Best Pillows for Side Sleepers by Type, Features, and Loft [2025 Guide]

What is the best pillow for side sleepers?

 

The verdict: The Purple Harmony Pillow is the best pillow for side sleepers because it combines the GelFlex® Grid, hypoallergenic Talalay latex core, and breathable mesh cover.

Sleep statistics show that over half of the population sleeps on their side. While this position can alleviate back pain and minimize snoring, it can cause aches in other areas of the body if not properly supported.¹ 

Combining a good mattress with one of the best pillows for side sleepers can make a world of difference in one's rest. Side sleepers often sleep best with a pillow and mattress that cradles the head and body, providing just the right amount of pressure relief. 

If it’s time to replace your pillow, look no further — we’ve compiled a list of the top side sleeper pillows for a good night’s rest.

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Keep reading to find the most comfortable side sleeping pillow for your needs.

The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

When it comes to achieving a restful night's sleep, side sleepers require specific support to maintain proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips. 

Good pillows for side sleepers should be firm enough to keep the head elevated while providing contouring comfort to cradle the neck.² These pillows often feature adjustable lofts and materials like memory foam or latex to enhance pressure relief. 

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Overall: Purple Harmony™ Pillow

Alternative for: Saatva Latex Pillow + Avocado Molded Organic Latex Pillow

The Purple Harmony™ Pillow is one of the best pillows for all sleep positions including stomach sleepers. It’s supportive yet soft, and it perfectly contours to every curve. It has even earned some awards, including:

• Good Housekeeping: Best Luxury Pillow³
• NBC Select’s Bed Bath and Beyond Award: Best Pillow⁴
• Apartment Therapy: Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers⁵
• Prevention’s Healthy Home Award 2022: Best Pillow Overall⁶

The Harmony™ Pillow tops the list because of our honeycomb-patterned GelFlex® Grid. The Grid surrounds a ventilated Talalay latex core and is wrapped within a moisture-wicking, breathable mesh material that stays cool throughout the night. Unlike many pillows that don’t even last a year, this bestselling latex pillow won’t fall flat over time, making it durable enough to last several years.

It comes in two sizes (standard and king) and three lofts (loft is a pillow’s thickness), including low, medium, and tall. The medium or tall loft is among the most comfortable pillows for side or combination sleepers for proper spine alignment, so you won’t wake up with a crick in your neck.

With its innovative design and exceptional features, many users have found that the Purple Harmony™ Pillow transforms their sleep experience. Here’s what one satisfied customer had to say:

Ready to experience the comfort and support of the Purple Harmony™ Pillow for yourself? Don’t miss out — shop now and elevate your sleep!

Best Customizable Pillow: Purple Freeform™ Pillow

Alternative for: Avocado Green Pillow + Coop Cool+ Adjustable Pillow

If you have neck and shoulder pain from sleeping on your side, the Purple Freeform™ Pillow is for you. This is one of the best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain and shoulder stiffness, as it offers unparalleled adjustability.

Designed for total comfort, the Purple Freeform™ Pillow features the MicroFlex™ Moon Foam surrounded by a 360-degree wrap of Honeycomb GelFlex® Grid. This unique combination allows you to customize the pillow’s height, firmness, and support.

Side sleepers with neck and shoulder pain will especially appreciate this pillow’s adjustable neck roll chambers, which help alleviate pressure on the neck and shoulders. The pillow also boasts a mineral-infused cover that stays cool to the touch throughout the night.

With two sizes available, the Freeform™ Pillow adapts to various sleeping positions, making it the best firm pillow for side sleepers when optimally filled. Plus, the included throw pillowcase offers a convenient way to store excess fill for an uncluttered personalization process.

Many side sleepers with shoulder pain and neck discomfort have found this to be the best pillow for a pain-free night. One customer shared:

Ready to experience the unparalleled comfort of the Purple Freeform™ Pillow? Don’t wait — shop for the best pillow for neck support now and customize your sleep!

Best Pillow for Those Who Love the Memory Foam Feel: Purple DreamLayer® Pillow

Alternative for: TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow + Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow

The Purple DreamLayer® Pillow is the ideal choice for side sleepers who appreciate the comfort of memory foam without its common drawbacks. This innovative pillow combines the cooling properties of the GelFlex® Grid with the cradling support of MicroAir™ Foam, making it one of the best pillows for all sleep positions. 

Unlike traditional memory foam, which traps heat, the DreamLayer® remains cool throughout the night and adapts instantly to your movements. In fact, it’s our coolest pillow yet! 

It features two removable booster layers that allow you to customize the loft to your preference. Whether you opt for a lower or a taller height, the DreamLayer® provides exceptional support for your head and neck. This versatility in height helps maintain proper spinal alignment, making the DreamLayer® one of the best pillows for side sleepers with back pain.

All of these factors contribute to the widespread appreciation of the DreamLayer® pillow, earning it the best pillow of the year award for Good Morning America’s Real Simple Sleep Awards 2025.⁷

With its unique blend of comfort and support, the DreamLayer® Pillow has transformed the sleep experience for many users. As one satisfied customer shared:

“Side sleeper with obstructive sleep apnea. First night using it, I slept for over 9 hours and had less than 2 waking episodes, according to my CPAP readings. Magic?!” — Briar, Purple DreamLayer® Pillow review

Ready to elevate your rest with one of the best pillows for side and back sleepers? Discover the comfort of the Purple DreamLayer® Pillow now!

Best Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers: Purple Harmony Anywhere​​™ Pillow

Alternative for: The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow + The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow

The Purple Harmony Anywhere™ Pillow is the ultimate travel companion for side sleepers. The compact pillow size doesn't sacrifice comfort, offering the same award-winning technology found in the full size Harmony™ Pillow. 

Featuring a honeycomb-patterned GelFlex® Grid, this pillow provides exceptional temperature-balancing properties and pressure relief, making it one of the best cooling pillows for side sleepers.

Crafted with a ventilated Talalay latex core, the Harmony Anywhere™ Pillow promotes an airy, bouncy feel while the moisture-wicking mesh cover ensures breathability. Its unique size makes it versatile enough to serve as a knee pillow while lounging at home or the perfect travel pillow for those long journeys. 

Named the most versatile pillow in 2024 by Men’s Health, the Harmony Anywhere™ Pillow is the perfect pillow for side sleepers to use between their knees or on the go.⁸

Many agree that this is the best soft pillow for side sleepers, with one happy customer sharing their experience:

“I use this pillow for a specific purpose: to support my arm when laying on my side due to a rotator cuff issue. It works very well for this because it is thick and soft, but does not sink too much.” — SJK, Purple Harmony Anywhere™ Pillow review

Whether you’re catching a quick nap on the couch or enjoying restful sleep on a trip, the Purple Harmony Anywhere™ Pillow ensures you remain cool and comfortable.

How To Choose a Pillow for a Side Sleeper

With so many options, how do you pick the best pillow for a side sleeper? The best side sleeper pillow will support the head and neck for proper spinal alignment. A pillow that’s too cushiony or lofty can angle the neck, causing neck and shoulder pain.⁹

When shopping for a side sleeper pillow, you should consider the following factors.

1. Opt for the Right Thickness or Loft

When choosing the ideal pillow height, a higher loft is typically best for side sleepers. It reduces the risk of discomfort by ensuring your neck and spine remain aligned.¹⁰ If you decide to sleep with multiple pillows, ensure they complement each other’s height and firmness levels to maintain proper alignment.

2. Choose Your Preferred Firmness or Feel

Many side sleepers find that a firm vs. soft pillow provides better support. Some may prefer the gentle contouring of latex, while others might appreciate the plushness of down. Understanding your comfort preferences can help you make the best decision for your needs.

3. Consider Adjustability

Look for pillows that allow you to customize the loft with removable fill. This adjustability lets you tailor the pillow to your liking for a comfortable experience. A versatile option like the Freeform™ Pillow offers this flexibility.

4. Weigh Different Core Materials

Common core materials include latex, foam, and down alternatives. Latex provides excellent support and durability, while foam offers contouring comfort that relieves pressure, and down alternatives deliver softness and breathability. Consider the type of pillow stuffing you prefer to choose the best one for enhanced sleep quality.

5. Pick a Pillow Shape

Some side sleepers prefer a curved-edge pillow. This ergonomic pillow design is ideal for side sleepers experiencing discomfort as it helps cradle the head and provide extra support for the neck and shoulders.^11,12

6. Consider Shell or Case Material

The best pillows for side sleepers have soft shell materials that remain cool at night. Opt for pillows with breathable case materials that wick away moisture and regulate temperature for a comfortable night’s sleep.¹³

7. Compare Prices

When budgeting for a new pillow, expect quality pillows to cost at least $100. Investing in a lasting product will pay off in comfort and improve your sleep quality. Remember, the price often reflects the materials and construction, so choose wisely.

8. Look Into Trial Periods

Opt for pillows that offer trial periods of at least a month to several months. This allows you to test the pillow’s comfort and support in real life before making a final decision. A risk-free trial provides peace of mind and helps ensure your satisfaction.

What Is the Best Type of Pillow for Side Sleepers? 

The best pillows for side sleepers should promote spinal alignment while providing sufficient loft and pressure relief. Pillows with higher loft, like the Purple Harmony™ featuring GelFlex Grid®, are prime examples. They help fill the gap between your head and mattress to keep the spine in a neutral position throughout the night.

By considering these factors and personal preferences, side sleepers can find the most comfortable pillow for a pain-free sleep experience. For a comprehensive look at your options, refer to our Purple Pillow® Comparison Guide to find the perfect fit.

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