15 best pillows for side sleepers 2026, reviewed for comfort, support & durability

Emma Premium Cloud Pillow

Why we love it: The Emma Premium Cloud Pillow is a fluffy down-alternative cushion with an adjustable height and firmness. Suitable for all sleeping positions – though especially great for side sleepers – it has a smooth, silky feel.

Despite being a soft pillow, the microfibre filling offers the right amount of ‘bounce’ while still feeling supportive. It is also adjustable (which I had no idea was a thing), so if it’s too soft/firm for you, just unzip, remove or add a layer, and you instantly have yourself something more suited – genius!

It's filled with Emma's AeroSoft filling, which the brand describes as fluffy and breathable. This filling is made from siliconised micro elastic fibre – so essentially 100% polyester – which ensures it doesn't feel wiry or clumpy to sleep on. Inside, you'll find two inserts that can be added or removed, allowing you to customise the height and firmness to your liking.

If you have allergies, it's a great down-alternative anti-allergy pillow to consider. Its removable cover is machine washable at 40°C, which is the perfect temperature to kill off dust mites. It also comes with a 30-night trial, so if it doesn't live up to your expectations, you can try it out before you commit.

Specifications:

• Best for - Those after a cruelty-free pillow which suits side sleepers of all ages (children included).
• Made from - Outer microfibre cover is made from 100% polyester with a soft touch finish. Filling is made from siliconised hollow fibre 100% polyester.
• Size - ‎70 x 50 cm.
• Firmness - Soft.
• Tested by - Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.

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Simba AeroDown Pillow

Why we love it: One of the most sought-after offerings from Simba, this Stratos pillow is filled with a recycled/biodegradable filler, unlike its hybrid shredded foam model. As such, it's softer and more of a competitor for the best down pillows and it's actually been so popular off the mark that it's almost always sold out. That said, it's available right now so we wouldn't wait around knowing just how often we spot this product out of stock.

The AeroDown pillow's fibre fill provides a soft, downy feel, offering cushioning and support without sinking too deeply. As for the cover, it's made from responsibly-sourced cotton, and on one side is Simba's temperature-regulating Stratos technology that keeps me cool at all times – a real bonus seeing as I run hot at night regardless of the time of year.

The cover is non-removable, so using a pillowcase is key to adding an extra layer of protection, ensuring the pillow remains shielded from wear and tear. Fortunately, though, the entire pillow is designed to withstand machine washing and tumble drying, allowing you to maintain its condition with each wash.

Specifications:

• Best for - Side and front sleepers.
• Made from - Simba Renew Bio™ down-like clusters of breathable filler with a ‘Better’ cotton cover with Stratos® heat control technology to prevent overheating.
• Size - ‎50cm x 75cm.
• Firmness - The brand describes it as ‘soft and down-like’.
• Tested by - Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.

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REM-Fit 400 Memory Foam Crumbed Pillow

Why we love it: Cleverly designed to regulate body temperature, REM-Fit's memory foam pillow is made with cooling Re-ax® fibres, so you can forget overheating and icky night-time sweats. It works by absorbing body heat and redistributing it away from the pillow, ensuring you remain at optimal temperature as you sleep.

The pillows are designed to work with all types of mattresses, from memory foam to pocket sprung, providing support for the head, neck, and shoulders. Add to that the pillows ability to aid correct spinal alignment and pressure-relieving properties and you have perfectly cool comfort all-round, guaranteeing a good night's sleep.

I’d rate this pillow as medium-firm — it has just the right amount of give, but it’s firm enough to keep my head supported throughout the night. After using it every night for the past six months, it’s held its shape really well. I like that there’s an option to buy two as a pair for a slightly lower cost, especially since many other brands we've tested don’t provide that choice.

The only downside I’ve noticed is that it’s slightly larger than a standard pillow, so you might need to invest a bigger pillowcase to fit it comfortably.

Specifications:

• Best for - Correcting spine alignment and providing supportive pressure relief.
• Made from - Filling - memory foam, outer cover - polyester, inner cover - polyester, cotton.
• Size - ‎50 x 40 x 12cm.
• Firmness - Medium-firm.
• Tested by - Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.

Dusk Pair Of Duck Feather & Down Pillows

Why we love it: I love a firm pillow, for extra support of my neck when I'm sleeping on my side (which I pretty much always do). These pillows from DUSK have been a dream. I ordered a pair which arrived vacuum-packed – though they quickly retained their cloud-like shape within minutes of me opening them.

If you crave that ‘sinking’ head-on-pillow feeling every time you get into bed, then this DUSK pillow for side sleepers not only comes as a pair but is available in soft, medium and firm support levels to cater to your individual sleeping preferences.

Filled with 90% duck feather and 10% duck down, each pillow is encased in 100% cotton percale for a luxuriously soft feel. Available in standard or super king sizes, catering to both typical and larger bed frames, these pillows are also among the most budget-friendly options in our edit.

My previous pillow had been a little softer, so I woke up with a slightly sore neck after nights one and two, but as I got used to my new buys, the problem quickly passed. I'm such a fan and plan on sleeping on them for the foreseeable.

Specifications:

• Best for - Buyers with a more modest budget.
• Made from - 90% duck feather, 10% duck down in a cotton percale casing.
• Size - Standard - 50cm x 75cm or super king - 50cm x 90cm.
• Firmness - Your choice of soft, medium or firm.
• Tested by - Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.

Emma Original Foam Pillow

Why we love it: If you're struggling with where to start, this super-comfy pillow for side sleepers is a great all-rounder. I always sleep on my side and I found the Emma Original Foam to be the perfect marriage between sink-in comfort and ample support. It's aimed to be comfortable for both children and adults, is adjustable and is often reduced in price.

It comes neatly rolled in a small box, and upon removing the packaging, explodes into the fluffiest and most luxurious pillow. It's made of three interchangeable foam layers, two of which are removable. Why? It ensures the pillow suits not only side sleepers, but front sleepers and back sleepers, too. Since we were reviewing for side sleepers specifically, we kept all the layers in the pillow as recommended.

The top is an airy and breathable cover made from 100% luxurious micro-elastic materials (the navy piping ensures it looks chic even without the addition of your silk pillowcase), while the second is a soft and supportive visco memory foam filling. Under this, is a layer of HRX Foam, the softest layer of them all. The pillow felt supportive, kept its shape, felt lightweight and the cover dried really quickly after washing.

Specifications:

• Best for - Those after a cruelty-free pillow which suits side sleepers of all ages (children included).
• Made from - Cover is made from microfibre 100g/m3 made of 100% polyester with a soft touch finish. Filling is made from siliconised micro elastic fibre 100% polyester.
• Firmness - Soft/Medium.
• Size - ‎70 x 50cm.
• Tested by - Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

Why we love it: If you want to rest easy knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet, this pillow for side sleepers from Panda is a great eco-friendly choice, with the brand sourcing all bamboo materials from approved forests. Its supportive ‘third generation’ memory foam material is designed to stay supportive for ten years, after which it can be recycled as part of their ‘Panda Circle Of Life Programme’.

It is protected by a soft, breathable and ethically-sourced bamboo case that is naturally antibacterial – protecting the pillow against dust and dirt so it lasts. I personally used to hate memory foam as I never thought it was supportive enough for me but this pillow has changed my mind. Alongside my pregnancy pillow, it has provided ergonomic support that has helped tackle the common aches and pains I've experienced throughout my pregnancy.

Previous memory-foam buyers will be familiar with the texture's signature smell, something that can be off putting and is, unfortunately present in the Panda pillow, though I can confirm it disappears completely after 48 hours.

There’s a 30-day trial period included, which is ideal if you’re not used to the feel of memory foam and need time to decide if it suits your sleeping style. At under £45, I think it's great value for a high-quality memory foam pillow.

Specifications:

• Best for - Buyers with allergies, much like a latex pillow.
• Made from - Bamboo memory foam in a soft bamboo mesh cover - all materials conform to Oeko-Tex standards.
• Size - 60cm x 40cm.
• Firmness - Soft.
• Tested by - Neamh Randall, Commerce Picture Editor.

Deluxe Down Alternative Side Support Pillow

Why we love it: This down alternative pillow is designed specifically for side sleepers, featuring a clever boxed construction that offers optimal head and neck support. It includes a smartdown centre encased in 280-thread count cotton percale, providing the cushiony comfort necessary for a restful sleep.

The smartdown clusters are distributed within the casing for a balanced, down-like feel similar to a natural pillow. Available in medium or soft support firmness, you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Plus, unlike some other pillows in this selection, this one comes in both standard and king sizes!

I found the firm option to be a little harder than I expected, which didn’t work well for me since I’m not a fan of hard pillows. The soft pillow, however, struck the perfect balance of comfort and support, making it ideal for side sleeping.

It’s comfortable to sleep on, holds its shape well, and provides great neck support. Plus, the hypoallergenic filling means no more sneezing throughout the night!

• Best for - Side sleepers looking for a luxurious down-like alternative.
• Made from - Fill: 100% recycled-polyester Smartdown, Casing: 100% 280-thread count cotton percale
• Firmness - Medium or soft support.
• Size - ‎Standard, Super king.
• Tested by – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.

REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow

Why we love it: REM-Fit's Cool Gel Pillow adapts to your movements, keeping you as comfortable as possible all night long. It features gel-infused memory foam to regulate heat and has Re-Ax® fibres that wick sweat away from the body, ensuring a cool and dry sleep environment. It's suitable for all sleeping styles, including side, back, and front sleepers, and works effectively with all types of mattresses, including my high-performing mattress for side sleepers, to support proper alignment while I sleep.

As a side sleeper through and through, I like a pillow that's firm yet soft and plush. After trying this pillow for three months, it definitely met my expectations. One pillow gave the ideal amount of head support, with the memory foam offering the perfect give without feeling like I was drowning in it.

I also found myself consciously noticing the cooling effect and found it easier to sleep, especially on warmer nights but now that it's winter it still feels comfortable to sleep on. I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for one of the best cooling pillows to keep sweat-free regardless of the time of year.

Specifications:

• Best for - Hot sleepers.
• Made from - Filling: Viscoelastic polyurethane foam with gel powders. Cover: 40% Lyocell from Tencel, 60% polyester.
• Size - 64 x 40 x 12cm.
• Firmness - Firm.
• Tested by - Lian Brooks, Audience Development Manager.

Simba CustomFlex Pillow

Why we love it: Simba's hybrid pillow caters perfectly to couples with varying sleep preferences, allowing them to customise both height and firmness according to their individual sleeping style. Simply unzip the casing and remove "open-cell" foam "nanocubes" to customise the pillow's support level to your preference.

Engineered with temperature control and a breathable structure, the pillow uses Stratos technology on one side of the cover to create a fabric that is cool to the touch but also wicks away excess heat, keeping you cool and dry at the same time.

Having already switched to a firmer mattress to help with my back pain, I was longing for a firm pillow to help alleviate my neck pain – and long story short, I genuinely have no idea how I've gone so long without one.

Since switching to this pillow, my neck pain has eased, which is something I've struggled with for years. As a side and occasional back sleeper, I needed something that keeps my neck aligned without being too firm or too soft. This pillow contours well, holds its shape through the night, and doesn't leave me waking up stiff like so many others have.

While the price is steep, Simba's B Corp registration assures both comfort and sustainability, making it a worthwhile investment in my opinion.

Specifications:

• Best for - Back sleepers and side sleepers.
• Made from - Cotton, GRS certified polyester, Patented titanium Aerocoil® spring layer and Simba Pure foam (Polyurethane).
• Size - ‎45cm x 70cm x 50cm.
• Firmness - Your choice with adjustable inner pillows to suit your sleeping position/required support depending on any pressure points etc.
• Tested by - Denise Primbet, Commerce Writer.

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Silentnight Side Sleeper Medium Pillow

Why we love it: A surprisingly eco-friendly pick, with it being manufactured in the UK and free from animal products (unlike feather pillows), this Silentnight side sleeper pillow is both a top budget pick and a popular choice on the review front, too.

It has been specifically designed to provide comprehensive support for side sleepers, distributing weight evenly as you sleep. Its hollow fibre filling offers a comfy and supportive feel, while the soft touch microfibre cover is hypoallergenic and breathable. For added convenience, the entire pillow is machine washable and tumble dryer friendly, ensuring it stays in pristine condition for as long as possible.

I’ll admit, I was hesitant to replace my trusty soft down pillows with the Silentnight Side Sleeper Medium Pillow. But after giving it a try, I was pleasantly surprised. In the first few weeks, I found it surprisingly supportive, and my weight felt evenly distributed — it’s definitely a solid medium firmness. The only downside is that after about a month, the pillow did start to lose some of its plumpness. All in all, for £15, it’s a reliable budget-friendly option that will serve master and guest bedrooms alike.

Specifications:

• Best for - Busy buyers who don't have time to drop pillows off at a professional cleaner.
• Made from - 100% microfibre cover with a filling made from 100% hollowfibre polyester.
• Size - 69cm x 46cm.
• Firmness - Medium-firm.
• Tested by - Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.

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REM-Fit Deluxe Pocket Sprung Pillow

Why we love it: This hybrid pillow takes support seriously. Designed with 60 individually wrapped springs, it offers the kind of responsive structure that side sleepers will appreciate – firm enough to keep your head and neck properly aligned, yet cushioned by soft white fibres that add a plush, cloud-like feel.

Where many pillows tend to flatten over time, the spring core keeps its shape and bounce, so you won’t wake up feeling like you’ve sunk halfway to the mattress. The breathable Re-ax® fibre cover wicks away heat and moisture, ideal if you tend to sleep warm, while the mesh border helps with airflow throughout the night. It’s surprisingly weighty, which adds to the sense of durability, and the machine-washable cover keeps things fresh between washes.

With its unique combination of bounce, breathability and contouring support, this pillow is especially well-suited to side sleepers who need that balance between lift and softness.

Specifications:

• Best for - Side sleepers who like a supportive yet breathable pillow.
• Made from - 60 pocket springs surrounded by soft white polyester fibres with a Re-ax® breathable outer cover.
• Size - 64 x 40 x 12 cm.
• Firmness - Medium-firm.
• Tested by - Ali Howard, Freelance Writer.

BRIGHTR® LUNA Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow Bundle

Why we love it: From the Stella to the Eclipse pillow, we're big fans of Brightr pillows here at Glamour and, apparently, so are you. You've been stocking up on the very best Brightr pillows over on our best pillows for neck pain round up, and we don't blame you. Cooling copper, temperature-regulating graphene memory foam – we're sold.

With its innovative 2-layer design, this pillow allows you to tailor the support to your ideal sleep position by easily adding or removing filling to suit your preference. Enhanced with Copperclean™ Technology, the fabric incorporates tiny copper particles aimed at actively inhibiting bacteria growth, fostering a healthier sleeping environment – ideal for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin.

Crafted most specifically to alleviate neck and upper back pain, reduce stiffness, and mitigate tension headaches, it features a two-layer adjustable design ensuring optimal neck support for any sleep position. Plus, if you're a side sleeper with a preference for firm support, simply opt for three inner layers rather than one or two.

Specifications:

• Best for - Buyers on the hunt for an adjustable pillow for all types of sleepers.
• Made from - Cover from 100% recycled polyester infused with 40% of Copper and 100% Graphene Shredded Memory foam.
• Size - 50 x 70cm.
• Firmness - Soft to medium-firm.
• Tested by - Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.

Tempur Cloud Air SmartCool™ Medium Pillow

Why we love it: This one’s all about pressure relief and cooling comfort – a dream combo for side sleepers. Made from Tempur’s signature viscoelastic foam, the pillow adapts to the exact shape of your head and neck, evenly distributing weight and easing tension around pressure points. It offers a medium level of support that works well if you like that cushioned, sink-in feel but still want proper alignment for the spine.

The SmartCool™ cover earns its name: it feels instantly cool to the touch and actively helps regulate temperature through the night, ideal if you tend to run warm. The cover is machine washable at 40°C too, so you can keep it feeling fresh with minimal effort. Designed and made in Denmark, it’s built to last and backed by a three-year guarantee – a solid reassurance given the premium feel.

While it suits most sleeping positions, side sleepers will particularly appreciate how evenly it cradles the head and shoulders without flattening out over time.

Specifications:

• Best for - Side sleepers who want contouring comfort and temperature regulation.
• Made from - Tempur® viscoelastic foam with a SmartCool™ washable cover.
• Size - 74 x 50 cm.
• Firmness - Medium.
• Tested by - Ali Howard, Freelance Writer.

Aeyla The Adjustable Foamo Pillow

Why we love it: Designed with input from osteopaths and chiropractors, this adjustable pillow makes personalised comfort feel effortless. Filled with a blend of cooling bamboo memory foam and soft microfibre, it offers a supportive yet springy feel that holds its shape through the night – ideal for side sleepers who need consistent lift around the neck and shoulders.

The height can be fine-tuned by adding or removing filling, so whether you prefer a higher, firmer loft or something lower and softer, you can tailor it exactly to your needs. The bamboo-infused foam also helps regulate temperature, a welcome feature if you tend to overheat. What sets it apart is its balance – responsive, breathable and pressure-relieving in equal measure – which makes for a genuinely restorative night’s sleep.

It’s also hypoallergenic and comes with a 30-night trial, giving you time to find your perfect setup.

Specifications:

• Best for - Side sleepers seeking adjustable height and expert-approved spinal support.
• Made from - Cooling bamboo memory foam and microfibre fill with a removable, washable cover.
• Size - 50 x 75cm.
• Firmness - Adjustable (soft to firm).
• Tested by - Ali Howard, Freelance Writer.

Fine Bedding Company Adjustable HoneyFoam Pillow

Why we love it: Customisable comfort is the name of the game here. Filled with hexagon-shaped clusters of HoneyFoam™, this clever design lets you fine-tune the height and firmness by simply adding or removing filling until you find that sweet spot of support. Side sleepers will appreciate how the memory foam adapts to the natural curve of the neck and shoulders, keeping everything nicely aligned through the night.

Unlike a solid foam block, the individual clusters move and mould more fluidly, creating a supportive yet breathable surface that helps reduce overheating. The supersoft quilted cover feels premium and can be popped in the wash to keep things fresh. We also love the eco credentials – the foam is made using renewable materials and carries a significantly lower carbon footprint than standard memory foam.

If you struggle to find the right loft or firmness, this pillow takes the guesswork out of it, adapting to your personal comfort level with ease.

Specifications:

• Best for - Side sleepers who want adjustable height and contouring memory foam support.
• Made from - 100% biomass balance PU HoneyFoam™ clusters with a 100% GRS recycled polyester quilted cover.
• Size - 70 x 48 cm.
• Firmness - Adjustable (soft, medium or firm).
• Tested by - Ali Howard, Freelance Writer.