How to Choose Pillow Height for Side Sleeping

A side-sleeping pillow should fill the space between the mattress and the side of the head without forcing the head noticeably toward or away from the mattress. Shoulder width, mattress compression, pillow compression, and preference all affect fit.

Compare the available formats

Tune™ Adjustable Loft Pillow lets the owner add or remove fill. Fjord™ Gel Cooling Sleep Pillow has Standard 19.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 inch, Queen 23.6 × 15 × 4.7 inch, and King 27.6 × 15.7 × 5.1 inch variants. Amity™ Comfort Cervical Pillow has a contoured side and a hollow side. Cumulus™ Soft Cervical Pillow uses a softer butterfly form.

Product Comparison Best for Snapshot price
Tune™ Add or remove fill Preferred loft is uncertain $49.90
Fjord™ Three published dimensions Stated size choice matters $99.90–$149.90
Amity™ Two shaped surfaces Surface choice matters $69.90
Cumulus™ Softer butterfly contour A softer shape is preferred $69.90

Browse Side Sleeper Pillows, compare Cervical & Neck Pillows, or read the knee-pillow guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a higher pillow always better for side sleeping?

No. Mattress compression, pillow compression, and preference all affect the useful height.

What if I do not know my preferred loft?

An adjustable-fill product such as Tune™ lets the owner test more or less fill.

Do the Fjord™ sizes have the same height?

No. Their current labels list 3.9, 4.7, and 5.1 inches.

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