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Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position, but it also is one of the most difficult to get a comfortable pillow. Some pillows don't offer enough support for side sleeping, while others offer too much. Since our shoulders are different heights than other folks, pillows that may work for some, may not work as well for others. This is one of the reasons why side sleepers are turning to adjustable pillows first as they can tailor their own comfort level. However, there are also high profile specialized pillows for those that want something more tailored out of the box. We'll go through the best pillows for side sleepers below.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Material Quality: 9.6/10
Comfort: 9.5/10
Support: 9.6/10
Cooling: 9.4/10
Odor: 9.4/10
Price: $59-$149
Side sleepers sometimes face more challenging requirements for their pillows -- balancing both support and spinal alignment. As there have been more complaints about traditional pillow supportiveness, there has been an increase in the number of products available.
Because there has been more demand for side sleeper specific products, there are both traditional looking options with loose fill and one-piece foam varieties. However, with more of this demand from sleepers, there have also been low quality knockoffs and tricks sold to eager customers. Recently, there have been an influx of sellers on popular buying sites that have sold low quality products, which is why we only recommend buying directly from the brand for guaranteed quality. Also, popular 'as seen on TV' options are oftentimes not as high quality as other bedding brands.
We'll go through the top 5 side sleeper pillows below, rated highly by customers:
The Outside: With an exterior that resembles a fluffy traditional pillow, the Nest Easy Breather is anything but traditional. It is delivered overstuffed so it will support even the broadest shouldered side sleepers. It comes in both an original and natural latex version. The outside cover is removable to adjust the fill inside your pillow to the perfect comfort level.
The Insides: The inside of the Easy Breather original pillow is made up of memory foam micro-noodles that contour around the head and neck, while also having enough airflow to sleep cool. The latex version has shredded latex micro-noodles that provide a greater bounce and firmer support. Both options can be adjusted by unzipping the cover and removing fill.
What Customers Say: These pillows are some of the best rated options for both side sleepers and other positions because of the versatility and ease of adjustment in height and support.
The Rating : 9.8 / 10
The Outside: The Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow is another customizable option that looks like a fluffy traditional pillow from the outside. It comes overstuffed and at a high profile. However, this can all be adjusted with the zippable cover. The cover is made of bamboo viscose that is cool to the touch and also very soft against the face and neck.
The Insides: The inside of the pillow has shredded memory foam fill that is airy so it won't get too hot. It also is overstuffed so it can support the head of side sleepers right out of the box. If you desire something flatter, you can just remove some of the fill.
What Customers Say: These are very well rated pillows with a traditional pillow look and feel. The only negative is that a few customers mentioned heat retention.
The Rating : 9.7 / 10
Get Your Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
The Outside: The Bear pillow is a firmer and higher option for those that want additional support without fluffyness. The cover is made of Bear's proprietary Celiant® material that sleeps ultra-cool.
The Insides: The inside of the Bear pillow is one piece of high quality foam that is more responsive than memory foam and is described as firmer. It should provide all the support that side sleepers need.
What Customers Say: Customers love the Bear pillow overall and report feeling greatly supported by the pillow. The select negative reviews mention the height being too high for some. This is truly for those that need the support.
The Rating : 9.5 / 10
The Outside: The Tempur-Contour Side-to-Side pillow is exclusively designed for side sleepers. For those that want a single-piece pillow, this pillow provides a high profile and supportive surface for the head and neck. The cover is made of 100% polyester knit fabric, which helps keep the pillow dry by whicking moisture.
The Insides: The inside of the pillow is one contoured piece of Tempur foam that is firmer on the edges and softer in the middle. This adaptable foam will help sleepers find the right position to get the support they need.
What Customers Say: Similar to Tempur-Pedic's original Tempur-Neck pillow, this pillow is contoured in a way to be ergonomical. Most customers find that it meets their needs and leads to a more comfortable night sleep. A few complaints mentioned wanting a softer pillow.
The Rating : 9.3 / 10
Get Your Tempur Contour Side-to-Side Pillow
The Outside: The Tempur-Contour Side-to-Back pillow is designed for both side sleepers and back sleepers. For those that find that they sleep in both positions, these pillows provide higher and firmer edges for side sleeping and a softer contoured middle space for back sleeping. The exterior cover is made of 100% polyester for moisture whicking and consistent comfort.
The Insides: The insides of the pillow is Tempur foam that is softer in the middle and firmer along the edges.
What Customers Say: Sleepers report really enjoying the pillow -- especially those that need more support sometimes and less other times. The few one off complaints come from those looking for a more traditional pillow feel.
The Rating : 9.2 / 10
Get Your Tempur Contour Side-to-Back Pillow
Although all of these pillows are designed to provide superior support for the head and neck while side sleeping, some have a more fluffy supportiveness than others. The single piece pillow varieties tend to be 'flatter' and less fluffy, while the overstuffed shredded varieties tend to be the fluffiest around out of the box.
* The Nest Easy Breather and Coop Sleep Goods Original pillows come overstuffed and can be adjusted by removing some of the fill.
Generally, the shredded foam pillows mentioned above are the best rated by all customers and side sleepers alike. Those that prefer something that will have the same feel night after night may prefer the single-piece pillows like the Bear pillow or Tempur options.
I’ve never slept better in my life. The adjustable concept is genius.
I absolutely love the ability to adjust the fill in my pillow. Every day I have the option to adjust based on my needs and what a neck saver that can be! This purchase was worth every penny.
I think the title covers it. It's a great pillow. Super comfortable. Doesn't lose its loft (is that the right term? Buoyancy? Fluff? It doesn't get flat.). It's expensive, but you spend 1/3 of your life in bed, right? No. Sometimes you fall asleep on the couch. The NEXT night, when you do make it to bed, you'll be happy you have this pillow.
This is the softest and most comfortable pillow I've ever slept on, highly recommended.
I’ve struggled with sleep troubles from pillows either too flat or too puffy—trying multiple types and combinations. This is the ONLY pillow that always works for back and side sleeping. My neck always feels great when I wake up.
I ordered this pillow for side sleeping and it got a great review in Wirecutter. Pros: - Quite firm and nice cover - Seems to support my head and take pressure off my shoulder Cons: - Bad smell for at least a week - Very heavy to move around at night - Makes a divot where your head is so takes too much wrangling in the night to get right again - Expensive I finally threw it out of the bed and went back to my down pillow. Will probably take some of the crumbles out to see if that can lighten it enough to move around at night. At this point, I’m disappointed as it does not seem as advertised.
This is a great pillow. It did take me a while to figure out how much filling to remove to make it perfect for my needs. But I appreciate that I have that option.
This has been the most comfortable pillow I’ve put my head on to date. This pillow does an excellent job of dispersing heat and allows me to fall asleep very quickly.
It needs to be molded a bit but is extremely supportive and comfortable.
Im a side and belly sleeper. This pillow allows me the freedoms to roll from side to side and sleep soundly I also can sleep comfortably on my tummy Thanks...the pillow really does make improve my sleep time
It's a nice quality pillow, but I wish it were softer/less firm.
The adjustable loft is a useful idea and the fill is pretty comfy. Biggest problem is that in an effort to disguise the lumpiness, there is a thick quilted cover which can be quite hot in the summer.
I absolutely love my pillow. Yes it was expensive but to me it was worth every penny. I see nothing wrong with the pillow but it isn't for everyone. I was going to buy one for my wife but she thinks it's too heavy. The weight doesn't bother me at all, in fact I like it like that. Super comfortable, conforms to my head and neck right out of the box. I didn't have to adjust the filling at all. I am going to buy a second one for myself real soon.
Super plush and comfy! Easy to adjust as you can remove layers.
These pillows are easily adjustable and stay in place while sleeping. I have less neck pain since I've started using them.
I've tried them all and this is it. I love this pillow.
I’m a side sleeper and I suffer from chronic migraines. I initially ordered the original in error but decided to exchange it for the side sleeper pillow and I love it! The customer service team was phenomenal in helping me handle the exchange too! Excellent customer service!
Over the years, I have tried about 10 pillows including "my pillow" (which I sent back) and others that I used at hotels... This is the best pillow ever! My quest is over. I love the support and I can still breath. The pillow does not come up to my nose. This last pillow I ordered for my wife. It is well worth the money. How much time do you spend with your head on your pillow?
I can definitely say my sleeping experience has changed for the better since using this pillow. Its adjustable, soft, and overall amazing! I love my pillow!!
Great pillow!!!
Very good quality and design. I’m a side sleeper and the first night the pillow seamed very heavy and over stuffed. For the second night I took out about an 8 inch square of foam. Was better but still a little too much firmness for me so I took out a little more foam for the third night. Bingo, prefect for me. I’m Happy :).
A gift to my son, who says he likes it so far: sleeping better, no neck soreness
I’ve always been a two pillow person my whole life. Now I just use the Coop original and I love it. I ordered the Eden too. Can’t wait to try it
This Pillow is terrific!! I love that I can customize pillow for my needs.
I used to wake up with neck pain and I sleep better and no more neck pain. This is the best pillow ever!!
I have mixed feelings about it. I’ve been tinkering with the fill a few times already, and I hope that I finally got it right. Is it life altering? Not really. But having back and neck problems and waking up with headaches occasionally, I spent a lot of money on all kinds of pillows. What I like about this pillow is that you can adjust the firmness/softness. On the other hand I find it slightly annoying that I can’t get it just right, apparently. But all in all, it’s a well made pillow, good quality fabrics for both cases.
Just got it for few days, so far so good. It's comfortable.
Best pillow ever! Love the choices of xtra filling that came with my pillow to the ability of removing filling if needed. You thought of everything!
I’ve used the original Coop pillow now for a few days, my chronic neck pain has lessened but hoping it will be gone the longer I have my new Coop pillow. My only complaint is the strong chemical odor from the pillow and I’ve tried the dryer sheets as recommended, still smells.
Provides the requisite support for a side sleeper. I added the included extra stuffing for added support.
Very smart! Love that it's adjustable! Why don't all pillows have a zipper?
I love being able to change the amount of support in the pillow and also having the opportunity to request more filling if needed.
This is the second coop pillow I've purchased. Neck pain is gone. Super support, cool and easy to maintain. When it goes flat just drop it in the washer and dryer and it's as good as new. Best pillow I've ever used.
I like it very much and thank you again.,
Love how y'all sent extra filling in case we need extra support!! I actually took a little out and was amazed at how soft the filling is! LOVE it!!!
I am one of those folks who buys new pillows all the time in an effort to find the perfect fit. My search stops here. The pillows are as advertised, full, plump and do not flatten. I sleep like a baby now.
This pillow did the trick- helping relieve neck pain that I was suffering from. I followed the directions on the video and was able to adjust the pillow to suit my needs and sleeping style. Highly recommend.
I was in a bad car accident in 2016. Xrays showed I had issues with my spine at my neck and lower back. I slept and dealt with pain for 2 years until I heard about Bear Mattress. I tried the pillow first and it hurt at first, but after a week or so I cant sleep without it. Pain free and it is amazing! I love the cooling technology especially when its warm in the house. Its always a treet when I first lay down and feel the cool pillow. After having the pillow for a few months I went to NJ and tried the Bear Mattress in person. Love the bed too! Great company with great customer service.
I ordered my bear pillow a couple months ago. It was a pretty warm day and the package had been left out in the heat. When I opened it the pillow was a little warm because it had been left by the door. I put it on my bed and left it for about 10 minutes to do a couple things. When I came back this thing was cold. It’s an awesome pillow, it has a firm kind of spongey feel to it. It won’t stay cold under your head for a long time but does better than any other pillow I’ve tried. I’ve tried and returned a few different brands before I heard about this one. Worth the price to me, great pillow.
I like the firmnes and the softness.
I tried both the Bear Matress and the Bear Hybrid. The regular Bear Matress was very comfortable and I slept amazingly. It wasn’t as thick as my old matress, so I slept lower than I was used to. I decided to order the Bear Hybrid since it is a bit thicker. I love it. It sleeps more like a traditional matress. It has that matress bounce which you get from the inner springs. Definitely very satisfied with both, but I like the feel of the Hybrid more.
I absolutely love this pillow. It stays cool and I constantly feel like I have neck support which is a big thing for me. I highly recommend this pillow to anyone who wants to increase their amout of sleep they get at night. 10/10 GG don't need another pillow
I spent three months and I don’t know how many pillows I tried. If you like a firmer pillow, this one fits the bill. I don’t care where you put your head, the whole pillow feels the same. There is no searching for the perfect spot because the whole pillow has a consistent feel. I’ve had it for two months now and I love it
Great Mattress at a Great Price!!!
Best pillow. Cool. Doesn’t change shape.
When it comes to choosing a pillow, its hard to know if you will like it or not, especially since its largely subjective. I have a bear mattress and was impressed so I decided to try their pillow. I was not disappointed.
We were considering the TEMPUR-Adapt Pro + Cooling Pillow by TEMPUR-Pedic but were so happy to have gotten the Bear pillow instead! Same comfort, much less $$$. The only suggestion I would have is to be able to have the pillow available in different heights.
really comfortable pillow that keeps cool and breathes...could be a little smaller - fits pretty tightly in the pillow case.
This is a great pillow. I always would get sweaty head and decided to see if Bear pillows would help. I have to say my head stays cool and comfortable. The support is really good and I sleep well on a Bear bed to boot!
The pillow is fantastic. I have been very satisfied. I enjoy how it helps align my spine and provides a cooling sensation to help with overheating.
My husband is in a combat job in the military and we are both very active. The Bear Matress and pillows have changed the way we sleep. We both wake up feeling rested with much fewer aches and pains! We also love how cool it stays... the pillows are actually cold all night. 10/10 would recommend! Great brand, great product and very helpful costumer service!
Pillow is very cool to the touch without a pillow case on. it does warm up from body heat like all pillows do but cools back down when switching from my left to right side. I don't think there is another pillow this cool due as I've tried a number of different ones
I gave the Bear Pillow 3 stars because it's not as comfortable as I was hoping it would be. It does stay cool throughout the night and keeps my head elevated but I still have neck pain in the morning. The type of foam used does not conform just elevates. The pillow cover slips off easily but that's not such a big deal. More than likely I will be returning the Bear pillow, sadly and continuing my search for a pillow that a get a good night's sleep on with no neck pain.
I did a ton of research before investing in an expensive pillow. This Bear Pillow is great. It really is a cool to the touch pillow and so comfortable. I am a back and side sleeper and I love this pillow.
At start, I’m not satisfied with this mattress, because it’s too soft for people, who have lower backache, but one month later, when my body get used to it, I started to enjoy this mattress, my backache was relieved. Now I’m really really love it! Just be patient! You will find the comfort gradually.
I tried sleeping on it for several nights and had to get rid of it. It smelled like chemicals and was as hard as a rock. :(
It is firm and fits the Contours of my neck. I never wake up with a sore neck.
I toss and turn when I sleep and I had never found a pillow that was comfortable no matter if I was on my side or back. This pillow works for me!
This is a very stiff pillow!
This pillow is nice and firm without feeling like a rock. Perfect difference between the middle and edge of the pillow. Two different thicknesses to choose from. Way better than other brands of neck pillows out there.
Pillow is too firm and doesn't seem to soften up. Don't really like the pillow at all.
My Tempur- Contour pillow is really comfy, no more neck stiffness.
This is our second Tempurpedic bed. Now for some that is just a normal progression, for me, it's not. I am one of those buyers who continually thinks there is better or something new and fandangle. However, when we got our first Tempur bed I knew it was never going to get any better. This was the narvana of beds. After 10 years we handed down our matteress and got a new one. I did not even consider looking at any type of bed. I have a very bad lower back, arthritis, disc issues ect. I can say that I have never woke up due to pressure, pain or discomfort from sleep. I am so grateful. :)
Great pillow no complaints.
I tend to shift around while I fall asleep. This is perfect for sleeping in my back and good for sleeping on my side, but I have to reach for another pillow if I flip onto my stomach. That being said, it's very supportive with enough give, so I feel neither like I'm sleeping on a rock nor like I'm suffocating in plush. The contours are different heights on each side, giving options for how much lift I want. Basically, this does what it is designed to do very well.
This is my kind if pillow. It had the right amount of firmness.
I love our mattress, foundation, and pillows. Best nights sleep I have ever had. However, I will never, ever, buy direct from Tempurpedic again. Their customer service is terrible. It took forever to get our mattress and when it was late, calls to their customer service department were for naught. They could not tell us where our mattress was or when it would arrive. They claimed they had no contact with their shipper and could not help us. The number to the shipper they provided was to a delivery company in a different state and that company told me they did not even do business with Tempurpedic. When it is time for new Tempurpedic products I will only buy from a local retailer.
We absolutely love our tempurpedic mattress. We were both having back pain each morning, and decided it was time to try a new mattress. After about a week with our new tempurpedic mattress, we realized that the back pain was gone. We both sleep well and it is great to wake up each morning feeling refreshed and with no pain.
My wife loves that I don't snore anymore after getting my new pillow and I love how well I feel in the mornings after a good night sleep. Also, the customer service is the best.
This pillow has been great for my neck and shoulder pain.
I've had a Tempur-Pedic mattress for a long time, but it wasn't until recently that I got a set of matching pillows. Overnight — literally — it made a difference in my posture and quality of sleep. Never going back!
I am a side sleeper and a back sleeper. This pillow is outstanding! This is the only pillow for me. Buy one and you will be a believer too.
This pillow has the perfect firmness for me to have a comfortable nights sleep as a side sleeper.
I bought a firm mattress to address some back problems I had as a side sleeper. The firmness of this pillow really helps keep my neck in a good alignment to relieve stress on my back. I used to use the Symphony pillow but found that my head sank into it too much and it was uncomfortable with the firm mattress. Having the two hump sizes is also nice, I use the lower side but I can see how the higher side may help people with broader shoulders. It can be uncomfortable if you roll onto your back, though. The pillow just isn't designed for back sleeping, which is why I guess they have that hybrid side-to-back pillow. I won't dock it a star for that since this is advertised as a side-sleeper pillow, just be aware that if you alternate your sleep positions the side-to-back pillow may be a better choice.
I typically switch from back sleep and side sleep throughout the night but after buying this pillowC I stay on my side throughout the night and don't deal with any tossing and turning. The neck support is amazing and although the pillow is very FIRM, it works for me.
We have the bed and all our pillows are temerpedic—— most of the different style
I had horrible neck and back pains, and was constantly going to the doctor and chiropractor for treatment a few times a week to no avail. I tried a few different pillows and go no relief. I bought this pillow and the neck pain almost completely disappeared. I bought this pillow in March 2017 and have only had to go to the chiropractor maybe 4 times since then, and that was only because I was away from home and slept on another pillow. This is the best pillow ever. I will never use any other pillow.
I bought this pillow several months ago and I've been loving it so far. It is very comfortable and suite my neck very well.
It's still a little on the hard side after a couple of months. I got a buy one get one free deal. I would not buy again.
It takes a while to get used to, because, as others have pointed out, it does feel a bit hard at first. But I no longer wake up with a stiff neck and sore shoulders. I can sleep on my back (using the middle of the pillow) or my side (using the edges of the pillow- which are softer). It works!
I am happy with it, very supportive but it has taken me a little time to get used to over my former feather pillow. I've been having a neck problem reoccurring for years and figured it was time to finally do something about. I got the new pillow and threw myself down on it. (ouch). Definitely not as soft as previous pillows; not the kind of soft I typically have in mind at least. *BUT*, no more neck pain when I sleep on it. So, maybe it's worth five stars for that? I'll just say it was worth my investment and if you're looking for a supportive contour pillow that works great on side and back this might just be your jam.
Great pillow, finally get the rest I need!
I love the duality of the pillow for side and back sleeping. Just wish it was easier to use the ends for side sleeping without falling into the space for back sleep. First world problems! With the TEMPUR-contour pillow, I count my blessings, not sheep.
It is so comfortable
I've been enjoying the Side-to-Back pillow for about a month. I'd been accustomed to the Travel model's traditional curve shape prior to trying this new one. At first, it seemed as though the Side-to-Back model's main neck lobes were taller (having my head angled upward a bit, when in side position) than I'd like - but after a few minutes of my head being in contact with the pillow, it sank down to its proper height. So far, so good. The material is sturdy - definitely will last longer than the knockoffs found elsewhere. I had tried one of those, being attracted by the price, at first - it lost its shape and flattened out quite quickly. I returned to Tempur. I find it comfortable in both side and back positions. Note: the foam outgasses an uncomfortable smell for up to several weeks after unboxing. This appears to be standard for all of the foam products I've ever used, Tempur or not. I left the pillow in an unused area for awhile before bringing it into the bedroom. I hope this helps you in your search for quality sleep.
It takes a little bit to get used to it but so do the beds. I like it, my wife didn't care for it. It works well with me after neck surgery and fit with my cpap.
I really like this pillow. I bought it because my head kept flopping to one side while sleeping and I would wake up all kinked and stiff. It really keeps my head in place all night long! It has a higher and a lower side so you can choose which amount of neck support is good for you. The only thing I would change is I would make the lower side a bit lower. I am a small person and some nights I feel like the low side is too much on my neck. Other than that, it is a great pillow. It is very dense but that's part of what keeps your head in place. Just don't expect this to feel like your traditional pillow.
I had a Tempur Millenium pillow eons ago, and it was perfect because it accommodated my back and side sleeping. When it needed replacing I couldn't find anything that was the same. I'm so happy that it's back. The different heights are awesome too. It's totally worth the cost.
I've used this pillow for about a month now and have noticed a huge difference in my sleep. I am more rested and my neck doesn't hurt as much when I wake up. It's a very dense pillow that really supports your neck and head. I wish I could take it with me when I travel!
Give firm support sleeping sideways or on back. Love it
On the firm side but works well for me. Shape took a little getting used to but I cant imagine sleeping on another pillow now.
I sleep so much better than before. Make me function 100% during the day after. It is definitely worth the money
I change sleep sides throughout the night from sleeping on my back to my side and this pillow has helped accommodate both with a lot of comfort. I have been using the pillow for a month now and it's still as firm as the first day I received it! My wife seems to think my snoring has reduced too!
Comfortable pillows, great for back sleepers
We love our Tempur-Pedic pillows! I take it everywhere I travel. I even have the travel pillow for long distance trips. No more neck pain ever. I convinced my husband to try one and now he wouldn't give it up!
I like the space in the middle that cradles my head and neck
The mattress is heavenly!! After my back injury I couldn't sleep for over 6 years until I bought this product. I will never not have one
I love the fact it transitions with me as I move from my back to my side during the night. I am more of a side sleeper, but occasionally I start on my back. I love the fact I can flip it and I'm good to go.
My daughter absolutely loves this pillow. Just purchased an extra pillow as a gift for the holidays. I can't wait to give it to her.
Great quality as I would expect from Tempurpedic but way too hard, I like to use a pillow to hold when I sleep on my side as it keeps my chest postured up correctly
I waited way to long. Even with the 100 day return policy I was concerned about having to return the product if it didn't live up to the sales literature. After 10 years procrastinating and having an increasingly difficult time getting a good nights rest I finally purchased the Tempurpedic Pro Adapt. I am delighted! The mattress is great. It's the first time in more years than I can remember that I have slept through the night. I've now had the Pro Adapt for 3 months and my only disappointment...I could have had better rest 10 years earlier!
I love how this pillow allows me to sleep on my back or side and still provides support. A lot of reviews say it's too hard so I was skeptical to buy. I'm so glad I did. It's firm but extremely comfortable
I'm a side sleeper and toss and turn, this pillow keeps me from tossing around all night love it. Great support.
I was obviously looking for a good side and back pillow. Given the reviews I thought this was finally a fix to what very well may be an unfixable problem. Alas, it is not. The pillow is delightful for side-sleeping. But the shallower middle portion designed for back sleeping is not low-profile enough for good posture sleeping. I find that my head is still pushed too far forward when I am on my back. I know if i slept on my back a lot in the night because I wake up with a sore neck. I've taken to actually flipping the pillow up against the wall anytime I want to sleep on my back. In all other respects its a great pillow, but definitely doesn't offer a good option for back sleepers.