Side sleepers need a pillow that provides both support and comfort. Like most side sleepers, you’ll want to get up feeling rested, not with neck pain or muscle aches. This guide is on the best pillows for side sleepers. It includes everything from what makes a good pillow for a side sleeper to how much filling is too much (spoiler: it’s more than you think).
More filling
The second difference between pillows for side sleepers and regular pillows is that they have more filler. More specifically, they have a higher loft and layer depth. This makes them more supportive than standard pillows.
As already mentioned, when you’re sleeping on your side, you need to keep your head in line with your spine so that it doesn’t get thrown out of alignment due to the extra pressure put on it by being in this position.
The loft and layer depth of the pillow help accomplish this by cushioning the neck while supporting it simultaneously. When choosing which pillow to buy, it is recommended to get one with 5-8 inches of fill height (the vertical distance from the top surface to the bottom surface).
Proper thickness
Best pillows for side sleepers should be thicker than regular pillows. The ideal thickness is as thick as the distance between your shoulder and your ear, which means it will be no more than 2 inches thick. This is to ensure that there’s enough support for the neck and head without being too bulky or stiff.
Another thing to consider when choosing a pillow for side sleepers is its height and weight distribution. For example, thinner pillows will sink into softer mattresses while thicker ones won’t, causing an uncomfortable gap between the mattress surface and pillow height (which could lead to neck strain). Similarly, heavier pillows are harder to move around during sleep due to their density. In contrast, lighter ones tend not to cause any problems when fluffed up again after moving them around during the night.
Accommodates neck and head
When sleeping on your side, pillows should support the neck, head and shoulders. A good pillow should be firm enough to support the neck and head but not so soft that it collapses under the weight of your head while you sleep.
Pillows should be supportive yet moldable—they shouldn’t feel too hard or too soft. Pillows for side sleepers come in all shapes and sizes. Some people like firmer pillows because they provide better support; others prefer softer pillows that mould more easily around their bodies. Some people prefer a mix of both firmness and softness in their pillow: In this case, look for a pillow that gives firm support where needed (such as under your neck) while being comfortable at other points (like under your chin).
Pillows for side sleepers are more supportive than regular pillows.
Side sleepers need firmer pillows. If you’ve ever spent time searching for a comfortable surface on which to rest your head during a nap or at night’s end, then it’s likely that you’ve found yourself with a slightly too-soft regular pillow from time to time; this is partly why so many people have trouble sleeping in general! Again: the solution lies in finding a firmer design (or two).
Side sleepers need longer pillows — ideally one per person on average since they tend toward being heavier than most folks realise at first glance–and wider ones, too, since there needs sufficient space between them when placed side by side so that no one ends up feeling like they’re “between two worlds.”
Side sleepers need a pillow that is not too soft and firm. A good one should be firm enough to support your head and neck while allowing you to move freely during the night. The right thickness will also help prevent back pain in this position because it reduces pressure on joints such as shoulders or hips while providing adequate support for your head and neck area.
