When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, your choice of pillow can help you snooze through a full eight hours — or have you tossing and turning during half of them.
As a side sleeper and someone who wakes up with neck pain regularly since turning 30, I am always looking for a pillow that will keep me comfortable and resting through the night.
Enter the Pillow Cube, the latest product on the market to make waves with its unusually thick square design and claims that it’s “the best and most comfortable pillow for side sleepers on the market!”
Intrigued, I knew I had to get my hands on this so-called superior headrest to see for myself if it really "solved side sleeping." And since I’m no expert on how to catch the best Zzz’s, I also spoke to the professionals to get their opinions on whether or not the Pillow Cube stands up to proper sleeping standards.
This pillow has continued to live up to its hype because it was just named Shop TODAY's first-ever Sleep Awards winner for "Best Pillow for Side Sleeping."
Editor’s note: We originally reviewed The Pillow Cube when it had a smaller, square design. But it has since been redesigned to a wider and longer size.
What makes the Pillow Cube Side Cube different?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — the shape. When I first received the Pillow Cube, its block-like structure made me a skeptic from the get-go. How could a thick, 12-by-24-inch square pillow alleviate pain, promote better sleep, and feel comfortable? This question led to the overall realization that I don’t actually know much about what makes a good pillow, well, good.
According to Whitney Roban, Ph.D., Family, Educational, and Corporate Sleep Specialist, there are a few important factors that go into finding the right pillow.
“Your pillow choice will depend on variables such as the position you sleep in, if you sleep hot or cold, if you have allergies, if your mattress is soft or firm, and your physical characteristics, such as the size of your body, head and shoulders.”
“Newer pillows on the market offer unique shapes, often made to provide better support for side or back sleepers. These shapes may help with aches and pains associated with improper alignment while you sleep; however, if a person is a combination sleeper (you change positions throughout the night), a more standard pillow shape would work better.”
It took time to adjust, but it is surprisingly comfortable
So, does this unique shape offer the comfort it promises? I admit, the first two days of testing out the Pillow Cube were a struggle. My neck had a hard time adjusting to the new height. But by day three, I experienced a full night without discomfort or the urge to reposition myself. With time, my head conformed more easily to the Pillow Cube’s antimicrobial memory foam, a material that is firmer than I’d normally go for, but still very soft and expert-approved.
“Memory foam is an appropriate pillow fill for most sleepers. It conforms to your head, but is also supportive, so that your head and neck are in a natural alignment,” says Roban. “The antimicrobial component reduces the buildup of bacteria, which is good for everyone, but especially allergy sufferers. However, this material can be too hot for people who tend to 'sleep hot.'”
Luckily, the Pillow Cube stays cool all night long thanks to its temperature-regulating Aero Foam Core and breathable cover.
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Why I like it
The pillow was designed specifically for side sleepers
There are quite a few advantages to sleeping on your side. In fact, Roban recommends favoring the left side specifically to improve digestion, increase circulation, decrease snoring, improve brain health, and prevent heartburn. With so many health benefits that come with sleeping in that position, it makes sense for side sleepers to equip themselves with the right sleeping aids like the Pillow Cube, which is effectively designed to provide optimal support by filling a person’s shoulder gap and aligning the spine.
“Proper spine alignment is crucial for sleep!” says New York City-based chiropractor Tiffany Taveras, D.C. “You go about your day hustling for hours, which puts stress on the spine, and finally you come home to your bed to rest [but an] improper [sleeping] position further increases that stress.”
I don’t only use it at night
What I love most about this pillow is how useful it is throughout the day. My Pillow Cube is as essential to my work-from-home setup as my desk and laptop, all because of the amazing lumbar support it offers when used as a backrest. It’s also perfect for nestling your head on while watching TV.
For me, the lower back and neck relief justifies the price point. But, if you’re second-guessing adding this to your cart due to the heftier price tag, Taveras has some advice.
“I always compare a pillow purchase to a patient in terms of going out. A night of dinner and drinks is one pillow that will give you comfort for years. People are scared to spend money on what can benefit their health because the outcome isn’t immediate.”
It wasn’t immediate for me, but the results (and unexpected benefits) definitely made it worth the wait.
What to consider
Not every pillow is a one-size-fits-all
However, Taveras is hesitant to recommend the Pillow Cube right away because choosing a pillow is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. “Some people have a wide back or a shoulder that's incredibly higher than the other. [The] Pillow Cube gives too little options for most people that have a lot more than just rounded shoulders to deal with. Also, many people don't understand their shape in terms of neck, head and shoulders.”
“What is important about a pillow is how much it is elevating you at night or extending your neck. You want a neutral position for the neck, so if the pillow is too thick (or [you’re] using too many pillows), your neck will be too forward. If the pillow height isn't enough then your neck will be too extended,” says Taveras.
Who is the Pillow Cube Side Cube best for?
Luckily for me, my body shape meshes well with the Pillow Cube. I never realized that the “hole” between my shoulder and head was something that needed more attention. But since I started using the Pillow Cube, I haven’t felt any back or neck aches. With more spinal support, even taking deep breaths feels a little different, a little easier. Best of all, the memory foam is permanently cozy, eliminating the need to ever fluff up your pillow again.
I would say the Pillow Cube Side Cube is ideal for all side sleepers, but if you're still unsure, Pillow Cube offers different options to accommodate a variety of sleepers, from their Ice Cube for hot sleepers to a deluxe version of their Side Cube.
More Pillow Cube options to shop
Don’t neglect your sleep while on the go. The Travel Cube is compact in size and includes a compression bag so you can clip to your backpack or pack it inside your luggage.
Featuring their "most comfortable outer shell yet," the Side Cube Deluxe is larger than Pillow Cube's standard pillows with more width and length. Plus, it claims to relieve ear pressure.
Meet the experts
- Whitney Roban, Ph.D., Family, Educational, and Corporate Sleep Specialist, and founder of Solve Our Sleep.
- Tiffany Taveras, D.C, is a New York City-based chiropractor.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Danielle Murphy is a commerce writer for Shop TODAY. She has been with the team for over three years, covering a wide range of topics, including product reviews, viral fashion and beauty finds and sales.
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