What Is The Best Pillow To Buy For Side Sleepers ((LINK))
More people prefer side sleeping than any other sleep position. If you are a side sleeper, the best mattress should provide adequate cushioning and support in order to promote even spinal alignment. That said, we've found that it's just as important to choose the proper pillow while sleeping in this position. Side sleepers generally need thicker pillows to fill the space beneath their head and neck. Pillows that are too thin do not provide enough cushioning, while excessively thick pillows can interfere with spinal alignment and lead to more pressure points.
what is the best pillow to buy for side sleepers
Our team came up with a list of the best pillows for side sleepers. These selections are based on our own product research and hands-on testing. We evaluate pillows using a detailed methodology that takes multiple factors into account. Key performance areas during these tests include shape retention, moldability, temperature control, and conforming. Our team also takes weight, firmness options, and ease of cleaning into account.
We provide an overview about each of our picks, covering features that set each pillow apart from the competition. Further down, we'll take a closer look at how pillows affect side sleeping and offer a few tips for choosing a pillow based on thickness, material composition, price, and other factors.
Most side sleepers feel comfortable using high-loft pillows because added thickness ensures adequate head and neck support. However, some who favor this position prefer low- to medium-loft instead. The Saatva Latex Pillow has an adjustable design that served all side sleepers on our test team regardless of their loft leanings.
The pillow contoured closely without buckling or sinking during our tests, while the outer chamber contains plush microdenier fibers that felt similar to natural down. The pillow has an 8-inch profile if you use the core and outer chamber, but you can also separate the two components to create less loft if that's what you prefer. Since latex has natural cooling properties, this model felt cool to even the hot sleepers on our team.
While the pillow was thick enough for most side and back sleepers on our team, the fill may flatten over time. Whenever this occurs, you can re-expand the shape by placing the pillow in any household dryer. The pillow felt soft and plush to our testers, thanks to the down alternative fill. The entire pillow is fully machine-washable, so cleaning is a quick and easy process. Simply wash on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.
The pillow is available in soft, medium, and firm models. The softer options catered to our stomach sleepers who enjoy a flatter pillow. Meanwhile, the firm model felt best to our side sleepers who need additional support to keep the head and neck aligned with the spine. Down tends to trap heat, but we found the breathable cover kept the pillow cool throughout testing. The pillow also feels quite moldable, making it a great option if you prefer to snuggle your pillow at night.
The pillow measures 4 inches thick, which we rate as medium loft. The side sleepers on our team enjoyed the loft because it provided excellent cushioning for the head and neck without sinking too deeply or feeling too tall. For many, this results in even spinal alignment. We found the pillow was highly moldable and snuggly, making it a good option for people who prefer cuddling with a pillow while they sleep. Our testers also enjoyed using the pillow beneath the legs or between the knees.
Luxome's LAYR Customizable Pillow has three core layers with distinct feels at an affordable price-point. You can remove or swap each layer with others to achieve the loft and firmness level that fits your needs or preferences. Our testing team found the pillow comfortable for most sleepers, regardless of sleep position or body weight.
The pillow cover felt cool to the touch when our testers lay their heads on the surface. Latex has natural cooling properties, so we found the pillow stayed quite temperature-neutral overall. The buoyancy of the latex also kept our heads from sinking too deep, which minimized the amount of heat trapped around the head and neck. The medium feel and 6-inch loft felt most comfortable to side sleepers, since it offered enough thickness to fill the gap between the head and shoulder. Back sleepers also enjoyed the pillow, especially those who prefer thicker pillows.
The pillow is sold in soft and firm options. Regardless of the firmness, our testers found the pillow has a fluffy feel that readily compresses when you lay your head on the surface. The softer model adapted more closely to the head while the firmer model had a little less give. Stomach sleepers found the softer model most comfortable, but our side sleepers preferred the firmer model. Back sleepers may enjoy either model, depending on their personal preferences. We found the pillow retained little heat due in large part to the breathable cover and fill material.
Many side sleepers feel comfortable on solid memory foam pillows because the material contours evenly to the head and neck, promoting even alignment and reducing pressure in the process. Brooklyn Bedding's Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow stands out from the competition thanks to two profile options, cooling features, and a relatively affordable sticker price.
We evaluated both of the Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow's designs during our hands-on tests. Most side sleepers on our team preferred the thicker 6-inch profile. The extra thickness ensures plenty of cushioning between the head and downward-facing shoulder, which is key for proper alignment. Some of our side sleepers didn't need as much loft, and found the lower 4.5-inch profile more comfortable. The same held true for our back sleepers, though back sleepers who snore heavily should consider the thicker model.
Our expert team includes product testers and researchers who bring years of experience to our guides and reviews. We also cover a wide range of body types and sleep positions to ensure every type of sleeper is represented. To select the best pillows for side sleepers, we heavily relied on feedback from testers who exclusively or primarily use the side position. However, we also sought input from back, stomach, and combination sleepers to make our recommendations as comprehensive as possible.
Our hands-on testing process involves each person lying on the pillow for several minutes to evaluate support, pressure relief, and other qualities. While these particular evaluations focused on side sleeping, we asked the testers to change positions to see if the pillow felt more or less comfortable. The top picks listed above reflect pillows that earned the most favorable ratings during these tests.
Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position among U.S. adults. This position has a few advantages over back or stomach sleeping. For one, side sleeping can minimize snoring because it keeps your airway open; back sleepers snore more often because the tongue falls back into the throat, creating an obstruction for the airway. Side sleeping can be beneficial to people with sleep apnea and/or acid reflux for the same reason. If you're a pregnant woman, chances are you'll feel more comfortable on your side than you will in other sleep positions; a bolster pillow for the legs or knees can also provide comfort for pregnant sleepers.
The best pillow for side sleepers will provide adequate cushioning to support the head and neck. Our testing shows that pillows that either sink too deeply or feel too thick can interfere with spinal alignment, and neck and shoulder aches typically occur as a result. In determining the best pillow, you should look at several factors, including loft, firmness level, and material composition. In the next few sections, we'll discuss how side sleepers can find a pillow that will work for them.
In your research for a pillow that is compatible with side sleeping, you'll no doubt come across pillow manufacturers who claim their products are suitable for all sleep positions, or that their pillows' construction and materials offer universal comfort for all sleepers regardless of body type or personal preference. These marketing claims are misleading. Each pillow is uniquely designed to provide a distinct feel. Given the demands of different sleep positions, any pillow you select will be better suited to some sleepers and less so for others.
Based on our hands-on tests, we've noticed that the best pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, buckwheat hulls, and other components that offer sufficient support without feeling too firm. However, the amount of comfort a pillow offers side sleepers depends on a few other factors. The most common pillow materials are outlined below.
The most popular pillow sizes are standard, queen, and king. However, some manufacturers offer additional sizes to accommodate sleepers with different preferences. The following table lists facts and figures for the five most common pillow sizes. For the dimensions column, please note these are average measurements that will differ from brand to brand.
Choose the Right Mattress: The best mattress for side sleepers will provide ample cushioning to the shoulders and hips in order to align the spine and alleviate pressure in different areas. Most side sleepers on our test team prefer mattresses with softer feels that conform closely to the body without sinking too much beneath their heavier areas. Use a Pillow Between the Knees: A pillow between the knees can also improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure in the lower back and hips. Pillows filled with down/feathers, shredded foam, and other moldable materials tend to be most comfortable. You may also find more comfort and pressure relief by placing the pillow beneath your legs. Invest in a Mattress Topper: A topper is a single layer of cushioning material placed on top of your mattress. Toppers can measure up to 4 inches thick, so using one can make your mattress feel significantly softer or firmer. For side sleepers, the right topper can mean closer conforming, better spinal alignment, and less pressure. 041b061a72