Best Pillows for Side Sleepers UK 2026: Our Top Picks
Side sleeping is the most common sleep position in the UK, and for good reason. It's better for digestion, reduces snoring, and can ease lower back pain. But here's the catch: side sleepers need a very specific type of pillow to wake up without neck ache or shoulder stiffness.
The wrong pillow leaves your head drooping toward the mattress or pushed up at an awkward angle. Either way, you're setting yourself up for a rough morning.
We've tested and compared pillows across our range to find the best options for side sleepers at every budget. Whether you want premium natural latex or excellent value memory foam, there's something here for you.
Quick picks:
- Best Overall Value: SleepSoul Dual Pillow — £60
- Best Premium: Relyon Deep Latex Pillow — £110
- Best Budget: Fine Bedding Company Spundown Firm — £36
- Best Luxury Feel: Fine Bedding Company Boutique Silk — £30
- Best Mid-Range Latex: Indulgence Natural Latex Pillow — £60
What Side Sleepers Actually Need in a Pillow
Before diving into our picks, it helps to understand why side sleepers can't just grab any pillow off the shelf.
The Shoulder Gap Problem
When you sleep on your side, there's a significant gap between your head and the mattress — created by your shoulder. A pillow that's too thin lets your head drop, straining your neck. A pillow that's too thick pushes your head up, creating the same strain in the opposite direction.
The goal: Your spine should form a straight line from your tailbone to the top of your neck. Your pillow's job is to fill that shoulder gap precisely.
Firmness Matters More Than You Think
Side sleepers generally need a medium-firm to firm pillow. Soft pillows compress too much under the weight of your head, losing the support you need overnight. You might start comfortable, but by 3am the pillow has flattened and your neck is paying the price.
Firm pillows maintain their height throughout the night, keeping your spine aligned even as you shift positions.
The Best Materials for Side Sleepers
| Material | Side Sleeper Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Latex | Excellent | Naturally firm, bouncy, maintains height all night |
| Memory Foam | Excellent | Contours to your neck shape, consistent support |
| High-Quality Hollowfibre | Good | Affordable option if you choose a firm variety |
| Feather & Down | Variable | Often too soft unless specifically designed for support |
Our Top 5 Pillows for Side Sleepers
1. SleepSoul Dual Pillow — Best Overall Value
Price: £60 | Warranty: 10 years | Fill: Memory foam & hollowfibre hybrid
The SleepSoul Dual solves a common problem: you buy a pillow, sleep on it for a week, and realise it's too firm (or too soft) for you. With the Dual, you simply flip it over.
One side offers firm support — ideal for side sleepers who need that extra height and resistance. The other side provides medium comfort for nights when you want something softer, or for partners who prefer a gentler feel.
Why it works for side sleepers:
- The firm side specifically fills the shoulder gap without compressing overnight
- Memory foam core contours to your head and neck shape
- Cool Touch cover helps with temperature regulation
- Hybrid construction gives you foam support with hollowfibre breathability
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two firmness options in one pillow | Needs 24-48 hours to expand after delivery |
| Exceptional 10-year warranty | Memory foam may feel warm initially |
| Cool Touch temperature regulation | |
| Hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly |
Best for: Side sleepers who aren't sure whether they need firm or medium support, or combination sleepers who switch positions.
2. Relyon Natural Superior Comfort Deep Latex Pillow — Best Premium
Price: £110 | Warranty: 5 years | Fill: 100% natural Talalay latex
If you're serious about sleep quality and willing to invest, the Relyon Deep Latex is specifically engineered for side sleepers. At 17cm height, it properly fills the shoulder gap that shorter pillows can't reach.
Why it works for side sleepers:
- 17cm depth designed specifically for the side-sleeping shoulder gap
- Natural latex provides firm, responsive support that doesn't compress
- Excellent for neck and shoulder pain relief
- Breathable construction stays cool all night
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed specifically for side sleepers | Higher price point |
| Natural, breathable Talalay latex | Heavier than synthetic alternatives |
| Excellent pressure relief for neck pain | Not suitable for stomach sleepers |
| 100% cotton removable cover |
Best for: Side sleepers with neck or shoulder pain who want a premium, long-lasting pillow.
3. The Fine Bedding Company Spundown Cotton Pillow Firm — Best Budget-Friendly Quality
Price: £36 | Fill: Smartfill hollowfibre with BCI cotton cover
The Fine Bedding Company has been making bedding in the UK for over 100 years. The Firm version of the Spundown range is the one side sleepers should choose.
Why it works for side sleepers:
- Firm support level maintains height overnight
- Machine washable at 60°C (more hygienic than foam alternatives)
- Hypoallergenic construction
- Cotton cover breathes well
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value from a trusted UK brand | Will compress faster than foam/latex |
| Fully machine washable | Only available in one size |
| Sustainably sourced cotton cover | |
| Firm support suitable for side sleepers |
Best for: Side sleepers who want quality bedding at a sensible price, or anyone who prefers machine-washable pillows.
4. The Fine Bedding Company Boutique Silk Pillow — Best Luxury Feel
Price: £30 | Warranty: 2 years | Fill: 90% recycled microfibre, 10% pure silk
This Boutique Silk offers medium-firm support — enough structure for side sleeping, but with a softer surface feel from the silk blend.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Luxurious silk-blend feel | Only one size available |
| Eco-friendly recycled filling | Medium-firm may not suit all side sleepers |
| Surprisingly affordable at £30 | |
| Machine washable |
Best for: Side sleepers who want a softer feel without sacrificing support.
5. Indulgence Natural Latex Pillow — Best Mid-Range Latex
Price: £60 | Fill: Natural latex
The Indulgence Natural Latex Pillow hits a sweet spot. You get responsive support, natural cooling, and hypoallergenic properties at an accessible price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural latex at an accessible price | Currently sold out (check back soon) |
| Excellent support for side sleepers | Less loft than the Relyon Deep |
| Naturally hypoallergenic | |
| Durable construction |
Best for: Side sleepers who want natural latex performance without the premium price tag.
Quick Comparison: All 5 Pillows
| Pillow | Price | Material | Firmness | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SleepSoul Dual | £60 | Memory foam hybrid | Firm/Med | 10 years | Value & versatility |
| Relyon Deep Latex | £110 | Talalay latex | Firm | 5 years | Premium support |
| Spundown Firm | £36 | Hollowfibre | Firm | — | Budget quality |
| Boutique Silk | £30 | Silk-blend | Medium-firm | 2 years | Luxury feel |
| Indulgence Latex | £60 | Natural latex | Firm | — | Mid-range latex |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do side sleepers need a firm or soft pillow?
Side sleepers generally need a medium-firm to firm pillow. The pillow must fill the gap between your head and the mattress created by your shoulder. Soft pillows compress too much overnight, letting your head drop and straining your neck.
How thick should a side sleeper pillow be?
Most side sleepers do best with a pillow between 10-17cm in height (loft). The exact thickness depends on your shoulder width and mattress firmness.
Why do I wake up with neck pain as a side sleeper?
Neck pain usually signals that your pillow isn't properly filling the shoulder gap. Your head is either dropping down or being pushed up. A properly supportive pillow keeps your spine in a neutral, straight line.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Yes — memory foam is one of the best materials for side sleepers as it contours to your head and neck shape. If you sleep hot, look for cooling technology like the SleepSoul Dual's Cool Touch cover.
How often should I replace my pillow?
Most pillows should be replaced every 1-3 years. Memory foam and latex pillows typically last longer (3-5+ years) because they resist compression better than hollowfibre.
What if I'm a combination sleeper who mostly sleeps on my side?
Look for a pillow with adjustable firmness or a medium-firm feel. The SleepSoul Dual is specifically designed for this — flip to the firm side when side sleeping and the medium side when on your back.
The Bottom Line
For most side sleepers, we recommend starting with the SleepSoul Dual Pillow. The combination of dual firmness, a 10-year warranty, and sensible pricing makes it hard to beat.
If you have persistent neck pain, the Relyon Deep Latex Pillow is worth the investment. On a tighter budget? The Fine Bedding Company Spundown Firm delivers genuine quality at a fair price.
Last updated: January 2026
