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Best Pillow for Side Sleepers 2026 to Cradle Your Neck and Align Your Spine

We tested the best pillows for side sleepers. Our top pick is the Saatva Latex Pillow.

  • The Silk & Snow Pillow is our top pick for side sleepers because of its supportive material and adjustability, making it work for sleepers of all sizes.
  • The pillows on this list range from $65–$172.
  • Side sleepers should look for pillows that keep their neck, shoulders, and spine aligned.
  • Adjustable pillows can be helpful for side sleepers, as removable fill or varying layers can let you customize the pillow's height and firmness to align with your body.
  • Trial periods vary a lot by brand. The pillows on this list include trials ranging from 30 nights to 365 nights. It's worth looking into a pillow's trial period before buying.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing pillows to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best pillows, we: 

  • Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best pillow
  • Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
  • Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
  • Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
  • Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
  • Worked with older adult testers to evaluate pillows and get their opinion
  • Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new pillows and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.

Our Top Pick

Silk & Snow

Best Overall
The Silk & Snow pillow
  • Removable fill for adjustability
  • Breathable foam
  • Helps support spinal alignment

Saatva Latex

Best for Neck Pain

Bundling discount

Buy 2 pillows, save $60

Saatva Latex pillow

Bundling discount

Buy 2 pillows, save $60

  • All-around high scores
  • Promotes neck and spinal alignment
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Luxurious, quality feel

Layla Kapok

Best for Back Pain

BOGO discount

Buy one, get one 50% off pillows

The Layla Kapok pillow

BOGO discount

Buy one, get one 50% off pillows

  • Adjustable filling of shredded foam
  • Breathable cover
  • Relieves pressure at the spine and neck

A good night’s sleep is important for your overall health. And knowing your preferred sleep position (side, back, stomach, or combination) can help you avoid common pressure points (Pressure buildup can disrupt your sleep or cause you to wake with aches and pains). Side sleepers want to keep their necks, shoulders, and spines aligned correctly to wake up feeling refreshed. If your current pillow feels too lumpy or thin to provide support in those areas, a new pillow designed for side sleeping may improve your rest.1

In our review of the best pillows for side sleepers, we highlight the top picks for a good night’s sleep. Learn more about our testing process, what to look for in a pillow for side sleeping, and how to choose the right one for you.

Best pillows for side sleepers in 2026

Comparing the best pillows for side sleepers

Comparison Features

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Visit Sitefor Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex PillowThe Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Score (out of 10)

9.4

8.7

9.7

8.1

9.4

9.3

Best for

Overall

Neck Pain

Back Pain

Combination sleepers

Cooling

Adjustable

Fill material

Microfiber and memory foam

Latex

Memory foam

Latex

Memory foam

Down alternative and memory foam

Adjustability and loft height (inches)

Adjustable; 5”

Not adjustable; 5–7''

Adjustable; 7''

Not adjustable; 4" (low) or 5" (high)

Adjustable; 5''

Adjustable; 9.5''

Trial period (nights)

100

45

30

30

365

30

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

What we look for in a pillow for side sleepers 

We looked for the following features when choosing the best pillows for side sleepers:

Silk & Snow: Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Overall

We chose Silk & Snow as our Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Overall because its microfiber interior cradles the neck, reducing pressure buildup. This ultra-comfortable pillow earned a 4/5 for comfort and does a great job of keeping the spine in a neutral position while sleeping on your side.

Our Top Pick

Silk & Snow

Best Overall
Silk & Snow pillow
  • Shredded memory foam and microfiber support your neck
  • High-quality feel
  • Adjustable loft and firmness
  • Pillow type and fill material: Microfiber and memory foam 
  • Adjustability and loft customization: Removable fill
  • Firmness level: Adjustable
  • Free trial period: 100 nights
  • Cooling: Breathable materials
  • Pillow shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

  • Supportive and comfortable
  • May help to reduce neck pain
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Filling pieces are very small and messy
  • Fewer options to contact customer service
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Saatva Latex Pillow: Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain

We chose the Saatva Latex Pillow as our Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain because its loft and shape provide excellent head and neck support for side sleepers. Testers praised the Saatva Latex Pillow for its pressure relief and consistent comfort across all categories. 

Saatva Latex

Best for Neck Pain

Bundling discount

Buy 2 pillows, save $60

Saatva Latex pillow

Bundling discount

Buy 2 pillows, save $60

  • Comfortable and supportive while side sleeping
  • Luxurious, quality feel
  • Fill material: Cotton and shredded latex
  • Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; standard (4–5'') or high loft (6–7'')
  • Firmness level: Medium
  • Free trial period: 45 nights
  • Cooling: Breathable latex
  • Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

  • Supportive latex cradles your neck and head
  • 5” loft keeps spine in neutral position
  • Luxurious, hotel-pillow feel

Cons

  • More expensive than other pillows on this list
  • Average cooling score
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Layla Kapok Pillow: Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain

We chose the Layla Kapok as our Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Back Pain because of its combination of responsiveness and support. This pillow excels at keeping the neck, shoulders, and spine aligned while sleeping on your side. It minimizes pressure buildup, helping to reduce back pain.

Layla Kapok

Best for Back Pain

BOGO discount

Buy one, get one 50% off pillows

Layla Kapok pillow

BOGO discount

Buy one, get one 50% off pillows

  • Highly responsive kapok fibers keep the spine in a neutral position
  • Adjustable filling for personalized firmness and loft
  • Great for side sleeping and combination sleeping
  • Fill material: Shredded memory foam and kapok fibers
  • Adjustability and loft: Removable fill, 7''
  • Firmness level: Adjustable firmness
  • Free trial period: 30 nights
  • Cooling: Breathable cover
  • Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

  • Extremely supportive for back pain
  • Adjustable and responsive
  • Limits heat buildup
  • Long warranty (5 years)

Cons

  • Limited customer service options
  • Short trial period (30 nights)
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Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow: Best Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers 

We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow as our Best Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers because it provides excellent pressure relief in both sleep positions—and its springy responsiveness makes it easy to switch between the two. 

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex

Best for Back Sleepers

Summer discount

25% off sitewide with code: SUMMER25

The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Summer discount

25% off sitewide with code: SUMMER25

  • Firmness and loft are ideal for side sleeping 
  • Great for combination back and side sleepers
  • Fill material: Latex
  • Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; low (4'') or high loft (5'')
  • Firmness level: Medium
  • Free trial period: 30 nights
  • Cooling: Breathable latex core and cotton cover
  • Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

  • Works for all sleeping positions
  • Machine-washable cover for easy cleaning
  • Responsive when shifting positions

Cons

  • Less contouring than memory foam
  • Only average cooling
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Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers

We chose the Brooklinen Marlow pillow as the Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers because it only warmed up by 8 degrees in our testing. It earned a 5/5 for cooling and the best score on this list. The Marlow also excelled at keeping the testers’ necks and spines aligned while sleeping on their side.

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Best Cooling Pillow
Brooklinen Marlow pillow
  • Breathable and cool (earned a 5/5 for cooling)
  • Soft and supportive
  • Adjustable loft and firmness
  • Fill material: Memory foam
  • Adjustability and loft: Adjustable; 5''
  • Firmness level: Adjustable firmness
  • Free trial period: 365 nights
  • Cooling: Cooling memory foam
  • Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

  • Great support for neck, spine, and shoulders
  • Excellent cooling and breathability
  • Zippers make adjusting the pillow simpler than removing material

Cons

  • Less customization options than removable fill pillows
  • Spot-clean only
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Luxome LAYR: Best Adjustable Pillow

We chose the Luxome LAYR as our Best Adjustable Pillow for Side Sleepers due to its unique mix-and-match interior. Its design makes it easier to create a customized pillow that fits your specific sleep style. No other pillow we tested offered this amount of personalization.

Luxome LAYR

Best Adjustable Pillow
Luxome LAYR pillow
  • Three distinct layers you can mix and match
  • Simple to personalize for side sleeping
  • Most customizable pillow we’ve tested
  • Fill material: Down alternative and memory foam
  • Adjustability and loft: Adjustable; 9.5''
  • Firmness level: Adjustable firmness
  • Free trial period: 30 nights
  • Cooling: Gel-infused foam, breathable fabric
  • Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

  • A soft, medium, and firm layer you can mix and match
  • Easier to customize for side sleeping
  • Supportive and comfortable

Cons

  • Might need to experiment to find the right firmness
  • Short trial period (30 nights)
  • Not the best for combination sleepers
  • Traps heat (lowest cooling score on the list)
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Our process testing the best pillows for side sleepers

Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses, pillows, and other sleep accessories so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in sleep, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, so we know what features are most important when searching for the best pillows for side sleepers.

For this review, we personally tested 15 pillows identified through our research to help ease pain and promote restful sleep. Each pillow was put through rigorous testing by older adults with pain to ensure we have real-world data about how they perform. For more tips on side sleeping, see our review of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

We considered these important factors when testing the best pillows for side sleepers:

Spinal alignment support 

For side sleepers, it’s important that a pillow keeps the neck, shoulders, and spine aligned in a neutral position. Any misalignment can result in pressure buildup and pain. We noted how well each pillow did at keeping our spines aligned while sleeping on our sides.

Pressure relief 

Side sleepers need a pillow that prevents pressure buildup in the neck and shoulders. We noted how high the pillows’ lofts were and if they lifted the neck too much, or didn’t support it enough.

[Switching to a] memory foam pillow puts less pressure on my neck and upper spine.”

—NCOA July 2025 sleep accessories survey participant

Loft retention and height adjustments

If your pillow sinks into a thinner height (also known as “loft”) over time, you might find yourself out of alignment and uncomfortable when you wake up. We tested the pillows to make sure that they retained their loft over multiple nights.

“Pillow height matters a lot,” says Dr. Manzi. “Studies show that if the pillow is too high or too low, it can increase neck muscle tension and disrupt normal spine alignment. That’s why I recommend my patients choose a pillow that is neither flat nor overly lofty, but one that supports the head and keeps the neck neutral.”

Firmness and responsiveness

We tested the pillows' responsiveness by evaluating how quickly they bounced back. This is important for people who might change positions during the night but still want the same level of support and spinal alignment.

Why pillow choice matters for side sleepers

Pillow choice matters for side sleepers because the right pillow keeps your spine aligned and your pressure points cradled. Unlike back or stomach sleepers, side sleepers have pressure points along their shoulders, necks, and ears. Side sleepers need a pillow that fills the gap between the head and shoulder. A pillow that’s too thin or too high can put too much pressure on the neck, which throws your spine out of alignment.

icon of three people

63% of surveyed respondents are side sleepers, and 74% of those respondents said they  experience some type of pain that affects their ability to sleep well at night.

— NCOA March 2025 survey of older adults who sleep with chronic pain5

How much do the best pillows for side sleepers cost?

The pillows on this list cost anywhere from $65–$165. The cost depends on the pillows’ materials and features. When choosing the right pillow for your budget, look for ones that offer the perks you like and a trial or refund period that makes you feel comfortable.

Comparison Features

Silk & Snow Pillow

Silk & Snow pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva Latex pillow

Layla Kapok Pillow

Layla Kapok pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Brooklinen Marlow pillow

Luxome LAYR Pillow

Luxome LAYR pillow
Price for a queen*

$75

$165

$109

$172

$65

$150

Shipping costs

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free over $100

Free

Warranty

3-year

Limited

5-year

3-year

1-year

Limited

Return fees

None

None

None

None

$9.95

Decided at return

*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.

How to save money on pillows

The easiest way to save money on pillows is to wait until they are on sale before making a purchase. Look for holiday sales, such as the 4th of July or Labor Day. Some companies will send you a discount if you sign up for their email and text lists, too.

You can also save money by taking advantage of the company’s promotions, such as a free trial period or free returns.

Frequently asked questions

What type of pillow is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers should look for a pillow that supports their head in alignment with their spine. Many side sleepers prefer a pillow with a medium-to-high loft. An adjustable-fill pillow can help you find the right height for your body. While a contoured pillow's shape is designed to support the neck and fill the space between the head and shoulder.  

What is the best pillow height for side sleepers?

The best pillow height for side sleepers is medium to high, according to experts we spoke with. This height keeps the head, neck, shoulders, and spine aligned.

Should side sleepers use memory foam or latex?

Both memory foam and latex pillows can work well for side sleepers. Memory foam usually offers more contouring and pressure relief, while latex tends to feel more responsive and supportive. The better choice depends on whether you want a more cushioned feel or a springier one.

Can the wrong pillow cause shoulder or neck pain?

Yes. Your pillow can put your neck or shoulders at an uncomfortable angle if its height or firmness doesn't work with your body. A pillow that compromises your alignment can lead to stiffness, soreness, or pressure buildup. Side sleepers should look for a pillow that fills the space between the shoulder and head without pushing the neck upward or letting it dip downward.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org

Sources

  1. Prommanon, B., et al. Effectiveness of a back care pillow as an adjuvant physical therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain treatment: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. July 22, 20215. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4540812/
  2. Harvard Health Publishing. Is your pillow hurting your health? Feb. 15, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/is-your-pillow-hurting-your-health
  3. Encyclopedia Britannica. Kapok plant fibre. Dec. 17, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.britannica.com/topic/kapok
  4. NCOA. Sleep Accessories survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched July 2025
  5. NCOA Sleep Pain and Position Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched March 2025

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