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Get a good night’s rest: The 4 best pillows for side sleepers

Julie Scagell
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A good night’s sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our minds, bodies, and overall health. Investing in the right pillow can go a long way in getting that good night’s sleep, and the choice of which is right for you depends on how you sleep. If you are a side sleeper, there are certain options that are better than others to keep your body in alignment and keep you cool and comfy while you sleep. Thankfully, the best pillow for side sleepers is out there, and there are a few options based on what else you are looking for (i.e., staying cool, moisture-wicking, etc).

Most comfortable, affordable pillow for side sleepers

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If you’re looking for sheer comfort, look no further than Coop Home Goods on Amazon. The Queen sells for $85, and here is why we love it:

  • Gel-infused memory foam means you are always comfortable
  • Greenguard Gold-certified for safety and quality
  • No harmful fillers
  • Keeps you cool at night
  • Over 13,000 five-star reviews

Best firm pillow for side sleepers

If you prefer your pillow on the firm side, check out the Temper-pedic Breeze Pro pillow. It’s not the cheapest option, at $219 for a Queen, but it’s worth the higher price tag. Here’s why we love it:

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  • Select from two heights, high and low, depending on how high you want your head while you sleep
  • Cool-to-the-touch SmartClimate cover is removable and washable
  • Keeps moisture at bay while you sleep
  • Perfect for the side sleeper

Softest pillow for side sleepers

If you need to rest your head on a pillow full of the softest fabric, look no further than the Birch organic pillow from Helix. Here’s why we love it:

  • Made from a mixture of cotton, wool, and latex
  • Made from eco-friendly materials that are “sourced ethically and sustainably”
  • Breathable and moisture-wicking
  • Less than $100 and ultra-soft
  • Greenguard Gold-certified for safety and quality

Best for neck pain

If you are a side sleeper because you consistently deal with neck pain from an old injury or from sleeping on your back or stomach, consider the Eli and Elm cotton side sleeper pillow. Here’s why we love it:

  • Engineered specifically for side sleep
  • Contours to the head and neck, providing support
  • Promotes spinal alignment
  • Cost for quality ($119/$139 depending on size)
  • Add or remove filling for personal firmness
  • Comes with an interior liner that can be machine washed

Choosing a proper mattress to support your sleep needs is important, but if you don’t have a pillow specified for how you sleep, you could be negatively impacting your spinal and neck alignment without even knowing it. These pillows were made with side sleepers in mind and come made from the highest-quality materials on the market. Obviously, cost is a factor, but you can’t put a price tag on a good night’s sleep. It pays to invest in yourself, and nowhere is this more important than with your sleep.

According to the Sleep Foundation, most adults need at least seven hours of sleep “for proper cognitive and behavioral functions.” These pillows will go a long way in helping you meet this goal.

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