Are you a side sleeper who often wakes to a creaky neck or never finds ample cushioning needed for a good night's sleep? Well, you're not alone! Many prefer side sleeping than any other form of sleeping position, but to get a refreshing and rejuvenating sleeping experience you need the right pillows that will optimally fill the space between your neck and head without interfering with the alignment of the spine.
This is where an important question arises- should side sleepers consider thick or thin pillows? Thin pillows are a good choice for those who sleep on stomach or back, as a thinner fill will maintain the natural angle of the neck while evenly filling the gap between your body and the mattress. On the other hand, thick and heavy pillows for bed are a must-have for side sleepers, since when laying on side the thickness of the pillow keeps the spine straight- in an "S" shape, thereby promoting a healthy sleeping posture.
If you are a side sleeper and are struggling to find the best pillow that will offer a good night's sleep, then you've arrived at the right place. This article will discuss the importance of heavy bed pillow, factors that must be taken into account while selecting them along with a list of top 5 extra thick pillows for bed to help you make an informed choice.
1. Top 5 Extra Thick Pillow for Side Sleeper
Many a time, people believe the "right pillow" is something that is almost cloud-like and fluffy when you place your head. Truth to be told, a good pillow is one that encourages neutral alignment of the natural curvature of the spine.
To make things simple for side sleepers, here are the top five extra thick and heavy bed pillows to consider:
(1) Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow
Side sleepers often feel comfortable with high-loft pillows because of their added thickness, and Coop Home Goods Original Loft pillows can be your best bet for the same.
Features:
- Engineered with a unique chamber design that allows the user to adjust the fill weight according to personal preferences
- Balanced support powered by memory foam cushioned with microfibers.
- Outer cover is breathable and certified by GREENGUARD and CertiPUR-US.
Price:
Queen- $71.99, King- $77.99
Reviews:
"Highly recommended for side sleepers who suffer from neck and back pain."
"Perfect combo of firmness and comfort."
(2) My Pillow Premium Series
For those who are in a search of a premium quality pillow at an affordable price point, the My Pillow premium series can do the trick. The heavy bed pillows are crafted from fill materials that are long-lasting and breathable.
Features
- Available in multiple versions of firmness such as firm, extra firm and medium firm.
- Constructed using My Pillow's interlocking fills that instantly form to the shape of the body.
- Can wash and dry the pillow using any type of household washing machine.
Price:
Queen $34.99, King- $79.99
Reviews:
"Good quality pillows, especially for sleepers who sleep on the side.”
"The pillows are stuffed to perfection, making it worth every penny spent."
(3) Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows
Want to experience luxury at home and that too within a strict budget, then classic heavy pillows by Utopia bedding bed pillows will never disappoint you. Like most of the pillows on the list, the Utopia bed pillows are available in King, Queen and Standard size, with each competitively priced.
Features
- The fill consists of lofty polyester with a balanced amount of firmness for improving support, while still offering a plush comfort.
- Great for side sleepers who love an airy and breathable feel
- Has an exceptional shape recovery system that gives resistance to shifting and clumping.
Price:
Queen (Pack of 2) - $26.99, King (Pack of 2) - $32.14
Reviews:
"Highly recommended pillows, they are supportive and helpful in pain-free sleeping experience."- JS
"Was skeptical before, but after consistent usage, I'm pleasantly surprised by Utopia bedding bed pillows." - Jacqueline
(4) Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillows
The advanced Weekender memory foam pillow is the best choice for side sleepers who love sleeping on dense pillows. The rub of the pillow is extremely thick, making it ideal for those who have wide shoulders.
Features
- Comfortable and Certified polyurethane foam that offers superior relief from pressure points.
- Equipped with a cooling gel that regulates temperature for comfortable sleep.
- 100% machine washable loft pillows with a ventilated design for maximum circulation of air.
Price:
Queen- $38.00, King- $39.99
Reviews:
"Reasonable pillows with great quality, and are designed with med support, couldn't ask for more."- Pat Gua
"It does not have any odor and is packaged beautifully."- Jim Young
(5) Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Gel Memory Foam Pillows
The Snuggle-Pedic heavy pillows are an exceptional solution for side sleepers who would love to splurge a little extra for a luxurious sleeping experience. The pillows boast gel-infused memory foam with ample perforation for improving airflow, allowing it to control the temperature better than any traditional thick bed pillows.
Features
- Comes with a high-loft for side sleepers who want height and plush.
- Certified by GreenGuard and Certi-PUR-US that signifies high quality.
- The bamboo pillow cover is machine washable, making it easy to maintain.
Price:
Queen- $89.99, King- $99.99
Reviews:
"Adjusted the fill a multiple number of times and can safely say this is the best pillow I have used so far."- Judy L
"It is nice pillows that alleviates back pain and even sleep problems. I'm satisfied with the purchase."- David T. Kreal
2. Pros of Thick and Heavy Bed Pillows
A good, comfortable and high-quality mattress is crucial for a healthy sleep cycle. However, in addition to the mattress, side sleepers should never overlook the importance of a pillow. In fact, not just sleep, thick and heavy bed pillows specially meant for those who sleep on the side can play an integral role in establishing a meaningful lifestyle.
So, how are thick and heavy bed pillows able to achieve it? Let's find out through the pros of heavy bed pillows:
(1) Eliminates the risk of back pain
When sleeping on side, the legs tend to lack support, due to which the upper leg might get pulled downwards and this results in back pain. To prevent this, thick pillows are filled with ample cushioning that would support the natural posture of the body, ensuring the spine remains straight throughout the night.
(2) Keeps the Neck in Place
Thanks to the firmness of heavy bed pillows, your neck will always stay in place, even if you move your head multiple times, while asleep. Thanks to this, the pillows are able to protect your neck from straining, letting you twist & turn just the way you want.
(3) Straightens the Spine
Extra thick pillows align the neck, shoulders and spine, leading to better musculoskeletal health. In fact, if you are someone who suffers from frequent spine pain, stress on the shoulder or neck strains, then switching to pillows that are thick and heavy can apparently make a positive difference.
3. How to Choose a Thick and Heavy Bed Pillow?
Every heavy bed pillow out there is not the same. There are certain vital characteristics that distinguish a premium quality thick and heavy bed pillows from average ones, and these are explained below:
(1) Type of Fill or Fiber
From down, latex, memory foam to cotton, wool and more, there are several fill options available. All come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks, based on what your specific preferences and requirements are.
Cotton:
The cotton pillows are hypoallergenic and have resistance against mold and dust mites. In addition to that, the pillows are able to wick away unwanted moisture from your head, while keeping you cool in summers and warm in winters.
Latex:
Known for holding their shape and ample fullness, latex pillows provide all-rounded support and are easy to maintain. They are mostly countered at the neck region for delivering additional comfort and maintaining posture as you sleep.
Memory Foam:
Thick and heavy memory foam bed pillows tend to respond to the body weight and heat of the sleeper by contouring as per the lines of shoulders, neck and head. They are a great choice for side sleepers who often suffer due to pressure points.
Polyester Fill:
Synthetic or poly fill are an inexpensive choice that are less thick than latex or memory foam. Moreover, since they end up flattening with constant use, you may have to replace them more often than other types of pillows.
(2) Quality of Fill
The quality of the fill is as important as the type of fill that you pick for extra thick and heavy bed pillows. It is because the quality will determine its support, longevity and comfort. For this, you can count on a certified manufacturer who specializes in bed pillows and holds the reputation of providing the finest fills at a reasonable value.
(3) Fill Weight
Latex and memory form are both heavy fill options, still the weight that you want will depend on what your needs are. For example, if you want to reshape the pillow from time to time then a good practice is to choose adjustable thick bed pillows for bed that will give you the option to adjust the weight of the fill whenever you want.
(4) Size of Pillow
Heavy bed pillows come in various sizes including, standard, queen and king. For some side sleepers, the standard size might be sufficient, while for some a larger pillow aids in effective alignment of the sleeping posture. The thickness must let you sleep with your head, shoulders and back in proper natural alignment with much-needed stability and support.
4. What Kind of People Should Choose Thick and Heavy Bed Pillows?
Your sleeping position can significantly influence the type of bed pillow that will be suitable for you. And, when it comes to side sleepers, there cannot be a better option than thick bed pillows. As, when you sleep on the side, your shoulder bears maximum stress, which is why a fuller, firmer and heavier pillow would act as a heavy-duty support system allowing you to sleep peacefully.
Moreover, if side sleepers opt for soft pillows then their head would sink in, exerting too much pressure on the spine and neck- and you will end up having a stiff and painful neck in the morning.
In addition to that, side sleepers with wide shoulders should choose taller, heavy and extra thick bed pillows. The height will help in attaining proper alignment, even when you frequently change your sleeping position at night.
5. Conclusion
Without any doubt, side sleepers must invest in firm and thick bed pillows compared to back and stomach sleepers! Never forget, it's the pillow that you choose will determine how pleasant and relaxing your sleeping experience is going to be, a wrong choice can have a dreadful impact on your health, leaving you with a groggy mood and stained neck or back pain. Good news is that you have the liberty to choose any fill that you want, as long as you remember only two things- make sure it’s top-quality and heavy.
That being said, if you are a sleeper who is a victim of neck pain or stiff muscles, always focuses on getting correct lift. As, neck pain is a result of spine and head being misaligned, this issue would be exacerbated if you go with an incompatible fill. So, consider pillows that offer just the right compression needed, while aligning perfectly to release the tension from shoulders, back and neck.
Heavy and thick bed pillows are a boon for side sleepers, and when you select the ideal one and follow with proper care then you can prevent them from shrinking and wrapping, thus ensuring the pillows stay in their best condition for a long period of time.
