How to Make a Side Sleeper Pillow

Snoring makes it hard for your spouse to sleep.

Many people snore when they sleep on their backs as a result of sleep apnea, a condition that causes them to stop breathing temporarily and gasp for air. This problem can be helped with a pillow that encourages you to sleep on your side. This pillow has a cutout for your shoulder and one long side that goes along your back to discourage you from rolling over.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Large paper
• Pencil
• Paper scissors
• Woven cotton fabric
• Pins
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Needle

Instructions

1. Cut a 16-inch-wide, 23-inch long rectangle from a large sheet of paper. Lay it on a flat surface with one of the long sides closest to you. Measure 17 inches along the bottom edge from the bottom right corner and draw a 6-inch line straight up from this point, perpendicular to the long side. Draw a 4-inch line to the right from the end of this line.

2. Measure 6 inches down from the top corner along the left side of the paper. Draw a 12-inch line from this point to the right, perpendicular to the short side. The end of this line should be directly above the end of the last line you drew. Connect the ends of the two lines with a curve, with the convex side of the curve on the right side. Curve the top and bottom corners on the right side of the paper to make a hook shape. Cut out the shape. This is the pattern for the top and bottom of the pillow.

3. Fold the fabric in half and pin the pattern to it. Cut around the fabric, through both layers of fabric, to make the top and bottom of the pillow. Cut a 6-inch-wide, 40-inch-long strip of fabric for the sides of the pillow.

4. Pin the side strip around the edge of the top of the pillow, starting in the middle of the longest side and matching the edges. Fold down 1/2 inch on the short ends of the strip. Make these folds on the side of the fabric that faces outward. The ends of the fabric strip may just meet, or they may overlap up to 1 inch.

5. Sew 1/2 an inch from the edge to join the sides of the pillow to the top. Pin the bottom of the pillow to the other side of the strip and sew it on in the same way.

6. Clip the curves in the seam allowance--the fabric that extends beyond the seam. Make a cut perpendicular to the seam every 1/4 inch around the curve, cutting close to the seam without cutting the seam.

7. Turn the pillow right side out. Stuff it firmly with fiberfill stuffing. Sew the opening closed by hand.

Tips & Warnings

• Make an indentation for your ear by sewing through the center of the top of the "hook" several times. Sew from the front side, through the pillow to the back side and back through the pillow to the front. Use a large needle and upholstery thread.

• Sleep apnea is a serious condition. Consult a physician for further information.