We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The 11 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Get a great night’s sleep with these cozy, supportive pillows. By Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher is a commerce editor with four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. She was the former SEO writer for Allrecipes, covering product reviews, cooking tutorials, and food news. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a contributing writer for Real Simple. She covers fashion, home, and lifestyle products, including clothing, decor, furniture, and more. Her work has also appeared on MyDomaine, The Spruce, Byrdie, and Verywell. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 12, 2024 Medically reviewed by Samina Ahmed Jauregui, PsyD Medically reviewed by Samina Ahmed Jauregui, PsyD Samina Ahmed Jauregui is a specialty trained sleep psychologist with expertise in non-pharmaceutical, behavioral treatment of sleep disorders. Other areas of mental health expertise include chronic illness management, pain management, and mood and anxiety difficulties that impact physical health and wellness. Dr. Ahmed has five years of experience in the field of sleep psychology. Learn More Fact checked by Isaac Winter Fact checked by Isaac Winter Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How To Shop More To Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Rachel Marek Finding a pillow that feels comfortable is one of the most important steps in creating your ideal bed, especially for side sleepers. That’s because people who sleep on their side generally require more head and neck support than other types of sleepers, which is due to the large gap between their head and mattress. “If you sleep on your side most of the night, you want a pillow that supports your head enough to keep it in alignment so it’s not tipping down toward the mattress,” says Natalie D. Dautovich, Ph.D., a fellow at the National Sleep Foundation. We've tested 117 pillows to date, evaluating them on quality, breathability, durability, overall value, and most importantly, their effectiveness at providing support and comfort for side sleepers. For expert insight, we spoke to Dr. Dautovich, Chester Wu, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist and psychiatrist; Valerie Cacho, M.D., an integrative sleep physician; and Philip Schneider, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon. Our Top Picks Best Overall Pillow for Side Sleepers: SALE Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon $76 $62 Jump to Review Best Budget Pillow for Side Sleepers: SALE Linenspa Memory Foam Pillows at Amazon $22 $18 Jump to Review Best Splurge Pillow for Side Sleepers: Saatva Latex Pillow at Amazon $185 Jump to Review Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers: Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology at Amazon $179 Jump to Review Best Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers: Amazon Basics Down-Alternative Pillows at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best Pillow for Side and Stomach Sleepers: Sleep Number True Temp Pillow at Amazon $110 Jump to Review Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers: Coop Sleep Goods The Original Pillow at Amazon $75 Jump to Review Best Down Pillow for Side Sleepers: Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow at Amazon $199 Jump to Review Best Down Alternative Pillow for Side Sleepers: Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow at Amazon $69 Jump to Review Best Orthopedic Pillow for Side Sleepers: Uttu Sandwich Pillow at Amazon $49 Jump to Review Best Overall Pillow for Side Sleepers Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow PHOTO: Amazon $62 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This adjustable and supportive pillow stays cool throughout the night. What Could Be Improved The return window is only 30 days. We gave the Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow high marks across the board for its customizability, cool-to-the-touch feel, and supportive construction. We were impressed with its ability to relieve pressure and maintain its shape while remaining comfortable to sleep on. Thus, we think it makes the perfect pillow for anyone who sleeps on their side, as it provides ample support without compromising plushness or softness. Since the pillow is made with shredded memory foam filling, you can add or remove foam from the inner pillow to adjust it to your preferred loft and firmness—it even comes with a bag of additional filling if you prefer an extra-firm pillow. The manufacturer recommends side sleepers first try the pillow as-is, and then add or remove filling as needed. The perforated bamboo cover remained cool to the touch and only rose 4 degrees Fahrenheit after we laid on it for 15 minutes. And unlike most memory foam pillows, this breathable option is entirely machine washable. For side sleepers, in particular, this cooling memory foam pillow provides significant support to keep your head and neck in alignment and checks off all the extra boxes—including breathability, easy cleaning, and adjustability. After six months of use, this pillow was still supportive, comfortable, and cooling—though it flattened out a bit, you can always add more fill. During real-world testing, we particularly liked how comfortable it was to switch from side sleeping to stomach sleeping. Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Bamboo | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Katelyn Chef Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Budget Pillow for Side Sleepers Linenspa Memory Foam Pillows PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon $14 at QVC $20 at Home Depot Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Breathability 3/5 Support 4.5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This inexpensive set of pillows can be flattened or fluffed as needed. What Could Be Improved You can't add or remove fill from this pillow. For less than half the price of the Snuggle-Pedic pillow above, Linenspa's budget-friendly set comes with two pillows, so you can fully outfit any bedroom in your home. These pillows are also made from shredded memory foam, so you and your guests will be able to easily fluff or flatten the pillows to your desired loft and firmness. However, you can't add or remove the fill from this pillow. We were impressed with how well these inexpensive pillows form to your head while still providing the support necessary for side sleepers, and we woke up with less neck and shoulder pain when using them. Plus, they only rose 6 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes, thanks to the breathable shredded foam. Throughout our long-term testing, the pillows continued to protect our shoulders and neck while sleeping on our side and showed no visible signs of wear, discoloration, or odor after six months. While the shredded memory foam can become a bit flat, it’s easy to fluff and reshape them when needed. Unfortunately, both the inner pillow and the cover are not machine washable, so you'll need to protect it with a pillowcase or pillow protector. The good news is that we found the pillows to fit snugly in a standard pillowcase, and the foam did not give off any odor. For side sleepers or combination sleepers, these easy-to-adjust pillows make a great value set. Firmness: Medium-firm | Fill: Shredded memory foam | Cover: Polyester | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: No Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Splurge Pillow for Side Sleepers Saatva Latex Pillow PHOTO: Saatva $185 at Amazon $165 at Saatva Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 4/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 4/5 What Stands Out This breathable pillow has a high loft for supporting side sleepers and comes with a 45-day trial. What Could Be Improved The cotton cover shrank in the dryer and the piping can sometimes be seen through a pillowcase. We were immediately impressed by the weight and loft of Saatva's Latex Pillow. A plush, down-like microfiber layer provides breathable comfort, while the shredded latex core provides neck support and relieves pressure. Finally, the 100-percent organic cotton cover offers ample airflow. When we first opened the package, there was no noticeable odor. After laying on the pillow for 15 minutes, it rose about 8 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn't claim to be a cooling pillow per se, but we found it to feel cool and comfortable during use, thanks to breathable materials like a cotton cover, microfiber outer layer, and shredded latex core. The cover is machine washable, but it did shrink some after drying, which made it a bit difficult to put the pillow back into it (especially considering how plump the pillow is). We'd recommend washing it according to the care label and laying it flat to dry instead of tumble drying. Our one complaint is that the pillow comes with brown piping along the edges, which can show through light-colored pillowcases. Overall, this lofty latex pillow is a great choice for side sleepers because it’s buoyant and not prone to sinking over time, so it will keep your head and neck in alignment throughout the night. In fact, one of our testers used this pillow while pregnant, and found it provided plenty of neck support as she transitioned to sleeping on her side full-time. After six months of use, this pillow maintained its shape and even re-fluffs on its own after a restful night’s sleep. If the price is a deterrent, there is a 45-day trial so you can determine whether it’s worth the splurge for you or not. It’s also worth noting that the Saatva pillow doesn’t come in a standard size, only queen and king. Firmness: Medium | Fill: Shredded natural latex | Cover: Organic cotton | Return Policy: 45 days | Machine Washable: Cover only Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology PHOTO: Casper $162 at Amazon $149 at Nordstrom $162 at Wayfair Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 What Stands Out It always feels cool to the touch. What Could Be Improved The pillow is expensive, even compared to other cooling options. The Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology was one of the coolest and most supportive pillows we tested, so it’s a great option for side sleepers who run hot. While many pillows are filled with supportive foam or fluffy fiber, this one is filled with both. Those layers of filling make the pillow an absolute dream to sleep on. It molds to your head, neck, and shoulders to offer support in all the right places, and we never woke up with neck pain while using it. The pillow is also incredibly cool to the touch. Designed with Casper’s Snow Technology, the pillow actively absorbs and releases body heat to keep you cool while you sleep. It pairs a cooling outer cover with temperature-regulating filling for a combination that delivers: During our testing, we always felt like we were touching the cool side of the pillow. And when we had several pillows on our bed, we could always find this one, because it actually feels cool. Plus, this pillow maintained its shape throughout six months of nightly use. While we found it overall supportive for our head and neck, the loft may be slightly too low for stomach sleepers. It is also a fairly dense pillow, which makes it difficult to move in the middle of the night while changing positions. This pillow is also expensive—it’s one of the priciest choices on our list. But since it earned high marks in every category we assessed, we think it’s worth the splurge. Plus, Casper offers a 100-night trial period, giving you time to test the pillow risk-free. Firmness: Medium-firm | Fill: Memory foam and fiber | Cover: Nylon/spandex/polyester | Return Policy: 100 days | Machine Washable: Cover only Real Simple / Julia Fields Best Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers Amazon Basics Down-Alternative Pillows PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 3.5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This affordable pillow accommodates combination sleepers and offers plenty of resistance. What Could Be Improved The pillow becomes a bit lumpy after washing, but can be fixed with fluffing. The Amazon Basics Down Alternative for Stomach & Back Sleepers is a great choice for people who sleep in different positions throughout the night. One of our self-described back-and-side sleepers says this pillow offered plenty of neck support and maintained resistance, meaning it didn't sink with use. While this pillow doesn’t claim to have any cooling properties, we were impressed to find that when we laid on it for 15 minutes, it only warmed by 5 degrees Fahrenheit. We also appreciated the firmness of these pillows, which supported our necks while switching from side to side. During our long-term tests, we loved that these pillows seemed to adjust and mold to our head and neck, whether we were on our back, side, or stomach. Though this isn’t an adjustable pillow, it somehow felt tailored to each sleeping position. Plus, it maintained its plushness and firmness throughout three months of use. Especially considering its incredibly affordable price (the second lowest on this list), we think this set of two pillows is worth its value. The only downside we noticed was that the pillow became slightly lumpy after washing, though you can quickly fix that with some fluffing. Firmness: Soft | Fill: Down alternative | Cover: Polyester | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes Best Pillow for Side and Stomach Sleepers Sleep Number True Temp Pillow PHOTO: Sleep Number $110 at Amazon View on Sleepnumber.com Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Support 4/5 Durability 4/5 Comfort 4/5 What Stands Out This temperature-regulating pillow is thin enough for stomach sleepers, though it comes in two thicker styles. What Could Be Improved It flattened slightly with use. The Sleep Number True Temp Pillow is equipped with temperature-regulating technology and delivered on its promise to keep us cool at night. But since the pillow wasn’t as firm as our other top picks, we think it’s best for people who need less support—like those who alternately sleep on their side and stomach. Right out of the box, the pillow felt sleek, high-quality, and cool to the touch—even hot sleepers never woke up overheated or needed to flip the pillow to find a cool spot. Though the pillow was generally comfortable, it lost points for support: It began to flatten after weeks of use, and its corners didn’t feel full when we first unboxed it. It’s worth noting, though, that the pillow comes in three styles—classic, contour, and ultimate—and we tested the thinnest of the bunch. While the classic style seems great for stomach and side sleepers, we recommend the contour or ultimate style if you only sleep on your side. All in all, we were impressed with the pillow for its ability to keep us cool and comfortable at night. Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm | Fill: Foam | Cover: Polyester | Return Policy: 100 days | Machine Washable: Cover only Real Simple / Katelyn Chef Real Simple / Katelyn Chef Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers Coop Sleep Goods The Original Pillow PHOTO: Coop $75 at Amazon $75 at Target View on Coopsleepgoods.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 3/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 What Stands Out This adjustable pillow comes with a 100-day trial period. What Could Be Improved It's not as cooling as other pillows. The Original Pillow from Coop Home Goods comes stuffed with a blend of medium-firm shredded memory foam and microfiber, which can be removed or adjusted to suit your preferences. It also comes with an extra half-pound bag of fill if you need more neck support and height. We found the fill was easy to remove and adjust to achieve that Goldilocks “just right” height, and we appreciated that there was no chemical odor or off-gassing. Our back and side sleepers found the medium firmness ideal, however stomach sleepers wanted something a bit softer. Even though it's not designed to be a cooling pillow, this pick does claim to be constructed from breathable materials, including a polyester and bamboo-derived rayon cover. But in our tests, this pillow warmed up a lot—about 14 degrees Fahrenheit over 15 minutes. (We didn't feel the need to flip it over, though.) Both the inner pillow and the outer cover are machine washable, and it comes with an impressive 100-day trial so you can thoroughly put it to the test before you commit. During our long-term tests, this pillow quickly became our favorite for its ample support that minimizes neck pain. We liked it so much that we purchased another, and our partner grabbed one for themselves, too. The only downside we noticed was slight compression, though this can be remedied with extra fill or fluffing. Firmness: Medium-firm | Fill: Shredded memory foam and microfiber | Cover: Polyester/bamboo-derived rayon | Return Policy: 100 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Kaya Abrahamson Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Kaya Abrahamson Best Down Pillow for Side Sleepers Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow PHOTO: Boll & Branch $199 at Amazon $179 at Nordstrom View on Bollandbranch.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 4/5 Durability 3/5 Comfort 4/5 What Stands Out This real down pillow offers more support than a standard pillow. What Could Be Improved We wish it had a longer sleep trial given the price. Made from responsibly-sourced, International Down Standard-certified down and a 100-percent organic cotton cover, this Boll & Branch pillow offers the finest in materials and construction. It’s available in three different firmness levels—soft, medium, and firm—so you can choose the one that best fits your sleep style. We tested the medium-firm version of this traditional down pillow, and we were impressed with how supportive it was. We have generally stayed away from down pillows for side sleeping due to lack of support, but found that this down pillow offered enough support even for side sleepers. And unlike many other down pillows, it doesn’t lose its shape or loft over time. We were also surprised to find that this natural down pillow stayed pretty cool: The temperature rose less than 4 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes of use. Boll & Branch suggests washing as needed in cold water on the gentle cycle and tumble-drying on low heat. If you’re ready to invest in a real down pillow, we think this luxury, hotel-quality pillow will give you years of use and provide the right balance of support and comfort for side and combination sleepers. After six months, it still had the same level of softness and comfort, and quickly became our go-to pillow for stomach and side sleeping. Plus, there’s a 30-day trial period so you have some time to make your decision (though more would be nice given the price). Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm | Fill: Down | Cover: Organic cotton | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Andrea Cable Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Andrea Cable Best Down Alternative Pillow for Side Sleepers Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow PHOTO: Slumbercloud $69 at Amazon $64 at Slumber Cloud Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 What Stands Out This soft yet supportive pillow makes it easy to switch sleeping positions. What Could Be Improved The only way to adjust the firmness is to fluff or flatten the pillow. If you want the cozy feel of down without the splurge-worthy price point, this down alternative pillow from Slumber Cloud is a great option. Though it costs half as much as our favorite down pillow, it’s plush, supportive, and durable. Plus, it uses temperature-regulating technology to keep you cool at night. The Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow feels plush, but not too firm. Like other down and down alternative pillows, it’s a great option for people who switch positions while they sleep. You can fluff it to reach the height needed for side sleeping and flatten it when you switch over to your stomach. After six months of use, we found that the pillow maintained its shape night after night, providing the comfortable, cradling effect of down without lacking in support. And it remains just as plush and supportive post-wash. This pillow also employs NASA-developed temperature regulation technology, which absorbs excess heat from the skin and then releases it back as the temperature drops. We noticed that this pillow does maintain a cool feel throughout the night, which is also helped by the 100 percent cotton cover. You can choose between two firmness levels (soft-medium and medium-firm), the latter being the better fit for side sleepers. And be sure to take advantage of the 60-day trial period. Firmness: Soft-medium or medium-firm | Fill: Down alternative fiber fill | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: 60 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Lesly Bernal Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Lesly Bernal Best Orthopedic Pillow for Side Sleepers Uttu Sandwich Pillow PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Breathability 4/5 Support 4/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 3/5 What Stands Out This contoured pillow is both supportive and compressible, thanks to a removable center insert. What Could Be Improved The cooling cover was too slick to grip a silky pillowcase. The Uttu Sandwich Pillow is a great choice for people who want extra support. The memory foam pillow is contoured in the middle to cradle your head and support your neck, and when we slept on our side or back, it worked like a dream: We slept soundly and woke up feeling less sore. The pillow is tall—4.7 inches at its edges and 3.9 inches in the middle. But, it’s designed with a 1-inch insert you can remove to shorten the pillow. We didn’t take advantage of this adjustable feature because we thought the thickness of the pillow was perfect already. This pillow may be too thick for stomach sleeping, but we think removing the insert could make the difference. The pillow maintained its supportive shape after si of testing and machine-washing, and its cooling cover felt as cool and breathable as advertised. That cover also proved exceptionally soft—so soft that our silky pillowcase kept sliding off the pillow. And since it’s adjustable, breathable, and easy to clean, it ticks many of the same boxes as our overall favorite. Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Memory foam | Cover: Bamboo viscose/polyester | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Body Pillow for Side Sleepers Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Effectiveness 4.7/5 Breathability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This body pillow helped us sleep more soundly, and it stayed fluffy and supportive night after night. What Could Be Improved The pillow is hand-wash-only, and finding a comfortable sleeping position takes some trial and error. Body pillows can’t replace your go-to pillow, says Dr. Schneider. But they can help you sleep more comfortably by supporting your lower back, distributing your body weight more evenly, and reducing pressure on your shoulders and hips, according to Dr. Wu. This option from Utopia Bedding gave us the extra support we wanted from a body pillow. While many body pillows flatten or compress with use, this one stayed fluffy and supportive. In fact, it was so dense that we had to reposition the pillow a few times to find a comfortable sleeping posture. Once we did, the pillow did its job: We drifted off to sleep faster than usual and woke up feeling alert and limber (rather than stiff and uncomfortable). The pillow also proved soft, breathable, and comfortable to sleep with. The only downside is that the pillow is hand-wash only. But at its affordable price, it still feels like a steal. We’d happily pay more for it, and we’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a body pillow. Firmness: Firm | Fill: Polyester | Cover: Microfiber | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: No Final Verdict Our top pick is the Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow because the adjustable shredded memory foam allows you to choose the level of support that feels best for you. Plus, it’s entirely machine-washable and remains cool-to-the-touch. If you want something more affordable, we like the Linenspa Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, which can be fluffed and reshaped as needed. It’s our budget-friendly recommendation because it comes with two pillows for less than half the price of our best overall pick. Our Testing Process To date, we've tested 117 pillows in our Lab and in real world conditions. We know every sleeper is different, which is why we enlisted testers of varying sizes, preferences, and sleeping positions (including side sleepers). Once Lab testing was complete, we brought the top performing pillows home for longterm testing. First, we evaluated the quality based on the materials and construction of both the pillow and cover. We also took note of whether there were any noticeable odors coming from the pillow. Next, we placed each pillow inside a standard pillowcase to see how well it fit and whether the pillow’s cover was visible through the pillowcase. For pillows with adjustable filling, we tested how easy it was to add or remove the fill material. To test the temperature and breathability of each pillow, we used an infrared thermometer to measure the surface temperature both before and after laying on it for 15 minutes. For cooling pillows, we tested whether each pillow offered a cool-to-the-touch sensation. The real test of each pillow was its effectiveness at matching its proposed firmness and support. For pillows designated for all sleeping positions or those with no specified sleeping style, we used the pillow for five minutes in each major sleeping position—back, side, and stomach—and recorded how comfortable it was to sleep in each. For pillows for side sleepers, we slept on our sides on the pillow (including those of us who are natural side sleepers and those who are not), noting whether it was comfortable and helped to fill the gap between a side sleeper's neck and mattress, keeping their neck and spine in alignment. After those tests, we measured the dimensions of each pillow before and after washing it according to the manufacturer's instructions to assess its durability, in addition to any change in consistency or firmness. Finally, we received the price of each pillow and were asked to score its overall value based on the cost relative to its performance in our testing. The top performing pillows came home with us, and we updated our findings after one, three, and six months of at-home use. How to Shop for Pillows for Side Sleepers Like a Pro Loft The first thing to consider when shopping for a side-sleeper pillow is the loft (or height) of the pillow. Side sleepers will need a pillow with a high loft that can provide enough support to keep the head and neck in alignment with the spine. But it shouldn't be so high that it props your neck upwards, and thus, out of alignment with your spine. "Side sleepers often use a thicker pillow," says Dr. Dautovich. This is because side sleepers need a pillow that keeps your head in alignment and prevents it from tipping down toward the mattress, explains Dr. Dautovich. Firmness Loft and firmness are two sides of the same coin. A lofty pillow that's too soft will flatten under the weight of your head. That's why it's best to look for a medium-firm or firm pillow that will maintain its shape and height even under pressure. “What initially may seem more comfortable—generally a softer pillow—may in fact induce or worsen neck pain” says Dr. Wu. “Firmer pillows, on the other hand, which help to stabilize the spine, may initially seem less comfortable. Research shows our perception of comfort may change after a period of adaptation, so it’s helpful to know this is the case when you’re looking to buy a new pillow.” Fill Your choice of fill material usually comes down to personal preference, although some fill materials are better suited to slide sleepers than others. Here's a quick overview of the most common pillow fill materials: Solid Memory Foam: Solid memory foam is one of the best fill materials for side sleepers because it provides substantial support and structure. A memory foam pillow will maintain its shape well, so your neck and spine will remain in alignment even under the weight of your head. However, solid memory foam is typically dense and not breathable, although you can find some memory foam pillows that offer cooling and temperature-regulating technology (like our best cooling pick, the Casper Hybrid Pillow With Snow Technology). Shredded Memory Foam: A shredded memory foam fill is exactly what it sounds like—loose chunks of memory foam. Oftentimes, you can remove, refill, or reposition the memory foam in these pillows to adjust it to your desired loft and firmness. Shredded memory foam pillows tend to be more breathable than solid memory foam. They also offer more customization, which is particularly useful for combination sleepers who want to be able to adjust their pillow to their unique sleeping style. Latex: Latex can be either natural or synthetic, and solid or shredded. It's similar in feel to memory foam, but it tends to be bouncier and more breathable. The best latex pillows are also less prone to sinking, which makes it a very supportive material in pillows for side sleepers. Down and Down Alternatives: Down and down alternative pillows offer the least amount of support for side sleepers because they compress down under the weight of your head. However, some people may prefer the cushiony, cloud-like feel of down, so it's mostly a matter of personal preference. For those who do prefer the feel of a down pillow, choose one that is more firm and lofty to support your head and neck. Real Simple / Rachel Marek Size and Shape Your pillow should keep your head and neck in a supported, neutral position: Your head shouldn’t tilt toward the ceiling or droop toward the floor. For most side sleepers, this means a thicker pillow is best. But if you switch between sleeping on your side, back, or stomach, you might want an adjustable pillow. “While more expensive, an adjustable pillow is great for someone who changes how they sleep,” says Dr. Schneider. “If you sleep on your back one night and your side another night, an adjustable pillow allows you to alter the thickness to provide the best support and comfort.” When it comes to shape, there are plenty of options to choose from. Standard pillows can offer great head and neck support if they're thick enough, and contoured pillows cradle your head to support your neck and shoulders. “Crescent pillows can also be helpful for side sleepers who want extra support for their neck and shoulders,” says Dr. Wu. “[And] body pillows can be helpful for side sleepers who want extra support for their hips and knees.” Pillows are highly personal—your ideal size and shape will vary based on your body, mattress, sleeping habits, and preferences. The key is to focus on how you feel when using the pillow: Does it support your head and neck comfortably, do you sleep soundly, and do you wake up feeling limber and alert? Breathability For hot sleepers, breathability is one of the most important factors. Down and down alternative pillows tend to be the most breathable, while shredded memory foam typically feels cooler than solid. The cover material is important, too—look for a light and breathable material such as cotton or bamboo. Fortunately, even solid memory foam pillows can stay cool thanks to temperature-regulating technology that pulls heat away from the body or gel layers that give a crisp, cooling sensation. Keep an eye out for these features if you want to maintain that "cool side of the pillow" feeling all night long. Return Policy Even if you've taken all of the above factors into consideration, sometimes a pillow is just not comfortable to sleep on. This is exactly why a good return policy is so important. Many online bedding companies offer a risk-free sleep trial, ranging from 30 days up to one year, so you have ample time to determine whether the pillow is right for you. Care Instructions Being able to conveniently clean your pillows is a key consideration while shopping. After all, cleaning experts say you should wash your pillowcases weekly and your pillow inserts every three to four months. Many of the pillows on our list are completely machine-washable, while others only have machine-washable covers. Before committing to a pillow, check the care instructions—and make sure you're on board with the upkeep. More Pillows for Side Sleepers to Consider Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow: This responsive, solid memory foam pillow is comparable to our best cooling pick in terms of structure and support. It features cooling gel beads to trap and pull away heat, but it's worth mentioning that we didn't notice a significant difference in temperature while laying on it. Questions You Might Ask How should you position your pillow as a side sleeper? How you position yourself and your pillow is just as important as which one you buy. If you sleep on your side, it's best to keep a firm pillow under your head with your ears in line with your shoulders. Avoid tilting your chin down toward your neck. You can also sleep with a pillow between your knees to create better alignment in your spine. Does your mattress make a difference in your pillow choice as a side sleeper? The short answer is yes. "In order to maintain your head and neck in neutral alignment, you will want to consider your mattress type when selecting your pillow," says Dr. Dautovich. "If you have a softer mattress, you're more likely to sink compared to a firmer mattress." Be sure to choose a pillow that will fill the gap between your head and the mattress. If you have a softer mattress, this may mean choosing a thicker pillow. How often should you replace your pillow? "Many doctors recommend replacing pillows every two years," Dr. Dautovich says. Odors, stains, lumps, and flattening are all signs that it might be time to replace your pillow. Increased neck pain or allergy symptoms can also be signs that your pillow is no longer serving you. When cleaning, be sure to refer to the care label on your pillow to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Do side sleepers need thicker pillows? “Side sleepers do need thicker pillows,” says Dr. Schneider. When you sleep on your side, there’s more space between your head and the mattress. A thicker pillow can fill that space and support your head and neck. But thicker isn’t always better. “Just as you don’t want a thin pillow that [lets] your head droop, you don’t want a pillow [so] thick it push[es] your head and neck toward the ceiling,” Dr. Schneider says. The right pillow thickness depends on your body, mattress, and personal preferences. We recommend focusing on finding a pillow that keeps your head and neck in a neutral, supported position. What kind of pillow should side sleepers use? “Side sleepers generally benefit from a firmer pillow that provides good neck and head support,” Dr. Wu says. “This means avoiding a pillow that’s too soft or low, as well as one that’s too firm [and that] push[es] the head too far upward.” The best pillow is one that keeps your head in a neutral position—your head shouldn’t droop toward the floor or tilt toward the ceiling. Dr. Wu generally recommends pillows filled with memory foam or latex, because “these are supportive materials that can conform to the head and neck." Are body pillows good for side sleepers? “Body pillows are good for side sleepers,” Dr. Schneider says. By sleeping with a body pillow between your arms and legs, you can distribute your body weight more evenly, support your lower back, and relieve pressure on your hips, knees, and shoulders, Dr. Wu notes. That said, body pillows aren’t for everyone. “Some people find them to be too bulky or uncomfortable,” Dr. Wu says. And you should never use body pillows by themselves. “They should be combined with a standard pillow, so the head is properly supported,” says Dr. Schneider. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Melanie Fincher, a commerce editor for Real Simple, and updated by Lindsey Lanquist, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To determine the best pillows for side sleepers, we tested 117 pillows and evaluated them on their quality, breathability, effectiveness, durability, and value. We also spoke to Natalie D. Dautovich, Ph.D., environmental fellow at the National Sleep Foundation; Chester Wu, M.D., sleep medicine specialist and psychiatrist; and Philip Schneider, M.D., vice president of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.