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Buying the best pillow for side sleepers for the first time might seem a bit challenging for new users, but the job need not be as complicated as one imagines. All you need to know is the type of side sleeper you are; what to look for in the best side pillow for side sleepers and voila! You might bring home one of the best buys from the market.

Considering the fact that the primary function of a side-sleeper pillow is to keep the head, neck, spine and shoulders in an optimally aligned position as well as cradle the head and neck comfortably, it is obvious that the best side pillow for side sleepers ought to have the following features:

–          Right amount of firmness. While back sleepers could do with less of firmness, stomach sleepers need even less; side sleepers need their pillows to be firmer. This is the only way one can ensure that there is right support for the head, neck and shoulders. While each body is different, it could be a good idea to try out a product before buying.

–          Pillow with gusseting is a good idea. Gussets are built-in supports for the top and bottom of the pillow. They increase the supportive function of the pillows as well as make them long lasting. They also keep their original forms intact even after extensive use. Gusseting is essentially adding two extra pieces of material sewn together at the edges that add extra firmness.

–          Pillows with high thread count (makes weaving of the fabric tighter) and gusseting can easily make the best pillow for side sleepers.   

What kind of filling is best?  

Various kinds of claims made by manufacturers can be confusing especially when you are buying a unique product for the first time. The type of fill to be used in a special pillow is one such area. While the final choice is with the user depending on personal comfort preferences, etc, here are some broad guidelines in this area

There are two types of fills used in pillows: natural and synthetic.  While natural fills like feathers might invite allergic reactions with some users, the main benefit is their light weight. Typical synthetic materials used are either polyester or visco-elastic memory foam. High density foam mold according to body heat; whereas low density foam adjusts to body pressure. While in pillows they offer better support, being denser they are heavier.

The biggest hazard of memory foam is that the material is inflammable. Many new users complain of a strong chemical odor when using a new pillow. If you are allergic to such odors, this type of fill might not be for you. 

Best pillow for side sleepers: some brand suggestions 

1. Carpenter Co. Beyond Down Gel Fiber Side Sleeper Bed Pillow – filling used is super fine fiber equivalent to white goose down. It has a 4 1/2-inch gusset and a high crown that supports to maintain natural alignment.
2. Celestial Side Sleeper: Celestial™ products combine feather-like suppleness with the resilient support of the finest European white goose down. They’re overfilled for ultra-high loft and fullness
3. Iso•Cool Visco Elastic Side Sleeper Bed Pillow and Iso•Cool Polyester Side Sleeper Bed Pillow: These pillows are made with 100% Isotonic memory foam and adjust to the preferred sleep position, help relieve pressure, and alleviate tossing and turning in bed

While it is obvious that pillows for side sleepers are for the use of people who sleep on their sides, but it is the people who NEED to sleep on their sides and buying such pillows for the first time, who would benefit most from this article. It is usually an important health compulsion or the need to sleep better that drive a new-user to buy pillows for side sleepers.

Be that as it may, let us first scan through the various benefits of such pillows: 

–          Eases areas that pain during or after sleep.

–          They comfortably accommodate the sleeping position

–          They are scientifically designed in order to eliminate snoring, reduce the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes, ease stiff neck and relieve back and shoulder aches.

–          Improve quality and quantity of sleep from first night of use.

Types of side sleepers 

There are several types of pillows for side sleepers to accommodate the unique needs of different types of side sleepers. Before you venture out to buy something for your own use, decide which of these categories you belong to:

1. The ‘yearner’ position. This type of side sleeper sleeps on one side with both arms stretched in front of him or her.
2. The ‘log’ position. These side sleepers sleep on one side with both arms pointing down.
3. The ‘fetus’ position.  These side-sleepers sleep curled up on one side. This is considered to be one of the most common sleeping positions for side sleepers.

The next step in choosing pillows for side sleepers

Once you know the type of side sleeper you are, it is time to know the important considerations before buying the actual product. Though at the end of the day, choosing a personal product like a pillow ultimately depends on personal preferences and priorities, here are some broad guidelines:

–          What is the right size of sleeping pillow that would make you feel most comfortable?

–          What is the kind of support that the product offers? The main aim of such pillows is to keep the head, spine, neck and shoulders properly aligned. While back sleepers can do with a flatter pillow, side sleepers need more supportive pillows.

–          What kind of filling does the pillow have? Is it firm enough to be comfortable?

How to keep the pillows for side sleepers in good condition? 

The pillow that you buy should be firm. A pillow with a higher thread count often makes the pillow last longer. Higher thread count essentially means more threads woven into each square inch of fabric. The tighter it is, lesser are the chances of feathers and other fillings to poke out even when the pillow is used for a long time.

Using a pillow protector also helps. Such covers are cheaper than buying a new pillow every now and then. Ensure that the pillow is firm as it eliminates risks of back, neck and shoulder pain. One has to keep in mind that some of the side effects of sleeping on the side include pulsating neck pain; lower and upper back discomfort, limb stiffness as well as ear and headache.

Not many people would even bother to know what a side sleeper pillow is, unless driven by some kind of health compulsion. After all, what are the usual considerations when buying a pillow? Purchase decisions are usually driven by factors like look and feel of a product and the associated comfort. Some might even look for anti-allergic materials and durability.

Yet sleeping position has an important role to play in the quality of sleep. For example, sleeping on the back could result in the tongue receding backwards towards the back of the mouth; this could obstruct normal airflow during sleep and result in sleeping discomfort as well as snoring.

Sleep apnea is a health condition that affects millions in this country. If you too are a patient, you need to know that sleeping position affects both the frequency as well as severity of apnea episodes which may be doubled for people who sleep on their back in comparison to people who sleep on their sides.

Side sleeper pillow: who uses them?  

There are several types of such pillows for exclusive use of side sleepers. Some of the users are:

–          Suffering from acid reflux

–          Pregnant (sleeping on the left promotes better circulation and easy breathing)

–          Patients of neck and back pain

–          Patients of sleep apnea and snoring

Catering to a wide variety of side sleepers 

The design variation of the side sleeper pillow is necessary to cater to the specific needs of different types of side sleepers. The three major types of side sleepers are:

1. Curling on one side almost in a fetal position.
2. Lies on one side with both arms extended forward
3. Lies on one side with both arms pointing downward.

What are the immediate benefits of the side sleeper pillow? 

–          Improvement of sleeping posture

–          More refreshing and restful sleep

–          Prevention of sinus problems including snoring and apnea episodes

–          Ensures comfort during and after pregnancy

–          Restful sleep for people who are coping with acid reflux.

How does the side sleeper pillow ensure comfortable sleep?

It is the design of these pillows which allow maximum comfort during sleep. It supports the head and neck during sleep. It also keeps the spine, the head, neck and shoulders properly aligned so that the pressure points are eliminated. The pillow essentially cradles the neck and head properly. This prevents the sleeper to continuously flip the pillow over, mold it or reshape it in order to sleep well.

Usually such pillows are made from memory foam – a unique material that conforms to the shape of one’s head, shoulders and neck. But for side sleepers who sleep with their arm under the pillow the special pillow might have to be thick and heavy. There are more advanced designs of pillows for side sleepers that carry specially-placed channels, contours and shelves.  Such fixtures allow space for the shoulders to be tucked under a ledge without using any pressure while the head is placed further back.

One of their prime working mechanisms is that the pressure points and weight are transferred to the same side of the shoulder and body.

Choosing the best pillows for side sleepers could be a challenging task for someone who is not aware of the typical sleep needs of a side sleeper. A side sleeper is a sleeper who more often than not prefers to sleep on his or her sides as opposed to sleeping on the back or stomach. This affects the person’s pillow needs since a regular pillow would not normally keep the head and neck in proper alignment.

This makes selecting best pillows for side sleepers a job than requires in-depth knowledge about what to expect from these exclusive pillows as well as careful consideration of all factors.

Some considerations for choosing best pillows for side sleepers 

–          Side sleepers are normally in the habit of rolling in bed during sleep. Thus buying a wider pillow makes more sense.

–          Select a firm pillow which depends largely on the kind of fill used. While information about the type of fill is available on the label, keep in mind that higher filling makes a pillow firmer. Be that as it may, the most-preferred firmness is a matter of personal choice. Some side sleepers feel comfortable using softer pillows. Essentially one has to ensure that the fill should be adequate to keep the spine straight to avoid neck or back pain.

–          It could be easier to choose best pillows for side sleepers if a specimen can be tried out before actual purchase. Such samples are usually on display at most bedding and furniture stores. Trying out a pillow is the best way to judge the firmness, shape and comfort levels. Pay special attention to the way your spine and neck are positioned while lying down.

Getting started with your purchase 

Before you actually start searching for the best option in pillows for someone who prefers to sleep on his or her side, make sure that you know exactly how he or she sleeps. Sleeping on the sides in effect is a broad-based term that may not be enough to make a good choice.

There are three types of side sleepers. This means that there are different types of pillows also to accommodate the specific needs of these sleepers:

–          A side sleeper can sleep on one side with both arms stretched in front. Such a position is called the ‘yearner’ position.

–          The ‘log’ position is about sleeping on one side with both arms pointing down.

–          Many side sleepers sleep in the ‘fetus’ position curling up on one side. This is incidentally the most common sleeping position with side sleepers.

Pros and cons of certain type of fills for pillows 

Once you start searching for best pillows for side sleepers, chances are that you might get confused regarding the different types of fills used. If you want value for money, study the various advantages and disadvantages of different fill materials before taking the final decision.

For example, feather pillows might be soft and moldable but tend to feel sweaty and hot. They might have to be pulled up to retain shape while changing positions.  Not suitable for people who need neck support.