How do I choose a pillow for side sleeping?

Choose a side-sleeping pillow by looking for the loft that fills the space between your head and shoulder. Sleep Foundation says many side sleepers do best with a higher-loft pillow, though some people prefer medium loft if that keeps the neck more neutral. The goal is not a pillow that feels huge; it is a pillow that keeps your head, neck, and spine in line.

Adjustable fill is the easiest way to get there because you can remove stuffing if the pillow feels too high. Breathable covers and a shape that keeps the neck supported are also worth more than fancy marketing. If you wake up with neck tension, the pillow is often the problem before the mattress is.

If sleep still feels off, the insomnia and sleep apnea pages are the useful siblings. Search for an adjustable side-sleeper pillow with a good return policy: side-sleeper pillow. If you wake up with neck tension, try one pillow height for a few nights before judging it. A pillow that is slightly wrong on day one can still be right after you adjust the fill.