Finding the perfect king size pillow as a side sleeper is about more than just size. It’s about achieving the correct loft and firmness to keep your head, neck, and spine in a neutral alignment throughout the night. The wrong pillow can lead to stiffness and discomfort, while the right one supports restorative sleep. This roundup features ten excellent options, from adjustable memory foam to luxurious down, each offering unique benefits tailored to the needs of side sleepers seeking superior support and comfort.
We evaluated pillows based on materials, adjustability, cooling features, and specific support for side sleeping. Whether you prefer a moldable shredded foam, a classic down feel, or innovative cooling technology, there is an ideal pillow here for you. Our selections prioritize quality construction and positive user feedback to help you make an informed choice for your best sleep yet.
Our Top Picks for King Size Side Sleeper Pillows
- Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
- Luxuredown White Goose Down Pillow, Medium Firm
- Ella Jayne Luxury Hotel Pillows King Size Set of 4
- Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
- Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows King Size Set of 2
- Layla Sleep Adjustable Fill Kapok Pillow, 2pack
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow, King
- QUTOOL Shredded Memory Foam Pillows for Sleeping King Size
- Linenspa Two Pack Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow, King Size
- Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Loft Pillow (King)
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow is a top choice for side sleepers who value customization. Its fully adjustable design allows you to add or remove the proprietary shredded memory foam fill to achieve your ideal loft and firmness. This is particularly useful for side sleepers who typically need a higher, firmer pillow to fill the space between their head and mattress.
Made with CertiPUR-US certified foam and a breathable Lulltra fabric cover, it promotes a cool and comfortable sleep. The use of only fresh, never-recycled foam ensures consistent performance and durability. This pillow adapts to your unique shape and sleeping position, providing personalized support night after night.
Luxuredown White Goose Down Pillow, Medium Firm
For side sleepers who prefer a traditional, luxurious feel, the Luxuredown White Goose Down Pillow offers exceptional quality. With a 650 fill power, this medium-firm pillow provides a plush yet supportive loft that cushions the head and neck effectively. The natural down clusters create a soft, moldable surface that conforms to your contours.
This pillow is designed to offer resilience and bounce, maintaining its shape throughout the night to provide consistent support. The breathable nature of high-quality down also helps with temperature regulation, preventing overheating for many sleepers.
Ella Jayne Luxury Hotel Pillows King Size Set of 4
The Ella Jayne set provides excellent value, offering four king-size pillows with a premium hotel feel. Filled with a premium micro gel fiber, these down alternative pillows are soft and supple while providing the necessary support for neck alignment. They are an ideal option for side sleepers who want a fluffy pillow that resists going flat.
The smooth, breathable microfiber shell adds to the luxurious feel and helps keep the pillow cool. This set is perfect for fully outfitting a king-size bed or having extra pillows for guests, all while ensuring each pillow offers consistent, comfortable support.
Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
The Xtreme Comforts pillow combines adjustability with a focus on cooling comfort. Like other adjustable models, you can customize the fill amount to find the perfect loft for side sleeping. The shredded memory foam fill is designed to be lump-free, creating a smooth and comfortable sleeping surface.
A key benefit is its cooling cover made from rayon derived from bamboo, which is extra-breathable to help dissipate heat. This feature, combined with the adaptable foam, makes it a strong option for side sleepers who tend to sleep hot but still need substantial support.
Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows King Size Set of 2
Beckham Hotel Collection pillows are known for their plush, hotel-quality comfort. This set of two king pillows features a down alternative fill that is both soft and supportive, making it suitable for side sleepers who enjoy a fluffy pillow. The 250-thread count cover is smooth and breathable.
These pillows are made in an OEKO-TEX Standard Certified factory, ensuring they meet high safety and environmental standards. The breathable construction helps with temperature regulation, offering a cool and comfortable sleep experience.
Layla Sleep Adjustable Fill Kapok Pillow, 2pack
The Layla Kapok Pillow stands out with its unique natural fill. It combines responsibly harvested kapok fibers with shredded memory foam for a pillow that is exceptionally light, airy, and moldable. This blend allows side sleepers to shape the pillow for perfect head and neck cradling.
Shipped overstuffed, it provides ample material to remove and achieve your desired loft. The result is a supportive pillow that maintains a cloud-like, gentle feel, offering pressure relief without feeling overly firm or unyielding.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow, King
Tempur-Pedic is synonymous with adaptive support, and the TEMPUR-Cloud pillow is designed for comfort and cooling. Its single piece of proprietary TEMPUR-Material precisely adapts to your head, neck, and shoulders, providing consistent pressure relief that can help alleviate aches and pains common for side sleepers.
The dual cooling technology is a key feature, with a layer of cooling gel on both sides of the pillow to absorb and dissipate excess heat throughout the night. This makes it an excellent investment for side sleepers seeking premium, body-adaptive support with enhanced temperature control.
QUTOOL Shredded Memory Foam Pillows for Sleeping King Size
QUTOOL’s pillow focuses intensely on solving overheating issues. It features a dual-sided cover: one side uses a cool ice silky fabric that can lower surface temperature, while the other is a soft, bamboo-derived rayon for breathability. This is ideal for side sleepers with night sweats.
It is also fully adjustable, allowing you to modify the shredded foam fill to achieve the ideal firmness and loft for side sleeping. The combination of advanced cooling technology and customizability makes it a versatile option for hot sleepers.
Linenspa Two Pack Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow, King Size
Linenspa offers great value with this two-pack of king-size pillows. Filled with shredded memory foam infused with cooling gel, these pillows provide a soft and conforming support that helps keep temperature down. The shredded foam construction allows the pillow to be easily fluffed and molded.
The soft polyester cover is smooth and durable. For side sleepers looking to outfit their bed economically with supportive, cooling pillows, this set is a practical and comfortable choice that doesn’t compromise on essential features.
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Loft Pillow (King)
This king-size version of the acclaimed Coop Home Goods pillow offers the same exceptional customization in a larger format. Side sleepers with broader shoulders or those who simply prefer a bigger pillow will appreciate the extra surface area. You can finely tune the loft by adjusting the amount of certified shredded memory foam inside.
It features the same high-quality, breathable cover and fresh foam fill as the original. The ability to personalize the pillow’s height and firmness makes it a reliably excellent option for any side sleeper needing a tailored sleep solution in a king size.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best King Size Pillows for Side Sleepers
As a side sleeper myself, I know the nightly struggle of finding a pillow that actually works. You need something that fills the space between your head and the mattress without cranking your neck into an awkward angle. A standard pillow often just doesn’t cut it, which is why a dedicated king size pillow for side sleepers can be a game-changer. But with so many options, how do you pick? Let me walk you through what I look for.
First and foremost, think about loft and firmness. This is the big one. Your shoulder needs to sink into the mattress, and the pillow’s job is to keep your head and neck aligned with your spine. For most side sleepers, that means a medium to high loft pillow with medium-firm support. If the pillow is too flat, your head will tilt down; too tall or firm, and it pushes your head up. I always check the product specs for height and look for pillows specifically labeled for side sleeping.
Next, consider the filling material. Memory foam is a top contender because it contours to the shape of your head and neck, offering personalized support. Look for shredded memory foam or a foam with a gusseted edge for better structure. Down alternative or microfiber clusters are great if you prefer a softer, plusher feel that you can fluff and shape. Latex is another excellent choice—it’s supportive, responsive, and sleeps cool. Your personal preference for feel and any allergies will guide you here.
Don’t ignore the size and shape. A king size pillow gives you more real estate to move around without your head falling off the edge. Some pillows come with a gusset—a vertical sidewall—that helps the pillow maintain its shape and loft throughout the night. Ergonomic designs with contoured curves or arm slots are also worth considering if you have specific pressure points.
Finally, factor in temperature regulation and care. Many of us sleep hot, and a pillow that traps heat can ruin your rest. Look for features like gel-infused foam, breathable covers (like cotton or bamboo), or naturally cooling materials like latex. Also, check if the cover is removable and machine washable—because let’s be honest, keeping your pillow clean is a must.
Finding the right king size pillow for side sleepers is about balancing these elements to match your body and sleep style. It might take a little trial and error, but when you get that alignment just right, the difference in your morning is incredible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a special pillow important for side sleepers?
Side sleeping creates a unique gap between your head and the mattress because of your shoulder width. A standard pillow often isn’t tall or supportive enough to fill this space, leading to misalignment of your neck and spine. This can cause stiffness, pain, and poor sleep quality. A pillow designed for side sleepers provides the necessary loft and firmness to keep your head neutral, reducing pressure on your neck, shoulders, and even your hips.
How thick should my king size pillow be if I sleep on my side?
The ideal thickness, or loft, depends on the width of your shoulders. As a general rule, side sleepers need a loft between 4 to 6 inches. Broader shoulders typically need a higher loft (closer to 6 inches) to ensure proper alignment, while those with narrower frames might be comfortable around 4 to 5 inches. Many of the best king size pillows for side sleepers are adjustable, allowing you to remove or add filling to get the perfect custom height.
Is memory foam or down better for side sleeping?
Both have pros and cons. Memory foam is often the top recommendation because it offers excellent contouring and consistent support, cradling your head and neck precisely. It’s great for pain relief. Down or down-alternative pillows are much plusher and softer, offering a cloud-like feel. They can be molded but may flatten over the course of the night. For strict support, I lean towards memory foam or latex. For a softer, moldable feel, a high-quality down alternative with a high fill power can work if it’s firm enough.
Can I use a king size pillow if I share a bed?
Absolutely! In fact, a king size pillow can be a fantastic choice for shared beds. Its larger dimensions (usually 20″ x 36″) mean you and your partner are less likely to fight over pillow space in the middle of the night. Each person has ample room, and it helps create a more uniform, tidy look on the bed. Just make sure you both have similar pillow support preferences, or be prepared to choose different models that suit each of your needs.
How often should I replace my side sleeper pillow?
Even the best pillows break down over time. Materials like memory foam can lose their resiliency, and fillings can clump or flatten. A good rule is to evaluate your pillow every 18 to 24 months. If you wake up with neck pain more often, if the pillow no longer springs back, or if you find yourself constantly folding it for extra height, it’s time for a new one. Proper care, like using a protector and washing the cover regularly, can help extend its life.