Best Pillows for Side Sleepers? Dr. Kevin Lees Explains What to Look For in 2025
You’ve heard of memory foam and contour pillows, but what about cervical alignment while you sleep?
In a recent Tom’s Guide article titled "The 6 best pillows for side sleepers 2025: tested by sleep experts," Dr. Kevin Lees, director of chiropractic operations for The Joint Chiropractic, offered expert insights into one of the most overlooked factors in spinal health: your pillow. The piece highlights the best pillows for side sleepers in 2025, each tested for comfort, support, and healthy alignment throughout the night.
“For side sleepers, your pillow does a lot of work behind the scenes,” Dr. Lees explained. “It needs to bridge the gap between your head and the mattress while keeping your neck aligned with your spine. If it’s too flat or too thick, you’re likely to wake up sore.”
Let’s break down what makes side sleeping different, why pillow choice matters, and which expert-approved pillows can help support a better night’s rest.
What makes side sleeping different
Side sleeping is one of the most common and healthiest sleep positions. It can support spinal health and help reduce issues such as snoring and acid reflux. But it also presents a unique challenge. The shoulder creates space between your head and the mattress, which needs to be supported to maintain a neutral neck position.
“If your alignment is off all night, it can lead to cumulative discomfort and tension during the day,” said Dr. Lees.
What to look for in a pillow for side sleeping
According to Tom's Guide and expert commentary from Dr. Lees, the best pillows for side sleepers share several commonalities. Ideal pillows typically offer medium-firm support and a loft height of four to six inches to fill the space between the ear and shoulder. Contoured or adjustable designs may provide additional support.
The materials also matter. Memory foam, latex, and shredded fill options can offer consistent support throughout the night. Breathable fabrics or cooling features can also enhance comfort for individuals who tend to sleep warm.
Here are key features to look for:
- Medium to firm density to prevent the head from sinking too low
- Loft height of 4 to 6 inches to fill the gap between the shoulder and mattress
- Contour or cervical design to support the curve of the neck
- Adjustable fill for customized comfort and alignment
- Breathable materials to reduce overheating during the night
The 6 best pillows for side sleepers in 2025
Here are the top-rated pillows featured in Tom's Guide, all reviewed for their performance and alignment benefits:
1. Saatva Latex Pillow
Rated best overall, this pillow combines down-like plushness with a shredded latex core. According to the article, it provides strong support without compromising softness, making it ideal for alignment.
2. Brooklinen Down Pillow (Firm)
This luxury pillow is available in multiple firmness levels. The firm version was praised for providing adequate lift for side sleepers while still offering a classic down feel.
3. Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow
This pillow features gel-infused memory foam and a breathable cover. It allows users to add or remove fill to customize loft. The article noted that it is “adjustable in both loft and feel,” which makes it a strong option for side sleepers.
4. Tuft & Needle Foam Pillow
Designed specifically for side sleepers, this pillow features a curved edge that provides better support for the neck and shoulders. The article described it as having an “ergonomic curved design and adjustable fill” that makes it well suited for side sleeping.
5. Purple Harmony Pillow
This pillow utilizes AirScape foam and HeatDelete bands to provide cooling comfort while maintaining its structure. It was noted for its “excellent breathability and cooling,” which can be helpful for hot sleepers.
6. Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow
With a Talalay latex core and a flexible gel-like grid, this pillow offers both bounce and breathability. It was described as a “breathable pillow with contouring support across the head, neck, and shoulders” and one that is effective at “comfortably bridging the gap between ear and shoulder while lying on your side.”
How to know if your pillow is helping or hurting
You don’t have to be an expert to know when your pillow isn’t working. Dr. Lees suggests watching for these common signs:
- You wake up with neck or shoulder pain
- Your pillow flattens out quickly or shifts during the night
- You have to fold or stack pillows to get comfortable
- You sleep better on hotel pillows or when traveling
“People often blame their mattress, but your pillow could be the real culprit,” Dr. Lees said.
When to seek professional support
Even the best pillow can’t correct deep-seated alignment issues. If you’re still waking up with discomfort, or if you’ve noticed increased stiffness, headaches, or reduced range of motion, it might be time to consult a chiropractor.
“Pillows are just one piece of the puzzle,” said Dr. Lees. “Chiropractic care can help identify and correct underlying imbalances so your sleep setup works even better.”
At The Joint Chiropractic, we believe that better sleep starts with better alignment. Our licensed chiropractors can help you understand how posture, movement, and nighttime habits affect spinal health, and how to make changes that support your well-being around the clock.
Looking for better alignment, day or night?
Visit The Joint Chiropractic to talk with a licensed chiropractor about sleep posture, spinal health, and the daily habits that help you wake up feeling your best. With convenient hours and walk-in visits, taking care of your spine has never been easier.