Pillows for Side Sleepers

Find Pillows for Side Sleepers at Mattress Firm to explore options for your preferred sleep position. Shop a range of pillow styles, sizes and price points to help you find the right fit for your bedtime routine.

Sleepy's Signature Gel Memory Foam Pillow

2332

Starting at

$129⁹⁹

Firm Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Save $100 when you bundle¹⁰.

Sleepy's Deluxe Charcoal Cool Pillow

2513

Starting at

$149⁹⁹

Soft Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Save $150 when you bundle¹⁰.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pro Pillow

1209

Starting at

$150⁰⁰

$175⁰⁰

$25 OFF

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pro Adjustable Pillow

506

Starting at

$140⁰⁰

$165⁰⁰

$25 OFF

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Purple Harmony Pillow

1302

Starting at

$269⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Purple Pillow

472

Starting at

$249⁰⁰

Soft Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Sleepy's Deluxe Comfort Cool Pillow

1116

Starting at

$199⁹⁹

best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Save $150 when you bundle¹⁰.

Sleepy's Basics Quilted Memory Foam Pillow

632

Starting at

$49⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers

Save $50 when you bundle¹⁰.

Beautyrest BlackICE Memory Foam Pillow

1260

Starting at

$199⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Side Sleepers
Temperature

Sleepy's Coconut Bliss Pillow

836

Starting at

$179⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Sealy Cool Touch Pillow

431

Starting at

$25⁶⁰

$29⁹⁹

$4 OFF

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Bedgear Balance Performance Pillow

Starting at

$99⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Purple Dreamlayer Pillow

956

Starting at

$229⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze Pro Pillow

884

Starting at

$200⁰⁰

$225⁰⁰

$25 OFF

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Bedgear Storm Performance Pillow

Starting at

$199⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Stomach, Side Sleepers
Allergies
Temperature

Bedgear Night Ice Performance Pillow

Starting at

$299⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Stomach, Side Sleepers
Allergies
Temperature

Healthy Sleep Premium CPAP and Cervical Neck Support Pillow

Starting at

$119⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side Sleepers
Temperature

Stearns & Foster Estate Latex Pillow

Starting at

$169⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Side sleepers place more pressure on the shoulder and hip than people who sleep on their backs or stomachs, so the right pillow can make a noticeable difference in how supported and comfortable the body feels through the night. A pillow for side sleepers typically needs enough height, also called loft, to fill the space between the mattress and the side of the head without tipping the neck upward. When a pillow is too low, the head may angle toward the mattress, leaving the neck bent for hours. When it is too high, the head may tilt away from the mattress and create similar tension. A medium-firm or firm pillow with a higher loft often provides the steady support side sleepers need, especially when paired with a mattress that allows the shoulder to settle slightly into its comfort layers. The best fit depends on shoulder width, body shape, mattress feel and personal preference. Someone with broader shoulders may feel better with a taller pillow, while a smaller-framed sleeper may need less height to keep the spine in a comfortable, neutral position. A quick way to check alignment is to lie in your usual position and notice whether your nose points straight ahead rather than angling toward the mattress or ceiling. If the pillow feels supportive without forcing the neck into place, it may be a good match. Side sleepers who move between positions can also look for an adjustable pillow, which allows the fill to be added or removed until the height feels balanced. This can be especially helpful when sharing a bed with someone who has different support preferences. A pillow with a stable center and a softly cushioned outer layer may offer a comfortable middle ground, supporting the head while easing pressure around the ear and shoulder. Shape matters, too. Contoured pillows can create a gentle cradle for the head, while crescent-shaped designs or pillows with a shoulder cutout can give the upper arm and shoulder more room. These details may be useful for people who find that a traditional rectangular pillow pushes against the shoulder or bunches near the neck.

Materials influence the way a pillow feels, responds and holds its shape over time. Shredded memory foam and shredded latex can provide a springy, moldable feel, allowing the sleeper to adjust the pillow’s height and shape with a quick fluff. These fills can be useful for side sleepers who want support that conforms around the head without feeling completely fixed in place. Solid or molded foam generally offers a more consistent surface, which may appeal to someone who prefers a defined contour and dependable structure. Fiber fill often feels soft and cushiony, with a lighter, more traditional sensation that can be fluffed or folded to fine-tune the loft. Some pillows combine materials to balance pressure relief, resilience and softness. For people who tend to sleep warm, breathable covers, ventilated foam or airflow-friendly fill can help the pillow feel fresher during the night. A removable, machine-washable cover is another practical feature, particularly for anyone who likes to keep bedding clean through the cooler months when windows may stay closed and blankets become part of the nightly routine. It is also worth considering how easily the pillow can be adjusted and cared for. A zippered design lets you remove a small amount of fill if the pillow feels too tall, then add it back later if your preferences change. A washable cover helps manage everyday moisture, skin oils and dust, while the inner fill may require spot cleaning or careful airing according to its care instructions. Give a new pillow time to settle after unpacking, especially if it arrives compressed. Gentle fluffing and allowing it to fully expand can reveal its intended loft and feel. If you are replacing an older pillow, compare the new height with your current setup rather than judging it only by sight. A pillow that looks substantial may compress more than expected, while a compact design may provide firm, lasting support. For additional ideas across more than one sleep position, explore Best Pillows for Stomach and Side Sleepers.

Pillows for side sleepers can be a thoughtful gift for someone settling into a new home, refreshing a guest room or creating a more comfortable bedtime routine. They are also practical for college students, frequent travelers and anyone who has recently changed mattresses and needs a different pillow height to match the new surface. A person who wakes with a stiff neck, notices shoulder pressure or frequently folds a pillow in half may benefit from a design with more structure and adjustable loft. Someone who hugs a second pillow at night may appreciate a supportive option that keeps the head aligned while leaving room for a separate body pillow between the knees. This position can help keep the hips from rotating forward and may make side sleeping feel more stable. Couples can choose different pillows on each side of the bed without changing the rest of the bedding, making it easier for each person to find the support that suits them. During the cooler months, a supportive pillow can also make a bed feel more inviting beneath heavier blankets, especially when the cover has a soft hand feel and the fill maintains its shape instead of flattening overnight. Before choosing, consider sleep position first, then shoulder width, preferred firmness, temperature needs and care requirements. A side sleeper who likes to sink into the pillow may prefer a softer outer layer with a supportive core, while someone who changes positions often may favor a responsive design that can be reshaped. Pay attention to the pillow’s dimensions as well. A standard size may suit a compact sleep setup, while a larger pillow can provide more room for repositioning and may feel comfortable across a wider mattress. The right pillow does not need to feel rigid or oversized; it should support the head and neck while allowing the shoulder to rest naturally. With the right combination of loft, firmness, shape and material, a pillow for side sleepers can bring a more settled feel to bedtime and help create a sleep space that feels comfortable night after night.

What features should side sleepers look for in a pillow? + -

Side sleepers often prefer pillows with supportive fill, a stable shape and enough structure to keep the head and neck aligned with the spine. Contoured designs and gusseted edges can provide added support.

Which pillow materials are popular with side sleepers? + -

Common options include memory foam, latex, down alternative and fiber fill. Memory foam and latex offer a more structured feel, while down alternative and fiber fill can provide a softer, more moldable feel.

Are contoured pillows a good option for side sleepers? + -

Contoured pillows have a shaped design that can cradle the head and support the neck. Their form may appeal to side sleepers who prefer a defined sleeping surface rather than a pillow that can be easily fluffed or reshaped.

What pillow firmness do side sleepers typically prefer? + -

Many side sleepers choose a medium-firm or firm pillow for a supportive feel. Personal comfort preferences, fill type and sleeping habits can all influence which firmness feels right.

How can side sleepers keep their pillows comfortable and fresh? + -

Use a breathable, washable pillow protector and follow the care instructions for the pillow’s fill. Fluff or reshape the pillow as recommended, and wash removable covers regularly to help maintain a clean, comfortable sleep surface.