The Ultimate Guide To The Best Firm Pillow For Side Sleepers

best firm pillow

We all know that the cornerstone of a restful night’s sleep is a good pillow. Unfortunately, according to Eugene Alletto, CEO and founder of Bedgear, up to 95% of people sleep on the wrong pillow. Not many people know that the best type of pillow for a side sleeper is a firm pillow.

As you sleep, you move to adjust yourself to be more comfortable. During all of this movement you need a pillow that will cradle your neck and keep your spine properly aligned.

This is why a firm pillow tends to work best. Without support throughout the night, you may experience less than adequate sleep and neck pain.

This now leads us to the big question.

Which is the best firm pillow for side sleepers?

Answering that question is no easy task. There are many different kinds of firm pillows with different sizes, shapes, fillings, and levels of firmness.

Check out the list below for some of the best firm pillows.


1. Beans 72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow


Organic Buckwheat Pillow by Beans72

This pillow, as you may be able to guess, is filled with buckwheat hulls. Although it may sound like a strange filling for a pillow, many reviewers love them, and they're a wonderful eco-friendly option.

This particular pillow, made by Beans 72, will conform to your head and neck. It also won’t collapse like many foam pillows do.

In addition to the 100% cotton cover, the buckwheat hulls are from 100% US grown organic buckwheat. These hulls also let air move through the pillow helping it to stay cool through the night.

Additionally, these pillows are easy to customize. If you want the pillow to be a little less firm, you can simply remove some of the buckwheat from inside.


2. Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow


Removable Case - Coop Home Goods

Memory foam pillows are very popular, and some of the most highly recommended. This shredded memory foam pillow from Coop Home Goods is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.

Since the pillow is made from shredded foam, it also provides air circulation that can be hard to find in solid memory foam pillows.

This may also be the best firm pillow if you prefer one that isn’t “too firm”, which is what some reviewers have said about the buckwheat pillow. The pillow is also machine washable, which makes it very easy to care for.

There's no need to worry about the quality of the pillow, as it comes with a 5-year warranty, and a guarantee that it will never go flat.


3. Down & Feather Co. Extra Firm Feather Pillow


Original Extra Firm Feather Pillow

For those of you who want a pillow that is extra firm, a feather pillow may be the best firm pillow for you.

The Down & Feather Company has over 100 years of experience in making pillows, and their pillows are ideal for side sleepers.

The pillow also helps fill that area between your head and shoulders, which is the area that needs the most support while sleeping.

Many people also purchase these pillows as replacements for the much loved feather pillows they have had for years.

Unlike other brands, these pillows have an all-feather filling. Another added bonus is that the feathers in this pillow go through a rigorous cleaning process that makes them hypoallergenic.

Additionally, the pillow comes with a 10-year product guarantee.


4. MALOUF Latex Pillow


Malouf Talalay Latex Zoned Pillow

For many of us the kind of temperature a pillow has through the night can play an important part in the quality of sleep we get (I know this is a huge concern for me).

If you're looking for a pillow that has a firm but breathable material, a Latex pillow may be a great option.

This pillow by MALOUF is made with 100% Talalay latex. It's very breathable and helps to maintain a comfortable temperature for the pillow while you sleep. The material is also mildew proof and resistant to dust mites.

Also, unlike some other types of pillow material, it never needs fluffing and will maintain its shape. MALOUF is also the only company that has extensive latex pillow options to choose from. Some of these options include size and firmness.


5. Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow


Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow

If you're particularly looking for firm pillows for neck pain, then this waterbase pillow by Mediflow may be perfect.

Although the name may make it sound as though the entire pillow is filled with water, the waterbase is on the bottom of the pillow.

The top of the pillow, where your head rests, is a layer of polyester fiber.

You can adjust the firmness by adding or removing water in the base of the pillow. It also comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, and a 1-year warranty.

With this pillow, many reviewers have had excellent results in relieving their neck pain. This pillow was also ranked very highly against other pillows in a clinical study.


Conclusion


There are many different firm pillows for side sleepers and many good brands that can help you get the rest and relief you need. No matter if you prefer buckwheat or are a fan of feathers, there are lots of options to choose from.

Taking into account your own personal taste, budget, and desired firmness level can help you find the best one for you. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is to find a pillow that gives you that much needed support to your head and neck.

Keeping these key things in mind is sure to help you the next time you go looking for a new pillow.