What kind of pillow does a side sleeper need?

Side sleepers should choose a thick, firm pillow compared to stomach sleepers who need a thinner one. The best pillow will keep your head and neck aligned when lying down. Any fill from down to foam can work for side sleepers as long as the pillow is thick enough to support your neck.15 Nov 2021

How do you pick a side sleeper pillow?

Don’t buy your pillow without laying hands, and your head, on it. If you can, lie down as though you’re going to sleep on it and see how it feels. Make sure your head feels in line with your spine, that your neck feels supported, and that you like the way the material squashes (or doesn’t squash) under your head.12 Feb 2020

Why do side sleepers need firm pillows?

If you’re a side sleeper, that’s not possible with the wrong pillow. “Because of the greater distance between their heads and the mattress, side sleepers often need a thicker pillow to keep their head and neck in a neutral position,” says Heather Turgeon, author of The Happy Sleeper.30 Aug 2021

What height pillow is best for side sleepers?

about 4 to 5 inches

What height should my pillow be?

Based on the body’s measurements and personal preference, the pillow should maintain a height of 4 to 6 inches, properly supporting the head and neck (and shoulders when lying on back).

How do I know if my pillow is too high or too low?

How can I tell if my pillow is too high? The simplest way to tell if your pillow is too high is by checking where your chin is when lying on your back in bed. Does your chin point upwards because your head is tilted back very far? If so, your pillow might be too high and could cause discomfort.

Is it better to sleep with a high or low pillow?

The pillow for your head should support the natural curve of your neck and be comfortable. A pillow that’s too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Your pillow should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions.

How do I keep my neck from hurting when I side sleep?

If you sleep on your side, try putting a pillow between your legs. This can help keep your neck aligned with your spine. When sleeping on your side, make sure the pillow isn’t higher under your head than it is under your neck. Straining your muscles even a little during the night can cause soreness by morning.28 Jul 2020

What pillow do doctors recommend for neck pain?

Memory foam and feather pillows are excellent options because they provide support, but also cradle your head to keep your spine neutral. Cervical pillows—the ones that have a depression in the center and raised edges—are also top picks.19 Jan 2022

Is a firmer pillow better for neck pain?

For the 70 percent of us who sleep on our sides, firm pillows work best to ensure proper neck and head alignment. The pillow should be no more than 4 inches from the mattress and have foam or latex filling to keep its shape. You don’t want a down pillow, because it will sink too far down.7 Dec 2018

How do you know which pillow is right for you?

Look for one that’s as thick as the distance between your ear and outside shoulder. Stomach sleepers may need a soft pillow—or no pillow at all—underneath their head. A pillow under your stomach and pelvis may help prevent back pain. Back sleepers may need a flatter pillow, to keep your head and neck in alignment.9 Oct 2017

How are side sleeper pillows different?

These pillows tend to keep your neck flexed throughout the night and may leave you with stiffness and pain in morning. If you’re suffering from neck pain, avoid polyester pillows since they don’t provide much neck support. These are basically all soft pillows and as you know, side sleepers need extra firm pillows.17 Sept 2018