Best Pillow for Side Sleepers Australia (2026)
If you're a side sleeper, the key is finding a pillow that provides the right balance of support and comfort throughout the night.
Side sleepers generally need more pillow height than back or tummy sleepers. This is because there is a larger space between your head and the mattress when you're lying on your side.
The pillow needs to comfortably support your head and neck without pushing your head too high or allowing it to drop too low.
As a general guide, we recommend a medium to high profile pillow with medium to firm support for side sleepers. However, your height, shoulder width, mattress and personal preference need to be considered.
We've reviewed some of the most popular pillows available in Australia to find our top picks for side sleepers.
Here are our top pillow picks for side sleepers.
Top 6 Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Best Cloud Feel Support: #GoKindly Signature
- Best for Adjustable Support: Ecosa Pillow
- Best Support for Side Sleepers: #GoKindly Memory Foam Pillow
- Best Firm Support: Spinaleze
- Best Latex Pillow: Dunlopillo
- Best Adjustable Firmness: Koala Pillow
Best Cloud Feel Support: #GoKindly Signature Pillow
Price: $69
Made in: Australia
Material: Polyester fill
Firmness: Medium
Loft: Medium to High
Best for: Side and combination sleepers
The #GoKindly Signature Pillow is designed to give you a balance of both comfort and support.
Its medium to high profile makes it suited to side sleepers, while the softer filling provides a cloud feel that still provides the right head and neck support.
It is also a good option if you move between your side and back during the night and don't want the firmer feel of a memory foam pillow.
The Signature Pillow is Australian Made, and won a 2024 Good Design Award. It also comes with a 120-night returns policy.
And yes – this website sells #GoKindly pillows, so we are biased!
But at $69, we think it offers great value and a better sleep.
Highlights:
- Australian Made
- Medium to high profile
- Comfortable balance of softness and support
- Machine washable
- 120-night returns
- Winner of a the Good Design Gold Award
- 50% of profits support women and gender diverse people experiencing housing stress and homelessness
Final Verdict: A comfortable Australian Made pillow that suits most side sleepers without the premium price tag.
Shop for the #GoKindly pillow here.
Best for Adjustable Support: Ecosa Pillow
Price: $190 RRP
Made in: China
Material: Memory Foam
Firmness: Medium
Loft: Adjustable Low to High
Best for: Side sleepers wanting adjustable height
The Ecosa Pillow is one of Australia's best-known memory foam pillows and is a good choice for side sleepers who aren't sure exactly what pillow height they need.
I really like this pillow because you can adjust it to suit your preferred sleeping height and comfort.
Additional height pads can be added or removed, allowing you to change the pillow height depending on your body size and sleeping position.
This can be particularly helpful for taller side sleepers or people with broader shoulders who need additional height between their head and mattress.
Interestingly, the pillow feels softer than it did a number of years ago, which I personally prefer. However, some side sleepers may prefer a firmer feel.
The pillow also comes with a 100-night trial.
Final Verdict: A well-designed memory foam pillow and one of our top choices if adjustable height is important to you.
The Ecosa pillow can be purchased here.
Best support for Side Sleepers: #GoKindly Memory Foam Pillow
Price: $279
Made in: Australia
Material: Memory Foam
Loft: Adjustable
Best for: Side sleepers wanting greater neck support
The #GoKindly Memory Foam Pillow has an ergonomic contour shape which supports your head and neck, with an additional removable layer allowing you to adjust the pillow height.
This is particularly useful for side sleepers because the ideal pillow height will depend on your height and shoulder width.
The pillow uses NexGen memory foam technology designed to improve airflow and breathability compared with traditional memory foam.
Due to its height, we recommend this pillow primarily for side sleepers over approximately 160cm.
It also comes with a 120-day free returns policy, which gives you time to determine whether a contour memory foam pillow suits you.
You can buy the memory foam pillow here.
Final Verdict: Our premium choice for side sleepers wanting an adjustable memory foam pillow with greater neck support.
Best Cervical Pillow: Spinaleze
A cervical pillow that is celebrated by many people for its quality. A unique design and a trademarked pillow material make this a special pillow. It has rave reviews by many and is a long standing Australian business.
Many people talk of the pain relief since purchasing Spinaleze. But it comes with a financial cost being one of the most expensive pillows on the market. Also, there is a no refund policy so we recommend reaching out to them to make sure this pillow is right for you.
They do make different heights and firmness so do review their website for what pillow type is right for you.
Price: $298
The pillow can be purchased via Spinaleze online.
Final Verdict: A premium pillow with a high price tag but many people say it was worth the investment for their neck pain. No return policy make it a pillow you should investigate in more detail before buying.
Best Latex Pillow: Dunlopillo
Price: $180
Material: Latex
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer the springy feel of latex
If memory foam isn't for you, latex is another popular option.
Dunlopillo has been around for a long time and its latex pillows are known for their durability.
Latex has a different feel from memory foam. It tends to feel more springy and responsive rather than allowing your head to sink slowly into the pillow.
Dunlopillo offers different pillow heights and firmness levels, so make sure you choose a version suitable for side sleeping.
For some side sleepers, the height may not be enough, particularly if you have broader shoulders. Check the dimensions carefully before purchasing as returns can also be limited.
Final Verdict: A durable alternative to memory foam for side sleepers who prefer the distinctive springy feel of latex.
The pillow can be purchased through here.
Best Adjustable Firmness: Koala
Price: $155 RRP
Made in: China
Material: Memory Foam
Firmness: Soft or Firm
Loft: Medium
Best for: Side sleepers unsure about firmness
The Koala Pillow has a clever design that allows you to choose between a softer and firmer sleeping surface simply by flipping the pillow.
That makes it an interesting option for side sleepers who aren't sure how firm they want their pillow to feel.
The pillow uses gel-infused memory foam with ventilation designed to improve breathability – an important consideration as memory foam can retain more heat than some other pillow materials.
Unlike the Ecosa pillow, however, the height isn't adjustable.
Koala provides a 120-night trial, giving you plenty of time to decide whether the pillow suits your sleeping style.
Final Verdict: A memory foam option if adjusting firmness is more important to you than adjusting pillow height.
The pillow can be purchased through here.
FAQs
What type of pillow is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers generally benefit from a medium to high profile pillow with enough support to keep the head and neck comfortably aligned. Your shoulder width, body size and mattress can also affect the ideal height.
Should side sleepers have a high or low pillow?
Most side sleepers need a higher pillow than back or stomach sleepers. This helps fill the space between your head and mattress created by your shoulder.
Is a firm or soft pillow better for side sleepers?
A medium to firm pillow is often a good choice because it provides support without allowing your head to sink too far. However, comfort and personal preference are also important. Regardless of what you are told, there is no one right pillow for everyone.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Yes. Memory foam contours around the head and neck and can provide excellent support for side sleepers. An adjustable memory foam pillow also lets you change the height to suit your body.
What pillow is best for side sleepers with neck pain?
Look for a pillow that supports your head and neck in a comfortable, naturally comfortable position. The right height is particularly important, as a pillow that is too high or too low may contribute to discomfort. If neck pain persists, speak with a doctor or physiotherapist. Also, for more tips please read our guide best pillows for neck pain.
Summary
The best pillow for a side sleeper comes down to finding the right balance of height, support and comfort for your body. Whether you prefer a softer cloud feel, adjustable memory foam or firmer support, there are some great options available in Australia.
