The way you sleep has a significant impact on how well you sleep. Your ability to sleep soundly at night can be significantly impacted by choosing the appropriate pillow for your preferred sleeping position. Different types of pillows are needed for various sleeping postures in order to support and align your head, neck, and spine.
We will go over the particular requirements of each sleep position and suggest pillows that can offer the right amount of comfort and support for a good night’s sleep. Finding the correct pillow can make a difference in how rested and prepared you feel when you wake up, whether you sleep on your back, stomach, or side. Let’s explore the finest pillows for various sleeping postures now.
The importance of getting a good night’s sleep for general health and well-being can be greatly increased by using the proper pillow for your particular sleeping position. To maintain spinal alignment and lessen stress on your neck, shoulders, and back, various sleeping postures call for different kinds of support. The best pillows for the back, stomach, and side sleepers are listed in the following guide:
1. Back sleepers
Since it puts your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position, sleeping on your back is widely regarded as the ideal position for spinal alignment. Back sleepers often require a pillow that is medium to firm in thickness and provides sufficient support in order to maintain this position. For back sleepers, memory foam or latex pillows are frequently suggested as they conform to the shape of your head and neck and offer good support.
The best pillows for back sleepers:
Saatva Memory Foam Pillow
For memory foam pillows, uncomfortable heat retention can be a problem, but this Saatva model sleeps pretty coolly thanks to its chambered shape. The pillow’s core is cushioned by shredded memory foam laced with cooling graphite, while the pillow’s outer chamber is filled with memory foam without graphite. A very airy organic cotton cover surrounds the entire pillow.
This pillow is ideal for back and side sleepers because of its thick profile and mild feel. People who endure aches, pains, or pressure points along the neck will find the close contouring to be ideal. Since the cushion has been certified by CertiPUR-US, you won’t need to worry about any potentially dangerous materials in the foams.
The other components should only be spot cleaned as necessary, however, the cover can be taken off and washed in your home washing machines. For a modest additional fee, customers can add sateen pillowcases to their order.
There are king and queen sizes of this pillow. Depending on the size selected, customers who order two will receive a discount ranging from $20 to $40. In the contiguous United States, Saatva offers free ground shipping on all orders, and each one is covered by a 45-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty.
Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
Many people who like soft pillows prefer down as their fill, however, the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow is made for people who like the feel of down but cannot sleep on it owing to allergies. It’s also an excellent choice for people who like down but would rather have an animal-free pillow.
A down substitute fiber made from plants is used to fill the pillow. Both back and side sleepers should find the medium firmness to be cozy and well-balanced. The cushion is fluffy enough to conform to the head and neck, yet it is hard enough to support them and keep their alignment with the spine. For those who often overheat during the night, the cotton cover’s natural breathability helps keep the cushion cool.
Customers have the option of a queen or king size. You can wash the entire pillow in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry it on low heat. Sweet Zzz advises avoiding having dry cleaning done.
Customers may return the pillow for a full refund during the pillow’s 50-night sleep trial as long as the pillow is undamaged and clean. Additionally, a one-year warranty is provided. To addresses within the 48 contiguous states, shipping is free.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Silk is one of the softest natural materials on earth and is extremely opulent. Long-strand mulberry silk, which is prized for its durability and plushness, is a component of the Cosy Earth Pillow. The best possible grade for this material is AAA. Silk is also very breathable, and a viscose-derived rayon cover improves the cooling effects of the pillow.
The pillow is a wonderful choice for back sleepers who prefer a plush surface to rest their head and neck because it offers a medium soft feel and a mid-range loft. Home appliances can be used to wash and dry the entire pillow. Rinse your clothes without spinning them, then dry them on a delicate cycle while using two or three tennis balls to prevent clumping.
The Silk Pillow is a wise long-term investment because its pricing reflects both its outstanding quality and anticipated longevity. Each order has a 10-year warranty, and all pillows may be returned or exchanged within 100 days of purchase.
Original Groove Pillow
A cervical pillow made to gently lift the neck without significantly elevating the head is beneficial for people who commonly experience neck pain. One such design is provided by The Original Groove Pillow. Its ergonomic design reduces neck pain whether you sleep on your back or your side by offering superior neck support, conforming to your shoulders, and cradling your head. The firm memory foam core tightly conforms to and molds to the specific curves of your upper body.
The foam contains bamboo charcoal that is supposed to reduce heat retention and keep you cool at night. The cover, which is composed of breathable polyester, is another element that regulates temperature. The cover can be taken off and machine-washed whenever cleaning is required, and the fabric is scuba knit for an extraordinarily soft hand feel.
The Original Groove Pillow is reasonably priced, and buying a second, third, and fourth pillow will result in a discount of up to 20% off your overall order. Groove offers a 100-night trial period so you can try out the pillow and decide if it’s appropriate for you. All customers are also eligible for free shipping.
FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow – Soft Fluff
The spacious, opulent pillows you’ll find in high-end hotel rooms are similar to the FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow. The inner feather chamber pulls back against this compression to prevent painful sinkage. The outer chamber is filled with white down, which creates a cloud-like surface to cradle your head and neck. The pillow comes in two densities and levels of firmness, but we’re highlighting the “Soft Fluff” version for its harmonious combination of plushness and support—two crucial features for back sleepers.
The fill is enclosed in an elegant cotton shell. The border is finished with light grey cording, and the fabric’s double-edge seams guard against tears and rips that may let the filling leak out. Machine cleaning the cushion is not recommended by FluffCo since it could hasten the early deterioration of the shell fabric. Your purchase comes with a complimentary pillow protector, and you can add a set of pillowcases for a modest cost.
A seal of approval from the Responsible Down Standard attests to FluffCo’s dedication to morally and humanely treating animals. Given its premium materials, the Down & Feather Pillow is competitively priced, and FluffCo provides discounts of 10%, 15%, and 20% if you purchase two, four, or six pillows, respectively. All buyers in the United States receive free shipping. Within 30 days, you are free to return your pillow(s) for a full refund, no questions asked.
2. Side sleepers
A cushion that can support your neck’s natural curve and maintain the alignment of your spine is essential if you like to sleep on your side. For side sleepers, the perfect pillow is one that is firm and thick enough to bridge the space between your shoulder and ear. For side sleepers, memory foam or shredded memory foam pillows are frequently advised since they perfectly support and relieve pressure by molding to the contour of your head and neck.
The best pillows for side sleepers:
Linenspa Shredded Memory Foam Pillows
You can furnish any bedroom in your house completely with Linenspa’s cost-effective set, which includes two pillows, for less than half the cost of the Snuggle-Pedic pillow mentioned above. These pillows are also constructed of shredded memory foam, making it simple for you and your visitors to fluff or flatten the pillows to the loft and firmness you choose. However, this pillow’s fill cannot be changed or added to.
We woke up with less neck and shoulder ache after using these affordable pillows because of how well they conform to your head while yet offering the support required for side sleepers. In addition, they barely increased by 6 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes because of the porous, shredded foam.
You will need to cover it with a pillowcase or pillow protector because the inner pillow and the cover cannot be washed in a machine. The good news is that the pillows fit perfectly in a typical pillowcase and the foam did not smell. These simple-to-adjust pillows offer a wonderful affordable set for side sleepers or combo sleepers.
Product Details:
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Fill: Shredded memory foam
- Cover: Polyester
- Return Policy: 30 days
- Machine Washable: No
Saatva Latex Pillow
The weight and loft of Saatva’s latex pillow immediately impressed us. The shredded latex core offers pressure relief and neck support, while a fluffy, down-like microfiber covering offers breathable comfort. Finally, the cover made of 100% organic cotton allows for plenty of airflow.
There was no smell when we first opened the item. It climbed by roughly 8 degrees after 15 minutes of lying on the cushion. Despite not making a specific claim to be a cooling pillow, we found it to be cool and comfortable to use because of the breathable cotton cover, microfiber outer layer, and shredded latex core.
The pillow’s cover can be machine washed, but after drying, it shrank somewhat, making it challenging to re-insert the cushion (particularly given how plump the pillow is). Instead of tumble drying it, we’d advise washing it in accordance with the care label and putting it flat to dry. Our one criticism is that the cushion has brown piping around the edges, which may be seen through pillowcases with light colors.
The fact that this lofty latex cushion is buoyant and resistant to sinking over time makes it a wonderful option for side sleepers because it will keep your head and neck in alignment all night. In fact, one of our testers used this pillow while she was pregnant and discovered that it gave her neck plenty of support as she switched to sleeping exclusively on her side.
If the cost puts you off, there is a 45-day trial available so you can decide whether it’s worthwhile for you to spend the extra money or not. It’s also important to note that the Saatva cushion only comes in queen and king sizes rather than regular ones.
Product Details:
- Firmness: Medium
- Fill: Shredded natural latex
- Cover: Organic cotton
- Return Policy: 45 days
- Machine Washable: Cover only
Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow
This Boll & Branch pillow delivers the finest in materials and construction thanks to its use of down that has been ethically sourced and verified by the International Down Standard, as well as a cover made of 100% organic cotton. You can select the firmness level that best suits your preferred sleeping style from three options: gentle, medium, and firm. This conventional down pillow’s medium-firm variant wowed us with how supportive it was during our testing. Due to their lack of support, down pillows have typically been avoided for side sleepers. However, we discovered that this down pillow provided adequate support even for side sleepers. Additionally, it maintains its shape and loft over time, unlike many other down pillows.
We were pleasantly surprised to see that this natural down pillow maintained a relatively chilly temperature: After 15 minutes of use, the temperature increased by less than 4 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to tumble-drying on low heat, Boll & Branch advises washing as needed in cold water on the gentle cycle.
If you’re prepared to spend money on a real down pillow, we believe this opulent, hotel-grade cushion will last for years and offer the ideal blend of support and comfort for side and combination sleepers. Additionally, there is a 30-day trial period so you have time to decide—which is beneficial given the high cost.
Product Details:
- Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm
- Fill: Down
- Cover: Organic cotton
- Return Policy: 30 days
- Machine Washable: Yes
3. Stomach sleepers
Those who sleep on their stomachs should be aware that doing so may induce an unnatural arch in their spine, which can put a strain on their neck and lower back. It’s vital to pick a thin, soft pillow, or even no pillow at all if you like to sleep on your stomach. Your neck can be kept in a more neutral posture and the stress on your lower back can be lessened by using a thin, flat pillow or a pillow made of soft materials like down or feathers.
The best pillows for stomach sleepers:
Saatva Latex Pillow
Our test team discovered the Saatva Latex Pillow to be the best option for ensuring optimal sleep posture for stomach sleepers because of its medium soft feel and the possibility to customize the pillow’s loft. It is made of a distinctive three-layer structure that consists of a cotton cover, an exterior layer, and a core made of shreds of latex.
How It Functioned
The latex core performed admirably at relieving pressure in our test lab, while the outer layer provided the cushion with a lofty feel. The stomach sleepers on our crew favored the lower loft which can be achieved by removing the core. The natural breathability of latex makes it airier and contributes to the pillow’s excellent temperature neutrality. Additionally, the cotton cover encourages ventilation and moisture wicking.
Materials Used
A shredded latex core is located inside the outer layer, which is made up of a down substitute micro denier fill. The cover’s fabric is made of sateen-woven, 100% organic cotton. The cotton outer layer and cover can both be washed in a machine. The Saatva Latex Pillow is a high-end alternative with a price to match, but the sturdy cotton and latex construction is a reflection of the cost. The pillow is available in king and queen sizes.
Free shipping and a 45-day return window are provided by Saatva. Additionally, the pillow has a one-year warranty.
FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow – Soft Fluff
The FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow brings together high-quality components and a clever design. You can choose between two firmness and density options, but the Soft Fluff model’s lower profile and fluffy feel are what you want if you sleep on your stomach.
How It Functioned
The dual-chambered construction provided a velvety surface and a somewhat supportive core, according to our team’s stomach sleepers. They were able to lie comfortably and without putting too much strain on their necks. The fill is enclosed in a silky cotton shell, contributing to the wonderful softness. We don’t anticipate leaking fill to be a problem because the perimeter cording and double-stitched seams work to prevent rips and tears.
Materials Used
Pure down fills the pillow’s outer chamber, while feathers in the core provide you with greater support. If you like the way down feels but are worried about animal welfare, we suggest this cushion. The down and feather fill is certified by the Responsible Down Standard, a mark of moral and kind treatment of animals. There are both standard and king sizes offered. FluffCo advises against machine washing the pillow since it could harm its structural integrity. Spot-clean smudges and spills.
The retail price of the Down & Feather Pillow can seem high at first, however, FluffCo routinely offers discounts that greatly lower the initial cost. If you require additional pillows, you can save up to 20% on your order by buying them all at once. Additionally, each pillow includes a free protector. Returns are accepted for up to 30 days.
Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow
For stomach sleepers, finding pillows that are comfortable might be difficult, but our test team discovered that the Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow’s distinctive design made it possible for even stomach sleepers to reach the ideal loft and feel.
How It Functioned
You can choose the insert or group of inserts that feels the most comfortable out of the three options available. Our testers discovered the thinner and plusher inserts to be the most pleasant for this sleep position because stomach sleepers need low-loft pillows to prevent the head from excessive elevation. Nevertheless, you can experiment with inserts to discover the set that feels the most supportive of a good sleeping position.
Materials Used
Three distinct inserts, each with a different firmness and feel, are included in the design of the pillow. The soft insert is filled with a fluffy down substitute. The medium insert provides the ideal blend of contouring and support because it is filled with 75% shredded memory foam and a 25% down alternative. Solid memory foam is used to fill the supportive insert. You can choose to use one or both of the 1-inch or 2-inch profile foam pieces in your pillow. Bamboo viscose, which is recognized for its cooling characteristics, is used to make the cover. If you tend to get too hot easily, this helps to generate a cooler surface.
Conclusion
The appropriate pillow is essential for a restful night’s sleep and to prevent pain or discomfort. A cushion that maintains the neck’s natural curvature and isn’t too high or stiff is normally best for back sleepers, while stomach sleepers should choose a flatter, softer pillow to reduce neck stress. For the spine to stay in alignment, side sleepers require a pillow that bridges the space between their shoulder and neck.
From memory foam to down, there are numerous possibilities on the market, and each type of pillow has its advantages and disadvantages. The ideal cushion for you ultimately depends on your own tastes, spending capacity, and sleeping patterns.
It’s crucial to spend money on a good pillow that fits your sleeping position because it can significantly impact how well you sleep. It’s always a good idea to speak with a reputable sleep expert or healthcare provider if you’re unsure of the type of pillow that would work best for you.
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