Best Side and Stomach Sleeper Pillow: Adjustable Loft Picks Compared

The best side and stomach sleeper pillow is an adjustable loft pillow, because these two positions need very different heights and a fixed pillow can only be right for one of them. Our top pick is the Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow: cross cut memory foam, a medium firm feel, and CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certification. The runner-up is the DreamyBlue Signature Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, which adds a bamboo rayon cover and a washable design.

A side sleeper needs a pillow that fills the gap between ear and shoulder, about 4 to 6 inches for most adults. A stomach sleeper needs close to 2 to 3 inches, or the neck bends backward. If you switch between both, as many people do, the only practical solution is a pillow whose fill you can remove or add until the loft is a compromise you can live with, usually about 3.5 to 4.5 inches. That is why this guide focuses on shredded-memory-foam adjustable pillows rather than on thin flat pillows, which are covered elsewhere for pure stomach sleepers.

Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support, Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping, Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows, Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleeper

Chosen because it specifies Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping and Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows.

View on Amazon →

Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support, Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping, Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows, Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleeper

Chosen because it specifies Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping and Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows.

View on Amazon →

5X Pain Relief Cervical Neck Pillow for Neck Support, Ergonomic Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow for Sleeping, Odorless Contour Memory Foam Pillows, Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleeper

Chosen because it specifies Ergonomic Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow for Sleeping and Odorless Contour Memory Foam Pillows.

View on Amazon →

Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support, Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping, Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows, Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleeper

Chosen because it specifies Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping and Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows.

View on Amazon →

This is a research-based guide. We explain what each design offers, how much fill to take out for different bodies, and what to watch for. Nothing here is medical advice; if you have ongoing neck or shoulder pain, ask a clinician.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow, queen, cross cut memory foam, medium firm
• Runner-Up: DreamyBlue Signature Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, queen, bamboo rayon cover
• Best Breathable Design: Olive + Crate Adjustable Loft Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with a BreathePure cover
• Best Cooling Cover: HOMELAB Cooling Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, queen 20 x 28 inches
• Best for Side Sleepers Who Roll: BLISSY Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow with cooling gel and shredded foam
• Best Budget Adjustable: Utopia Bedding Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, queen

Price tiers below are relative (Budget, Mid-range, Premium) because retail prices move. Specs come from listing text; missing numbers are marked as not listed.

Comparison Table

1. Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow: Best Overall

• Size: queen
• Cross cut memory foam fill
• Medium firm feel
• Listed for back, stomach and side sleepers
• CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified

Best for: Mixed side and stomach sleepers who want a durable adjustable pillow.

Skip if: You like a feather-light fiber pillow; foam fill is heavier.

Cross cut memory foam is a blend of small foam pieces that is more consistent than fully shredded foam. It tends to hold its shape better and bunch less. The pillow has a zipper so you can remove fill, and that is the whole point: you start high, then take out foam until your neck is level on your side, and keep taking it out if you want to sleep face-down.

The medium firm feel is a good compromise for combination sleepers. Soft pillows collapse for side sleeping; very firm ones push the head up when you are on your stomach. A middle firmness lets the pillow work on the side without being too tall when you roll over.

The certifications are useful in practice. CertiPUR-US refers to certain foam chemical and emission standards, and GREENGUARD Gold refers to low chemical emissions. They do not measure comfort, but they tell you the pillow is less likely to have a strong new-foam odor. This is a premium tier pillow, so it only makes sense if you plan to keep it a few years.

Pros

• Adjustable loft through a zipper
• Cross cut foam holds shape
• Two third-party certifications
• Suitable for all positions

Cons

• Premium price
• Heavier than fiber
• Takes a few tries to find your loft

2. DreamyBlue Signature Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Best Runner-Up

• Size: queen (king also available)
• Shredded memory foam
• Bamboo rayon cover
• CertiPUR-US certified
• Washable; neutral spinal alignment stated as the aim

Best for: People who want an easy-care adjustable pillow with a soft cover.

Skip if: You prefer a fixed contour shape.

DreamyBlue pitches its pillow at side, back and stomach sleepers alike, and the shredded foam is what makes that possible. Shredded foam pieces shift as you press, so the pillow moulds to your head. If you take out fill, the loft drops; if you leave it in, it stays high. The bamboo rayon cover feels smooth and soft against the skin and is described as washable.

What this means in practice: after removing about a quarter of the fill, most people find the pillow suits them as a side sleeper; removing about half gets it into stomach-sleeper range. That is a rough starting rule, not a guarantee, and it depends on shoulder width.

The brand lists both queen and king sizes. A king is a useful choice if you roll a lot or share a bed, since a long pillow gives more landing space.

Pros

• Soft bamboo rayon cover
• Easy to adjust
• Queen and king sizes
• Washable

Cons

• Premium tier
• Shredded foam can lump if not fluffed

3. Olive + Crate Adjustable Loft Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Best Breathable Design

• Size: queen
• Adjustable loft shredded memory foam
• BreathePure breathable cover
• Hypoallergenic per the listing
• CertiPUR-US certified

Best for: Sleepers who want an adjustable pillow with attention to airflow.

Skip if: You need exact loft measurements; they are not in the listing title.

The name says adjustable loft, so the key action is the same: remove or add fill to hit your height. This pillow adds a breathable cover that the brand calls BreathePure, which is meant to reduce heat buildup and keep the surface drier. As with any cooling or breathable cover, the effect is on surface feel, not on core temperature.

The hypoallergenic claim means the materials are chosen to be less likely to cause irritation; it is not a medical guarantee. If you have allergies, a regular washable pillow protector is still a good idea.

A premium choice that suits people who want the adjustable feature and have a preference for airy covers. Check the maker page for loft numbers if you need them.

Pros

• Breathable cover
• Adjustable loft
• CertiPUR-US certified
• Hypoallergenic materials per listing

Cons

• Premium tier
• Loft numbers not in the title

4. HOMELAB Cooling Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Best Cooling Cover

• Size: queen, 20 x 28 inches
• Shredded memory foam, adjustable loft
• Removable cooling cover
• Listed for side, back and stomach sleeping
• Sold as a 1 pack

Best for: Warm sleepers who want to adjust height and also change the surface.

Skip if: You need a certification in the title; none is listed there.

The dimensions are the key: 20 x 28 inches. That is wider than the 20 x 26 inch standard, so it fills a queen pillowcase properly and gives your head room when you roll. The removable cooling cover can be washed, which matters for a pillow that sits against sweaty skin.

As with all adjustable pillows, the ideal loft depends on your frame. A useful way to find it is to remove fill in small handfuls, lie in your main position for several minutes, and check that your neck looks level. If you move between positions, aim for the loft that works on your side, then compress the pillow when you roll to your stomach.

This is the best choice if you want an adjustable pillow at a mid-range tier and your main complaint is heat.

Pros

• 20 x 28 inch queen size
• Washable cooling cover
• Mid-range tier
• Adjustable loft

Cons

• Certification not in title
• Cooling effect is mostly surface

5. BLISSY Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow: Best for Plush Side Sleeping

• Size: queen
• Shredded foam for customizable loft
• Cooling gel
• CertiPUR-US and Oeko-TEX certified
• Listed for side sleepers first

Best for: Side sleepers who want to be able to compress the pillow for occasional stomach sleeping.

Skip if: You want the lowest possible loft for face-down sleeping.

The BLISSY’s listing leads with side sleepers and then offers customizable loft. That matches how many people actually sleep: mostly on the side, with a stomach phase. The shredded fill stays pliable, so you can punch it flat when you roll onto your stomach.

Cooling gel in a pillow is a marketing feature; it changes the feel of the surface, but you should not expect a cold pillow all night. The Oeko-TEX label means the textile components were screened for certain substances, which is a useful addition to the CertiPUR-US foam label.

A premium purchase. We prefer the Coop Home Goods for overall build, but the BLISSY is a good alternative if you favor a plush feel.

Pros

• Customizable loft
• Two certifications
• Plush, moldable fill
• Cooling gel for surface feel

Cons

• Premium tier
• Gel claims are overstated in marketing

6. Utopia Bedding Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Best Budget Adjustable

• Size: queen, 1 pack
• Shredded memory foam
• Cooling pillow marketed for hot sleepers
• Adjustable bed pillow per the listing
• Supports back, side and stomach sleepers

Best for: Buyers who want an adjustable foam pillow at a budget tier.

Skip if: You need certifications and finish quality of a premium pillow.

This is the entry point into the adjustable category. It has shredded foam, an adjustable design and a washable cover according to the listing, and it comes at a budget price. For a side and stomach sleeper who just wants to try the idea of removable fill, it is a sensible first buy.

The trade-off is typically in fill quality and durability; budget shredded foam may compress faster and can have a stronger smell at first. Air it out for a day or two before use.

If you find that adjustability works for you, you can upgrade later to one of the premium models.

Pros

• Budget tier
• Adjustable fill
• Supports all three positions per listing
• Washable cover per listing

Cons

• Fewer quality signals in the title
• May flatten sooner

Also Consider

Mellow CloudAlign Memory Foam Pillow

A dual-height contoured pillow for side, back and stomach sleepers. Choose it if you prefer a fixed shape with two heights over loose fill.

Serta Down Illusion Balanced Support Pillows (2 Pack)

A down-alternative pair listed as suitable for every sleep position. A soft, easy-care alternative to foam.

Sidney Sleep Adjustable Curved Pillow

A cervical contour in queen size (19 x 29 inches) with extra shredded fill, listed for side and back sleepers. A better pick if neck support matters more than stomach sleeping.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these pillows. We compared listing text, maker descriptions, certification labels and published dimensions, and we used general posture guidance from the Sleep Foundation and Cleveland Clinic to decide which loft ranges make sense. Those organizations do not endorse any product named here.

We looked first for pillows built to be adjustable in loft, since that is the only way one pillow can serve two positions. Then we compared fill type, cover, size and certification, and we left out thin fixed pillows (they suit pure stomach sleepers, not side sleepers). No more than two products came from one brand.

Prices are shown as tiers because they change.

Buying Guide

Why one fixed pillow rarely works for both positions

Side sleeping needs a pillow that fills the gap between your ear and the mattress; for adults that is usually 4 to 6 inches, depending on shoulder width. Stomach sleeping needs about 2 to 3 inches. A pillow that is perfect for one position is wrong for the other. Adjustable fill allows you to settle on a loft in the middle, or to compress the pillow when you change position.

Shredded vs cross cut vs fiber

Shredded memory foam is fully broken into small pieces, so it shifts and moulds easily. Cross cut foam is a single block cut into pieces that are connected, so it holds shape and has less lumping. Fiber fill is light and soft but flattens faster and has less contour support.

How much fill to remove

A queen pillow arrives with a lot of fill, usually enough for a tall loft of 6 inches or more. Remove fill gradually in handfuls. Many people with average shoulders settle on a loft of about 4 to 5 inches for side sleeping. If you also sleep on your stomach, go 0.5 to 1 inch lower than your ideal side loft. Keep the removed fill in a bag in case you want to add it back.

Covers, certifications and heat

CertiPUR-US covers foam, Oeko-TEX covers textile parts, and GREENGUARD Gold relates to low emissions. These tell you about materials, not comfort. Cooling covers change the surface feel only. Make sure the cover is removable and washable.

Size and mattress

A queen pillow is typically 20 x 28 inches, a king about 20 x 36 inches. Larger pillows give you more landing space if you roll. If your mattress is soft, you will need a lower loft because your shoulder sinks; if it is firm, you need more.

Loft Starting Points by Shoulder Width and Position

Use this table as a starting point before you begin removing fill. Measure from the side of your neck to the tip of your shoulder while sitting upright, then add a little for how deeply your mattress lets your shoulder sink.

These numbers are rules of thumb that come from the geometry of the head and shoulder, not clinical prescriptions. Your mattress also changes them: on a soft bed that lets your shoulder sink an inch or more, subtract about an inch from the side-sleeping figure.

Living With an Adjustable Pillow

The first week matters. Most adjustable pillows arrive overfilled, and the temptation is to remove a lot of fill immediately. A better method is to keep the pillow at the highest setting for the first night, take out one small handful the next day, and repeat until the neck feels level on the side. Then lie on your stomach for a few minutes and note whether the pillow feels tall. If it does, you can either remove a bit more fill and accept a slightly low side loft, or keep the side loft and press the pillow flat when you roll. Pressing flat works best with shredded foam because the pieces shift away from the center.

After a few weeks, shredded foam can migrate and form hard patches. Fluff it every morning by squeezing the pillow from the corners toward the middle. Rotate it end to end each week. If the pillow comes with a washable cover, wash the cover on its own schedule and let the foam air out. Because foam pillows are heavy, a spare protector keeps sweat out of the filling and makes the pillow last longer. If you share a bed and your partner prefers a different loft, remember that the removed fill can also be used to top up a second pillow, which makes an adjustable pillow a handy way to dial in both of you.

How to Dial In Your Loft in Three Steps

1. Lie on your side with the pillow at its full loft and have someone check from behind. If your head tilts upward, remove a handful of fill.
2. Repeat until your nose is in line with the center of your chest and your neck looks like a straight extension of your spine.
3. Roll onto your stomach for a few minutes. If your chin lifts and your neck arches, remove a small amount more or plan to press the pillow flat when you roll.

Give each setting two nights before changing it again. People often over-adjust and end up with a pillow that is too low. Keep a note of how much fill you removed.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Removing too much fill on the first night: take out a little at a time.
• Throwing away the extra fill: your needs may change with a new mattress.
• Buying a thin fixed pillow because you sometimes sleep on your stomach: it will be too low for side sleeping.
• Ignoring odor: new foam may smell, so air it out.
• Expecting a pillow to cure pain: persistent pain needs professional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pillow for side and stomach sleepers?

An adjustable loft pillow with shredded or cross cut memory foam, such as the Coop Home Goods Original or the DreamyBlue Signature. You can set a middle loft of about 3.5 to 4.5 inches.

Can one pillow work for both side and stomach sleeping?

Yes, if the loft is adjustable or if the fill is soft enough to compress. A fixed tall pillow is too high for stomach sleeping, and a fixed flat pillow is too low for the side.

How high should my pillow be if I sleep on my side?

About 4 to 6 inches for most adults, enough to fill the gap between ear and mattress so the neck stays level.

How high should my pillow be if I sleep on my stomach?

About 2 to 3 inches, or even less, so the neck is not pushed backward.

Are shredded memory foam pillows hot?

Shredded foam is airier than solid memory foam, but it can still feel warm. Cooling covers change the surface feel. If you run hot, use a breathable pillowcase.

How do I wash an adjustable pillow?

Remove the cover and wash it per the label. Air the foam rather than soaking it, and check the maker instructions before using a dryer.

When should I replace an adjustable pillow?

When the foam stays flat after fluffing or when your neck feels worse in the morning. This is usually after 2 to 3 years for good foam.

Which One Should You Buy?

For most combination sleepers, buy the Coop Home Goods Original and take out fill until your neck looks level. If you want a softer cover and easy care, choose the DreamyBlue. If heat is your main complaint, choose the HOMELAB or the Olive + Crate, and if you want the cheapest way to try adjustable fill, choose the Utopia.

Remember that your best loft may change with the mattress, season and body, so keep the extra fill and re-adjust. If pain continues, seek professional advice.

Sources

• Sleep Foundation guides on pillows and sleeping positions
• Cleveland Clinic guidance on neck posture and sleep
• CertiPUR-US, Oeko-TEX and GREENGUARD certification program descriptions
• Manufacturer pages for Coop Home Goods, DreamyBlue, Olive + Crate, HOMELAB, BLISSY and Utopia Bedding

Last updated: October 2026