9 best pillows for side sleepers 2026, reviewed for comfort, support & durability
As a fully committed side sleeper, I’ve learned that hunting for the best pillows for side sleepers is a never-ending cycle of trial and error – too flat, too firm, oddly shaped, you name it. I’ve lost count of how many pillows promised comfort only to leave me waking up with a stiff neck or a cranky shoulder that sticks around all morning. Side sleeping feels instinctive, but it’s surprisingly fussy, and the wrong pillow throws everything out of line. Just like choosing the best mattress for side sleepers, in a pillow, you need proper firm support to keep your spine happy and your head at the right angle – no mean feat when every brand claims to have cracked the code.
In my experience, a memory foam pillow offers the kind of sculpted comfort that actually makes sense for side sleeping, while a latex pillow brings bounce and solid durability. Down pillows are undeniably plush (especially goose down or down alternative), but I’m all for something machine washable – because frankly, if you can’t chuck it in the wash, it’s already lost points.
If you’re a hot sleeper in bed, you can skip the sweaty nights and go breathable – a cooling pillow or hollowfibre fill with good airflow makes all the difference. And if you’re indecisive, an adjustable pillow lets you fine-tune the pillow height until your sleep position finally feels balanced.
Add in a silk pillowcase, plump your duvet, and you’re as close as it gets to that boutique-hotel level of sleep. Whether you’re after a luxury pillow that feels indulgent or an anti-allergy, washable one that just gets the job done, our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers will help you find the one that actually earns its spot on the bed. Sweet dreams!
- My full reviews.
- How I tested
- Why you should trust me
- How the best pillows for side sleepers compare
- More pillows for side sleepers the Glamour team is currently testing
- Why do side sleepers need a different type of pillow
- Are soft or firm pillows better for side sleepers?
- How to find your perfect pillow height
- What else should you consider?
How I tested
I’ve spent countless weeks testing pillows – swapping, squishing, and side-snoozing my way through memory foam, down pillows, latex pillows, and everything in between. Each one had to survive my full bedtime routine: a bit of reading, a few dramatic position changes, and the occasional middle-of-the-night flop onto the other side.
I judged based on support, pillow height, and how well they handled temperature regulation (I’m a hot sleeper, so that part’s non-negotiable). Bonus points for anything machine washable, still plump after a week, and able to handle a post-blow-dry nap without turning into a pancake. Find out more about how we test.
Why you should trust me
I’ve been writing about interiors for the past five years, spending much of that time reviewing sleep essentials like mattresses, duvets, and pillows. I’ve tried the mattress for back pain that promised miracles, the winter duvet that turned out to be useless, and everything that claimed to be the perfect pillow for side sleeping. As part of my job, I regularly attend press days, interview experts, and comb through hundreds of customer reviews to find you the best homeware buys.
As sleep is so subjective and everyone has different preferences, I’ve enlisted the Glamour team to help review a selection of pillows for this guide. Each tester has noted pros and cons, plus key details such as cost, materials and sustainability before giving a final score out of 10. Basically, we’ve done the hard (and sleepy) work so you don’t have to – all to find the best pillows for side sleepers that actually deliver on their promises.
After more sleep content? Shop the best pillows, best pillows for neck pain, and the best cool pillows. For more from Glamour UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
Ahead, shop Glamour's edit of the best pillows for side sleepers, reviewed.
Specifications:
- Best for - Side and front sleepers.
- Made from - Simba Renew Bio™ down-like clusters of breathable filler with a ‘Better’ cotton cover with Stratos® heat control technology to prevent overheating.
- Size - 50cm x 75cm.
- Firmness - The brand describes it as ‘soft and down-like’.
- Tested by - Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
Mayola's review: One of the most sought-after offerings from Simba, this Stratos pillow is filled with a recycled/biodegradable filler, unlike its hybrid shredded foam model. As such, it's softer and more of a competitor for the best down pillows and it's actually been so popular off the mark that it's almost always sold out. That said, it's available right now so we wouldn't wait around knowing just how often we spot this product out of stock.
The AeroDown pillow's fibre fill provides a soft, downy feel, offering cushioning and support without sinking too deeply. As for the cover, it's made from responsibly-sourced cotton, and on one side is Simba's temperature-regulating Stratos technology that keeps me cool at all times – a real bonus seeing as I run hot at night regardless of the time of year.
The cover is non-removable, so using a pillowcase is key to adding an extra layer of protection, ensuring the pillow remains shielded from wear and tear. Fortunately, though, the entire pillow is designed to withstand machine washing and tumble drying, allowing you to maintain its condition with each wash.
Save money on everything from the best mattresses with trial periods to the best pillowcase inserts with these Simba discount codes.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Brand offers 100% carbon-neutral free delivery.
- Pillow is easy to machine wash and tumble dry at home.
- Comes with a free, reusable storage bag.
Cons- It's often out stock due to popular demand so it's hard to get your hands on this pillow year-round!
- Captured by Luca Wetherby-Matthews (@lucawetherbym) at Airbnb.
Specifications:
- Best for - Those after a cruelty-free pillow which suits side sleepers of all ages (children included).
- Made from - Outer microfibre cover is made from 100% polyester with a soft touch finish. Filling is made from siliconised hollow fibre 100% polyester.
- Size - 70 x 50 cm.
- Firmness - Soft.
- Tested by - Ali Howard, Freelance Writer.
Ali's review: The Emma Premium Cloud Pillow is a fluffy down-alternative cushion with an adjustable height and firmness. Suitable for all sleeping positions – though especially great for side sleepers – it has a smooth, silky feel.
Despite being a soft pillow, the microfibre filling offers the right amount of ‘bounce’ while still feeling supportive. It is also adjustable (which I had no idea was a thing), so if it’s too soft/firm for you, just unzip, remove or add a layer, and you instantly have yourself something more suited – genius!
It's filled with Emma's AeroSoft filling, which the brand describes as fluffy and breathable. This filling is made from siliconised micro elastic fibre – so essentially 100% polyester – which ensures it doesn't feel wiry or clumpy to sleep on. Inside, you'll find two inserts that can be added or removed, allowing you to customise the height and firmness to your liking.
If you have allergies, it's a great down-alternative anti-allergy pillow to consider. Its removable cover is machine washable at 40°C, which is the perfect temperature to kill off dust mites. It also comes with a 30-night trial, so if it doesn't live up to your expectations, you can try it out before you commit.
Save when you shop for the best pillows for side sleepers with these Emma mattress discount codes.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- There's seven ways to customise the pillow by flipping it or taking out layers to change its firmness and height.
- Outlast thermal layer for a cool-to-the-touch sensation.
- Machine-washable cover for easy care.
Cons- Nothing to note.
REM-Fit 400 Memory Foam Crumbed Pillow
Specifications:
- Best for - Correcting spine alignment and providing supportive pressure relief.
- Made from - Filling - memory foam, outer cover - polyester, inner cover - polyester, cotton.
- Size - 50 x 40 x 12cm.
- Firmness - Medium-firm.
- Tested by - Hattie Cotmore, Freelance Writer.
Hattie's review: Cleverly designed to regulate body temperature, REM-Fit's memory foam pillow is made with cooling Re-ax® fibres, so you can forget overheating and icky night-time sweats. It works by absorbing body heat and redistributing it away from the pillow, ensuring you remain at optimal temperature as you sleep.
The pillows are designed to work with all types of mattresses, from memory foam to pocket sprung, providing support for the head, neck, and shoulders. Add to that the pillows ability to aid correct spinal alignment and pressure-relieving properties and you have perfectly cool comfort all-round, guaranteeing a good night's sleep.
I’d rate this pillow as medium-firm — it has just the right amount of give, but it’s firm enough to keep my head supported throughout the night. After using it every night for the past six months, it’s held its shape really well. I like that there’s an option to buy two as a pair for a slightly lower cost, especially since many other brands we've tested don’t provide that choice.
The only downside I’ve noticed is that it’s slightly larger than a standard pillow, so you might need to invest a bigger pillowcase to fit it comfortably.
OUR RATING: 10/10Pros & ConsPros- Pulls sweat away from the body, perfect for any sleeping style.
- Offers exceptional pressure relief.
- 5-year guarantee.
Cons- None here!
TEMPUR Prima® SmartCool™ Pillow
Specifications:
- Best for - Night sweats.
- Made from - Fill: Tempur Renew® Material. Casing: 51% polyester, 48% Polyethylene, 1% Elastane.
- Firmness - Medium.
- Size - Standard.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
Georgia's review: I'd never been one to believe in 'cooling' pillows, so, despite being a hot sleeper, I'd never thought to try one until recently. Tempur's Prima SmartCool pillow is genius, though, and I'm glad my mind's been changed because of it.
The pillow itself is crafted to the same high-tech as the brand's other memory foam offerings; providing supportive comfort all night and never going flat in one area and requiring frequent plumping (the bane of my life). And the cover is where I'm truly hooked. It's super soft and barely noticeable under bedding – although slight downside if you have white bedding, you will be able to the see it's blue stripe pattern slightly – and seems to absorb my body heat more than anything I've ever experienced.
You know that compliment 'I hope your pillow is always cold on both sides'? That's inevitable with this one. Sure it costs a little more upfront but the pay off is worth it. Not sure how I lived without it!
OUR RATING: 9/10Pros & ConsPros- Noticeably cooling.
- Adapts to your head, neck, and shoulders for support.
- Removable washable cover.
Cons- Design can be seen through white pillowcases.
- High price point.
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DUSK Pair Of Duck Feather & Down Pillows
Specifications:
- Best for - Buyers with a more modest budget.
- 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, Senior European Commerce Editor.
Sophie's review: 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.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Budget-friendly.
- Comes in various sizes and firmness levels.
Cons- Not machine washable.
- Brand suggests shaking daily for fullness.
Specifications:
- Best for - Those after a cruelty-free pillow which suits side sleepers of all ages (children included).
- 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, Senior European Commerce Editor.
Sophie's review: If you're struggling with where to start, this super-comfy pillow for side sleepers is a great all-rounder. I always sleep on my side and I found the Emma Original Foam to be the perfect marriage between sink-in comfort and ample support. It's aimed to be comfortable for both children and adults, is adjustable 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 three interchangeable foam 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 visco memory foam filling. Under this, is a layer of HRX Foam, the softest layer of them all. The pillow felt supportive, kept its shape, felt lightweight and the cover dried really quickly after washing.
OUR RATING: 7/10Pros & ConsPros- Helps sleep in the correct position, helps with back ache and feels really supportive.
Cons- None here. We were thoroughly impressed.
Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
Specifications:
- Best for - Buyers with allergies, much like a latex pillow.
- Made from - Bamboo memory foam in a soft bamboo mesh cover - all materials conform to Oeko-Tex standards.
- Size - 60cm x 40cm.
- Firmness - Soft.
- Tested by - Neamh Randall, Commerce Picture Editor.
Neamh's review: If you want to rest easy knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet, this pillow for side sleepers from Panda is a great eco-friendly choice, with the brand sourcing all bamboo materials from approved forests. Its supportive ‘third generation’ memory foam material is designed to stay supportive for ten years, after which it can be recycled as part of their ‘Panda Circle Of Life Programme’.
It is protected by a soft, breathable and ethically-sourced bamboo case that is naturally antibacterial – protecting the pillow against dust and dirt so it lasts. I personally used to hate memory foam as I never thought it was supportive enough for me but this pillow has changed my mind.
Previous memory-foam buyers will be familiar with the texture's signature smell, something that can be off putting and is, unfortunately present in the Panda pillow, though I can confirm it disappears completely after 48 hours.
There’s a 30-day trial period included, which is ideal if you’re not used to the feel of memory foam and need time to decide if it suits your sleeping style. At under £45, I think it's great value for a high-quality memory foam pillow.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and supportive.
- Includes a 30-night sleep trial.
Cons- 12cm loft pillow height is perhaps a little bit better for women/smaller buyers.
Specifications:
- Best for - Hot sleepers.
- Made from - Filling: Viscoelastic 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.
Lian's review: 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, including my high-performing mattress for side sleepers, to support proper alignment while I sleep.
As a side sleeper through and through, I like a pillow that's firm yet soft and plush. After trying this pillow for three months, 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, especially on warmer nights but now that it's winter it still feels comfortable to sleep on. I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for one of the best cooling pillows to keep sweat-free regardless of the time of year.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Temperature regulating.
- Supportive feel.
- Comes with a 5 year-guarantee.
Cons- Some people find the memory foam too dense or firm.
Specifications:
- Best for - Back sleepers and side sleepers.
- 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, Commerce Writer.
Denise's review: 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. As a side and occasional back sleeper, I needed something that keeps my neck aligned without being too firm or too soft. This pillow contours well, holds its shape through the night, and doesn't leave me waking up stiff like so many others have.
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.
OUR RATING: 8/10Pros & ConsPros- Breathable mesh layer.
- Carbon-neutral, eco-friendly.
- Simba Stratos for temp regulation.
Cons- Only available in one size, though the loft is adjustable.
Pillows for side sleepers FAQs
How do the best pillows for side sleepers compare? Our top 5:
| Pillow | Fill | Casing | Firmness | Adjustable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIMBA AeroDown Pillow | Simba Renew™ Bio fibre fill (recycled plastic bottle fibres) | 100% cotton cover with “Stratos® cool-touch” technology on one side | Soft to Medium | No |
| Emma Premium Cloud Pillow | Siliconised hollow-fibre (100% polyester) plus Outlast® cooling layer | Outer microfibre cover (100% polyester) | Medium-soft | Yes |
| REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow | Visco-elastic polyurethane foam with gel powders | Outer cover 40% Lyocell (Tencel), 60% polyester; inner cover 100% cotton | Medium-firm | No |
| Dusk Pair Of Duck Feather & Down Pillows | 90% duck feathers & 10% duck down | 100 % cotton percale | Soft, Medium and Firm options | No |
| Emma Original Foam Pillow | Three removable foam layers (gel memory foam + visco memory foam + HRX cold foam) | Cover made from 98% polyester and 2% elastane | Medium-firm | Yes |
More pillows for side sleepers the Glamour team is currently testing:
Simba Body Pillow
- Made from - Fill: 100% recycled-polyester Smartdown, Casing: 100% 280-thread count cotton percale
- Firmness - Medium or soft support.
- Size - Standard.
- Cool and breathable.
- Made with recycled materials. Multi-use design.
- Removable and washable cover.
- Quite pricey.
- Not as long as other full body pillows.
Meet the experts:
| Rosie Osmun | Sleep Science Coach at Sleep Junkie. |
| Anisha Joshi | Osteopath. |
Why do I need a different pillow if I'm a side sleeper?
“Your sleeping position dictates how thick your pillow needs to be – and the firmness level you need,” says Rosie Osmun, sleep science coach at sleep science platform Sleep Junkie. “Sleeping comfortably is all down to spine alignment.”
“Some can feel sore when their neck isn’t in a neutral position,” notes osteopath Anisha Joshi. “Being supported should ease any pain and help you to get a good night's sleep.”
Are soft or firm pillows better for side sleepers?
“Side sleepers require a firm pillow with a higher loft to keep their neck healthily in line with the rest of their body,” explains Rosie.
“Sleep specialists suggest the perfect loft for side sleeping is four to six inches.” Additionally, she notes that contoured pillows are often recommended for this sleeping position because they have two edges that allow you to pick which side fits your neck most comfortably, and memory foam tends to be a good material for support as well as keeping the neck aligned.
How to find your perfect pillow height
Here’s the secret: pillow height matters more than price tags and fancy names. If you’re broad-shouldered, go higher; if you’re more petite, a lower loft usually feels better. Most adjustable pillows let you remove or add filling to fine-tune that balance – a small tweak that can completely change how your sleep position feels.
If you wake up with shoulder pain or a stiff neck, chances are your pillow’s too thin. Go for something labelled firm support or medium-firm, and don’t be afraid to mix it up – layering a body pillow or smaller cushion underneath can make all the difference for proper alignment.
What else should I consider when buying a pillow for side sleeping?
A good test, suggests Anisha, is to zone in on how well a pillow keeps you in position once you’re lying down. “If you get a pillow that places you in a position that’s comfortable, then it will help your muscles relax,” she explains. “You should consider what positions cause your neck to feel any pain or discomfort when standing, and ensure that your pillow is working to counteract this.” Anything else? Rosie adds: “You can also place pillows between or beneath your knees to reinforce healthy spinal alignment.”
