Stratos technology, inspired by space science, to ensure an optimal airflow system and enhance cooling effects. This innovative design allows you to easily customize your pillow height by removing the “ nanocubes ,” thereby enabling you to alleviate any neck pain you may experience.

This tech-savvy pillow offers a dual-sided feature catering to various preferences. On one side, it boasts a softer surface crafted from 300 thread count cotton, providing a cozy and comfortable option. On the flip side, the Stratos technology is harnessed to deliver a cooling effect, making it particularly suitable for hot summer nights.

One of the standout qualities of the Simba hybrid pillow is its durability; it maintains its shape and support even after prolonged use. Should you notice any slight sagging, the solution is as simple as unzipping the case and adjusting the nanocubes to attain your desired pillow shape and height.

In summary, the Simba hybrid pillow offers a blend of traditional and cutting-edge technologies , making it a versatile and adaptable choice for those seeking a comfortable and customizable pillow that stays cool and supportive, no matter the season or level of use.

Here is our detailed Simba Hybrid pillow review .

• Size : 70 ×45 cm
• Weight : 450-640 g
• Material : Open-cell memory foam cubes
• Warranty : 1 year
• Delivery : Free, carbon neutral delivery.
• Care : Non-machine washable
• Good for : All types of sleepers

Best Firmness: OTTY Deluxe Pure pillow

The OTTY Deluxe Pure pillow immediately stands out to us as the perfect pillow for side sleepers. That's because, even at a glance, you can notice that the loft is quite high and that the pillow doesn't compress all that much.

And that means that your head and neck are getting all of the support they need all night long! Plus, if you are a hot sleeper or have allergies, this pillow will be perfect for you.

Not only is it completely hypoallergenic but OTTY have gone the extra distance to make it antibacterial by infusing the foam with charcoal . There's even bamboo in the pillow so that you can stay nice and cool even during the colder months.

So, while this pillow would give any stomach sleeper quite a neck-ache, it's perfect for supporting side sleepers and keeping them comfortable.

Here is our OTTY Deluxe pillow VS OTTY Adjustable pillow comparison so take a look.

• Size : 60 x 40 x 10 cm
• Material : Open-cell memory foam
• Delivery : N/A

Best Temperature Regulating: Panda Hybrid Bamboo

The Panda Hybrid pillow offers a distinctive and natural infusion that not only enhances your sleep quality but also works to neutralize unwanted odours, creating an exceptionally fresh and clean sleep environment. However, its advantages don't stop there! This innovative pillow also incorporates Active O2 Micro-pods, strategically designed to optimize airflow, resulting in a cooling effect that eliminates the need to flip the pillow during the night. The added side mesh further contributes to improved breathability.

To add the cherry on top, the bamboo cover of the Panda Hybrid pillow offers temperature regulation, ensuring that you stay comfortably cool during the hot summer months and warm during the chillier winter nights. This all-encompassing approach to comfort and functionality makes it an exceptional choice for those seeking a pillow that goes the extra mile to enhance their sleeping experience.

Do check our review of Panda Hybrid pillow for more information.

• Size : 70 x 40 x 13 cm
• Weight : 2.2 kg
• Material : Semi-synthetic fiber rayon & bamboo
• Warranty : 10 years
• Care : Machine washable cover

Best Memory Foam: Nectar Premium pillow

If you happen to suffer from neck pain, another top recommendation is the Nectar Premium pillow due to its remarkable support and pressure-relieving properties. Many side sleepers who have made the switch to this pillow have reported a significant reduction in neck discomfort.

Furthermore, the Nectar Premium pillow not only provides excellent support but also offers exceptional comfort, with a loft height of 12 cm that suits the preferences of a vast majority of customers. While it doesn't have adjustable loft options, it has proven to be well-suited for around 90% of users.

The pillow's cover, made from durable polyester, stands up to wear and tear impressively well. It's robust enough that some individuals have even used the pillow without an additional pillowcase without experiencing any signs of deterioration. However, it's worth noting that the cover isn't removable, and the pillow isn't fully machine-washable, which may be a minor inconvenience for some users. Nevertheless, the Nectar Premium pillow's support, comfort, and durability make it a compelling choice for those seeking relief from neck pain during their sleep.

Check our review of the Nectar Premium pillow .

• Size : 60 x 4 0 x 12 cm
• Material : Tencel fabric
• Warranty : Forever
• Delivery : Free
• Care : Not machine washable
• Good for : All sleepers

What are the benefits of side sleeping on the correct pillow?

For many years, side sleeping was a sleeping position that was considered less healthy than back sleeping. However, various studies have shown that with the right choice of pillow and an adjustable mattress, side sleeping is an equally healthy sleeping position, even healthier for specific health problems .

So, let's discuss a few ways in which having the right pillow can help you stay comfortable and heatlhy!

Opening up your airways

The first and most noticeable benefit of side sleeping is the  reduction of snoring  problems and sleep apnea, which can be alleviated using adjustable pillows or thicker pillows.

When you sleep on the side , your airways will always be open and this will allow undisturbed sleep for both you and the person sleeping in bed with you . However, if you don't have the appropriate pillow, you might automatically flip over to your back while asleep.

Plus, if your pillow is too soft, the end of the pillow could end up in front of your mouth and nose, making it more difficult to breathe properly! So, some forethought should be put in.

Better digestion

Digestive tract problems and heartburn symptoms can be significantly alleviated if you sleep on your side , and sleeping on your left side is especially beneficial. Our bowels are not symmetrical and that is why doctors recommend sleeping on the left side.

With that being said, sleeping on your back can possibly get you the same results. However, this usually involves propping your head up with multiple pillows, which can be uncomfortable and put strain on your neck.

Spinal alignment and health

The most important benefit you can get by having an appropriate pillow for side sleeping is taking care of your neck and back. Unlike sleeping on your back or stomach, keeping your spine completely straight and supported during the night is a bit more difficult.

In fact, you have to get the right mattress and the right pillow to accomplish it! Not to mention your shoulder, which is under a lot of pressure if your hips don't sink into the mattress properly.

And it's especially easy to get the wrong pillow, as you might not notice that your head is slightly tilted to the side. However, even a small tilt can produce neck pain over the long run. So, for both neck and shoulder pain relief, getting the right pillow and the right mattress are essential!

Better overall health

Did you know that sleeping on your side is the healthiest position for pregnant women? That's because it provides the best circulation for the mother and the baby! Just make sure to have a good body pillow to ensure proper joint support.

But you don't need to be pregnant to enjoy side sleeping. And if you have the appropriate pillow, you might notice your overall sleep quality go up . After all, you'll be able to get more comfortable more quickly and won't have annoying neck aches to deal with.

And enhancing sleep quality then makes all other aspects of health better! So, if you like what you read, and if you want to try sleeping on your side more, consider trying some of these side sleeping tricks.

How to find the best pillow for side sleepers?

When buying the top pillows for side sleepers, you need to consider many factors before you are able to make the right decision about which one is ideal for you.

Some of the most important factors to consider are the filling, a machine washable cover/pillowcase, loft, support, shape and firmness . But there are also other nice-to-have features. For example, if you have allergies, look for a hypoallergenic pillow. And if you want to ensure a completely safe and clean sleeping environment, look for pillows with the OEKO-Tex certification .

Each of these factors will have a significant impact on whether you will be able to sleep comfortably during the night.

Remember that not all side sleepers have the same personal preferences, so consider what you need. Also if you have pain in a particular place, then that is the first thing to address. And don't forget, your mattress and topper also play a big part. So, if you're dealing with neck and back pain, know that you might need a new mattress along with a new pillow!

But let's now look at these features a bit more closely and see what differentiates a good pillow from a bad one!

The thickness or loft of the pillow

We place the thickness of the pillow, also commonly referred to as loft, as the first factor to consider when buying the top pillow for side sleeper in the UK. The loft is even more important for side sleepers than it is, for example, for back sleepers.

Side sleepers need high loft pillows , to have the necessary support for the neck and keep it in line with your spine. How thick the pillow needs to be depends on your build. Those with very broad shoulders should try to find the thickest pillows they can while those with a smaller build can get away with some lower-loft pillows.

If you are shopping online, look for high-loft pillows and check the measurements. While it's not an exact science, as pillows compress, the pillow should be thick enough to cover the distance between your cheek and shoulder. And if you're getting a pillow in person, see how the size compares to your build while taking into account possible compression.

The firmness of the pillow

Pillow firmness levels are important as they dictates how much the pillow will compress . Thus, it will factor in when deciding on the perfect loft.

In other words, a soft down pillow is going to compress quite a bit. Therefore, just because it looks like it's the perfect size while on the shelf, doesn't mean it will actually suit you when sleeping on your side. On top of that, if you sleep in the middle of the pillow, the sides of the pillow can end up in front of your mouth if the pillow is too soft. And this can make it more difficult to breathe properly.

With that being said, firm pillows aren't going to always be perfect either. While a firm pillow does have a “static” loft, it also might be less comfortable. After all, most people like the feeling of having your head sink into the pillow when sleeping on your side.

So, for most people, a medium-firm pillow is going to be the best option . However, if you need extra support or are on the smaller side, something firmer or softer can work as well. But we'll discuss that in more detail when talking about the types of pillows for side sleepers.

Thickness, along with the firmness level, affects the support that the pillow will provide you. And as we've mentioned, getting a supportive pillow to keep your spinal and neck allignment healthy is a must. Besides just getting the right size and firmness of the pillow, you should also consider additional features.

For example, a memory foam pillow is going to contour to your neck, thus offering pressure relief. And an ergonomic pillow is going to ensure that your head stays straight during the night.

With that being said, support can be a bit tricky to gauge. We recommend simply lying on your side next to a mirror or using your phone to record yourself. Then check whether your head is alligned with your spine. And, of course, note if you have any neck aches the following morning.

You will find different shapes of pillows on the UK market. People who sleep on their sides can certainly sleep comfortably on a standard-shaped pillow, but there are also pillows that have a shape specifically designed for side sleepers.

In case the standard shape is not comfortable for you, then it is definitely advisable to consider an ergonomically designed pillow. Such pillows reduce the pressure on the neck, spine and shoulders , so they are ideal for all those who experience pain in that area.

However, if you're a combination sleeper, an ergonomic pillow might feel weird when sleeping on your stomach or even your back. For example, when reviewing the Tempur Original Pillow on our YouTube channel, we got the following comment “ Was told by physiotherapist that for side sleepers you use the high side and back sleepers should use the lower side of the pillow .”

This just goes to show that a) ergonomic pillows are tailored to your sleeping position and b) combination sleepers might have more issues staying comfortable.

Easy maintenance

Pillow cleaning and care is another important factor to take note of. After all, the easier it is to take care of your pillow, the longer it can stay in tip-top condition. And while pillow durability and lifespan don't vary too much across different materials, maintenance does.

For example, a contouring memory foam pillow will usually have to be hand-washed while a synthetic pillow could potentially be dry-cleaned. If you want a down pillow, you need to take into account that it has to be refluffed every few days.

And most importantly, you need to take note of the pillowcase. If the pillowcase is removable and machine-washable, it's fairly simple to keep the pillow clean. However, if the pillow has a non-removable cover and a memory foam filling, you will have to take extra care to clean it by hand gently.

What material makes for the best pillow?

Different pillow materials have different characteristics and that is why all of them are more or less used for making pillows. An important note not to forget – even if you have the best-rated pillow for side sleepers, the same pillow might not be that comfortable for other people – even if they sleep in the same sleep position. So, we have to consider personal preferences. However, the material of the pillow is a crucial factor when shopping for a pillow.

There are natural and synthetic materials, with each having a number of different options. And the material of the pillow is going to dictate important factors such as: breathability, whether the pillow is hypoallergenic, bounce, controuring, and comfort.

Memory foam is the most commonly used synthetic material, while of the natural materials feathers , down, buckwheat and latex are used the most.

For side sleepers, all the mentioned materials can be suitable, so the choice will depend more on whether you want a cooling pillow, what kind of bounce rate you want and the like. Also, we need to take the pillowcase into account, as it's the one in direct contact with your skin. But more on that later. For now, let's go through the different pillow materials and see what they have to offer.

Memory foam

Initially made by NASA , memory foam is among the most popular and beloved pillow materials. That's because memory foam contours to your body, providing excellent pressure relief and keeping you comfortable!

In fact, most ergonomic pillows use memory foam for this reason. And when it comes to dealing with neck pain in general, it's a very common solution . That being said, they're not perfect.

For one, memory foam pillows tend to trap heat, especially at lower price points. So, if you're a hot sleeper, you might find your cheek covered in sweat the following morning. Plus, memory foam pillows aren't always that thick, so people of a larger build can find it difficult to find the perfect size for sleeping on their side.

And while this is a very negligible factor, do keep in mind that memory foam tends to smell for the first night or two. So, you might not want to use it right away.

Feather and down

Feather and down pillows are a bit tricky when it comes to side sleepers. On the one hand, they are incredibly soft and comfortable. Plus, unlike memory foam, feather and down pillows don't hold on to heat. So, you won't have to worry about overheating!

However, getting the correct loft can be a challenge. This is because feather and down pillows tend to compress a lot – especially if they use majority down. Of course, if you take this into account, it shouldn't be an issue.

But if you have broad shoulders, we would recommend looking for either an adjustable feather and down pillow or a pillow that's 90/10 in favour of feathers. This is because you will likely need a bit of added support and firmenss to stop your head from sinking to deep into the pillow. You can also look into goose feather and down pillows specifically, as they tend to be a tad firmer.

In a lot of ways, latex pillows are like memory foam pillows. They contour to your body, offer excellent pressure relief, and have a similar spungy feeling when you lie down . However, there are also a few key differences.

For one, latex doesn't suffer from heat retention nearly as much as memory foam. That's because latex pillows usually have tiny holes throughout the upper layer that allow for air to move freely.

Secondly, latex has more bounce than memory foam. So, it will adjust to your movement more quickly and usually be a bit firmer. 

However, latex pillows are also more difficult to find. And if you opt for natural latex, they can be more expensive than memory foam pillows as well. Lastly, while it isn't too common, you could be allergic to latex.

Buckwheat pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls and can be a dream come true for all side sleepers because of the support they provide and because they provide the same support as on the first day and after a long time of use, even up to 10 years.

These have helped many to cure neck pain and are also very breathable. However, unlike memory foam, many users will find buckwheat pillow way too hard, so we recommend that you try it before buying. Plus, they're not nearly as popular. So, finding a buckwheat pillow can prove to be a real challenge.

Synthetic pillows

When it comes to synthetic pillows, they cover a very wide range. On the one hand, synthetic pillows are often the cheapest pillows you can find. However, these models usually offer very little bounce and tend to overheat.

However, there are also higher-end synthetic pillows that can give natural fillings a run for their money. For example, a down alternative pillow can be just as fluffy and comfortable as the real thing.

Plus, synthetic pillows come in all shapes and sizes. So, if you're looking for an extra large firm pillow, for example, you'll have more luck looking at microfibre pillows than memory foam models. And for side sleepers, this can be a very big plus.

Good additional features for side sleepers

The features we've discussed so far will ensure that your new pillow is at least decent. However, we didn't set out to find the “most decent pillow for side sleepers”, now did we?

So, to truly find the best pillow for side sleepers, we're going to look at a few additional features that can move the needle from good to great! But do note that these features are all preference-based. So, you might not care about any of them or you might want all of them!

Cooling pillows

While we've talked about breathability when looking at the pillow fillings, cooling is a slightly different beast. For example, we've established that memory foam can trap heat. Well, if that memory foam is mixed with graphite or bamboo, that problem goes away ! The same applies to cooling gel.

A pillow could also have side vents to boost breathability. Or, as we'll discuss later on, a pillow cover that's cold to the touch and breathable. So, if you tend to feel like a furnace at night, look into temperature-regulating pillows that also check off all the other boxes a side sleeper would want.

Adjustable pillows

If you're worried about getting the wrong loft for your pillow, or just want the option to sleep in other positions from time to time, an adjustable loft pillow is for you! Like the name implies, these are pillows that can be adjusted to an extent.

Adjustable pillows can be a multi-layer pillow, where you take out any layers you don't need, or fully adjustable, where you can take out some filling by hand. Generally, multi-layer pillows might be a better deal, since you're basically getting two or three pillows for the price of one. However, fully adjustable pillows are a much safer pick.

Ergonomic pillows

While we've mentioned these pillows already, we wanted to give them a proper spot. Basically, any pillow that's the right loft and firmness can help with neck pain. However, ergonomic, contouring pillows are going to make the process a lot smoother.

This is especially true for side sleepers, since your neck is a lot more likely to be under pressure.

So, getting a pillow that's curved at the end so that it reaches your neck is going to feel amazing. And since it's also a contouring pillow, this doesn't come at the cost of comfort. Do note that these pillows sometimes also go under orthopaedic pillows but they're the same thing.

What makes for a good pillowcase?

Regardless of whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach, your pillowcase is going to be on the front lines. And that means that even if you have a great cooling pillow, a bad pillowcase will make it feel stuffy. If your pillow is hypoallergenic but your pillowcase isn't, you can still have a reaction. If your pillow is comfortable but your pillowcase is coarse and aggitating, falling asleep will still be difficult.

So, we generally advise to approach the pillowcase with the same standard as the pillow . You want to look for good materials, like bamboo or silk. You want breathable pillow materials, so, avoid cheap polyester. And you want it to be easy to clean, so, look for removable, machine-washable pillowcases.

If you sweat a lot, moisture-wicking fabrics are also a good investment. And if you want to be extra careful, you could even look into pillow protectors.

What is the ideal size of pillows for side sleepers?

You must avoid falling into the trap of underestimating the importance of choosing a proper pillow and its size. Your head and neck should have enough space. Of course, it is necessary to check the loft, firmness level, fill material and more. However, if you do not choose the right size, all these other features will be less important for your neck support pillows.

The standard size, as its name suggests, is the most common pillow size you will find on the market. The dimensions are 20W ”x 26L” and because such models are very common, they are usually the cheapest. It will suit most side sleepers of a standard build.

However, people with broad shoulders might need a slightly larger model, as standard pillows might have a lower loft. Also, if you use a pillow that's going to compress a lot, like a down pillow, it might be smart to get a larger size as well.

Super standard

The Super Standard differs only slightly in dimensions from the standard size. It's a bit longer as the exact dimensions are 20W “x 28L” and it's rare on the market, so you'll probably have a hard time finding one. It is ideal for people who toss and turn a lot and/or sleep with their head in the middle of the pillow.

Queen is another size that you will easily find and it is the best-selling size after the standard. The queen-size pillow is 4 inches longer than the standard, which brings us to the dimensions of 20W ”x 30L” and this gives you a significantly larger surface. We recommend it even more than the Super Standard for all those who toss and turn and are on the hunt for their new top pillow.

King size is the third regular size and you won't have a problem finding pillows of that size. It is significantly larger than the standard, measuring 20W ”x 36L” and gives you a lot of space. If you toss and turn at night and like to watch TV while you drift away, a King-size pillow could be what you're looking for. And besides getting a body pillow, this is usually the largest size you're going to find.

Body pillows are very long and are usually used by pregnant women. It is also the first choice for all those who like to have the feeling that someone is hugging them while they sleep. It is completely different in size and shape from other pillows as its not a strictly rectangular shape and is usually 48W ”x 20L” but can be even wider, up to 55W.

And the main benefit of body pillows is that you can put your knees on top for added comfort and joint support.

So – there you have it! The ultimate top 10 best pillows for side sleepers in the UK! We made sure to include various types of pillows as we know that not everyone has the same taste when it comes to comfort. Whether you like an adjustable pillow, soft, medium or extra firm pillows – you can definitely find one in this list.

And we strongly suggest that you invest in a proper pillow. Not only will this ward off any potential neck and upper back pain but it will also enhance your overall sleep quality. And, as we've said, when your sleep quality goes up, all other aspects of good health go up with it!

But if you have any questions about pillows, side sleeping, or anything else related to snoozing, feel free to ask us in the comment section!

FAQs about pillows for side sleepers

Before we wrap everything up, let's go over some of the most frequently asked questions we've found about pillows for side sleepers. And if there are any we've missed, let us know in the comments!

The type of pillow doesn't matter too much. As long as you get the appropriate pillow loft for your build, you should be happily sleeping on your side.

The height of the pillow needs to cover the distance from the end of your shoulder to your cheek when fully compressed.

Chiropractors recommend ergonomic pillows that can support your neck as well as your head as you sleep.

If you suffer from neck pain, you can get an ergonomic pillow that can support your neck and head as you sleep. These pillows usually have an valley in the middle for your head and a raised portion at the bottom for your neck.

The best pillow varries from one side sleeper to another. Just make sure it has the appropriate loft, a good cover, and a high-quality filling.

Medium to medium-firm pillows are usually a safe pick. However, larger individuals might need a firmer pillow while smaller individuals might need a softer pillow.

Yes, as long as they are made of high-density foam. HD foam ensures good pressure relief as well as support.

Yes, it certainly can. However, it usually won't occur right away.

Most experts agree that all sleepers, not only side sleepers, should replace their pillows every 1 – 2 years to ensure the pillow is supportive, clean and free of any allergens.

Soft to medium – a rating anywhere between 3 – 7 showed positive results accross the board.

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I have the Simba hybrid pillow and i think it's the best pillow for side sleepers

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Our Favorite Pillows for a Restful Night’s Sleep

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Our Overall Favorite Casper Hybrid Snow Pillow (Standard) Read more

Best for Side Sleepers Honeydew Sleep The Scrumptious Side Pillow Read more

Best for Chaotic Sleepers Bedgear Flow Cuddle Curve Pullow Read more

Best Under $100 Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow Read more

Finding the best pillow for your needs can be an agonizing ordeal. Get something that's too firm, too soft, or just not quite right for your head, and you can wake up with a lot of pain the next day. Never fear, WIRED is here. We've tested nearly a dozen pillows, using each one for several weeks if not longer to get a sense of how comfortable they are, how well they hold up to repeated use, and what sleeping styles they're best suited for. These are our top picks, but there are an innumerable number of pillows out there. We'll update this guide as we test more. All of the prices below are for the queen-size version unless otherwise specified.

If you want to get even better sleep, check out our Best Mattresses , Best Organic Mattresses , Best Sheets , Best Bed Frames , and Best Weighted Blankets guides.

Update March 2024: We've added the Purple Freeform Pillow, Purple DreamLayer Pillow, Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow, and Parallel High Profile Pillow. We've also added more detail about what to look for in a pillow, and a section about pillowcases.

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You might think a pillow is a pillow. It just has to be soft and fit under your head, right? Your head, neck, and back disagree. Whether or not you get a good night's sleep can depend heavily on your pillow, so when choosing one, here are a few key questions to ask yourself to find the best pillow.

What kind of sleeper are you? Do you sleep on your back, your side, or your stomach? Do you stay relatively still, or do you toss and turn a lot? Do you usually have one pillow under your head, or do you cocoon yourself into a pillow chrysalis? This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind when deciding what type of pillow works best for you.

What is the pillow made of? These days, pillows come filled with a pretty wide variety of materials. Down and synthetic down are fluffy clusters of fiber that can feel soft and comfortable, whereas memory foam is designed to compress with the weight of your head, but still return to its previous shape. There are also hybrid pillows that use multiple layers of different materials for a more structured feel.

How firm is it? However you sleep, you'll want a pillow that keeps your spine straight and your head aligned with your back. That means you want something firm enough to support your head, while still being soft enough that it doesn't dig into your face or skull.

How lofty is it? “Loft” is a term often used to describe how high off the bed the pillow keeps your head. If a pillow is too tall, for example, you might end up with your neck tilted upwards, straining it throughout the night. Most pillows typically fall into one of three categories: Low Loft, which is relatively short and ideal for back sleepers; high loft, which is better for side sleepers (since your head will be further off the bed than when you're on your back); and medium loft, which is somewhere in the middle and best if you're a combination sleeper that doesn't stick to one particular sleep style.

What is the pillow's warranty and return policy? You might not think the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a robust warranty, but many pillow manufacturers offer generous policies. For example, Purple offers a 1-year warranty and even a 100-night trial period. Casper has a similar warranty and a 30-day trial. If you're unsure whether your new pillow is right for you, check out the company's policies to see what leeway you have to try before you commit—and make sure you're protected if something goes wrong.

Our Overall Favorite

Unless you’re looking for specialty support, it’s hard to do better than Casper’s hybrid pillow. Like hybrid mattresses , it has a multi-layer design with a foam core that provides solid neck support, sandwiched between layers of soft memory fiber. When I first held it, the pillow felt flimsy and folded easily—I was worried it would be too soft and squishy to provide any real support. But I was surprised at how supportive it was. After a couple of nights, it became my go-to pillow.

Casper claims this pillow can “stay cooler” for up to 12 hours. That’s vague enough to be difficult to quantify, but it was one of the cooler pillows I tried in my testing process. Even in Texas summers, I didn’t find myself flipping the pillow much at all during the night. This one is often discounted to $113 at Amazon, so try to catch it on sale.

Best for Side Sleepers

This pillow from Honeydew is one of the best side-sleeper pillows I've tried. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu and his wife have also been sleeping on it for more than a year and have nothing but great things to say as well. The queen-size version is 27 inches wide and 15 inches long at the tips, but with an upward curve toward the middle. The copper-infused foam fill is firm and stays cool throughout the night. You'll want to grab a few pillowcases since it's hard to find third-party cases that fit perfectly.

I’ve used a smaller side pillow for many years, and this one is a little wider and firmer than the one I’m used to. It’s got plenty of space for two people to cuddle together and have both of their heads supported. Alternatively, you can hug it similar to a body pillow, and one of the curved tips fits neatly underneath your head. It’s a versatile option for people who can’t decide on just one way to sleep on their side. Julian, who is also a stomach sleeper, says he likes it for that sleeping position too as he tucks the tips around his neck for a swaddling effect.

Best for Chaotic Sleepers

I like the idea of a side-sleeper pillow that has a curve in it so it can fit around my shoulder. The problem is, I don't just sleep on my side. I roll over on my back and flip onto my stomach, occasionally half my body goes in one direction, while the other half goes in another. For people like me, the Flow Cuddle Curve pillow from Bedgear is one of the more versatile options out there.

Like other side-sleeper pillows, it has a small curve on one side to accommodate a shoulder, but it's otherwise similar in shape to most standard pillows. Flip it around and you might not even notice it's not a typical rectangle. It has a washable cover, and air vents covered with breathable mesh help it stay cool throughout the night. Rather than typical standard/queen/king pillow sizes, Bedgear uses a sizing system tailored to your gender, shirt size, and typical sleeping position. Check the size chart before choosing a size. Thankfully all sizes of the Flow Cuddle Curve cost the same.

Best Under $100

Sticking to a budget with a pillow can be a trade-off between back pain, neck pain, and wallet pain. But WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe swears by this adjustable cooling pillow from Snuggle-Pedic. It comes in two variations—one has adjustable shredded memory foam for $57, and the other is the same pillow without the extra memory foam fill for $37. The former lets you add (or remove) the fill to optimize the pillow's firmness to your taste.

The outer pillow protector is machine-washable, and the pillow fill is easy to fluff to get that perfect cushy feeling. Louryn has slept on this pillow for four years—which also speaks to its long-term durability—and likes it so much that when she accidentally left it in a hotel, she immediately overnighted another so she wouldn't have to go a single night without it.

Aarian Marshall

Adrienne So

Brenda Stolyar

Best Organic Pillow (and Customizable)

One of the biggest challenges with finding the perfect pillow is getting the firmness level right. Too much filling and it feels like resting on a rock. Too little, and you may as well not have a pillow at all. The Avocado Green Pillow is a great middle ground, because it comes with an extra bag of filling so you can get the firmness of your pillow just right (and have the option to change it later). Avocado makes our favorite organic mattress and this pillow's fill is made from GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok. The quilted organic cotton cover is satisfyingly soft and stays cool for long enough to fall asleep without having to flip the pillow.

Best Cooling Pillow

Purple's distinctive cooling gel grid has made the company's mattresses popular , and the Freeform Pillow brings those benefits to your pillow. It has adjustable fill and includes a spare bag to store the excess fill material in case you want to add more later. I found the pillow a bit overstuffed when I first got it, but after removing a few handfuls (and a bit of fluffing to get the fill distributed evenly), I got it to a point where it had just enough support without exacerbating my already perpetual neck pain.

The real stand-out feature though is the honeycomb grid, embedded in the outer cover. It keeps the surface of the pillow cool, so you don't have to flip it over quite as often throughout the night. If you, like me, are a bit of a hot sleeper, this can be the godsend you need to finally get a good night's sleep.

A More Affordable Pillow

Pillows are one of those things that can get weirdly expensive. But you don't have to shell out $100 or more for a solid place to rest your head. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has been using the memory foam GhostBed pillow since 2020—she slept on it while visiting with a friend and immediately bought one after returning home. It's medium-firm and works for her side-, back-, and stomach-sleeping rotation. GhostBed's claim of it being the "Coolest Pillow in the World” is exaggerated, but Medea sleeps hot and says the gel foam does stay cool all night.

Best Orthopedic Neck Pillow

If the shape of this pillow doesn’t throw you off, the price will. But let me explain! If you frequently wake up with a stiff neck because you sleep on it wrong, Kanuda’s unique pillow might be helpful. It has firm contours designed to support your neck while you're lying on your back, holding your head in position. What makes this pillow unique is that it also accommodates side sleepers, with extra contours designed to cradle the side of your face, while still nudging your head into proper alignment. I was surprised how much I could roll over without moving the pillow and still feel supported.

However, if you don't think you can stick to sleeping on either your side or back, this might not be a great option for you. Unlike other pillows, this one doesn't accommodate atypical sleeping positions—you won't want to clutch it in your arms or use it to support your legs, for example.

Best Travel Pillow

There’s no good place to rest your head on a plane or train, but when you need to sleep anyway, the Travelrest Nest pillow ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our top recommendation. It uses sturdy memory foam so it doesn’t need to be inflated like many travel pillows, and it holds its shape remarkably well. WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer was able to use it to get a full seven hours of sleep on a long-haul flight, which is an achievement by any standard. The microfiber cloth is particularly soft, and it’s removable, so you can wash it without damaging the pillow itself.

Best for Combination Sleepers

The best pillow for side sleepers can be very different from the best pillow for back sleepers. But a lot of people (myself included) don't exclusively stick to one type of sleeping position or another. Fortunately, the Purple DreamLayer pillow provides an excellent middle ground. Rather than using adjustable fill to customize its height, this pillow comes with two foam inserts so you can get exactly the level of support you need.

The outer cover has a stretchy pocket that makes it easy to slide the inserts in and out, so adjusting the height isn't as complicated as pillows with adjustable fill. The pillow feels just the right amount of firm yet squishy thanks to the trademark Purple grid technology. The outer cover is machine-washable.

For Big and Tall Side Sleepers

Pillows made for side sleeping can fall short if you're over six feet tall or have broad shoulders. Finding a supportive pillow can be a challenge even when you're looking at the exact type of pillow made for your sleep style. That's where the Parallel High Profile Pillow comes in. This one has a generous 2.5 inches of extra loft, making it tall enough to keep even the highest heads propped up.

Internally, it's packed hypoallergenic fiber and gel fill that I found held its shape remarkably well. If you want a firm pillow, but don't want it to press too hard into your head, this is an excellent middle ground.

Other Good Pillows

This section is a mix of pillows we've deemed as good but not great, and there are a few we haven't tested long enough for a final verdict (but we like them so far). Take a look if the above picks aren't to your tastes.

• No More Aches Neck Pillow for $40: There's no shortage of novelty pillows, but as someone who experiences a lot of neck pain, I'm intrigued by this odd little pillow. It has a concave center for back, side, and stomach sleeping, plus an indented edge that perfectly fits your arm. I've only just gotten this one in and haven't slept a full night on it yet, but after trying it out for a quick nap and while using it to watch TV on the couch, I'm optimistic about it.
• Bedgear Storm Pillow for $189: This pillow from Bedgear is similar to the Bedgear Flow above but without the curve for side sleepers. If you 100 percent of the time sleep on your back, this might be a better fit, but I prefer the versatility of having one curved side and one straight side.

Pick a Good Pillowcase

Finding the right pillowcase is just as important as finding the right pillow. A good pillowcase is necessary to keep your pillow from absorbing all the sweat and oils from your face. It's the part of your pillow your face touches, so it should be as soft and comfortable as possible. Here are a few things to look for:

Material: You can get pillowcases in several materials including cotton, polyester, linen, and silk. As you'll see in our Best Sheets guide , silk is smooth, stays cool, and absorbs less moisture from your hair and skin, making it one of the best materials for a pillowcase, but it can be pricey. Cotton and polyester are usually cheaper, but they can feel rougher against the face.

Thread count: Like with sheets, the thread count —namely, how many threads are in one square inch of fabric—of your pillowcase can impact how it feels against the skin. Higher thread counts will feel smoother but also retain more heat. Typical pillowcases will have a thread count between 100 and 200, with higher-end options pushing as high as 400. But don't feel like you have to overdo it. A higher thread count doesn't necessarily mean better, so you don't have to splurge on a 1,000-thread count pillowcase.

Size (and shape): A pillowcase that's too small will slide off in the middle of the night, and a case that's too big will leave you with a bunch of excess fabric flailing around loosely. Make sure to get a pillowcase that's the right size for your pillow. We also feature a few pillows with non-standard shapes, which sometimes require their own special pillowcases to fit comfortably, so if you're buying anything other than a rectangle, be sure to consider the shape too.

Medea Giordano

Louryn Strampe

Matt Jancer

Nena Farrell

Scott Gilbertson

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The best pillows for side sleepers for calmer nights

By Emily Peck and Esat Dedezade

Love sleeping on your side? We sussed out the best pillows specifically designed for side sleepers to make you feel instantly at ease

Any side sleepers in the house? Grabbing one of the best pillows for side sleepers to help you doze off is an excellent way to guarantee 40 winks if you favour rolling over. Sure, there are plenty of great pillows out there, but once you find one that’s specifically tailored to your sleeping position, you'll realise just how much of a difference shopping for sleep and home essentials with a bit more of a focus can be.

A lot can go wrong if you don't get the right pillow for you, particularly if you suffer from neck or back pain. A pillow designed for your routine can help you achieve optimal spinal alignment and makes you feel effortlessly supported will help you get the most restorative sleep (which is all we can ask for, isn’t it?).

In this GQ edit of best pillows for side sleepers, we’ve included designs that are specifically made to lift the neck away from the shoulders to best support your spine and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed. If you’re keen to give your bedding a spring clean, you can also browse our guides for the best  memory foam pillows and  duvets , best  mattresses ,  mattress toppers and best winter duvets .

What are the best pillows for side sleepers to buy in 2024?

Otty Adjustable Pillow

The Otty Adjustable Pillow is excellent value for money. It's designed to be adjusted to your chosen firmness and height and can be easily adapted to suit your neck and shoulders to provide optimal spinal alignment.

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

Not what you’d expect from your standard pillow, the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow has a layer of Simba Pure foam, as well as tiny, titanium Aerocoil springs, designed to keep your head well-supported. We’ll admit it’s an investment buy, but it's so worth your time.

Groove X Pillow

If you’re looking for something to support your lower body as you sleep, the  Groove X pillow is just the ticket. It’s designed to sit between the knees and relieve pressure on your hip and thigh muscles.

We've included detailed reviews of the best pillows for side sleepers below, but if you're just after a quickfire guide, look no further.

• Best adjustable pillow for side sleepers: Otty Adjustable , £45
• Best hybrid pillow for side sleepers: Simba Hybrid Firm , £159
• Best pillow for lower back pain: Groove X Pillow , £26.95
• Best bamboo pillow for side sleepers: Panda London , £89.95 £76.46
• Best affordable pillow for side sleepers: Slumberdown , £18.99 £13

What type of pillow is best for side sleepers?

When picking out the perfect pillow it’s important to get the ideal height for your head to rest without putting pressure on your shoulders or spine. While front sleepers should look for a softer pillow that doesn’t raise your head too high off the mattress, back sleepers benefit from medium support. Meanwhile, side sleepers should use something firmer and a little higher to best align the spine.

What pillow filling should side sleepers choose?

You’ll come across a range of pillow fillings suited to side sleeping such as adjustable memory foam, shredded latex and recycled polyester. Materials like these are designed to support your shoulders and neck. Pillows with ‘breathable’ qualities will help keep you at the optimum temperature for sleep throughout the night too.

One size doesn’t fit all, but side sleepers will benefit from a pillow filling that offers firmer support. ‘I like shredded memory foam or shredded memory foam mixed with down alternative as it’s soft enough to be comfortable but won’t compress too much,’ says David Rubin, director of product testing at  The Sleep Doctor.

How high should my pillow be?

A pillow that lifts the neck away from your shoulders and gives you optimum spinal alignment will be the most comfortable and supportive. ‘Pillows with a medium to high loft height are ideal as you have to take into account the space between your mattress and the base of your shoulders and neck,’ continues David. Pillows that include adjustable materials inside so you can tailor the firmness and height to your preference can be a good call.

Does my pillow suit my mattress?

Try not to think of your pillow as a single entity, but as a piece in the complete jigsaw – you’ll need to consider how the mattress supports you in relation to your pillow to get the most restful night’s sleep, for example. And then there’s the pillowcase and  duvet covers to consider too. ‘A softer mattress calls for a pillow with a higher loft to offset your shoulders sinking into the mattress,’ explains David.

If you’re not quite sure what kind of pillow to opt for, look for a design that has a trial period when you buy – the Otty Adjustable Pillow comes with a 14-night trial, and you can send it back and get a full refund if you’re not keen, for example.

Should I use additional pillows?

When you’re sleeping on your side, you may want to add a pillow between your knees, which reduces pressure in the hips and lower back.

• Why we love it: Features Aerocoil springs for comfort and support
• Support: Adjustable medium to firm
• Filling: Hybrid design with springs and pure foam

We rate the Simba Hybrid pillow highly among our  best pillows to rest your head in cloud-like comfort feature , and we think the Hybrid Firm is a particularly good choice for side sleepers too. Inside you’ll find the ‘Simba Renew’ fibres cushion your head as gently as a feather down, holding their shape instead of flattening over time. The pillow can be adjusted by playing around with the layers inside to create a medium to firm pillow suited to both a side sleeper and a back sleeper. With a pure cotton cover and ‘Stratos technology’ the pillow will also respond to body temperature and absorb and draw heat away for an instant cooling sensation too. The breathable mesh border that allows fresh air to circulate through the pillow layers adds to its impressive spec. While it’s pricey, we think it’s well worth dreaming on. £159. At simbasleep.com

Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow

• Why we like it: Doesn’t lose its shape
• Support: medium firm
• Filling: CharcoCell Foam with a pure bamboo cover

The orthopaedic grade, adaptive CharcoCell Foam makes this pillow suitable for a variety of sleeping positions – including the side. It's one of the most compact designs in this roundup, with a BambooCloud quilted cover that feels silky smooth, is hypoallergenic and is made from bamboo and nano-micro fibre. It features Active O 2 Micro-pods on the cover to maximise breathability to make you feel suitably warm in winter and cool in hot summer. There’s a 30-night trial also included when you buy. £89.95 £76.46. At pandalondon.com

Simba Cooling Body Pillow

• Why we like it: Premium, cooling design
• Support: Soft
• Filling: Down-like Simba Renew Bio Fibres with a washable, removable 100% cotton cover

Simba's generously-sized curved pillow is a luxurious bit of kit for dedicated side sleepers and/or those in need of extra support, such as during pregnancy. Once positioned correctly, you'll enjoy the benefits of a delightfully comfortable spine and hip alignment, with Simba’s soft-yet-supportive filling making for a soothing night's sleep. Better yet, the removable cover features Simba's Stratos cool-touch tech, which makes it feel noticeably cold to the touch, helping you keep comfortable even on hotter nights. £109. At simbasleep.com

• Why we love it: Adaptable design
• Support: Adjustable pillow
• Filling: Memory foam with a hypoallergenic cover

Particularly good for side and back sleepers, we like the way this pillow can be easily adjusted to suit you by removing or adding some of the memory foam inside. It comes with a small bag so you can store the memory foam pieces if you take them out, and then if you find you need a little more support you can simply add them back to the pillow. The memory foam pillow comes with a special cooling cover on one side to help keep you at the ideal temperature as you sleep and its hypoallergenic cover can be washed at 40 degrees, which makes it a good option for anyone that suffers from allergies, asthma or has sensitive skin.  £69.99. At otty.com

By Conrad Quilty-Harper

By Adrian Clark

By Mike Christensen

The White Company Deluxe Down Alternative Pillow

• Why we like it: Has the feel of a natural down
• Support : Medium
• Filling: Recycled polyester Smartdown with a 280-thread count cotton percale casing

If you prefer the feel of a natural-filled pillow, you could opt for this design which is filled with Smartdown for a more hypoallergenic down-like alternative. It doesn’t feel as firm as many of the pillows in our edit, and its boxed construction supports your neck and shoulders while giving you that comfy medium-soft finish. It's finished beautifully as you would expect from The White Company, in a 280-thread count cotton percale. While it is machine washable, it’s best to get it professionally laundered when needed. From £55 for a standard-size pillow. At thewhitecompany.com

Snuggledown side sleeper pillow

• Why we like it: Extremely good value for money
• Support: Firm
• Filling: Polyester

A snip at £15, there’s essentially no reason not to buy Snuggledown’s side-sleeper if you have even the vaguest inkling that your neck and/or back pains might be caused by the wrong pillow. Buy one, try it out, and then swap it if you need to, or sleep happy if you don’t. Filled with recycled polyester fibre, the pillow has a special deep box wall construction, which Snuggledown says means full support extends all the way to its edge. It’s also covered in 230-thread-count cotton for the softest of soft night’s sleeps. £15. At dunelm.com

Dreams Side Sleeper pillow

• Why we like it: All-round pillow at a very affordable price
• Filling: Synthetic

We’ll level with you here: the price of this pillow is one of its main qualities. If you’re not precious about synthetic filling – and this is pretty much just a question of taste; some people are and some people aren’t – then you can enjoy a 230 thread count and breathable cotton cover over a decent hypoallergenic pillow that will properly support your head. Specially designed for side-sleepers, it will turn neck and back pain into the stuff of bad dreams of old. £25. At dreams.co.uk

Aeyla The Foamo pillow

• Why we like it: Highly customisable pillow, unique memory-foam filling
• Support: Adjustable
• Filling: Memory foam chunks

Don’t get pillow FOMO – the Foamo is a pretty unique offering in that it is filled with chunks of memory foam, rather than being a solid, full pillow, all of which can be removed or added to the pillow at will. In essence, this allows you to create the pillow that best suits your style and position of sleeping. It’s an intriguing prospect, and should satisfy even the most demanding of side-pillow hunters. Add in the breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo viscose cover and a 30-night money-back guarantee, and you’re looking at a pillow that is versatile, comfortable and risk-free as a purchase. £89 £79. At aeyla.co.uk

Sports Medica Knee Pillow

• Why we like it: Portable for comfort away from home
• Support: Medium to firm
• Filling: Memory foam with a jacquard airtech fabric cover

This compact pillow is designed to slot in between your legs, returning the pelvis and spine to a neutral position, helping to relieve sciatic, hip, and back pain in the process. With a memory foam core and a breathable cover, it's compact enough to pop into a suitcase, making it perfect for travellers looking for a good night’s sleep wherever they happen to lay down for the night. £19.95. At amazon.co.uk

• Why we love it : Works with your body’s natural shape
• Support: Medium to firm memory foam
• Filling: Bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam

Without any knee support when sleeping on your side, your top hip will swing over the bottom to rest on the bed, which means your spine will be taken out of alignment, which is what the Groove X Pillow aims to combat. Ideal for side sleepers who are prone to lower back pain, you place it between the knees and it will relieve the pressure on your hip and thigh muscles. Having the pillow positioned here results in great support for your spine and gives you optimum pelvic alignment. The pillow has a premium feel even though it's sub £20 and is filled with hygienic bamboo, charcoal-infused memory foam with a jersey lining with a soft scuba cover. £26.95. At groovepillows.co.uk

Slumberdown Super Support

• Why we love it : Firm with a nice pressure relief
• Support: Available in firmer support
• Filling: Non-allergenic recycled polyester

Available in a pack of two at a great price, these Super Support pillows aim to provide optimum support for your head, back and spine and reduce everyday aches and pains. Each pillow has a unique core block inside the pillow and the firmer support is ideal for side sleepers as it best aligns the head, neck and spine. The pillows come with recycled polyester inside and a polyester and cotton cover. They are also conveniently machine washable at 40 degrees and dryer-friendly, which will keep them fresh and long-lasting. £18.99 £13. At slumberdown.co.uk and amazon.co.uk

Sealy Side Sleeper Pillow

• Why we like it: Medium firm structure feels bouncy yet supportive
• Support: Medium-firm
• Filing: Foam centre with a cotton cover

With a very smooth and soft-to-touch cover, this Sealy Side Sleeper pillow comes with medium firm support and is filled with soft and spongey DuPont fibres. It’s a good option for anyone who doesn’t like their pillow too firm but still wants to feel supported. For a sub-£30 set of pillows, the finish looks surprisingly premium and is crafted with a silky smooth and breathable cotton cover with quilted pockets. The hypoallergenic finish is good for anyone with an allergy too, while the supportive foam centre is designed to ensure your neck and spine remain in a neutral position as you sleep. £25. At amazon.co.uk

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The 15 Very Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

From memory foam to down..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best memory foam
• Best adjustable
• Best cooling
• Best for shoulder pain
• Best body pillow

If you typically sleep on your side, the most important factor to consider when shopping for pillows is the loft. That’s the official term for the height of a pillow when it’s laid out on your bed, and the best pillows for side sleepers will have enough loft to fill the space between your head and your mattress when you’re lying on your side. Your goal should be to find a pillow that supports your head and lifts it high enough to line up with your neck and spine, but not too high, which can cause neck pain (and we’ve got a whole other roundup of pillows to help if you’re suffering from that). That means your body type will be a determining factor in any pillow you buy. If you have especially broad shoulders, for example, you’ll need a loftier pillow than someone with a narrower build — though you’ll likely end up with a loft around four or five inches, give or take.

Once you’ve dialed in the loft, so much else of what you want in a pillow will come down to personal preference: Do you like a softer pillow or a firmer one? What’s your stance on memory foam ? And how much are you willing to spend? These variables mean there’s no single “best” pillow for side sleepers — but there are a lot of great ones out there. To find them, we spoke with six sleep experts, including chiropractors and sleep coaches, about the pillows they recommend for side sleepers and what to look for when you shop for one. I’ve also asked side-sleeping Strategist writers and editors to test pillows and nagged them for every last detail about the ones they like best. And as the editor who oversees our sleep coverage and a combination side-and-back sleeper myself, I’ve tested a few as well and shared my experiences below.

If you already have an idea of what type of side-sleeper pillow you’re looking for, you can use the table of contents to jump ahead, or read through each one of our picks below. You can also find more of our favorite products for getting a good night’s rest — like nifty sleep headphones or our favorite weighted blanket — in the Strategist Sleep 100 .

What we’re looking for

“Side sleepers usually need thicker pillows to fill the space between their head and neck, but a pillow that is too thick may cause neck pain and put pressure on the spine,” explains Logan Foley , a sleep-science coach and the editorial director of SleepFoundation.org . Dr. Rennes Toussaint-Keshinro , a chiropractor and mental-health coach, adds that if a pillow is too flat or too high, it can create an uneven muscle tone in the neck and shoulders, leading to spasms over time. While there isn’t a formula to figure out the ideal loft of your pillow, Dr. Dennis Colonello , celebrity and professional-athlete chiropractor at Peak Wellness , suggests that it should rise about four inches off of your mattress. But don’t go breaking out your ruler just yet, as there is wiggle room with this number. For taller people with broader shoulders, a higher loft may be more comfortable, and conversely, a petite person with more narrow shoulders will likely rest comfortably with a lower loft.

All the experts we spoke to agreed that medium-firm pillows tend to be the best option for people sleeping on their side. While there is room for personal preference here, a medium-firm pillow helps your head stay in the right position without sinking while you sleep. For people who prefer a softer, plusher feel over a firmer one, gusseted-down and down-alternative pillows can be a good compromise. Foley often recommends memory foam pillows, as they sort of mimic the softness of down by contouring to your body, while still providing support.

Specialty pillows for side sleepers come in various shapes to help position your shoulders, neck, and head while you sleep. Whether these pillow shapes actually make a difference in your sleep quality is up for debate, and Dr. Thomas Schuler , chairman of the National Spine Health Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Board and founder of the Virginia Spine Institute , explains that while there isn’t much academic research examining their effectiveness, “if a person tries one and finds that it seems to give some pain relief, then that’s excellent.” For people navigating chronic pain, a specialty pillow with a unique shape may be worth a shot. For the average side sleeper who is simply looking for comfort and support, a standard pillow shape can likely get the job done.

Best pillow for side sleepers overall

Fill type: 75 percent latex, 25 percent polyester fiber fill | Loft: Adjustable | Firmness: Adjustable | Shape: Contour

The standout feature of Eli & Elm’s side-sleeping pillow is a contoured cutout that fits right up against your shoulder, so that it can fully fill the space between your head, neck, and mattress. It’s filled with a blend of soft and supportive noodled latex and polyester fiber, and you can adjust the loft and firmness by removing or adding filling to customize it to your body.

A stomach and side sleeper, Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen tested this pillow and liked the way it molded around her shoulder and compressed under the side of her head so there was no pressure buildup around her ear. Goertzen says it also’s more responsive and springy than many memory-foam pillows she’s tried, adding that the upside-down U-shape keeps its fullness throughout the night. The filling is encased in a liner protected by a machine washable exterior cover; the brand also sells a cotton pillowcase that fits the cutout perfectily, and which you can bundle with the pillow at the time of purchase.

Best (less expensive) pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Down-alternative gel-infused fiber | Loft: Medium | Firmness: Medium | Shape: Rectangular

Sold in a two-pack for $60 — though you can often find them on sale for even less — Beckham Hotel Collection’s gel pillows are plush and pleasantly bouncy thanks to their cushy down-alternative fill. Though the fill level and loft are not adjustable, so you can’t customize them like the Eli & Elm pillow, Strategist writer (and combination stomach-and-side sleeper) Arielle Avila finds they are still supportive enough to use while sleeping on her side. The pillows come in two sizes, queen and king, and have a smooth and cooling 250 thread count cover.

Best memory-foam pillow for side sleepers

Filly type: Shredded memory foam | Loft: Adjustable | Firmness: Adjustable | Shape: Rectangular

Memory-foam pillows are ideal for side sleepers, according to Foley, thanks to their dense filling and ability to contour to a person’s body. The Nectar Sleep Resident pillow has a pillow-in-pillow construction that provides the firmer support of traditional memory foam surrounded by a cushy outer layer to add plushness. The pillow will arrive intentionally overstuffed so that you can remove some of the fill as necessary to adjust it to fit your sleeping needs. Dr. Janet Kennedy , clinical psychologist and founder of NYC Sleep Doctor , advises that memory foam can trap heat, making temperature regulation more challenging. However, thanks to the shredded foam filling of this pillow, it’s still breathable.

[Editor’s note: The Resident Pillow is out of stock, but you can sign up for restock notifications on the product page .]

Best height-specific pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Memory foam | Loft: High | Firmness: Firm | Shape: Blocky cube

The logic behind the brick-shaped Pillow Cube is that its 90-degree angles will completely fill that essential space between your head and your mattress to keep your neck aligned. Former Strategist writer and side sleeper Latifah Miles tested this pillow and found that it delivers on its promise, nestling into the crook of her neck and up against the top of her shoulder. It’s made of solid viscoelastic polyurethane and nanofibers (read: sturdy memory foam), so it’s on the firmer side, but it still has the satisfying squish that you’d expect from a foam pillow. The design is ideal for side sleepers who hardly ever sleep in other positions, as its angles and loft aren’t really compatible with back or stomach sleeping.

You can choose from two sizes that coincide with your height — the standard size is meant for people who are six-feet-three or shorter (that’s the one Miles has, as she’s five-feet-ten), and the thick size is for people who are six-four or taller. If you run especially hot, you can also upgrade to an “ice cube” cooling cover for an extra $30.

Best shredded-latex pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Shredded latex fill | Loft: Standard or high | Firmness: Medium-soft | Shape: Rectangular with gusset

Cushiony and responsive, the Saatva latex pillow is filled with springy, shredded natural latex that Colonello says “offers a cooler sleep by promoting superior breathability.” Miles slept on this pillow for several months and found that while the latex isn’t overtly cooling, it never made her sweat or overheat. And since the latex is shredded instead of being a solid piece like the Avocado pillow, below, it’s almost like a denser, bouncier version of a down pillow . It doesn’t feel overly sinky or too contoured, and although you can’t unzip an inner case to adjust the fill, it isn’t too flat or overly stuffed. Miles tested the standard loft, which is roughly four-and-a-half inches high and worked well for both side and back sleeping, but you can also choose the high-loft option, which is roughly six-and-a-half inches high. The pillow is also available in two sizes: standard/queen and king.

Best molded-latex pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Molded latex | Loft: Medium | Firmness: Medium-firm | Shape: Rectangular with gusset

Organic, sustainable, and vegan, the Avocado Molded Latex pillow is made with naturally sourced latex and infused with charcoal to help with temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and odor control. This pillow is on the firm side, and when Miles first tried it out, it took a few nights to adjust to the dense feel of the single-slab construction. The loft is approximately five inches, which she found to be just tall enough for her five-foot-ten frame. Compared to Saatva’s cushiony shredded latex fill, the Avocado pillow has a firmer feel with very little give, so she felt like her head was more on top of the pillow rather than cradled into the pillow. This pillow would work well for anyone who wants a firmer, more supportive surface that’ll maintain its shape and keep their head perfectly level all night.

Best adjustable-loft pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Cross-cut memory-foam and microfiber fill | Loft: Adjustable | Firmness: Adjustable | Shape: Contour

Like our top-pick Eli & Elm pillow, Coop’s cutout pillow leaves space to accommodate your shoulder so that the pillow can fit more easily and snugly under your head and neck. Coop’s cutout pillow has a more pronounced curve than Eli & Elm’s, with an overall blockier shape. The effect is similar to that of the Pillow Cube, with good support in the space between your head and neck, but the Coop pillow is much fluffier and softer than the Pillow Cube.

This pillow comes in two sizes, queen and king. Miles tried the king size, and though it is technically an inch smaller in length and width than Coop’s king-size, rectangular Original pillow, which she also tested , she found it feels more substantial because the center cutout pushes filling to the sides and a gusset around the perimeter of the pillow creates a more even loft across the whole pillow, without any tapering at the edges. Like other Coop Sleep Goods pillows, this one is filled with crosscut GREENGUARD GOLD– and CertiPUR-US–certified memory foam and microfiber, and you can unzip an inner case to add or remove fill to adjust the loft and firmness. (The pillow comes with a bag of extra fill, or you can buy more in medium or firm densities.)

Best cooling pillow for side sleepers

Fill type:  Fiberfill-and-memory-foam blend with volcanic minerals |  Loft:  Medium to high |  Firmness:  Medium |  Shape:  Rectangular

Kennedy calls temperature regulation “a key factor” when choosing a pillow, regardless of your sleeping position. This one by Sleep Number is constructed with 37.5 Technology, a patented thermoregulating material that helps maintain the optimal body temperature. Filled with a blend of material-infused fiberfill and memory foam, the pillow is designed to wick away moisture for a cooler and drier rest.

When Miles tested this pillow, its “cool touch” surface was apparent right out of the packaging. Though it didn’t actually maintain a true “chilled” feeling when she slept on it, she didn’t overheat, either, and she really liked the feel of the meshy cover, which helped keep her from sweating. This pillow is medium-firm, and its medium-high loft kept her head in line with her spine while sleeping on her side. Miles slept on the rectangular Classic version of this pillow, but Sleep Number also sells a Contoured version with bolsters for neck support and an Ultimate version that comes with three removable layers to adjust the pillow’s loft and feel.

Best pillow for side sleepers with shoulder pain

Fill type: Memory foam | Loft: Medium-high | Firmness: Firm | Shape: Contour

Designed to relieve pressure, the singular piece of memory foam inside Allswell’s side-sleeper pillow has a cutout similar to the Eli & Elm and Coop pillows but offers a more structured and firm sleeping surface like the Pillow Cube. Infused with cooling gel, the memory foam has ventilation holes so that it won’t trap body heat. The pillow is encased in an activated charcoal-infused cover that keeps dust mites at bay and extends the life of your pillow.

Best neck-support pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Water-and-fiber fill | Loft: Adjustable | Firmness: Adjustable | Shape: Rectangular

Yes, water beds went out of style a few decades ago, but Alanna McGinn , founder and CEO of Good Night Sleep Site , and Toussaint-Keshinro both told us that water pillows deserve more notice for the neck support they can provide. Water pillows are “perfect for any type of sleep position and many are chiropractor-approved, as the firmness provides the support for head, neck, and spine alignment that will help individuals with chronic pain,” explains McGinn. A favorite of Toussaint-Keshinro, Mediflow’s Water Pillow has a soft layer of fiber that sits atop a water reservoir that you fill yourself, creating a responsive pillow that can help reduce neck pain . The adjustable pillow can be made firmer by adding more water or softer by removing some.

Best cooling neck-support pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused gel memory foam | Loft : Adjustable | Firmness: Adjustable | Shape: Contour

Honeydew’s side-sleeper pillow, which appears on our list of the best pillows for neck pain , has a curved design and contains cooling copper-infused gel memory foam to promote temperature regulation as you sleep, according to the product description .

Goertzen tested this Scrumptious model and says she likes that the cutout — similar to the one on our top-pick Eli & Elm pillow — creates extra room for her shoulder, while the spongy core gently cradles her head. She says it creates a spooning sensation that takes strain off her upper body and that it has eliminated her night sweats (unusual considering that memory foam tends to trap her body heat). Although she found the original height and density optimal for the side-sleeping position, the loft and firmness can be customized by removing or adding fill. Honeydew also sells a pillowcase that’s made to fit the unique shape.

Best down pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: 85-to-15 percent European white duck and goose down clusters to down and feather fibers | Loft: High | Firmness: Medium-soft | Shape: Rectangular with gusset

Down pillows are known for their luxurious comfort and cloud-like softness. Without skimping on plushness, thanks to its 750-fill-power European white down, the Parachute Side Sleeper pillow has a high loft and medium density to cradle your head and neck comfortably. However, the 3.5-inch gusset is the star of this pillow, as it helps the pillow maintain its rectangular shape across the whole surface of the pillow. When Miles tried it for herself, the extra-tall gusset stood out the most as it ensured the pillow maintained its structure and fluffiness. Even when she flipped from her left side to her right, she didn’t need to fluff or readjust the down fill. This pillow comes in two sizes, standard and king.

Best down-alternative pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Polyester fiber fill | Loft: Medium | Firmness: Medium-firm | Shape: Rectangular with gusset

For those who want all the perks of down without the down itself, this pillow by Nestwell is filled with polyester fibers to create a similar feel. The pillow has a medium-firm feel and a narrower two-inch gusset that adds some structure to help it maintain its shape over time. The cover is made of 100 percent cotton, and you can toss the entire pillow in the wash.

Best body pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Single piece of Melofoam | Loft: Medium | Firmness: Medium-firm | Shape: Cylindrical

Schuler tells us side sleepers should focus on having proper support not only under their head but also between their knees to encourage that all-important alignment and relieve pressure placed on the neck and back. While body pillows are often thought of as a pregnancy essential, they can also provide head-to-toe support for anyone who needs it. The Bearaby Cuddler is Miles’s favorite body pillow. The cylindrical, noodlelike Cuddler is extra long at 75 inches with a uniform eight-inch diameter that takes up far less space than many other body pillows on the market. But it’s the latex-like Melofoam material that really sets this body pillow apart. Bouncy and responsive, the Melofoam is breathable, naturally weighted, and provides continuous support without losing its shape over time. Miles reports that even with daily use and constant twisting and bending, the Cuddler’s buoyancy has kept its shape and feel. The pillow comes with a white, organic-cotton cover that can be washed with your regular laundry, or you can upgrade to a knitted cover that comes in several colors for an additional $129.

Best (less expensive) body pillow for side sleepers

Fill type: Shredded memory foam | Loft: Medium | Firmness: Medium-firm | Shape: Elongated rectangle

For a more standard body pillow, this one by Snuggle-Pedic is filled with shredded memory foam and covered in breathable bamboo fabric to support your knees, legs, and back while you sleep by helping to evenly distribute your weight. It’s shorter and wider than the Bearaby Cuddler, at 20 by 54 inches, and filled with shredded memory foam to hug and conform to your body. And perhaps best of all, the entire pillow is machine washable.

Additional reporting by Latifah Miles and Brenley Goertzen .

Some more bedding for side sleepers we’ve written about

Our experts

• Arielle Avila , Strategist writer • Dr. Dennis Colonello , celebrity and professional-athlete chiropractor at Peak Wellness • Logan Foley , sleep-science coach and the editorial director of SleepFoundation.org • Brenley Goertzen , Strategist writer • Dr. Janet Kennedy , clinical psychologist and founder of NYC Sleep Doctor • Alanna McGinn , founder and CEO of Good Night Sleep Site • Latifah Miles , former Strategist sleep writer • Dr. Thomas Schuler , chairman of the National Spine Health Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Board and founder of the Virginia Spine Institute • Dr. Rennes Toussaint-Keshinro , chiropractor and mental-health coach • Jen Trolio , Strategist senior editor

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The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers, According to Bedding Experts

We tested over 150 pillows so you can have your best sleep ever.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleep positions. But why does it feel so difficult to find the right pillow? If you've ever woken up with a crick in your neck after sleeping with a new pillow, remember this: The right pillow will be thick enough to fill in the gap between your head and shoulders for proper spinal alignment. A pillow that's too thick, too thin, too soft or too firm can lead to a myriad of issues

What's the best pillow for most side sleepers? The Pillow Cube Side Cube Pillow is our best overall pillow for side sleepers because of its innovative shape for excellent neck support and proper alignment. Testers called this pillow game-changing and some even said it decreased neck soreness. For combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night, we recommend the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow , an adjustable shredded foam pillow that cushions your head.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Pillow for Side Sleepers

Pillow cube side cube.

Best Value Pillow for Side Sleepers

Sobel westex hotel sobella medium pillow.

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain

Coop home goods premium original adjustable pillow.

Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers

Purple harmony pillow.

Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers

Layla sleep kapok pillow.

Best Down Alternative Pillow for Side Sleepers

Tuft & needle down alternative pillow (set of two).

Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers

Tempur-pedic breeze° pro + advanced cooling pillow.

Best Organic Pillow for Side Sleepers

Naturepedic organic 2-in-1 adjustable latex pillow.

We've put hundreds of pillows to the test in our Lab and with consumer testers over the years, from down pillows and down alternative options to memory foam, latex and even cooling pillows . In our Lab, we evaluate everything from ease of laundering to how well a pillow maintains its shape over time after weights are applied to mimic real-life use. Plus, we work with at-home sleep testers, including side sleepers, who sleep on each pillow to give feedback on comfort, support, temperature regulation and more. To find the best pillows for side sleepers, we analyzed over 5,400 data points from recent testing of more than 150 pillows . Read on to find the best of the best.

Best Cooling Pillows | Best Body Pillows | Best Memory Foam Pillows | Best Organic Pillows | Best Down Pillows | Best Down Alternative Pillows | Best Pillows for Back Sleepers | Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers | Best Pillows for Neck Pain | Best Hotel Pillows | Best Anti-Snore Pillows

This innovative pillow is a total game-changer for side sleepers. It has a unique rectangular shape with 90-degree edges to fill the gap between your shoulder and neck for unparalleled support and proper alignment. It comes in one universal 5-inch height, but if you need a shorter or taller pillow, check out the brand's new Side Cube Deluxe . Just note that the shape is best suited to true side sleepers, rather than those who change sleep positions throughout the night.

Tester notes: Despite our initial skepticism, it impressed both our Lab experts and consumer testers, winning over many with its support. "I like that it has the same amount of support right to the very edge and doesn’t taper off, so my neck is totally supported," said one, "Before, I’d ball up an extra pillow under my neck or sleep with my hand there."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Pillow Cube Is the Answer for Side Sleepers

Outfitting the bedrooms of many high-end resorts, Sobel Westex makes hotel pillows you'll dream of long past your stay. The lofty, down-like polyester fill also aced our tests, feeling luxurious without breaking the break . It also felt more substantial and supportive than similar down alternative styles we've tested.

Tester notes: Living up to its quality construction and high-end look, it washed well and bounced back quickly in our weighted pressure tests. Testers enjoyed the fluffy feel, giving it high scores for comfort and support. "It holds its shape throughout the night, is supportive for me as a 'side sleeper,' and is not too warm," said one tester. She also dubbed it "the first pillow I’ve used that has been supportive without causing neck strain.” Some testers did note that it's flattened out a bit over time but has held up better than their other pillows.

If you're waking up with a sore neck, it's likely due to poor spinal alignment. Luckily, this pillow offers a simple solution: Adjustable fill. You can add or remove fill until you find your perfect firmness level, and it works well for those who tend to change positions during the night. Plus, unlike similar pillows we've tested, both the cover and inner pillow can be machine-washed, and both looked great after our test washes.

Tester notes: This pillow comes with high praise from testers who gave it high marks across the board for comfort and support. "It really helps my neck pain around my C3," said one tester, who has had whiplash twice. "It's nice to wake up in the morning without pain and stiffness." Another noted, "It wraps around my head and I sink into it." One downside is the outer cover does tend to pill over time.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Coop Home Goods Pillow Is the Best Pillow We've Ever Tested

The Harmony Pillow features a latex core designed with Purple’s innovative polymer grid material for plush support and excellent cooling capabilities. The open channels in the grid offer extra airflow while cradling your head and neck, and the latex core provides excellent support. It's also available in three heights.

Tester notes: It received some of the highest scores from our testers, who loved how supportive it felt. It also quickly bounced back when we applied weighted pressure in the Lab. Beyond that, the material was a hit among testers, with one commenting that “the texture of the pillow was very unique, very soft and supportive.” Hot sleepers also noted it helped maintain a comfortable body temperature at night. It is heavier than other pillows.

The Layla pillow has an innovative hybrid fill made with kapok (a fluffy, silky natural fiber that's similar to cotton) and shredded memory foam. This results in a supportive and plush feel, which garnered high praise from our testers . On top of that, the fill is adjustable, so you can tailor it to your ideal height and switch positions at night without losing support.

Tester notes: It earned a near-perfect score from each of our testers, who gave it top marks for comfort, support and overall satisfaction. One tester especially loved how it “forms to your sleeping position” for proper alignment. The downside is that the gray cover is visible through some pillowcases, and the pillow may be too thin for users with broad shoulders.

Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow (Set of Two)

Down alternative pillows are a great substitute for down if you have an allergy or want a more affordable option. Among the dozens we've tested, Tuft & Needle's stands out for its firm support, keeping its shape in both in-Lab and at-home tests, night after night. Each pillow also comes with subtle side piping for a touch of elegance that won't show through your pillowcase.

Tester notes: Beyond how well the pillow maintained its shape, it fit perfectly in a Standard pillowcase and received praise from testers. All rated it highly supportive and comfortable to sleep on, although some said they wished it were softer. One tester also highlighted its attention to detail, saying it was "excellent quality with good materials and stitching."

The Tempur-Pedic Breeze° Pro + Advanced Cooling Pillow comes in two different heights, high and low, with the high style being ideal for side sleepers. In addition to the solid memory foam interior, there is also a gel layer designed to help keep you cool.

Tester notes: Testers liked that the outer cover is machine washable, and in our Lab evaluations, it did not show significant signs of wear or shrinkage after washing. Some testers noted that while the pillow quickly conforms to your head, it takes longer to return to the original shape if you move, so opt for something more responsive if you toss and turn while sleeping. It's also the priciest on our list.

This pillow from Naturepedic is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS). It's reversible! One side is designed with plush, quilted PLA batting (a plant-based fiber made from sugarcane) and the other side is filled with shredded latex. The entire pillow is encased in an organic cotton cover. The shredded latex fill is also plush and adjustable, so you can find your ideal height and firmness level.

Tester notes: Ideal for a more restless sleeper or someone who switches sleeping positions, the reversible design was a hit with our testers, who also liked how supportive it felt in any sleeping position. Many appreciated the adjustable nature, but one noted that "it can be messy when taking out the stuffing." This didn't deter our testers though, and one even dubbed it "the greatest pillow I have ever slept on."

Other pillows we recommend

Aside from our picks above, here are some other pillows that performed well in our tests to consider:

Best Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers: Saatva Latex Pillow

• This shredded latex style from Saatva was popular among our side sleeper testers. It's a substantial 6 to 7 inches thick and has a gusset for extra structure. One tester said it felt "very plush and soft," appreciating the organic cotton sateen cover and the responsive latex fill for excellent support and cushioning. The pillow maintained its shape after weights were applied in our Lab test, and it fit perfectly in a Standard-size pillowcase. However, this pillow isn't adjustable, so it won't work for everyone, especially those with smaller frames.

Best Down Pillow for Side Sleepers: Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow

• While down pillows offer ultimate fluffiness for that sleeping-on-a-cloud feeling, they usually don't have enough height for proper neck alignment when sleeping on your side: enter the Parachute side sleeper pillow. It features a 3.5-inch gusset on the side, and it's filled with 750 fill power European down and feathers to keep your neck properly aligned without taking away from the classic fluffy down feel. Testers described it as "absolutely dreamy" and feeling "like a marshmallow." For tall or larger individuals, this pillow may not be high enough for proper support.

Best Body Pillow for Side Sleepers: Pluto Puff Body Pillow

• This body pillow from Pluto is ideal for side sleepers thanks to its full-length design, which helps keep your whole body in alignment. Compared to similar models, this one stood out for its soft and fluffy down alternative. It wasn't overstuffed, allowing users to comfortably adjust as they moved throughout the night. Testers also liked that it felt cool and was fairly heavy and substantial. Our pros appreciate that it's fully machine washable, but did note some signs of wear on the cover after multiple laundering cycles.

How we test pillows for side sleepers

Over 700 at-home testers nationwide tried pillows that matched their preferences (sleeping position and desired fill) and reported on the pillow's comfort, support and much more. In our Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, we wash-tested each pillow multiple times, if applicable, to make sure it was durable and could withstand proper care without warping or shrinking.

We apply weights to each pillow that are a similar size and weight to the average head to ensure each pillow can keep its shape after repeated use. From tester feedback and Lab evaluations, we had over 5,400 data points to analyze. The featured styles are pillows specified for side sleepers that had excellent performance in our evaluations.

What to look for when shopping for the best pillows for side sleepers

Side sleepers should choose a thick, firm pillow that will “keep their ears in line with their shoulders” to prevent their neck from extending in either direction when sleeping on their sides, according to Dr. Jaspal R. Singh M.D. , co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine. The best pillow will keep your head and neck aligned while you are lying down.

✔️ Fill : Any fill from down to foam can work for side sleepers as long as the pillow is thick enough to support your neck. Solid foam or latex options offer the most uniform support, while hybrid, down and down alternative options offer more flexibility. Note that down or down alternative fills may require routine fluffing to maintain their height.

✔️ L oft: This refers to the pillow's height. Look for a pillow that's high enough to maintain a neutral alignment. Remember: The ideal loft can vary based on your height and body. If you're unsure what loft you need, an adjustable pillow allows you to find a height that's just right.

• A quick test you can do at home is to lie on your side and place books under your head. Keep adding or removing books until you feel you're properly aligned. Then measure the height of the book stack to get a rough idea of how thick your pillow should be. Just remember that some pillows may sink in a little more than others, so don't concentrate too much on the exact height.

✔️ S leeping style: If you are a restless sleeper, look for options with plusher fill that can easily change shape as you move. If you stay put on your side all night, a solid memory foam pillow can support your head in one position to help keep you asleep.

✔️ Care: Don't forget to check the care instructions . In our evaluations, some pillows could not be washed at all, while even more pillows only have machine-washable covers. If you are sensitive to allergens, look for an entirely machine-washable pillow, and keep in mind that memory foam is usually not machine-washable.

✔️ Return policy: With so many different pillows on the market, make sure to look at the return policy to ensure you can return or exchange the pillow if it doesn't work for you.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour is the senior textiles analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has evaluated more than 150 pillows in the Lab and coordinated at-home consumer testing with hundreds of testers. Emma has a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has been testing bedding for over five years at Good Housekeeping. A side sleeper herself, she's personally tried several of the pillows on our list and currently alternates between Pillow Cube and Coop.

Grace Wu most recently updated this story. She's a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent in-Lab pillow testing of 40 pillows. Grace has previously written about the best mattresses for side sleepers and interviewed medical experts for additional insight. Prior to joining GH, she earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

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Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Traveling can be exhilarating and exhausting (often at the same time). The right travel pillow can help you catch some shut-eye while on the red-eye (or any other flight), train, bus, or car, so you can enjoy your destination when you arrive. Forget about using a rolled-up sweatshirt (the way I used to snooze while traveling in my youth) shoved against a window. These travel pillow picks are a step up for sleeping on the go.

What to consider when buying travel pillows

Packability .

The problem with any kind of travel accessory is stuffing it back into a carry-on bag after you have used it. Personally, I try to pack as lightly as possible, which means I want a small pillow if I’m using one at all. Thankfully, these days, travel pillows come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, and some are easier to wrangle than others. You can find that pillows deflate after use; others can snap onto the handle of your bag for easy carrying, and a few you may need to make room for. 

Travel pillows can also be used for relieving sore backs, like a travel-sized lumbar, which I’ve used on occasion for long car rides. However, if you’re carrying a pillow versus tossing it into the trunk of a car or a travel tote on arrival, consider how much space you want to designate for your travel pillow. 

U-shaped, flat mini-sized, and wrap-around are three of the most common shapes for a travel pillow, and all have pros and cons. These pros and cons depend on your sleep position (front versus side) while sitting upright, comfort level with having something around your neck, and if you prefer to lean against a more traditional flat pillow. A front sleeping position is when your chin drops forward as you sleep upright. The side position is just what it sounds like—your head falls to the side while sleeping upright. Some people find themselves using both.

Fill and cover

Like most, travel pillows have different fills including memory foam (some have shredded foam, others use a block), microbeads, or air (if the pillow is a blow-up). Make sure the cover will keep you warm but not overheated while traveling—microfiber and fleece are good options. If you’re allergic to latex or any other material, always check the label before purchasing. Some travel pillows call for hand wash and line drying, while others can be tossed into a washing machine. 

Our top picks for best travel pillows

Best travel pillow for large headphones and best for chin support: bcozzy neck pillow.

Bcozzy Neck Pillow

This looks like a stuffed animal snake to me, but that's because it provides double ergonomic support designed to prevent neck pain and sore shoulders. I love that it’s adjustable, so you can sleep with your chin propped up if you’re a front sleeper or sleep with your head to the side or both because you can manipulate the pillow (it’s foldable). This travel pillow comes in two sizes, large and x-large making it perfect for many sized bodies. 

It has a snap loop and its own carry bag so you can attach it to your luggage or hang it up. You can also simply keep it wrapped around your neck as you traipse through the airport (although you might elicit stares and giggles). Throw it in the wash and air dry to keep it clean. It works great on an airplane, but you can use it anywhere you need to rest sitting up. 

Specifications

• Fill and material: Polyester microfiber
• Machine washable cover: Yes
• Size: Up to 15 inches (large) over 15 inches (extra large)
• Color: Multiple
• Price on publish: $44.97

What we like:

• Can be wrapped in different ways depending on your position.
• Multiple color options

What we don't Like:

• Wraps around your neck (some people and children may not be comfortable with that)

The bottom line: 

This wrap-around travel pillow is suitable for nearly every kind of upright sleeping position, but if you don’t like something wrapped around your neck, this isn’t for you. 

Get it here: Bcozzy Neck Pillow

Best lumbar support pillow for air travel: Tempur-Pedic Travel Lumbar Cushion

Tempur-Pedic Travel Lumbar Cushion

Temper-Pedic makes excellent pillows to support your back and spine and this travel lumbar pillow made from memory foam is no exception. It’s made from the same materials as their award-winning mattresses, meaning it will conform to your middle and lower back as you sit upright on an airplane for hours at a time. The molded shape is designed to distribute your weight evenly and relieve pressure. It’s no fun (I speak from experience) to arrive at your destination in back spasms, and a lumbar pillow of this caliber may make all the difference for proper back support. 

You can keep it clean by throwing the case in the washing machine or spot clean it on the go. Plus, you don’t have to limit using it to travel; it works great for any situation (work or home) that calls for sitting upright for long periods of time. One downside: It weighs two pounds, which will add to your overall allowed carry-on weight, and you may need to put it on top of your bag or squash into the side. 

Specifications:

• Fill and material: Memory foam and allergen-resistant cover
• Size: 10 inches x 11 inches x 2 inches
• Color: Navy
• Price on publish: $59
• Conforms to your body
• Offers plenty of support
• Can use anywhere, not just for travel
• Adds weight to your carry-on bag
• A little bulkier than a smaller pillow

A well-designed lumbar pillow from Tempur-Pedic memory foam that will help prevent back strain on long flights.

Get it here: Tempur-Pedic Travel Lumbar Cushion

Best compact travel pillow: DYNMC YOU Small Memory Foam Travel Pillow

DYNMC you Small Memory Foam Travel Pillow, Camping Pillow with Bag - Modern, Firm Memory Foam Pillow - Perfect Neck Support Pillow, Neck Pillow Travel, Car Pillow, Backpacking Pillow

This compact travel pillow made with memory foam is easy to tote and throw into your bag. It rolls up easily and stuffs into its one nylon bag that you can clip or tie onto your luggage. The pillow weighs only 1.3 pounds and fits easily into carry-on luggage . I like that it’s odorless and OEKO-TEX certified. 

• Fill and materials: OEKO-TEX®-certified fabric (95% viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex) and memory foam
• Size: 7 inches x 9.8 inches x 15.7 inches
• Color: Gray
• Price on publish: $27.00
• Lightweight
• OEKO-TEX®-certified materials
• Doesn’t accommodate front position sleepers

A simple compact lightweight travel pillow made of memory foam that comes with a small nylon carrying case. 

Get it here: DYNMC YOU Small Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Best kid’s travel pillow: Trtl Pillow Junior

Trtl Pillow Junior

This is a kid-sized version of one of my (and hundreds of others’) favorite neck pillows that wraps around your child’s neck to keep their spine aligned on long trips. Suitable for ages eight and older, this wraparound travel pillow has built-in head and neck support due to its flexible ergonomic design—plus, it was co-designed with kids, for kids, according to the brand’s website. You wear it like a scarf or bandana, but it offers a flexible, strong structure to keep your child’s head comfortable. 

Weighing less than 4 ounces and being foldable means this travel pillow can come with you in a small travel backpack , purse, or carry-on without sacrificing space for anything else. This kid’s travel pillow pops off with its quick-fit and release action. It will also fit into your child’s carry-on or even your purse (or maybe even a pocket!), but it also has a loop, so you can simply clip it onto any piece of luggage, or even a travel stroller . 

• Fill and material: Supersoft fleece and other materials
• Machine washable cover: Yes but it’s advised to remove the inner support structure
• Size: One (dimensions not available)
• Color: Three pattern choices (aqua, zebra, blue camo)
• Price on publish: $39.99
• Extremely lightweight
• Easy for kids to use themselves
• Scientifically engineered and tested for supporting kids growing bodies
• Only comes in three patterns, one of them zebra striped, that may not appeal to every kid (or parent)

An extremely lightweight, simple, and scientifically engineered (for head and neck support) scarf-like travel pillow that helps kids snooze through the skies, especially during long-haul international travel. 

Get it here: Trtl Pillow Junior

Best silk travel pillow: Lunya Washable Silk Travel Pillow

Lunya Washable Silk Travel Pillow in Waning Night Size OS

If you love the feel of silk against your skin and don’t mind using a travel pillow without a lot of structure, this one from Lunya is a great choice. It’s made from washable silk and easily attaches to a suitcase or carry-on for maximum portability. Plus, it comes with extra filling so you can plump it up to the perfect size whether on a plane, train, or automobile, and its straps mean it will stay put without sliding off a headrest. Throw on your travel shoes and slip this silk pillow into your carry-on for maximum comfort. Shopping tip: If you’re looking to enjoy that luxurious feeling 24/7, check out our list of the best silk sheets .

• Fill and material: Recycled polyester and washable silk/spandex blend
• Size: 17 inches x 11 inches x 5 inches 
• Color: Navy or tan
• Price on publish: $128
• Pretty dark blue color
• Bluesign®-approved dyes
• Slips onto a headrest
• Expensive (although it is silk)

This washable silk travel pillow attaches to any regular sized headrest to provide soft support and has extra padding so you can decide how firm you need it to be. 

Get it here: Lunya Washable Silk Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for long flights and best travel pillow for neck support: Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

Yes, you bet the Trtl travel pillow comes in an adult size—why let kids have all the comfort during travel? This scarf-like travel pillow is extremely soft (thanks to the fleece) and its internal support system keeps your head and neck upright. It may look like a fashion statement, but there’s no need to wear it through the airport; it’s so light that you can toss it into your bag or simply clip it onto your purse. 

It's easy to wash the wrap by hand or in a machine, and it has over 19K five-star ratings on Amazon. Personally, my family will all be wearing ours (kids and adults) on a long-haul flight this summer for maximum sleep comfort that we can easily shove into a small carry-on. 

Specifications: 

• Fill and material: Supersoft hypoallergenic fleece
• Size: One size (dimensions not available)
• Color: Four colors (gray, black, red, coral)
• Price on publish: $59.99
• Super lightweight
• Easy to stow away
• Clips onto a bag
• Wish it came in more colors

The bottom line:

 A scarf-like pillow that keeps your neck and head upright and aligned, easily fits into a carry-on or purse, and weighs less than half a pound. 

Get it here: Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

Best inflatable travel pillow and best travel pillow for side sleepers: Travelrest All-in-One Travel, Neck & Body Pillow

Travelrest All-in-One Travel, Neck & Body Pillow - Attaches to Airline or Car Seat

My son said this looks like a blue banana, but I was reminded of a rolled-up yoga mat. This sling-like inflatable travel pillow attaches to the seat of an airplane or car (or, for that matter, could attach to a train or bus seat) and is worn like a sling across your body. 

This wins my vote for “best for side sleepers” as well, who need to lean their head to one side for maximum comfort while sleeping on a road trip or flying through the skies. The unusual shape provides lateral support to the upper body and allows you to lean into it while keeping your head and neck in alignment. Best of all, it inflates and deflates easily for portability—roll it up and snap it to the outside of your bag. It may not be the most attractive pillow on the market, but users swear by its comfort. Best of all, you can wash it by hand or on a gentle cycle and line dry while on the road. 

• Fill and material: Velour cover with memory foam
• Size: 3.5 inches x 10 inches rolled up
• Color: Blue or gray
• Price on publish: $36.95
• Easy to pack
• May not provide enough support for some sleepers

A soft sling-like pillow that inflates and deflates for easy packability, working extremely well for side sleepers with its lateral support for the upper body. 

Get it here: Travelrest All-in-One Travel, Neck & Body Pillow

Best travel and memory foam pillow for side sleepers: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Side sleepers have somewhat of an advantage when it comes to sleeping upright because of many U-shaped travel pillow designs, and this one is no exception. Side sleepers can tilt their head to either side of this pillow while keeping their neck and spine in alignment. Plus, this highly-rated travel pillow deflates, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your carry-on or purse. It has a narrow center to better fit airplane seats and headrests, too. 

• Fill and material: Air and brushed 50D polyester knit cover
• Machine washable cover: No (hand wash only)
• Size: 15.3 inches x 11.4 inches x 4.3 inches (inflated)
• Price on publish: $49.95
• Only weighs 3 ounces
• Good for side sleepers
• Includes its own zippered case
• May not be good if you don’t typically rest your head to one side

An ultra-soft cover on an inflatable and durable air-pillow with a traditional U-shaped opening that works well for airline travel if you don’t mind a firm headrest. 

Get it here: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow

Best memory foam and best U-shaped travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow Memory Foam Neck Support

Evolution S3® Neck Pillow

The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow is a great U-shaped pillow design with a flat back that lays against your seat. The memory foam doesn't feel like a pillar of stone in density and it compresses down for an easy fit into its carry bag that you can clip onto your carry-on. The cover for this travel pillow is breathable, so you don't overheat, and it comes with an adjustable front strap and a seat strap. If you’re looking for a U-shaped memory foam travel pillow, this one comes highly recommended by users for its affordable price, neck and head support, and ability to squash down to half its size so you can pack it away. 

• Fill and material: Memory foam and moisture-wick fabric
• Size: 10 inches x 9.5 inches
• Color: Six choices (black, blue, gray, red, aqua, and a black snakeskin pattern)
• Comes in several colors
• Slightly bulky

An affordable U-shaped, memory foam travel pillow that’s easy to carry on, and has thousands of positive ratings on Amazon.

Get it here: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow Memory Foam Neck Support

Best travel pillow for car trips: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Soft and flexible memory foam makes this a great choice as a passenger pillow in a car or in the air. It wraps like a neck brace providing ergonomic comfort and support to your head and neck, and the flat back allows you to rest without having your head jutting out, which could be uncomfortable for long periods of time. Instead, your head is cradled in a 360-degree upright position. 

This one is pricey, and for some, a car ride calls for your favorite bedroom pillow, not a special travel one, but if you can afford the splurge, it can make road trips more pleasurable when you are at rest. If you need to take it with you, pop it into its carrying case and clip it to your carry-on or luggage because it compresses down to 60% of its size. 

• Fill and material: BASF memory foam core and OEKO-TEX® 95% viscose, 5% elastomer
• Size: 9.8 inches x 6.7 inches x 2.7 inches
• Color: Four color combos (soft gray and teal, soft gray and navy, and soft gray and black, dark gray and black)
• Price on publish: $60
• Has hundreds of five-star reviews
• Memory foam core for comfort and stability
• Carrying case and compresses down in size
• Adjustable velcro to fit most-sized necks
• On the expensive side

A soft, flexible memory foam pillow that keeps the head and neck in alignment for rest on the road (or skies) and compresses down for easy storage in its own sack that clips onto your carry-on. 

Get it here: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

How to maintain and clean travel pillows

Like all pillows, read and follow the label directions for cleaning. If you have a blow-up pillow, you may be able to simply wipe it down with a disinfectant cloth. Many travel pillows come with removable and washable covers that can be hand-washed with soap and air dried during your trip or thrown into a washing machine on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent if you have access to a laundry. 

Portability and storage solutions

When you travel, especially by air, keeping bags and things to a minimum may be at the top of your list of priorities—it’s definitely on mine. Travel pillows may come with their own case, but often that’s to help keep your travel pillow clean and secure, and unfortunately, it may just end up as another thing to schlep around with you. 

There are a few portability and storage solutions you can consider. Some travel pillows deflate and lay flat. Others can be squished into a compact ball you can stuff into your carry-on. A memory foam or cotton travel pillow may be stored in a vacuum-sealed or compression bag to minimize space. Other pillows have attachable clips that allow you to simply clip it to the exterior, often the handle of your bag. If you’re using a large travel pillow, consider stuffing it into a sling-style bag (if it will roll up, maybe a yoga bag) and wearing it as a cross-body. 

What are the different types of travel pillows available?

There are a few different types of travel pillows available on the market, including U-shaped ones that wrap around your head and neck, small bean-bag type pillows (usually filled with microbeads), and long lumbar pillows that can be used for travel. 

How we tested and selected the best travel pillows

I’ve personally used some of these or very similar travel pillows on air and road trips. I polled my friends and colleagues, researched many types of travel pillows at multiple price points, and conducted a deep dive into reviews of each product, including ratings by travel specialists. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are memory foam travel pillows comfortable for long flights.

Yes, according to travelers I spoke with. And according to online reviews of various memory foam travel pillows, memory foam—either shredded or in a block—does work well on long flights. You can find many highly-rated memory foam travel pillows on the market—several are on my list! 

Are travel pillows suitable for use in cars or trains?

Yes! Travel pillows aren’t limited to airplane use. You can use a travel pillow any time you need to sleep during a trip. Some people like to use their travel pillows, depending on the shape and size of it, in a hotel room, too. 

Can travel pillows help prevent neck pain during travel?

The right travel pillow for you may help prevent neck pain during travel because your posture can take a hit when you fall asleep in an upright or semi-upright position like in an airplane seat. Of course, there is no guarantee that a travel pillow will save you from a stiff neck, but most quality ones are designed to protect you against neck pain or strain caused by long hours in a seated position. You can also look for a travel pillow that’s designed by, or recommended by, chiropractors.

Do travel pillows come in different sizes?

Absolutely! While most are on the smaller size, you can find larger ones. There’s a wide range of travel pillows on the market. If you want a large pillow, consider simply bringing one from your bedroom—these work fine, I’ve found, when taking a road trip and you just need to rest by squashing a pillow behind you (or depending on their tolerance, leaning it against a sibling or cousin, in my case). 

Do travel pillows come with carrying cases?

Yes. Many travel pillows (and most of the ones above) come with a carrying case that can help keep the pillow clean and separate from your other carry-on items. Of course, you don't have to use the case, if it takes up room, but if it is included, it’s nice to use.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

8 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers, According To Experts

Pillows from Tempur-Pedic, Sleep Number, and Pillow Cube topped our list of recommendations.

The best pillows for side sleepers

Best Overall Pillow For Side Sleepers

Tempur-pedic tempur-neck pillow.

Most Customizable Pillow For Side Sleepers

Sleep number true temp pillow.

Best Pillow On Amazon

Pillow cube side cube.

Best Budget Pillow for Side Sleepers

Contour l pillow.

Best Pillow For Combo Sleepers

Ostrichpillow memory foam bed pillow.

Best Cooling Pillow For Side Sleepers

Slumbercloud ultracool pillow (medium/firm).

Best Body Pillow For Side Sleepers

Twilla adjustable body pillow.

Best Knee Pillow For Side Sleepers

Luna orthopedic pillow knee pillow.

We spoke with Arthur L. Jenkins , MD, a neurosurgeon/spinal surgeon and principal at Jenkins NeuroSpine, for his expert take on the most important considerations for finding the best pillow for side sleepers. He recommends finding a pillow that holds its shape without collapsing. “Collapse of the neck position can lead to twisting or bending of the neck, which can narrow the respiratory airways, and in some cases (e.g., patients with excess mobility or ‘hypermobility’) even squeeze or narrow blood vessels or pinch nerves at the base of the skull, leading to more severe problems.” Bottom line: It should be soft (but not plush ), yet supportive. But there’s more to it than just that.

What to consider when shopping for the best pillows for side sleepers

Support and proper alignment.

Pillows are incredibly personal. That’s why the best pillow for you is the one that comfortably supports your head and your body in your preferred sleep position. Every sleep position (e.g., back, stomach, or side) requires a pillow shape that will support the unique position of the head and body in relation to one another.

Finding a pillow that properly supports your head in the right position can take a little trial and error. “The body needs to be held in a position that does not create discomfort, and the neck needs to be kept in a relatively neutral position to minimize the stress on multiple organ systems so the head can dream peacefully," Dr. Jenkins says.

In general, side sleepers do best with a thicker pillow, around four to six inches in loft, to properly support their head and neck and keep their spine aligned. A pillow that is too flat can cause neck pain, while one that is too tall or “lofty” can hyperextend the neck.

Fill material

While there is no “one best” fill material for side-sleeper-friendly pillows, most will want a pillow that offers good support and firmness to properly cradle their head and neck to prevent sinking in too much. Memory foam, latex, and buckwheat hulls are all good options for side sleepers, as they provide the necessary support and contour to the head and neck. Memory foam readily conforms to the shape and weight of your head, neck, and body, but it’s notorious for trapping heat. Latex conforms great, as well, for excellent support and relief. It’s also naturally breathable, which can be great for keeping you cool at night. Down is softer and fluffier than both memory foam and latex, so it may be too soft for side sleepers.

Return policy

Pillows, like all bedding, are incredibly personal. It’s next to impossible to find the best pillow for you without testing it in your own home in your own bed. That’s why we recommend testing any pillows you're shopping for in person. Or, if that’s not an option, consider brands and retailers with a generous return policy (at least 30 days) or, even better, a risk-free sleep trial of at least 90 days.

How we chose the best pillows for side sleepers

Our team of sleep enthusiasts researched and vetted dozens of pillows for this roundup. We compared every feature and spec, including quality, durability, fill type, price, ease of care, and, of course, how comfortable each model was while sleeping on our sides. We also consulted with experts in the field, including Arthur L. Jenkins, MD, a neurosurgeon/spinal surgeon and principal at Jenkins NeuroSpine, and Tony Nalda , chiropractor and head of the Scoliosis Reduction Center in Celebration, Florida. With their help, we settled on the eight models below as our picks for the best pillows for side sleepers in 2024.

So, grab your softest sheets and get ready to drift off to your best sleep. See below for the eight best pillows for side sleepers.

Tempur-Pedic's Tempur-Neck Pillow is a block of the company's premium, ultra-cooling Tempur foam that's designed to be ergonomic and comfortably align your body while sleeping on your side (or back). Unlike softer materials like down and down alternatives, the foam retains its shape no matter how or how long you sleep on it. It’s also available in three sizes—small, medium, and large—so you can grab the best size for your body shape and preferred sleep position. Bonus: It's also a great TMJ pillow ! Add to that a great price, and this is our runaway pick for this year's best overall pillow for side sleepers.

Read more: Best Cooling Sheets

The Ultimate flavor of Sleep Number's True Temp pillow is a solid option for side sleepers. The flagship model is height-adjustable with removable foam inserts to accommodate any sleep position (great for combo sleepers!). Like the Tempur-Neck Pillow, this model removes trapped body heat and moisture, keeping you cool and dry. The cool-to-the-touch cover feels great against the skin and is machine-washable for easy care, too. Plus, we love Sleep Number's 100-night return/exchange policy. The only downside? It's the most expensive pillow in this year's roundup.

Of the hundreds (maybe even thousands) of pillows on Amazon, the Side Cube from Pillow Cube is our go-to favorite for side sleepers. The five-inch height is designed to perfectly fit the gap between your neck and shoulders, and promote proper spinal alignment. We found the memory foam fill to be soft, yet supportive. Plus, all six sides are temperature-regulating, so you won't be constantly flipping it to find the cool side. Upgrade to the Side Cube Deluxe for a wider, more luxurious alternative.

Read more: Best Pillows on Amazon

Contour's aptly named Contour L Pillow is perfect if you're looking for head, neck, and shoulder support all in one. The unique design is versatile enough to work as a head, body, and sitting-up-in-bed pillow. Our team found the Polylux (polyester) fill material to be much cooler than traditional memory foam. We also love that the soft microfiber cover is removable and machine-washable for easy care. Plus, at just under $30, you can't beat the price!

Most people are combo sleepers, mixing up their position throughout the night. For combo side sleepers, Ostrichpillow's medium-density Memory Foam Bed Pillow is perfect . It's versatile with an ergonomic design that works with any sleep position, whether you like to snooze on your side, back, or stomach. The higher "flared" sides are designed to provide greater support for side sleepers, while the center dip perfectly cradles the head and neck for back and stomach sleepers. Just rotate it 90 degrees to dial in your preferred height in the night. Our team also found that it cooled significantly better than traditional memory foam.

We've tested dozens of cooling pillows, but SlumberCloud's UltraCool Pillow is among our favorites. It's made with NASA-inspired Outlast fabric that feels cool to the touch and actively regulates your body temp throughout the night, too. The medium/firm firmness option is perfect for side sleepers, providing just-right support to keep your head, neck, and spine aligned where you need them. After more than a year of testing, our team was pleasantly surprised to find that the down-alternative fill does an excellent job of making sure the pillow maintains its shape without sagging or developing lumps.

Read more: Best Cooling Pillows

Unlike most pillows with a "fixed" height or firmness, Twilla's Adjustable Body Pillow is designed to be used with 15 adjustable "pods." Adding or removing them allows you to dial in the perfect loft and comfort level for your body's shape, size, and preferred sleep position. "I bought this for my girlfriend, and I'm pretty sure she likes it more than she likes me, which says a lot about just how amazing this pillow is," says WH contributor Mike Richard. "She has a lot of chronic health issues and uses it to nap almost daily!"

The experts we spoke with recommended side sleepers to sleep with a knee pillow for better spinal alignment. This deceptively simple orthopedic option from Luna is designed to work with a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. Plus, the hourglass shape makes it versatile enough to use as side support and leg support while resting. Our panelists loved the soft, breathable memory foam that adapts well to the contours of the body. It's also surprisingly cooler than traditional memory foam, and the zip-off cover is machine-washable, making for easy care and maintenance.

Meet the Experts

• Arthur L. Jenkins , MD, is a neurosurgeon/spinal surgeon and Principal at Jenkins NeuroSpine.
• Tony Nalda is a chiropractor who leads the Scoliosis Reduction Center in Celebration, Florida.

Do different types of sleep positions (back, side, stomach) require different types of pillows?

Definitely. Your sleep position plays a role in deciding the best pillow for you. According to Dr. Nalda, “This is because the head and neck are in different positions in each of these different sleeping positions, and the gap between the mattress and the head is different in each sleeping position.”

Stomach or “front” sleepers might do well with a very thin pillow or no pillow at all. Dr. Jenkins confirms that “back sleepers typically do best with a relatively thinner pillow that has a scalloping out in the middle.” He goes on to say that “side sleepers (and that includes those that sleep partly side, partly down, like 45 degrees past ‘true side’), in particular, need to maintain a relatively neutral spine and airway when sleeping, to prevent snoring (which means getting inadequate oxygen) as well as to minimize neck and lower back strain.”

But, in Dr. Jenkins's expert opinion, no matter whether you’re a back, stomach, or side sleeper, it’s important to first determine why you might be sleeping in that position in the first place. “There are many reasons people sleep in a typical position, ranging from medical conditions (like sleep apnea, spinal problems, thoracic outlet syndrome, sinus infections, among MANY others), to social situations (spouse/co-sleepers/environmental) to personal (weight, body shapes, bed choices, clothing/sheets).” These can all play a role in helping you find the right pillow, and they may need to be addressed before deciding on your best side-sleeper-friendly pillow.

What pillow fill material is best for side sleepers?

“Finding a pillow that’s the right height to slot into the gap between your neck and the bed isn’t always the easiest thing for side sleepers,” says Dr. Nalda. “So many swear by memory foam pillows, which contour to your body and are thus easily adjustable.”

But memory foam pillows aren’t the only game in town. A high-loft down pillow is another side-sleeper-friendly option. Dr. Nalda goes on to say, “Some side sleepers find [memory foam] pillows too firm, however, and opt for down or feathers, but these fills come with their own problems as they can set off allergies.”

If you’re having trouble finding the right material for your personal best side-sleeper-friendly pillow, Dr. Nalda recommends looking at shredded memory foam models. These have “the contouring qualities of a normal memory foam pillow, but the amount of fill in the pillow can be adjusted to suit all side-sleeping positions.”

Are body pillows or placing a pillow between the knees helpful for side sleepers?

Sleeping on your side puts quite a bit of pressure on your hips and shoulders, so many side sleepers need more than just a head pillow. Dr. Nalda says there’s no question that “sleeping with a body pillow and a pillow between the knees are good ideas for side sleepers.” This can help keep your knees aligned while reducing stress on your hips. He goes on to say that “hugging a body pillow helps to maintain the natural curve of your spine. If you tend to snore when you lie on your back, placing the body pillow behind you can prevent you from rolling over onto your back in the night.”

As far as what type of body pillow to look for, Dr. Jenkins advises that the “best choice for a body pillow is one that spans from the knee to the chest level and doesn’t collapse,' so he finds that, in his opinion, a memory foam pillow about the thickness of your thigh works best to prevent collapse. If you get too hot, perhaps a down pillow (which radiates heat well) may work better for you, he adds.

Dr. Jenkins also suggests cuddling as a body pillow alternative. “Some people find cuddling gives them an equivalent support to prevent turning face down or face up, but that support can be ephemeral due to the uncertain nature of how another person is sleeping … or not sleeping … making a body pillow more consistent.”

Is there a specific height/profile that side sleepers should look for?

Thankfully, this is a simple decision. “Sleeping on your side generally puts the most space between your neck and the mattress out of all the sleeping positions,” warns Dr. Nalda. “So it’s generally recommended to look for a medium to high loft (pillow height) to fill that gap.”

Shop more of our favorite pillows and pillow accessories

Best Pillows on Amazon | Best Cooling Pillows | Best Sitting-Up Bed Pillows | Best TMJ Pillows | Best Custom Pillows | Best Hypoallergenic Pillows

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. 

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15 of the best mattresses for side sleepers in 2024

By Georgia Lockstone

Replacing your worn-out mattress for one of the best mattresses for side sleepers is well worth doing if you're amongst the 50% of Brits who favour resting on their left or right side each evening. According to the 2022 YouGov Sleep Study , a surprising 32% say they switch-up their sleep positions — while only 7% exclusively snooze on their back, and 8% are front sleepers.

If done properly, side sleeping is believed to help reduce snoring, improve gut health, and even boost brain function. But as lovely and cosy as it is to snuggle down on your side, issues like lower back ache and hip and shoulder pain can start to creep in if you don't have the right kind of support. So — alongside treating yourself to one of the best pillows for side sleepers — picking the right mattress is key.

Whether you lie like a log with your arms outstretched, feel cosiest when curled up in the foetal position, or can't snooze without snuggling a pillow between your thighs, these comfortable mattresses are guaranteed to ensure you stay properly supported throughout your slumber.

SKIP TO: What mattress type is generally best for side sleepers? | What is the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers? | Our full reviews.

Best mattresses for side sleepers at a glance:

• Best classic hybrid mattress: The Simba Hybrid® Mattress, £471.75, Simba
• Best affordable mattress: Fogarty Just Right Pillow Top Open Coil Mattress, £169, Dunelm
• Best breathable mattress: Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium Mattress, £549.99, OTTY
• Best for sore pressure points: Luxury Hybrid Mattress, £949, DreamCloud

What mattress type is generally best for side sleepers?

A quick Google search will show you that there's a whole lot of jargon floating around in the magical world of mattresses. But — put simply — most mattresses can be split in to broadly three categories; pocket sprung, memory foam, and hybrid.

The traditional option, pocket sprung mattresses are made up of steel coils that ensure even weight distribution and support — and typically have a few different firmness options for you to choose from. But a bouncy mattress isn't for everybody — Simba Marketing & E-commerce Director, Jon Moore, says that memory foam mattresses are a popular alternative for those who favour maximum sinkage.

“Known for their ability to mould to your body shape, memory foam mattresses not only provide pressure-relieving bliss — but they also reduce motion transfer, which is handy if you share a bed," Jon explains. “Although, one downside of traditional memory foam mattresses is that they don't have great airflow, and can therefore trap heat."

So, where do hybrid mattresses sit in the line-up? Made up of a mix of memory foam and pocketed coils or springs, hybrid mattresses are a combination of the two — and are typically seen as the best pick for side sleepers. “They're particularly well-suited for side sleepers, as they provide the benefits of both types — complete full-body support, as well as targeted cushioning to key pressure points like the shoulders and hips,” John adds.

What is the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers?

“Although it’s down to personal preference, a medium-firm mattress is generally seen as the ideal tension for side sleepers — provided that it properly contours to the curves of the body," John explains.

But it's also worth bearing in mind that personal factors like weight and height can also come into play when picking the perfect firmness level for a side sleeper. Essentially, the heavier you are, the more well-suited you might be to a slightly firmer mattress — as you'll sink deeper into the mattress than intended, and end up with misalignment.

And this is all before we even start thinking about the best pillows for side sleepers. It's truly a fine science!

After a mattress that's spot-on for side sleepers? Keep reading to discover our top picks for 2024.

Best hybrid mattress for side sleepers

The Simba Hybrid® Mattress

Specifications:

• Sizes available: UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU Queen.
• Mattress type: Hybrid — Aerocoil® springs and Open-cell Simbatex® foam.
• Firmness: Medium-firm.
• Thickness: 25cm.
• Trial period? Yes —200 nights.
• Guarantee? Yes — 10 years.
• Mattress-in-a-box? No — but delivered to your chosen room.

Pros: With over half a million sold worldwide, it's no surprise that this OG Simba Hybrid mattress is still a major player in the mattress market. Boasting six layers of pressure-relieving Aerocoil® springs, cooling open-cell Simbatex® foam, and a SupportCore™ base that prevents roll-off at the sides, this Hybrid mattress still packs a real punch — and provides a far cheaper way to experience the award-winning Simba Hybrid range.

Cons : Clearly, the technology has been updated a lot since this was first released. But we still think it's a great mattress, for a great price.

Customers are saying : Customers have noticed a significant improvement in the quality of their sleep. And they also can't stop raving about the brand's faultless customer service.

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these Simba discount codes .

Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers

TEMPUR CoolTouch™ Sensation Elite Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Double, UK King, UK Super King.
• Mattress type: TEMPUR memory foam.
• Firmness: Firm.
• Trial period? Yes — 100 nights.

Pros: An ideal choice for couples, this premium mattress recovers quickly from compression and offers enhanced mobility thanks to its flexible open-cell walls, and boasts a clever CoolTouch™ cover that helps manage excess heat throughout the night. Truly worth the hype (and hefty price-tag!), it provides primarily firm levels of support — but the 3cm TEMPUR comfort layer makes the perfect topper, as it moulds to the contours of your body, and provides that dreamy cloud-like softness.

Cons : Apparently it sometimes has a slightly chemical smell when it first arrives — although this does disappear within a few days. Also, it doesn't come in very many UK sizes.

Customers are saying : It takes a few days to adjust to the firmness of this mattress — but once you do, you wont be able to live without it. Practically every other review seems to be someone saying their back or hip pain has completely disappeared within days.

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these Dreams discount codes .

Best affordable mattress for side sleepers

Fogarty Just Right Pillow Top Open Coil Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King.
• Mattress type: Open coil.
• Firmness: Medium.
• Trial period? No.
• Mattress-in-a-box? No.

Pros: As well as being relatively affordable, this fabulous Fogarty mattress has been designed specifically with side sleepers in mind. While its traditional open coil coil design provides optimum support while you sleep, the built-in topper lets you sink right in, and takes any excess pressure off your shoulders, hips, and back.

Cons: We can't think of any real cons for such a budget-friendly buy. But it's worth bearing in mind that there's no trial period available — so make sure you're certain before you add it to your basket.

Customers are saying : Over 100 happy Dunelm customers have given this Fogarty mattress a 5* rating. For the price, the majority seem really impressed.

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these Dunelm discount codes .

Best mattress for side sleepers with bigger builds

Simba Hybrid® Ultra Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Single, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King.
• Mattress type: Hybrid.
• Thickness: 34cm.

Pros: The best of the best, this Simba medium-firm mattress serves up thirteen truly sensational layers. Highlights include four layers of a total of 8,500 springs, two layers of breathable Simbatex® foam technology, and an all-new cushioned top layer of kapok, wool, and bamboo that helps with temperature regulation and breathability. At 34cm deep, it's also a great pick whatever your body weight or body type — as it will still provide the perfect blend of sinkage and support for heavier builds. Plus, your mattress also comes with a free mattress protector — made with Simba's famous breathable cotton material.

Cons : Unsurprisingly, it's super expensive. And its thickness may make it a little tall for some bed frames.

Customers are saying : Side sleepers are flooding the comments with how well this mattress contours and moves with their body while they sleep.

Best mattress for side sleepers with back pain

Ortho Support 2000 Pocket Spring Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Single, UK Double, UK King.
• Mattress type: Layered pocket springs.
• Thickness: Roughly 30cm.
• Trial period? Yes — 60 nights.
• Guarantee? Doesn't say.

Pros: With its unique zoned pocket springs that react to your individual body shape and weight, this orthopaedic mattress has been designed to provide bespoke full-body support, and keep your posture as close to neutral as possible throughout the night. It's a great option for side sleepers who can't seem to avoid waking up with back pain.

Cons : Although this mattress is undoubtedly a great orthopaedic option for tackling back pain, it does have a couple of practical drawbacks. As well as coming in only three UK sizes, it's really heavy to manoeuvre — which can make changing the bed quite tricky. Also, a sixty-night trial doesn't seem very generous compared to many of the other brands featured.

Customers are saying : Many happy customers report that they're now practically jumping out of bed each morning — after years of waking-up stiff and with a sore back.

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these John Lewis discount codes .

Best temperature regulating mattress for side sleepers

OTTY Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium Mattress

• Mattress type: Hybrid — pocket springs and memory foam.
• Thickness: 28cm.
• Mattress-in-a-box? Yes.

Pros: Made with memory foam that's been infused with odour-eliminating and hypoallergenic activated charcoal, and anti-fungal and fully breathable bamboo, this sustainable mattress is spot-on for hot sleepers. Boasting a total of 4000 encapsulated pocket springs split between two separate comfort layers, it's a luxury mattress that's great for both back and side sleepers.

Cons : Once you've unboxed it, you'll need to let it rise for around four hours. So it's not one to immediately sleep on!

Customers are saying : Most reviewers say that it seemed a little firm initially, but had them sleeping like a baby after a couple of weeks.

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these OTTY discount codes .

Best mattress with a large selection of sizes

REM-Fit 600® Lux Hybrid Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Small Single, Long Small Single, UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King Size, UK Super King Size, EU Single, EU Double, EU King Size.
• Mattress type: Hybrid — memory foam and pocket springs.
• Guarantee? Yes — 15 years.

Pros: With 4000 premium pocket springs, and an extra-deep visco foam layer that's been carefully zoned to provide varied levels of density to different parts of the body, there's a lot to love about this impressive hybrid mattress. Best of all, you'll also get two free memory foam pillows — specifically designed to aid correct spinal alignment, and carefully cradle your head and neck while you sleep. We love a freebie!

Cons : We can't really see any…

Customers are saying : That they haven't slept so well in years, and that it's the perfect balance of comfort and firmness.

Best pocket spring mattress for side sleepers

Silentnight Medium Firm 1200 Pocket Mattress

• Mattress type: Pocket springs.
• Thickness: 29cm.
• Guarantee? Yes — 5 years.

Pros: If you're after a pocket spring mattress that wont break the bank, then have a scroll through the plentiful 5* reviews of this Silentnight mattress. Made from individually nested pocket springs that react independently to weight and movement, it offers a level of bounce and support that's ideal if you regularly switch sleeping positions throughout the night. Plus, the two Eco Comfort fibre layers provide just the amount of cushioning.

Cons : A few customers have noticed a little sagging after a while.

Customers are saying : Most customers agree that it's spot-on in tension for a medium-firm mattress, and are really impressed with the standard and speed of delivery by Dunelm.

By Rebecca Fearn

By Ali Pantony

By Kathleen Walsh

Best mattress for side sleepers with a soft pillow-top

Sleepeezee PocketGel Plus Poise 3200 Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King Size, UK Super King Size, UK Super King Zip & Link.
• Firmness: Softer.

Pros: Definitely the softest mattress you'l find in this edit, this Sleepeezee option is recommended for both back and side sleepers thanks to its careful blend of breathable gel-infused memory foam, and 3200 Softech® and Softouch® pocket springs. As well as being soft to sleep on, the pillow-top has a ViroFresh™ cover that attracts and kills 99.9% of all bacteria and viruses within minutes. So it's a great option for allergy sufferers.

Cons : With its 35cm thickness, it's definitely a mattress that'll require a deep fitted sheet.

Customers are saying : Reviewers love the super-soft pillow top, and seem really impressed with the cooling technology.

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these Mattress Next Day discount codes .

Best mattress for side sleepers with a long trial period

Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress

• Mattress type: Hybrid — CertiPUR™ foam and steel springs.
• Trial period? Yes — 365 nights.
• Guarantee? Yes — a forever warranty.

Pros: Perhaps the best thing about buying a Nectar mattress is that you can try it out for up to a year. If it's not right, they'll pick it up for free, and offer you a full refund. Made up of eight layers of pocket springs, memory foam, and micro springs, this adaptive memory foam mattress has been designed to relieve common pressure points beneath the shoulders, hips, and legs — while also ensuring maximum motion isolation between you and your partner. Plus, its clever breathable layers have been designed to maximise airflow, and wick away moisture.

Cons : There aren't any obvious ones…

Customers are saying : As well as raving about the mattress, customers seem really impressed with the delivery service. You can pick a named day for free — and even narrow it down to a one-hour time slot.

Emma Original Mattress

• Mattress type: Memory foam.

Pros: Despite being around for a little while, this classic memory foam mattress still regularly rakes in the awards. Underneath the soft removable cover, you'll find a mattress made up of three impressive layers; temperature-regulating and sweat-absorbing Point Elastic Airgocell® technology, a memory foam support layer that conforms to your body and minimises motion transfer, and a base layer that's got seven different cut-out zones that make sure your spine is aligned, and your weight is evenly distributed.

Cons : Made of mostly just memory foam, this mattress may feel a little too soft on the firmness scale for some people — as well as potentially slightly too warm.

Customers are saying : It's got rave reviews amongst side sleepers and back sleepers, alike.

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these Emma Mattress discount codes .

Best mattress for side sleepers with sore pressure points

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress

Pros: Although its sturdy base is packed with premium pocket springs from edge-to-edge to ensure full and even support, this mattress feels considerably softer than many other hybrid mattresses thanks to its three stacked layers of contouring and body-hugging memory foam. Thanks to its slightly softer composition, it's also a great mattress for those who like to switch-up their sleep position.

Cons : If you're heavier in weight, then you might find yourself sinking a little more into this mattress than intended. Go for something slightly firmer to make sure you're properly supported.

Customers are saying : It's gone down a treat with customers who love a soft mattress — but need to know that they're still supported. And pain seems to also be much less of a problem.

Best mattress with superior edge-to-edge support

Panda Bamboo Hybrid Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King, UK Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU King, Emperor.
• Mattress type: Hybrid — bamboo-infused memory foam and multi-zone pocket springs.
• Thickness: 27cm.
• Trial period? Yes — 200 nights.

Pros: Constructed out of orthopaedic grade open-cell foam, and ultra-responsive pocket arranged strategically across seven zones, this firm mattress provides excellent support. Best of all, the removable cover and foam layer are infused with fresh bamboo — which not only allows for far better airflow and breathability than your typical visco foam, but also gives the mattress naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic qualities. Expect to stay cool and comfortable all night.

Cons : This mattress is definitely on the firmer side, which might make it a little bit uncomfortable for some side sleepers.

Customers are saying : Arriving vacuum packed in a rather small box, most reviewers appear massively impressed with quite how substantial this mattress is when unrolled and allowed to rise. And there are lots of positive comments about how surprisingly quickly you get used to its firmer feel.

Best mattress for side sleepers with a choice of firmness

Hypnos Wool Origins 6 Mattress

• Sizes available: UK Small Single, UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King Size, UK Super King Size, UK King Size Zip & Link, UK Super King Zip & Link.
• Mattress type: Pocket Springs and wool.
• Firmness: Medium or Firm.

Pros: Sometimes, it's nice to have a little bit of choice! This Hypnos mattress comes in both medium and firm tensions, and has been filled with pure British wool for added softness. Incredibly engineered, the ReActivePro™ 6-Turn pocket springs have been designed to independently respond to your body's exact requirements — in order to provide total spinal and body support.

Cons : The quilted top might not be your cup of tea if you prefer the sleek and streamlined look of a memory foam or hybrid bed.

Customers are saying : Bed sharers claim this mattress is ideal if you've got a fidgety partner — thanks to the individual sleeping zones.

The Original Hybrid 2000 Pocket Sprung Mattress

• Guarantee? Yes — 1 year.

Pros: Not just a place to buy gorgeous bedding sets and bedroom furniture, DUSK also sells a super small range of mattresses. Made up of a layer of heat tempered pocket springs that help keep the body in an optimum position all night, and layers of memory foam for added comfort. If you're after a bed-in-a-box, it's a great option.

Cons : It would be great if there were a few more sizes to choose from. It's also only got a one-year guarantee, which isn't ideal.

Customers are saying : Reviewers are really impressed with how comfortable it is, and think it's quite a hidden gem. The affordable price makes it a real steal!

Save when you shop for the best mattresses for side sleepers with these DUSK discount codes .

By Mayola Fernandes

By Ali Howard

How to choose the best pillow for a side sleeper

Everything you need to know if you are a side sleeper in need of a new pillow

With proper sleep and recovery being vital to a healthy lifestyle, choosing the best mattress, sheets and pillows are significant decisions .

And according to the National Library of Medicine , the predominant sleep position for adults is on their side. If you happen to be part of this side-sleeping group, finding the right pillow for the most comfortable night's sleep can be challenging with all of the options available.

ABC spoke with Dr. Wendy Troxel for some insight on finding the best pillows for side sleepers.

Troxel is a senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, and an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Utah. She is also the author of "Sharing the Covers: Every Couple's Guide to Better Sleep."

How to pick the best pillow for side sleepers

When purchasing a new pillow, Troxel shared some key characteristics you should keep top of mind.

Pillows for spinal alignment

"When you are shopping for an ideal side sleeper pillow, you should be looking for a combination of adequate cushioning so your head is nicely cradled, but at the same time something that supports good spinal alignment -- starting from your head, your neck, your shoulders and down your spine," she said.

"This means you can't have too much loft or thickness or too little. You do not want your head hyperextended, or if it is too low, misaligned in the other direction," Troxel added.

Troxel emphasized the importance of spinal alignment for side sleepers. She suggests also adding a body pillow to your setup or placing a pillow between your knees.

"The key is really to support that hip alignment. Many of us have extra pillows in the house so using one between your your knees to support that neutral spinal alignment is perfectly satisfactory."

Most comfortable pillows

"The reality is comfort is a subjective experience. Some people tend to like more firm pillows, while others, like softer pillows -- in terms of the material that is also going to be somewhat of a subjective preference."

Troxel suggests testing and trying different brands is the best way to truly figure out your best fit. She noted that trying a pillow for 15 minutes or more is recommended -- if that is not possible to do in a storefront, check the return policies before buying online to see if you can give the pillow a good run before deciding if it works for you.

Temperature-controlled pillows

"We know that human beings sleep better in cooler temperatures because we need our body temperatures to drop upon falling asleep," Troxel said. "So you want to avoid overly plush or synthetic materials that trap in heat, as that could also disrupt sleep."

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Prices may change from the date of publication.

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Saatva Latex Pillow

This pillow from Saatva has a machine-washable cover and is described on the brand website as having a "shredded natural latex interior that delivers superior head and neck support." Our experts recommended checking the return policy on your new purchase and this one comes with a 45-day return policy.

Eli & Elm | Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow with Adjustable Filler

This pillow has a unique U-shape, which the brand website says should “help alleviate neck pain and promote spinal alignment." The brand also shared that the breathable material can also help with temperature control: "The breathable cotton cover in addition to our proprietary shredded latex fill allows for greater airflow throughout the pillow, allowing maximum cooling properties." 

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows Standard / Queen Size Set of 2 - Down Alternative Bedding Gel Cooling Pillow for Back, Stomach or Side Sleepers

This product is an Amazon best-seller with more than 200,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.3 stars. 

The Marlow Pillow

This adjustable memory foam pillow lets you control the memory foam firmness with a zipper opened or closed. 

Body Pillows for Side Sleepers

Wiggle Pillow Cover

This eco-friendly full-body pillow is the support you have been looking for. "The wiggle is perfect for full-body support while sleeping, snuggling, and even during pregnancy," Buffy's website notes. Not only does it claim to provide neck and back support, but it also utilizing 55 bottles to prevent them from entering landfills. 

Bamboo Down Alternative Body Pillow

The 100% viscose bamboo fill makes you feel like you are "sleeping on a cloud," according to the Cozy Earth site. As our expert recommended, there is a large importance of spinal alignment when sleeping on your side, placing a body pillow between your knees can make a world of difference. 

21 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

T he side-sleeping position is by far the most popular position among adults, so it’s only natural that we’ve been investigating what the best pillows for side sleepers look and feel like. And though there are many reported benefits to sleeping on your side—like reduced sleep apnea —when done improperly, it can cause neck and shoulder strain, potentially leading to nerve pain and soft-tissue issues in the spine.

Pittsburgh-based Premier Chiropractic Clinic owner and chiropractor Dr. Brian Meenan, DC, regularly advises his over 1.5 million followers on TikTok and treats patients for sleep-related pain everyday. According to him, the right pillow for a side sleeper should put the least amount of stress on your spine and neck. “You want your neck mostly in neutral, not bending too far to the right or left when lying on your side,” he says. Dr. Betsy Grunch, MD, FAANS, FACS , who posts recommendations to over 1.8 million TikTok fans as @ladyspinedoc agrees that neck support makes all the difference. “I often see patients with neck and back pain that worsen during side sleeping,” she says. “I recommend a good supportive pillow to keep their neck in perfect neutral alignment during sleep.”

“The most common complaints for side sleepers are shoulder, jaw, and hip pain,” echoes Dr. Alyssa Hickey, DC CACCP , who specializes in pregnancy care and posts on TikTok to over 400,000 followers . “I always suggest a pillow that will preventing your shoulder from rolling in,” she explains. “This will support both the neck and shoulders, decreasing the likelihood of carpal tunnel or at least expanding the amount of time you have before symptoms arise.”

To help you achieve a good night’s sleep, we’ve rounded up 21 perfect pillows for side sleepers—including doctor-approved recommendations, top-reviewed online faves, and high-quality bed pillows my colleagues at Architectural Digest and I have tried ourselves .

Shop the top picks:

• Dr. Grunch’s Best Pillow Pick: Pillow Cube Side Cube, $50 from Pillow Cube (was $70)
• Dr. Hickey’s Best Pillow Pick: Purple Harmony Pillow, $199 from Purple
• Dr. Meenan’s Best Pillow Pick: Tempur-Neck™ Pillow, $65 from Tempur-Pedic (was $119)
• AD Staff Pick: Layla Kapok Pillow, $129 from Layla
• The Internet’s Pick: Honeydew Scrumptious Pillow, $150 from Amazon

Shop all the recommended picks from the doctors, us, and reviewers online:

Layla Kapok Pillow • Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow • Tempur-Neck™ Pillow • Saatva Latex Pillow • Boll & Branch Down Pillow • Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow • MedCline Reflux Relief System • Brooklinen Down Pillow • Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow• Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow • Eli & Elm Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow • Original Casper Pillow • Purple Harmony Pillow • Honeydew Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow • Pillow Cube Side Cube • Knee Cube Deluxe • Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow • Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow • Back Pain Relief Memory Foam Pillow • Pharmedoc Cooling Pregnancy Pillow • Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows

Layla Kapok Pillow

$129.00, Layla

Layla’s Kapok Pillow exceeded the expectations of contributor and side sleeper Nora Taylor , who described the semi-firm, copper-infused pillow as a “supportive cake” and “not soft enough to be a cloud, but deliciously dense.” Made with fibers from the tropical Kapok tree that Layla claims are softer and airier than cotton or wool, the pillow delivered some relief to Nora’s knotty back, and she ultimately found it helped her sleep comfortably through the night. When we asked if it’s worth the price, she told us, “I would buy myself one in a heartbeat knowing what I know now.”

Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow

$160.00, Parachute

If a firm pillow really isn’t your cup of tea, or you’re not ready to let go of feather pillows just yet, I’d personally recommend Parachute’s Side Sleeper pillow, which comes in both down and down alternative pillow options. Designed with a 3.5-inch gusset to take the strain off your neck and shoulders, this is a great hotel-style pillow option that feels luxuriously lightweight but still densely-filled. Though I usually layer it with another pillow underneath to reach my desired height, the quality is superb, and I reach for it quite a bit when I want a fluffier cushion at night.

Tempur-Neck Pillow

Tempur-neck™ pillow.

$119.00, Tempur-Pedic

Dr. Meenan’s ideal pick for a side sleeper is Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Neck pillow, which has a curved shape also ideal for back sleepers. “I always recommend a hybrid of back and side sleeping,” he says. “What this means is that the individual would lie more on the back of the shoulder instead of directly on the side of it.” Tempur-Pedic’s pillow has a dual-curve construction, with the larger curved surface being the best option for most side sleepers, per Dr. Meenan’s recommendation.

Saatva Latex Pillow

$165.00, Saatva

Saatva’s latex pillow gets a stamp of approval from side sleeper and digital design editor Sydney Gore , who called the 100% organic and shredded latex pillow “even more comfortable IRL.” Prone to an achey back, Sydney was impressed to find out the pillow’s claims of essential back and neck support were actually true when she woke up feeling exceptionally well-rested thanks to the comforting material. Her only complaint: “I wish I had a pair!”

Boll and Branch Down Pillow

Boll & branch down chamber pillow (medium).

$159.00, Boll & Branch

Another one of the best bed pillows for side sleepers is undoubtedly the down chamber pillow from Boll and Branch, which is available in three densities: soft, medium, and firm. The soft density is recommended for stomach sleepers, the firm density is recommended for back sleepers, and the medium density is recommended for side sleepers.

Lifelong side sleeper and long-time Architectural Digest contributor Kristi Kellogg sleeps on the medium density pillow, and reports that it’s the best down pillow she’s tried. “I can attest that sleeping on your side is a dream on this pillow. It’s fluffy, full, and cradles your head gently. There’s plenty of cushion and support beneath your head, but there’s enough give for you to melt into the pillow and drift off with ease. It reminds me of the pillows you find in the very nicest hotel rooms. 10/10 recommend,” says Kellogg.

You can buy the Boll and Branch down chamber pillows individually or you can go all in with the The Complete Pillow Bundle , which includes two pillows, two pillow protectors, and two zippered, organic cotton pillow covers that provide an additional barrier against dust and allergens.

Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow

Plushcomfort pillow.

$70.00, Sleep Number

“I like pillows that have some sort of contour to them,” Dr. Meenan admits. Sleep Number’s PlushComfort curved bed pillow is another pick from the chiropractic practitioner, filled with hypoallergenic microfiber and contoured for enhanced comfort and support. “Because we’re all shaped in such different ways, people just have to use trial and error to find which pillows are most comfortable to them,” he says.

MedCline Reflux Relief System

$250.00, MedCline

Those suffering from nighttime acid reflux or die-hard sleep aficionados might be interested in trying out MedCline’s pillow relief system which includes a Reflux Relief Wedge, insert pillow, therapeutic body pillow, and a set of pillowcases. Backed by a 60-day return policy and a one-year warranty, MedCline uses your height to build a personalized, three-component sleep system that’s designed to naturally relieve sleepers of painful acid reflux so you can sleep soundly at night and ultimately feel better during the day.

Brooklinen Down Pillow

$109.00, Brooklinen

Brooklinen’s down pillow is another great not-too-firm option that got a raving “15 out of 10—would recommend” from Jacqueline Wladis , our past associate director of commerce partnerships. “They’re not so firm that you feel like you’re sleeping on a brick, but they cradle your head and provide nice back support,” she told us. Available in plush, mid-plush, and firm options, this down pillow is ideal if you’re trying to work your way up to something extra firm like latex, or even Brooklinen’s Marlow memory foam pillow . Brooklinen recommends the firm pillow for side sleepers, since it’s the most supportive of the three options.

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Talalay latex pillow.

$89.00, Brooklyn Bedding

Latex pillows that hold their shape are another good choice for side sleepers or those with back pain. Although Brooklyn Bedding’s very bouncy Talalay latex pillow is a great firm-support option for the neck and shoulders, I personally think it’s ideal for extra back support. “If you prefer sleeping on your side, it helps to place a pillow behind the upper back to kind of prop you up so that you do not roll onto your back,” Dr. Meenan says. “This takes less pressure off of the shoulder joint.”

Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow

$94.00, Amazon

“You don’t want your head flexed up or tipped down for long periods of time while sleeping,” says Dr. Hickey. For combinations sleepers who might change positions throughout the night, she likes this adjustable water pillow from Amazon, which lets each unique user adjust firmness and height. “A firmer material may feel more supportive, but really it’s all about what will allow your unique shape to stay as neutral and centered as possible throughout the night.”

Eli & Elm Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow

$130.00, Amazon

It’s easy to see why one reviewer called Eli & Elm’s side sleeper pillow their "favorite pillow.” Made with the ability to conform to your head and neck, the brand promises its unique U-shape design will help alleviate neck pain and promote spinal alignment while you get your eight hours of beauty rest. And for anyone who doesn’t like a high loft, the pillow is easily adjustable—just unzip the cover and remove some of the latex and polyester fill to your liking.

Original Casper Pillow

$65.00, Casper

Another medium-firm option that will deliver crucial neck support is Casper’s original pillow, which is great for all types of sleepers like our design editor Madeleine Luckel , who snoozes on both of her sides, her back, and stomach. And though she actually prefers soft pillows with some fluff, Madeleine liked Casper’s firm-ish alternative down fiber fill pillow so much that she stole it from her boyfriend. She described the pillow as reaching “some indescribable sweet spot in terms of its firmness” and “thick enough to work perfectly as a stand-alone sleep piece.”

Purple Harmony Pillow

$199.00, Purple

“I prefer a more dense and firm pillow for side sleeping,” says Dr. Hickey, whose pillow of choice is the Purple Harmony Pillow. “Trying pillows out is so important,” she adds. “A good choice for a side-sleeping pillow will always allow your head to remain centered on your shoulders.” Tester Kelsey Borovinsky (a side and stomach sleeper) was also impressed by how well Purple’s Harmony pillow holds its shape. She told us it’s a great fit for anyone looking for firm support. “If you like a Tempur-Pedic–type pillow that’s really solid and supportive, or you are in the market for one to support other parts of your body, this would be a great option.”

Honeydew Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

$150.00, Amazon

Over 500 Amazon reviewers gave Honeydew’s medium-firm, crescent-shaped side sleeper specialty pillow five stars, describing it as the kind of pillow that’ll keep you in bed all day. In addition to breathable, CertiPUR-US-certified, copper-infused memory foam filling that make this one of the best cooling pillow options to try out, its adjustable loft level also promotes proper alignment to help you sleep comfortably through the whole night.

Pillow Cube Side Cube

$70.00, Pillow Cube

Dr. Grunch suggests it’s best to find a taller, firmer pillow—like the memory foam Side Cube—so you’re delivering enough support to the head and neck. “I often see patients with neck and back pain that worsen during side sleeping,” she says. “I recommend a good supportive pillow to keep their neck in perfect neutral alignment during sleep.”

The brand itself has some lofty claims, namely that its sleepers will “fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up happier”—and who wouldn’t be intrigued by that? After sleeping on the mattress-material-like pillow myself, I can happily report that this “tiny bed” did wonders for my achey shoulder and the neck pain I had.

Also worth mentioning: If you’re a hot sleeper, this pillow is available in a cooling version (fittingly called the Ice Cube ). It has all the support and comfort of the Side Cube, but with the added benefit of breathable fibers that regulate temperature and prevent overheating. This is a pillow designed to stay cool all night long and will never need to be flipped.

Knee Cube Deluxe

$50.00, Pillow Cube

“I usually discuss using a knee pillow to keep the legs, pelvis, and hips in a neutral alignment,” says Dr. Grunch, who identifies progression of pain and degenerative spine arthritis as long-term consequences of unaddressed sleep issues. She recommends checking out Pillow Cube's Knee Cube. “This will help with knee, hip, and lower back pain that can worsen during side sleeping.”

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

Easy breather pillow.

$120.00, Nest Bedding

Associate editor Mel Studach called Nest’s (machine-washable!) adjustable shredded memory foam pillow “the Goldilocks of pillows,” because its removable fill can be customized to fit anyone’s preferred firmness level—perfect for picky side sleepers who like a particular height and feel. “In comparison to other pillows I’ve had in the past, this one stands out,” Mel says. “Not only for its customization, but also because of the fact that I have yet to have an uncomfortable night’s sleep or to wake up to soreness in my neck thanks to the firm support.”

Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow

$75.00, Amazon

Coop also makes an adjustable pillow that can be customized to your personal preference—especially if you’re a side sleeper who needs a super supportive pillow. Filled with a combination of foam and microfiber stored in a washable cover, over 36,000 Amazon reviewers have given this pillow five stars. One top reviewer even called it the “best pillow ever,” adding that the pillow helped them have the best night’s sleep in months—something they never thought possible.

Back Pain Relief Memory Foam Pillow

$36.00, Amazon

Another firm pillow pick from Dr. Hickey, we like that this knee pillow from Amazon has an attractive price point and is designed to put less stress on your joints. In fact, all the doctors told us that if you’re feeling any discomfort, it’s important to address your sleep concerns early on. “Sleeping without proper support for long periods of time can lead to a cascade of issues,” says Dr. Hickey. “Once sleep disturbances are happening, you might notice your patience and tolerance for those around you is decreasing while your pain increases. This can lead to a snowball effect, causing your stress and anxiety levels to skyrocket, which of course impacts your whole body and overall health.”

Pharmedoc Cooling Pregnancy Pillow

$25.00, Amazon

“As for hip pain, make sure there is support for both the hip and ankle while you’re in a side lying posture,” Dr. Hickey says, also suggesting underbelly support—like this cooling pillow specifically designed for pregnant women—to prevent any pulling sensation.

Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows

$30.00, Amazon

At the end of the day, though, it’s about what feels right for you. “Everyone has a preference on what feels best,” Dr. Hickey says. For a reasonably priced down pillow, she suggests this set from Amazon. “When choosing a lighter or fluffier material like down, it’s key to ensure that the structure isn’t compromised after hours of laying on it."

10 Best Acid Reflux Pillows for a Better Night’s Sleep, According to Experts

Give yourself a rest from your heartburn with these top picks.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises into your esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms like a burning sensation. The wedge design keeps the body propped up so the acid doesn’t rise in the first place.

Meet the expert: Sugirdhana Velpari, M.D. , director of the Reflux and Motility Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.

One important factor in managing acid reflux is gravity, says Sugirdhana Velpari, M.D. , director of the Reflux and Motility Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. “When lying down, gravity is no longer helpful and symptoms of acid reflux can worsen. It is the principle of gravity assistance that is behind the use of a special acid reflux pillow.”

These pillows are usually regular foam pillows shaped like a wedge. The triangular shape allows the upper body to be angled slightly to assist with gravity and decrease acid reflux, Velpari says.

Our top picks

Best Overall Acid Reflux Pillow

Helix sleep wedge pillow.

Best Value Acid Reflux Pillow

Relax home life bed wedge pillow for acid reflux.

Best Adjustable Acid Reflux Pillow

Sleep number adjustable wedge pillow.

Best Acid Reflux Pillow for Side Sleepers

Avana contoured bed wedge support pillow.

Best Acid Reflux Pillow for Hot Sleepers

Thomasville adjustable cooling gel foam wedge pillow.

Best Acid Reflux Pillow with Headrest

Intevision foam bed wedge pillow and headrest pillow.

Best Splurge Acid Reflux Pillow

Reflux relief system.

Best Convertible Acid Reflux Pillow

Allsett health bed wedge pillow.

Best Acid Reflux Pillow for Travel

Thomasville dual chamber inflatable and adjustable air wedge pillow.

Best Acid Reflux Mattress Elevator

Avana mattress elevator.

There are hundreds of wedge pillows on the market, but not all are the same. Some are equipped with helpful features like an adjustable design or layers of cooling gel , while others are best suited for side sleepers or frequent travelers . To help you find the right option, we’ve rounded up the best acid reflux pillows to promote a better night’s sleep.

Finding a high-quality wedge pillow for under $100 isn’t the easiest task, but this option from Helix Sleep fits the bill. It's designed with hot sleepers in mind, hanks to the gel-infused memory foam, which draws heat away from your body as you lay on it. When it's time to clean, the breathable cover is designed to come off easily and is even machine-washable.

The pillow is medium firm, so it works equally well for back and side sleepers. Plus, the 10-inch incline provides a steep enough wedge that is sure to help reduce symptoms of acid reflux and sleep apnea. Bonus: Helix offers a 1-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial so you can try out the pillow in the comfort of your home.

If you’re looking for a simple but high-quality option, look no further than this wedge pillow from Relax Home Life. Experts like this pick as it has a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam that provides great support and comfort.

Plus, this pick has a removable, washable cover. For a budget-friendly option, this option covers all your bases.

If you struggle with finding a sleeping position that’s just right, this two-in-one option could be the solution. Sleep Number’s wedge pillow has three foam inserts of varying heights: one squishy four-inch wedge and two firmer two-inch wedges. This allows you to mix and match inserts to customize elevation, support, and softness. The cotton cover with an adjustable polyester gusset is even machine-washable, and Sleep Number offers a 100-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty so you can be sure it’s right for you even after you purchase.

Sleep Number’s wedge pillow boasts over 1,200 five-star ratings on the brand’s website. “This pillow provides excellent support and comfort for my back and neck,” said one reviewer. “It’s easy to adjust to my personal sleep preferences, and the wedge shape makes it comfortable for side sleepers too.”

This wedge pillow’s contoured and ergonomic design makes it an excellent choice for side sleepers. This pick will allow side sleepers to rest comfortably and still get relief from acid reflux. It also comes with an easy-to-clean cover and gel-infused memory foam for a cooling feel with added support.

One Amazon customer wrote, “I chose this product because I like to sleep on my sides in addition to my back and I liked the longer length of it. It is very comfortable. I’m only minimally aware that I’m sleeping on a wedge. I am comfortable on my sides and on my back.”

If you’re looking for relief from acid reflux and night sweats, you’ll need a wedge pillow that works for hot sleepers. Topped with an inch of cooling gel memory foam, this option will help prevent you from feeling hot and stuffy at night. Another plus: for shoppers who may be unsure of how steep you want your incline to be, this wedge pillow is adjustable, so you can choose a height of seven or 10 inches. No matter which you choose, it comes with a machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.

One satisfied Walmart customer wrote, “I have terrible acid reflux. It's impossible to sleep on your side with most wedge pillows, but the adjustment option actually allows you to make that an option. This is a great pillow!”

If you’re looking for a solution for your acid reflux but still like the idea of having your head propped up, this pick provides the same relief as other wedge pillows while also featuring a headrest, which is adjustable with the help of a removable insert. It comes with a machine-washable cover and offers a 12-inch incline, one of the steepest on our list! And no worries, hot sleepers, this pick will work for you, too. With two-inch thick gel-infused memory foam, it helps you get the sleep you need, sans sweat.

Amazon customers especially love the extra width that this pillow provides. One reviewer wrote, “I especially like the larger size so that my shoulders are comfortable because my arms and hands don’t hang off!”

This pick from MedCline is a splurge to be sure, but you do get what you pay for. According to the brand, this pillow has been validated in seven independent clinical trials and has proven to be an effective treatment for heartburn, regurgitation, coughing, choking, nausea, and many other symptoms of acid reflux & gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The “system” includes the classic wedge design with a full length memory foam body pillow and a smaller insert pillow; all with removable covers. It also features an arm pocket to alleviate pressure on your side.

AllSett Health’s multi-purpose, foldable, memory foam wedge pillow can be used to support the head, back, or even your legs and is comfortable for both sitting and sleeping. This versatile pick allows you to alternate between inclines of nine and 12 inches, and between a 30- or 60-degree angle that supports a gradual or steep slope—allowing any head to get the right amount of pressure. The pillow comes with a machine-washable cover and a travel handle for easy transport.

One satisfied Amazon customer wrote that it “provides the needed support and elevation for recovery or just comfort. It is great because it is adjustable so I can adjust it for daytime or nighttime use. If you are researching, then don’t hesitate...this is a high quality, comfortable, and adjustable pillow.”

If you travel often or if you have minimal storage space, you may want to look into an inflatable wedge pillow. While this option from Thomasville is a bit pricier than some other inflatable pillows on the market, it comes with its own pump (a huge bonus if you don’t already have one). Another plus is that this option is fully customizable, meaning that you can make the pillow as firm or cushioned as you like. At full inflation, this pillow has a 12-inch incline and features puncture-resistant fabric technology, designed to prevent stretching and puncturing.

One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote: “I highly recommend this wedge for anyone needing one. It is light, compact to travel with and store. It inflates within a few seconds AND deflates just the same! Very easy to use. It’s covered in a velvety finish and is comfortable.”

If you and your partner both struggle with acid reflux, a mattress elevator may be a great fit for you. Unlike a traditional wedge pillow, this “pillow” goes underneath your mattress, raising the entire thing up to a seven-inch incline. Because this pick hides beneath the mattress, it is sure to stay in place, and is also ideal for side sleepers or people who move around a lot.

One Amazon customer and acid reflux sufferer wrote, “this full mattress wedge has been a game changer for me! It runs the entire length of the mattress so you never realize you are sleeping on an incline. Both my husband and I sleep very well now and I haven’t had a reflux incident since we placed it under our mattress. I’m also no longer needing to take medication each day to control the acid in my stomach. It really is the most amazing thing!”

How to choose the right acid reflux pillow for you

Acid Reflux Treatment: It’s important to keep in mind that while purchasing an acid reflux pillow is a simple and safe way to help decrease nocturnal acid reflux, it is not the only treatment recommended for acid reflux, Dr. Velpari says. “Treatment of acid reflux also includes other lifestyle and diet modifications and not infrequently will also require medicines and occasionally, surgical interventions.” If you are suffering from acid reflux, it is best to consult with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist to be adequately evaluated and treated, he adds.

Incline: When purchasing an acid reflux pillow, it’s important to keep the height/incline and material of the pillow in mind. Most acid reflux pillows are between six to eight inches tall.

Adjustable: Some acid reflux pillows can also be adjusted to different heights and be used to prop up different parts of the body, so if you’re looking for versatility, one pillow with different height options may be worth trying.

Do acid reflux pillows work?

If you regularly struggle with heartburn symptoms, acid reflux pillows are a reasonable method for relief from those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation, Dr. Velpari says, “especially if bothersome at night or in the morning.” However, if you struggle with acid reflux routinely or it is interfering with your sleep multiple times per week, speak with your doctor about possible treatments, Dr. Harris advises.

Who should use an acid reflux pillow?

If you suffer from uncomfortable burning and chest pain at night, a wedge pillow may help manage symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Wedge pillows not only help alleviate heartburn, but they may also help with snoring, back and neck pain, sinus pressure, and more.

You can also use an acid reflux wedge pillow to elevate your legs to improve circulation or place it between your legs to relieve back pain—a popular option for sleeping while pregnant.

How we chose the best acid reflux pillows

We consulted Sugirdhana Velpari, M.D. , director of the Reflux and Motility Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. We also conducted our own research, including digging through ​​hundreds of online reviews to find the best acid reflux pillows available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Madeleine, Prevention ’s assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience—and she helps strategize for success across Prevention ’s social media platforms. 

Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight , Shop TODAY , USA Today , Self Magazine , L’Officiel USA , V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media . 

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