Side Sleeper Pillows

What kind of pillow should a side sleeper use?

To make things easy for you, we’ve put together the following list of pillows for people who sleep on their sides:

Memory foam pillows Memory foam pillows have dense structure which means they offer extra support where you need it most – in between your neck and shoulder. When you sleep on your side and your head is positioned either too high or too low, this causes your spine to be out of alignment and can create pain. A memory foam pillow with medium to firm support is our recommendation.

Orthopedic pillows Orthopedic pillows or posturepedic pillows can also help to avoid neck pain for side sleepers. An orthopedic pillow is designed to correct your body’s positioning in bed. Designed to conform to orthopedic guidelines, it ensures that your neck and spine remain aligned to minimise the risk of painful pressure points. Again, medium to firm support is what we recommend.

Medium-firm to firm pillows A pillow on the firmer side is best suited to side sleepers to provide adequate support in holding your head straight, bridging the gap between your neck and shoulder, and stopping the pillow from gathering up in front of your face.

How to choose a pillow for side sleepers

Depending on your personal preference and any health concerns that you might have, there are different types of pillow recommended to side sleepers and their needs. We’ve listed below some common complaints along with a pillow solution.

What is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain? Try a medium-firm pillow if you’re suffering with neck pain to help keep your head, neck and spine aligned. We recommend an orthopedic or posturepedic pillow because these are designed to conform to medical guidelines.

What is the best pillow for side sleepers with allergies? If you’re prone to skin irritation such as itching, or suffer from respiratory problems like asthma, we recommend you choose a hypoallergenic or anti-allergy pillow. These pillows are designed to repel or resist common allergens such as dust mites or mould which can trigger symptoms like itching and wheezing.

What is the best pillow for side sleepers who get hot in the night? Do you tend to break out in a sweat during the night? If so, our cooling pillow range is a great choice. These pillows are designed with breathable structures to allow for good airflow to help keep you feeling fresh and dry.

How many pillows should a side sleeper use?

Generally, we advise that side sleepers should stick to one medium-firm to firm pillow with adequate support for their head, neck and shoulders. If you prefer to use two pillows, it’s best to ensure they’re on the softer side to avoid any arching of your neck.

What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

The majority of adults in the UK are side sleepers. Although sleeping in the foetal position can sometimes give you a numb arm, it's generally preferred due to its other benefits such as helping to reduce snoring, heartburn or acid reflux, plus some joint pain and lower back pain. We recommend a soft to medium mattress for side sleepers. This is because they allow plenty of give and are able to contour to your body's natural curves while keeping the spine aligned. You can find out more within our handy Personal Comfort Guide.

We also have our Pillow Buying Guide for further information. Happy reading!