Best Memory Foam For Side Sleepers: Adjustable and Cooling Pillow Picks

For side sleeping, a memory foam pillow needs to fill the space between your shoulder and head without pushing your neck too high. The picks below focus on pillows with contour shapes, adjustable or dual-height designs, and features such as cooling covers. They are pillows rather than mattresses, so choose based on your preferred loft, firmness, and sleep position—not on a promise to treat neck or shoulder pain.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks: Best Memory Foam For Side Sleepers reviews

Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillow: Adjustable Loft for Side Sleepers

The Royal Therapy pillow is a contoured memory foam model for side and back sleepers. Its three-layer construction includes a removable middle layer, letting you change the pillow’s loft instead of committing to one fixed height. That adjustability can be useful if you are still figuring out how much support feels comfortable for your shoulder width.

The pillow is described as medium-firm, with foam intended to cradle the head and neck. Its rayon cover is made from bamboo and can be removed for washing. The foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified, and the cover as OEKO-TEX certified. Those details make this a feature-rich choice compared with the simpler dual-height pillows below.

Changing the height may take some trial and error, and a contoured shape can feel unfamiliar if you are used to a flat pillow. The listing does not give exact loft measurements for each layer configuration, so you cannot compare its adjusted height as precisely as you can with the VJASD model.

Pros:

• Removable middle layer lets you adjust the loft.
• Contoured shape is designed for side and back sleeping.
• Medium-firm feel balances cushioning with support.
• Removable, washable cover.

Cons:

• Finding the right layer setup may require experimentation.
• The contoured design may not suit people who prefer a flat pillow.

Verdict: Choose the Royal Therapy pillow if adjustable loft is more important to you than having a precisely stated height or a reversible cooling surface.

Vaverto Cooling Firm Pillow: Firm Support with Gel-Infused Foam

Vaverto’s pillow combines firm memory foam with a contoured shape. The product description highlights gel infusion and an open-cell structure as features intended to help manage heat. It also has a removable, washable cover made from viscose derived from bamboo.

This may suit side sleepers who want a more structured feel rather than a soft, easily compressed pillow. The listing also describes it for back and stomach sleeping, though a firm contour pillow may not feel right for every position or body shape. The cover can be removed for cleaning, but the supplied details do not give a specific pillow height.

Unlike the Royal Therapy model, Vaverto does not offer a removable foam layer for changing loft. Its cooling features are built into the materials, so it is a more straightforward choice if you want a fixed design. Keep in mind that cooling materials can feel different depending on the room and bedding around them.

Pros:

• Firm memory foam is designed to maintain a supportive shape.
• Gel infusion and open-cell foam are intended to support airflow.
• Removable, washable bamboo-derived cover.
• Designed for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Cons:

• No adjustable layer or stated choice of pillow height.
• The firmer feel may not appeal to sleepers who prefer plush cushioning.

Verdict: Vaverto is a good option to consider if you prefer a firm, fixed-height pillow and want cooling-focused materials rather than adjustable loft.

VJASD Dual-Height Contour Pillow: A Clear Choice of Two Heights

The VJASD pillow has a contoured shape and two different heights: 4 inches and 3.45 inches. You can rotate the pillow to choose the side that feels better. That makes its loft options easy to compare, though it does not let you fine-tune the height between those two measurements.

Its slow-rebound memory foam is described as soft yet supportive, and the shape has different resting areas for the head. The removable cover has a zipper for easier cleaning. The product is intended for side and back sleepers, which makes it a focused option for people who switch between those positions.

Compared with the Royal Therapy pillow, VJASD offers less customization but gives you stated height choices. It also lacks the cooling materials called out in the Vaverto and EGOHOME descriptions. If you are sensitive to pillow height, consider whether either listed measurement is likely to fill the space between your head and shoulder comfortably.

Pros:

• Two stated heights make it easier to compare loft options.
• Contoured shape is designed for side and back sleeping.
• Slow-rebound foam adapts to the shape of the head.
• Removable cover with a zipper for cleaning.

Cons:

• Only two height choices are available.
• The description does not specify cooling features.

Verdict: Pick VJASD if you want a contour pillow with clearly stated height options and do not need removable foam layers or cooling features.

EGOHOME Reversible Cooling Gel Pillow: Two Different Sleep Surfaces

EGOHOME’s pillow has a reversible design: one side uses cooling fabric, while the other exposes the memory foam surface. The listed dimensions are 15.8 by 23.6 by 4.7 inches. Its foam is described as conforming to the head and neck, with support intended for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

This design gives you a simple way to switch surfaces without changing the pillow itself. It may be a practical fit if you want a cooling-feel side but would rather have a different surface option at other times. The cover is removable and machine washable, according to the product description.

At 4.7 inches high, the stated size is useful to compare with the dual-height VJASD pillow, but a measurement alone cannot show how the pillow will feel under your head. EGOHOME also notes that new foam may have a slight odor and can take 24 to 48 hours to expand after unpacking. Its cooling effect may depend on the room and bedding, too.

Pros:

• Reversible design offers a cooling-fabric side and a foam side.
• Listed dimensions make it easier to compare size.
• Removable cover can be machine washed.
• Designed for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Cons:

• The fixed height may not suit every shoulder width or mattress setup.
• The foam may need time to expand and air out after unpacking.

Verdict: EGOHOME is worth considering if you want a reversible surface and a stated pillow height, and you are comfortable with a single fixed loft.

A-Pce Dual-Height Cervical Pillow: Simple Contour Support

The A-Pce pillow uses a contoured shape and two different heights. Turning it to the preferred side lets you change the support position without removing or adding foam. The slow-rebound memory foam is described as conforming to the head and neck while providing cushioning.

A-Pce is presented as a versatile pillow for side, back, and stomach sleepers. It has a zippered cover that can be removed and washed, plus a cooling-fabric cover intended to feel cool to the touch. The product details do not give exact measurements for the two heights, so it is harder to compare its loft with the VJASD model.

This is a simpler alternative to the adjustable-layer Royal Therapy pillow. It offers two orientations, but not the same ability to customize the foam itself. The contour may also take getting used to if you normally sleep on a flat pillow.

Pros:

• Two height options are built into the contoured design.
• Slow-rebound foam is designed to conform to the head and neck.
• Removable, washable cover.
• Cooling fabric is intended to provide a cool-to-the-touch feel.

Cons:

• The listing does not state the measurements of each height.
• There is no removable foam layer for more detailed loft adjustment.

Verdict: Consider A-Pce if you want a dual-height contour pillow with a removable cover, but compare its unspecified loft with your current pillow before choosing.

How to Choose a Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleeping

Match the Loft to Your Shoulder Width

When you lie on your side, the pillow should fill the gap between your head and the mattress so your neck does not tilt sharply up or down. Shoulder width, mattress softness, and how deeply your shoulder sinks all affect the loft you need. If possible, compare a pillow’s height with the pillow you already use, while remembering that foam may compress under your head.

Choose Between Adjustable and Fixed Designs

An adjustable pillow gives you more control if you are unsure about your ideal height. The Royal Therapy model has a removable middle layer, while VJASD and A-Pce let you choose between two sides with different heights. Fixed designs, such as EGOHOME, are simpler to use but offer less room to change the loft.

Think About Contour Shape and Sleep Position

Contoured pillows have shaped areas intended to cradle the head and support the neck. Some side sleepers like this structure, while others prefer a flat pillow with no raised edges. If you move between side and back sleeping, check whether the product is designed for both positions and consider whether its shape works for the way you change positions.

Decide How Much Firmness You Prefer

Memory foam pillows can feel firm, soft, or somewhere in between. A firmer pillow may feel more structured, while a softer foam can give more under the weight of your head. Product descriptions can guide you, but comfort is personal. If you often find pillows too hard or too soft, look for a model with adjustable layers or more than one height.

Consider Cooling Features Realistically

Some of these pillows use gel-infused foam, open-cell foam, or cooling fabric. These features are intended to help with airflow or provide a cool-to-the-touch surface, but they do not guarantee that you will stay cool all night. Your room temperature, sheets, and other bedding also affect how warm your sleep setup feels.

Check Cover Care and Materials

A removable cover can make routine cleaning easier. Confirm whether the cover is machine washable and follow the care instructions for the specific product. The foam itself may require different care from the cover, so do not assume the entire pillow can go in a washing machine.

Allow Time for Foam to Expand

Compressed foam may need time to regain its shape after unpacking. EGOHOME specifically notes that its pillow may take 24 to 48 hours to expand and may have a slight odor at first. If you are sensitive to smells, the product description advises airing it in a well-ventilated area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is memory foam a good choice for side sleepers?

It can be, especially if the pillow’s height and firmness fill the space between your shoulder and head comfortably. A contour or adjustable design may help you find a suitable position, but comfort depends on your body, mattress, and preferences.

What pillow height should a side sleeper choose?

There is no single height that works for everyone. Shoulder width and how much your mattress compresses under you both matter. A pillow should support your head without forcing your neck to bend noticeably up or down.

Are contour pillows better than flat pillows?

Not for everyone. Contours provide shaped areas for the head and neck, but some people prefer the familiar feel of a flat pillow. If you are unsure, look for a model with adjustable layers or two height options.

Can these pillows help with neck or shoulder pain?

Several products are described as offering neck or shoulder support, but a pillow cannot guarantee pain relief. If pain is persistent or severe, consider speaking with a qualified health professional rather than relying on a pillow alone.

Which option has the most adjustable loft?

The Royal Therapy pillow has a removable middle layer, allowing you to change its loft. VJASD and A-Pce provide two height choices by turning the pillow, while EGOHOME and Vaverto are presented as fixed designs.

Do cooling pillow features keep you cool all night?

Cooling fabric and gel-infused foam are intended to provide a cooler feel or support airflow, but they cannot ensure a particular temperature. Your bedroom, sheets, and other bedding also play a role.

Can you wash a memory foam pillow?

Care instructions vary. Some pillows in this guide have removable, washable covers, but that does not mean the foam can be washed the same way. Check the care directions for the exact model before cleaning it.

Final Recommendation

The Royal Therapy pillow is the most flexible choice in this group if you want to adjust the loft by removing a foam layer. For stated height options, compare VJASD’s two measurements; for a reversible surface, consider EGOHOME. Vaverto stands out for its firm feel and cooling-focused materials, while A-Pce offers a straightforward dual-height contour design. The best fit is the one that supports your head comfortably at your preferred height and sleep position.