Until I became the Sleep Features Editor for Tom’s Guide, I didn’t really understand the importance of a good pillow — hence why I was sleeping on a flat, old pillow that had completely lost its shape.
And as a side sleeper, I certainly underestimated how much the right pillow can support you. So I decided to take a super quick pillow quiz to find out what I was missing.
The pillows I was recommended
The pillow quiz asked me two important questions:
- What position do I sleep in? (Side sleeping)
- How much money am I willing to spend? (Under $50 — it is almost Christmas after all)
And that was it! Within about 10 seconds, I had three pillow recommendations just for me. Here’s what it suggested:
So it turns out my old, low-loft pillows might have been why I couldn't stop wriggling, tossing and turning and rearranging my sleep set up during the night.
What should side sleepers look for in a pillow?
I asked Becky George, Tom’s Guide’s pillow expert who has been testing the best picks of the year, what makes a great pillow for side sleepers.
“Side-sleepers generally require a high-loft pillow, typically taller than five inches, to maintain the body’s natural alignment,” she explains.
“This bridges the gap between the shoulder and ear while lying on the side, and prevents the head from dipping too much into the mattress,” Becky adds.
This is why old, flatter pillows won’t offer enough support for side sleepers — and can even cause strain and pain in the neck.
But Becky does add that this largely depends on your body type as well.
“Those with broader shoulders surely will require more support and firmness than a petite individual. That said, memory foam and latex are two side-sleeper friendly options which deliver that comfy and cradling support for the head, neck and shoulders.”
3 signs you’re sleeping on the wrong pillow for your sleeping position
Don’t know if you need a new pillow to properly support your sleeping position? Look out for the following signs:
1. You’ve had your pillow for over two years
Most pillows only have a lifespan of around 1-2 years so if you’ve been sleeping on yours for over two years, it’s probably not giving you enough support at night.
2. You wake up in pain
If you’re waking with aches and pains around your body, it might mean your body isn’t aligned when you sleep. It’s worth checking you’re sleeping on the best mattress for your body type, as well as ensuring your pillow is supporting your head, neck and spine.
3. You toss and turn all night
If you’re constantly woken at night by the urge to toss and turn or reposition your pillow, it’s a clear sign you need a more supportive head rest.
Take the quiz for yourself to find out which pillow is best for your sleeping position.
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