Different sleep positions call for different types of pillows. People who tend to sleep on their side will have different needs than those who sleep on their stomach or back. Side sleepers especially can have a difficult time finding a pillow that offers them enough support.
Using the wrong pillow can leave you tossing and turning at night or with aches and pains in the morning. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the best body pillows for side sleepers in 2023.
Best body pillow for side sleepers of 2023: a shortlist
- Royal Therapy — best body pillow for cuddling
- MedCline — best full body pillow for side sleepers
- Turmerry — best cooling body pillow for side sleepers
- Sleepsia — best body pillow for pregnancy
- Pluto PUFF — best overall body pillow
How have we compiled the list of the best body pillow for side sleepers?
| Quality | Materials used and how long it lasts |
| Shape | Structure and design |
| Cost | $59.99 - $119 |
| Fill | What the pillow is stuffed with |
- Quality. You use your pillow every night, so it’s important to have one that will last. Quality entails what materials the manufacturer used and how long they’re expected to last.
- Shape. The shape of your pillow can impact your sleep. We compare which body pillow shapes are best suited for side sleepers.
- Cost. Pillows can be a big investment. We compared the cost of each body pillow with their features.
- Fill. The inside of your pillow is just as important as the outside. The inside fill may trigger allergic reactions and affect the longevity of the product.
Studies show that about 60% of adults sleep on their sides the majority of the time. Using a regular pillow may not give side sleepers the support and comfort that they need to sleep their best.
Here are the best body pillows for side sleepers no matter what your needs are:
1. Royal Therapy — best body pillow for cuddling
Royal Therapy understands that everyone has individual needs when it comes to body pillows. That’s why they’ve created a pillow that you can shape to your body. You can customize this pillow by adding or removing filling until it feels right for you.
This hug pillow for side sleepers was designed to be “huggable,” perfect for cuddling while also helping to ease pain in the back, hips, and legs. This dynamic body pillow can also be used by two people or upright as a reading pillow.
You can try the Royal Therapy body pillow for $99.99 with a five-year warranty.
2. MedCline — best full body pillow for side sleepers
The MedCline Therapeutic Body Pillow is specially designed for side sleepers. This "J" shaped pillow offers comfort for side sleepers looking for full body support at night.
The shredded memory foam allows you to customize the pillow to your body. You can create a nest for your neck or add extra support for your knees. It comes in two sizes so you have a pillow that fits your body and your bed, with a removable washable cover. MedCline also offers a cooling case for $44 for those that run hot at night.
Rest easy with the MedCline Therapeutic Body Pillow for $119 with a one year warranty.
3. Turmerry — best cooling body pillow for side sleepers
Are you a side sleeper who runs hot at night? The Turmerry Latex Body Pillow for sleeping on your side is your best bet, thanks to its cooling perforated design that allows for extra airflow. The removable cover is made from organic materials.
Another perk of this cooling body pillow for side sleepers is that you can choose between three levels of firmness (soft, medium, and firm). While this pillow is great for side sleepers, it can also be used by stomach sleepers and even during pregnancy.
Cool down with the Turmerry Latex Body Pillow for $79 with a one year warranty.
4. Sleepsia — best body pillow for pregnancy
Looking for the best body pillow for women? Especially those who are pregnant or need extra support. The Sleepsia Full Body Pillow for Side Sleepers allows you to adjust the height and firmness of your product by removing or adding the foam filling.
Sleepsia claims that their pillow is designed to conform to your curves to help relieve any extra pressure on your joints. While this pillow is great for side sleepers and those who are pregnant or nursing, it can also be used by back and stomach sleepers.
Prepare for pregnancy with the Sleepsia Full Body Pillow for Side Sleepers for $59.99.
5. Pluto PUFF — best overall body pillow
The Pluto PUFF - Body Pillow is a top-rated body pillow for side sleepers, according to Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health. We’ve also ranked it as the best overall body pillow thanks to its top-rated comfort.
Pluto uses a unique, 100% hypoallergenic, synthetic fiber that emulates the softness of 600-fill European down, meaning that one ounce of this material can fill 600 cubic inches of space. It comes with a soft, quilted microfiber case and is as easy to clean as it is to cuddle with at night. This versatile pillow is designed to support all types of sleepers, especially side sleepers, and claims to “never go flat or saggy.”
Sleep better with the Pluto PUFF — Body Pillow for $110 with a 125 night trial offer.
Comparison of the best body pillow for side sleepers
| Brand | Price | Material | Hypoallergenic | Dimension | Machine Washable |
| Royal Therapy | $99.99 | Gel microfibers | Yes | 21"x56" | Yes |
| MedCline | $119 | Shredded memory foam | No | Small: 5” tall, 18” wide, 45” long medium: 6” tall, 22” wide, 50” long | Just the case |
| Turmerry | $79 | Latex | No | 38" x 7.5" | Yes |
| Sleepsia | $59.99 | Memory foam | No | 54” x 20” x 6” | Yes |
| Pluto | $110 | Synthetic down | Yes | 21"x54" | Yes |
Body pillow benefits for side sleepers
Despite how common side sleepers are, not many people use body pillows at night. You can help set yourself up for success the next day by giving your body the support it needs at night.
Here are some potential benefits of using a body pillow for side sleepers
- Hugging a side pillow may help you sleep better
- Support for back, knees and hips
- Improved sleep quality
- May help reduce stress
- Helps reduce tossing and turning
- May help with snoring
- Can be used during pregnancy and for nursing
- Helps to align hips, shoulders, and spine
Types of body pillows for side sleepers
If you’re ready to get a body pillow, you’ll want to know what to look for. Body pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes designed to fit different needs. Some of the most common types of body pillows include.
Huggable pillows for adults, U-shaped pillows, and cooling pillows.
U shaped body pillow for side sleepers
While a regular pillow is typically a rectangular shape, U-shaped are in the shape of a “U”. People who use multiple pillows to find the most comfortable position to sleep in can benefit from the stability of a U-shaped pillow.
Finding a u shaped body pillow for side sleepers can help reduce the strain on the neck, hips, and joints that side sleepers may experience. That’s why we found the best shaped pillow for side sleepers so that you can support your body and your sleep health.
Cooling body pillow for side sleepers
People who run hot at night or live in a hot climate often struggle with temperature regulation while they sleep. Cooling body pillows for side sleepers are designed to mitigate that by using special design techniques like perforation and materials like foam, silk, latex, cotton, or bamboo.
Finding the best cooling body pillow for side sleepers can help you not only sleep comfortably but also reduce overheating, sweating, and discomfort from feeling too hot at night.
Huggable pillow
Hugging something at night whether it’s a pillow or another person can not only be incredibly comfortable for side sleepers, but can even help to relieve stress. A huggable pillow is typically a long rectangular or u-shape that you can use in front of or behind you.
Huggable pillows will vary in firmness, but you’ll typically want one that is slightly firm but still has some give. Unlike a regular pillow, a huggable pillow will also need to be big enough for you to cuddle with, which is why body pillows tend to be the best option.
Choosing the right firmness level
One of the biggest factors that can affect the comfort of your pillow and overall sleep quality is the firmness of your pillow. This is why many companies offer pillows that allow you to adjust the amount of stuffing and firmness level of your pillow.
When buying a body pillow, those with back, neck, or joint pain may benefit from having a firm pillow. The same is true for people who are pregnant or who have had surgery. This extra firmness provides more support for your spine, head, joints, and the rest of your body. While it depends on your individual needs, a firm body pillow for side sleepers can help support your body and get you a better night’s sleep.
How to maintain and clean your body pillow
When you invest in a nice body pillow, you want to maintain it for as long as possible. Also, properly caring for it can help minimize exposure to allergens that may build up from usage.
Cleaning instructions will vary from product to product. Some are entirely machine washable, while others will have a removable, washable body pillow case. If you do put it in the washer, it’s best to wash it alone with a gentle detergent. The soap you use should be compatible with the material of your pillow and/or case.
Be sure to carefully read instructions to see if your pillow can be put in the washing machine and dryer.
Best body pillow for side sleepers - conclusion
Finding a top-rated body pillow for side sleepers really depends on your unique body and sleep habits. You’ll want to take into account any injuries, health conditions, or other body changes like pregnancy and choose a pillow that is designed accordingly.
Choosing the right body pillow can be a personal decision that affects your sleep, so be sure to read reviews to help get a more well-rounded idea of what the best product is for you.
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FAQ
Are body pillows for side sleeping also suitable for hugging?
Cuddling is a great way to relax and relieve stress, and using a body pillow is a helpful alternative when you don’t have or don’t want another person to cuddle with. Any body pillow can be huggable, but some are designed specifically for mimicking the sensation of cuddling.
Are there small body pillows for side sleepers?
People who are shorter or smaller in stature often have a hard time finding a body pillow that’s suitable for side sleeping. There are quite a few companies that offer body pillows in multiple sizes, or ones that have smaller dimensions.
What level of pillow firmness is best for side sleepers?
There will be individual preferences for pillow firmness even amongst side sleepers. That being said, most side sleepers find more comfort with a medium-firm pillow. If you’re unsure how firm you need your body pillow to be, you may want to buy one that allows for adjustable firmness.
- National Library of Medicine. Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review.
- National Library of Medicine. Huggable communication medium decreases cortisol levels.
- Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. Improving the Quality of Sleep with an Optimal Pillow: A Randomized, Comparative Study.
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