15 best pillows for side sleepers 2024, tried and tested for a restful night's sleep

Specifications:

• Best for - Back sleepers and side sleepers.
• Pros - Breathable mesh layer, carbon-neutral, eco-friendly, Simba Stratos for temp regulation.
• Cons - Only available in one size, though the loft is adjustable.
• Made from - Cotton, GRS certified polyester, Patented titanium Aerocoil® spring layer and Simba Pure foam (Polyurethane).
• Size - ‎45cm x 70cm x 50cm.
• Firmness - Your choice with adjustable inner pillows to suit your sleeping position/required support depending on any pressure points etc.
• Tested by - Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.

Simba's hybrid pillow caters perfectly to couples with varying sleep preferences, allowing them to customise both height and firmness according to their individual sleeping style. Simply unzip the casing and remove "open-cell" foam "nanocubes" to customise the pillow's support level to your preference.

Engineered with temperature control and a breathable structure, the pillow uses Stratos technology on one side of the cover to create a fabric that is cool to the touch but also wicks away excess heat, keeping you cool and dry at the same time.

Having already switched to a firmer mattress to help with my back pain, I was longing for a firm pillow to help alleviate my neck pain – and long story short, I genuinely have no idea how I've gone so long without one. Since switching to this pillow, my neck pain has eased, which is something I've struggled with for years. While the price is steep, Simba's B Corp registration assures both comfort and sustainability, making it a worthwhile investment in my opinion.

Save money on pillows with low and high loft and down alternative pillows with these Simba Sleep discount codes.

Specifications:

• Best for - Those after a cruelty-free pillow which suits side sleepers of all ages (children included).
• Pros - Helps sleep in the correct position, helps with back ache and feels really supportive.
• Cons - Nothing to note. We were thoroughly impressed.
• Made from - Cover is made from microfibre 100g/m3 made of 100% polyester with a soft touch finish. Filling is made from siliconised micro elastic fibre 100% polyester.
• Firmness - Soft/Medium.
• Size - ‎70 x 50cm.
• Tested by - Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.

If you're struggling with where to start, this super-fluffy pillow for side sleepers is a great all-rounder. I always sleep on my side and I found the Emma Premium Microfibre to be the perfect marriage between fluffiness and ample support. It's aimed to be comfortable for both children and adults, is hypoallergenic and is often reduced in price.

It comes neatly rolled in a small box, and upon removing the packaging, explodes into the fluffiest and most luxurious pillow. It's made of four layers, two of which are removable. Why? It ensures the pillow suits not only side sleepers, but front sleepers and back sleepers, too. Since we were reviewing for side sleepers specifically, we kept all the layers in the pillow as recommended.

The top is an airy and breathable cover made from 100% luxurious micro-elastic materials (the navy piping ensures it looks chic even without the addition of your silk pillowcase), while the second is a soft and supportive Aerosoft microfiber filling. Under this, the inner layers are also made of this same Aerosoft microfibre, but they’re thinner, so that you can adjust the height and firmness of the pillow to your exact liking. The pillow felt supportive, kept its shape, felt lightweight and dried really quickly after washing.

Specifications:

• Best for - Buyers with a more modest budget.
• Pros - Budget-friendly, comes in various sizes and firmness levels.
• Cons - Not machine washable. Brand suggests shaking daily for fullness.
• Made from - 90% duck feather, 10% duck down in a cotton percale casing.
• Size - Standard - 50cm x 75cm or super king - 50cm x 90cm.
• Firmness - Your choice of soft, medium or firm.
• Tested by - Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.

I love a firm pillow, for extra support of my neck when I'm sleeping on my side (which I pretty much always do). These pillows from DUSK have been a dream. I ordered a pair which arrived vacuum-packed – though they quickly retained their cloud-like shape within minutes of me opening them.

If you crave that ‘sinking’ head-on-pillow feeling every time you get into bed, then this DUSK pillow for side sleepers not only comes as a pair but is available in soft, medium and firm support levels to cater to your individual sleeping preferences.

Filled with 90% duck feather and 10% duck down, each pillow is encased in 100% cotton percale for a luxuriously soft feel. Available in standard or super king sizes, catering to both typical and larger bed frames, these pillows are also among the most budget-friendly options in our edit.

My previous pillow had been a little softer, so I woke up with a slightly sore neck after nights one and two, but as I got used to my new buys, the problem quickly passed. I'm such a fan and plan on sleeping on them for the foreseeable.

Specifications:

• Best for - Buyers on the hunt for an adjustable pillow for all types of sleepers.
• Pros - Neck pain relief, adjustable support.
• Cons - Nothing of note!
• Made from - Cover from 100% recycled polyester infused with 40% of Copper and 100% Graphene Shredded Memory foam.
• Size - 50 x 70cm.
• Firmness - Soft to medium-firm.

From the Stella to the Eclipse pillow, we're big fans of Brightr pillows here at GLAMOUR and, apparently, so are you. You've been stocking up on the very best Brightr pillows over on our best pillows for neck pain round up, and we don't blame you. Cooling copper, temperature-regulating graphene memory foam – we're sold.

With its innovative 2-layer design, this pillow allows you to tailor the support to your ideal sleep position by easily adding or removing filling to suit your preference. Enhanced with Copperclean™ Technology, the fabric incorporates tiny copper particles aimed at actively inhibiting bacteria growth, fostering a healthier sleeping environment – ideal for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin.

Crafted most specifically to alleviate neck and upper back pain, reduce stiffness, and mitigate tension headaches, it features a two-layer adjustable design ensuring optimal neck support for any sleep position. Plus, if you're a side sleeper with a preference for firm support, simply opt for three inner layers rather than one or two.

Specifications:

• Best for - Busy buyers who don't have time to drop pillows off at a professional cleaner.
• Pros - Machine washable and suitable for tumble drying. Includes a two-year guarantee.
• Cons - No breathability or cooling gel for hot sleepers.
• Made from - 100% microfibre cover with a filling made from 100% hollowfibre polyester.
• Size - 69cm x 46cm.
• Firmness - Medium-firm.

A surprisingly eco-friendly pick, with it being manufactured in the UK and free from animal products (unlike feather pillows), this Silentnight side sleeper pillow is both a top budget pick and a popular choice on the review front, too.

It has been specifically designed to provide comprehensive support for side sleepers, distributing weight evenly as you sleep. Its hollow fibre filling offers a comfy and supportive feel, while the soft touch microfibre cover is hypoallergenic and breathable. For added convenience, the entire pillow is machine washable and tumble dryer friendly, ensuring it stays in pristine condition for as long as possible.

Save money on pillows with an ergonomic design for side sleepers with these Habitat discount codes.

Specifications:

• Best for - Buyers who are after a cooling pillow.
• Pros - A top pick for customisation, you can customise the height of this pillow by removing any excess filling.
• Cons - If you decide to remove any foam, you will need to find somewhere to store the filling.
• Made from - ‎Shredded cooling memory foam fill.
• Size - ‎50cm x 75cm.
• Firmness - Medium-firm support.

Crafted from shredded cooling memory foam, Ayela's medium-firm support pillow is 100% adjustable as you can top up or remove the filling at home to adjust its plumpness. It's ideal for those who tend to run hot at night thanks to the cooling, gel-infused memory foam filling that moulds to your head and neck as you sleep.

The innovative shredded memory foam helps alleviate pressure points, promoting healthy joint alignment for effective relief from neck pain, headaches, and shoulder discomfort, as it supports proper spine alignment according to the brand. Pair with Aeyla’s weighted blanket for the ultimate ticket to improved sleep.

Specifications:

• Best for - Neck pain.
• Pros - There’s a 30-day money back guarantee if you haven't found a suitable level of firmness that suits you.
• Cons - Noting of note!
• Made from - ‎100% recyclable shredded microfibre memory foam with a 100% cotton and CLOUDpad™ removable lining.
• Size - ‎Standard pillow - 48cm x 74cm or king size - 48cm x 89cm.
• Firmness - Adjustable.
• Tested by - Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director.

I'm very particular when it comes to my pillows; I can't stand anything too firm (people who enjoy hard pillows terrify me) or too soft and unsupportive. So I recently opted for the Kuddly Dream Pillow which is adjustable (no, I didn't know that was a thing either).

Each pillow is stuffed with shredded hypoallergenic microfibre memory foam – this stuff literally feels like touching clouds – and you adjust the amount depending on how soft or firm you want the pillow (it comes with a storage bag for excess filling).

Crafted from OEKO-TEX certified materials, it's enclosed in a incredibly smooth cotton cover and feels super comfortable whether I'm sleeping on my back or side, so I'd highly recommend if you're a picky pillow person like me.

Specifications:

• Best for - Optimal firm support.
• Pros - Uses open-cell foam for better airflow, preventing overheating and improving sleep comfort.
• Cons - Nothing of note!
• Made from - ‎98% polyester and 2% elastane.
• Size - 70 x 40cm.
• Firmness - Firm.

The Emma Original Pillow is designed to cater to the needs of every type of sleeper. It cradles your face with its gel memory foam layer, while providing essential support for your neck as you gently ‘sink in’. Enhanced airflow through its open cell foam promotes uninterrupted rest, complemented by a moisture-resistant cover that's conveniently machine washable.

Its versatility shines through, offering the option to customise with ease – whether it's flipping to reveal the Airgocell layer for enhanced breathability or adjusting thickness and softness by removing layers. For side sleepers, it's recommended that you keep all three layers intact for maximum support.

Specifications:

• Best for - Shoppers seeking a budget-friendly pillow with good support.
• Pros - It's very comfortable for the cost.
• Cons - Reviewers mention it slightly loses its shape with long-term use.
• Made from - Recycled polyester.
• Size - ‎64cm x 38cm.
• Firmness - Firm.

One of the most affordable options in our edit, Snuggledown's side sleeper pillow offers excellent value for those seeking firm support with a slightly fuller feel. It features a deep box wall construction, which provides ample neck and shoulder support, which is particularly beneficial for side sleepers, as it helps maintain proper spine and neck alignment, thereby preventing unnecessary stiffness and discomfort.

The pillow is filled with a soft clusterfibre filling that is hypoallergenic, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers. Encased in a luxurious 230 thread count cotton cover, it feels silky smooth even without an additional pillowcase. You don't have to worry about any accidental spills or stains either as it's machine-washable as an extra bonus.

Specifications:

• Best for - Hot sleepers.
• Pros - Temperature regulating, supportive and comes with a 5 year-guarantee.
• Cons - None here!
• Made from - Filling: Visco elastic polyurethane foam with gel powders. Cover: 40% Lyocell from Tencel, 60% polyester.
• Size - 64 x 40 x 12cm.
• Firmness - Firm.
• Tested by - Lian Brooks, Audience Development Manager.

REM-Fit's Cool Gel Pillow adapts to your movements, keeping you as comfortable as possible all night long. It features gel-infused memory foam to regulate heat and has Re-Ax® fibres that wick sweat away from the body, ensuring a cool and dry sleep environment. It's suitable for all sleeping styles, including side, back, and front sleepers, and works effectively with all types of mattresses to support proper alignment while you sleep.

It lived up to expectations during our home test, too. As a side sleeper, I like a pillow that's firm yet soft and plush. After trying this pillow for 30 days, it definitely met my expectations. One pillow gave the ideal amount of head support, with the memory foam offering the perfect give without feeling like I was drowning in it. I also found myself consciously noticing the cooling effect and found it easier to sleep, even on warmer nights. I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for one of the best cooling pillows to keep cool this summer.

Specifications:

• Best for - A hypoallergenic pillow that provides head and neck support.
• Pros - Relieves pressure, breathable, ideal for side sleepers.
• Cons - None here!
• Made from - Memory foam center wrapped in anti-allergy hollowfibre, encased in another layer of memory foam for plush comfort.
• Size - ‎50 x 75cm.
• Firmness - Firm.
• Tested by - Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.

This hybrid pillow caters specifically to side sleepers, featuring a generously deep-profiled design crafted with memory foam and airy anti-allergy hollowfibre for optimal head and neck support. The pillow comprises a memory foam centre encased in anti-allergy hollowfibre, further enveloped by an additional layer of memory foam, providing the cushiony comfort necessary for a restful sleep.

Enhanced with a nifty honeycomb design allowing air circulation, complemented by air mesh borders and a breathable cotton quilted cover, it ensures breathability throughout the night so you can wake up feeling refreshed come morning. I've slept on a pair of these pillows for well over a month now, and I found them to be supportive and comfortable while sleeping on my side and back.

The pillows are definitely on the firmer side, which has been ideal for supporting my head and neck while I sleep, and thanks to the breathable memory foam outer layer, I didn't overheat once while using them. The brand is confident in the durability of its pillows, offering a generous 2-year guarantee to demonstrate their quality over time.