The Benefits Of Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position among U.S. adults. This position has a few advantages over back or stomach sleeping. For one, side sleeping can minimize snoring because it keeps your airway open back sleepers snore more often because the tongue falls back into the throat, creating an obstruction for the airway. Side sleeping can be beneficial to people with sleep apnea and/or acid reflux for the same reason. If youre a pregnant woman, chances are youll feel more comfortable on your side than you will in other sleep positions a bolster pillow for the legs or knees can also provide comfort for pregnant sleepers.
Side sleeping can also align the spine and reduce discomfort in the shoulders, hips, and other areas where pressure points tend to develop. However, this is contingent on a mattress and pillow that offer enough support to align your head and neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips.
Keep reading to learn about special pillow considerations for side sleepers, and how to choose a pillow model based on your body type and personal preferences.
What Were Looking For:
Loft: The loft, or height, of your pillow is a crucial factor for side sleepers to consider. Dr. Toussaint-Keshinro explains that keeping your head, neck, and shoulders in a neutral and even position is most important. If a pillow is too flat or too high, it can create an uneven muscle tone in the neck and shoulders, leading to spasms over time. While there isnt a formula to figure out the ideal loft of your pillow, Dr. Dennis Colonello, celebrity and professional-athlete chiropractor at Peak Wellness and all33 co-founder, suggests that your pillow be around four inches off of your mattress. But dont go breaking out your ruler just yet, as there is wiggle room with this number. For taller people with broader shoulders, a higher loft may be more comfortable, and conversely, a petite person with more narrow shoulders will likely rest comfortably with a lower loft.
Firmness: All of our experts agreed that medium-firm pillows tend to be the best option for people sleeping on their side. While there is room for personal preference here, a medium-firm pillow helps your head stay in the right position without sinking while you sleep. For people who like to dream on a bed that feels like fresh brioche buns instead of a firmer surface, gusseted-down and down-alternative pillows can be a plush compromise. Additionally, Cushner and Foley suggest memory foam pillows, as they sort of mimic the softness of down by contouring to your body, while still providing support.
Belly Sleep Belly Sleeper Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS:
If you sleep on your stomach, you might have a hard time finding a pillow that feels supportive, soft, and doesnt crick your neck. Thats because most pillows are going to be too high or too firm for stomach sleepers, making your neck lie at an awkward and uncomfortable level. This pillow, though, is designed specifically for stomach sleepers, so it has a uniquely low profile of 2.5 inches.
Rather than using memory foam, which tends to trap heat, the Belly Sleeper uses polyurethane foam infused with cooling gel particles to prevent overheating at night. The Belly Sleepers low profile makes it perfect for stomach sleepers, but it likely wont provide the support needed for back or side sleepers.
Why did we choose it?
- This pillow is uniquely designed to support spinal alignment in stomach-sleepers.
- The Belly Sleeper is contouring, soft, and hypoallergenic.
- The pillow comes with a removable, washable cover.
Best Soft Organic Pillow
Here is a pillow you can feel good sleeping on, and feel good about. The Sweet Zzz is 100 percent plant-based, sustainable, and certified for babies and those with sensitive skin.
Why we love it
- The two layers of plant-based down offer a combination of support and softness.
- All of the materials used in this pillow are sustainable, plant-based, and hypoallergenic.
Best Soft Adjustable Pillow
- No Harmful Chemicals or Dyes
- Great for All Sleepers
Why do we think youll like it?
Don’t Miss: Best Pillow For Side And Stomach Sleeper
Blissbury Thin Stomach Sleeping Memory Foam Pillow
If a fluffy pillow isn’t your jam, Amazon reviewers suggest checking out this thin memory foam pillow from Blissbury. Thanks to its slim design, the pillow reduces strain on the neck and back, soothing pain and stiffness. I’m “so surprised” by how comfortable it is, writes one shopper. It’s “helped my neck and back pain” so much!
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Made with 100 percent silk for the filling, this pillow will provide combination sleepers with a soft, luxurious feel. Its easy to mold to the shape of your liking and is temperature regulating, so sleepers shouldnt overheat. Its designed to be oversized to make it work for a variety of sleepers.
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The Best Pillows Designed With Stomach Sleepers In Mind
If youre a fellow stomach sleeper, you know the weird flak we get from scientists and doctors. Sure, stomach sleeping, or sleeping in the prone position, isnt the best position to sleep in. Your neck is in a bad position, and youre promoting wrinkles on your face, so you should sleep on your side. However, at the end of the day, the No. 1 goal for everyone is to just fall asleep and stay that way. Daily pressures at work and at home are immense, we dont need to be pressured to change the position weve slept in our whole lives, too.
So maybe were being dramatic, but every stomach sleeper knows the struggle of finding a pillow thats right for stomach sleepers. In fact, many physicians recommend stomach sleepers ditch the pillow altogether for optimal spine alignment. Side sleepers have always had their pick of luxurious pillows and back sleepers have an incredible array of pillow options, so why not stomach sleepers?
What Kind Of Mattress Should You Get If You Sleep On Your Stomach
Firmness is key when shopping for a mattress for stomach sleepers, as the extra support will help your back stay aligned as you rest, explains Okubadejo. This is best coupled with a firm pillow that doesn’t have too much height, he adds, as the pair will help to prevent unnecessary stress in the neck and back.
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What Should You Look For When Shopping For The Right Pillow
When it comes to shopping for the best pillow for your needs, sleep specialist Michael Breus, PhD, advises asking yourself three questions: Whats your preference when it comes to how squishy or firm the pillow is? What position do you start sleeping in? Do you have significant upper-shoulder or neck pain?
Next, consider the fill/fiber of the pillow . Down-filled pillows are usually light and soft and made from goose or duck fibers, though note that pure-down and all-down pillows may still contain other types of fill. Latex pillows tend to be firmer and hold shape, as do memory foam pillows, which soften and counter to the lines of your head, neck, and shoulders.
Other factors to consider are the fill weight, quality of fill, size of the pillow , breathability of fabric in case youre a hot sleeper, and how your pillow was made .
Below, weve broken down the best pillows for back sleepers, best pillows for side sleepers, and best pillows for stomach sleepers . Youll find great, expert-recommended sleep picks from brands and retailers such as Casper, Brooklinen, Layla, Coop Home Goods, Amazon, Parachute, Tuft & Needle, Purple, and more.
What Type Of Pillow Is Best For Stomach
Stomach sleepers need a low-lofted pillow with a soft firmness rating in order to maintain healthy posture throughout the night. Keep in mind, though, that the loft of the pillow doesnt have to be low exactly as it comes, but it does need to be soft enough to compress into a loft of 2 inches or less.
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Epabo Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
- Material: memory foam, bamboo fiber cover
- Dimensions: varies, two queen and standard sizes with different heights and widths
- Best for: all sleeping positions
As one of the more affordable anti-snore pillows, this one can easily be purchased on Amazon.
Its made out of memory foam. Its contour design is meant to allow for proper alignment of the neck, shoulders, and back, and you can adjust the fill to be higher or lower depending on your preference.
Reviewers say the pillow has helped them with neck pain and is versatile whether youre a back or side sleeper.
Depending on your height, you may need more or less support. One tall reviewer, for example, said the customer service was professional, and the company even sent him extra inserts for his pillow to reach his perfect height.
$65 From $5850 At Brooklinen
The Brooklinen Marlow pillow is extremely firm our tester compared it to sleeping on a sandbag, but in the best way. So if you love an extremely firm pillow, youll love this pillow for its very dense yet light feel. If you find this pillow too firm, the side zippers open gussets that allow more give to make the pillow softer, though we found the difference in feel was minimal.
Unfortunately, this pillow is spot-clean only, so youll want to make sure to use a pillowcase to protect it. If youre prone to spills or heavy sweating you may even want a pillow protector.
The Marlow comes in standard and king sizes and was one of the less pricey options among our top picks. Brooklinen also has a generous 365-day return policy, so you can try it for a while and return it if it doesnt work for you.
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What To Look For In A Pillow For Stomach Sleeping
If you sleep on your stomach, try looking for pillows that:
- Provide medium-firm support: Its important to choose a pillow thats relatively flat and doesnt exceed 3.5 inches in height. For many stomach sleepers, less is more. You may find your most perfect pillow only raises your head around 2 inches.
- Are good quality: No matter your budget, remember that pillows are not meant to last for years. Even the highest quality pillow will eventually start to sag or become stained.
- Can be cleaned easily: You also want to avoid sleeping on an old pillow that has become contaminated with allergens, mold, or dust mites. Using a pillow protector can help prolong the life of your pillow.
- Are nontoxic: Pillows are made from a wide range of fills and coverings. Some may contain chemical toxins you want to avoid. If youre looking for a more sustainable pillow, choose one thats made from organic or vegan materials. Any pillow that comes with a CertiPUR-US or Greenguard Gold guarantee is toxin-free.
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Price: $$
Customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you hate the sinking feeling of memory foam, opt for a pillow made of latex foam instead. Supportive natural latex helps cradle the head and neck while you rest easy on your side. The organic cotton cover is said to be breathable, easy to clean, and soft to the touch.
The pillow is also hypoallergenic and available in a low or high loft. High is likely the best choice for side sleepers.
Side sleepers like that the pillow provides plenty of neck support without being too firm. A handful of customers also appreciate that it doesnt sleep hot like memory foam.
The brand offers free shipping, a 30-night trial, and a 3-year warranty.
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Sleep Restoration’s Gel Pillow
This pillow may look super lofty at first and high loft typically means trouble for stomach sleepers but Sleep Restoration has created a super soft gel pillow for stomach sleepers. When you think of hotel-soft pillows, you’re typically thinking of down pillows, but this is a fabulous pillow if you’re looking for that perfect cloud-like hotel pillow feel but you don’t want to spend a ton of money. This is a great budget-priced pillow that feels like a luxury brand. Another good plus is that this pillow is dust mite, mold, and mildew resistant, which you sometimes don’t get from down pillows.
Best Body Pillow: Coop Home Goods Original Body Pillow
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Pillow can initially smell
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Difficult to wash
Shredded foam pillows are a great option for stomach sleepers. However, many tend to come overstuffed, so its important to remove plenty of the stuffing before use if the pillows original height makes you uncomfortable.
This body pillow is customizable: you can adjust it to perfectly fit the contours of your body, positioning it in such a way that your problem areas receive the most attention. Whether its your knees, stomach, back, or hips, the comfortable support this coop pillow provides helps relieve your pressure points. You can easily adjust the pillow beneath your body to make it more pleasant for stomach sleeping. If you don’t feel like the pillow is contouring your body in the way you want it to, you can return it within 100 days.
Material: Memory foam | Feel: Firm
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Best Pillow For Back Sleepers
Luxuriously plush, the Saatva Latex Pillow offers an ultra-comfortable, hotel-like experience and is particularly well-suited to back sleepers.
- Fill: Shredded Talalay latex
- Sizes available: Queen and king
- Care instructions: Remove the shredded Talalay latex core, machine wash cover and pillow.
- Who it’s best for: Back sleepers
Pros: Moderate height that’s ideal for back sleepers, plush like a hotel pillow, supportive latex core, 45-day trial period, comes with a pillow cover, cover and outer pillow are machine washable
Cons: Not very adjustable, too lofty for stomach sleepers
The Saatva Pillow is made from a supportive shredded latex core surrounded by a plush, down alternative layer and a sateen cotton liner. Its unique construction makes it different from any pillow I’ve ever felt before it’s got the hefty weight and support of a memory foam pillow, but with the plush, cool feel of a down pillow.
I kept coming back to this pillow throughout testing, and it quickly became my go-to for nights when I wasn’t actively testing anything new.
I’ve now been sleeping on this pillow for five months. I love how my head sinks into this soft pillow, but it’s still supportive enough to keep its shape all night long. When I wake up, the pillow looks just as plush as when I fell asleep on it.
How We Chose The Best Anti
We selected the best anti-snore pillows based on the following:
- Customer reviews: One of the best ways to determine whether a pillow is right for you is by looking at customer reviews. We looked at user feedback to help us narrow down the best pillows based on customer satisfaction with the product, including whether it helped them stop snoring.
- Company transparency: We prioritized pillows from companies that are transparent with their policies and product materials, and have good customer service.
- Expert suggestions: We consulted with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to get insight into what to look for when picking an anti-snore pillow.
- Vetting: The brands included in this article have been thoroughly vetted by Healthlines team of experts. We evaluate companies to ensure they meet strict standards for their business practices, social impact, safety, and medical credibility.
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Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
The Casper Original Pillow offers the loft and support that side sleepers need but with the soft and fluffy feel of a down alternative.
- Fill: Polyester microfiber
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Sizes available: Standard and king
- Care instructions: Remove inner pillow. Wash with cool water and a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Run the rinse cycle twice. Tumble dry low.
- Who it’s best for: Side sleepers
Pros: Soft and fluffy, 2-inch gusset that provides support for side sleepers, removable inner pillow, machine washable, 100-night trial period
Cons: Loft is not very adjustable, not as supportive as memory foam
The goal of a good pillow is to bring your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. For side sleepers, this means bridging the gap between your ear and where your shoulder meets the mattress. But shoulder size and height can vary a lot from person to person, meaning one side sleeper might need a lofty pillow while another needs just a little bit of lift.
The Coop pillow is ideal for side sleepers because it offers a lot of customization to help fill that gap. But if you’re not a memory foam fan, your next best bet is the Casper Original Pillow.
Made from down-alternative fill with a percale cotton shell, the Casper pillow feels a lot like the soft, plush pillows you’d find in hotel rooms. A 2-inch gusset keeps the pillow lofted for the supportive lift that side sleepers require, but the plush fill still provides the “sinking in” sensation when you lay your head down.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Iso Cool Pillow
Buying a iso cool pillow can be a complicated process. There are many things to consider, and you may be overwhelmed by the options. While theres no surefire way to guarantee that youll buy the right product every time, some things can help guide you through this maze. The following tips will help you choose the best iso cool pillow.
Here are some questions to ask before buying anything online:
Is the product being sold by a reputable company? A company that has been around for years and has a good reputation is more likely to provide quality products.
Do I really need this product? Ask yourself if you need this iso cool pillow or if its just something that sounds nice. It may seem like a great idea to purchase something cheaper than its retail price, but it might be better not to buy it at all if you dont need it.
Is the item sold through Amazon? If so, then its likely that Amazon will have user reviews on this product. You can use these reviews to determine whether or not the iso cool pillow is worth buying.
How much does shipping cost? Many online retailers offer free shipping when you buy certain items, so consider this when comparing prices between different online stores.
Fits your needs and wants perfectly! If you have special needs or desires for this iso cool pillow, make sure that your chosen product will meet them before making your purchase!
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