Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
When you’re a back sleeper, choosing the right pillow can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and an achy neck. The best pillows for back sleepers have features that encourage proper neck and spine alignment—namely, a low profile and a decent amount of support, rather than extreme softness.
We’ve researched a diverse set of pillows that meet the needs of back sleepers for this guide. Take a look at our top picks below.
What’s the Best Pillow for Back Sleepers?
The Saatva Latex Pillow is our top pick for back sleepers. Our reviewer noted its hotel-like feel and complimented its signature design, which includes multiple layers and a supportive latex core.
Best 10 Pillows for Back Sleepers
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Luxome LAYR – Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Adjustable Fill
- Puffy Signature Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Squishy Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Back Sleepers
- TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow – Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain
- Avocado Green Pillow – Best Organic Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Lagoon Lemur – Best Down Alternative Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Purple Harmony Pillow – Best Low-Loft Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Coop Original Crescent Pillow – Best Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for pillows for back sleepers. We paid special attention to components such as pillow thickness, support elements, material, and cooling features.
The Best Pillows for Back Sleepers, Reviewed
Editor’s Pick
Saatva Latex Pillow
A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the Saatva Latex Pillow Earned Best Pillow for Back Sleepers Overall
Just like Saatva’s luxury mattresses, the Saatva Latex Pillow has a multi-layer construction that’s engineered for both support and comfort. Its “Standard Loft” height of 4 to 5 inches is well-suited for back sleepers (who typically need a low-profile pillow) and its latex core ensures that it doesn’t skimp on springy support even as it feels pleasantly soft.
The first layer is an organic cotton cover that can be unzipped and thrown in the washer as needed. The second is a “fill layer” of microdenier fibers—extremely tiny and soft synthetic fibers that have the plushness of down. Finally, a center filled with shredded natural latex gives the pillow a responsive and hypoallergenic core.
What We Liked
- Latex is a big bonus – Latex is breathable, hypoallergenic, pressure-relieving, and responsive. It’s a plant-derived material that represents some of the fanciest and most sustainable advancements in the bedding world.
- Two loft heights – We recommend the Standard Loft height for back sleepers, but people who need a thicker pillow can opt for the 6- to 7-inch High Loft version.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not everyone loves latex – Unlike other foams, latex foam doesn’t have a slow-sink feel to it. It’s soft but bouncy, so it reforms pretty much immediately after being pressed.
- A bit expensive – Saatva’s committed to quality materials and ethical production practices. For example, the cotton in the pillow’s cover isn’t just organic, it’s Fair Trade Certified™. These standards result in one of the most expensive pillows on our list.
Want to know more? Read our comprehensive review of the Saatva Latex Pillow, or browse our roundup of the best latex pillows available.
Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Adjustable Fill
Why the Luxome LAYR Pillow Earned Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Adjustable Fill
Many of the pillows on this list allow you to adjust their height and feel by removing or adding fill. But the Luxome LAYR, as its name suggests, takes this feature a step further: it includes three “inserts” that can be swapped and layered to your heart’s content.
Back sleepers should appreciate this level of customization, as it can otherwise be difficult to balance softness with the right amount of loft and neck support.
What We Liked
- Unique “insert” design – Each LAYR comes with a soft insert (stuffed with down alternative), a medium insert (stuffed with down alternative and shredded memory foam), and a firm insert (made of solid foam layers). You can combine these inserts into personalized setups as well as change the amount the fill in the soft and medium ones.
- Breathable cover – The cover on the LAYR is made from viscose bamboo, so no matter the configuration of layers inside it, your face should stay fairly cool.
Potential Drawbacks
- Lots of components – Sometimes, too many customization options can be overwhelming. If you’re someone who wants a simple, traditional pillow, this one might seem like more of a puzzle than an innovation.
- More to wash – Both the outer cover and the covers for the inserts are washable, which might sound convenient or like a lot of cases to account for.
Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers
Puffy Pillow
An adjustable pillow that could benefit hot sleepers and those with allergies
Sleep Advisor Score
4.90 / 5
Why the Puffy Signature Pillow Earned Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers
Puffy is known for its cloud-like mattresses, and its Signature Pillow is a fitting complement. It’s filled with CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam that you can remove or add to as needed. Changing up the fill is a good way to find the ideal alignment for your neck and head while on your back, and the hypoallergenic cover should guard against irritants while you seek out your perfect fit.
What We Liked
- Cool cover – The Puffy Signature pillow has a bamboo rayon blend cover that regulates temperature and resists allergens. As a cute bonus, it’s also decorated with tiny clouds!
- Awesome policies – Puffy gives you 101 nights to try out this pillow, and it also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Potential Drawbacks
- Foam feels different than feathers – If you’re used to down or down alternative pillows, you may not be accustomed to the feeling of memory foam fill. It’s soft, but with a slower give than feathers.
- Not many eco-friendly ingredients – This pillow has bamboo in its cover, but otherwise its ingredients are largely synthetic. If you prefer to shop green, this might not be your best match on this list.
Curious about this pillow? Check out our in-depth Puffy Signature Pillow review.
Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
Nolah Squishy Pillow
Adjustable foam filling and machine-washable.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
Why the Nolah Squishy Pillow Earned Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
When your head and neck feel hot, it’s tough to sleep in any position. The Nolah Squishy Pillow tackles this problem with a breathable bamboo blend cover and shredded pieces of foam as the fill.
The brand claims that these pieces stay cooler than foam that fits into a pillow as one solid slab, and that you shouldn’t need to flip the pillow to achieve a cozy temperature. Back sleepers can also change up the amount of fill to get the loft and feel they desire.
What We Liked
- Cube-cut foam – The foam pieces have been cut in a way that ups airflow, adding to this pillow’s cooling powers.
- Certified safe – This pillow carries a certification from OEKO-TEX® that confirms it doesn’t contain certain harmful substances.
Potential Drawbacks
- Only one size – The Nolah Squishy Pillow comes in a single size, “Queen.” It should fit most standard pillowcases.
- You have to order in pairs – There’s no way to order just one of these pillows—they always come in twos.
Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Back Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
A pillow with dual-action cooling for hot sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Earned Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Back Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow should provide a responsive, contouring night’s rest for folks who sleep on their backs. The pillow should cradle your neck and shoulders while keeping your head comfortably aloft.
More than that, this pillow is constructed with perforated memory foam and a cotton-polyester cover for cool and breathable sleep. These materials are also naturally hypoallergenic, and the foam is infused with copper gel for added antimicrobial properties.
What We Liked
- No need to fluff – The bulk of Brooklyn Bedding’s Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is made up of a single slab of memory foam, rather than chunks or shreds. This means there’s no need to “fluff” or manipulate the pillow to puff up; it should retain its shape pretty well. Choose between high or low loft depending on your preference.
- Generous warranty – Brooklyn Bedding offers a 3-year warranty for this pillow. You also get 30 nights to try before you buy and free returns if you change your mind.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not budget-friendly – This pillow comes in at a sizable $129 before sales or coupons.
- Bouncier than expected – If you’re looking for the classic memory foam sink, you won’t be getting it from this pillow. It’s got surprising bounce-back.
Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain
TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Featuring the brand’s famous TEMPUR® Material, this pillow adapts to the pressure from your head and neck to deliver soothing comfort.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
Why the TEMPUR-Cloud® Earned Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain
If you wake up with a crick in your neck, your pillow might be to blame. The TEMPUR-Cloud® is a great option for these folks, as its dense foam construction supports the neck and encourages proper spinal alignment. It effortlessly balances this lift with cushioning, making it a comfortable option for back sleepers (and as an added bonus, any sleepers who also switch to their sides).
What We Liked
- No off-gassing – Sometimes memory foam pillows have a smell when you pull them out of the box, but that wasn’t the case with the TEMPUR-Cloud®—nothing noticeable.
- Removable cover – For washing and drying, just zip off the TEMPUR-Cloud®’s cover and throw it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and leave it to air dry. It’s much easier and more effective than spot-cleaning your pillow.
Potential Drawbacks
- No trial offered – Tempur-Pedic doesn’t offer any trials with their sleep accessories, so be aware if you’re someone who likes to try before you buy. However, they do offer a 5-year limited warranty.
- Not for stomach sleepers – If you switch between your back to your stomach while sleeping, the TEMPUR-Cloud® is likely going to feel too tall in the latter position. It’ll probably exacerbate neck pain in that case rather than help with it.
Want more information? Check out our full TEMPUR-Cloud® pillow review or our list of the best pillows for neck pain.
Best Organic Pillow for Back Sleepers
Why the Avocado Green Pillow Earned Best Organic Pillow for Back Sleepers
Avocado is a brand known for their sustainable and organic mattresses, so it’s no surprise that their pillow ranks on this list for “best organic.” The Avocado Green pillow has a fill of GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok fibers.
This combination gives the pillow a medium feel that’s perfect for back sleepers, while also keeping its surface temperature-neutral.
What We Liked
- Adjustable – You can adjust the fill of your pillow as you see fit. Avocado also offers extra bags of fill if you still need even more loft.
- Vegan – Not only is this pillow made with sustainable and organic materials, it’s vegan too! None of the fluff comes from any of our fluffy friends.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher price – Organic and sustainable materials rack up the price of this pillow. It’ll cost you over $100, but we think that’s still a good deal when you consider the quality of its materials.
- Spot-clean only – You can wash the outermost cover in your washing machine just fine, but everything underneath, including the fill, cannot be washed.
Interested? Look through our in-depth Avocado Green Pillow review or peruse our picks for the best organic pillows.
Best Down Alternative Pillow for Back Sleepers
Lagoon Lemur Pillow
A pillow made of recycled down fibers providing support for back sleepers.
Why the Lagoon Lemur Earned Best Down Alternative Pillow for Back Sleepers
Many people enjoy the feeling of down but don’t want their pillows stuffed with actual feathers. Luckily, the Lemur uses recycled down alternative microfibers as well as 100% bamboo fibers to create its cushiony feel. Lagoon describes this pillow as ideal for back sleepers due to its low loft and supportive structure—it’s definitely softer than most foam pillows, but a bit more robust than your typical down alternative pillow.
What We Liked
- Soft but supportive – The Lemur balances a downy, plush feel with proper lift for a nice ratio of comfort to support.
- Wholly washable – You can wash the entire Lemur pillow up to once a year, a rare trait among high-quality pillows.
Potential Drawbacks
- One size – The Lemur only comes in one size option: a queen, which measures 20 by 30 inches.
- Not as soft as some – Down alternative pillows can be very squishy, but this one is a bit firmer than average. If you prefer a super-soft pillow, this might not be the best choice for you.
Looking for more pillows that use bamboo? Read through our list of the best bamboo pillows.
Best Low-Loft Pillow for Back Sleepers
Why the Purple Harmony Earned Best Low-Loft Pillow for Back Sleepers
If you’re a back sleeper who prefers to lay low on your mattress, the Purple Harmony comes in handy. This pillow comes in high, medium, and low lofts, but we’ll be focusing on the low model in this review.
A combination of latex and the iconic Purple grid give this pillow stellar support with a uniquely comfortable feeling. Back sleepers should appreciate the cushioning they get around their neck, even with the lower loft.
What We Liked
- Sleeps cool – A moisture-wicking cover, naturally breathable latex, and airflow through the pores in the grid work to make this pillow cool to the touch.
- Should last long – These materials are also pretty durable, so your Purple pillow should be in it for the long haul.
Potential Drawbacks
- Pretty pricey – The Purple Harmony pillow is one of the most expensive on this list, coming in at around $200 before sales and coupons. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty.
- Noticeable smell – Upon unboxing the pillow, we noticed a distinct plasticky smell from the pillow. The odor dissipated after a while, though.
Want to know more about this pillow? Consult our full Purple Harmony Pillow review.
Best Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers
Coop Sleep Goods Original Crescent Pillow
A pillow designed for back- and side-sleepers who switch between the two positions. Its crescent shape leaves room for your shoulders and encourages healthy neck alignment.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.90 / 5
Why the Coop Original Crescent Pillow Earned Best Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers
Constantly flipping between your side and your back when you sleep? Coop designed the Crescent pillow with you in mind. The crescent shape is meant to cater to both these sleeping positions—it gives your shoulders ample room when you’re on your back, and the right amount of softness and support in either posture.
The cozy, adjustable fill is made from a proprietary memory foam and microfiber blend amusingly dubbed “Oomph!” by Coop. Your pillow purchase even comes with an extra ½ pound of fill so you can stuff it to your liking.
What We Liked
- Healthy certifications – The Crescent pillow has both GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certifications, which means it’s been tested to ensure the absence of specific unhealthy chemicals and emissions.
- Adjustable fill – Even with the shape of the pillow already conforming to your neck, you can adjust the loft by rearranging the fill yourself for even more customized comfort.
Potential Drawbacks
- Unique shape – Some customers reported that they didn’t quite adjust to the crescent shape of the pillow, even after adjusting the fill.
- Can run hot – A few customers also said they felt the pillow slept hot. You can upgrade to the cooling version of the pillow for an extra fee if you’re especially worried about overheating.
Sleep on your side more than your back? Browse the best pillows for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers Need More from Their Pillows
People who sleep on their back tend to use a pillow that is too soft or flat. Without the right shape or support, your spine becomes poorly aligned, or you might feel a “crick in your neck.” Choosing the appropriate pillow is essential, and there are many things to consider.
Loft (not the apartment) in a cushion is a crucial factor because it is the measurement of how fluffy or tall the pillow is. Still, a big, fluffy pillow without support can become flat and uncomfortable. That’s why you need to consider firmness. Unlike stomach sleepers, you will want to choose a firmer pillow that will provide proper support for your head and neck. A back sleeper pillow that is too flat or too soft can make your sleep painful.
Don’t you love the fresh feeling against your cheek? If you are one of those people, who get hot at night, finding a pillow that keeps you cool will be a priority for you. Some manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the materials are breathable and that they provide adequate heat distribution, so you can rest without feeling hot.
Types of Materials
While down bedding is considered a luxury, it is also an allergy-prone person’s nightmare! The materials used are very important. Innovative technologies have created all sorts of possibilities, such as:
POLYURETHANE:
- A dependable staple material for bedding.
- Look for hypo-allergenic kinds.
MEMORY FOAM:
- A new material to the market, memory foam is known to keep its shape.
- Definitely not your Granma’s old, foam mattress material
MEMORY CLUSTER FIBER:
- Similar to Memory Foam, this fiber is not one piece
- Simulates a foam model, but with better firmness
GEL FIBER FILL:
- Simulates the foam style, as well
- Gel is often associated with cooling qualities
COTTON:
- A natural material, cotton is a standard product.
- Look for higher thread count to insure softness.
BAMBOO:
- Another natural product that is new for western markets.
- Bamboo provides a firm, but shapeable feel.
Shape
We’ve all become accustomed to the standard shape: a nice, fluffy rectangle. Well, advancements have brought us some contemporary designs. If bedding aesthetics are important to you, this may be a consideration.
Some of these highest rated pillows have modern curves and features to make your comfort priority number one. The different shapes you can expect to find are:
- Standard, fluffy rectangle
- Flat, rectangular
- Classic-curved design
- Butterfly-shaped
Molded, Moldable, and Adjustable
Many of the memory foam and polyurethane models have a solid form, and you can’t mush them around as you do with worn-out pillows. They come in a form that cannot be changed. Yet, some brands can be fluffed and formed.
The biggest advantage of memory foam is that it keeps its shape, but that can be its biggest downfall. Some manufacturers overcome this by shredding the memory foam. Gel fiber fill is similar and can also be manipulated in different ways.
By adding zippers in pillows, some manufacturers allow you to adjust the amount of fill according to your preferences. Higher loft or lower loft, you get to decide.
Asleep or Awake: The Right Pillow Makes a Difference
Mornings can be awful after a bad night’s sleep. Studies show that too little sleep cuts down your productivity. Guzzling coffee to try to stay awake even when you get your average amount of sleep may indicate that your sleep quality is diminished. Choosing a pillow designed for a back sleeper can be an affordable solution, especially if you are feeling pain in your spine.
New Materials and Construction Increase Comfort
Old bedding can collect dust mites, which are a disaster if you are allergic to them. If your pillow is old or is a low-quality product, it’s time to replace it.
Whether the materials are natural or synthetic, improvements in how new pillows are assembled make now the best time to buy one. With ergonomics and comfort in mind, new designs will amaze you. You’ll want to experience the new levels of relaxation.
Ease of Care
You can put that old pillow into the washer. When you pull it out, try hard to reshape it. If you put it in the dryer, the chances are that it may fall apart. Many of the products we researched are machine washable, or they have a removable covering that can be. A fresh pillow is a beautiful thing to lay your head upon at bedtime.
You Deserve a Great Night’s Rest
When you think of how often and for how long you use a cushion, it makes sense to invest in a good one. Eight hours is a long time to be uncomfortable, but it is wonderful to wake up well-rested. Treat yourself to a pillow that will give you a soothing slumber.
Remember when choosing your pillow, you need a firm pillow that still feels soft and inviting at the end of the day. If you choose a molded form pillow, coolness is going to be especially important to you. Ones with a non-descript shape can be fluffed, but sometimes lacks the firmness back sleepers need.
Resources:
- Consequences of Insufficient Sleep – Harvard University
- The Best Sleep Position for Your Body – Sleep.org
- Research on Back Sleeping and SIDS – nih.gov
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
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