Best Pillows for Side Sleepers in 2025

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Did you know that nearly 3 out of 4 people sleep on their sides? And yet, so many still struggle to find a pillow that actually supports them. At Mattress Clarity, we’re here to help you stop the pillow toss-and-turn for good.

We’ve tested and reviewed tons of pillows with side sleepers in mind, breaking down everything from loft and firmness to special features and pricing. Whether you’re looking for something cool and breathable or plush and supportive, we’ve got you covered. Stick around to the end for our comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make the perfect pick!

⭐️ Our Top Pick: Saatva Memory Foam Pillow

If we had to crown a winner, the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow would take the throne. It’s tall, supportive, adjustable, and designed with airflow in mind. With a shredded foam core wrapped in two slabs of memory foam, this pillow delivers a balanced feel—perfect for side sleepers. Plus, a breathable cover and cooling materials help hot sleepers rest easy.

Top Pillows for Side Sleepers in 2025

  • Saatva Memory Foam Pillow – Best Overall

  • LUXOME LAYR – Best for Side and Back Sleepers

  • Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow – Best for Neck Pain

  • Helix Down & Feather Pillow – Best Down Option

  • Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex – Best Cooling Pillow

  • Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Latex for Side Sleepers

  • Layla Kapok Pillow – Most Customizable

  • Purple Pillow – Best for Heavier Side Sleepers

How We Made Our Picks

Our sleep experts, including Certified Sleep Coaches, got hands-on with dozens of pillows. We evaluated each one for:

  • Support & Loft: Side sleepers need a pillow that keeps their head level with their spine.

  • Durability: The best pillow should hold up night after night.

  • Material Quality: We prioritized breathable, non-toxic, and high-end materials.

  • Spine Alignment: Keeping your ears and shoulders aligned is crucial to avoid pain.

More details? Scroll to our Buyer’s Guide below.

🏆 Best Overall – Saatva Memory Foam Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • High loft and strong support for side sleepers

  • Cooling graphite-infused memory foam

  • Adjustable for different sleep styles

Keep in Mind:
It’s a bit of a splurge (over $150), but it’s built to last—and for many, it’s worth every penny.

💤 Best for Combo Sleepers – LUXOME LAYR Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • Comes with three inserts (soft, medium, firm) to customize your feel

  • Bamboo cover and gel-infused memory foam keep things cool

  • OEKO-TEX certified materials

Keep in Mind:
It’s not cheap, and it doesn’t come with a warranty—but you do get a 30-day return window.

🧠 Best Memory Foam – Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • Fully adjustable shredded memory foam

  • Washable outer cover (and the whole pillow’s machine washable!)

  • Holds its shape and support all night

Keep in Mind:
It may have an initial off-gassing odor—just give it some time to air out.

🪶 Best Down Option – Helix Down & Feather Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • Plush down outer layers, supportive feather core

  • Reinforced edges for shape retention

  • 100-night trial and 1-year warranty

Keep in Mind:
It’ll likely need fluffing now and then to keep its loft.

❄️ Best Cooling – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • Ventilated latex foam keeps heat away

  • Comes in two loft options

  • Balanced feel with pressure relief and bounce

Keep in Mind:
Latex feels different from traditional pillows—more buoyant and responsive.

🌙 Best for Neck Alignment – Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • U-shaped cutout supports your neck and keeps shoulders comfy

  • Adjustable fill (shredded latex and microfibers)

  • Breathable and cool

Keep in Mind:
The shape might feel awkward for combo sleepers, especially stomach sleepers.

🧺 Best Customizable – Layla Kapok Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • Soft, down-like Kapok fibers mixed with memory foam

  • Fully adjustable loft

  • Copper-infused cooling cover

Keep in Mind:
It needs time to expand after unboxing—and may off-gas initially.

💪 Best for Heavier Side Sleepers – Purple Pillow

Why We Love It:

  • Supportive Smart Comfort Grid adapts to heavier pressure

  • Adjustable height with included boosters

  • Excellent airflow and durability

Keep in Mind:
It’s pricey (over $200) and feels very different from traditional pillows.

🧭 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pillow for Side Sleeping

Spinal alignment is everything. The goal is to keep your ears aligned with your shoulders and your chin in line with your sternum.

What to Look For:

  • Loft (Height): Side sleepers need a thicker pillow to fill the space between head and mattress. Too thin, and your neck could tilt down uncomfortably.

  • Firmness: You want something firm enough to keep your head up but not so hard it feels like a rock.

  • Feel: Whether you prefer memory foam, down, or something in between is up to you—just make sure it supports your neck.

Popular Pillow Fillings for Side Sleepers

  • Down: Super soft and luxurious, often found in high-end hotels. (But not vegan-friendly and may lose loft over time.)

  • Down Alternative: Polyester, latex, or foam blends that mimic down at a lower price and no animal products.

  • Memory Foam: Slow-moving, contouring support that adapts to your head and neck. Great for alignment.

  • Latex: Responsive and breathable—ideal for hot sleepers and those who want bounce instead of sink.

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