12 best pillows for side sleepers for the perfect night’s sleep
Find out why shoppers are raving about Target’s affordable pillow for side sleepers, plus a round-up of the best from other brands.
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If you already manage a comfortable eight hours – okay, six to seven, if we’re being honest – this story is, unfortunately, not for you.
However, if you find yourself in the foetal position most nights, sleeping on your side, there may just be something here that will not only give you your deepest sleep yet, but offer the support your head and neck may not currently be receiving from your pillow.
RELATED: 11 mattresses designed for perfect sleep every night
Below are our picks of the best pillows for side sleepers including the $11.95 Target pillow shoppers have said is the “best pillow on the market”.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best side sleeping pillow for your needs and budget, we asked Olivia Arezzolo, Australia’s leading sleep expert, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a side sleeping pillow. Olivia is renowned as Australia’s leading sleep expert and has 14 years professional and academic experience in the field. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best pillow for side sleepers from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
- What is a side sleep pillow, and how does it differ from a regular pillow?
- Can side sleep pillows help reduce snoring or sleep apnea?
- Are side sleep pillows suitable for pregnant individuals?
- How often do I need to replace a side sleeper pillow?
- What does your favourite sleeping position say about you?
- How to choose between different types of pillows?
OUR PICK OF THE BEST PILLOWS FOR SIDE SLEEPERS IN AUSTRALIA
The Eva Pillow, $120 (down from $150), Eva
What You Should Know:
Whether you’re new to memory foam pillows or are a long-time devotee, there isn’t a side sleeper who wouldn’t benefit from this custom, uniquely designed pillow from Eva. The removable cover allows you to adjust the firmness of your pillow; leave on for additional support, remove for ultimate plush comfort. Unlike inferior memory foam pillows, the Eva pillow will not retain heat or lose its supportiveness over time; rather, you can trust it to mould the shape of your neck and head for a long time to come. Another feature to recommend it is the fact that it is infused with charcoal which prevents the growth of bacteria and the presence of odours and moisture. It also has a TENCEL-constructed outer, which regulates your temperature night-long.
Plus, with a two year warranty, free metro delivery and a quality guarantee, buying from Eva may just be the best decision you’ve made all year.
Sitting at 4.7 stars, reviewers have claimed this pillow has “changed (their) lives”. One happy customer wrote: “It’s the perfect height for my neck, no more neck or shoulder aches.” Another has said: “Since the first night we used them we’ve woken every morning without any pain.”
Other reviewers also love the temperature regulation features.
One five-star review wrote, “I am one of those guys that is constantly flipping his pillow in the night searching for that untapped cooler spot so my head doesn’t overheat.
“In this pillow I have found something that really does keep my head at the perfect temp. Somebody pinch me, is this a dream? Damn fine pillow!”
Gusseted Side Sleeper Pillow, $11.95, Target
What You Should Know:
Don’t let the affordable price of this pillow fool you, it is just as high quality as the other more expensive options on the list. Specifically designed for side sleepers, this pillow not only has the perfect amount of fill but also features side gussets that provide extra support and help to maintain the shape of the pillow. Do note that it is a firmer choice, so keep that in mind when deciding.
It also has antibacterial and anti-dust mite protection and the cover is made from 100 per cotton for breathability. Plus, it is machine washable.
From 850 reviews, it is sitting at 4.5 stars. Reviewers rave about the “comfort” of the pillow and say it is the “best buy ever”.
One five-star review titled “Best pillow on the market” says: “I prefer a soft, high-profile pillow and have tried everything on the market, including some very expensive brands.
“This is the only pillow that has held its shape after a week, and I’m still happy with it after six months of use.”
Origin ChillMate® Australian Alpaca Pillow, $159 (down from $299), Origin
What You Should Know:
Combining incredible neck support with moisture-wicking, breathable material to create the ultimate cooling pillow. Crafted from 40 per cent Australian White Alpaca Blend with 60 per cent Suprelle Blue, this pillow is the perfect softness. Designed with neck support at the forefront, it helps to reduce pressure on the neck and promote better sleep posture. By supporting the head and neck, spine pressure relief is also maximised.
BEST POLYESTER FILLING PILLOW
Easyrest Microblend Side Sleeper Pillow, $39.99 (down from $59.95), Manchester Factory
What You Should Know:
Offering medium to firm support, this pillow is ideal for side sleepers. The gusseted side wall provides improved head and neck support too. Made in Australia and featuring anti bacterial properties, it is a truly great buy. It is also machine washable for ease of use.
On Temple and Webster, this pillow is currently sitting at 4.7 stars. One five-star review says: “A great pillow for a side sleeper! Just the right amount of firmness and loft!”
Others talk about well it “improved sleep” and that it was “exactly” what they needed.
“This is great for side sleeper and back, a lot thicker/higher than I thought when I purchased online but super comfortable and the height supports my neck and no longer have a sore neck in the morning,” says another five-star review.
BEST MEMORY FOAM PILLOWS
Ecosa Pillow, $120 (down from $150), Ecosa
What You Should Know:
Adjustable height pads allow for customisation – raise and lower at will – while an ergonomic design perfectly contours to head and neck. Its construction will do more than support you throughout the night though. The pillow is constructed from a brilliant combination of: activated charcoal memory foam, to eliminate odour and bacteria growth; a unique 3D structure, to disperse heat and moisture; and a removable, breathable cover that can be simply chucked in the washing machine to maintain. It is little wonder that the Ecosa pillow has over 13,000 five-star reviews.
Expect free Australia-wide shipping and free returns within 100 days – though, according to many reviews, you won’t need it.
One five-star review stated: “These pillows have eliminated our neck and shoulder pain. We love how there are inserts to change the pillow thickness. My husband and I each use a different combination, and the pillow works great for both of us.”
The Sleep Republic Pillow, $130, The Sleep Republic
What You Should Know:
This pillow is made from foamAIR technical cushioning which is designed to not only support your neck but also encourage breathability too. With two height options, the 14cm is ideal for a higher head position when sleeping on your side.
Sleep Republic offer a 100-night trial as well as free delivery and returns so you can probably give it a go before making up your mind. It also comes with a six year warranty.
On productreview.com.au, reviewers love the support of the pillow. “This pillow is exactly what I’ve been searching for. I previously had a contour pillow and it hurt my neck. From the first night, I knew I had finally found THE ONE! I’m now having restful, pain-free sleep with this pillow!” says one five-star review.
Another similarly said: “It instantly felt so supportive and comfortable, the best part, no more neck pain in the morning.”
Macoda Pillow, $130 (down from $150), Macoda
What You Should Know:
Should you constantly be flipping your pillow over at night to get to its cool side, you’ll love the specially-engineered open structure which allows for direct flow and minimal heat retention. If that weren’t enough, one side of this soft and supportive pillow’s surface has been coated with a cooling gel glaze, guaranteed to regulate your temperature on hot summer nights.
The Macoda pillow has been designed with longevity and health in mind. We love the thoughtful infusion of bamboo charcoal to absorb moisture, dissipate heat and neutralise odour; and the addition of a soft, eco-friendly bamboo cover to boot. Throw in a 60-night trial, three-year warranty, and its no wonder an emphatic, five-star reviewer exclaimed: “Oh my god, it’s like your head is floating on clouds! I love it!!”
“It’s soft but still feels more supportive than a flat fluffy pillow,” wrote one five-star review on Google. Other reviews also love that it is “warm on one side and cool on the other.”
BEST FEATHER/DOWN PILLOW
Downtime Deluxe White Duck Down Surround King Pillow, $104.99 (down from $149.99), Adairs
What You Should Know:
With a total 1100 grams of fill and cotton sateen casing, this is an excellent choice for side sleepers who can’t look past the decadence of feather and down pillows. Customers are afforded a five year guarantee – and the assurance of ethical practices, being a licensee of the Responsible Down Standard.
BEST LATEX PILLOW
Sheridan Outlet Latex Pillow, $89.99 (down from $149.99), Sheridan Outlet
What You Should Know:
Available in both medium and high profile (900gsm and 1200gsm, respectively), this Australian-designed pillow from Sheridan Outlet is covered in a pure sateen cotton for added luxury. Constructed with optimum postural alignment of head and neck in mind, it is ideal for side sleepers who are loyal to latex fill pillows.
BEST SIDE SLEEP PILLOW FOR NECK PAIN
What You Should Know:
This flippable pillow means that you don’t have to worry about choosing a hard or soft pillow Instead, you can simply flip it over depending on what you need for that night. The pillow also offers amazing support as the outer edges are designed to be firmer than normal pillows so your neck is always looked after. Made from gel memory foam, heat and moisture are moved away allowing for a more peaceful night’s sleep for you.
Reviewers love the neck support on offer with many “no longer waking up with a stiff sore neck” and the fact that they can “change the firmness”.
Another five-star review says: “I’m a side sleeper and I use the firm side and find it’s not hard at all with a medium profile that supports my neck while I sleep.”
BEST KNEE PILLOW FOR SIDE SLEEPING
CREATESTAR Knee Pillow, $27.99, Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
Rated Amazon’s Choice for knee pillows, this pick is perfect for those after a little bit of extra care. The heart shaped design provides extra support for the legs and knees and works to bring the back and hips into a natural position. It also includes a strap to place over your leg so that it stays in the correct position all night.
Made from high quality memory foam, the pillow will gently mould into position creating a personalised touch. It’s also highly breathable due to the cotton cover and hollow central chamber to encourage airflow so you can be sure you won’t get too hot.
“The strap to keep it around your legs is great, especially for someone like me who shifts positions all night long. It’s a great product for the money and I’ve been nothing but happy with it,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST SIDE SLEEPING BODY PILLOW
Pharmedoc Body Pillow, $49.95, Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
With over 46,400 five-star reviews and Amazon’s number one best selling pregnancy pillow, you know this is going to be a good choice.
Made from memory foam and featuring a soft cooling, breathable cover, it is the ideal pillow to snuggle into for those who like to sleep on their side. It is 99 x 40cm (39 x 16 inches) providing that sought after full body support.
“I’ve been using this for over a month now and could not do without it,” writes one five-star review. Another wrote, “It holds and supports in ways needed especially when pregnant. She’d been complaining about lack of sleep but the day after, and since then, cannot stop raving about this pillow and how it’s changed her entire life.”
WHAT IS A SIDE SLEEP PILLOW, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM A REGULAR PILLOW?
“Side sleeping pillows are typically more dense (think memory foam or latex) and provide greater support compared to a fluffy, feather/wool style pillow,” says Olivia.
She says that pillows designed for side sleepers “need to be firmer and (have) a higher profile”. This is to help “align the neck and the spine while the individual is on their side.”
CAN SIDE SLEEP PILLOWS HELP REDUCE SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA?
“Somewhat” according to Olivia.
She notes that, “there is evidence to suggest that sleeping on your back exacerbates snoring and sleep apnoea”.
However, simply buying a side sleep pillow will not automatically change the way you sleep and this will instead require additional support, she said.
ARE SIDE SLEEP PILLOWS SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT INDIVIDUALS?
They are suitable, however, Olivia recommends that all pregnant people consult a health practitioner first.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO REPLACE A SIDE SLEEPER PILLOW?
According to Olivia, you need to replace a side sleeper pillow every six to 24 months.
WHAT DOES YOUR FAVOURITE SLEEPING POSITION SAY ABOUT YOU?
As Janet Kinosian, author of The Well-Rested Woman: 60 Soothing Solutions For Getting A Good Night’s Sleep, told news.com.au previously, the way we sleep as adults is often indicative of the reality of our personality.
“I find analysis of the sleeping position similar to handwriting analysis,” she said. “One’s personality is clearly invested in the position.”
Dr Mark Kohler from the University of South Australia’s Centre for Sleep Research also agreed.
“Just like our walking posture and position can influence our emotions – for example, if you are leaning forward and clenching your fists, you are most likely to feel angry – our sleeping position is thought to influence our emotions or represent our personality,” he said.
“People who sleep in the foetal position, as well as those who go to sleep face down (prone), are more likely to be anxious.
“Those who sleep on their back (the ‘royal’ position) have higher self-confidence.”
RELATED: What your sleeping position says about you (and your relationship)
HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF PILLOWS?
For those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions, memory foam is a great option. Hypo-allergenic, this type of pillow also keeps its shape for years, and is a great support to neck and head due to its high loft and firmness. However, it allows for little movement – so allergy sufferers may prefer a latex or polyester pillow if they’re the kind to toss and turn at night.
If allergens are not a concern for you, there are the option of natural fibres, such as feather and down, or wool. Feather and down generally come at a higher price point than alternatives, as they are a supremely soft filling that can still be moulded to the shape of your head and neck without falling flat throughout the night. Lastly, wool is a breathable fibre that will naturally regulate your temperature at night, making it a popular option for Australians.
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Olivia Arezzolo
Olivia has been researching and speaking about the importance and power of sleep for 14 years. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), Certificate of Sleep Psychology, Diploma of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine) and Certificate of Fitness III + IV so is definitely well versed in the topic. She is considered the go-to expert for sleep in Australia and has appeared on The Today Show, The Morning Show, Studio 10 and Sunrise while her words have also featured in Forbes, Vogue, Body & Soul and more.
Last but not least, make sure you’re getting the best prices on all your new purchases by heading to news.com.au Coupons. There you’ll find deals on a wide range of big brands, including Amazon, The Iconic and Harvey Norman.
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