Best Memory Foam Pillows for Side Sleepers

Your body has to completely relax for you to get the deep, restful sleep you need. However, you won’t be able to do that if you’ve got neck pain or discomfort. A high-quality pillow is an integral part of your ability to fall and stay asleep.

Side sleepers need a pillow that cushions and supports the head and neck. At the same time, it should be comfortable and adaptable if the sleeper changes positions. We’ve created a list of the best memory foam pillows for side sleepers along with a pillow shopping guide to give you an overview of your options and what to look for in a comfortable pillow.

Pillow Fill Types to Consider

A pillow fill makes a big difference in how it holds its shape and supports your head. We’ll cover the five basic fills along with how they affect side sleepers.

Memory Foam

Memory foam changes shape based on heat and pressure, making it an ideal material for pillows. The longer it’s exposed to your body heat, the deeper its cushioning becomes. That allows it to fill the gap between your mattress, head, and neck with a customized fit.

Memory foam pillows may have a solid, shredded, or contoured design. Solid memory foam pillows have a single piece of memory foam that’s shaped like a standard memory foam pillow. Curved sides allow this type of pillow to comfortably fit into the curve of the neck.

Shredded memory foam allows you to adjust the shape, and sometimes the loft of the pillow according to your needs. They’re a great option for combo sleepers who spend a considerable amount of time on their side. Many shredded memory foam pillows are also adjustable, which means you can remove or add fill as needed. On the downside, they can be lumpy.

Contoured memory foam pillows have an ergonomic shape designed to better fit the head and neck. They may have a high and low side to give you some extra loft options, while others have only a single loft. Some models include a removable layer for some adjustability.

Memory foam is naturally hypoallergenic, resisting dust, dust mites, and other common allergens. However, memory foam can trap heat. Consequently, memory foam pillows often have cooling techniques and features like air channels, gel, or larger than average open-cell structures to dissipate heat and/or enhance airflow.

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