The position you sleep in affects how well you sleep and how you feel in the morning. Side sleeping is one of the most common positions, so it is worth setting up well.
Cleveland Clinic says sleeping on your side can be comfortable in many cases, and that it can help with snoring and sleep apnea, pregnancy and one-sided nasal congestion.[1] This guide covers which side to choose, how to keep your spine in line, what to look for in a side sleeper pillow and eight pillows that are in stock on the web US.
Side sleeping basics
- Most of the time either side is fine. It is more a matter of comfort than anything else.[1]
- For nighttime acid reflux, Cleveland Clinic suggests sleeping on a slight incline, with a wedge pillow or blocks under the head of the bed, and says sleeping on your left side can help with digestion.[4]
- Side sleepers should not curl into a tight ball. Use a pillow thick enough to keep your head from bending sideways, and put a pillow between your knees to keep your spine more neutral.[3]
- Pick your pillow thickness by your mattress. A firmer mattress needs a thicker pillow, and a soft or pillow-top mattress needs a thinner one.[2]
- The NHS lists sleeping on your side among the changes that can reduce snoring.[5]
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honeydew Scrumptious Side | Pillow | – | – | Queen | – |
| 2 | Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 23.2 x 13.4 x 5.1 in | – |
| 3 | Meoflaw Gusseted Queen | Down alternative pillow | Polyester fiber | Microfiber | 20 x 29 in | Machine washable |
| 4 | Emircey Cervical Contour | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 14.6 x 6.9 in | – |
| 5 | CushionCare Cervical Contour | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 24 x 13 x 5 in | – |
| 6 | Ikstar CPAP Pillow | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | Breathable, removable | 25.2 x 15 in | Cover is machine washable |
| 7 | DMI U-Shaped Side | U-shaped body pillow | Polyester fiber | Cotton blend | 30 x 20 x 6 in | Cover is machine washable |
| 8 | Layla Sleep Kapok Fiber | Shredded memory foam pillow | Kapok fiber and shredded memory foam | Cotton | Queen | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Sleeping on Your Side
Your sleep position and the pillow you use can change how you feel in the morning. The aim is a comfortable, deep sleep in a position that keeps your head, neck and spine in line.
Side sleeping is a popular choice, and Cleveland Clinic lists three groups who may benefit: people who snore or have sleep apnea, people who are pregnant and people with one-sided nasal congestion.[1] It says sleeping on your back can lower the strain on your spine, and that sleeping on your stomach can lead to back, neck and shoulder pain.[1]
The video below shows how to sleep on your side properly
Which Side Should You Sleep On
Cleveland Clinic says that most of the time either side you choose is fine, and that it is more a matter of comfort than anything else.[1] There are a few cases where one side helps:
- Acid Reflux – Sleeping on an incline can ease nighttime reflux, and Cleveland Clinic says to try a wedge-shaped pillow or blocks under the head of your bed. It adds that sleeping on your left side can help with digestion.[4]
- Pregnancy – Cleveland Clinic says it is advised to sleep on your side as much as possible during pregnancy, because lying on your back with a big bump can press on the large veins that carry blood back to your heart. The left side is ideal in theory, but most healthcare providers say either side is fine.[1] See our pregnancy body pillows for options.
- Snoring – The NHS lists sleeping on your side among the simple changes that can help reduce snoring, and says you are more likely to snore if you sleep on your back.[5]
- Nasal Congestion – If one nostril is blocked, Cleveland Clinic says to sleep with the clearer side down and the blocked side up.[1]
Issues Related to Side Sleepers
The most common problem with side sleeping is neck, back or shoulder pain from a pillow that does not fit. A pillow that is too thin lets your head bend toward the mattress, and one that is too thick bends it the other way. Cleveland Clinic says the right pillow keeps your neck parallel to the mattress.[2]
You also sleep with your face against the pillowcase. Cleveland Clinic says some studies suggest back sleeping might help prevent facial wrinkles because you do not rub your face into the pillow.[1] If you prefer your side, a smooth pillowcase such as a silk pillowcase is a common choice.
What Type of Pillow Works Well for Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleepers need a pillow that fills the gap between the head and the mattress. Cleveland Clinic gives these guidelines, and says that no one pillow type suits everyone:[2]
- Contour Pillows – A cervical contour pillow has a dip for your head, a lower side for back sleeping and a higher side for side sleeping. Cleveland Clinic says these suit most people, and foam contour pillows come next.[2]
- Latex and Memory Foam – Natural latex gives support without the heat of memory foam. If you are allergic to latex, use memory foam.[2]
- Feather and Down – Feather pillows give little neck stability, because the feathers move when you do. Down is somewhat more supportive but needs fluffing, and neither suits people allergic to animal dander. See our guide to feather pillows.[2]
- Buckwheat – Buckwheat pillows sleep cool and support your neck when you sleep on your side, but the hulls are noisy and the support can slip away like a beanbag. See our buckwheat pillows.[2]
- Mixed and Shredded Fill – Shredded foam cools you but loses stability over time if you sleep on your side. Cleveland Clinic says the benefits of mixed fillers are unclear, so switch if you wake up in pain.[2]
- Adjustability – Several picks below let you add or remove fill to set the loft.
- Pillowcase – Look for a breathable cover. A copper-infused pillowcase is another option.
Our Picks: Head Pillows for Side Sleepers
Here are eight head pillows for side sleepers that are in stock on the web US.
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Honeydew® Scrumptious Side Adjustable Side Sleeper Pillow
The Honeydew Scrumptious Side is a queen-size pillow shaped for side sleepers, made in the USA by a family-owned company.
- It is designed to keep your neck, shoulders and spine in line when you sleep on your side, and it also works for back sleepers.
- The cooling fill is meant to keep you from overheating.
- The materials are hypoallergenic.
- The maker lists awards, including Oprah’s Sleep O-Wards 2024 and Architectural Digest’s Best Sleep Awards.
2
Cozyplayer® Cooling Cervical Hollow Contour Memory Foam Pillow
The Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical is a contoured memory foam pillow with a hollow center for your head.
- The hollow concave center is tilted at 15 degrees to cradle your head, with six contour zones for your neck and shoulders.
- The cooling pillowcase has a dense 3D mesh design for airflow.
- It measures about 23.2 x 13.4 x 5.1 inches. Center your head in the middle support zone.
- The maker offers a 100-night trial.
3
Meoflaw® Gusseted Queen Down Alternative Pillows, Set of 2
The Meoflaw Gusseted Queen is a set of two soft hotel-style pillows with a down alternative fill.
- The fill is 60% 2.5D fiber and 40% 7D fiber, a mix made to support without shifting.
- Each pillow measures 20 x 29 inches, and the pillows are sold for side, back and stomach sleepers, especially side sleepers.
- They are light, rebound within seconds of unpacking and can be machine washed at 30°C.
4
Emircey® Cervical Contour Flippable Hollow Memory Foam Pillow
The Emircey Cervical Contour is a memory foam contour pillow with a hollow center and two heights.
- Flip it 180 degrees to switch between a 3.5 inch and a 3.1 inch contour height. The maker recommends the higher side for larger frames and side sleepers.
- The foam has a 95% open-cell structure for airflow.
- The cover is made of BioPreferred polyester fiber with a plant-based cooling treatment.
5
CushionCare® Cervical Contour Memory Foam Contour Pillow with Mask
The CushionCare Cervical Contour is a memory foam contour pillow that comes with a free sleeping mask.
- The core is high-density memory foam, topped with a temperature-sensitive cooling foam.
- The shape cradles your neck and head, and armrest areas support your shoulders.
- It suits side, back and stomach sleepers, and an inner cover keeps the foam clean.
6
Ikstar® CPAP Pillow Memory Foam CPAP Contour Pillow
The Ikstar CPAP Pillow is a memory foam pillow with side cutouts for CPAP masks and hoses.
- The indents and cutouts hold CPAP tubing and keep the mask from pressing into the pillow, which suits side sleepers who use a CPAP.
- The loft is about 4.7 inches on one side and 4.1 inches on the other, and the foam is mid-firm.
- The breathable cover comes off for machine washing.
- It is FSA and HSA eligible.
7
DMI® U-Shaped Side U-Shaped Side Sleeper Pillow with Ear Hole
The DMI U-Shaped Side is a U-shaped pillow that cradles your head, neck and arms, with an ear pocket so your ear does not press into it.
- The U shape supports your head, neck, arms and body when you sleep on your side or your back.
- The ear pocket lets you lie on your side without friction on the ear.
- It measures 30 x 20 x 6 inches and needs 24 hours to expand after unpacking.
- The cotton blend cover is machine washable.
8
Layla Sleep® Kapok Fiber Adjustable Kapok and Foam Pillow
The Layla Sleep Kapok Fiber is a queen pillow filled with kapok fibers and shredded memory foam.
- Unzip the cover and remove fill to set the loft, since the pillow ships overstuffed.
- Kapok is a light plant fiber from the seed pods of the kapok tree, and the open-cell foam adds airflow.
- The cover has some stretch in the fabric, is removable and can be washed.
- It is sold for side, back, stomach and combination sleepers.
A head pillow is only part of the setup. Cleveland Clinic suggests putting a pillow between your knees to keep your hips from twisting, which is easy with a full body pillow or a knee pillow.[3]
You can also have a look at our pillows for side and back sleepers for more options.
How We Chose These Pillows
These picks come from research. We compared the makers’ specifications, the The web product pages and buyer feedback, and we checked that every pick is in stock on the web US. We did not test the pillows ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Side Support – Whether the loft is high enough to fill the gap between your head and the mattress.
- Adjustability – Whether you can change the loft or flip the pillow.
- Breathability – Whether the foam and cover let air move.
- Care – Whether the cover is removable and machine washable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sleeping on Your Side
- What kind of pillow is best for side sleepers?
Cleveland Clinic says cervical contour pillows suit most people, followed by foam contour pillows, and that your pillow should keep your neck parallel to the mattress. A firmer mattress needs a thicker pillow.[2] - Where should I put a pillow when I sleep on my side?
Put one between your knees to stop your hips twisting, and use a head pillow thick enough to keep your head from bending sideways.[3] - Does side sleeping help with snoring?
The NHS lists sleeping on your side among the simple changes that can help reduce snoring, and says you are more likely to snore if you sleep on your back.[5] See a GP if lifestyle changes do not help. - Is side sleeping good in pregnancy?
Cleveland Clinic says it is advised to sleep on your sides as much as possible during pregnancy, and that most healthcare providers say either side is fine.[1]
Index Table: Side Sleeping Pillows
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honeydew Scrumptious Side - Adjustable Side Sleeper Pillow |  |
| Honeydew |
| 2 | Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical - Hollow Contour Memory Foam Pillow |  |
| Cozyplayer |
| 3 | Meoflaw Gusseted Queen - Down Alternative Pillows, Set of 2 |  |
| Meoflaw |
| 4 | Emircey Cervical Contour - Flippable Hollow Memory Foam Pillow |  |
| Emircey |
| 5 | CushionCare Cervical Contour - Memory Foam Contour Pillow with Mask |  |
| CushionCare |
| 6 | Ikstar CPAP Pillow - Memory Foam CPAP Contour Pillow |  |
| Ikstar |
| 7 | DMI U-Shaped Side - U-Shaped Side Sleeper Pillow with Ear Hole |  |
| DMI |
| 8 | Layla Sleep Kapok Fiber - Adjustable Kapok and Foam Pillow |  |
| Layla Sleep |
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. The Best Sleeping Positions for a Restful Night. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Is Your Pillow Giving You a Stiff Neck While You Sleep?. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. 10 Tips for Tension Headache Self-Care. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. 6 Lifestyle Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Snoring. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around Cleveland Clinic and NHS guidance on side sleeping, removed the claims that the left side is the only healthy side and that it clears toxins and lymph, removed the copper and dust mite sources, rewrote all eight product notes and replaced the Sources
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Mkicesky Side Sleeper Contour Pillow with Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical Pillow; Sleep Artisan Curved Pillow with Emircey Cervical Contour Pillow; Ikstar CPAP Pillow with Ikstar CPAP Pillow
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Feb 2022: Added Mkicesky Side Sleeper Contour Pillow
- Aug 2021: Added Honeydew Scrumptious Side Pillow
- Jul 2020: Added Meoflaw Gusseted Queen Pillows, DMI U-Shaped Side Pillow, Layla Sleep Kapok Fiber Pillow and Sleep Artisan Curved Pillow
- May 2020: Added Ikstar CPAP Pillow
- Mar 2020: Added CushionCare Cervical Contour Pillow
- Aug 2019: Published
