Every side sleeper has a complaint: bad circulation, migraines, neck pain, back pain, or the transition when rolling over.
Choosing the best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain could help you sleep well every night!
Also, if your arm gets numb while sleeping on your side, you can check out some best pillows for side sleepers with arm holes . These pillows provide exceptional comfort and help reduce neck pain.
Note: This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have ongoing pain, a sleep problem or another health condition, talk to your doctor.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mediflow Fiber First | Water pillow | Water | – | 28 x 20 x 4.5 in | – |
| 2 | Coop Home Goods Adjustable Classic | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | Queen | – |
| 3 | Utopia Bedding Hotel Classic | Down alternative pillow | Down alternative | – | Queen | Spot clean |
| 4 | Ikstar HSA FSA | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 22.8 x 15 x 0.1 in | Machine washable |
| 5 | Royal Therapy Cervical Classic | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | Queen | – |
| 6 | DMI U-Shaped Cutout | Body pillow | Polyester fiber | Cotton | 30 x 20 x 6 in | Machine washable |
| 7 | Osteo Cervical Classic | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 25.5 x 16.5 x 5.2 in | – |
| 8 | Besyodo Cervical Classic | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 25.6 x 15.7 in | Machine washable |
| 9 | Epabo Cervical Classic | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | Queen | – |
| 10 | Tempur-Pedic Classic Everyday | Pillow | – | Polyester | 20 x 12.8 x 4 in | Machine washable |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as listed by the seller, not tested by us.
The Problem Facing Side Sleepers (Neck Pain)
Anyone who sleeps on their sides will tell you they get neck pain more often. The two main reasons behind this are sleeping in the same position on your side, leading to stiffness, pain, or even pulled muscles.
Another reason is being overly restless during sleep, which can wake you up during the night when you shift on your side. Sleeping on one’s side can also be especially painful when a neck or back injury occurs.
Other reasons are related to the type of pillow you use as a side sleeper.
Sleeping on your side can slightly twist your spine if your neck is too high or too low. The wrong sleeping angle can cause the spine to go out, which is the root cause of most neck pains.
Comfortable Specialised Medical Pillow Can Ease Neck Pain
Having a good night’s sleep can be as simple as choosing the right pillow for sleeping on your side with neck pain.
Some solutions are pillows designed specifically for side-sleepers who struggle to sleep with neck pain. The pain is alleviated when the neck is in line with the spine.
This provides neck pain relief and can remedy upper and lower back pain, muscle tension, cramps, cervix, hip alignment, and many other problems associated with the spine.
A medical pillow to comfort your neck at night will help you move about without feeling sore.
Having your neck at the right elevation can also ease pressure to the brain and other body parts. You won’t be able to hunch up your shoulders comfortably, and you can sleep deeper from breathing better.
Features of a Good Side Sleepers Pillow
The materials a side sleeping pillow is made from are essential to consider when buying a pillow.
Consider your specific requirements: do you suffer from neck or back pain? Do you need a higher or a lower elevation?
Do you have large or small shoulders? It would be great if you asked these questions before looking for a good pillow to help with the problems with side sleeping.
Memory, shredded, and foam make the best medical pillows for optimal spine support.
The spongy foam keeps a firm consistency while allowing you to fall in and retain shape. Most foam is hypoallergenic.
The next feature every neck pillow needs is to be big enough for your body size.
If it can’t accommodate your shoulders or you can’t comfortably lie on it, don’t buy it! Please look for a pillow that fits your shoulder length perfectly so your neck can lay straight.
In addition to being a side sleeper, if you are also suffering from some ear infection or earache, you might also prefer checking out our list of top pillows with ear holes. These are specifically designed to soothe ear pain issues.
The NHS lists sleeping on your side among the simple changes that can help reduce snoring, and suggests a special pillow or bed wedge to help keep you on your side.[1]
For back pain, the NHS advises staying as active as possible and not staying in bed for long periods, and notes that walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may help.[2]
For neck pain, the NHS suggests using a low, firm pillow and, when you sleep, keeping your head at the same height as the rest of your body. It also advises against sleeping on your front.[3]
The NHS lists house dust mites among the most common allergens, along with pollen, foods and animals such as cats and dogs.[4]
Our Picks: Pillows for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
Here are the best pillows you should consider buying if you are suffering from neck pain and your preferred position for sleeping is on the side;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
The Mediflow Fiber First is a classic adjustable plush water pillow with a size of 28 x 20 x 4.5 inches.
- This Mediflow Pillow, made from a hypoallergenic cotton shell, is safe for individuals with sensitive skin, eyes, or sinus reactions.
- This pillow promotes good sleep for side sleepers experiencing neck pain and headaches.
- The water-based technology maintains the shape of your neck contour, keeping you comfortable as you sleep through the night.
- This water pillow provides exceptional comfort for your head.
- Say goodbye to neck pain and hello to great sleep.
2
The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Classic is a plush firm breathable memory foam pillow with sizes of Queen.
- This USA-made pillow contains 60% polyester and 40% bamboo-derived from viscose rayon material.
- It is hypoallergenic and more environmentally friendly than many other pillows.
- It comes with a removable case and allows you to adjust the foam amount inside the pillow.
- Shredded memory foam provides ultimate comfort. Each piece responds to your shape and supports you while extra air is pumped between the pieces to cushion you further.
- This pillow will last a long time and is dust-mite resistant.
- This pillow is machine washable and easy to keep clean.
3
The Utopia Bedding Hotel Classic is a cooling plush soft down alternative pillow with sizes of Queen.
- This set of two is not an ordinary bed pillow. It is very thick and plush, bolstering your comfort levels.
- Extra comfort is added to this Utopia Bedding product thanks to the gel insert hidden inside each pillow.
- It is ideal for sleeping on your side with a tender neck, neck injury, or neck pain.
- It is made from 100% cotton and is allergy-friendly (unless you are allergic to cotton).
- The gel inserted into the pillow has an odor-resistant finish, preventing microorganisms from growing inside.
- This bed cushion is proven to help in asthma treatment and the treatment of some respiratory conditions.
4
The Ikstar HSA FSA is a contoured washable breathable memory foam pillow with a size of 22.8 x 15 x 0.1 inches.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to support the neck and keep the head in line with the spine.
- Fill – The pillow uses memory foam, which slowly molds to the body.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Care – Machine washable.
- Best For – Made for side and back sleepers.
5
The Royal Therapy Cervical Classic Classic is an adjustable contoured plush memory foam pillow with sizes of Queen.
- Adjustable Loft – Fill or inserts can be added or taken out to change the height of the pillow.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to support the neck and keep the head in line with the spine.
- Fill – The pillow uses memory foam, which slowly molds to the body.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Certifications – It carries CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certification.
6
The DMI U-Shaped Cutout is a contoured cooling pregnancy washable body pillow with polyester fiber fill, a cotton cover and a size of 30 x 20 x 6 inches.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to fit the body for steadier support.
- Fill – The body pillow uses polyester fiber.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Cover – The outer fabric is cotton.
- Best For – Made for side sleepers.
7
The Osteo Cervical Classic Classic is an adjustable contoured cooling memory foam pillow with a size of 25.5 x 16.5 x 5.2 inches.
- Adjustable Loft – Fill or inserts can be added or taken out to change the height of the pillow.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to support the neck and keep the head in line with the spine.
- Fill – The pillow uses memory foam, which slowly molds to the body.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Certifications – It carries CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certification.
8
The Besyodo Cervical Classic Classic is a contoured cooling washable memory foam pillow with a size of 25.6 x 15.7 inches.
- Contoured Shape – A shaped profile is meant to support the neck and keep the head in line with the spine.
- Fill – The pillow uses memory foam, which slowly molds to the body.
- Temperature – Breathable materials help it sleep cooler.
- Care – Machine washable.
- Certifications – It carries CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certification.
9
The Epabo Cervical Classic is a contoured hypoallergenic firm memory foam pillow with sizes of Queen.
- The pillow has a comfortable contoured design to fully support your neck and shoulders and align your spine properly.
- It is filled with premium memory foam that molds to your shape for optimal comfort.
- The cover and design are very breathable and hypoallergenic.
- There are two size opinions available on the pillow.
10
The Tempur-Pedic Classic Everyday is a hypoallergenic washable firm natural pillow with a polyester cover and a size of 20 x 12.8 x 4 inches.
- Cover – The outer fabric is polyester.
- Certifications – It carries CertiPUR-US certification.
- Allergies – It is hypoallergenic.
- Best For – Made for side and back sleepers.
- Size – It measures 20 x 12.8 x 4 inches.
Index Table: Pillows for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
Sources
Background reading from health and consumer agencies. This is general information, not medical advice.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: IKSTAR Contour Memory Foam Pillow with Ikstar HSA FSA Pillow; BLISSBURY Pillow with Royal Therapy Cervical Classic Pillow; Leachco Snoogle Pillow with DMI U-Shaped Cutout Pillow; Milemont Memory Foam Pillow with Osteo Cervical Classic Pillow; Mkicesky Contoured Pillow with Besyodo Cervical Classic Pillow; Tempur-Pedic Ergo Pillow with Tempur-Pedic Classic Everyday Pillow
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section, removed first-person testing claims
- Feb 2022: Added Mediflow Fiber First Pillow, Tempur-Pedic Classic Everyday Pillow, Leachco Snoogle Pillow and Mkicesky Contoured Pillow
- Jan 2022: Added Coop Home Goods Adjustable Classic
- Aug 2021: Added Milemont Memory Foam Pillow
- Jan 2021: Added Utopia Bedding Hotel Classic Pillow
- Aug 2020: Added Tempur-Pedic Ergo Pillow
- Jul 2020: Added DMI U-Shaped Cutout Pillow
- May 2020: Added IKSTAR Contour Memory Foam Pillow
- Mar 2020: Added Royal Therapy Cervical Classic Pillow, Epabo Cervical Classic Pillow and BLISSBURY Pillow
- Nov 2016: Published
