Best Pillows for Side Sleepers in Australia

Another item I would love to share with you is the Peacelily Latex Pillow. When you sleep on your side, your face and body come into direct contact with the pillow. And if it doesn’t remove your body heat properly, you may wake up all sweaty and groggy, which isn’t the definition of rest at all. Our Runner Up for the best pillows for side sleepers in Australia, the Peacelily Latex Pillow, will spare you from hot sleeping while maintaining the proper support of your head and neck.

The Peacelily is made of a 12.5-cm Dunlop latex slab. This material is perfect for side sleepers in two ways: first, its density can sufficiently support your neck alignment. Second, it has a pretty good pressure-relieving effect and can relax your stiff shoulder. 

Plus, the latex is naturally cool material because it has an open-cell structure that allows your body heat to escape. And the Peacelily pillow is even more breathable because it has small holes across the surface that enhance the aeration.

Also, the pillow is encased in a natural cotton cover. This material performs great at absorbing moisture and is soft to the touch. 

So, if you’re a side sleeper and need a long-lasting pillow that doesn’t pack any hidden chemicals inside — the Peacelily will be your way to go!

Based on Our Review

My tests showed that the Peacelily latex pillow exhibits outstanding support for the neck, especially when I slept on my side. In addition, the bounce kept my head afloat, minimizing the chances of hot sleep resulting from plushness.

How Does Side Sleeping Affect Pillow Choice?

Every sleeping style has its own requirements for the perfect pillow but side sleeping probably has the most.

See, that’s because the lateral position isn’t the best for our spinal health. First, your head is pretty heavy, and if the pillow fails to support it, you may strain your neck (2). Second, when you sleep on your side, you put your body weight on the shoulder and this can result in stiffness as well.

So, what features should a good pillow for side sleepers have to successfully address these problems?

Here they are:

• Loft. For side sleepers, the pillow should fill in the space between the ear and the bed (3), which is basically equal to your shoulder width. So, you can measure the distance from the base of the neck to your shoulder joint (spoiler: it will be around 12-13 cm, which is pretty average pillow loft). Or, go for the pillow with an adjustable loft, especially if you shift through back and side sleeping: in this case, the pillow should be compatible with both positions, so it’s recommended that you adjust it manually.
• Firmness. Side sleepers might need a firmer pillow that can maintain its shape without sinking too deep under the head. Typically, solid memory foam, latex, or overstuffed shredded foam pillows make a good pick for that. A regular fiberfill model might do the trick as well, but only if it’s generously stuffed and can guarantee sturdy support. That being said, shoppers need to remember that most fiberfill pillows tend to lose their loft with time. This means sleepers will have to buy a new pillow sooner than with other types.

Not only do you need firm pillows as a side sleeper, but they also aid breathability because they make less contact with the face.

• Cover. When you sleep on the side, the pillow touches your face. Also, it collects oils from the skin and hair and gathers tiny skin cells and dust that can turn into an allergic bomb when combined. The best way to prevent this is to opt for models with washable cover: they prevent dust buildup and let you enjoy the freshness for longer.

Also Read: Best Pillows for Back Sleepers in Australia

What Are the Best Pillows for Side Sleepers in Australia Made Of?

When looking for the best pillow for side sleepers in Australia, one can’t help but wonder:

What is the best pillow type I can use to feel the most comfortable during sleep?

The thing is, none of the pillow types is perfect. However, some may work for you better than others. So, let’s take a closer look at what pillows for side sleepers are made of to find the best solution for you:

• Memory foam (solid). What makes memory foam a good option for side sleepers is its ability to conform to the curves of one’s body. Therefore, a foam pillow can deliver the needed support (if it’s firm enough) while gently cradling your neck and reducing tension.  This is why memory foam models are often considered the best pillows for side sleepers with neck and shoulder pain in Australia. Foam can redistribute the pressure evenly, which often helps with pain alleviation.  However, it’s important to remember that most solid memory foam pillows sleep warmer than usual unless they are infused with cooling components.
• Memory foam (shredded). Shredded foam pillows are more breathable, so they might sleep cooler than solid memory foam. Many of them also allow for height adjustability to satisfy more users. At the same time, shredded memory foam pillows can be just as cradling and supportive. That being said, keep in mind that pieces of foam may form lumps with time (which would vary depending on the pillow quality).
• Latex. Latex is a great choice for side sleepers because this material can deliver resilient support without neglecting pressure alleviation. Just like foam, latex is able to mold to the curves of one’s neck and head. However, it won’t hug you that much. Additionally, latex pillows sleep cool naturally, which makes them an ideal solution for hot sleepers and those who experience hot flashes during the night. On the other hand, such pillows belong to a rather expensive category. 
• Poly-fiber. Poly-fiber pillows are meant to imitate the airy feel of natural down. That’s why most of them aren’t that firm. Therefore, side sleepers typically feel the most comfortable on slightly overstuffed poly-fiber pillows. In this case, they can enjoy resilient support. These pillows are usually super affordable and can be an excellent solution for budget shoppers. Nevertheless, poly-fiber pillows are less durable than other types and can flatten or form lumps. In this case, it might be a good idea to get an adjustable, zippered pillow. Once it loses its loft, you can simply add more filling and extend its life.
• Buckwheat. The reason why buckwheat pillows work for side sleepers is that they can offer firm, sturdy support. Plus, many of them come in a medium-high loft, which should work for the majority of side sleepers. Furthermore, buckwheat pillows sleep cool. However, I have to warn you: buckwheat shells can be pretty noisy. When sleeping on such a pillow, you will hear rattling noises when moving or adjusting the pillow. And while the sound isn’t that loud, it can disturb some individuals, especially light sleepers.

Now, I did not include the popular down pillows deliberately. The thing is, they are typically extra squishy, soft, and airy. Chances are, this won’t be enough to deliver enough support when sleeping on one side (unless you use a couple of down pillows, but it’s not that comfortable and can be very expensive).

Other Things to Consider

These features can make your side sleeping experience more comfortable, so be sure to include them in your list when choosing a decent pillow for side sleepers.

Neck and Shoulder Issues

If you don’t have neck or shoulder pain, a properly chosen pillow will prevent you from getting these issues anytime soon. But if you have some problems, you should take them into consideration. For example, if you have osteoarthritis, you may need a more moldable pillow with a fiberfill layer. Those with shoulder pain can benefit from a higher and firmer pillow that will remove the load from the shoulder belt.

Be sure to consult your healthcare specialist to determine which pillow type will suit your needs.

Thermoregulation

Cool sleep is more restorative sleep, that’s a fact. 

So, a good pillow — especially for a side sleeper, who rubs their face on it — should be able to remove all the body heat and excess moisture to keep your sleep cool and dry.

Natural latex and latex shreds, as well as open-cell and gel-infused foams, work really great for that. Also, you can look for the pillow with a removable get insert. You can place this insert in a fridge and then put it back into your pillow and enjoy a breezy sleep.

I look for solid pillows with air spaces in their design for optimal thermoregulation. This way, I’m less prone to sleep hot, even in warmer weather.

Comfort adjustments or sleep trial

There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” in the world of pillows. Therefore, to be on the safe side (or if you don’t know what you need exactly), you may want to pick a model that offers loft adjustments. Such pillows usually have a zippered cover that allows users to add or remove some amount of the filling. Such a design would let you tailor your new pillow to your needs and according to your body peculiarities.

Another vital aspect is the in-home sleep trial. It would allow you to test a pillow and return it for a full refund in case it doesn’t work for you. Again, it’s an awesome problem-solving “tool” for uncertain and hesitant shoppers.

When searching for a pillow, I tend towards pillows with customizable options like loft height, adjustability, or alternating firmness. I do this if I don’t want to go through the rigor of returning the pillow.

Weight and Mattress Firmness

Each of these aspects can determine how much sinkage the sleeper will experience. And sinkage can affect the loft of the pillow. 

If the sleeper sinks deeper into the mattress, they will need a slightly thinner pillow. Why? Because when sinking deeper, there’s less space between the head and the surface of the mattress. Naturally, the pillow doesn’t have to be too tall to fill in all that space.

Now, heavier side sleepers typically experience more sinkage, which means they might require a thinner pillow. The same rule applies to owners of soft mattresses.