Side sleeper pillow | Mister Sandman

What are the advantages of side sleeper pillows?

Pillows or side sleeper pillows for side sleepers?

The pillow is of great importance for a healthy sleep. If you don't have the right pillow, your sleep won't be particularly good either. Pillows come in all imaginable pillow materials, shapes, and sizes. The quality of pillows also varies from pillow to pillow. There are pillows with different fillings. You can choose the classic pillow in the size 80x80 with down filling or a gel pillow in the size 40x80 with Technogel filling. The range of pillows is very large. Advisors generally recommend choosing the pillow so that it fits your own needs. This also means that the pillow should match the mattress. At Mister Sandman, you can easily find a mattress that fits you individually with the help of the mattress finder. The offer consists of three mattress models: Serena, Anea, and Liara. Whether the recommendation of the mattress finder was good can be confirmed by a 30-day trial sleep.

The material of the pillow filling determines the properties

The material with which the pillow is filled plays an important role. A pillow filled with down does not necessarily have to be the most sensible choice. An important criterion when buying a pillow is sleeping habits, for example, in which position one predominantly sleeps. If you are a side sleeper, you can get a pillow that is specifically suitable for side sleepers, a side sleeper pillow. A pillow for side sleepers differs significantly from a conventional pillow. Especially the size deviates from the usual pillow sizes. Pillows for side sleepers usually have the dimensions 120x40, 140x40, 145x40, and 200x40, making them significantly larger than other pillows. Other pillows with similar dimensions (129, 140, 145, 200) are nursing pillows for women during and after pregnancy and positioning pillows. General criteria when buying a pillow are. The focus should always also be on the quality of the pillows, as ultimately the pillow quality determines the sleep quality:

Quality of pillow filling
Pillowcase quality
Quality of workmanship

What is a side sleeper pillow?

Everyone sleeps differently. Some sleep on their stomach, others on their back, and some switch from one sleep position to another during sleep. In Germany, most people are so-called side sleepers. Side sleepers sleep, as the term side sleeper clearly indicates, on their side. It is not surprising that many people prefer sleeping on their side and are therefore side sleepers, because:

Sleeping on your side improves breathing
Sleeping on your side relieves the back
Sleeping on your side helps against snoring
Sleeping on your side (left) prevents heartburn

Side sleeper pillows and mattresses

Being a side sleeper has many advantages. For side sleepers, suitable items and products are available to make sleeping in this position even more comfortable:

Mattresses for side sleepers
Pillows for side sleepers

Mister Sandman not only offers products for side sleepers. Mister Sandman mattresses are made in Germany and tested for harmful substances. Side sleepers also benefit from the very good price-performance ratio at Mister Sandman and a 10-year guarantee on some of the Mister Sandman mattress models. Based on the preferred sleeping position, the Mister Sandman mattress finder recommends one of our mattress models. If the model turns out not to be the right one: shipping and returns are free.

Do side sleepers sleep the healthiest?

However, even if the sleeping position on the side has been identified by experts as the healthiest sleeping position, this does not automatically mean that side sleepers always sleep well. For healthy and restorative sleep, side sleepers need products, especially mattresses and pillows, that cater to this sleeping position:

A mattress should allow for the sinking of the pelvis of side sleepers
The shoulders of side sleepers should also be laid down flexibly
The waist of side sleepers should be supported
The head of side sleepers should be optimally supported by a pillow
The spine of side sleepers should be optimally relieved by a pillow

Side sleeper pillows ideal for side sleepers

To protect the neck and back and achieve restful sleep, the use of side sleeper pillows is ideal for side sleepers. However, the use of side sleeper pillows is not only recommended for side sleepers. For women during pregnancy, a side sleeper pillow can be a true blessing. As pregnancy progresses, pregnant women often have difficulty finding a sleeping position that is comfortable and relieving. Many pregnant women sleep on their sides in the last third of their pregnancy, if they are not already side sleepers, as this position, as mentioned, has some advantages. A side sleeper pillow can provide relief and more comfort during pregnancy and help prevent back pain.

What is a side sleeper pillow?

Side sleeper pillows are pillows that are specifically tailored to the needs of people who sleep on their sides: for side sleepers. Just like other pillows, the selection of side sleeper pillows is large. Side sleeper pillows are available in different pillow sizes and pillow designs:

Pillow as a side sleeper pillow with 100% microfiber filling
Pillow as a side sleeper pillow with 100% microbead filling
Pillow as a side sleeper pillow with a filling made of 100% natural materials

Covers of side sleeper pillows

Pillows as side sleeper pillows can not only have different pillow fillings. Side sleeper pillows are also offered with a textile cover made from various pillow materials:

Pillow as a side sleeper pillow with a cotton cover
Pillow as a side sleeper pillow with a polyester cover
Pillow as a side sleeper pillow with a terry cover
Pillows as side sleeper pillows with a jersey cover
Pillows as side sleeper pillows with a plush cover

Shapes and sizes of side sleeper pillows

Side sleepers who sleep without a side sleeper pillow often hug their duvet with their legs to find a comfortable sleeping position and to be able to comfortably rest their legs. This often leads to tension in the neck and back and causes back pain, as well as to – cooling down. After all, the duvet is actually intended for a different purpose. Side sleeper pillows are shaped so that they can be hugged from the side with the legs. Some side sleeper pillows also have sufficient length, so that part of the side sleeper pillow can also be pushed under the head:

Pillows as side sleeper pillows can have a long and straight shape
Pillows as side sleeper pillows can have a wavy shape
Pillows as side sleeper pillows can have a rounded shape
Side sleeper pillows in U-shape are often used as nursing pillows
Pillows as side sleeper pillows in C-shape
Pillows as side sleeper pillows in the shape of the number 7

Side sleeper pillows are available in various lengths and sizes

To comfortably hug a side sleeper pillow with the legs, the side sleeper pillow should be at least 25cm wide. The length should not only be chosen with regard to one's own body size but also with regard to whether one wants to use the side sleeper pillow additionally as a head pillow. If you plan to use the side sleeper pillow as a head pillow, you should choose a side sleeper pillow that is particularly long:

Pillows as side sleeper pillows are usually 20-40cm wide
Pillows as side sleeper pillows are between 120-200cm long

Popular dimensions of side sleeper pillows

Side sleeper pillows come in many different sizes. The most popular sizes are:

Side sleeper pillow 120x40
Side sleeper pillow 140x40
Side sleeper pillow 145x40

Material and dimensions for a side sleeper cover

A pillow cover for a side sleeper pillow is available in various designs, sizes, lengths, and colors:

A pillow as a side sleeper pillow is sometimes offered without a pillow cover
Typically, pillows are offered as side sleeper pillows with a pillow cover (120x40, 140x40, 120x40, 200x40)
If you make your own pillow cover (200x40, 145x40, 140x40, 120x40) for a side sleeper pillow, you should choose a high-quality material for the pillow cover, e.g. cotton

What are the most popular sizes for a pillow cover for a side sleeper pillow

Finding a side sleeper pillow cover can be problematic if the side sleeper pillow does not have a straight shape. In this case, one should ensure that the side sleeper pillow cover is equipped with a zipper and is washable. Popular sizes for covers are:

Side sleeper pillow cover 200x40
Side sleeper pillow cover 145x40
Side sleeper pillow cover 140x40
Side sleeper pillow cover 120x40

Which fabric is suitable for a side sleeper pillow cover?

In principle, various types of fabrics are suitable for a side sleeper cover. However, when choosing a fabric for the side sleeper pillow cover, quality should be the main focus. Tightly woven fabrics made of cotton or high-quality microfiber or jersey fabrics are excellent for a side sleeper pillow cover. This is because the side sleeper pillow cover should ideally be made from a material that is easy to care for (dryer-safe, easy to wash, washable at high temperatures), durable, and positively influences the sleep climate.

Is polyester suitable for a side sleeper pillow cover?

Polyester is a fabric made from synthetic fibers, primarily used in the textile industry for the production of clothing. Polyester is often blended with cotton. Advantages of polyester for a side sleeper pillow:

Polyester does not wrinkle
Polyester dries quickly
Polyester keeps warm
Polyester is washable at high temperatures
The material is washable up to 60 degrees

Disadvantages of polyester

Although polyester has some advantages as a pillow cover, it is not suitable for a side sleeper pillow. This is because polyester does not absorb sweat, which can lead to unpleasant odors. An alternative to a polyester cover is a cover for a pillow or side sleeper pillow made of microfiber. While microfiber is also made from polyester, it has better material properties due to the manufacturing process:

Microfiber is soft and retains its shape
Microfiber is extremely absorbent (5x higher than cotton)
Microfiber is lightweight (weight less than cotton)
Microfiber is easy to care for
Microfiber is robust
Microfiber washable at up to 60 degrees.

100% cotton is well suited for a side sleeper pillow cover

In contrast to polyester, cotton is extremely absorbent. This alone makes cotton a material that is well suited for a side sleeper pillow cover. Furthermore, cotton has additional properties that make it suitable for a side sleeper pillow cover:

Cotton for a cover is robust
Cotton for a cover is soft and stretchy
Cotton for a cover is washable at high temperatures (washable up to 60 degrees)
Cotton for a cover is dryer safe
Cotton for a cover is easy to care for
Cotton is suitable for allergy sufferers
Cotton durable

Cotton quality important for side sleeper pillow cover

With a cotton pillowcase, one should ensure that the pillowcase is made from a tightly woven cotton quality, otherwise the pillow core may show through the pillowcase. Additionally, one should prefer a cotton pillowcase that is tested for harmful substances. Regardless of the material chosen, whether cotton or microfiber, the material should be washable at high temperatures. A pillow used as a side sleeper pillow or as a nursing pillow is subjected to intensive use. The pillow, whether a side sleeper pillow or a nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow, should be washable at high temperatures, as the pillow comes into contact with sweat and other secretions. If the pillowcase of the pillow, side sleeper pillow, and nursing pillow is washable at high temperatures, the development of bacteria can be prevented, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of healthy sleep.

Sleep well during pregnancy thanks to side sleeper pillows

For many pregnant women, it is not so easy to sleep well. Especially in the last third of pregnancy, the growing belly gets in the way or the baby moves strongly in the belly. Pregnant women often search for a sleeping position at night that is comfortable and does not lead to back and neck pain. For pregnant women, a side position is optimal (side sleeper), as it relieves their back and spine. Many pregnant women buy a nursing pillow (pregnancy pillow) during their pregnancy, as nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows are tailored to the needs of women during pregnancy:

Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows can be used at night as side sleeper pillows
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows can be used as support when sitting
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows relieve the spine and prevent back and neck tension
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows provide comfort and well-being

Are pregnancy pillows a meaningful purchase?

Nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows are a meaningful purchase during pregnancy. These pillows not only increase comfort during pregnancy but are also a practical aid especially after pregnancy:

Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows can continue to be well used as side sleeper pillows after pregnancy
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows can be well used as seat cushions after pregnancy
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows are a practical aid for breastfeeding
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows can also be used for lying down breastfeeding

Nursing pillows provide comfort after pregnancy

Pregnancy pillows or nursing pillows continue to provide comfort for the new mother after pregnancy. The nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow can also be used for children or the baby after pregnancy:

Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows as cuddle pillows for the baby
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows as help during baby gymnastics
A pregnancy pillow and nursing pillow supports the baby during the first baby sitting attempts

Similarities between side sleeper pillows and nursing pillows

Side sleeper pillows and nursing pillows or pregnancy pillows have some similarities:

Side sleeper pillows, like pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows, often have a long straight shape
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows are used for sleeping in a side position like side sleeper pillows
Pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows, like side sleeper pillows, serve to relieve the back and spine not only during pregnancy

Differences between side sleeper pillows and pregnancy pillows

Some may wonder if there is even a difference between the types of pillows: pregnancy pillows, nursing pillows, and side sleeper pillows. The terms nursing pillow and pregnancy pillow are also misleading. While pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows are used during pregnancy and for nursing, pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows can also serve different functions during and after pregnancy. For example, nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows can be used as lying pillows or cuddly pillows for the baby. Both side sleeper pillows, as well as nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows are offered in various shapes and with different fillings.

Best to try out side sleeper pillows yourself

If you want to buy a side sleeper pillow, pregnancy pillow, or nursing pillow before or after pregnancy, it is best to test the various offers of nursing pillows, pregnancy pillows, and side sleeper pillows to make a decision for one of the pillows (pregnancy pillow, side sleeper pillow, nursing pillow). Ultimately, the decision for one of the pillows is a matter of personal preference. It makes sense to possibly use an additional separate pillow as a side sleeper pillow in addition to the nursing/pregnancy pillow before and after pregnancy. This is because the demands on the nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow regarding certain aspects can differ significantly from the pillows used as side sleeper pillows:

Filling of pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows
Cover of pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows
Size of pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows
A pillow as a side sleeper pillow with firmer filling
A pillow as a side sleeper pillow with a different cover
A pillow as a side sleeper pillow in other sizes

Sizes of side sleeper pillows

Side sleeper pillows are usually offered in sizes measuring 120x40, 200x40, 145x40, 140x40, while nursing pillows for home are mostly available in sizes 170, 180, 190. Nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows are also available in a shape and size that makes it possible to use the nursing pillow and pregnancy pillow on the go. In addition to the common nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows with a length of 170, 180, or 190 cm, nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows for on the go are significantly smaller and more manageable than nursing pillows and pregnancy pillows for home. This is intended to make breastfeeding easier for the mother on the go with a nursing pillow or pregnancy pillow. For both types of pillows (nursing pillows or pregnancy pillows and side sleeper pillows), one should pay attention to the pillow cover quality.

When buying a side sleeper pillow, pay attention to the cover

Cotton and microfiber are particularly well-suited for the pillow covers of pillows, side sleeper pillows, and nursing or pregnancy pillows. It is also important that the pillow cover of the side sleeper pillows, pillows, pregnancy pillows, and nursing pillows is washable at high temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. The pillow cover of the side sleeper pillows, pillows, and nursing or pregnancy pillows should be washable at 60 degrees.

Use of side sleeper pillows

Side sleeper pillows are bedding products that, due to their properties, are popular not only among side sleepers and women during and after pregnancy as nursing pillows. Side sleeper pillows are also commonly used as storage pillows in elderly care and physiotherapy:

Long and straight pillows as storage pillows in elderly care
Long and straight pillows in physiotherapy

Storage pillows allow for a positioning that relieves various body areas due to their pillow shape, thus contributing to the alleviation of bodily discomfort.