Sleeping on your side is the most common position, and it's comfortable for many people. It also leaves a gap between your head and the mattress that your pillow has to fill. Too thin and your head drops; too thick and it tilts up. Here's how to find a pillow that keeps things level.
Start with height
Side sleepers usually do best with a medium-high to high pillow. The wider your shoulders, the more height you'll need. If your mattress is soft and your shoulder sinks in, choose slightly lower.
Then consider support
A medium-firm pillow keeps its shape through the night. Very soft pillows feel lovely at first but often flatten by morning.
Pick a filling
- Memory foam: steady support that moulds to your shape. A ventilated or gel design helps if you sleep warm.
- Shredded memory foam: adjustable; remove filling until the height feels right.
- Latex: bouncy, cool and durable.
- Down or down-alternative: soft and squishy, but rarely supportive enough on its own for side sleeping.
Test your alignment
Lie on your side and ask someone to check from behind: your neck should continue in a straight line from your spine. Adjust the height until it does.
Comfort extras
- A pillow between your knees keeps your hips and lower back aligned.
- A body pillow gives your top arm somewhere to rest.
- Blackout curtains help during Alaska's bright summer nights.
- Breathable cotton bedding helps you stay comfortable all year.
Know when to replace it
If your pillow is lumpy, flat or doesn't spring back when you fold it in half, it's time for a new one. That's typically every one to three years.