2024’s Top Rated Pillows for Side Sleepers – These Will Transform Your Sleep
Does the Type of Pillow You Sleep On Really Make A Difference In Overall Comfort & Sleep Quality?
Sleep experts say that side sleepers get the deepest, healthiest sleep with a pillow that provides the perfect combination of softness and firmness, as well as the ideal loft. Since side sleepers have a larger gap between their head and the mattress, additional support is needed to ensure the head and neck stay aligned with the spine — just as if you are standing straight.
Most people are likely sleeping on feather or polyester stuffed pillows which are popular choices because of the price or lack of knowledge. We investigate some of the top bedding companies on the market in 2024 and find out how they're changing the sleep industry!
Adjustable bamboo viscose pillows are a relatively new product that has started gaining popularity this year because of their superior benefits. The majority of adjustable bamboo viscose pillows come with hefty price tags because of their quality, however, we wanted something that was just as good, but at a fraction of the cost!
Doctors say that we get the deepest, healthiest sleep with a pillow that provides the perfect amount of loft, firmness, and alignment. Ideally, you need to find a pillow that is a “happy medium pillow,” which means medium loft and medium firmness. This allows for proper spinal alignment rather than arching the neck too much or allowing the head to sink—both of which are extremely uncomfortable and can cause damage over time. Additionally, a pillow filled with materials that conform to pressure is a great option. These pillows comfortably cradle the head.
Finally – you’ll want some pillows which are hypoallergenic and stay fresh for longer. We've found that cotton isn’t very good at being either of these things and tends to hold oils and common non-living household allergens until it’s washed! This is worrisome for people who tilt their head to either temple side, making their skin and nose get close to the pillow. Unless your bedding is being washed daily, you’re likely suffering while you sleep and you just don’t know it.
It can be difficult to know which are the best pillows for side sleepers on the market. That's why we have compiled months of research about this emerging category. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid when picking your perfect pillows, and how they can help transform your sleep.
Benefits of Extra Sleep & Rest:
Helps you maintain weight[1,2,3]
- Better energy control
- Maintain correct hormone levels
Cognitive Health[4]
- Boosts Memory
- Enhances Processing Speed
Cardiovascular Health[5,6]
- Aids Cardiovascular Function
- Helps Maintain Normal Blood Flow
Stronger immune system[7,8]
- Bolsters Immune System
- Helps to fight off illness & infection
What You Need In The Perfect Side-Sleeping Pillow
Taking all of the healthful attributes listed above into consideration, we've boiled down a list of four key characteristics you should always look for in a great pillow for sleeping. Try to seek out all of these qualities:
Adjustable Support
The best pillows include adjustable support, whereas traditionally pillows have been designed as a one-size-fits-all method that just doesn’t work well for everyone. These pillows that market towards “all types of sleepers” don’t take into consideration that back sleepers need a certain amount of loft, firmness, and support.
If you are a back sleeper, you need a medium-density pillow with a decent amount of support and enough give to contour your head, keeping your spine and neck aligned. The ability to adjust the overall loft results in much higher comfort and less waking up with a stiff or sore neck, back, and hips in the morning.
Softness & Comfort
The best pillows are silky soft to the touch, even softer than Egyptian cotton while offering a heap of additional features. The CertiPUR-US Memory foam is perfect for cradling your head to sleep.
Pillows that are too soft for your head are not the best option if you are a back sleeper because your head can sink in, causing pain and discomfort in both your neck and shoulders. An adjustable pillow is the perfect middle ground where it is soft and plush to the touch, but has firm and comfortable support that back sleepers need.
Temperature Regulation
The problem with most pillows on the market is they are not very versatile in regard to temperature regulation and temperature changes that come with the seasons.
Polyester pillows can work great for winter months, but they'll leave you overheated and sweaty the rest of the year. Top cotton pillows can be breathable and cooling in the summer months, but won't help to regulate temperatures the rest of the year when you need them to. Additionally, traditional memory foam pillows run warm and can leave you sweating at night.
Bamboo viscose pillows use a thermal-regulating bamboo viscose cover to wick away moisture helping you stay cool and dry all night, every night.
Gentle on Skin & Noses
Common household non-living allergens paired with pillows that allow them to thrive can cause endless nights of tossing and turning. Luckily, bamboo viscose pillows are hypoallergenic, breathable, and stay clean between washes. It is the combination of these features, working together, that raises their individual benefits exponentially.
What to Avoid When Buying Pillows
Pricey Pillows That Can’t Adjust
The highest-priced pillow is always the best, right? Actually, no (We were shocked to discover this too!) So many traditional-style pillows for sleeping are made using old outdated methods with the assumption that 'one size fits all.' It's actually best to consider a pillow that is adjustable to you to avoid any strain on your neck or spine. This is especially true for back and side sleepers, seeing as some pillows simply flatten under the weight of your head or keep your head propped so high that there is no comfort or necessary support.
Traditional pillows also often use cotton pillow covers that absorb moisture, possibly making your skin suffer.
Many pillows are finished with chemicals that are harmful to your skin and body. Companies process their pillows with chemical finishes to stop shrinking, wrinkling, and pilling in the wash. It's incredibly important to look for CertiPUR-US certifications when buying pillows.
Consumers often think they're safe with cotton pillows. However, because of the way cotton is grown, it is often sprayed with chemicals and pesticides that carry over into the final product. This is a recipe for disaster when you're sleeping on these pillows for 7-8 hours a day.
The best way to ensure your pillows are free of chemicals and/or harmful substances is to buy from one of the reputable brands carrying a CertiPUR-US Certification. CertiPUR-US certifies that the product has been tested for harmful substances and that they are, therefore, harmless for human health and safe to use.
TOP 5 Side-Sleeper pillows OF 2024
Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Cosy Living Ranking System, and consideration of thousands of reviews by shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five pillows on the market today.
1. Luxury Pillows
Total Ranking
952 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall GradePROS
- Luxuriously Soft Bamboo Viscose Cover
- Best Value & Quality for the Price
- Adjustable Loft Ensures a Perfect Balance of Support & Comfort
- Durable & Easy to Maintain
- CertiPUR-US Certified
- Excelling US-Based Customer Service
- 90-Day, Risk-free, Money-Back Product Guarantee
CONS
- Only Available Online
The Bottom Line
Cosy House Collection's Luxury Pillow offers an incredible value featuring adjustable memory foam, giving back and side sleepers that 'just right' support and comfort that's packed with many healthful benefits. The natural, temperature-regulating bamboo viscose zippered pillow cover is perfect for year-round use. Wake up truly refreshed.
Sleep with peace of mind knowing these pillows are CertiPur-US certified and have been tested rigorously to ensure there are no harmful chemicals and contaminants.
Their return policy includes a 90-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products.
*Results are based on the CosyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn About Our Top Pick2. Premium Adjustable Pillow
Total Ranking
742 votes
9.1/10
A-
Overall GradePROS
- Bamboo Pillow Cover
- Adjustable Foam
- CertiPUR-US Certified
- Minimalistic Design
CONS
- Smell/Bad Odor
- Foam Tends to Clump Together After a Few Nights
- Pricey
- Some Reviewers Mentioned Mold Issues
The Bottom Line
Coop's Pillow offers adjustable memory foam like the Cosy House Collection pillow we tested, which is ideal for back sleepers to customize the support as needed. With this pillow, however, the foam seems to clump up a bit easier, which doesn’t allow for long-term use.
Coop also does have a variety of pillows to choose from, but value-wise we didn't see enough of a difference in actual performance to make it worth the higher price tag.
*Results are based on the CosyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Foam Pillow
Total Ranking
644 votes
8.7/10
B+
Overall GradePROS
- Breathable
- OEKO-Tex Certified
- CertiPUR-US Certified
CONS
- Expensive
- Not Adjustable
- Extremely Firm
- Only 30-Day Return Policy
The Bottom Line
The Foam Pillow for Sleeping by Casper features CertiPUR-US Memory foam, however, it is not adjustable.
While the pillow does offer decent support for some, the 2” loft can leave much to be desired for many sleepers, and back sleepers had mixed reviews about that.
Some reviewers also state that they have had issues with firmness, waking up itchy, and the price. While it is a decent pillow, we recommend skipping this one if you’re looking for the best pillow for your money.
*Results are based on the CosyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Adjustable Pillow
Total Ranking
497 votes
8.1/10
B-
Overall GradePROS
- Adjustable
- Moisture-Wicking Pillow Cover
- Live Customer Support
CONS
- Bad Odor/Smell
- Expensive
- Not as Adjustable as Other Picks
- Limited Return Period
The Bottom Line
Purple's Adjustable pillow can be pretty comfy, however, the adjustable boosters don't work as well as we hoped, and some back sleeper reviewers agreed. While it is easier to deal with than foam, it just doesn't give you the same amount of customization you get with the Cosy House and Coop pillow to get the perfect fit.
*Results are based on the CosyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Memory Foam Pillow
Total Ranking
247 votes
7.9/10
C+
Overall GradePROS
- Adjustable
- CertiPUR-US Certified
- Hypoallergenic
CONS
- Foam Hardens Quickly
- Not as Breathable
- Bad Odor
The Bottom Line
Snuggle-Pedic’s Bed Foam Pillow features an adjustable memory foam that seems like it's made of factory excess from creating other products and not as good of a quality foam as the others. However, it is still CertiPUR-US Certified.
As of writing the King Pillow is currently $68.98. Not a very good value overall when compared to the others, and while a decent performer, this would be our last pick.
*Results are based on the CosyLiving Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreFinal Thoughts
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing the perfect pillow, it's essential to choose a product that's derived from bamboo viscose and adjustable. It needs to be able to keep you at the right temperature as you sleep and support your neck sufficiently.
After searching the internet to find the best pillows and evaluating them based on their adjustability, firmness, materials, and pricing, we believe Cosy House Luxury Pillows are the best on the market.
Cosy House provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee & 30-day money-back guarantee on all orders!
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