Best Position to Sleep Left or Right

March 17, 2026 Paul Souliac

Getting comfortable and staying that way all night is much easier with a pillow designed for your sleep style. A quality pillow like The Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep can make a huge difference, no matter which side you prefer. It provides the support your neck and shoulders need to stay pain-free.

Upgrade your side sleeping with the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow and wake up with better support and less neck or shoulder pain.

The Great Debate: Sleeping on Your Left vs. Right Side

Side sleeping is one of the most popular sleeping positions. It can help keep your airways open, which may reduce snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. It is also often recommended for preventing back and neck pain, as long as you have the proper support.

But the question remains: which side is better? When you look at a guide on the position to sleep, left or right, you'll find that both have their place. However, many health experts give a slight edge to sleeping on the left side due to the way our internal organs are arranged.

Let's explore the specific benefits of sleeping on your left side and the situations where sleeping on your right might be a better choice for you. Understanding these differences can help you make a small change that could lead to better sleep and improved health. For more general information on sleep, you can always visit our sleep wellness blog.

Best Pillow for Side Sleeper - Honeydew Sleep

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

Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

For many people, snoozing on the left side comes with a surprising number of health perks. These advantages are mostly due to gravity and the asymmetrical layout of your organs.

Better for Digestion

Your stomach sits on the left side of your abdomen. When you sleep on your left side, gravity helps food move more easily from your stomach into the small intestine. This can aid the digestive process overnight.

It can also help reduce symptoms of acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The junction where your esophagus meets your stomach is kept higher than the level of stomach acid when you're on your left side. This makes it harder for acid to splash back up, which is what causes that uncomfortable heartburn feeling.

Supports Your Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system plays a big role in your body’s immune function and waste removal. The main lymphatic vessel, the thoracic duct, runs along the left side of your body. Some experts believe that sleeping on your left side helps gravity assist the process of draining lymph fluid and filtering out toxins.

While your body does this work no matter how you sleep, left-side sleeping might give the process a gentle boost. To learn more about how quality materials can help your body rest, check out our posts on pillow analysis.

Good for Your Heart and Circulation

Sleeping on your left side may improve circulation. Your aorta, the largest artery in the body, arches to the left as it carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Lying on your left side allows gravity to help your heart pump blood more efficiently.

This position is often recommended during pregnancy. It takes pressure off the large vein (the inferior vena cava) that carries blood from the lower body back to the heart. Better blood flow is good for both the parent and the baby.

When Sleeping on Your Right Side Might Be Better

While the left side has many benefits, sleeping on your right side is not necessarily bad. In certain situations, it might even be preferable. The most important factor is what feels best for your body and allows you to sleep soundly without pain.

For People with Certain Heart Conditions

Interestingly, while left-side sleeping is good for general circulation, some research suggests that people with certain heart conditions, like congestive heart failure, might feel more comfortable on their right side.

Sleeping on the left side can sometimes alter the heart's electrical activity, which might be uncomfortable for those with specific cardiac issues. If you have a heart condition, it is always best to speak with your doctor about the best sleeping position for you.

Comfort is Key

The most important rule of sleep is to be comfortable. If you have tried sleeping on your left side and just can't get comfortable, forcing it isn't going to help you get better rest. Tossing and turning because you're in an unnatural position is worse than sleeping soundly on your right side.

The best position to sleep is ultimately the one that lets you fall asleep and stay asleep. You can read more about our company's journey to create the most comfortable pillows on our news blog.

The Most Important Factor for Any Side Sleeper: Your Pillow

Whether you choose your left or right side, one thing is non-negotiable for side sleepers: a supportive pillow. When you lie on your side, there is a large gap between your head and the mattress. If that gap isn't filled correctly, your neck will bend at an awkward angle, leading to stiffness, pain, and poor sleep.

The goal is to keep your head, neck, and spine in a straight, neutral line. This is where a specialized pillow makes all the difference. A pillow that is too thin will let your head droop, while a pillow that is too thick will bend your neck upward.

What to Look for in a Side Sleeper Pillow

Finding the right pillow can feel like a big task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few key features to look for:

Adjustable Loft: Everyone's body is different. An adjustable pillow allows you to add or remove fill to get the perfect height for your shoulder width and body type.
Proper Firmness: The pillow should be firm enough to support the weight of your head but soft enough to be comfortable and relieve pressure points.
A Contoured Shape: Pillows with a curved edge or shoulder cutout, like The Scrumptious Side Pillow, are designed to accommodate your shoulder. This allows you to get closer to the pillow for better neck support.
Cooling Materials: Overheating can disrupt sleep. Pillows with copper-infused foam and breathable covers can help regulate your temperature all night long.

A great pillow is an investment in your health. As one review of our Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow noted, the right support can transform your sleep.

Tips for Better Side Sleeping

Are you ready to improve your side-sleeping experience? Following a few simple position to sleep left or right tips can help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.

Get the Right Pillow: This is the most important step. Make sure your pillow is designed for side sleeping and provides the right amount of support to keep your spine aligned. A pillow like The Scrumptious Side Pillow is made specifically for this purpose.
Place a Pillow Between Your Knees: A second, smaller pillow placed between your knees can do wonders for your alignment. It keeps your top leg from sliding forward and twisting your lower back and hips.
Keep Arms and Hands Down: Try to avoid sleeping with your arm tucked under your head or pillow. This can pinch nerves and restrict blood flow, causing you to wake up with a "dead arm." Instead, keep your arms down in front of you.
Choose a Supportive Mattress: Your mattress is just as important as your pillow. A medium-firm mattress is often best for side sleepers, as it allows your hips and shoulders to sink in slightly while supporting the rest of your body.
Stretch Gently Before Bed: A few light stretches before you get into bed can help relax your muscles. Focus on your neck, shoulders, and lower back to prepare your body for a night of restful sleep. Learning about how organic pillows can help is another way to improve your sleep environment.

What About Back and Stomach Sleeping?

While side sleeping is very popular, some people prefer sleeping on their back or stomach. How do these positions compare?

Back Sleeping: Lying on your back is excellent for keeping your spine in a neutral position. It can be a great choice for preventing neck and back pain. The main downside is that it can make snoring and sleep apnea worse, as gravity can cause the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway.

Stomach Sleeping: Most experts agree that stomach sleeping is the least healthy position. It forces you to turn your head to one side for hours, which puts a major strain on your neck. It also flattens the natural curve of your spine, which can lead to lower back pain over time. If you are a stomach sleeper, trying to transition to your side could save you a lot of discomfort.

FAQ

What is the best position to sleep, left or right, for someone with shoulder pain?

If you have shoulder pain, it's best to avoid sleeping directly on the affected shoulder. For example, if your right shoulder hurts, try sleeping on your left side. Using a supportive pillow that properly fills the space between your neck and shoulder is also very important to prevent further strain. A body pillow can also help you maintain a stable position.

Can switching to my side from my back help with snoring?

Yes, it often can. When you sleep on your back, gravity can cause your tongue and soft palate to collapse toward the back of your throat, which narrows your airway and causes the vibrations we know as snoring. Shifting to your side helps keep the airway open and can significantly reduce or even eliminate snoring for many people.

How long does it take to get used to a new sleeping position?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to train your body to sleep in a new position. Be patient and consistent. Using pillows to support your new position can help. For example, if you are trying to switch from your back to your side, placing a large pillow behind your back can prevent you from rolling over in your sleep.

What's the best pillow for someone who switches between their left and right side all night?

For people who move from side to side, the best pillow is one that is supportive and has a consistent shape. An adjustable pillow is a great choice because you can set the perfect height for your body. A pillow with a shoulder cutout, like The Scrumptious Side Pillow, works equally well for both the left and right sides, ensuring you have proper support no matter which way you turn.