Side sleeper pillows

Side Sleeper Pillow - Get The Best Sleep Possible!

As implied by it's name a side sleeper pillow is specifically designed for those that enjoy any variation of sleeping on there side whether it be with arms fully extended or curling in the fetal position.

Many people don't realise that with the combination of your weight and the angle you are set at during a period of sleeping on your side, many discomforts can arise that get worse in the long term. 

Some of the most common problems associated with side sleepers include:

  • Pulsating neck pain 
  • Lower and upper back discomfort 
  • Stiffness of limbs and arms 
  • Ear & Head pain 

It's hard to believe that something as simple as sleep can cause so many issues in the long term. Whether you be a front forward sleeper, back sleeper or even a side sleeper it's important to have the right support to insure the above symptoms don't occur and no long term damage is caused. For that are pregnant then a side pillow is the perfect sleeping aid providing the much needed support needed on the front and back as well as insuring correct spinal alignment.

The many types of pillows for side sleepers available...

Body Pillow Types

It's important to note that there are a wide variety of side pillows available for purchase that cater for a plethora of needs and requirements. For example, if you are looking to buy a pillow that supports your front as well as offering back support then you might interested in purchasing one of many body pillows that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Being as large in size as they are, body alternatives can be adjusted to cater for those that sleep on there side as well as help deal with symptoms such as neck pain, back pain and dead leg syndrome. Pillows in this range are commonly used as maternity pillows as well side pillows due to there flexibility.

The Cervical Variety

For those that require neck support as well as an offering that encourages correct spinal alignment then a cervical side sleeper pillow may be something you would be interested in. Contoured with curved cervical lobes they help improve the curvature of your neck which in turn help deal with symptoms such as headaches, migraines, neck pain, pain with arthritis and other common ailments that are common with those that like to sleep in the side or back position. Varieties of this type are usually constructed from visco memory foam while cheaper options use gel or fibre beads for support.

Body Wedge

Not as common as other types the wedge type are favoured by those that want the best in comfort as well as front and upper body support. Large in size they extend in height on average from the tip of your head down to your hips and help elevate the upper body at angle so you can sleep on your side comfortably. For acid reflux and allergy sufferers they make a great alternative to body pillows with the only downside being that you need to constantly switch the pillow when you switch sides.

The V-Shape Pillow

A fairly new design type that has only recently hit the market and is proving popular amongst consumers. Affordable in price in most cases they are designed to encourage correct spinal alignment as well as front and upper back support with there unique V shape contour. A smaller alternative to the more larger orthopedic side pillows on the market. Available for purchase in foam, gel, fibre and buckwheat types with buckwheat being one of the most affordable offerings available.

How does the side sleep pillow work?

Sleep aid bed pillows for side sleepers work by providing support on the main areas of your body that uneven pressure is most evident during sleep. One of the most vulnerable points on the body is the neck, this is even more so for people that enjoy sleeping on there side. Other areas on the body that can develop aches and pains are the shoulder joints, arms and of course the spinal area. By elevating pressure on those target points by evenly distributing your weight whilst on your side you can eliminate discomfort pains so you get the best night sleep possible.

When choosing a pillow you will need to consider what type of support will suit you best. Softer variations of pillow are great for stomach sleepers and those that are pregnant but the disadvantage they have is they sometimes neglect to support the neck area properly due to the soft support. Firm pillows for side sleepers or those constructed from memory foam provide superior support which will insure you get the best slumber possible.

Immediate benefits?

So what are some of the immediate benefits that you will get in return for investing your hard earned cash? Well, eliminating pains and sores is one of the main benefits as well as:

  • Better posture 
  • Less prone to headaches and migraines 
  • Awake feeling more lively and energetic 
  • Prevent sinus problems such as heavy snoring 
  • More comfortable nights sleep 
  • Aid in insuring comfort during and after pregnancy 
  • Great for those that suffer from acid reflux, sleep apnea and other disorders 

The benefits are numerous and wide depending on the brand and type of pillow you decide to purchase. Remember a good sleep aid does more than just offer the best in comfort whilst sleeping, they also act as preventative aids in minimizing aches and pains all over the body!

Side Sleeper Pillow Reviews - The best recommended contour pillows for side sleepers...

Sleep Better Iso-Cool Polyester Side Sleeper Pillow - Retail Price $40-$50

Sleep better side sleeper pillow

For side sleepers this sleep aid pillow is perfect. One of the unique selling points of this pillow is that it incorporates Outlast adaptive comfort technology that insures the pillow stays cool meaning you no longer have to keep flipping your pillow over during the night. Hypo allergenic and machine washable you will find this pillow to last a life time and the overall construction quality is superb with a 300 thread + pillow cover included for good measure. Even if you are not a side sleeper and suffer from constant hot flushes or sweating during the night then this "Sleep Better" option is perfect.

SleepRight Side Sleeping Pillow - Retail Price $60 - $100 (*Recommended Pregnancy Pillow*)

sleep right side sleeper pillow

Full SleepRight Pillow Review

The "sleepright" side sleeping pillow is one of the most advanced side sleeper pillows on the market. As you can see from the picture above it comes with a moulded design to ensure the best comfort possible and also aids those who suffer from insomnia and snoring disorders. With it's full facial cradle mold pressure points are kept to a minimal on the face, especially around the jaw and ear section which eliminates facial aches as well as minimise face creasing and sagging that is common with standard pillows. At a 12 degree angle the shoulder cradle provides optimum support for the neck, shoulder and head area encouraging the correct spinal alignment to insure back and neck pain is a thing of the past. The memory foam construction is a great selling poi9nt but what makes this pillow even more unique from others is that it utilizes an exclusive technology known as Visco-elastic. This technology is an improvement over standard memory foam side sleeper pillows and allows the foam to contour to the most subtle of facial contours which gives the pillow it's unique edge. If you have the cash to spend then I recommend this pillow whole heartedly especially if you are looking for a great side sleep maternity pillow.

Side Sleeper Pro Therapeutic Neck & Back Pillow - Retail Price $15-$20 (* Best Therapeutic Side Pillow *)

Side Sleeper pro

Full Side Sleeper Pro Review

As seen on TV, this uniquely shaped U pillow is considered to be one of the cheapest as well as most effective on the market as now.  Although not offering the luxuries of contoured support and being simple in design it manages to strike a perfect balance between price and quality which makes it one of the most popular side support pillows on the market.

For more information, reviews & buying advice on not only side sleeper pillows but other sleep aid pillows please take the time to browse our site.  We also have a wide range of articles on site regarding sleeping disorders and treatments for your interest.  Enjoy.

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