When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, choosing the right pillow is essential. For back sleepers, finding a pillow that provides the perfect balance of comfort and support is key to waking up feeling refreshed and pain-free. A pillow that’s too soft can cause your head to sink too deeply, leading to neck strain. On the other hand, a pillow that’s too firm may fail to conform to the natural curve of your spine, causing discomfort. In this guide, we’ll explore the best pillows for back sleepers, the importance of proper support and how to select the right one for your needs.
10 Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
1. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is specifically designed to maintain the natural curve of your spine while you sleep on your back. It is crafted from Tempur material, which conforms to your body, providing personalized support and comfort.
- Material: Tempur foam
- Loft Options: Small, Medium, Large
- Firmness: Firm
Key Features:
- Ergonomic Design: The pillow’s contoured shape cradles your head, neck and shoulders, promoting proper spinal alignment.
- Variety of Sizes: Available in three sizes to accommodate different body types and preferences.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality Tempur material is designed to retain its shape over time, offering long-lasting support.
Pros:
- Excellent neck and spine support
- Contours to your body for a customized fit
- Available in multiple sizes for a tailored experience
Cons:
- Users may feel too firm to those who prefer softer pillows
- Higher price point compared to other pillows
Who It’s Best For: The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is ideal for back sleepers who need firm support and want a pillow that contours to their specific shape.
2. Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow is a popular choice for back sleepers due to its adjustable fill. This pillow allows you to add or remove shredded memory foam to achieve your preferred loft and firmness level, making it highly customizable.
- Material: Shredded memory foam and microfiber blend
- Loft Options: Adjustable
- Firmness: Adjustable
Key Features:
- Adjustable Fill: You can customize the pillow’s height and firmness by adding or removing the fill to suit your sleeping position.
- Cooling Features: The pillow is infused with cooling gel and comes with a breathable cover, helping to regulate your body temperature throughout the night.
- Hypoallergenic: The pillow is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Pros:
- Fully adjustable to meet individual preferences
- Cooling features prevent overheating
- Hypoallergenic and machine washable cover
Cons:
- May require regular fluffing to maintain its original shape
- Some users may find the pillow too soft, even when fully filled
Who It’s Best For: The Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow is perfect pillow for back sleepers who prefer an adjustable pillow that allows them to tailor their comfort level. It’s also a great option for those who tend to overheat during sleep.
3. Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Latex Pillow combines the softness of an organic cotton cover with the supportive properties of natural latex. This pillow offers excellent support for back sleepers, while also being eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.
- Material: Natural latex core with an organic cotton cover
- Loft Options: Medium
- Firmness: Medium-Firm
Key Features:
- Natural Latex Core: The latex core provides responsive support, ensuring your head and neck are aligned while sleeping on your back.
- Plush Outer Layer: The plush pillow cover adds an extra layer of comfort without compromising support.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from natural and organic materials, this pillow is a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Pros:
- Provides excellent neck support with responsive latex
- Eco-friendly and made with organic materials
- Plush outer layer enhances comfort
Cons:
- Limited firmness and loft options
- More expensive than other pillows available in market
Who It’s Best For: The Saatva Latex Pillow is ideal pillow for back sleepers who want a combination of softness and support, and who prioritize natural, eco-friendly materials.
4. Purple Harmony Pillow
The Purple Harmony Pillow is known for its innovative grid design and responsive feel. It features a hyper-elastic polymer grid surrounded by a layer of latex, making it both supportive and breathable, which is great for back sleepers.
- Material: Hyper-elastic polymer grid and latex
- Loft Options: Standard, Tall
- Firmness: Medium-Firm
Key Features:
- Innovative Grid Design: The pillow’s grid structure provides pressure relief while maintaining support for the head and neck.
- Breathable Materials: The grid design promotes airflow, keeping you cool throughout the night.
- Responsive Support: The latex core adds to the pillow’s support, ensuring your head and neck stay properly aligned.
Pros:
- Unique design offers both comfort and support
- Excellent breathability to prevent overheating
- Available in two loft options
Cons:
- May not suit those who prefer traditional pillow designs
- Higher price point
Who It’s Best For: The Purple Harmony Pillow is perfect pillow for back sleepers who are looking for a modern pillow design that combines support with cooling properties.
5. Leesa Hybrid Pillow
The Leesa Hybrid Pillow offers a two-in-one design, with one side featuring a cooling gel layer and the other side offering a down-like quilted feel. This versatility makes it a great option for back sleepers who like to switch between different types of support.
- Material: Down-alternative fill with a cooling gel layer
- Loft Options: Adjustable
- Firmness: Medium
Key Features:
- Dual-Sided Design: One side of the pillow is quilted for a plush feel, while the other side features a cooling gel layer to keep you cool during the night.
- Adjustable Insert: The pillow comes with a removable insert, allowing you to adjust the height and firmness to your preference.
- Hypoallergenic: The down-alternative fill is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with allergies.
Pros:
- Versatile design with two different sides for customized comfort
- Cooling gel layer helps regulate temperature
- Adjustable loft to suit different preferences
Cons:
- May require some trial and error to find the perfect loft
- Not as durable as some other premium pillows
Who It’s Best For: The Leesa Hybrid Pillow is a great option for back sleepers who want versatility and cooling features in their pillow. It’s also ideal for those who prefer the feel of down without the allergens.
6. Bear Pillow
The Bear Pillow is designed with back sleepers in mind, offering a medium-firm feel that helps maintain spinal alignment. Its unique Double Ice fabric cover helps regulate temperature, ensuring a cool and comfortable sleep throughout the night.
- Material: Loft-X Foam with Double Ice fabric cover
- Loft Options: Standard
- Firmness: Medium-Firm
Key Features:
- Cooling Technology: The Double Ice fabric cover is designed to keep you cool by wicking away moisture and dissipating heat.
- Medium-Firm Support: The Loft-X Foam provides the right balance of firmness and cushion, making it ideal for back sleepers who need neck support.
- Hypoallergenic: The pillow is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Pros:
- Excellent cooling features with Double Ice fabric
- Medium-firm support that’s ideal for back sleepers
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
Cons:
- Limited loft and firmness options
- Some people may feel it too firm
Who It’s Best For: The Bear Pillow is a solid choice for back sleepers who prioritize cooling technology and prefer medium-firm support.
7. Parachute Down Pillow
For those who love the luxurious feel of down, the Parachute Down Pillow is a great option. It offers three levels of firmness (soft, medium, firm), with the medium and firm options being especially suitable for back sleepers.
- Material: European white down with 100% sateen cotton shell
- Loft Options: Soft, Medium, Firm
- Firmness: Soft to Firm
Key Features:
- Three Firmness Levels: The pillow comes in soft, medium, and firm options, catering to different preferences.
- High-Quality Down: Filled with European white down, the pillow offers a plush yet supportive feel.
- Breathable Cotton Cover: The 100% sateen cotton shell ensures breathability and a smooth, soft touch.
Pros:
- Luxurious down fill provides comfort and support
- Available in multiple firmness levels
- Breathable and soft cotton cover
Cons:
- Down may lose loft over time and require fluffing
- Higher price due to high quality materials
Who It’s Best For: The Parachute Down Pillow is ideal for back sleepers who love the soft, plush feel of down but need support for spinal alignment. The medium and firm options work well for back sleepers.
8. Casper Original Pillow
The Casper Original Pillow is a great all-around option for back sleepers, thanks to its unique pillow-in-pillow design. The outer layer offers a soft, plush feel, while the inner core provides firmer support, making it a versatile choice.
- Material: Polyester microfiber fill
- Loft Options: Standard
- Firmness: Medium
Key Features:
- Pillow-in-Pillow Design: The dual-layer design provides both softness and support, ensuring that back sleepers get the right level of comfort.
- Breathable Cover: The pillow features a breathable cotton cover that helps keep you cool during the night.
- Durable Construction: The polyester microfiber fill is designed to maintain its shape and provide consistent support.
Pros:
- Combines softness and support in one pillow
- Breathable cover promotes airflow
- Durable and maintains shape over time
Cons:
- May be too soft for those who prefer firmer support
- Limited firmness options
Who It’s Best For: The Casper Original Pillow is perfect for back sleepers who want a pillow that balances plush comfort with firm support. It’s a versatile option that works well for most sleepers.
9. Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow offers the comfort of down without the allergens. This pillow comes in three firmness options, with the firm version being a great pick for back sleepers who need extra support.
- Material: Down-alternative microfiber fill
- Loft Options: Plush, Mid-Plush, Firm
- Firmness: Soft to Firm
Key Features:
- Multiple Firmness Levels: The pillow is available in plush, mid-plush, and firm options, allowing you to choose the level of support that’s right for you.
- Down-Like Feel: The down-alternative fill mimics the softness and comfort of real down, without the allergens.
- Breathable Cotton Cover: The pillow comes with a 100% cotton shell that promotes breathability and adds a touch of luxury.
Pros:
- Down-like comfort with hypoallergenic fill
- Available in multiple firmness levels
- Breathable and soft cotton cover
Cons:
- May flatten over time and require frequent fluffing
- Soft and mid-plush options may not provide enough support for some back sleepers
Who It’s Best For: The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow is ideal for back sleepers who want the feel of down without the allergens. The firm option is particularly well-suited for those who need more support.
10. Nectar Resident Pillow
The Nectar Resident Pillow is a premium option that combines adaptive memory foam with cooling technology, making it perfect for back sleepers. This pillow conforms to your body, providing personalized support for your head and neck.
- Material: Memory foam
- Loft Options: Standard
- Firmness: Medium-Firm
Key Features:
- Adaptive Memory Foam: The memory foam core adapts to your body, ensuring that your head and neck stay properly aligned.
- Cooling Technology: The pillow is designed with a breathable cover and cooling gel to regulate your temperature during the night.
- Hypoallergenic: The pillow is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Pros:
- Provides excellent support with adaptive memory foam
- Cooling technology tends to keep you comfortable throughout the sleep
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
Cons:
- May be firm for those users who prefer softer pillows
- Only available in one firmness level
Who It’s Best For: The Nectar Resident Pillow is perfect for back sleepers who want a pillow that adapts to their body and keeps them cool during the night. It’s especially great for those who prefer memory foam.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pillow for back sleepers is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment and ensuring a good night’s sleep. The right pillow should provide the perfect balance of support and comfort, preventing neck and back pain. Whether you prefer the contouring support of memory foam, the plush feel of down, or the cooling features of modern designs, there’s a pillow on this list that will meet your needs.
When selecting your pillow, consider factors such as firmness, loft and materials to find the one that best suits your personal preferences. By investing in a quality pillow that caters to your sleeping position, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated.
FAQs
What type of pillow should back sleepers use?
Back sleepers should use a medium-firm pillow with a medium loft to provide adequate neck and head support while maintaining proper spinal alignment. Memory foam, latex or contour pillows are excellent choices for back sleepers as they offer a balance of support and comfort.
Can a side sleeper use a back sleeper pillow?
Side sleepers can use a back sleeper pillow if it offers enough height and firmness to keep their neck and spine aligned. However, side sleepers typically need a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the gap between their head and shoulders for optimal support.
Is a pillow necessary for back sleepers?
Yes, a pillow is necessary for back sleepers to maintain proper neck and spine alignment. A well-chosen pillow can prevent neck strain and discomfort by supporting the natural curve of the spine while lying on the back.
How to position pillows for back sleepers?
Back sleepers should position the pillow under their head and neck to keep their spine in a neutral position. Placing a small pillow or rolled towel under the knees can also help reduce lower back strain and maintain a comfortable sleeping posture.
I am a scientific researcher, passionate about the science of comfort. On this blog, I share comprehensive information about pillows, combining my expertise and research to help you find the perfect pillow for your needs.
