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10 Best Side Sleeper Pillows 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Purple Harmony Pillow - Standard Tall, Greatest Pillow Ever Invented, 360º Hex Grid & Talalay Latex Core - No Pressure Support, Stays Cool, Luxurious Comfort

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,342
Pillow Loft (Height)
Firmness
Cooling/Breathability

Most important from
6472 reviews

Pillow Loft (Height)
Designed for taller individuals with broad shoulders, it offers the right loft and comfort without requiring additional pillows for proper head elevation.
Firmness
It provides perfect neck alignment for side sleepers, striking a balance between firmness and softness without feeling too hard or too plush.
Cooling/Breathability
The cooling effect is remarkable, keeping the pillow comfortable all night without the need to flip it over or wake up sweaty.
Pillow Material/Fill
Unlike other foam pillows that retain unpleasant odors, this pillow avoids chemical smells, enhancing overall comfort and usability.

The Purple Harmony Pillow is a tall, plush pillow designed to provide gentle support without pressure, making it a good option for side sleepers who prefer a softer feel. With a loft of about 7.5 inches, it helps keep your head and neck aligned while you sleep on your side. The pillow features a unique combination of a breathable GelFlex honeycomb layer and a Talalay latex core, which work together to offer support while staying cool through the night. This airflow and moisture-wicking cover make it especially comfortable if you tend to get warm when sleeping.

The rectangular shape and plush firmness suit those who want cushioning but still need proper neck support. However, the pillow is not adjustable, so you can’t add or remove fill to customize the height or firmness. While it maintains its shape well over time thanks to durable materials, side sleepers who need firmer support or more personalized loft might find it less ideal.

On the plus side, it’s hypoallergenic and easy to clean with a machine-washable cover, which is great for sensitive sleepers. Taking all factors into consideration, the Purple Harmony Pillow is well-suited for side sleepers wanting a cool, plush, and durable option but may not work if you need a firmer or adjustable pillow.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,342
Pillow Loft (Height)
Firmness
Cooling/Breathability

Most important from
6472 reviews

Pillow Loft (Height)
Designed for taller individuals with broad shoulders, it offers the right loft and comfort without requiring additional pillows for proper head elevation.
Firmness
It provides perfect neck alignment for side sleepers, striking a balance between firmness and softness without feeling too hard or too plush.
Cooling/Breathability
The cooling effect is remarkable, keeping the pillow comfortable all night without the need to flip it over or wake up sweaty.
Pillow Material/Fill
Unlike other foam pillows that retain unpleasant odors, this pillow avoids chemical smells, enhancing overall comfort and usability.
#2

Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support, Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping, Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows, Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleeper

Rating
9.4
Firmness
Pillow Material/Fill
Shape

Most important from
8014 reviews

Firmness
Adjustable firmness and shape accommodate both side and back sleepers, balancing support and comfort.
Pillow Material/Fill
Initial memory foam odor disappears after airing out for a few days, leaving no discomfort.
Shape
The pillow’s unique grooves for arms make it effortless to find a comfortable side-sleeping position without strain.
Cooling/Breathability
Its cooling feature effectively keeps you comfortably cool all night without feeling too cold.
Adjustability
Adjustable firmness and shape accommodate both side and back sleepers, balancing support and comfort.

The Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow is designed with side sleepers in mind, especially those who wake up with neck pain. Its unique hollow concave shape and six contour zones support your head, neck, shoulders, and arms, helping keep your spine aligned. The pillow height is adjustable by flipping or removing an insert, allowing you to find the right loft for your comfort.

Made from breathable memory foam and paired with a cooling pillowcase that lowers skin temperature, it aims to keep you comfortably cool throughout the night. The firmness is medium-firm, providing both support and softness without feeling too hard. The pillow is rectangular and ergonomic, made to relieve pressure points common for side sleepers. Some users might notice a slight memory foam odor initially, but airing it out helps. Also, the contour design might take a few nights to get used to, which is normal.

The pillow is easy to care for since the cover is machine washable. If you often suffer from neck stiffness or want better spinal alignment during sleep, this pillow offers thoughtful features like cooling, adjustability, and orthopedic support. However, if you prefer a very soft or traditional pillow shape, this might feel unusual at first. The 100-night trial helps you test if it suits your personal sleep needs.

Rating
9.4
Firmness
Pillow Material/Fill
Shape

Most important from
8014 reviews

Firmness
Adjustable firmness and shape accommodate both side and back sleepers, balancing support and comfort.
Pillow Material/Fill
Initial memory foam odor disappears after airing out for a few days, leaving no discomfort.
Shape
The pillow’s unique grooves for arms make it effortless to find a comfortable side-sleeping position without strain.
Cooling/Breathability
Its cooling feature effectively keeps you comfortably cool all night without feeling too cold.
Adjustability
Adjustable firmness and shape accommodate both side and back sleepers, balancing support and comfort.
#3

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow, Large Profile, White

Rating
8.2
Firmness

Most important from
7562 reviews

Firmness
Its firmness is notably high, feeling almost rock-hard at first, but it softens slightly after a few nights of use.

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow is designed with side sleepers in mind, featuring a large, high-profile shape (about 4.75 inches tall) that helps keep your head and neck properly aligned. Its extra-firm feel comes from the signature TEMPUR material, which molds to your body to relieve aches while maintaining firm support throughout the night. This firmness can be great if you prefer strong neck support but might feel too stiff for those who like a softer pillow.

The pillow's rectangular shape is tailored to follow the natural curve of your neck and shoulders, enhancing comfort for both side and back sleepers. It uses copper gel-infused memory foam, which supports cooling better than traditional memory foam, though it might not be as breathable as natural fibers or pillows with air channels. The cover is hypoallergenic, machine washable, and made of polyester knit, making maintenance simple and allergy-friendly. However, the pillow does not offer adjustability in loft or firmness, so your comfort depends on whether the extra-firm, high-profile design fits your preference and sleeping style. Weighing just over 4 pounds, it is reasonably portable but best suited for home use.

Backed by a 5-year limited warranty and CertiPUR-US certification, this pillow promises durability and safety. If you’re a side sleeper looking for firm support and neck alignment with a shape designed to cradle your head and shoulders, this pillow is a solid choice, though those needing softer or adjustable options may want to explore other models.

Rating
8.2
Firmness

Most important from
7562 reviews

Firmness
Its firmness is notably high, feeling almost rock-hard at first, but it softens slightly after a few nights of use.

Buying Guide for the Best Side Sleeper Pillows

Choosing the right pillow as a side sleeper is incredibly important for your comfort, spinal alignment, and overall sleep quality. Side sleepers typically need a pillow that fills the space between the head and the mattress to keep the neck straight and avoid stiffness or pain. When shopping, pay close attention not just to feel, but also key features that affect support and durability. Understanding what each specification means can help you narrow down the best options for your unique preferences and body type.
Pillow Loft (Height)Pillow loft refers to the thickness or height of a pillow when it is laying flat. For side sleepers, the right loft is very important because it helps keep your head and neck properly aligned with your spine. Generally, low loft pillows are less than 3 inches high, medium are about 3-5 inches, and high loft are over 5 inches. If you have broader shoulders or generally prefer more cushion, a medium to high loft pillow is best for keeping your head from tilting down. If you have narrower shoulders or like a flatter surface, a medium to low loft might be more comfortable. Try to pick a loft that fills the gap between your neck and the mattress without pushing your head up or letting it sag.
FirmnessFirmness describes how soft or hard the pillow feels under your head and neck. For side sleepers, a medium-firm to firm pillow usually provides enough support so your head doesn't sink in too much, which helps keep your neck straight. Softer pillows can cause your head to dip, leading to neck pain, while overly firm pillows might feel uncomfortable. Choose a firmness that keeps your head level with your spine and feels comfortable during the night.
Pillow Material/FillPillow fill is what the inside of the pillow is made of, and it affects everything from support to durability to how cool or warm you feel. Common fills include memory foam (which molds to your shape and supports well), latex (naturally springy and breathable), down or down-alternatives (soft and fluffy, but may lack solid support), and shredded foam or mixed fills (offering a mix of comfort and support). If you want something that holds its shape and supports well, memory foam or latex might be best. If you like adjustability and a softer feel, try shredded foam or a down alternative. Think about any allergies or sensitivities as well when picking material.
ShapeWhile most pillows are rectangle-shaped, some are contoured or specially shaped for side sleepers, often with an indentation for your head or an elevated edge for neck support. A standard rectangle pillow works for most, but ergonomically shaped pillows can help if you often wake up with neck pain or need extra support. If you want more structured support, look at side-sleeper specific shapes. If you prefer flexibility or move a lot at night, a regular pillow shape is usually fine.
Cooling/BreathabilityThis spec is about how well the pillow lets heat and air pass through, affecting how warm or cool it feels during sleep. Materials like latex or shredded foam and covers made from cotton or bamboo are usually more breathable, while solid foams or dense synthetic fibers can trap more heat. If you tend to sleep hot or live in a warm climate, pay attention to breathable fillings and covers. If you don't have issues with night sweats or overheating, this might be less important.
AdjustabilityAdjustable pillows let you add or remove filling to change the loft and feel, which is helpful if you're not quite sure what works best for you. This feature can help you fine-tune the pillow to exactly match the height and firmness you like. If you're picky or want to try different thicknesses, look for a pillow with an adjustable fill. If you prefer a set-and-forget product, a fixed-fill pillow should work just fine.

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