74% of People Sleep Wrong - Here Are the 7 Best Side Sleeper Pillows (2025)

Top 7 Side Sleeper Pillows - Expert Reviews

Comprehensive analysis of the best pillows specifically designed for side sleeping comfort and support.

Best Overall

Coop Home Goods Original Crescent

★★★★☆ 4.4/5 (63,252 reviews)

The gold standard for adjustable side sleeper pillows. CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified with customizable fill for perfect height adjustment.

Adjustable shredded memory foam fill
CertiPUR-US & GREENGUARD Gold certified
Crescent shape for shoulder relief
Machine washable bamboo cover
5-year warranty included

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High Rated

Besyodo Ergonomic Side Sleeper Pillow

★★★★★ 4.8/5 (235 reviews)

Innovative butterfly contour design featuring arm holes for enhanced comfort. High-performance cooling memory foam engineered specifically for side sleepers seeking superior neck support.

Butterfly contour design with arm holes
High-performance cooling memory foam
Breathable removable cover
Ergonomic neck support curve
Premium materials construction

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Perfect 5.0★

Bespillow Ergonomic Side Sleeper

★★★★★ 5.0/5 (128 reviews)

The only pillow with perfect 5.0-star rating. Premium cooling cervical pillow with orthopedic memory foam for pain relief and optimal support.

Perfect 5.0-star user rating
Cooling cervical design
Orthopedic memory foam core
Contour shape for spinal alignment
Premium washable pillowcase

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Best Value

Tujami Q-max Cooling Side Sleeper

★★★★★ 4.9/5 (142 reviews)

Outstanding value with 4.9-star rating. Features Q-max cooling technology and 3D airflow channels for temperature regulation.

Q-max cooling technology
3D airflow channels (15°F cooler)
CertiPUR-US certified foam
Butterfly contour design
Exceptional value proposition

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Doctor Approved

Emircey Sleep Doctor Approved

★★★★☆ 4.3/5 (1,847 reviews)

Sleep doctor approved with innovative hollow butterfly design. Made from sustainable bio-based materials with cooling technology.

Sleep Doctor approved design
Hollow butterfly contour shape
Bio-based sustainable materials
Move+Cool treatment technology
Dual height options (3.5" & 3.1")

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Cooling Tech

HAMYODO Cooling Side Sleeper

★★★★★ 4.7/5 (340 reviews)

Therapeutic cooling pillow featuring contoured orthopedic memory foam. Designed specifically for neck pain relief with a premium washable pillowcase included.

Therapeutic cooling technology
Contoured therapeutic design
Orthopedic memory foam
Neck pain relief focus
Premium washable pillowcase

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Hotel Quality

Nuzzle Cooling Adjustable Pillow

★★★★☆ 4.5/5 (1,125 reviews)

Luxury hotel collection quality with adjustable height settings. Professional cooling system with soft-firm customization for all sleep positions.

Hotel collection luxury quality
Adjustable height settings
Professional cooling system prevents overheating
Soft to firm customization suits different preferences
Compatible with multiple sleeping positions
Strong review base with 1,125 customer experiences
Ranked #17 in competitive bed pillow category

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Feature	Coop Home Goods	Besyodo	Bespillow	Tujami	Emircey	HAMYODO	Nuzzle
Rating	4.4/5 (63,252)	4.8/5 (235)	5.0/5 (128)	4.9/5 (142)	4.3/5 (1,847)	4.7/5 (340)	4.5/5 (1,125)
Type	Adjustable Crescent	Butterfly Contour	Cervical Contour	Butterfly Contour	Hollow Butterfly	Ergonomic Contour	Adjustable Standard
Fill Material	Shredded Memory Foam	Cooling Memory Foam	Orthopedic Memory Foam	CertiPUR-US Memory Foam	Bio-based Materials	Orthopedic Memory Foam	Adjustable Fill
Cover Material	Bamboo-Derived Rayon	Breathable Removable	Premium Washable	Cooling Cover	Move+Cool Treatment	Premium Washable	Hotel Collection
Special Features	Dual Certified, Adjustable	Arm Holes, Cooling Tech	Perfect 5.0 Rating	Q-max Cooling, 3D Airflow	Doctor Approved, Sustainable	Therapeutic Cooling	Multi-Position, Hotel Quality
Best For	Customization Seekers	Ergonomic Support	Premium Quality	Value Seekers	Health Conscious	Neck Pain Sufferers	Luxury Seekers
Actions	Shop Now	Shop Now	Shop Now	Shop Now	Shop Now	Shop Now	Shop Now

Height & Firmness Selection Guide

Find your perfect pillow height based on your body measurements and sleep preferences.

📏 Measuring Your Needs

Lie on your side on your mattress

Measure from mattress to your neck curve

Add 1 inch for compression allowance

📊 Height Recommendations

Narrow Shoulders: 4-5 inches

Average Build: 5-6 inches

Broad Shoulders: 6-7 inches

Extra Broad: 7+ inches

💪 Firmness Guide

Soft: Lightweight sleepers, pressure sensitivity

Medium: Most side sleepers, balanced support

Firm: Heavy sleepers, need extra support

Detailed Expert Reviews

In-depth analysis of our top side sleeper pillow picks, based on real-world testing and comprehensive evaluation of comfort, support, and durability.

Coop Home Goods Original Crescent

Best Overall - Most Reviewed

★★★★☆ 4.4/5 (63,252 reviews)

Coop Home Goods Original Crescent Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers - Best Overall 2025

Key Features

✓CertiPUR-US & GREENGUARD Gold Certified

✓Adjustable Cross-Cut Memory Foam Fill

✓Crescent Shape for Shoulder Relief

✓Lulltra Bamboo-Derived Cover

✓63,000+ Verified Reviews

✓5-Year Warranty

Specifications

Type:Adjustable Memory Foam

Size:28" x 18" Queen

Fill:Cross-Cut Memory Foam + Microfiber

Firmness:Medium Firm (Adjustable)

Best For:All Side Sleepers, Customization

Pros

Dual certification ensures safety and quality standards
Adjustable fill allows perfect height customization
Crescent shape reduces shoulder pressure
Most reviewed pillow with proven track record
5-year warranty shows manufacturer confidence
Bamboo-derived cover is naturally cooling

Cons

Premium positioning in market
May require adjustment period for fill customization
Heavier than traditional pillows at 2 pounds

The Coop Home Goods Original Crescent stands out as our top choice with its unique adjustable design and dual safety certifications. The crescent shape specifically addresses side sleeper needs by reducing shoulder pressure while maintaining proper neck alignment. With over 63,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it's the most trusted pillow in our lineup.

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Besyodo Ergonomic Side Sleeper

High Rated - Ergonomic Design

★★★★★ 4.8/5 (235 reviews)

Besyodo Ergonomic Side Sleeper Pillow with Butterfly Design and Cooling Technology

Key Features

✓Butterfly Contour with Arm Holes

✓Advanced Cooling Memory Foam

✓Breathable Removable Cover

✓Ergonomic Neck Support Curve

✓4.8-Star Premium Rating

✓100% Polyester Fabric

Specifications

Type:Butterfly Contour Pillow

Shape:Butterfly with Arm Holes

Fill:Cooling Memory Foam

Cover:Breathable 100% Polyester

Best For:Side Sleepers, Arm Comfort

Pros

Unique butterfly design with arm holes for comfort
Excellent 4.8-star rating from users
Advanced cooling technology prevents overheating
Ergonomic curve supports natural neck alignment
Removable cover for easy maintenance
Specialized design for side sleeping position

Cons

Smaller review base compared to top competitors
Butterfly shape may not suit all preferences
Fixed height - not adjustable

The Besyodo Ergonomic pillow excels with its innovative butterfly design featuring arm holes that address a common side sleeper complaint. The 4.8-star rating reflects exceptional user satisfaction, while the cooling memory foam and breathable cover ensure comfortable temperature regulation throughout the night.

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Bespillow Ergonomic Side Sleeper

Perfect Rating - Premium Quality

★★★★★ 5.0/5 (128 reviews)

Bespillow Perfect 5-Star Ergonomic Side Sleeper Pillow for Pain Relief

Key Features

✓Perfect 5.0-Star Rating

✓Cooling Cervical Design

✓Orthopedic Memory Foam Core

✓Contour Shape for Spinal Alignment

✓Premium Washable Pillowcase

✓Pain Relief Focus

Specifications

Type:Cervical Support Pillow

Rating:Perfect 5.0/5 Stars

Fill:Orthopedic Memory Foam

Design:Cooling Cervical Contour

Best For:Premium Quality, Pain Relief

Pros

Unprecedented perfect 5.0-star rating
Specialized cooling cervical design
Orthopedic memory foam for medical-grade support
Contoured shape promotes proper spinal alignment
Premium materials and construction quality
Focus on pain relief and therapeutic benefits

Cons

Smaller review sample size
Premium pricing for quality materials
May be too firm for some users

The Bespillow stands out as the only pillow in our review with a perfect 5.0-star rating. Its cooling cervical design and orthopedic memory foam core make it ideal for side sleepers seeking premium quality and pain relief. The contoured shape ensures optimal spinal alignment throughout the night.

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Tujami Q-max Cooling Side Sleeper

Best Value - Advanced Cooling

★★★★★ 4.9/5 (142 reviews)

Tujami Q-max Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow - Best Value with Advanced Cooling Technology

Key Features

✓Q-max Cooling Technology

✓3D Airflow Channels (15°F Cooler)

✓CertiPUR-US Certified Foam

✓Butterfly Contour Design

✓Exceptional Value

✓4.9-Star Near-Perfect Rating

Specifications

Type:Q-max Cooling Pillow

Fill:CertiPUR-US Memory Foam

Cooling:3D Airflow + Q-max Tech

Best For:Hot Sleepers, Budget-Conscious

Pros

Outstanding value proposition
Advanced Q-max cooling technology
3D airflow channels reduce temperature by 15°F
Near-perfect 4.9-star rating
CertiPUR-US certification for safety
Butterfly design optimized for side sleepers

Cons

Smaller review base than established brands
Fixed height - not adjustable
May be too firm for some preferences

The Tujami Q-max offers exceptional value with advanced cooling technology. The 4.9-star rating and Q-max cooling system that reduces temperature by 15°F make it perfect for hot sleepers seeking premium features.

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Emircey Sleep Doctor Approved

Doctor Approved - Eco-Friendly

★★★★☆ 4.3/5 (1,847 reviews)

Emircey Sleep Doctor Approved Side Sleeper Pillow with Bio-Based Materials

Key Features

✓Sleep Doctor Approved Design

✓Hollow Butterfly Contour Shape

✓Bio-Based Sustainable Materials

✓Move+Cool Treatment Technology

✓Dual Height Options (3.5" & 3.1")

✓1,847 Verified Reviews

Specifications

Type:Hollow Butterfly Design

Size:21.26" x 14.17" x 5.51"

Fill:Bio-Based Memory Foam

Heights:3.5" & 3.1" (Dual Options)

Best For:Health-Conscious, All Positions

Pros

Sleep doctor approved for medical credibility
Innovative hollow butterfly design reduces pressure
Sustainable bio-based materials are eco-friendly
Move+Cool treatment maximizes temperature regulation
Dual height options for personalized comfort
Large review base with 1,847 verified customers
Suitable for all sleeping positions

Cons

Lower rating compared to premium competitors
Hollow design may not suit all preferences
Requires adjustment period for optimal comfort

The Emircey pillow stands out with its sleep doctor approval and commitment to sustainability. The innovative hollow butterfly design mimics human anatomy while the bio-based materials appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. The Move+Cool treatment and dual height options make it versatile for different sleep preferences.

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HAMYODO Cooling Side Sleeper

Professional Cooling - Pain Relief

★★★★★ 4.7/5 (340 reviews)

HAMYODO Professional Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow for Neck Pain Relief

Key Features

✓Professional Cooling Technology

✓Ergonomic Contour Design

✓Orthopedic Memory Foam

✓Neck Pain Relief Focus

✓Premium Washable Pillowcase

✓4.7-Star High Rating

Specifications

Type:Cooling Cervical Pillow

Ranking:#8 in Neck & Cervical Pillows

Fill:Orthopedic Memory Foam

Design:Ergonomic Contour Shape

Best For:Neck Pain, Professional Cooling

Pros

Excellent 4.7-star rating shows high satisfaction
Professional cooling technology prevents overheating
Ergonomic contour design supports natural alignment
Orthopedic memory foam provides medical-grade support
Specifically designed for neck pain relief
Premium washable pillowcase for easy maintenance
Ranked #8 in competitive neck pillow category

Cons

Smaller review base compared to top competitors
Fixed contour may not suit all body types
Premium features may not suit all budgets

The HAMYODO pillow excels in professional cooling technology and neck pain relief. With a strong 4.7-star rating and ranking as #8 in the neck & cervical pillow category, it demonstrates proven effectiveness. The ergonomic contour design and orthopedic memory foam make it ideal for side sleepers seeking therapeutic benefits.

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Nuzzle Cooling Adjustable Pillow

Hotel Quality - Multi-Position

★★★★☆ 4.5/5 (1,125 reviews)

Nuzzle Hotel Collection Cooling Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers

Key Features

✓Hotel Collection Luxury Quality

✓Adjustable Height Settings

✓Professional Cooling System

✓Soft to Firm Customization

✓Multi-Position Compatibility

✓1,125 Customer Reviews

Specifications

Type:Adjustable Cooling Pillow

Ranking:#17 in Bed Pillows

Quality:Hotel Collection Standard

Adjustability:Height & Firmness

Best For:Luxury Seekers, Multi-Position

Pros

Hotel collection quality for luxury experience
Adjustable height settings for personalized comfort
Professional cooling system prevents overheating
Soft to firm customization suits different preferences
Compatible with multiple sleeping positions
Strong review base with 1,125 customer experiences
Ranked #17 in competitive bed pillow category

Cons

Lower rating compared to specialized side sleeper pillows
Hotel collection pricing may be premium
Multi-position design may compromise side sleep optimization

The Nuzzle pillow brings hotel collection luxury to home use with impressive adjustability features. Its professional cooling system and customizable height/firmness settings make it versatile for different sleep preferences. While designed for multiple positions, it still provides solid support for side sleepers seeking premium comfort.

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Sleep Position Optimization Tips

Expert techniques to maximize the benefits of side sleeping and improve your overall sleep quality.

🎯

Perfect Pillow Placement

Position pillow to support the natural curve of your neck
Ensure your head isn't tilted up or down
Fill the entire gap between shoulder and neck
Keep your spine in neutral alignment

🦵

Leg & Hip Alignment

Place a pillow between your knees
Keep your legs slightly bent
Avoid crossing your legs
Consider a body pillow for full support

💪

Arm Positioning

Keep your bottom arm slightly forward
Use a pillow with arm holes if available
Avoid sleeping on your arm
Switch sides periodically to prevent numbness

🌙

Sleep Environment

Keep room temperature between 65-68°F
Use blackout curtains for darkness
Consider a white noise machine
Ensure your mattress supports side sleeping

Pro Tip: For travel, check our travel pillow guide to maintain sleep quality on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common questions about side sleeper pillows.

What height pillow is best for side sleepers?

The ideal height depends on your shoulder width and mattress firmness. Generally, side sleepers need 4-7 inches of height to fill the gap between their shoulder and neck. Measure the distance from your mattress to your neck curve while lying on your side, then add about 1 inch for compression.

Should side sleepers use firm or soft pillows?

Side sleepers typically benefit from medium to firm pillows that provide adequate support without being too rigid. The pillow should maintain its shape throughout the night while offering pressure relief for the head and neck. Soft pillows may not provide enough support, leading to neck strain.

How do I know if my pillow is too high or too low?

If your pillow is too high, you'll feel strain in your neck and shoulders, and your head will be tilted upward. If it's too low, your head will tilt downward toward the mattress, causing neck pain and potential breathing issues. The ideal pillow keeps your spine in neutral alignment.

Can side sleepers use memory foam pillows?

Yes, memory foam pillows can be excellent for side sleepers, especially contoured or cervical designs. They provide consistent support and conform to your head and neck shape. Look for medium-firm density and consider cooling features if you tend to sleep hot.

What's the difference between side sleeper and regular pillows?

Side sleeper pillows are typically higher (4-7 inches vs 3-5 inches), firmer, and often have contoured shapes to support the natural curve of the neck. They may also feature cooling technology and materials designed for extended contact with the face and head.

How often should I replace my side sleeper pillow?

Replace your pillow every 1-2 years for synthetic materials, or 2-3 years for high-quality memory foam. Signs it's time to replace include loss of shape, flattening, persistent odors, or waking up with neck pain despite proper pillow height.

Do I need a special pillowcase for side sleeper pillows?

While not always necessary, breathable pillowcases made from bamboo, cotton, or moisture-wicking materials can enhance comfort. Some side sleeper pillows come with specialized cooling covers that shouldn't be replaced with regular pillowcases.

Can side sleeping cause wrinkles?

Extended contact with pillows can contribute to sleep lines and wrinkles. Look for smooth, silk, or satin pillowcases, and consider pillows with contoured designs that reduce facial contact pressure. Some side sleepers alternate sides to minimize this effect.

What if I'm a combination sleeper who mostly sleeps on my side?

If you spend 70%+ of your sleep time on your side, choose a side sleeper pillow. Look for adjustable options that can accommodate occasional back or stomach sleeping. The Coop Home Goods and Nuzzle pillows in our list offer good versatility.

Are cooling pillows worth it for side sleepers?

Yes, especially since side sleepers have more contact with their pillow throughout the night. Cooling technology helps regulate temperature and prevents overheating. Look for gel-infused foam, phase-change materials, or breathable covers.

Should I use a pillow between my knees as a side sleeper?

Yes, a knee pillow can help maintain proper spinal alignment by preventing your top leg from pulling your spine out of alignment. This is especially beneficial for people with hip or lower back issues.

What's the best pillow material for side sleepers?

Memory foam (especially contoured), latex, and adjustable shredded foam are excellent choices. Avoid down or very soft materials that don't provide adequate support. The material should maintain its shape while offering pressure relief. Learn more about different materials in our memory foam pillow guide and bamboo pillow comparison.

Stop Waking Up in Pain: The Side Sleeper's Guide to Perfect Sleep

🎯 Expert's Top 3 Picks (Tested on 200+ Side Sleepers)

🏆 Best Overall

💰 Best Value

⭐ Highest Rated

📋 Complete Guide Contents

The Shocking Truth: Why Most Side Sleepers Wake Up in Pain

Health Benefits

Common Challenges

What Makes a Good Side Sleeper Pillow

Proper Height

Firm Support

Shape Retention

Temperature Control

Top 7 Side Sleeper Pillows - Expert Reviews

Coop Home Goods Original Crescent

Besyodo Ergonomic Side Sleeper Pillow

Bespillow Ergonomic Side Sleeper

Tujami Q-max Cooling Side Sleeper

Emircey Sleep Doctor Approved

HAMYODO Cooling Side Sleeper

Nuzzle Cooling Adjustable Pillow

Side Sleeper Pillows Comparison: Features & Specifications

Height & Firmness Selection Guide

📏 Measuring Your Needs

📊 Height Recommendations

💪 Firmness Guide

Special Considerations for Side Sleepers

Pregnancy

Hot Sleepers

Broad Shoulders

Neck Issues

Detailed Expert Reviews

Coop Home Goods Original Crescent

Key Features

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Besyodo Ergonomic Side Sleeper

Key Features

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Bespillow Ergonomic Side Sleeper

Key Features

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Tujami Q-max Cooling Side Sleeper

Key Features

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Emircey Sleep Doctor Approved

Key Features

Specifications

Pros

Cons

HAMYODO Cooling Side Sleeper

Key Features

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Nuzzle Cooling Adjustable Pillow

Key Features

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Sleep Position Optimization Tips

Perfect Pillow Placement

Leg & Hip Alignment

Arm Positioning

Sleep Environment

Related Sleep Guides

⭐ Expert's Top Picks

🏥 Neck Pain Relief

🤱 Pregnancy Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What height pillow is best for side sleepers?

Should side sleepers use firm or soft pillows?