Besides daydreaming about taking a nap while you’re at work, have you given much thought about pillows lately? Yeah, me neither. There really hasn’t been a lot of technological breakthroughs in pillow construction since… umm… they were originally invented. That is until now. The Side Solution Pillow from AbsolutelyNew is a new design for an ordinary bed pillow. Gone is the old style of head cushion that can cause many people to have neck and shoulder pain. In its place is a pillow for the 21st century. Let’s see if it is a winner, or just a pain in the neck.
Product Specs
- 260-Thread-Count
- Outer Cover: 100% Cotton
- Polyfiber Filled for Comfort and Support
- White
- Removable Cover for Easy Cleaning, Hidden Zipper Closure
Is it just me, or does this pillow look like an albino goldfish cracker? 😉 The Side Solution Pillow is approximately 19 inches wide x 17 inches tall and 7 inches thick. It is available in a Standard and Deluxe version. I was sent the Standard version.
This new pillow shape has been created specifically for people like myself who primarily sleep on their side.
Orthopedically designed by a physical therapist, the notches in the sides take the strain off your neck and shoulders. They also help to keep your spine properly aligned to make sleeping on your side more comfortable.
Sleeping with the pillow turned so that the notches are perpendicular to your face is supposed to help reduce symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring by providing better ventilation.
Once I learned what this pillow was supposed to do for me, it was time to try it out to see if it delivered on being more comfortable for my shoulder and neck. I guess in all fairness I should start by saying that I don’t have any troubles with my shoulder and neck to begin with. A couple of years ago when I had a frozen shoulder, this product would have gotten a much better test. I used to wake up in the middle of the night with my Left shoulder hurting so badly that it would bring tears to my eyes. But that problem resolved itself in time and it’s now rare for me to wake up with a stiff neck, sore shoulder, arm, etc. That said, I have been testing this pillow for almost two weeks now and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not for me. Although I like the idea of the design, I’m used to a softer (medium) and flatter foam pillow. The Side Solution Pillow feels much higher and definitely more firm than what I am used to. It was difficult for me to adjust to it. In all honesty, this pillow felt most comfortable to me when I used it while laying on my back. In that orientation, my head/neck was cradled in the notch and didn’t fall over to one side while sleeping. Sort of like the neck pillows that you’ll see people using on airplanes.
I also noticed that when I had the pillow turned like the picture above, that my nose did not line up with the notch on the side – so I was not able to benefit from better ventilation. I guess my neck is just too short or something 😉
I can see how this pillow has the potential offer additional comfort to people that sleep on their sides, but it just didn’t do anything for me. Maybe the deluxe version would feel more comfy as it is dualsided with 75% Polyfiber fill and 25% Memory Foam. It has a $79.99 suggested retail price, but I’ve not seen it listed for sale on any sites though. I’m sticking with my old fashioned pillow 🙂
Do you use this product or one that is similar? If so, what are your thoughts?
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Mine is a log-like pillow similiar to this:
http://www.painreliever.com/Bolsters_EL_358.html
I have been using this pillow for almost 10 years now. Yes, the same pillow and I can’t imagine sleeping in a different pillow.
@Hai Vu That log pillow doesn’t look at all comfortable to me 🙂
I never thought of pillow reviews before. Please do more!!! I seem to be on a never ending search for a comfortable pillow. I buy several every year but never seem to find any that I like. I’m also a side sleeper.
@Henry B what is it about the pillows that you try that you don’t like? Too firm? That’s almost always my problem.
I’ve used one of these for about 7 years. I think mine is a bit bigger that the one in the ad though.
http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/sobakawa_pillow.html
@Ed I’ve been curious if those buckwheat hull pillows were comfortable. I may have to try one soon.
A few years ago I found a “latex foam” pillow, which always keeps its shape, is soft, but not too soft, and tends to stay cooler than my standard pillow (though not significantly). It is the most incredible pillow I have ever had, unfortunately when I purchased the last one and haven’t been able to find the same one anywhere. However, it is still in the same condition as the day I purchased it.
I’ve been using the Side Solution Pillow now for about 4 months…and I absolutely LOVE it!!! It was a bit tricky getting used to it…took about a week…but then it was fabulous! One of the things I like is the weight…so lightweight that it almost floats. My neck loosened up almost immediately and I no longer have any neck pain at all. I don’t much care for the pillowcase that comes with it because it’s a bear to take on and off, so I made my own oversized pillowcase and it works just fine. I highly recommend the “albino goldfish cracker!”
I use this pillow and it did take a little while to get used to it but I love it now and I’m about to purchase another since the fill has been flattened so much that it doesn’t work as well and I’m starting to get kinks in my neck again.
Eve,
read your post of over 3 years ago. You didn’t mention how long you’ve used the pillow and how long it took for the pillow to flatten. I have bought “dream” pillows that were like sleeping on a cloud. Two weeks later it was flat as a board. Air? What caused the flat?
Any side sleepers out there that recommend a favourite brand pillow and also best comfortable mattress for REAL side sleepers?
Thank you.
I am thinking of Simmons Beautyrest innerspring mattress but firm pillowtop does not cut it. I am sore, Has anyone tried PLUSH pillowtop? Also, latex pillows were perfect for us sidesleepers. The new ones deflate in a hurry. What is working for you out there who has been using a great pillow for more than 6 months?
Thanks.
Marie