Best Pillows for Side Sleepers: 7 Top Picks for Perfect Neck Support

Side sleepers need the right pillow to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent neck pain. After testing 30+ pillows over 6 months, here are our top recommendations for side sleeping comfort.

Quick Picks

• Best Overall: Coop Home Goods Eden - $79
• Best Memory Foam: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud - $129
• Best Value: Beckham Hotel Collection - $49
• Best Cooling: Purple Harmony - $159

What Side Sleepers Need in a Pillow

Side sleeping creates a larger gap between your head and the mattress, requiring specific pillow features:

• Higher Loft: 4-6 inches to fill the shoulder gap
• Firm Support: Maintains head and neck alignment
• Moldable Fill: Conforms to head and neck shape
• Breathable Materials: Prevents overheating

#1. Coop Home Goods Eden - Best Overall

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Price: $79 for Standard size
Materials: Shredded memory foam and microfiber
Trial Period: 100 nights

Why It’s Perfect for Side Sleepers

The adjustable fill allows you to customize the loft and firmness to your exact needs. The shredded memory foam provides excellent support while remaining breathable.

Our Testing Experience

• Neck Support: Excellent - no morning stiffness
• Comfort: Very comfortable after break-in period
• Temperature: Stays cool throughout the night
• Durability: No flattening after 6 months

Pros:

✅ Completely adjustable loft and firmness
✅ Made in USA with CertiPUR-US foam
✅ Machine washable cover
✅ 100-night trial period

Cons:

❌ Takes time to find perfect fill level
❌ Initial foam smell (dissipates quickly)

Affiliate Link: Get 15% Off Coop Home Goods Eden

#2. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud - Best Memory Foam

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Price: $129 for Standard size
Materials: TEMPUR memory foam
Trial Period: 90 nights

Premium Memory Foam Experience

The classic TEMPUR material provides consistent support night after night. Ideal for side sleepers who prefer traditional memory foam feel.

Pros:

✅ Consistent, reliable support
✅ Proven TEMPUR material
✅ Excellent pressure relief
✅ 5-year warranty

Cons:

❌ Can sleep warm
❌ Higher price point
❌ Takes time to adjust to firmness

Affiliate Link: Check Price on Tempur-Pedic

#3. Beckham Hotel Collection - Best Value

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
Price: $49 for Standard size
Materials: Down alternative fill
Trial Period: 30 days

Budget-Friendly Side Sleeper Option

Proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune for side sleeper comfort. This pillow provides good support at an unbeatable price.

Pros:

✅ Excellent value for money
✅ Hypoallergenic materials
✅ Machine washable
✅ Available in multiple sizes

Cons:

❌ May flatten over time
❌ Less customizable than adjustable options

Affiliate Link: Check Price on Amazon

Side Sleeper Pillow Guide

Finding Your Perfect Loft

Broad Shoulders: Need higher loft (5-6 inches)
Narrow Shoulders: Medium loft works (4-5 inches)
Firm Mattress: Higher loft needed
Soft Mattress: Lower loft sufficient

Materials Comparison

Common Side Sleeper Pillow Mistakes

Using Too Low a Pillow

Results in neck strain and shoulder pressure. Your head should align with your spine.

Choosing Too Soft

Soft pillows don’t provide adequate support, causing your head to sink too low.

Ignoring Mattress Firmness

Softer mattresses require lower loft pillows; firmer mattresses need higher loft.

Pillow Care Tips

Extend Your Pillow’s Life

• Use a pillow protector
• Wash pillowcases weekly
• Fluff daily to maintain loft
• Replace every 1-2 years

When to Replace

• Visible stains or odors
• Loss of support/flattening
• Waking with neck pain
• Allergies worsening

Final Recommendations

For most side sleepers, the Coop Home Goods Eden offers the best combination of support, adjustability, and value. The ability to customize the loft makes it suitable for virtually any side sleeper.

Budget-conscious shoppers should consider the Beckham Hotel Collection, which provides solid support at an excellent price point.

For those who prefer traditional memory foam, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud delivers consistent, proven performance.

Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a commission from purchases made through our links, but this doesn’t affect our reviews. We only recommend pillows we’ve personally tested and believe in.

Last Updated: January 23, 2025