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Which pillow for side sleepers? Our recommendations

As a side sleeper, you need a pillow that fills the gap between your shoulder and head—usually 10–12 cm high and supportive. The safest bet for the right height is an adjustable pillow measuring 40 × 80 cm.

Traumwelt BettwarenfabrikBettwaren-Team aus Berlin

In short: As a side sleeper, you need a pillow that fills the gap between your shoulder and head – usually 10–12 cm high, shape-retaining and supportive. Because the required height depends on your shoulder width, an adjustable-height pillow in 40 × 80 cm is ideal: at Traumwelt, this is the 3-chamber hybrid pillow or the vegan Primaloft Bio pillow.

Correct pillow height for side, back and stomach sleepers

Side sleepers have special requirements for their pillow. The shoulder raises the head – the pillow must fill this gap and keep the head in the natural extension of the spine. The wrong pillow quickly leads to neck and shoulder pain for side sleepers.

Why do you need a special pillow as a side sleeper?

Unlike sleeping on your back, your shoulder rests on the mattress. This creates a gap of about 10–15 cm between the head and the mattress – depending on shoulder width. The pillow must fill exactly this gap so that your spine remains straight. If the pillow is too flat, the head dips down. If it is too high, it dips up. Both lead to tension.

What makes a good side sleeper pillow?

Sufficient height – at least 10–12 cm compressed pillow height
Good support – the pillow must not compress completely
Shape retention – retains its shape even after hours
Adjustable height – so that the pillow fits your shoulder width

Our recommendation for side sleepers

3-Chamber Hybrid Pillow

Our hybrid pillow combines soft down outer chambers with a supportive inner chamber made of Primaloft Bio. Via a zipper, you remove or add the inner chamber filling – until the pillow height exactly matches your shoulder width. In 40 × 80 cm, it also has the optimal length for side sleeping. How the three-chamber design works is explained in the guide What is a 3-chamber pillow?

Primaloft Bio Pillow

The vegan alternative is also adjustable in height: With the Primaloft Bio pillow, you remove or add filling until the head and spine form a line – especially an advantage for broad shoulders. It is washable at 60 °C, and as a buyer, you get additional filling material free of charge if needed.

And the 3-Chamber Down Pillow?

The 3-chamber down pillow is flat, soft and firmly sewn. For side sleeping, it is usually too low – it is our pillow for stomach sleepers.

Which size for side sleepers?

We recommend 40 × 80 cm. The elongated shape fits side sleeping better – your head lies more stably and the pillow slips out less. The 80 × 80 cm pillow is more suitable for back sleepers. Comparison of both sizes: Pillow 40 × 80 or 80 × 80?

Traumwelt Pillows for Side Sleepers Compared

Pillow	Design	Filling amount 40 × 80 cm
3-Chamber Hybrid Pillow	Down outer chambers, removable Primaloft Bio inner chamber for individual height	700 g
Primaloft Bio Pillow	100 % Primaloft Bio, vegan; filling removable and addable for individual height, refill material free of charge	750 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pillow for broad shoulders?
Broad shoulders need more pillow height. How to determine your height is explained in the guide Pillow height & neck pain. The easiest way to determine it is with an adjustable-height pillow: the 3-chamber hybrid pillow, where you add the inner chamber, or the vegan Primaloft Bio pillow, where you refill the filling – until the head and spine form a line.

Can I use an 80 × 80 cm pillow as a side sleeper?
Yes, but it slips under the shoulder more easily. If you like the feel of a large pillow, you can manage with it – for targeted neck support, 40 × 80 cm is better.

Is there a vegan pillow for side sleepers?
Yes, the Primaloft Bio pillow. It is completely animal-free, washable at 60 °C and adjustable in height: You remove or add filling until the height matches your shoulder width. As a buyer, you get additional filling material free of charge if needed – simply write to us via the contact page.

Is the 3-chamber down pillow suitable for side sleepers?
Probably not. It is sewn shut, flat and soft – in side sleeping, the head usually sinks too deep. It is intended for stomach sleepers. As a side sleeper, you choose the hybrid pillow or the Primaloft Bio pillow.