15 best pillows for side sleepers 2025, tried and tested
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If you're among the 50% of Brits who sleep on their side, finding one of the best pillows for side sleepers could be the key to ending the endless cycle of turning, folding, and fluffing your pillow —and finally getting the restful sleep you deserve. Fortunately, the current market is booming with specially-designed pillows tailored to side sleepers, thanks to innovative sleep tech brands such as Emma and Simba.
Side sleeping is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including promoting proper spinal alignment, improving breathing, reducing heartburn, and alleviating discomfort in the neck and back. If you're struggling to achieve the right balance of comfort and support, investing in a pillow designed specifically for side sleepers — tailored to your preferred firmness, material, and body size — can make a significant difference.
But not all pillows are created equal. The secret to finding a high-quality pillow for side sleepers lies in the details: firmness, filling, outer fabric, and overall finish. If you’re after something soft, light, and breathable for the warmer months, a cooling pillow with a cotton percale cover is a great choice. Prefer more support? A specialist support pillow with medium-firm comfort delivers durability and targeted relief, especially ideal for those with neck pain. For an eco-conscious option, all-natural fill and organic pillows provide sustainable comfort that feels just as good as it looks.
We’ve tested and reviewed numerous specialist options, and consulted with sleep experts to answer all your side sleeping pillow FAQs, so that you can choose the best pillow for you. Think: firm and soft pillows for side sleepers, memory foam pillows and pillows for neck pain. Whether you prefer a plush and cushiony feel or a more supportive structure, our roundup includes a variety of choices to suit individual preferences and sleeping styles. Read on for our full edit, including tips on how to pick the best one for your individual requirements.
SKIP TO: Pillows for side sleepers FAQs | How did we test? | Why do side sleepers need a different type of pillow | Are soft or firm pillows better for side sleepers? | What else should you consider? | Our full reviews. | The best pillows for neck pain, best cooling pillows and best anti-allergy pillows.
Meet the experts:
- Rosie Osmun, Sleep Science Coach at Sleep Junkie.
- Anisha Joshi, Osteopath.
How we tested the best pillows for side sleepers:
In putting these pillows to the test, our testers dove into the nitty-gritty, scoring them on quality, support, firmness, and all-around comfort. We didn't just stop there – we rifled through what you've been searching for and tapped into customer reviews to get the real lowdown. Our goal? To cut through the noise and find the best pillows for side sleepers that aren't just comfy but also made to last. We've read what you've been searching for, tested every single pillow featured here in real life settings to help you find the right pillow to suit your personal preferences. Find out more about how we test.
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After more sleep content? Shop the best pillows, best pillows for neck pain, best cool pillows, best body pillows, best memory foam pillow, and the best anti allergy pillow. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
Scroll for our full edit of the best pillows for side sleepers in 2025.
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.”
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.
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.”