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BEST DOWN PILLOWS FOR SIDE SLEEPERS

by David Smith

Last Updated: 1/30/23

Looking for a fantastic new down pillow? Hoping to solve your neck pain problems with better support? We’ve created this guide to our best goose down pillows for side sleepers. All of our feather pillows are filled with the finest Hungarian goose down, offering the firmness your neck needs for relief without feeling too hard. Read ahead to see our top three picks for feather pillows for side sleepers.

Are down pillows good for side sleepers?

Yes! Down pillows can be the perfect choice for the right support and softness to suit you. Down & Feather has compiled a list of the best down pillows for side sleepers so you can get the comfort you’re craving from our highest-quality feather pillows.

Best Overall: Snuggle Soft 850 Fill Power Goose Down Pillow

 

Best Value: Quality Rest® 650 Fill Power Goose Down Pillow

 

Best Down Alternative: FiberGel Down Alternative Pillow

 

The Benefits of Feather Pillows

  • Feather pillows provide a more luxurious, comfortable sleep experience.
  • Despite their softness, feathers provide better support and lift for your neck.
  • Down is anti-allergenic, meaning it doesn’t attract bacteria or other undesirable microbes.
  • Down is very long-lived, meaning your pillow can last for years before needing to be replaced.

Do side sleepers need a soft or firm pillow?

Typically, side sleepers need a firmer pillow to support their neck during the night. However, the firmness of your mattress can affect what firmness of pillow you need for the right support. Read below to see how to choose the best feather pillows for side sleepers!

Choosing the best down pillow for side sleepers depends on:

  1. Your Sleep Surface (Mattress Firmness)
  2. Your Sleep Style (Side Sleeper, Back Sleeper, Stomach Sleeper)
  3. Your Shoulder Width (Comfort Gap)

1. Sleep Surface Mattress Firmness

2. Sleep Style (Side Sleepers)

Roughly 65% of people sleep primarily on their side. This creates what we refer to as a “Comfort Gap.” The Comfort Gap is the area between the crown of the shoulder & the side of your head. When you sleep on your side, a pillow needs to fill this Comfort Gap to provide you with the proper support.

If You Have A Firm Mattress:
Side sleepers who sleep on a firm mattress have the largest comfort gap to fill. A firmer pillow is necessary to appropriately fill this gap. Our firm down pillows are the perfect match to fill your comfort gap.

If You Have A Medium Mattress:
A softer mattress allows the side sleeper's shoulder to press slightly into the sleep surface, reducing the size of the of comfort gap. A down pillow of medium density is required to keep the spine straight. Shop our medium down pillows to match your mattress.

If You Have A Soft Mattress:
Side sleepers who sleep on a soft mattress require an even softer down pillow to maintain proper spine alignment due to the shoulder pressing deeper into the sleep surface. Shop our soft down pillows today.


3. Shoulder Width Comfort Gap

When you sleep on your side the area between the crown of the shoulder & the side of your head is called the comfort gap. The broader the shoulders and firmer mattress greater the size of the comfort gap.

The goal is to fill the comfort gap with the correct down pillow density to keep your spine as straight as possible when lying on your side. This position replicates standing with perfect posture! The end result is that you’ll rest more comfortably all night long.


Pillow Density Formula

Sleep Surface + Sleep Style + Shoulder Width = Recommended Pillow Density

Example

A woman of average height (~ 5’3) who tends to sleep on her side on a pillow top mattress would typically need a medium to firm density pillow.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Selecting a pillow is a very personal decision. Our recommended pillow formula is merely a guideline to help you choose the perfect pillow for you.


Share our infographic today!

Want to share the gift of better sleep with your friends and family? We’ve created an infographic to summarize what you need to know about choosing the right down pillow for side sleepers. Help us educate everyone on better sleeping. Share. Print. Like.

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Choosing The Right Luxury Pillow With Down & Feather Company

Here at Down & Feather Company, we specialize in sourcing the finest textiles and Hungarian goose down to make ultra-premium luxury down bedding. Our responsibly-sourced goose down provides the finest experience in sleep for all ages and sleepers. Learn more about why you should choose Down & Feather for your sleep needs.


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