If you’re a side sleeper, you may not know how important it is to have the right pillow (hint: it’s incredibly important)! However, finding the best pillow for side sleepers can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for.
When you sleep on your side, there is going to be a gap between your neck and the mattress; in fact, closing that gap to support the head is the sole purpose of a pillow. The main goal for a side sleeper’s pillow is to keep your head, neck, and spine in a straight line to promote proper spine alignment. This alignment helps to:
- Reduce pressure points
- Prevent shoulder and neck pain
- Help you to fall asleep faster
- Help you to stay asleep longer
- Improve overall sleep quality
If you are a side sleeper who regularly wakes up with aches and pains or discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and upper back, your pillow could be the problem. These bad pillow symptoms can only be solved by getting the right pillow for you to accommodate your side sleeping.
In this article, our mattress experts will discuss why side sleepers need specific pillows and how you can find the best pillow for your needs.
Continue reading: What is the healthiest way to sleep?
What kind of pillow should side sleepers use?
Similar to when you shop for the best mattress for side sleepers, you need to understand which pressure points are touching your pillow and your mattress. When you sleep on your side, your shoulder, hip, knees, and ankles will be in direct contact with the mattress; whereas your ear and neck will be in contact with the pillow. This will determine what type of pillow and what materials will alleviate pressure on these areas and promote healthy spinal alignment.
When choosing a pillow for yourself, consider the following features:
- Height: Do side sleepers need thicker pillows? A medium-height pillow is recommended for side sleepers so that their neck doesn’t bend unnaturally one way or the other, leading to discomfort and pain over time. When trying out a pillow, lay down on the mattress with the pillow and see if your neck feels neutral and aligned.
- Firmness: Should side sleeper pillows be hard or soft? Your pillow should be firm enough to maintain its shape but soft enough to be comfortable for your head and ears. For most sleepers, firmness is a personal preference.
- Shape: Curved, domed, or even pillows in the shape of a cube have been known to benefit side sleepers. In our expert opinion, it’s better to focus on how the pillow is made than subscribing to specific shapes.
- Material: Memory foam, shredded foam, or latex are great options and each provide their own benefits:
| Memory Foam | Shredded Foam | Latex |
| Conforms to the shape of the head and neck while providing consistent support throughout the night | Offers adjustable support and customizable height and firmness so you can find the most comfortable option for you | Latex pillows are resilient, durable, breathable, and keep their shape for years to come. |
There is not one single best pillow for side sleepers with neck and shoulder pain, but by finding a pillow that suits you, your sleeping position, and your needs, you can alleviate pain and stay comfortable all night long.
Have Sweeter Dreams at Texas Mattress Makers
Most side sleepers don’t understand how truly important investing in the right pillow is for your overall sleep quality. It can be the main difference between getting a good night’s sleep and waking up with aches and pains, which no one wants.
While there might not be one sole best pillow for side sleepers, our mattress experts can help you choose a pillow that will support your head and neck while alleviating pressure for long-lasting comfort. As a side sleeper, it’s also important to invest in the right mattress to accommodate your sleeping position. If you wake up with aches and pains, your mattress is likely not adequately providing enough pressure point relief to keep your hips and shoulders comfortable.
If you’re ready to upgrade your pillow and mattress to the quality you deserve, visit any of our mattress stores in the Houston area today. Your best night’s sleep starts at Texas Mattress Makers.
More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:
- Sleep Accessories: Helpful or Hoax?
- Solutions for the Most Common Sleep Problems
- The Expert’s Guide to Mattress Accessories
- How to Find a Good Quality Mattress
- 4 Signs You Are a Hot Sleeper