Best Pillows For Side Sleepers: Cooling Gel & Latex Options We Love

Although having a comfortable pillow is always important, perhaps more important is the issue of support. When you sleep on your side you need more support for your neck so that you won’t experience any undue strain on your head, shoulders or back that could end up causing long term pain and posture problems. That means that a firm pillow is usually a better choice for anyone who sleeps on their side as it will offer additional support in the areas that most need it to prevent the issues that can arise from poor alignment of the neck and back during the night.

If you are a side sleeper, there will be more distance between your head and your mattress than if you preferred to sleep on your stomach or back. If you don’t fill that space, your spine will be out of alignment and your neck will be allowed to bend causing pressure on the nerves while straining the tendons and muscles. The result of this could be ongoing fatigue, back pain, headaches, weakness in the muscles, tingling in the legs and arms or even sciatica.

What Materials Make The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers?

Although it’s possible to buy pillows with many different fillings, some are more suited to those who are side sleepers than others. Feather pillows, for example, are often too soft to give sufficient support to side sleepers’ necks. While memory foam is often a popular choice, it can become very hot during the night and can lead to sweating and discomfort that can disturb sleep and lead to further problems. The good news is that there are, however, some memory foam pillows which have been specially designed to be cool and are therefore more comfortable for your head and neck. These use down alternative materials like bamboo which allow for better airflow, as well as specially designed cooling gels and latex to offer excellent support without causing excessive heat.

Which Are The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers?

Shredded Memory Foam Pillow With Viscose Rayon Cover Made From Bamboo – Coop Home Goods

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Perfect for side sleepers, this pillow is heavy duty and offers plenty of support for the head and neck, ensuring optimal alignment all night long. Even better, it is very soft and plush thanks to an inner core of high quality, durable memory foam which has been shredded for easier shaping and position. With its shredded internal core, air can easily circulate to dissipate heat effectively for a cooler head and neck while the material is also mite-resistant and hypoallergenic. The bamboo viscose rayon cover also helps to keep you cool and as it doesn’t absorb moisture and is machine washable it is a low maintenance choice.

Five Star Down Alternative Pillow

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If you’re a fan of feather pillows, this down alternative version is the perfect option for you. Ideal for side sleepers, it has a fluffy and soft inner material made from down fiber which gives a luxurious and plush feeling with none of the allergic reactions which can arise from a feather pillow. You also won’t have any problems with prickly feathers or the lack of support that an all-feather pillow can supply. The microfiber filling cushions the head effectively while providing plenty of support for the neck, and thanks to its thickness and width, your spine will still perfectly in alignment. Even better, should you turn over in the night onto your back or stomach, this pillow will still give you the support you need. The 1.5 inch gusset around the sides of this pillow’s casing ensures that it will never completely flatten and it allows for moving during the night without any need to turn the pillow or fluff it up. Its 300 thread count cotton outer shell is incredibly soft and comfortable and as it is machine washable it is a convenient low maintenance choice.

Z By Malouf 100% Natural Talalay Latex Zoned Pillow

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Offering optimal support, this luxurious and thick memory foam pillow is excellent for side sleepers thanks to its drilled, thin precision tubes which run through the foam to create perfect air control, allowing heat to escape and keeping your head cool. Differing from other traditional latex pillows, this version is exceptionally resilient allowing for more rapid adjustments while you move naturally during the night. It can conform more rapidly to the body so it remains supportive however you move and even better, it is hypoallergenic and mildew resistant. Its unique zone makeup ensures that the surface stays cool while easing joint pressure thanks to the additional give that this pillow provides. The cover is also made from a patented rayon and bamboo blend which is soothing, soft and non-absorbent and as it can be easily removed and machine washed, it is very convenient.

Beyond Down Gel Fiber Side Sleeper Pillow By Sleep Better

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This soft and deep pillow keeps its shape regardless of how often you move in the night. Covered with 100% 300 thread count cotton this pillow has a luxurious and soft feel and as it has been padded with micro denier gel, it is an incredibly versatile and supportive pillow. The gel fibers are shock absorbent beads which are very comfortable, conforming and moving to the body’s shape easily while providing gentle support. Made in the USA, this gel fiber pillow is low maintenance and can be machine washed for extra convenience. Its gel fibers are resistant to mildew, mold and allergens and as it is entirely hypoallergenic, it is safe for anyone to use. Thanks to the heavy duty gusset ribs which surround the pillow, it will also stay firmly in position for extreme comfort all night long.

Although we like all the options we’ve suggested, the best pillow for side sleepers overall is the Five Star Down Alternative pillow which is soft and fluffy for a more luxurious feel.

Wrapping Up

Choose one of these comfortable and supportive pillows that have been designed for side sleepers and enjoy a cool and luxurious night of sleep every night with your neck and back in perfect alignment for reduced fatigue, minimal pain and perfect rest.

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