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15 best pillows for side sleepers 2025, tried and tested for a restful night's sleep

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15 Best Pillows for Side Sleepers 2025 Tested  Reviewed
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Best pillow for side sleepers overall

REM-Fit 400 Memory Foam Crumbed Pillow
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Best pillow for side sleepers runner up

Emma Premium Cloud Pillow
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Most sought-after bed pillow for side sleepers

THE SIMBA Stratos® Pillow
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Why might you need a different pillow if you’re 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.”


What kind of pillows should side sleepers use?

“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.


What to 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.”