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What the best side sleepers pillows have in common
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Want what everyone is buying this week? These open Amazon's live lists, which update every hour. Popular isn't always best, so check the loft and fill against your quiz result.
Which fill?
| Fill | Feel | Firmness | Warmth | Adjustable | Price | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded foam | Supportive but mouldable. Unzip it and take fill out until the height is right. | Medium | Average | Yes | $$ | 2 to 3 years |
| Memory foam | Slow sink that holds its shape all night. Often comes as a contoured (cervical) shape. | Medium-firm | Warm | No | $$ | 2 to 3 years |
| Latex | Springy and supportive, pushes back quickly so it is easy to turn over. Stays cooler than memory foam. | Medium-firm | Cool | No | $$$ | 3 to 4 years |
| Down | Soft, light and squishy. Lovely for stomach sleepers, too flat for most side sleepers. | Soft | Average | Yes | $$$ | 3 to 5 years with fluffing |
| Down alternative | Soft like down, cheap and washable, but goes flat sooner. | Medium-soft | Average | No | $ | 1 to 2 years |
| Feather | Mouldable and cheap, needs plumping, and the odd quill pokes through. | Medium-soft | Cool | Yes | $ | 1 to 2 years |
| Buckwheat | Firm, heavy and very cool. It rustles when you move, which some people love and others hate. | Firm | Cool | Yes | $$ | 5 to 10 years |
Questions side sleepers ask
What pillow height do side sleepers need?
Most side sleepers need 8 to 17 cm (3 to 6.5 in) when the pillow is squashed under the head. Measure from the base of your neck to the edge of your shoulder: that is roughly the gap to fill. Use our loft calculator.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Yes, if it is high enough. Solid memory foam holds its height all night but sleeps warm. Shredded memory foam lets you add or remove fill, which makes it easier to get the height right.
Should side sleepers use a soft or firm pillow?
Medium-firm to firm. A soft pillow squashes down under your head and lets your neck bend sideways. If you like a soft feel, choose a high-loft pillow with a softer top layer.
Why does my shoulder hurt when I sleep on my side?
Often because the pillow is too low, so more of your weight rests on the shoulder, or because the mattress is too firm for side sleeping. A higher pillow and a body pillow to hug can help. Shoulder pain that lasts needs a doctor or physiotherapist.
How we pick. We match product specs to you using published sleep and physiotherapy guidance. We have not lab-tested individual products and never invent reviews. Not medical advice: for ongoing pain, see a doctor or physiotherapist. We may earn a commission from shop links. Details