Best Pillows for Every Sleeping Position

Some people always sleep on their side, others prefer their back, and some switch positions throughout the night. That’s why finding the best pillow gets a little tricky.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through which pillows work best for side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers. Plus, we’ll share some top-rated options and tips for what to look for and avoid when shopping for a pillow.

 

 

Why Choosing the Right Pillow Matters for Better Sleep

We spend about a third of our lives asleep (or trying to fall asleep), and your pillow plays a huge role in spinal alignment and pressure relief. The right pillow prevents long-term neck and shoulder strain. The wrong pillow can throw your neck out and keep your spine misaligned all night long.

Bottom line: your mattress supports your body, but your pillow supports your head and neck. If those aren’t in sync, good sleep is hard to come by.

 

Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper (like most folks out there), you need a pillow that fills the space between your head and the mattress, without propping you up like you're in a recliner. Look for a medium to high loft pillow with a bit of firmness.

Top Pick: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-breeze Neck Pillow
Many side sleepers deal with neck stiffness and are well-suited for a perfectly contoured feel. This pillow is designed specifically to cradle your head while keeping everything aligned; It’s a game changer for back and side sleepers who want cooling comfort without sacrificing support.

✅ Contoured to align head, neck, and shoulders
✅ Premium 500 thread count cooling cover
✅ Cool-to-touch breeze technology

 

 

Best Pillows for Back Sleepers

Back sleepers have it kind of easy. You just need a medium-loft pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck; not too flat, not too puffy. If you're waking up with neck pain, chances are your pillow's either too soft or too thick. A solid back-sleeper pillow should cradle your neck just enough to keep everything aligned without pushing your head too far forward.

Top Pick: Malouf Shredded Gel Dough® Pillow
This pillow checks every box for comfort, customization, and breathability. Filled with clusters of shredded Gel Dough® memory foam, it’s moldable and breathable, making it perfect for those who want a soft, supportive pillow that still holds its shape.

✅ Proprietary Gel Dough® foam feels soft and cool
✅ Moldable shredded fill adapts to your head and neck
✅ Medium loft (6"–7") is great for back and side sleepers

 

Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

If you’re a stomach sleeper, the goal is simple: keep your pillow low and supportive to avoid cranking your neck into awkward angles. A thinner, flatter pillow helps keep your spine aligned and prevents unnecessary strain on your neck and shoulders.

Top Pick: Purple Pillow (with Booster)
This isn’t your average pillow. The Purple Pillow uses three inches of GelFlex® Grid to offer the perfect balance of softness and support, which is exactly what stomach sleepers need. The flexible grid cradles your head and neck without pushing you too far up, and it comes with two adjustable Boosters so you can personalize the height to your exact comfort level.

✅ GelFlex® Grid provides No-Pressure Support™
✅ Open-air channels keep you cool all night
✅ Boosters let you adjust the loft to your ideal height

 

 

Best Pillow for All Sleep Positions

If you shift between your side, back, and stomach throughout the night, you’re a combination sleeper. And you need a pillow that can roll with the punches, is supportive in any position, and adaptable to your movement, no matter how you twist or turn.

Top Pick: Aireloom Nimbus Low Profile Pillow
The Nimbus Visco Pillow is a dream for combo sleepers. Its low-profile design and viscoelastic memory foam conform to your unique shape, providing consistent support whether you’re on your back, side, or stomach. It molds to your head and neck seamlessly, offering pressure relief without going flat or feeling bulky.

✅ Adapts to all sleep positions
✅ Visco foam molds to your shape for personalized comfort
✅ Low profile keeps spine aligned in every position

 

What to Avoid When Buying a Pillow

When shopping for a pillow, steer clear of:

• One-size-fits-all pillows: Your sleep style is personal, and your pillow should be too.
  

• Super cheap pillows: You get what you pay for. If it flattens after a week, it’s not worth it.
  

• Overly thick or stiff pillows: Especially if you’re a stomach sleeper or have a petite frame.

Always check the return policy. At Mattress Direct, you can actually test out your options in-store, so don’t be shy about doing the squish test.

 

 

Shop the Best Pillows at Mattress Direct

From supportive memory foam to cooling contour pillows, Mattress Direct has a curated selection of the top pillows designed to keep your head supported throughout the night.

Need help picking your perfect pillow? Mattress Direct makes it simple to find the best pillow for your sleep position. Contact us or visit your local Mattress Direct showroom today. We’re here to help you discover a wide range of top-rated mattresses, bedding essentials, and adjustable bases. 

Related readings from our blog:

• When You Should Replace Your Pillow

• How Your Sleep Position Determines the Perfect Mattress

• What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain?

• Soft vs Medium vs Firm: Which Is Best for Your Sleep Style?

 

FAQs: Common Pillow Questions

What kind of pillow is best for neck pain?

Look for a pillow with contouring support, like memory foam or a cervical shape. Medium loft works best for most back and side sleepers.

How often should I replace my pillow?

Every 1–2 years is ideal. If it’s lumpy, flat, or smells funky, it’s time to say goodbye.

Are hotel pillows really better?

Not necessarily, they just tend to be high-quality down or down-alternative, and they get fluffed constantly. You can get the same feel at home with a good memory foam or hybrid option from Mattress Direct.

Is it better to sleep with or without a pillow?

Most people sleep better with a pillow that matches their position. Stomach sleepers may do well with a very thin pillow, or none at all, but back and side sleepers definitely benefit from good support.

What’s the healthiest pillow filling?

Memory foam, latex, and hypoallergenic down-alternatives are popular choices for people with allergies and neck pain. The key is breathability and proper neck support.