The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Side sleeping is one of the most popular ways to drift off, but it can cause a number of issues if you don't have the right pillow. In this guide, we're going to share some practical advice on choosing the best pillow for side sleepers, as well as our top product picks, so you can get the support you need for this specific sleeping style.
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
In simple terms, your head is further away from the mattress when you sleep on your side. If the gap between your head and the mattress isn't filled, your head will be tilted down towards the mattress, causing the neck to bend and leading to strained muscles and tendons. Likewise, sleeping with too many pillows or ones that are too thick will push your neck up and cause a similar problem. The key is spinal alignment, and that is why purchasing a pillow or pillows that are the right size is important.
Sleep is something we spend a lot of our lives doing, and the last thing you want it to wake up in the morning with feelings of tiredness, or worse, headaches and chronic pain. To help you overcome this problem, we've selected best pillows for side sleepers.
With its innovative 2-in-1 design, combining an Octaspring tube with microfibre filling, the Octasense pillow is a versatile choice, suitable for back and side sleepers alike. This unique design combines classic and anatomic support in one pillow, adapting three-dimensionally to your neck and back while offering top breathability and ventilation. Not only that, but you can remove its microfibre filling, giving a fully customised level of comfort. As if that wasn't enough, it's also infused with green tea, to bring some gentle aromatherapy into your bedroom and helping you to relax.
If you struggle with allergies when trying to sleep, the Evercomfy anti-allergy pillow is the choice for you. It has been specifically designed to provide the ideal support and comfort for side and back sleepers, with a hypoallergenic cover that helps alleviate allergy symptoms. The pillow comes in a durable, soft pillowcase allowing you to sleep easy and comfortably without the worry of your allergies playing up.
Neck pain is a common complaint for front sleepers, but the right pillow can help to alleviate the stresses of this position. The Octasmart Essentials pillow comes in plush and firm feels. Imbued with the qualities of our ultra-comfy Micropearl™ technology and patented Octacell™ formula, the Essentials pillow range offers a sanctuary of support with the coolest of comfort for sublime sleep.
What are the Benefits of Sleeping on your Side?
Regardless of whether you prefer stretching out like a starfish or curling up like a kitten, each sleeping position comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Luckily for side sleepers, with the right pillow, this position can offer numerous potential health benefits.
- Reduces pain in muscles and joints: For many individuals experiencing back pain, side sleeping can be an effective position to alleviate discomfort and ensure a fresh feeling upon waking. Properly supported side sleeping helps relieve pressure on the spine and hips, aligning the head, heart, and spine for maximum relaxation of joints and muscles. If back pain is a concern, consider exploring our guide on managing back pain. If you're affected by back pain, you might be interested in reading our guide to choosing the best mattress for a bad back.
- Improves your organ health: Opting for left-side sleeping, as opposed to the right, has been associated with improved heart, stomach, and intestine health. The gravitational effect and body anatomy make left-sided sleeping beneficial for alleviating acid reflux and heartburn, promoting better digestion, and reducing feelings of sickness. This principle also extends to the heart, as left-side sleeping aids blood circulation, potentially reducing blood pressure.
- Decreased snoring: Individuals dealing with chronic snoring or sleep apnea may have been advised by their doctor to try side sleeping to alleviate symptoms. Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to fall to the back of your mouth, leading to breathing constriction and snoring. Side sleeping keeps the airways clearer and more open, facilitating easier breathing and sound sleep. For optimal results, try sleeping in a straight, log-like position rather than in the fetal position.
Now that you've learned all about the best pillows for side sleepers, it's time to choose yours.