20 Best Side Sleeper Pillows Of All Time

Neck and shoulder pain can be debilitating and it's important to choose a sleep pillow that won't make your injuries worse. A good solution? Finding the best side sleeper pillow to ease the pain.

Says Dr. Allen Conrad, BS, DC, CSCS, "As a Doctor of Chiropractic, we help recommend pillows for people that sleep on their side that will conform to their specific injury, and help reduce more soreness when they wake up. As the owner of Montgomery County Chiropractic Center, we want to help patients get their spine in proper alignment, and if you are using the wrong pillow, you are making the neck worse and it will be more inflamed.

Memory foam pillows differ than traditional pillows in that they will mold to the contour of your spine, which will help you from becoming misaligned. When a neck is twisted for 6-8 hours while sleeping, the muscles can become in spasm and can cause cervicogenic headaches.”

A study by Harvard on pillows and neck pain confirms that memory foam pillows help contour to the curve of your cervical spine. “This helps reduce neck pain when you wake up,” Dr. Conrad adds.

Don't know where to start? Consider these options to start getting the sleep you deserve.

RELATED: 6 Natural Remedies That'll Help You Fall Asleep Fast (And Stay Sleeping Throughout The Night)

1. Tempur-Pedic Contour Side-To-Back Memory Foam Pillow

“This pillow is good for those who sleep on their side, and has firm support to allow the normal cervical curve of the neck to stay in proper alignment,” recommends Dr. Conrad.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

2. Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper Pillow

This USA made memory foam pillow is both breathable and soft, unlike any pillow you have seen before. Perfectly shaped for a side sleeper and conveniently adjustable to your comfort level.

(Nest Bedding, $119)

3. Portable Pregnancy Pillow by Mommy Matters

This pillow features a supersoft, machine-washable removable slipcover and firm, dual-density memory foam construction. There is even a removable hot/cold gel pack to relieve aches and pains. (When you buy this pillow, 100 percent of the proceeds go to Saving Mothers, a non-profit organization serving mothers in low-resource settings worldwide.)

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

4. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Constructed with superior natural materials, Talalay Latex pillow delivers superior reactivity, contouring support and enhanced breathability for an exceptionally restful night’s sleep. Latex is both supportive and contouring, and also responds more quickly to movement.

(Brooklyn Bedding, $89-$99)

5. DreamCloud Contour Memory Foam Pillow

Experience the expertly designed DreamCloud memory foam pillow. Built to provide soft contour to the natural curves of your head, neck, and shoulders, the pillow features an adjustable crown height to match your ideal level of support. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

6. Leesa Hybrid Pillow

The adjustable, reversible hybrid pillow features a removable insert for customization, fabric with chilling fibers, a cool-to-the-touch gel layer and down-like, quilted pocket side.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

7. Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow

This pillow gently conforms to your head and neck, and recovers its shape night after night, thanks to a unique blend of memory foam pieces and premium down alternative fibers.

(Sleep Number, starts at $89.99)

8. Cariloha Gel Pillow

Designed with bamboo charcoal memory foam that’s naturally breathable and hypoallergenic. Machine washable, removable cover made of viscose from bamboo to wick away moisture and repel odors and to facilitate cooler sleep and additional softness. 

(Walmart, starts at $109)

9. Esse Pregnancy Support Pillow 

This plush, S-shape design comes in a neutral tone and is made from 100 percent cotton. Its sleek construction ensures a peaceful night's rest. Even those who are not pregnant can benefit from its unique structure! 

(Walmart, $79.99)

10. Sleep Crown Over The Head Pillow

Sleep Crown is the innovative over-the-head pillow designed to block natural and artificial light, muffle ambient sound, and give gentle pressure over the head to relax your whole body for proper, uninterrupted sleep. Sleep Crown is contoured at the bottom so you can breathe safely and freely.

(The Grommet, $168)

11. Milemont Memory Foam Pillow

With medium-loft and medium-firm models filled with premium memory foam they hold the contours of the head and neck phenomenally, distributing weight evenly, relieving pressure and helping with neck and back pain.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: What Your Sleep Schedule Really Says About Your Personality

12. Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow

Beckham Luxury Linens Gel-Filled Fiber Pillows are crafted in super plush gel fiber that puts all other standard pillows to shame/ They are expertly tailored to ensure maximum comfort for any and all sleeping positions.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

13. Headleveler Pillows

These patented pillows come in seven thicknesses and are meticulously crafted for each individual consumer based on body sizes and sleep positions. There are three sections in each pillow, each with its own perfected recipe of fill based on your sleep patterns and body size.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

14. Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow

Medium firm and breathable, the Original provides the perfect blend of support and comfort for deep, restful sleep. Just adjust it to fit your unique size and sleep position to start your journey to Destination Dreamland.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

15. Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillow

Royal Therapy snuggle bed pillows are designed to contour to the unique shape of the body to help support your head and neck. It provides even support for the neck and head. This bamboo pillow allows for uniform pressure on all areas of the head and neck. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

16. Sleep Yoga Side Sleeper Pillow with Arm Support

Helps provide ultimate comfort and better alignment for your neck and can help reduce shoulder strain for side sleeping. A unique notch for your neck offers the right amount of support for sleeping on either side while allowing your arm to rest on the pillow, relieving tension on shoulders.

(Walmart, $68)

17. The White Company Firm Soft & Light Breathable Down Alternative Pillow

Complete your bedding set with the luxe, lightweight comfort of a nonallergenic down-alternative pillow featuring firm support that's ideal for side sleepers.

(Nordstrom, $55)

18. NIGHT Oxygenated Memory Foam Pillow with Moisturizing TriSilk Pillowcase

Expertly engineered memory foam is lighter and airier to provide the optimal balance of comfort and support. The proprietary spandex silk formula supports optimal moisture levels for healthy, beautiful skin and hair.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

19. Utopia Bedding Gusseted Quilted Pillow 

White microfiber gusset pillows with a blue piping and double stitching gives a posh look to the pillows and also enhances durability. Filled with a medium-firm blend and superior quality material that makes sure that you have a perfect night’s sleep without any interruptions.

(Walmart, starts at $23)

20. Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow

Crafted with 80 percent shredded memory foam and 20 percent Polyester Fiber, this type of memory foam technology allows for a much more sensual and personal night of sleep. It gives users the ability to sleep for a prolonged period of time and not have to worry about aches and pains. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: 8 Ways To Get The Best Sleep Of Your Life (Plus 3 Things To Avoid At All Costs Before Bed)

Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.