Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow vs Tempur-Cloud ProHi Pillow

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Dedicated side sleepers, especially those with neck or shoulder pain, who want an ergonomic shape that gives the shoulder room and keeps the spine aligned. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
$123.99as of Jun 7

The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow is the specialist's choice, an ergonomic U-shape engineered specifically for side sleeping. The curved cutout lets the shoulder nest while the neck stays aligned, which is why Sleep Foundation named it Most Comfortable at 8.9/10. Adjustable latex-and-fiber fill tunes the loft, and open-cell latex keeps it cool. The contoured shape is not for everyone, but for dedicated side sleepers fighting neck pain, it is exceptional.

Strengths
  • Ergonomic U-shape is purpose-built for side sleepers, giving the shoulder room to nest and preventing pressure buildup
  • Scored 8.9/10 from Sleep Foundation as 'Most Comfortable,' with a medium-to-high loft that suited the side-sleeper test team
  • Adjustable latex-and-fiber fill lets you add or remove material to dial in firmness and height
Watch-outs
  • The U-shaped contour is a love-it-or-hate-it design that some sleepers find awkward versus a traditional pillow
  • Works best for dedicated side sleepers; the cutout shape is less versatile for back or stomach sleeping
  • Adjusting the fill to the right level takes some trial and error
Tempur-Cloud ProHi Pillow
Ranked #4 in Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Tempur-Cloud ProHi Pillow
$169

The Tempur-Cloud ProHi Pillow is the support specialist, a tall, firm solid-TEMPUR pillow built for broad-shouldered side sleepers and larger frames. At 6.6 inches with signature TEMPUR micro-cushions, it delivers the maximum head-and-neck support on this list and holds its shape for years. The trade-off is feel: it is firm and does not decompress much, so it suits sleepers who need that support and find softer pillows inadequate, rather than those who want a plush, adjustable cradle.

Strengths
  • High 6.6-inch profile and firm solid-TEMPUR construction give broad-shouldered side sleepers maximum support
  • Signature TEMPUR material with micro-cushions conforms to the head and neck and returns to shape every night
  • Specifically designed for side sleepers and larger frames, per Tempur-Pedic
Watch-outs
  • Firm, solid-foam feel doesn't decompress much; some side sleepers find it too hard
  • At 6.6 inches it can be too tall unless your neck-to-shoulder distance is large
  • Pricey, and the base ProHi is less actively cooling than gel-pad TEMPUR models

How they stack up

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow

The only contoured, U-shaped pillow here, versus the traditional shapes of the Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow, Layla Kapok Pillow, Tempur-Cloud ProHi Pillow, and Purelux Simply Cool Pillow. Like the Layla Kapok Pillow it offers adjustable fill, but its ergonomic cutout targets shoulder pressure more directly.

Tempur-Cloud ProHi Pillow

The firmest and most supportive pillow here, taller and harder than the plush Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow and Layla Kapok Pillow. Unlike the adjustable Layla Kapok Pillow and Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow, its loft and firmness are fixed, so it must match your frame.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEli & Elm Side Sleeper PillowTempur-Cloud ProHi Pillow
ShapeErgonomic U-shape (contoured)Traditional
FillAdjustable latex noodles + down-like polyester fiberSolid TEMPUR material with micro-cushions
LoftMedium to high, adjustableHigh (approx. 6.6 in)
CoverBreathable luxury coverRemovable, machine-washable knit
CoolingOpen-cell latex, airflow chamber
Best SleepersSide (and back) sleepers with neck painSide sleepers, larger frames
SizeQueen 17 x 29 in
AdjustableYes (add/remove fill)
FirmnessMedium-firm (firm solid feel)
SizesQueen, King
DurabilityReturns to shape after each use
← See the full ranking of best pillows for side sleepers