Is there even such a thing as a BEST pillow for side sleepers? Probably not, TBH. Like most things, a pillow is incredibly personal and it has to fit YOUR body. But, in the name of trying to find a better swap for my old memory foam pillow that caters to side sleepers, I’ve tested more pillows than I can count—and I’m breaking down alllll the details on what I loved, what I hated and what pillow has been keeping my neck comfy for almost 6 months.
By: Lisa Fennessy
IN THIS POST:
- Common problems with finding pillows
- “Better for you” memory foam
- Certifications to look for when shopping for a pillow
- 12 pillows I tried (and the ones I hated)
- My top pillow pick
- FAQ
For years now, I’ve been on a mission to find a better swap for my memory foam pillow. I’ve put my neck through the ringer trying kapok pillows, shredded latex pillows, molded latex pillows, bamboo pillows, silk pillows, wool pillows, buckwheat pillows…a dragon chrysalis stuffed with 5 leaf clovers…jk, lol. But I’ve seriously tried it all.
I still don’t know if I’ve found THE ONE, but I got pretty close so I’m rounding up all the pillows I tried to give you a place to start if you’re looking for the best pillow for side sleepers. BUT FIRST, let’s talk about the issues I was struggling with when trying to land the perfect pillow.
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Problem 1: I’m a side sleeper so…
I’m a side sleeper so my ultimate goal is to perfectly fill that space between where my shoulder hits the mattress to where my head is—in a way that keeps my body aligned. Anything too soft won’t cut it. Anything too high is a recipe for a sore neck the next day. Anything too lumpy is a NO. Anything with not enough support is out.
What I tend to look for first is a “low loft” pillow. The loft is the thickness of the pillow and my ideal is around 3.5 inches, which is basically impossible to find. Some brands don’t even list the loft at all while other brands will call a pillow “low loft” and it’s 6” thick. NO! Just no.
RELATED: My Green Mattress review.
Problem 2: Finding the right materials, aka more natural than memory foam pillows
And this turns into a bit of a Princess and the Pea saga because not only am I looking for a low loft, supportive side sleeper pillow, I also hate the way most natural materials feel when I sleep on them. 🤢
👉Molded latex tends to be way too bouncy. I rest my head down on it and my head is thrust forward like it’s been shot out of a cannon.
👉Shredded latex can take a hike. It’s lump city.
👉And if shredded latex is lump city, kapok is lump nation.
And while I’m at it, don’t sell me a pillow that I have to “take out material” to “adjust to my liking”—that’s not a pro! I also don’t want a pillow that weighs 900 pounds or have something flatten out over time so much that it becomes unusable. Skip, skip, SKIP.
Basically I just want my Tempurpedic memory foam pillow I bought from Bed Bath and Beyond 10 years ago…sub natural. Is that too much to ask???
Is there such a thing as “better for you” memory foam?
Here’s a quick foam comparison take from Savvy Rest on how natural latex compares to conventional options:
Turns out there’s not a perfect memory foam swap—it all comes down to certifications (could we have guessed this? Probs, as we’ve seen it before).
Certifications to look for in a pillow
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
- GREENGUARD – GREENGUARD-Certified products must meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air. Tested to meet the world’s most rigorous emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde and phthalates.
- eco-INSTITUT – Germany’s eco-INSTITUT is an independent materials testing laboratory, which tests for purity.
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“Natural” memory foam pillows I tried and liked…and the ones I hated
Essentia Natural Memory Foam Classic Pillow | $239
✅GOLS Certified, ✅GOTS Certified, ❌GreenGuard Gold Certified, ❌eco-INSTITUT Certified, ✅STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ❌USA Made, ❌B Corp, ✅Vegan
I found out about this brand from my friend Vinny who owns Natural Sleep here in Atlanta. I was skeptical per ush, but I started looking into this option and it seemed pretty legit.
I got the Classic Pillow which the customer service rep assured me felt “just like memory foam”…and SHE WAS RIGHT! When I got this pillow in the mail I started having heart palpitations because it looked and felt just like real memory foam.
I was sure this was going to be my top pick but in the end, this pillow is just a tiny bit too thick for me. I wish it was a half inch thinner because it would for sure be THE ONE. But my neck gap is not your neck gap so this could be the one for you!
*Just a note that this brand has an internal standard they are calling “Beyond Organic.” While I like the intention, this is just that—an internal standard that’s not regulated or overseen by a third party (kinda like retailer standards for beauty/personal care products). I wish they kept these ideals listed as their core values rather than making it look like it’s an additional certification. A little slippery, if you ask me.
Pros:
👍Comes with a washable organic cotton cover
👍Made in a GOTS + GOLS certified factory
👍And holds several additional certifications
👍Legit feels like memory foam
👍Supportive
👍Vegan + cruelty free
👍Free shipping
👍1 year warranty
👍Fully biodegradable over a 3-year period
👍3.5 to 4” loft (not listed, but I measured it!)
Cons:
👎Super heavy
👎A tiny bit too thick for me
👎Is this is king size pillow? It’s very long
👎Expensive, but FYI I grabbed this during one of their sales for $164
👎 No returns
Savvy Rest Organic Latex Soap-Shaped Pillow | $129
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ✅GreenGuard Gold Certified, ✅eco-INSTITUT Certified, ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ✅B Corp, ✅Vegan
This one was recommended by a reader (shoutout and TY!), so I tried it. This one is technically called a “latex foam.” I didn’t have high hopes because I associated that with molded latex, which tends to be too bouncy for me, but it arrived and it was the right height (jet planes fly over in celebration 🎉🎉🎉), offered a lot of support and didn’t feel too bouncy at all.
Now, I wouldn’t go as far to say that this pillow is a true memory foam swap. It doesn’t feel like that, but it has everything else I’m looking for—so much so that I’ve been sleeping on it happily for the past 6 months. YEAH I JUST SAID THAT.
It allows me to sleep well. It does not give me additional neck pain. It’s supportive, lightweight and comfortable.
Is this THE ONE forever and ever amen?! I wouldn’t go that far, BUT I will say I’m loving it and it’s my favorite right now.
Pros:
👍Made of Dunlop latex
👍Comes with a washable organic cotton casing
👍Made in a GOTS certified factory
👍Is GreenGuard Gold Certified
👍Has materials third party tested (by eco-INSTITUT)
👍All lab tests / results have been posted publicly
👍Vegan
👍Lightweight
👍Supportive
👍3.5 inch loft (not listed, but I measured it!)
Cons:
👎No returns
👎One reader said this pillow flattens over time
SAVE: Use code FAVE20 for 20% off all Savvy Rest products
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Saatva Memory Foam Pillow | $165
❌GOTS Certified, ❌GOLS Certified, ❌GreenGuard Gold Certified, ❌eco-INSTITUT Certified, ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ✅Vegan, ❌B Corp
This is the only other pillow I found that truly mimics the feel of memory foam. It came recommended by a reader here in Georgia (thanks girl!). Yet, it was not the right pillow for me. Oh, well.
Avocado Molded Latex Pillow | $129+
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ✅GreenGuard Gold Certified, ✅eco-INSTITUT Certified, ✅ STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ✅Vegan, ✅B Corp
Every time we polled readers on what pillow to try, this one came up again and again so I tried it. This one hits so many marks and it may end up being a good match for you, but for me it was a miss in some of the most impactful ways.
Most notably, the loft on this pillow is graded. So it’s thinner at the edges and then builds to a thicker middle. This ended up making my neck sit at a slanted angle that was not comfortable for me, so this pillow was a hard no straight out of the gate.
Pros:
👍Not lumpy
👍Vegan
👍100 night sleep trial / returnable
👍Charcoal infused for moisture and + temp regulation
👍Washable organic cover
👍Climate Neutral Certified
👍Third party tested formaldehyde free
Cons:
👎Too thick
👎Angled loft
👎Bouncy
👎Does not feel like memory foam
👎5” loft
My Green Mattress Charcoal Infused Organic Latex Pillow | $99+
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ❌GreenGuard Gold Certified, ✅eco-INSTITUT Certified , ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ❌B Corp, ❌Vegan
But the Avocado pillow was not the only charcoal-infused pillow I tested. I also tried the My Green Mattress Charcoal Infused Organic Latex Pillow and this one was also a no-go for me. It was way too bouncy / springy and the loft was super high—so high, I couldn’t even last an hour on it. BUT that being said, it’s my oldest son’s favorite pillow and he calls it “my pillow” so….there’s that.
The cover is not removable and it’s ripped on two out of the four pillows we have, which is definitely a con.
Coyuchi Turiya Organic Latex Pillow | $148
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ❌GreenGuard Gold Certified , ❌eco-INSTITUT Certified , ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ❌USA Made, ✅Vegan, ❌B Corp
Love Coyuchi for so many things. They have the best percale organic sheets I’ve tried and I’m obsessed with these mega absorbent towels. But what, and I can not stress this enough, TF is going on with this pillow? No one wants a pillow with a hole in the middle of it.
But beyond my better judgment, I ordered this because maybe I’m the one who has it backwards and maybe “hole in the pillow” is where everyone is living the good life. Well, I’m here to report, it’s not. The only way I could sleep on this pillow was scooting to the very end of it and sleeping on the edge to avoid all of the riff raff going on in the middle. Awful.
The one thing that’s great about Coyuchi though is that you can return their pillows so that’s what I did. And then, as a last ditch effort, I bought their kid’s pillow (which they no longer sell) because maybe, just maybe—but I returned that too because it was so thin and offered zero support for an adult.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow | $279
❌GOTS Certified, ❌GOLS Certified, ❌GreenGuard Gold Certified, ❌eco-INSTITUT Certified, ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ❌USA Made, ❌B Corp, ❌Vegan
Cozy Earth makes a pillow that is filled with 100% Mulberry Silk, which I had never heard of so I had to try it. And I’ve got good news and bad news.
The good news is that my husband kept it as one of his top three after I had to do a pillow purge since there were 100 pillows on our bed.
The bad news is it’s too soft and not supportive enough for me. I also got feedback from a reader that this only gets worse over time. I also find it to be a tad lumpy. This one was a no for me.
Savvy Rest Kapok Pillow | $119
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ✅GreenGuard Gold Certified, ✅eco-INSTITUT Certified, ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ✅B Corp, ✅Vegan
This is one of those “customize to your liking” by pulling out the extra fill pillow, so right off the bat, NO. Through this process of pillow searching I also learned I just hate sleeping on kapok. It’s lumpy AF. Also this is what that pillow looks like after a few years👆(and I didn’t pull anything out of it), so again NO.
Plush Beds Solid Latex Pillow | $112
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ✅GreenGuard Gold Certified, ❌eco-INSTITUT Certified, ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ✅Vegan, ❌B Corp
If you are looking for a plush pillow experience, I would say this is as close as you will get. This pillow feels springy and cradles my head, but also adjusts to my head weight by not holding my head and neck up too high. It’s also the type of plush where if you get in the right side sleeping position, your head sinks so low that it can cover your lower nostril and you can’t breath. I just personally prefer something a little big firmer for that reason, but if you don’t relate to this, this solid latex pillow could be a good option for you!
Plush Beds Shredded Latex Pillow | $74
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ✅GreenGuard Gold Certified, ❌eco-INSTITUT Certified , ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ❌B Corp, ✅Vegan
Ugh, lump city. It’s so lumpy and crunchy, I can hear it crunching as my head repositions itself. Also it’s about 50 feet thick. NO.
Cozy Pure Pure Kapok Organic Sleep Pillow | $129+
✅GOTS Certified, ✅GOLS Certified, ❌GreenGuard Gold Certified, ❌eco-INSTITUT Certified, ❌STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ✅USA Made, ❌B Corp, ✅Vegan
Again, don’t love a kapok pillow and this one is no exception. Not enough support, lumpy, limp. No.
FAQ
The TNK top pillow pick for side sleepers is Savvy Rest’s Organic Latex Soap-Shaped Pillow. Read more about why here.
1. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. 2. GREENGUARD – GREENGUARD-Certified products must meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air. Tested to meet the world’s most rigorous emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde and phthalates. 3. eco-INSTITUT – Germany’s eco-INSTITUT is an independent materials testing laboratory, which tests for purity. Learn more here.
The ultimate goal is to perfectly fill that space between where yours shoulders hit the mattress to where your head is—in a way that keeps my body aligned. Anything too soft won’t cut it. Anything too high is a recipe for a sore neck the next day. Anything too lumpy is a NO. Anything with not enough support is out. Find out my top pillow picks here.
Have you tried any of these pillows? What’s your go-to for your best sleep?
TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
Kisha
January 20, 2023Liiiiiisa! You are the best. I’ve been waiting on this post and just holding out on King pillows because I knew you would check all the boxes for us side sleepers. You said exactly, exactly what I need in a pillow that I’ve been on the hunt for, for soooooo long. Thank you so much. Yay Savvy Rest!
Lisa Fennessy
February 24, 2023So awesome! did you try it Kisha?? Wondering if you like it or not???
Sandra Losey
February 11, 2023I didn’t see where the number one pillow pick for back sleepers with neck pain
Lisa Fennessy
February 24, 2023I didn’t point that out but that would be the Essentia one I tried. I love it so much for back sleeping and it feels like TURE memory foam! I heard they changed their pillow though which makes me nervous because the one I tested was so good. I haven’t tested the new one yet.
Amanda Smith
February 17, 2023Love the SAAVY soap shaped pillows in king size. I ordered two. I am a side sleeper and I flip flop all night long! It took about a week for me to get used to simply because I’ve been sleeping with a down pillow that I have to beat into shape. The SAAVY is way more supportive and I’ve had a significant decrease in neck pain, which is a huge deal for someone with chronic neck pain and migraines. I would note that it does have a strong latex smell that’s still going strong, lol. But it doesn’t bother me too much. It’s a little bouncy but not bad. I honestly should have purchased the standard size because you can’t really bend them to snuggle with. But the extra one makes a great body pillow.
Lisa Fennessy
February 24, 2023Hi Amanda! So glad you are loving the soap shaped pillow! Yay! That is so interesting yours has a strong latex smell..I can’t stand that smell so I can relate. Mine didn’t smell like that. I wonder why??? And I agree, it’s a tiny bit bouncy but not as bad as most molded latex pillows. But I love the low loft and I agree it’s so helpful with the neck pain.
Kisha
February 24, 2023Yes bought it and looooove it! Thank you!!😍
Kisha
February 24, 2023I can’t stand a strong latex smell either and mine has the strong smell too but I’m tolerating it because it’s soooo good.