5 Best Memory Foam Pillows For Side Sleepers – Goodbye Your Neck Pain

Compared to sleeping on your stomach or on your back, sleeping on your side leaves a huge gap in between your head and the mattress.

If you are a serious side sleeper, using the wrong pillow might pose a risk to your neck and spine health. Whenever you sleep, your head should always be in a single line with your back to avoid any possible soreness or stiffness from the lower back up to the back of the neck.

Are you a side sleeper? Then, you must know this…

Muscle pain is just the beginning. If strain is always placed on this part of your body, the nerve endings found in the spinal column might end up getting compressed or pinched. Eventually, this will lead to severe pain or discomfort. Worse, numbness and tingling sensations may also be experienced. And you know how bothersome this can be.

You will be surprised at how something so easy like changing your pillows can change the way you start your day.

Selecting a pillow that can keep up with your side sleeping woes is not an easy feat. There are numerous factors to consider like materials, pillow types, and personal choices when it comes to firmness, softness, and design.

In this article, we narrowed down the best choices under one specific pillow material – Memory Foam.

Why?

Memory foams are believed to be better in comparison to other pillow types because they can provide more support. They can easily take the shape to conform to the shape of your neck area as you sleep soundly through the night.

Pillows Comparison Chart

Pillow Name	Cover Material	Machine Washable	Hypoallergenic	Dust mite resistant
Viscose Rayon Covered Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam	Bamboo Derived Rayon and Polyester	Yes	Yes	Yes
Combination Shredded Style Memory Foam Pillow	Bamboo	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shredded Memory Foam Pillow for stomach side sleepers	Bamboo	Yes	Yes	Yes
Conforma Firm Responsive Memory Foam Pillow	Polyester	Yes	Yes	Yes
Standard Memory Foam Pillow with PCM Beads	Cotton	Yes	Yes	Yes

Now that you have seen the overview of the best memory pillow choices for side sleepers, let us delve further into the details of each one.

Memory Foam Pillows For Side Sleepers Reviews

1. Viscose Rayon Covered Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam by Coop Home Goods

A pillow that can give you a good night’s sleep without any soreness the next day. The reason why this is a popular choice is because it can provide both support and comfort. Its inner core is filled with generous amount of fill made from desirable materials. The cover is pretty luxurious.

A reputable brand, Coop Home Goods is very established in the United States. The Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is thick and firm. It does not flatten out no matter how many movements you take, guaranteeing enough support for your neck and back. This is why it is a suitable pillow for combination sleepers, as well.

Special features of this memory pillow include:

1. The bamboo cover has a high thread count.
2. The memory foam provides adequate support and no fluffing is necessary.
3. CertiPur-US certified Memory Foam.
4. Improved air technology that keeps the pillow comfortable and cool.
5. Eco-friendly materials.

Thumbs up:

• This is one of the best pillows for back sleepers who also favors lying on their sides. If you happen to be one of them, you are in for a real support.
• The shredded memory foam offers increased comfort compared to a thick single memory foam pad. Every time you move, the pillow can easily adjust.
• The cover is breathable, soft, durable, and has anti-microbial properties. Plus, bamboo is good for mother nature. You are not only creating a breathable ambiance for yourself, but also a better environment.

Thumbs down:

• The chemical smell of the pillow can last up to two days. You can air it out for the meantime.
• Since this pillow is adjustable (you can ask the manufacturer for up to 1 and ½ fill), the initial pillow may seem lacking in loft. This back and forth process can be tiresome for many.

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2. Combination Shredded Style Memory Foam Pillow by Snuggle-Pedic

A pillow comfortable enough to provide support even to pregnant women, its resilient foam is good on the muscles and the spine, but soft enough to provide proper comfort. Additionally, the shredded   memory foam is a lot better than its solid counterpart. This type enables more air flow to reduce build up of heat and promote ease of movement. Shredded memory pillows are more malleable. And when it comes to looking for the perfect pillow for side sleepers, this is a huge factor.

The cover is made of bamboo, polyester, and lycra. The combination of the three materials made the cover very soft, comfortable, and durable for a long period of time. Also, the cover is very absorbent, so moisture and heat will not create a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash and wear material keeps your pillow fresh every night.

Special features of this memory pillow include:

1. It has a micro-vented Kool-Flow™
2. It is made of eco-friendly materials.
3. It comes with a money back warranty.

Thumbs up:

• As a side sleeper, shoulder pain is something you are familiar with. This prevents any strain from the neck down to the shoulders.
• The pillow cover technology keeps you comfortable the entire night.
• It is reasonably priced.

Thumbs down:

• The prep time required for this pillow may take more than usual. You may need to fluff and air it out before use.
• The thickness and firmness of this pillow require getting used to. You have to spend time “breaking in” the pillow before it is comfortable for use.

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3. Shredded Memory Foam Pillow for stomach side sleepers by Good life Essentials

An aesthetically pleasing addition to your bedroom, this pillow can also provide adequate support on the neck and head. Pillows can Influence how your body feels when asleep, especially the regions of the head, neck and shoulders. The cushion in this pillow is both supportive and luxurious. The memory foam pieces can easily embrace the position of your head and neck.

Meanwhile, the natural bamboo cover with a blend of polyester guarantees its durability and softness. This moisture resistant material also fights off bacteria and ensures that the pillow smells great and amazing after every use.

Special Features of this memory foam pillow include:

1. CertiPur-US Certified foam
2. The pillow has a very plush support.
3. Available in three sizes.

Thumbs up:

• The thick support is ideal for those who loves sleeping on their sides. You get to have more support on your neck and sides. This also provide support for those who like sleeping on their stomachs.
• It has a large surface area to get you covered. It comes in three sizes, but each one is large enough to provide ease of body conforming.

Thumbs down:

• If you like thick pillows, you might fall in love this one. Unfortunately, for some, this can be cause of discomfort.
• This pillow needs to be unpacked properly for the removal of the bad smell. Let it soak in some air to get rid of the stench.

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4. Conforma Firm Responsive Memory Foam Pillow by Classic Brands

The memory foam pillow prevents accumulation of body heat and promote better sleep quality. Unlike most of the pillows in the list, this one is a solid foam pad. It is quite thick, making it one of the best side and back pillows. It lessens pain and soreness, if used the right way. It is one of the most ideal pillows for stomach sleepers because it supports that area while sleeping on the side. That is also the reason why a lot of pregnant women likes using this pillow. Totally allergen- free and dust mite resistant, the pillow cover can be removed easily for washing.

Special Features of this memory foam pillow include:

1. Luxuriously soft fabric cotton blend.
2. It has five inches of thickness.
3. Maximum airflow technology in the memory foam pillow.
4. Ergonomic support.

Thumbs up:

• Its memory foam is really responsive. If you happen to shift from side to side, this pillow can easily accommodate your movements.
• Extreme comfort and relief can be experienced from the neck to the shoulders. You will not worry about stiffness and numbness the next day.
• The plush velour knitted cover is easily removed and managed. Hassle-free washing is always a big bonus.

Thumbs down:

• Memory foam pillows are known to have a stench. So, like all the memory pillows in the list, this requires ample time of airing out.
• This pillow is quite heavy at first. In the long run, however, it is something that you can get used to.

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5. Standard Memory Foam Pillow with PCM Beads by Sleep Better

A very nice side sleeper pillow, recognized for its side stitching. The platform does not easily bend and twist, but supportive enough to ensure your spine and neck alignment at night. The core of the  sleeper pillow is made of nicely woven polyester along with the viscoelastic foam. The padding also has Phase Changing Materials, which can address the temperature changes of the body. It is also big enough to provide support in any area.

The durable cover has a 300 thread count, guaranteeing soothing sensation and softness. Easily zipped up and removable, cleaning it does not require too much.

Special Features of this memory foam pillow include:

1. The long-lasting PCM releases heat offering good temperature control.
2. Hotel Level Quality Cotton Casing.
3. Durable and Malleable Pillow for its Gusseted Sides

Thumbs up:

• The thick sides of the pillow provides more support for your neck. With 5 ½ inches of height and corded gussets, this pillow helps you find your best sleeping position.
• With its PCM Technology, you can sleep more soundly. After all, we all fall asleep more quickly and soundly if the surrounding is of the right temperature and ambiance.

Thumbs down:

• Initially, it is hard to yield the hardness of the pillow. It may take time for you to adjust, but with a little break-in, everything will be fine.
• The accumulation of smell from the packaging may take time to wear off.

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Now, there are many other pillows that have extra features. Have you heard about a side sleeper pillow with arm hole? Yup, these quirks make the pillow special, but may not be really necessary.

Important Information About Memory Foam Pillows

A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane: Brief History of Memory Pillows

Do you know that memory foam pillows are developed by NASA? They did way back in 1966. The reason they did it is to create equally distributed pressure surrounding the bodies of the astronauts who will be exposed to pressurized gravity when leaving and returning to the earth’s atmosphere. As time passed by, the pillow was recommended for the use of patients with certain medical issues. From there, it extended to commercial use – in mattresses, pillows, and bed toppers – we know today.

What makes memory foams so special?

These pillows are different because of their composition. Made of visco-elastic foam also known as polyurethane, it does not require a lot of materials to fluff up its density and increase its weight. It has a very exceptional molecular composition when compared with other foams.

You will experience the difference when it comes to durability, support, and softness. Another feature of memory foam is its temperature-sensitive characteristic. When the body heat reaches through the pillow, it can easily soften and follows the shape of the body. Through that, it can locate the pressure points of your body and mold around it, so will feel more nestled in, instead of just propping your head on top of a pillow.

Tips On Finding The Best Memory Pillow

1. The first thing on the list should be to check the firmness level of a memory foam pillow. Knowing your preferred firmness level is important. If you have no idea what to go for, keep on reading this article. This question will be answered in the FAQs section.
2. Next, you need to find a pillow that helps promote proper flow of air. This ensures that your neck and head area remains on the right temperature when sleeping. You do not want to end up with a suffocating one.
3. One other factor is material choice. The material selection vary from pillow to pillow. Some are of higher quality than the others. This also help determines the firmness, comfort, and firmness. You should always go for durable, hypoallergenic, and easily cleaned materials. If this has anti-bacterial properties, that would be a huge plus.
4. Not all of us can afford luxury pillows. Thus making pricing an important avenue when making your choice. Thankfully, it is easy to find an affordable one with the myriad of choices available in the market. Of course, do not settle for the cheapest one. Instead, select a reasonably priced pillow that can cater all your needs as a side sleeper.
5. The added features should also be considered. For example. Some pillows have cooling gel inside the foam to help maintain a cool environment even during the summer. With technology, these features help make the pillows feel more personalized.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Side sleeping is the most popular of all the sleeping positions. However, there are a few variations of side sleeping and all of these poses a single problem – it can place your neck in improper alignment.

Why does this happen?

When sleeping on your back and stomach, the head is naturally kept aligned from the head down to the shoulders. The same could not be said for a side sleeper.

So, what do you do to prevent your neck from getting strained after a full night’s sleep?

Most people focus on changing their mattresses, but pillows are more directly in contact with your head and neck. The best pillow for you are: memory foam pillows, gel pillows, or water pillows. These are great in providing adequate support to the neck without having to miss out on softness and comfort.

How do you find the right side sleeper pillow for your body?

1. First, consider your variation of side sleeping. Having a lot of support for your back or stomach can help you from shifting from too many positions.
2. Next, knowing how to use a large pillow can enable you to protect the rest of your body.
3. Apart from the size, what makes up the pillow determines how it will be shaped according to your movements, such as the ability to be bent and its mold-ability. The shredded memory foam is the most favorable choice because it can wrap around your head properly and its capability to provide support is adequate enough to hold it in place. Solid foam may provide better support, but its stiffness can interrupt your sleep when moving about. The water and gel based pillows are also good options, but they do not bend and are not as malleable as shredded memory foam cores.

Which is the right pillow for my side sleeping variation?

If you are okay with sleeping in just a single spot all night long. You might not need to get more support for your back and stomach, so a single memory foam cores will do. They do not flatten, so the original shape is maintained. Expect a comfortably solid pillow the entire night.

Meanwhile, if you like placing your arm under the pillow, purchasing another sleeper pillow will give you a chance to reposition yourself in a more comfortable spot. You can easily adjust the height according to your liking. For this, a better option would be microbead, gel, or water type pillows.

Lastly, for a side sleeper who is a bit shifty when sleeping, your best bet would be a shredded memory foam pillow. A lot of side sleepers fall under this type.

Are memory foam pillows good for your neck? What is the best pillow for neck support?

Yes. Memory foam pillows are perfect for people who have sensitive necks, the foam can provide even distribution of pressure and weight for a more comfortable sleep quality.

Are body pillows a good idea for side sleepers?

It is very hard to find a body pillow that can work for you, but when you find one, it will surely do the trick. For side sleepers who have been experiencing back issues, go for a firmer pillow that you can hug. Thinner ones, however, is easily tucked between the knees. If this is more of the position you tend to take, you should go for it. There are many available shapes to select from, it all depends on the cushioning you prefer.

What firmness level is good for side sleepers?

Honestly, this one is quite difficult to answer.  We all have different preferences when it comes to this attribute. So to figure out which one is good for you, you can tell from your previous pillow choices. Try different pillows and check which really suits your style as a side sleeper. Not all memory foam pillows can cater to the needs of side sleepers because of the issue on firmness level. But on the most part, a lot of people prefer the medium level of firmness.

Conclusion

Buying the best pillow for side sleepers can be a daunting task. However, the quality and comfort during your sleep should never be dismissed. Thankfully, there are articles like this one that can come to your aid. That being said, you might want to know, which one topped this list.

It is none other than (Drumroll, please)..

Viscose Rayon Covered Pillow  with Shredded Memory Foam by Coop Home Goods

Not only does it tick all the boxes of a quality memory foam pillow, it also addressed the needs of side sleepers. Plus, the “whole additional fill”promo by the manufacturer guarantees that you can easily adjust the pillow to your liking after you purchase it. Definitely a total win.