15 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers [2024 Guide]
The verdict: The Purple Harmony Pillow is the best for side sleepers because it combines the GelFlex® Grid, hypoallergenic Talalay latex core, and breathable mesh cover.
Sleep statistics show 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.
Combining the perfect pillow and a good mattress can make a world of difference in a side sleeper’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 15 best pillows for side sleepers.
The 15 Best Pillows For Side Sleepers
- Purple Harmony™ Pillow
- Sleep Number ComfortFit™ Pillow
- TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow
- Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow
- Saatva Latex Pillow
- Coop Original Cut-Out Pillow
- Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
- Puffy Signature Pillow
- Avocado Molded Organic Latex Pillow
- Nectar Sleep Resident Pillow
- Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow
- Casper Hybrid Pillow
- Xtreme Comforts Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
- Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow
- Weekender HyperChill™ Gel Memory Foam Pillow
The Greatest Pillow Ever Invented™
Cooling comfort with a luxurious, weightless feel and responsive support.
1. Purple Harmony™ Pillow
Best overall pillow for side sleepers
Price: $199–$239
The Purple Harmony™ Pillow is exactly what a side sleeper needs – supportive yet soft and perfectly contours to every curve.
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 keeps cool throughout the night. Unlike many pillows that don’t even last a year, this bestselling 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 best for side or combination sleepers for proper spine alignment — so you won’t wake up with a crick in your neck.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Hypoallergenic |
Higher tiered pricing for higher quality |
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Non-toxic |
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Dissipates heat |
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100-night trial |
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One-year warranty |
2. Sleep Number ComfortFit™ Pillow
Best shredded memory foam pillow
Price: $99.99–$159.99
The Sleep Number ComfortFit™ Pillow is a shredded memory foam pillow made from a blend of CertiPUR-US® certified foam pieces and down alternative fibers. On the outside, a Lyocell blend cover masks any lumps from the shredded foam.
It has two pillow sizes and three shapes — Classic, Curved, and Ultimate. The Ultimate shape is a standard pillow shape with removable inserts to adjust the pillow loft. Side sleepers might find the Curved or Ultimate pillows most comfortable.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Hypoallergenic cover |
The Ultimate shape is the only option with adjustable height |
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Adjustable firmness and height |
Sleep Number doesn’t sell curved pillowcases |
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One-year warranty |
No cash-back returns |
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30-day exchange |
3. TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow
Best for back pain
Price: $119–$159
Made from traditional TEMPUR™ materials, the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow is a solid memory foam pillow that features an ergonomic design meant to follow the body’s natural curve. The top side of the pillow curves so that the highest point fills the gap between the neck and bed so the neck stays aligned properly when sleeping on your back or side.
It’s available in one standard size and three pillow lofts to fit different body types and combination sleeping positions. Its extra firm feel aims to hold its shape while supporting the neck and shoulders.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Hypoallergenic cover |
Extra firm memory foam that may be too firm for some |
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Ergonomic design |
No returns |
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Five-year warranty |
Not as breathable as shredded foam |
4. Eli & Elm Cooling Side-Sleeper Pillow
Best for neck pain
Price: $131.24
The Eli & Elm Cooling Side-Sleeper Pillow features a curved bottom edge that conforms to the head and neck for proper support and spinal alignment. Its shredded latex noodles and polyester fill offers medium-firm support ideal for side sleepers. The cover is made of a cotton, polyester, and spandex blend
It comes in one size and shape, though you can purchase extra fill to adjust the pillow’s height and firmness.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Adjustable firmness and height |
Additional fill costs extra |
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Eli & Elm sells a curved pillowcase |
Only offered in one size |
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Five-year warranty |
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45-day return period |
5. Saatva Latex Pillow
Best plush pillow
Price: $165–$185
The Saatva Latex Pillow has three layers: the outer organic cotton cover surrounds a down alternative layer that masks the inner shredded Talalay latex core. The down alternative layer contributes a plush feel, while the inner latex pillow provides a medium firmness that’s springier than traditional memory foam.
This pillow is available in two sizes (queen and king) and two pillow heights (standard and high), though the high loft is best for side sleepers.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Hypoallergenic |
An equal mix of plush and firm that may not work for some sleepers |
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One-year warranty |
Some combination sleepers might find the loft too high |
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45-night trial |
6. Coop Original Cut-Out Pillow
Best cut-out pillow
Price: $89–$109
Available in two sizes (queen and king), the Coop Original Cut-Out Pillow offers custom support with its removable blend of medium-firm memory foam and microfiber fill. Sleepers can adjust the pillow loft to their preference. The cover blends polyester and bamboo rayon for a soft and cooling touch.
The pillow is designed with a gusset — the side panel that provides structure — to ensure even loft throughout. It features a smaller U-shaped cut-out compared to similar pillows, which may support the shoulder better for some, making it a good choice for side sleepers.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Adjustable firmness and height |
Combination side and back sleepers may prefer Coop’s Original Crescent Pillow |
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Sold with an extra half pound of fill |
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100-night trial |
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Five-year warranty |
7. Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
Most customizable
Price: $107–$149
The Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow outer cover is made primarily with Nest’s Icecore™ and polyester. This cooling cover helps control temperature and wicks away moisture. Inside is a blend of CertiPUR-US® certified shredded memory foam and polyester fibers, which provide a squishy feel.
This pillow comes in four options — Standard, Queen, King, and Side Sleeper. While different pillow heights aren’t available, they come overstuffed with fill, so you can customize your ideal pillow height and firmness. Nest recommends side sleepers try the pillow as is, without removing any fill first.
The side sleeper features a U-shaped edge to curve around the shoulder providing comfort for someone who sleeps on their side.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Adjustable firmness and height |
Pillows sold after 2021 are not machine washable — you may only wash their covers |
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Comes with an extra cotton bag to store extra pillow fill |
Combination side and stomach sleepers may need to remove a third of the fill |
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Two-year warranty |
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30-night trial |
8. Puffy Signature Pillow
Best warranty and trial
Price: $120
Another shredded memory foam option, the Puffy Signature Pillow is firm enough to support the head and promote proper spinal alignment. The soft bamboo rayon blend cover stays cool to the touch and remains temperature neutral.
The Puffy Signature comes in two sizes (standard and king) and two colors (white and gray). Like other adjustable pillows, you can unzip the pillow to remove handfuls of the shredded foam to adjust the height and firmness.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Adjustable firmness and height |
Offers a more buoyant feeling rather than a cradling feeling |
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Hypoallergenic |
No option to buy extra fill |
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101-night trial |
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Lifetime warranty |
9. Avocado Molded Organic Latex Pillow
Best organic pillow
Price: $129–$149
Designed for back and side sleepers, the Avocado Molded Organic Latex Pillow offers firm support for proper spinal alignment. There’s no fancy layering here — just ventilated charcoal-infused latex and GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. The charcoal aims to regulate body temperature, odor, and moisture control.
This pillow comes in three sizes (standard, queen, and king), but it’s not adjustable or available in different thicknesses.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Designed with hot sleepers in mind |
Not adjustable and only available in one height |
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Handmade in the U.S. with natural materials |
Organic materials is the main selling point, which may not be important for some sleepers |
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One-year warranty |
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100-night trial |
10. Nectar Sleep Resident Pillow
Best budget-friendly adjustable pillow
Price: $75
Nectar labels its Sleep Resident Pillow as a customizable pillow within a pillow. The outer softer foam shell holds the inner shredded memory foam core pieces that can be removed to create your ideal pillow loft.
It’s sold in just one size with an adjustable pillow loft. You can remove the fill to make the pillow softer and lower the height. The pillow comes overstuffed, though Nectar currently doesn’t sell additional fill if you ever wish to buy more.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Adjustable firmness and height |
No option to buy additional fill |
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Latex-free for sleepers with allergies |
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Five-year warranty |
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50-night trial |
11. Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow
Best luxury down alternative
Price: $89–$119
The Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow is available in two sizes (standard and king) and three densities (soft, medium, and firm), though side sleepers typically prefer a firmer pillow. It’s made of Boll & Branch’s PrimaLoft® Luxury Down Alternative® fill and an organic cotton shell.
The firm pillow is the most heavily filled option. It aims to keep the spine in a neutral position and cradle the head and neck during sleep.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Hypoallergenic |
Firm pillows (ideal for side sleepers) cost more |
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Entire pillow is machine washable |
Might not hold shape quite as well as |
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30-day trial |
12. Casper Hybrid Pillow
Best guest room pillow
Price: $99–$129
The Casper Hybrid Pillow’s name comes from its three-layer foam and fiber design. The outer plush shell covers the middle polyurethane foam layer, which prevents the polyester fiber core from clumping or flattening.
It comes in two sizes (standard and king). Unlike some pillows, Casper’s Hybrid Pillow isn’t adjustable or available in different pillow lofts. Most sleepers use this pillow for a guest bedroom.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Ventilated foam layer for temperature control |
Not adjustable and only available in one height |
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One-year warranty |
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30-night trial |
13. Xtreme Comforts Pillow
Best budget memory foam pillow
Price: $28–$55
The Xtreme Comforts Pillow is made of shredded polyurethane foam with a bamboo viscose cover. Combining bamboo and shredded foam helps sleepers stay cool while the foam shapes the head for support.
It’s available in three sizes (standard, queen, and king) and two pillow lofts (overstuffed and less stuffed), though you can remove or add the fill to customize the loft and firmness to your liking.
While it’s a commodity pillow sold on Amazon, it may be a decent option for the budget shopper, though other pillows offer better support.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Adjustable firmness and height |
Amazon price fluctuations |
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Made in the U.S. |
No option to buy additional fill |
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Free Amazon returns |
No trial period |
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Some reviews note a chemical smell |
14. Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow
Best budget pillow for college students
Price: $42–$79
The Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow is made from the plush down alternative of polyester gel fibers and a cotton cover. It comes in two sizes (queen and king).
This pillow is another commodity option, though it has over 225,000 reviews on Amazon. It’s ideal for dorm rooms or first apartments. Side sleepers typically require more support than a down alternative pillow can offer with daily use.
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Entire pillow is machine washable |
Not adjustable and only available in one height |
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Sold in a two-pack |
Some combination sleepers might find the loft too high, and others may find it too plush |
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Free Amazon returns |
No trial period |
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Amazon price fluctuations |
15. Weekender HyperChill™ Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Best cooling memory foam pillow
Price: $75–$100
The Weekender HyperChill Gel Memory Foam Pillow is made of a single gel-infused, ventilated memory foam piece and a reversible cover. The cooling side of the cover features a blend of polyethylene and polyester that dissipates body heat. The pillow is available in three sizes (standard, queen, and king).
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Benefits |
Considerations |
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Cooling technology |
Not adjustable and only available in one height |
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Three-year warranty |
Some reviews note an inconsistency in firmness |
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May be too thick for some sleepers |
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No trial |
FAQ
Should Side Sleeper Pillows Be Medium or Firm?
Either a medium-firm or firm pillow works best for side sleepers. It’s best to avoid soft pillows as they typically don’t offer enough support to keep the head from tilting toward the bed.
How Thick Should a Side Sleeper Pillow Be?
Side sleeper pillows should be around five inches thick, though this depends on the individual. The ideal side sleeper pillow should fill the gap between the neck and bed to ensure proper spinal alignment so you don’t wake up in pain.
What Pillow Type Is Best For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain?
Although most side sleeper pillows aim to ease the neck and shoulders, the best pillow type for this sleeping position is a medium to firm cutout pillow. This shape and firmness can help alleviate neck pain.
How Do You Pick a Side Sleeper Pillow?
With so many options, how do you pick the best pillow for a side sleeper? The best pillow for side sleepers 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.
When shopping for a side sleeper pillow, you should consider the following:
- Thickness/loft: A higher loft is best
- Adjustability: The option to remove fill to customize pillow loft
- Firmness level: Side sleepers prefer a firm vs. soft pillow
- Shape: Some side sleepers prefer a curved edge pillow
- Shell material: A cozy material that remains cool
- Stuffing material: Latex, foam, and down alternative are most common
- Price: Expect to spend at least $100 for a good quality, long-lasting pillow
- Trial period: Preferably a month to several months to try it out
Try the Purple Harmony Pillow today for 100 nights
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About the authors
April has nearly a decade of writing experience, with 3+ years specializing in sleep content. Her work has been covered by sites like BuzzFeed, Entrepreneur, and Money Under 30. She has an M.A. in Magazine, Newspaper, and Online Journalism from Syracuse University and a B.A. in Communication Studies. As a self-proclaimed expert in all things cozy, she sleeps better at night, knowing her writing helps others sleep in comfort, too.
Judith Palmer specializes in product management, leading efforts to understand customer needs and create Purple products across pillow, bedding and cushion categories. Judith has spent over 3 years understanding the pillow and bedding category to provide people with products for better sleep.