Best Pillows For Side Sleepers

Consider your head, neck, and shoulders cradled, bbs.

1. A hypoallergenic gel pillow with filling that stays steady as you toss and twist in all your weird sleeping positions you swear by.

BuzzFeed

This won our low-priced pick for the best pillow on BuzzFeed Reviews. As a BF shopping editor, I was convinced and bought a set for my own bed about a year ago. They feel full enough to support me while I sleep but also look nice and fluffed up while my bed is made. FYI, they ship flat in plastic packaging, so you'll have to let 'em fluff up a bit. (But so worth it.)

Promising review: "I have purchased what feels like a hundred pillows in the last two years. These are finally the right ones!! My partner actually bought them first. I loved them so much I asked where they were found, and then purchased these for myself. I am a side sleeper, and I like a firmer mattress. These are sturdy enough for side sleeping while being fluffy and soft. They retain their shape and bounce back with minimal fluffing. If you are a side sleeper, I highly recommend these pillows. My massage technician and I both saw a dramatic improvement in my shoulder/neck muscles after I bought these." —dar

Get two from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in queen or king).

2. A perfectly plush down pillow that'll eliminate the need for having to flip your pillow in the middle of the night. (Your partner will be grateful!)

Jessica Schramm

Promising review: "Very particular about my pillow; this is perfect combo of fill density and fluff! Side pillow construction fits right above shoulder. Truly have been sleeping like a dream, no more hurt neck in the morning." —Scott B.

Get it from Parachute for $129+ (available in standard and king sizes).

3. A pregnancy pillow to prop you up in allll the right places. (I swear you can, should use this if you aren't pregnant.)

Amazon

FYI if you *are* pregnant, it's designed to replace the need for multiple pillows to support you. And the cover is machine-washable!

Promising review: "I'm not pregnant but have lower back issues that have led to sciatic and hip pain. This pillow gives me great support in laying right and not rolling into a position that causes me lower back pain upon awaking. It took me a while to get the right position to lay with it and even found two or three ways to lay with it. The first night I didn't sleep well with it because I was used to laying with all that extra, but the second night on was fine. The covers can be removed to be washed. I love it, it's helped me a lot." —Lisa Teaney

Get it from Amazon for $37.95.

4. An Isotonic down-alternative pillow with 600+ 5-star reviews from people who've literally slept on it(s fluffy high thread count to test it out). If you've found supportive pillows to be too bulky in the past, this one is worth a spin.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Promising review: "I love this pillow. I can't sleep with any bulk or my neck gets tense. This pillow is so soft, not bulky. Probably not for everyone, but I won't get any other pillow for myself. I've had it for 5+ years and still very comfortable." —Jenna

Get it from Bed Bath & Beyond for $39.99+ (two sizes).

5. A gusseted quilted pillow for folks who believe more is more when it comes to pillow fluff ::raises hand::

Amazon

Promising review: "I'm a side sleeper and have major pillow issues. For some reason, no matter the pillow, I wear them out within about three months. I read a LOT of reviews before ordering these. I put them in the dryer before using them and slept like a baby the first night! They feel soft, but don't sink all the way to the bed with the weight of my head. After four weeks I stuck them in the dryer and voila! They are nice and puffy again." —Special K

Get two from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two colors and two sizes).

6. A wedge pillow that'll truly ~lift up~ anyone with acid reflux, snoring concerns, aching neck or shoulders, post-surgery strain, or other sleep struggles.

Amazon

Promising review: "I have suffered with acid reflux since I was 13 (sadly, it runs in my family) and I have done everything under the sun to help it and NOTHING has helped as much as this pillow. It offers the perfect amount of support, it's comfortable, and doesn't overheat you. I sleep on my back and my sides, and it's great in any position. I've had it for almost a year and it's money well spent!" —Athene

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two sizes).

7. A dense pillow for people who are super serious about some firm neck support. Just look at that stack of books!

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "I've been sleeping on this pillow for over a month now, and I love it just as much today as the first night I slept on it. It's comfortable because it conforms to my body and doesn't crick my neck out of whack by being too firm or high, nor does it flatten out and leave my neck without any support. It's that perfect balance of springy, cushiony support that doesn't strain the neck, even though I am a side sleeper." —Call of Kthalia

Get it from Amazon for $29.44+ (available in two sizes).

8. An as-seen-on-TV bamboo pillow fit for all types of sleepers, but does major work for side sleepers who find they perform best with a stacked pillow setup.

Target

Promising review: "Yes, it smells horrid at first and needs to be aired out before use. But it's the best pillow I've ever had! I like very high pillows that don't smash down, so this is perfect. It's still soft, but as a side sleeper this keeps my head even with the rest of my body all night. No doubling up my pillow or having my head tilted slightly down. Still works for sleeping on my back, although it slightly elevates my head. I have allergies so this works for me, maybe not others. If you sleep on your stomach this wouldn't work." —Vanja

Get it from Target for $29.99.

9. An FDA-registered flexible foam pillow in case your sleeping needs aren't *too* rigid.

Amazon

Promising review: "This is a very comfy pillow. That first night using the pillow was great, it gave me nice support while keeping my head raised for watching a movie in bed, then continued to give support when I turned on my side to go to sleep. I liked how it would shape itself to exactly what I needed. Unfortunately, that was the last night I got to use it because the next night my wife stole it, fell in love with it, and has been using it ever since. She says it helps to keep her neck and back from hurting as much in the mornings. We'll have to see how it holds up over time, but so far it's been great." —primehalo

Get it from Amazon $32.99 (standard size).

10. A hypoallergenic density pillow with options for other sleeping positions (in case you'd like a one-stop shop product listing for your household).

Amazon

FYI: Medium density is for stomach sleepers, firm density is for back sleepers, and extra firm density is for side sleepers.

Promising review: "I ordered the extra firm pillows for side-sleepers and am very satisfied; they are thick and comfortable. I was worried that they'd be too firm, but they are just right!" —Patti O'Barr

Get it from Amazon for $31.18+ (available in three densities and three sizes).

11. A ~cooling~ side sleeper pillow designed by a physical therapist to support your head, neck, and (you guessed it!) shoulders.

Hammacher Schlemmer

FYI, everything in this store has a lifetime guarantee for normal everyday use.

Promising review: "Before using this pillow I would wake up with headaches and a sore neck. After using the pillow my headaches stopped. It supports my neck exactly where needed." —Richard

Get it exclusively from Hammacher Schlemmer for $74.95 (also check out the special pillow cover).

12. A supportive, cool foam pillow that'll feel like a cloud once you finally hit the hay.

Tuft & Needle

Promising review: "Perfect loft for side sleeper. Love it." —Anonymous

Get it from Tuft & Needle for $75+ (available in standard or king).

13. A foam pillow made to help relieve any pressure your preferred sleeping position may cause while making any heat dissipate quickly. Plus, reviewers who switch from back to side also sing its praises.

The Company Store

Promising review: "I love these hypoallergenic foam pillow! It's almost like a soft memory foam if that makes sense. It's not too hard but definitely not soft. I love the shape it has, especially when I fall asleep on my side it keeps my neck and back aligned, which has made a huge difference in my quality of sleep. You can just feel the quality of this pillow and know that it's been made really well. I would recommend this." —Ashley88

Get it from The Company Store for $58.

14. A CPAP machine-friendly pillow with notches to let you comfortably sleep on your side without your mask slipping.

Amazon

Promising review: "This pillow has made such a difference in sleeping with a mask! No more pressure on my face, no more mask lines on my cheeks, and the mask doesn't move around with my every move. The foam is firm enough In the thickest part of the pillow to support my head and neck, and the carved-out areas are perfectly shaped to provide 'holes' for the mask. I highly recommend this pillow to side, stomach, and back sleepers." —Debbie S.

Get it from Amazon for $59.95.

15. A Claritin cotton pillow here to cradle those of us who drift off to Dreamland with the side of their face smushed into a pillow.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Promising review: "This pillow is just the right consistency. Not too hard, not too soft. Very comfortable." —DMG

Get it from Bed Bath & Beyond for $49.99+ (two sizes).

16. A 100% organic pillow with fill you can take out to adjust, which will be especially welcome for anyone who's been done dirty by a "side sleeper" pillow that didn't feel quite right.

Avocado

The pillows come "voluminously stuffed" with a medium-plush feel. But if it's a little too full for your liking, there's a zipper compartment where you can access the fill and remove some of it.

Promising review: "These pillows are finally the holy grail. They meld perfectly to your neck/head, stay plump and easily fluff. Plus they're free of toxic junk! Perfection." —Dusty D

Get it from Avocado for $89 (available in three sizes).

17. An orthopedic memory foam pillow that'll cradle your neck in just the right position without using your own arm as a prop. Come on pillow, hold me.

Amazon

Promising review: "I am a side sleeper and I tend to hug my pillow with the arm of the side I am sleeping on to prop up my pillow to a comfortable angle. This has caused shoulder pain. When I received this pillow I thought there was no way I would be able to sleep on it nor that it would even help. Of course I had to give it a shot. Surprisingly, it is very effective! The first night I had it I switched between this pillow and my original pillows. I found that I would wake up in the middle of the night with my regularly scheduled shoulder pain after sleeping on the original pillows and I would actively seek out this new pillow. When sleeping on the new pillow I no longer have to hug it to prop it up. This means I now sleep with my arm extended. Shoulder pain has decreased significantly! I still have my original pillows but find that I sleep on them less and less and sleep more and more on the new pillow... My original pillows are good for propping my head up to watch TV in the bedroom while the new pillow is much better for sleeping. Love it!!!!!" —M. Huerta

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (three sizes).

18. A down pillow with three options for support levels of down clusters to help cradle you as you get some Zzzzzzzzzs.

Brooklinen

Promising review: "Really happy with the medium firm alternative down pillow. If like to sleep with multiple pillows so this was a good option for me as a side sleeper. I use this pillow on top since it’s really cozy. Purchased as part of the move-in bundle, you can’t go wrong!" —Amy P.

Get it from Brooklinen for $69+ (three levels of plush, two sizes).

19. A Sealy extra-firm pillow you won't have to punch in the middle of the night to make sure it's cradling your neck at the perfect angle.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Promising review: "Super comfortable have been sleeping really good. Bounces back into its shape. I'm a side sleeper so it helps me get comfortable easily." —Genifer

Get it from Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99+ (two sizes).

20. And a Therapedic pillow with 25x the cooling power with its combo of memory foam and gel fiber that'll make hot side sleepers rejoice and then jump into bed to feel those ~cooling~ effects. And folks with menopause are really singing its praises in the reviews!

Bed Bath & Beyond

Promising review: "All right...Stop, take a moment to listen! Polar nights is back with a brand new invention. Sweating all the time is unsightly, flowing like an athlete daily and nightly. Will it ever stop? I don’t know. Turn off the lights, and I’ll glow. To the extreme, I’m wiping off my forehead as it gleams. Kicking off the covers, sweating in streams. Sweat! Go rush a fan box that blows, I’m pouring off sweat and it shows. Sweaty, that’s my night. Need a new pillow, that’s my blight! ...

As a lady of a certain age I cannot recommend this pillow enough! I am wondering where this has been all of my menopausal life! The touch activated cool is responsive almost immediately. Now if the rest of my bed needs would just get on the same page I may just be back in the saddle before you know it. Even if the only actions see is a solid eight hours of sleep because I am no longer tossing and turning all night I’ll be one happy customer." —Chillmomma

Get it from Bed Bath & Beyond for $129.99.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Allison Krausman / BuzzFeed