Have you ever wondered what makes a good pillow, and what kind of pillow do side sleepers need? — Well! this is an important matter to consider when buying a new pillow— because your health and comfort also depend on it.
Obviously, one wrong choice can result in either neck, shoulder pains, anxiety, sleeping disorders, or a combination of all put together.
So with various types of pillows available in the market, how do you figure out which one will suit your sleeping style, and thus enhance your comfort when you rest on it?
In this article, we have put together a list of pillows that are great for side sleepers—we also included their benefits and more…
What kind of pillow do side sleepers need?
There are a variety of different types of pillows for side sleepers, so it can be hard to decide which one is the best for you.
Some of the most popular types of pillows for side sleepers include memory foam pillows, down pillows, and pregnancy pillows.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are by far the most popular type of pillow for side sleepers. They are soft, plush, and contoured to fit your head and neck perfectly.
They are also adjustable, making it easy to find the right firmness. Memory foam is a durable material that is resistant to mold and mildew, so it is a good choice if you are concerned about allergies.
Down Pillows
Down pillows are also popular among side sleepers. They are filled with feathers or down, which makes them soft, warm, and fillable. They are also adjustable, so you can find the right firmness.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow for Side Sleepers
Good pillows vary in price depending on the type of filling and fabric used as well as the brand name.
If you have a budget for a good pillow, it’s important to track down what is best for your sleeping style.
For Side sleepers who like a bit of height at the head and neck, the ideal pillow should be those that are between 4.5-8 inches high.
What Pillow Materials Are Best for Side Sleepers?
Three of the most popular pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, and buckwheat hulls.
Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages as pillow stuffing. Memory foam pillow offers plenty of support but can be too firm for some; latex is softer yet still supportive, and buckwheat hulls pillows offer firmness while still being relatively lightweight.
What are the benefits of sleeping on your side?
There are a number of health benefits to sleeping on your side; these include reduced risk of snoring, improved breathing, and a decreased risk of sleep apnea. According to a study, sleeping on your side promotes better blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
Another main benefit of sleeping on your side is that it helps prevent neck pain. When you sleep on your back, your head and neck area are in a fixed position, which can cause pain and stiffness in the neck—while sleeping on your side, on the other hand, allow your head and neck to move freely and rotate.
Lastly, sleeping on your side also allows you to better align your spine, which can help to relieve pain in the lower back, neck, and shoulders.
How to choose the right pillow for side sleepers?
There are a few things that you need to take into account when choosing the right pillow for side sleepers.
- The first is the height of the pillow— Side sleepers generally sleep on their sides, so a taller pillow will help provide support for the head and neck.
- The second is the shape of the pillow— The best side sleepers Pillow are those that are slightly concave, such shape helps it conforms to your head and neck.
- The third is the firmness of the pillow — As a side sleeper, you should go for a pillow that is soft but supportive so that you will not feel pressure on the neck or face while sleeping.
- The last thing to consider is the cover — Because you sleep on your side sleepers, you will need a pillow you can add a cover because it prevents the pillow from becoming dirty, and it makes it easier to move the pillow from one side of the bed to the other.
With so many brands of side sleeper’s pillows available on the market, it is important to select the one that is comfortable and will meet your specific needs.
Why buying a new pillow should be well planned
Pillows can be a big investment, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. The key is to find a pillow that conforms to your sleeping style and that offers the right amount of support.
You may also want to consider the type of pillow you are using. If you are using a traditional pillow, then a medium or soft pillow may be best. If you are using a contour pillow, then a firm or hard pillow may be best.
If you are using a memory foam pillow, then you will want to choose one that is firm. Memory foam is designed to conform to your body, and if it is too soft, it will not provide the support that you need.
Additionally, make sure that the pillow is Washable and Wrinkle-Free. If you are looking for a decorative pillow, then select one that is soft and comfortable, but does not have any special features.
List of the best pillows for side sleepers.
There are a lot of different types and shapes of pillows, so it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best pillows for side sleepers.
The top 4 pillows for side sleepers are:
1. Snoogle Total Body Pillow
This is a versatile pillow that can be used as a standard pillow, an tossing, and turning pillow, or a back support pillow.
It is made from soft, breathable materials that are reversible, so you can decide which side you want to sleep on.
Another great feature of the Snoogle Total Body Pillow is that it has a built-in temperature control system that allows you to adjust the temperature so that you can get a comfortable sleep regardless of the weather.
2. Ghost Bed GhostPillow – Memory Foam
Memory foam pillow is one of those sleep wonders that are designed to give us a deep, restful night’s sleep. These cushions were developed to do just that – to help people sleep better.
Not only do they work to keep the sleeper comfortable, but they also keep the spine in line, reduce the strain on overworked muscles and minimize tossing and turning to a minimum. As a form of discomfort relief, memory foam pillows work like no other.
3. Layla Kapok Pillow
Layla Kapok is a hybrid of Kapok and Silk. It is a beautiful pillow that is fashioned with the best of both worlds. Synthetic and natural fibers are combined to offer you a unique look, which conjures up floral motifs with charmesque pastel shades.
Layla Kapok is soft, drapery colors and sports delicate patterns that give off a calm, meditative feel. Layla Kapok was designed with the decorator in mind, like those who are keen on designing their places for comfort.
4. Saatva Latex Pillows
These pillows are the new wave of comfort. The fact that they are hypoallergenic, and contain no harmful toxins, makes them more desirable.
Another plus that helps people to jump on the bandwagon is that Saatva Latex Pillows does not require any chemical treatment to clean, which makes it easy for you to maintain it.
Side sleeper Pillow faq’s
Why do side sleepers need firm pillows?
Side sleepers require firm pillows because they tend to rotate their heads more than people who sleep on their stomachs. As a result, the spine is not aligned properly, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
A good pillow should be firm enough to support your head and neck, but not so firm that it becomes uncomfortable after a few hours.
Additionally, side sleepers require a pillow that is long enough so that it covers your entire spine.
This will help to keep your spine aligned and prevent pressure points from forming. Finally, side sleepers should avoid pillows that are too soft, as this will cause you to sink into the pillow and restrict your breathing.
How many pillows should a side sleeper use?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the number of pillows that a side sleeper should use will vary depending on their specific sleeping position and body shape.
However, aside sleepers should generally use two pillows – one on their stomach and one on their back. If they are able to sleep on their side, then they can reduce the number of pillows to one.
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
For side sleepers, a firm mattress is the best option. This is because side sleepers tend to rotate their heads more than other sleepers, which can cause neck and back pain.
A firm mattress will help support your head and spine, minimizing the amount of movement you make.
Additionally, a firm mattress is less likely to cause pain in the joints and muscles in your feet and legs, which is another common problem for side sleepers.
How thick should a pillow be for side sleepers?
Most people who sleep on their side find that a pillow that is at least 18 inches thick is necessary to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. This will provide support for the head, neck, and spine, and will keep your head and neck elevated off the bed.
Additionally, a pillow that is too thin can cause you to toss and turn throughout the night, which can lead to fatigue and a lack of sleep.
If you are unsure of what thickness is right for you, it is best to go with a thicker pillow. If you are still having difficulty sleeping after using a thicker pillow, you may want to consider a pillowcase that is specifically designed for side sleepers.
This will help to create a more supportive environment and provide extra support for your head, neck, and spine.
What is the truth about side sleepers?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding side sleepers, with many people believing that they are a danger to their health.
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that side sleepers are not actually sleeping on their sides. They are actually sleeping on their stomachs with their heads and/or pillows propped up on their side.
This position is more dangerous because it puts your head in a more dangerous position. Additionally, side sleepers are more likely to suffer from neck and back pain due to the position of their head and the strain on their neck and spine.
There have been a few studies that have shown that side sleepers are more likely to suffer from accidents, including falls and injuries.
Where do I put my arms when sleeping on my side?
A typical sleep position is lying down on a medium-firm mattress, using one firm pillow underneath your head; shift over to your left side first.
Keep your arms and hands below your face and neck, preferably parallel to the sides. Put a firm pillow between your knees —especially if you have low back pain: See our list of sleepers pillow with armholes.
Take home
Choosing the right pillow for side sleepers can be tough, but this guide will help you make the right decision.
Moreso, if you understand the types of pillows that work best for side sleepers, you’ll be able to get the perfect sleeping environment each night. So go ahead and choose the pillow that suits your needs!
Useful resource:
Sleep Positions: CNN
