These 6 Pillows Are Specifically Designed for Side Sleepers

While sleep may seem like the least of your worries when it comes to training, getting a good night's sleep is integral to improving your running, health, and general well-being. And while it is recommended to sleep on our backs, some of us are well ingrained in our side sleeping rituals.

If you do decide to sleep on your side, one of the best ways to do it healthily is by investing in a pillow that is designed specifically for side sleepers. These pillows will help keep you comfortable, supported, and properly aligned. Whether you prefer a soft fiber or an overstuffed memory foam, there is sure to be an option for you. Check out some of our favorite picks below, and a guide on how to find the best pillow for your needs.

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

How to Choose a Side Sleeper Pillow

While all of these pillows are designed for side sleepers, that doesn't necessarily mean that they will all be a perfect fit for you. These pillows vary in size, shape, and filling, which makes for some very diverse options. Size is most important when considering how much space you are willing to give up on your bed—not even when sleeping, but also when making it. Some of the larger body pillows may not allow for the most aesthetic bed setup, so if this is important to you, a standard sized pillow may be your best bet.

Some of these pillows also come in odd shapes— like a crescent design, or the more unique wedge and curved body pillow. These may prevent you from using a standard pillowcase—or if you are able to use the pillowcase, it won't fit quite as nicely as a standard pillow.

As for the stuffing, these pillows are most commonly memory foam, but some come as a combination of memory foam and a softer fiber, or even natural materials like buckwheat. The buckwheat will be most firm, and also quite heavy, so it's not a great option for people that sleep with an arm beneath the pillow. Memory-foam pillows are softer than buckwheat, but still pretty firm—many of these are also adjustable, allowing you to add or take out memory foam to get it just how you like it.

Fiber is often included with memory foam as opposed to on its own because it does not give quite the support that most side sleepers need without the addition of memory foam. However, if you do like a bit of a softer feel, opt for a pillow that has the addition of fiber—they can also be a bit cooler than straight memory foam.

When to Replace Your Pillow

While it is easy to think that pillows should last just as long as the rest of your bedding—mattress, sheets, and duvet—they are actually meant to be replaced much more frequently. In fact, most experts suggest getting a new pillow every one to two years. This not only ensures that your pillow is still supportive enough, but it also helps to prevent allergens from building up in the pillow.

The best way to tell if it's time for a new pillow is really just to pay attention to how it is feeling. Do you notice any new back or neck aches in the morning? Do you have a hard time falling asleep? Chances are, it's time for a new pillow.

How We Choose

To find the best options among the many side sleeper pillows, we researched the most popular models available. We looked at expertly tested reviews from trusted sources like CA Notice at Collection and Forbes. We then took into account price, filling, size, shape, and durability. Finally, we consulted more than 33,000 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models, on sites like Amazon and Walmart RW+ Membership Benefits.