The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers in 2025

Look, side-sleeping is pretty awesome—until you wake up with a numb arm or that weird twinge in your neck that haunts you all day. If you’ve ever folded your pillow in half (or stuffed a second one on top) trying to get that perfect loft, it might be time for an upgrade. As a self-proclaimed pillow enthusiast (and side-sleeper, obviously), I’ve combed through countless reviews and user feedback to find the best pillows designed for us side sleepers. Below are my top 10 picks, let’s get you sleeping like a baby—without the shoulder pain.

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1. Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

The Original Loft Pillow from Coop Home Goods is basically the gold standard for adjustable pillows. You can add or remove as much shredded memory foam as you like, making it super easy to hit that sweet spot for side sleeping (no more squished shoulders!). Plus, the bamboo-blend cover feels cool against your cheek, which is a big deal if you tend to overheat at night.

• Loft & Comfort: Side sleepers typically need a higher loft to keep the spine aligned. The removable fill makes it easy to customize the height so your neck isn’t craning.
• Maintenance: If it starts to lose shape, just open it up, fluff the foam, or toss a bit more in.
• Who It’s For: Anyone who wants total control over pillow loft.
• Who Might Skip: If you prefer a super-slim pillow or hate the idea of messing with foam fill.

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2. Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

Eli & Elm specifically shaped this pillow with a curved bottom edge that cradles your shoulder, so you’re not forced to scrunch into an unnatural position. The latex-polyester combo offers a bit of bounce without feeling too firm—great if you want support but still like a touch of softness.

• Neck & Shoulder Relief: The curved shape creates a pocket for your shoulder, which helps keep your neck level.
• Cover Care: The cotton cover is hypoallergenic and easy to wash, handy if you’re prone to allergies.
• Who It’s For: Dedicated side sleepers looking for a shape that supports the shoulder area.
• Who Might Skip: If you like fully controlling the loft (i.e., adding or removing fill), this might be less flexible.

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3. Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

Sleep Artisan’s Luxury Side Sleeper pillow has a distinctive crescent shape, much like some contoured pillows, to comfortably nestle your neck and shoulder. Inside, you’ll find shredded latex, which often sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam. If you’re into more natural materials, this pillow’s blend of organic cotton and hemp in the cover could be a big selling point.

• Curved for Comfort: Side sleepers commonly experience pressure on the lower shoulder; the pillow’s curve helps relieve that.
• Breathability: Shredded latex tends to trap less heat than dense foam, making it a good fit if you “sleep hot.”
• Who It’s For: Eco-conscious side sleepers who crave a cooler, latex-like cushion.
• Who Might Skip: If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a squishier foam feel.

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4. Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (2-Pack)

Why It’s Worth Considering

If memory foam isn’t your jam, the Beckham Hotel Collection gel pillows offer a plush, down-alternative vibe. They’re known for that “hotel luxury” feel, and many side sleepers find the height decent—especially if you like a bit more sink. Plus, you get two pillows in one go, which is great if you want an extra to tuck between your knees (a must-have move for many side sleepers).

• Down-Alternative Perks: If you have allergies to real down or simply prefer cruelty-free options, this gel fiber is a good pick.
• Pillow Pairing: A second pillow between the knees can align the hips and reduce lower back strain—score!
• Who It’s For: Fans of soft, cloud-like pillows who value budget-friendly deals.
• Who Might Skip: If you need a firmer, contoured option to keep your neck perfectly aligned.

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5. ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

Designed with a built-in contour that cradles your neck and shoulders, this pillow is targeted toward side and back sleepers who frequently deal with neck pain. The removable foam insert lets you tweak the height just a bit, which can be a game-changer if you’re stuck between “almost perfect” and “just right.”

• Targeted Neck Support: The wavy shape aims to keep your neck in line with the rest of your spine, reducing morning stiffness.
• Mesh Side Panels: Helps with airflow, which can prevent that sweaty pillow feeling in the middle of the night.
• Who It’s For: Side or combo sleepers who need a pillow that actively supports neck alignment.
• Who Might Skip: If you hate the idea of any contour shape or prefer a traditional rectangular pillow.

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6. Leesa Premium Foam Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

Leesa is known for their mattresses, and their Premium Foam Pillow borrows that same supportive design. The foam is ventilated, so heat doesn’t build up as much as it can in dense memory foam. Many side sleepers love its consistent, medium-firm feel—no lumps, no fuss.

• Consistent Loft: One-piece foam pillows maintain their shape better over time, so you won’t find it sagging in the middle of the night.
• Easy Care: The cover zips off and can be tossed in the wash, a big plus if you snack in bed or worry about dust mites.
• Who It’s For: If you like a uniform, sturdy feel with zero lumps, it’s a solid pick.
• Who Might Skip: If you crave that moldable, shredded foam feeling or heavy loft customization.

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7. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

Snuggle-Pedic’s pillow is a crowd favorite for side sleepers due to its combination of a lofty, supportive feel and a breathable bamboo-blend cover. You can remove or add foam to fine-tune the height, which is especially helpful if your shoulders are broad (and you need extra loft).

• Loft Personalization: Side sleepers generally benefit from higher loft. If you find it too thick, remove some fill. If it’s too thin, contact the brand—they sometimes offer extra fill.
• Long-Term Durability: The foam blend is designed to resist going flat over time, so it can hold up through countless nights.
• Who It’s For: Foam aficionados who like a pillow that’s firm but not rock-solid, with adjustable features.
• Who Might Skip: If you dislike any foam smell or want something ultra-lightweight.

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8. DreamyBlue Premium Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

DreamyBlue’s Premium Pillow is another adjustable shredded memory foam option that side sleepers rave about. Similar in concept to the Coop or Snuggle-Pedic, it stands out for its balance of affordability and quality. The included extra bag of foam fill lets you ramp up the firmness if you prefer a thicker cushion under your head.

1. Tailored Height: Like most shredded foam pillows, you can dig in and remove or add foam to get that perfect side-sleeper loft.
2. Cooling Cover: The cover is a poly-bamboo blend that aims to wick away moisture, a bonus if you’re a warm sleeper.
3. Who It’s For: Side sleepers on a moderate budget who still want full adjustability.
4. Who Might Skip: Anyone wanting a simpler, single-piece pillow or a specialized contour shape.

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9. Beckham Hotel Collection Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

Known primarily for their popular gel fiber pillows, Beckham Hotel Collection also offers a memory foam pillow specifically designed for side sleepers. It’s got a middle cradle that keeps your head from rolling forward or backward, aiming to maintain spinal alignment. Many find the moderate density just right—supportive yet not overly firm.

• Shoulder Alignment: The sides are slightly raised to accommodate that side-sleeper gap, which can help prevent neck strain.
• Heat Concerns: Memory foam can run warm, but the cover’s moisture-wicking design helps mitigate that.
• Who It’s For: Fans of the Beckham brand who want a straightforward foam pillow that supports side sleeping.
• Who Might Skip: If you need an adjustable or shredded foam approach, this single-piece pillow might feel limiting.

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10. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud ProMid Pillow

Why It’s Worth Considering

Tempur-Pedic is basically the OG of memory foam, and the TEMPUR-Cloud ProMid offers that classic, contouring support that side sleepers often love. Its mid-loft profile is a sweet spot for many side sleepers who need just enough elevation to keep the spine straight without overextending the neck.

• Tempur Feel: It’s a denser, slower-response foam—great if you like that “sink-in” feeling.
• Durability Factor: Known to hold its shape for years, so you’re investing in long-term comfort.
• Who It’s For: If you trust the Tempur brand and want a reliable mid-loft pillow that doesn’t go flat.
• Who Might Skip: Those who prefer adjustable foam or a budget option.

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Bonus Tips for Side Sleepers

1. Mind Your Shoulder Alignment
   • When you’re on your side, your pillow should fill the space between your neck and the mattress. If the pillow is too low, your head tilts down; if it’s too high, your head tilts up—both cause neck pain.

1. Support Your Knees
   • Placing a thin pillow or cushion between your knees can help keep your hips and lower back in line. That’s half the battle right there.

1. Check the Firmness
   • Side sleepers usually need something on the firmer end to maintain proper alignment, but not so firm that you can’t comfortably sink in a little.

1. Refresh & Fluff
   • Shredded foam or down-alternative pillows can clump over time. A quick fluff each morning helps keep them from losing shape.

1. Consider Cooling Features
   • Side sleeping often means more surface contact between your face and the pillow. If you run hot, look for breathable covers or cooling-gel infusions.

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Get some rest!

Side sleeping can be a game-changer for spinal alignment and comfort—if you have the right pillow backing you up. Whether you go for adjustable shredded foam, a built-in contour design, or a single-piece latex/foam blend, the idea is to keep your neck and spine happy. And remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—your ideal pillow depends on personal preference, body type, and what “feels” right the moment your head hits the pillow.

So go forth, side sleepers, and finally embrace mornings without that oh-so-annoying shoulder or neck ache. When you find the one, you’ll wonder how you ever slept on that franken-pillow stack before.