Best Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers

March 19, 2026 Paul Souliac

Finding the right memory foam pillow as a side sleeper is key to waking up refreshed. A good pillow aligns your neck and spine, reducing aches and pains. We've reviewed the top choices, including the Scrumptious Side Pillow, to help you sleep better and find the support you need. Discover the Best Memory Foam Pillow Side Sleeper.

Customize your comfort with the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow, designed for personalized loft, better alignment, and all-night support.

What to Look For in a Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleepers

When you sleep on your side, there is a gap between your head and the mattress that needs to be filled. The right pillow provides support to keep your head, neck, and spine in a straight line. Choosing the best memory foam pillow for a side sleeper means looking at a few specific features.

Pay close attention to these key factors:

Loft (Height): Side sleepers generally need a thicker pillow, typically between four and six inches high. This height properly fills the space between your ear and your shoulder, preventing neck strain.
Firmness: The pillow should be firm enough to support your head without letting it sink too low. However, it should also have enough give to be comfortable and relieve pressure points. Medium-firm is often the best choice for side sleepers.
Adjustability: An adjustable pillow allows you to add or remove fill to achieve the perfect loft and firmness for your body. This customization is a major benefit, as everyone's shoulder width and neck length are different.
Cooling Properties: Memory foam can sometimes trap heat. Look for pillows with cooling features like gel infusions, copper fibers, or ventilated designs to help regulate your temperature throughout the night. You can learn more about pillow materials in our pillow analysis blog.
Shape: Many pillows designed for side sleepers have a curved or contoured shape. This design cradles your neck and makes room for your shoulder, leading to a more comfortable and aligned sleep position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Pillow

Choosing the wrong pillow can lead to restless nights and morning pain. Many people make simple mistakes during the buying process that are easy to avoid. By being aware of these common errors, you can make a better choice for your sleep health.

First, avoid picking a pillow with the wrong loft. A pillow that is too high or too low will force your neck into an unnatural position. For side sleepers, a low-loft pillow is a common mistake that causes the head to tilt downward, straining the neck and shoulders.

Another error is ignoring adjustability. A pillow that feels great in the store might not be perfect for you at home. An adjustable fill lets you fine-tune the support to match your specific needs. You can find more tips for better rest on our sleep wellness page. Finally, don't forget to check the trial period and return policy. A good pillow is an investment, and having the option to return it if it doesn't work for you provides peace of mind.

Top 11 Best Memory Foam Pillows for Side Sleepers

1. Honeydew Sleep - Best Memory Foam Pillow Side Sleeper

Description (The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow):

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow features a unique curve that cradles your neck and shoulders for ultimate comfort and perfect alignment. The proprietary fill delivers a luxurious feel and superior support, while alleviating neck and shoulder pain , a condition affecting 30% to 50% of adults. We spent years developing a pillow built to provide perfect alignment and support for your body every single night. Every aspect was meticulously and deliberately chosen for its ability to provide the best sleep possible, and to help you wake up pain free and full of energy , powered by sleep. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, the unique curve of the Scrumptious Side Pillow was designed to support your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. The ribbon going around the sides maintains the pillow's structure perfectly, ensuring it doesn't taper at the edges or get higher in the middle , so you'll never roll onto the "flat part" during the night. The foam component is 100% CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which is far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam and has naturally antibacterial properties to keep your pillow fresh night after night. A discreetly hidden zipper lets you add or remove fill to customize the pillow height for your body , because nobody knows what you need better than you. Handcrafted by hand with love in California, USA. Turn down your nights to turn up your days.

Key Features:

Unique Curved Design: Cradles neck and shoulders for perfect alignment
Proprietary Fill: Doughy and soft yet still supportive , unlike any other pillow
Copper-Infused Foam: Superior cooling vs. gel-based memory foam; naturally antibacterial
100% CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: Always made without formaldehyde or heavy metals
Adjustable Fill: Hidden zipper to add or remove fill for personalized height
Structural Side Ribbon: Maintains consistent height across entire pillow surface
Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief: Specifically designed to stop neck pain at the source
Side & Back Sleeper Friendly: Unique curve supports all sleeping positions
Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Included: Cooling, ultra-soft, and skin-friendly
Cooling All Night Long: Copper infusion keeps pillow temperature regulated
Washable Cover: Hidden zipper makes cover removal easy for machine washing
Handmade in California, USA: Family-owned, hand-crafted with care
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified: All textiles safety certified
No Formaldehyde or Heavy Metals: 100% safe materials
Travel Size Available: Includes carrying bag for on-the-go sleep comfort

Tech Specs:

Fill: Proprietary copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam blend
Cover: Organic bamboo , cooling and ultra-soft
Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (textiles) + CertiPUR-US (foam)
Construction: Handmade in California, USA
Adjustability: Hidden zipper for fill customization
Available Sizes:

Queen: approximately 27" x 15"
King: approximately 30" x 17"
Travel: approximately 21" x 12"

Sleep Position: Side sleepers and back sleepers
Temperature: Cooling copper-infused fill, always cool to the touch
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee
Care: Machine washable cover (remove fill first); tumble dry safe

What's Included:

1 x Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow (Queen, King, or Travel)
1 x Organic Bamboo Cooling Pillowcase
Travel Size: includes carrying bag
60-night risk-free trial (free shipping both ways)
3-year limited warranty
Free nationwide US shipping on orders over $50

Customer Reviews Highlights:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow has changed my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's true." , Greg 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was floored by how much better I sleep now. The quality is incredible , the perfect mix of fluffy and firm." , Jonathan K. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like Goldilocks, none were just right , until I found the Scrumptious Side Pillow. FINALLY!" , RL S. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow is perfect for side sleepers like myself. I'll never go back to my old pillows again." , Michelle D. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing support, super comfortable, and the pillowcase is so soft!" , Cecilia S. 🇺🇸

Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ based on 587 verified reviews

Shop The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

2. Tempur-Pedic

The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow from Tempur-Pedic is known for its ergonomic shape and firm support. It is made from the company's signature TEMPUR material, which adapts to the curve of your head, neck, and shoulders to provide targeted alignment. The contoured design is intended to help muscles relax and reduce snoring.

Key Features: Contoured, ergonomic shape; firm TEMPUR material.
Pros: Excellent for those who need firm neck support; durable material holds its shape well.
Con: The firmness and specific shape may not be comfortable for everyone.

3. Coop Home Goods

Coop Home Goods offers the Original Loft Pillow, a popular choice for its customizable design. It is filled with a blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber, allowing users to add or remove the fill to achieve their ideal height and density. This makes it a versatile option for side sleepers of all body types.

Key Features: Adjustable shredded memory foam fill; hypoallergenic materials.
Pros: Fully customizable for personalized comfort; comes with extra fill.
Con: Finding the right amount of fill can require some initial trial and error.

4. Casper

The Casper Foam Pillow features a three-layer foam design that provides both support and comfort. The inner layers are firmer to support the neck, while a plush outer layer offers a soft feel. The pillow is also perforated with tiny channels to increase airflow and prevent overheating.

Key Features: Three-layer foam construction; perforated for breathability.
Pros: Balances softness and support well; sleeps cooler than many solid foam pillows.
Con: The loft and firmness are not adjustable.

5. Layla Sleep

The Layla Kapok Pillow combines shredded memory foam with natural Kapok tree fibers. This blend creates a soft, airy, and supportive feel. The fill is adjustable, and the cover is woven with copper fibers, which helps with cooling and keeps the pillow feeling fresh.

Key Features: Shredded memory foam and Kapok fiber blend; copper-infused cover.
Pros: Lightweight and soft feel; adjustable for custom support.
Con: The Kapok fibers can sometimes clump and may require regular fluffing.

6. Saatva

Saatva's Graphite Memory Foam Pillow is designed for cool and contouring comfort. It features a core of graphite-infused memory foam that draws heat away from the body. The solid foam core provides consistent support for the head and neck, promoting proper spinal alignment.

Key Features: Graphite infusion for cooling; solid memory foam core.
Pros: Excellent temperature regulation; provides stable and consistent support.
Con: As a solid foam pillow, it is not adjustable.

7. Brooklyn Bedding

The Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow from Brooklyn Bedding is built for those who sleep hot. It uses a gel-infused memory foam with ventilation holes to maximize airflow. A cooling circular-knit cover adds to its temperature-regulating properties, while the foam contours to relieve pressure points.

Key Features: Gel-infused foam; ventilation holes for airflow.
Pros: Superior cooling capabilities; responsive foam quickly adapts to movement.
Con: May have a slight "new foam" smell initially.

8. Nectar

Nectar’s Contoured Memory Foam Pillow is designed to fit the natural curve of your neck and head. It offers two different loft heights on either side, allowing you to choose the one that feels most comfortable. The pillow is made from a single piece of memory foam for consistent support.

Key Features: Contoured shape with two loft options; solid memory foam design.
Pros: Provides ergonomic support for the neck; helps with spinal alignment.
Con: The specific contour may not be suitable for all sleeping preferences.

9. GhostBed

The GhostPillow is a solid memory foam pillow that focuses on cooling and responsiveness. It is aerated with small holes for continuous airflow and features a layer of cooling gel on its surface. The pillow is designed to adapt to your shape while providing gentle, pressure-relieving support.

Key Features: Aerated solid memory foam; surface cooling gel layer.
Pros: Stays cool throughout the night; provides a soft yet supportive feel.
Con: The firmness level is not customizable.

10. Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle's Original Adaptive Foam Pillow is engineered to be both supportive and breathable. It is made from the company's proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam, which is designed to be responsive without the sinking feeling of traditional memory foam. It is infused with graphite and cooling gel to help regulate temperature.

Key Features: T&N Adaptive Foam; graphite and gel infusions for cooling.
Pros: Sleeps cool and is highly breathable; supportive without feeling too firm.
Con: The loft is on the lower side, which may not be enough for side sleepers with broader shoulders.

11. Leesa

The Leesa Premium Foam Pillow is a solid foam pillow with a ventilated design. Hundreds of holes throughout the pillow promote airflow, helping to keep you cool while you sleep. The foam is responsive and provides contouring support for the head and neck, making it a good fit for side sleepers.

Key Features: Ventilated Avena foam; responsive and supportive.
Pros: Excellent breathability and cooling; maintains its shape well.
Con: The responsive feel might be too bouncy for those who prefer a classic memory foam feel.

How to Adjust to Your New Memory Foam Pillow

When you switch to a new memory foam pillow, your body may need a little time to adjust. This break-in period is normal and can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, the foam cells in the pillow will open up, making it softer and more responsive to your body.

If you have an adjustable pillow, take the time to customize it.

Start with the initial fill: Sleep on the pillow for a night or two as it comes.
Assess the height: If your neck feels strained or your head is tilted up or down, you need to adjust the loft.
Add or remove fill: Unzip the inner liner and remove small handfuls of fill if the pillow is too high. If it's too low, add some of the extra fill that often comes with the pillow.
Test and repeat: Sleep on the adjusted pillow and see how it feels. It might take a few tries to get it just right.

This customization process is one of the best ways to ensure your pillow provides a better night's sleep.

Why a Side Sleeper Pillow Shape Matters

For side sleepers, the shape of a pillow is just as important as its material. Standard rectangular pillows can sometimes cause the shoulder to bunch up, creating discomfort and misalignment. Pillows designed specifically for side sleepers often feature a curved or cutout shape.

This ergonomic design offers several benefits. The curve along the bottom edge of the pillow makes room for your shoulder to fit comfortably underneath. This allows your head to rest in a neutral position, directly in line with your spine. As a result, you experience less strain on your neck and shoulder muscles. Finding the right shape can make a huge difference in your overall comfort and sleep quality. For more insights, check out the latest news from our team of sleep experts.

Caring for Your Memory Foam Pillow

To get the most out of your memory foam pillow, proper care is essential. A well-maintained pillow will last longer and provide consistent comfort and support. Most memory foam pillows cannot be machine washed, as water and agitation can damage the foam structure.

Always check the manufacturer's care instructions first. Generally, you should spot-clean any stains with a mild detergent and a damp cloth. Allow the pillow to air dry completely before putting a case back on it. Using a pillow protector is the best way to keep your pillow clean from dust, allergens, and moisture. This creates a barrier that is easy to remove and wash. For shredded foam pillows, fluffing them regularly helps maintain their loft and shape. Learn more about our products at Honeydew Sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a memory foam pillow be for a side sleeper?

For most side sleepers, a pillow with a loft (height) of 4 to 6 inches is ideal. This height effectively fills the space between your head and the mattress, keeping your spine aligned. The exact height you need will depend on your body frame and shoulder width. An adjustable pillow is a great option because you can customize the loft to fit you perfectly.

Can a memory foam pillow help with neck pain for side sleepers?

Yes, a quality memory foam pillow can significantly help with neck pain. Memory foam contours to the shape of your head and neck, providing personalized support and relieving pressure points. For side sleepers, it is important that the pillow is high and firm enough to prevent the head from tilting down, which is a common cause of neck strain.

What is the difference between solid and shredded memory foam pillows?

Solid memory foam pillows are made from a single piece of foam. They offer consistent, even support and often come in contoured shapes. Shredded memory foam pillows are filled with small pieces of foam. This design allows for better airflow, making them more breathable. Shredded foam also makes the pillow adjustable, as you can add or remove fill to change the loft and firmness.

How often should I replace my memory foam pillow?

A high-quality memory foam pillow should be replaced every 2 to 3 years. Over time, the foam can lose its ability to spring back and provide adequate support. You may notice it feels flatter or less comfortable than it used to. Replacing your pillow regularly ensures you continue to get the proper support for a healthy sleep posture.