If you’re a side sleeper, the right pillow can make all the difference. It must support your head and neck while keeping your spine aligned — too flat, and your head sags; too tall, and your neck is strained. In 2025, many pillows are designed specifically for side sleepers, offering adjustable loft, cooling materials, and ergonomic contours. Based on expert reviews and lab testing, here are six standout options for side sleepers — plus a buying guide to help you choose.
🛏 Top 6 Pillows for Side Sleepers (2025)
Below are six pillows that are well suited for side sleeping — with different materials, styles, and budgets. Use them as inspiration; always check loft, firmness, and return policy when purchasing.
Here are a few highlights:
- Wakefit Cuddle Pillow Ergonomic Plush — This ergonomic plush pillow is designed to provide supportive cushioning, with a shape that helps accommodate shoulder curves.
- IKEA Nordstalört Ergonomic Pillow — A more structured, contoured pillow from IKEA; good for those who need a firmer edge.
- Trajectory Ultimate Bed Pillow — A higher-loft, fuller pillow for side sleepers who like more fill.
- Recron Ultra Soft Fibre Pillow — A soft fibre pillow option, more budget-friendly, with good support for lighter frames.
- Memory Foam Pillow — Classic memory foam, which adapts to the head and neck shape.
- Egg‑Shaped Orthopedic Sleeper Pillow — An orthopedic, ergonomic shape made to cradle your head and maintain alignment.
🧠 Why These Picks Work for Side Sleepers
Here’s what made these six stand out when comparing across dozens of pillows:
1. Optimal Loft & Firmness
Side sleepers generally do well with medium-firm to firm pillows that maintain height (at least ~4 inches loft). These models stay supportive under load and avoid collapsing during the night. GoodHousekeeping’s tests emphasize loft retention and neck support for side sleepers.
2. Contour / Ergonomic Shapes
Some picks (like the Wakefit Ergonomic, IKEA Nordstalört) offer contours or shapes that ease the shoulder-to-neck transition, allowing your head to rest without too much lateral bending. Ergonomic design is often cited by pillow reviews as premium for side sleepers.
3. Adjustability / Removable Fill
Although not all of the above are fully adjustable, many top side-sleeper pillows in expert guides (e.g. Layla Kapok, Saatva Latex) allow you to add or remove fill to fine-tune the height.
4. Breathability & Cooling
Side sleepers’ shoulders often press into the mattress and pillow, so heat can build up. Reviews frequently highlight pillow covers, breathable cores, and cooling fabrics as key features.
5. Durability & Recovery
A pillow must bounce back (or fluff up) each night. High-quality memory foam, latex, or firm fiber pillows tend to retain their shape well. Consumer reports in 2025 tested many pillows for pressure point response and durability.
🧭 How to Choose the Right Pillow for You
Even with a list of great options, your ideal pillow depends on your body, mattress, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick guide:
A. Measure Your Shoulder Width
A wider shoulder gap means you’ll need a higher loft pillow to fill the space between your head and the mattress.
B. Match Pillow Loft to Mattress Firmness
If your mattress is plush or sinking, you might need a taller/firmer pillow. On a firm mattress, mid-height pillows often work better.
C. Choose Your Material Preference
- Memory foam / shredded foam: Conforming, good for contouring
- Latex or natural floats: Bouncier, cooler, more durable
- Fiber / down-alternative: Lightweight, adjustable, soft
D. Check Return Policies / Trials
Many premium pillows offer 30–90 night trials; use this to test how your neck and shoulder feel after real use.
E. Maintenance & Cleaning
Look for removable / machine washable covers. Some cores can’t be washed, so ease of cleaning is key.
✅ Final Thoughts
Side sleeping demands extra care in pillow selection — get your loft, support, and contouring right, and you can reduce neck and shoulder pain significantly. The six pillows above are excellent starting points, spanning soft to firm, ergonomic to classic styles. Try to pick one that aligns with your body type and sleep habits, and always test it under real nightly use.