25 best pillows for side sleepers 2024, according to experts
Investing in one of the best pillows for side sleepers can truly be a transformative experience, namely for those who consistently grapple with neck and back pain or occasional muscle aches. The importance of a supportive pillow cannot be overstated, particularly for the approximately 60% of adults who prefer sleeping on their sides, as reported by the National Library of Medicine. This sleep position is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including promoting proper spinal alignment, improving breathing, reducing heartburn, and alleviating discomfort in the neck and back. But not all pillows will suit.
Fortunately, the current market is booming with specially-designed pillows tailored to side sleepers, thanks to innovative sleep tech brands such as Emma and Simba. So, the 60% of you who spend most of the night between your back and front can rejoice. Pillow for side sleepers are engineered to provide the ideal blend of support and comfort, catering to the specific requirements of side kippers for a truly restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
We’ve tried and tested numerous options, and consulted with sleep experts to answer all your FAQs, so that you can choose the best pillow for you. Think: firm and soft pillows for side sleepers, memory foam pillows and body pillows. Whether you prefer a plush and cushiony feel or a more supportive structure, our roundup includes a variety of choices to suit individual preferences and sleeping styles. Read on for our full edit, including tips on how to pick the best one for your individual sleeping style.
SKIP TO: Why do side sleepers need a different type of pillow | What type of pillow is best for side sleepers with neck pain? | What else should you consider? | How did we choose? | Our full reviews. | The GLAMOUR star rating system | The best pillows for neck pain, best cooling pillows and best anti-allergy pillows.
Meet the experts:
- Rosie Osmun, Sleep Science Coach at Sleep Junkie.
- Anisha Joshi, Osteopath.
In a rush? The best pillows for side sleepers 2024 at a glance:
- Best pillow for side sleepers overall: Emma Microfibre Pillow, £75, Emma Sleep
- Best pillow for side sleepers, runner up: THE SIMBA Hybrid® Firm Pillow, £159, SIMBA
- Best bamboo pillow for side sleepers: Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow, £44.95, Panda London
- Most popular pillow for side sleepers: THE SIMBA Stratos® Pillow, £60, Simba
- Best inexpensive pillow for side sleepers: Silentnight Side Sleeper Medium Pillow, £15, Habitat
How we tested the best pillows for side sleepers:
In putting these pillows to the test, we dove into the nitty-gritty, scoring them on quality, support, firmness, and all-around comfort. We didn't just stop there – we rifled through what you've been searching for and tapped into customer reviews to get the real lowdown. Our goal? To cut through the noise and find the best pillows for side sleepers that aren't just comfy but also made to last. We've read what you've been searching for, tested as many as we could in the real world, and are working our way through the rest to help you find the right pillow for your needs.
Why might you need a different pillow if you’re a side sleeper?
“Your sleeping position dictates how thick your pillow needs to be – and the firmness level you need,” says Rosie Osmun, sleep science coach at sleep science platform Sleep Junkie. “Sleeping comfortably is all down to spine alignment.”
“Some can feel sore when their neck isn’t in a neutral position,” notes osteopath Anisha Joshi. “Being supported should ease any pain and help you to get a good night's sleep.”
What kind of pillows should side sleepers use?
“Side sleepers require a firm pillow with a higher loft to keep their neck healthily in line with the rest of their body,” explains Rosie.
“Sleep specialists suggest the perfect loft for side sleeping is four to six inches.” Additionally, she notes that contoured pillows are often recommended for this sleeping position because they have two edges that allow you to pick which side fits your neck most comfortably, and memory foam tends to be a good material for support as well as keeping the neck aligned.
What to consider when buying a pillow for side sleeping:
A good test, suggests Anisha, is to zone in on how well a pillow keeps you in position once you’re lying down. “If you get a pillow that places you in a position that’s comfortable, then it will help your muscles relax,” she explains. “You should consider what positions cause your neck to feel any pain or discomfort when standing, and ensure that your pillow is working to counteract this.” Anything else? Rosie adds: “You can also place pillows between or beneath your knees to reinforce healthy spinal alignment.”
After more sleep content? Shop the best duvet, duvet covers, the best mattress toppers and the best mattresses – including memory foam mattresses, cheap mattresses and pocket sprung mattresses. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.