What Is The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain
Sleeping in an uncomfortable position is not the only way to wake up with an aching neck. The type, quality and age of your pillow may also have had something to do with this ache, and continued use of unsuitable pillows may also exacerbate existing neck problems.
As some people like to sleep on there backs, some on their front and some on their sides, it makes sense that not every pillow will be suitable for every position we commonly sleep in. In this post ‘ what is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain’, I will be reviewing the best quality pillows for side sleepers available online.
How often should you replace a pillow
Experts recommend that a pillow should be replaced every 12 to 18 months and a pillow should certainly not be used for longer than 2 years.(1.) Not only will skin cells and dust mites build up on a used pillow but mold, mildew and fungus will also develop over time.
What should you look for in a pillow
In my opinion, there are three main areas that you should pay attention to when choosing a pillow for side sleeping and preventing neck pain. These areas are comfort, firmness and height. As a side sleeper you will need to have a much firmer pillow to support your neck because a plush pillow will give too much leeway to your head.
However, firm does not need to mean uncomfortable as there are many firm pillows available that are both soft and supportive. Also, I believe the height of the pillow is important for side sleepers as their head will be further away from the mattress compared to a front or back sleeper. A side sleeper will need a fuller, higher pillow to allow the spine to stay in the correct alignment, which will be good for your neck and back.
Best type of pillow to sleep on for side sleepers with neck pain
As a side sleeper you will need both height and firmness to maintain your neck at a comfortable height throughout the night. For me, the best materials for this criteria are memory foam fillings, latex fillings and buckwheat fillings.
- The memory foam pillow will conform to the shape of your head and is firm enough to hold its weight without sinking.
- Latex foam pillows have the same supportive feeling as memory foam, however, they don’t have that sinking feeling. A latex pillow will instantly bounce back to its original shape after use and also has more of a cooling effect than memory foam. When buying a latex pillow it is important to buy the right size pillow for you as you will not be able to shape it the way you want.
- Buckwheat pillows are becoming more and more popular for people looking for a solid, supportive pillow. The buckwheat filling can be added or removed to suit the size of the individual. A buckwheat pillow is both a solid and comfortable choice for side sleepers with sore necks.
Best Pillows For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain
My No.1 Pick Best Pillow For Side Sleepers with Neck Pain – Improved Design, Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with Viscose Rayon Cover derived from Bamboo
This best seller shredded memory foam pillow is my No.1 pick as it ticks all the boxes for a comfortable, supportive pillow. What I like about this pillow is that it is fully adjustable to suit your own comfort and size as foam can be added or removed to customize your perfect pillow.
I believe this ability to adjust the size of the pillow makes it suitable for all sleeping positions, however it is essential for side sleepers in order to prevent neck strain. I also like that it is manufactured with non allergenic materials and is dust mite resistant, which is great for sensitive skin. It is 100% made in the USA and is machine washable allowing you to keep the fabric fresh and maintain its quality for longer.
This best selling pillow comes with a no risk 30 day money back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied. It also comes with a 5 year warranty, a guarantee that the pillow will not go flat within 5 years. I really like when a company offers these guarantees as it really shows they stand behind their product and are fully convinced of customer satisfaction. This is why I highly recommend my No.1 Pick – Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow for side sleepers with neck pain.
Pros
- Made in USA
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
- Adjustable to customize size
- Breathable and cooling materials
- Non allergenic and dust mite resistant
- Many satisfied reviews
- 5 year warranty
- 30 day full refund if not satisfied
Cons
- Might be too soft if you like firmer pillows
Best Buckwheat Pillow For Neck Pain – ComfySleep Standard Buckwheat Hull Pillow
ComfySleep Standard buckwheat hull pillows are a traditionally manufactured pillow based on Japanese design. However, the product is 100% American and I like the fact that it is handcrafted by a small family run business in New York.
The pillows are sewn using durable USA grown and woven organic cotton twill. These buckwheat pillows can be adjusted to fit the desired size by adding or removing the buckwheat hull, which for me is great for making the correct size pillow for neck alignment. Another quality I liked about this pillow is that the hull allows air to pass through the pillow, keeping it fresh and cool during your night’s sleep.
One thing to note if you are unfamiliar with buckwheat pillows is they are a little heavier than regular pillows and quite firm compared to soft foam style pillows. Just because it is strong and sturdy doesn’t mean it isn’t comfortable though. I believe this pillow can be a good choice for side sleepers with neck pain as it is very firm and provides excellent support.
If this is your first experience of a buckwheat hull pillow you will notice that you can hear the noise of the hulls when you move or lie down on the pillow, however, this is rarely a problem for users and fans of this style of pillow.
Buckwheat pillows may be a little different to conventional pillows, nonetheless, I would definitely recommend the ComfySleep Standard Buckwheat Hull Pillow for side sleepers as a way to prevent neck ache while sleeping.
Pros
- Firm and sturdy
- Stays cool throughout the night
- Organic cotton
- Made in the USA
- Adjustable to contour fit
- High quality, hand crafted
- Great support for neck
Cons
- Expensive for a pillow
- May be too firm for some
- Buckwheat hull pillows make a little noise when moved
Best Latex Pillow For Side Sleepers – Z By Malouf 100% Natural Talalay Latex Zoned Pillow, Queen-Low Loft-Firm
The latex from this pillow is derived from sustainable rubber tree sap. I like the fact that this eco friendly latex pillow is hypoallergenic, mildew proof and dust mite resilient.
One of the main reasons I chose this pillow is the ventilated airflow through tiny holes in the latex which allows the pillow to maintain a cool temperature throughout your night’s sleep. As it comes in soft, medium and firm versions, I recommend the firm version as the most suitable for side sleepers as it will provide excellent support for the neck, reducing the chances of waking up with an aching neck.
Unlike memory foam, a latex pillow will not conform to your head and will return to its original shape as soon as the weight is taken off of it. There may be a slight odor for the first couple of days (like the inside of a new car), however, this smell will fully disappear after a few days. The pillow also has an excellent 5 year warranty.
If you like more of a firm pillow then I would highly recommend the Z By Malouf 100% Natural Talalay Latex Zoned Pillow to give you that added support when you sleep.
Pros
- Firm density allowing good neck support
- Eco friendly
- Hypoallergenic, mildew proof and dust mite resistant
- Ventilated airflow, maintains a cool temperature
- Resilient, maintains original shape
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- A little pricey
- For first few days may have a slight odor
Conclusion
These are my top picks for each of the memory foam, latex and buckwheat pillows. They are all suitable for side sleepers but also provide great support for neck pain sufferers. Finding the right pillow for you is essential to getting a great night’s sleep and this is especially true if you have neck pain.
I am sure one of these pillows will certainly help you have a relaxing, comfortable night’s sleep. You may also be interested in my reviews of body pillows for back pain to help keep your neck, back, hips and knees in the correct alignment while you sleep.