Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
I am a side sleeper with back pain. I was in confusion when selecting a good pillow!
Thicker pillows are necessary for side sleepers. It helps to fill the area beneath their head and neck. A thin cushion may cause you to wake up in pain. On the other hand, an excessively thick pillow may result in additional pressure points.
Following in-depth product research, I have selected the one that fits me the best. Today, I will help you with a list of the top pillows for side sleepers.
If you are a side sleeper with back pain, I can’t wait to share the list of pillows with you! Select the right one for a pain-free sleep. Keep reading!
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- Purple Harmony™ Pillow– Best Latex Pillow
- Avocado Green Pillow– Best Adjustable Organic Bed Pillow
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow– Best for Neck Pain
- Saatva Latex Pillow– Best Overall
- Helix Shredded Memory Foam Pillow– Best Temperature-Regulating
5 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- Purple Harmony™ Pillow
Pillow Size: Standard/King
Warranty: 1 Year
Trial: 100 Night
Shipping: Free
Features
- Combines Honeycomb GelFlex® Grid and Talalay Latex provide a balanced feel.
- Temperature-balancing GelFlex® Grid, aerated Talalay Latex, and moisture-wicking mesh cover for breathability.
- Ultra-durable and long-lasting materials maintain shape and responsiveness.
- Honeycomb GelFlex® Grid provides cooling airflow and pressure relief.
- Hypoallergenic ventilated latex core offers support and breathability.
- Avocado Green Pillow
Pillow Size: Standard/Queen/King
Warranty: 1 Year
Trial: 100 Night
Shipping: Free
Features
- This pillow for side sleeper is made with GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok fiber for an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic sleep experience.
- Allows you to customize the pillow’s height by adding or removing fill to find your perfect comfort level.
- The combination of latex and kapok promotes airflow, helping to regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
- Offers good support for your head, neck, and shoulders, thanks to the combination of latex and kapok.
- The GOTS-certified organic cotton cover is removable and machine-washable for easy care.
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Pillow Size: Queen/King
Warranty: 10 Year
Trial: 120 Night
Shipping: Free
Features
- Made with 100% natural latex for a cool and healthy sleep.
- Seven times more breathable than other latex foams, promoting airflow and cooling.
- Naturally resistant to allergens, dust mites, and mold.
- Offers good support and cradles the head and neck.
- Made with sustainable and biodegradable TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers.
- Saatva Latex Pillow
Pillow Size: Queen/King
Warranty: 1 Year
Trial: 45 Days
Shipping: Free
Features
- Provides responsive head and neck support, pressure relief, and breathability.
- Made with organic cotton and filled with down-like microdenier fibers.
- Standard (5″) for back and stomach sleepers, and high (6-7″) for side and combination sleepers.
- Machine washable for easy care.
- Suitable for allergy sufferers.
- Helix Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Pillow Size: Standard/King
Warranty: 1 Year
Trial: 100 Night
Shipping: Free
Features
- Offers customizable support and comfort by allowing you to adjust the pillow’s loft.
- This pillow for a side sleeper helps regulate temperature for a cooler sleep.
- Easy to keep clean and fresh.
- Suitable for allergy sufferers.
- A combination of Memory Foam and Gel Polyester Foam ensures optimal comfort and durability.
- TENCEL™ Fiber Cover offers breathability, moisture-wicking, and a soft feel.
- Adjustable Loft allows you to customize the pillow’s height for your preferred sleep position.
When I choose the best pillow for side sleepers, there are several factors to consider. Based on my experience, here’s a rundown of what you should keep in mind:
Factors To Choose The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
1. Loft and Thickness
- For side sleepers, a pillow with a medium to high loft is suitable.
- This helps keep your neck and spine aligned properly.
- If the pillow is too flat, it can cause your head to tilt downward. This may lead to neck pain.
- Conversely, if it’s too thick, it might push your head up too high, causing strain.
2. Firmness Level
- The firmness of the pillow should complement the loft.
- A medium-firm pillow is often recommended for side sleepers as it provides enough support without being overly rigid.
- The right firmness helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure on the shoulders and neck.
3. Material and Fill
- The material of the pillow affects both comfort and support.
- Memory foam, latex, and hybrid pillows are popular choices.
- Memory foam conforms to the shape of your head and neck, providing personalized support.
- Latex pillows are firmer and offer good support with a bit of bounce.
- Hybrid options combine different materials to balance support and comfort.
4. Adjustability
- Some pillows offer adjustable lofts and firmness levels.
- This can be particularly useful if you’re not sure what works best for you.
- With adjustable pillows, you can customize the height and firmness to match your personal preferences and sleeping style.
5. Cooling Features
- If you tend to get hot while you sleep, consider a pillow with cooling features.
- Many pillows for side sleepers come with cooling gel or breathable materials.
- This helps regulate temperature and keep you comfortable throughout the night.
6. Shape and Contour
- Contoured pillows are designed to fit the natural curve of your neck and head, offering additional support.
- These can be beneficial for side sleepers as they help maintain proper alignment.
- Alternatively, a standard pillow with sufficient loft can also be effective if it suits your preference.
7. Allergies and Sensitivities
- If you have allergies or sensitivities, choose hypoallergenic materials.
- Many pillows are made with materials that resist allergens, dust mites, and mold.
- This can be particularly helpful if you have sensitivities.
8. Durability and Maintenance
- Consider how easy the pillow is to clean and its overall durability.
- Some pillows come with removable, washable covers, which can be a big plus.
- Durability is also important as you want a pillow that will maintain its shape and support over time.
In my experience, finding the right pillow often involves a bit of trial and error. Explore more options to enhance your comfort and support. You might have come across orthopedic pillows!
If you are a side sleeper, get relief from chronic pain! Let us discuss why orthopedic pillows are good for side sleepers!
Are Orthopedic Pillows for Side Sleepers Good?
Orthopedic pillows are specially designed to support the body’s natural alignment. They often feature contoured shapes for orthopedic needs.
These pillows provide support for the neck, shoulders, and spine. It potentially reduces discomfort. It enhances sleep quality.
Orthopedic pillows for side sleepers help maintain proper spinal alignment. It fills the gap between your head and the mattress. This alignment can prevent the neck from bending.
Orthopedic pillows can distribute pressure more evenly. This reduces pressure points on the shoulders and neck. It is particularly beneficial for side sleepers who might experience discomfort in these areas.
Many orthopedic pillows have a contoured shape that fits the natural curve of your neck. This design helps ensure that your head and neck are properly supported. Some orthopedic pillows come with adjustable lofts. It allows you to customize the height and firmness to suit your specific needs.
Common materials include memory foam, latex, and gel-infused options. Memory foam conforms to your body’s shape. Latex provides firmer support and durability. Gel-infused pillows offer cooling properties.
Orthopedic pillows may require an adjustment period. Your body adapts to the new support. During this time, you might experience some discomfort.
Smart Take!
To provide good comfort, best pillow for side sleepers with back pain requires taking into account. A well-chosen pillow can ease pain. It lessens pressure points, and correct your spine. As we’ve seen, the best pillows have right amount of loft and firmness.
Remember that the objective is to improve your entire sleep environment. If you are having trouble making a decision, take a look at the five best pillows for side sleepers with back pain.
Looking for a suitable mattress for side sleepers with back pain? Visit us!
FAQs on Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- What pillows do chiropractors suggest for side sleepers?
Chiropractors often recommend that side sleepers with neck pain. It uses a firm pillow with enough height to keep the head aligned with the spine. If you prefer the softness of traditional pillows, you may need to stack them to achieve the proper height.
- What type of pillow is ideal for relieving lower back pain?
Memory foam pillows and specially designed lower body pillows are excellent for reducing muscle strain by alleviating pressure on your body. This leads to a more comfortable sleep and a pain-free start to your day.
- What’s the best pillow firmness for side sleepers?
Side sleepers should opt for a medium to soft pillow. This level of firmness allows the head, neck, and shoulders to gently sink into the pillow while maintaining proper alignment of the head and spine. Ideal fill materials for this balance include memory foam, down, and down alternatives.
- What’s the Best Pillow Position for Side Sleeping?
To ensure proper alignment when sleeping on your side, position the pillow so it supports your head and neck, keeping your spine in a straight, natural horizontal line. Side sleepers typically need a thicker pillow than back sleepers for this alignment. Additionally, bending your knees and placing a pillow between them helps maintain a neutral spine position throughout the night.
- Is the Purple Pillow Good for Side Sleepers?
The grid design of the Purple Harmony Pillow effectively distributes weight, ensuring that it doesn’t retain heat like traditional foam pillows. This feature keeps it exceptionally cool and comfortable throughout the night. Thanks to its unique construction and ideal loft, the Purple Harmony Pillow is highly recommended for side sleepers.
- How to position pillows for side sleepers?
When lying on your side, a pillow should support your head and neck to keep your spine aligned in a straight, natural, horizontal line. A thicker pillow is necessary for side sleeping compared to back sleeping. Bending your knees and placing a pillow between them helps maintain the spine’s neutral position.