Best Pillow for Sleeping on Your Side

If you are looking for a new pillow to help you get a better night of rest, it is vital to take into consideration your sleep style before choosing the best sleeping pillow for you. Before you can examine the variety of different pillow options available, you must determine your sleep style. The three main sleep styles are back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and side sleepers. Sleeping on your side is the most common sleep style, and for those who are side sleepers, it is important to understand the unique benefits and negatives of sleeping on your side. To find the best pillow for sleeping on your side, the unique sleeping conditions must be considered to determine the best pillow for your sleep style. Below is a guide to the pros and cons of sleeping on your side and how to choose the best pillow for sleeping on your side.
The Pros and Cons of Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleepers are the most common sleep style among people, with many people sleeping in the fetal position throughout the night. However, other side sleepers gravitate more towards sleeping straight on their side throughout the night. Sleeping on your side can reduce the occurrence of acid reflux or heartburn, and it can also help to prevent snoring and sleep apnea as it allows the airways to remain open throughout the night. Sleeping on your side can also aid in preventing back and neck pain because this position keeps the spine elongated throughout the night. Side sleeping is a particularly beneficial sleep style to pregnant women as it helps to alleviate pressure on the lower back caused by sleeping on their back. Sleeping on the stomach is not a viable option during pregnancy either due to the protrusion of the belly. In addition to being more comfortable and beneficial for the lower back, sleeping on the left side throughout the duration of the pregnancy helps to increase circulation to the heart. This increase in blood flow is positive for the both the baby and the mother. However, sleeping on your side can also encompass several negative attributes.
Sleeping on your left side exerts pressure on the lungs and the stomach which can cause potential health issues, though by switching which side you are sleeping on throughout the night, this can be largely avoided. In addition, when sleeping on your side, it is common to lose feeling in your extremities, specifically your arms. This sensation can be uncomfortable and disorienting, so it is important to keep in mind when analyzing your sleep patterns and sleep style. For those side sleepers who tuck one arm behind their head or lay on one arm as they sleep, extended pressure on the area can restrict blood flow and press down on the nerves, which can result in a pins and needles sensation or muscle aches. In addition, sleeping on your side exerts pressure on your shoulder, which can cause tension to build in the neck and shoulder muscles and may result in neck and shoulder pain over time.
How to Choose the Best Pillow for Sleeping on Your Side
When selecting the perfect pillow to help you get a high-quality night of sleep without neck pain, it is important to keep in mind your sleeping style. For side sleepers, this means seeking out a firmer, fuller pillow than would typically be required by a back or stomach sleeper. This difference is due to the increase in space between your head and the bed when laying on your side. For a side sleeper, a thin pillow will not provide adequate support to the head and neck throughout the night. To find the ideal pillow for sleeping on your side, look for a pillow that is made of a quality filling that will stay supportive throughout the night without collapsing, provides adequate height to keep your spine straight, and is comfortable enough to keep you sleeping soundly during the night. Essentia’s Coco pillow is a soft, bouncy pillow made out of three different densities of organic latex foam. The Coco pillow is the best pillow for back and side sleepers because it is responsive enough for you to manipulate to your liking throughout the night. If you switch to sleeping on your back and want to make it the best pillow for back sleepers, smooth it out to give it a lower profile to support the arch of your neck. If you are sleeping on your side, you can fluff it up to fill the space between your head and the bed to give you the support you need. The ability to change its shape makes this the best pillow for sleeping on your back and side as it provides support and comfort in either sleeping style. The Coco pillow is one of the best pillows for side and back sleepers because of its soft, supportive, and malleable form.