Side sleeping may be the most popular sleeping position, but back sleepers come in a close second. Sleeping on your back is great for keeping your spine aligned during the night, reducing the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux (if the head of your bed is properly elevated) and even reducing the risk of wrinkles.
Human and pet tested and approved.
During my testing, I considered price, materials, feel, firmness, height and size. And when I tried each pillow, I checked to see if my neck and spine were aligned, to make sure the pillow was supportive enough for back sleepers.
I’m a combination sleeper, meaning I often switch from sleeping on my side to sleeping on my stomach. Though I’ve tested more than 25 pillows (and another 10 for this article), I thought it would be best to consult a back sleeper for a second opinion. My boyfriend, who’s a strict back sleeper, helped me test and pick these pillows. We both spent a few nights sleeping and lounging on them (my dog, included). The pillows that made this list are truly the best of the best for back sleepers.
You may have heard of Coop Sleep Good’s Eden Pillow, as it often tops lists of the best pillows. And if you thought that pillow was cool, let me tell you it got even better. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the new version of the Eden Pillow. It has a similar cool-to-the-touch cover, and now it also has a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer and shredded gel-infused memory foam, which is great for hot sleepers. The filling is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified.
Memory foam is great for back sleepers who have neck pain, because the foam will contour to the head and neck. The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Memory Foam Pillow in a low loft is great for these back sleepers. The pillow’s memory foam is perforated, and the top is infused with copper. This natural mineral helps fight against mold, allergens and dust mites.
You might have heard of Purple and its unique honeycomb-patterned grid layer. This feature, found in all its products, such as the Purple Harmony Pillow, is flexible, supportive and slightly molding like memory foam. The pillow also has a Talalay latex core that’s perforated for airflow. (Talalay latex is a natural latex sourced from rubber trees.) When you put your head down on this pillow, it feels light and slightly bouncy. My head never sank too far into the pillow.
A good down pillow is made of quality materials, with evenly distributed clusters, and it cushions the head and doesn’t feel lumpy. The Brooklinen Down Pillow checks all those boxes. It’s made of 100% down clusters and feathers and covered with a cotton sateen shell. You can also choose the support by opting for plush, mid-plush or firm. I tested the mid-plush option, and I’d say it’s the best for back sleepers (in fact, this option should suit most sleepers). It’s optimal in terms of firmness and support.
Wedge pillows are great for supporting your back while you’re lying in bed working, scrolling on your phone or watching TV. These pillows may also help with snoring, nasal drainage, acid reflux and heartburn. You can also place a wedge pillow under your knees if you have lower-back pain.
This hefty pillow from Saatva is made with a shredded memory and latex foam core. It comes with a soft, knit cover you can remove and wash. Around the core is a graphite-infused memory foam that may help you sleep cooler by pulling the heat away from your head.
Material
Look for pillows made with contouring foams like memory, poly and latex foam and other fill like down or down alternatives.
Loft
Back sleepers should find a pillow with a loft (height) that is not too high nor too low.
Firmness
Pillows that are not too firm nor too soft are perfect for back sleepers. Look for pillows that are right down the middle.
Price
A nice pillow can cost you anywhere from $50 to $100. Pillows with higher-quality materials may be over $150 or $200.
Trial period
You don’t have to commit to a pillow. Look at the trial period to see how long you have to test it out.
The best pillow for back sleepers is one that’s right between a firm, thick pillow and a soft, thin pillow. Back sleepers should look for a foam (memory, poly or latex), down, or down alternative pillow. These pillows will help support the head and keep the neck and spine aligned during the night.
A pillow that’s right between thick and thin is best if you sleep on your back. One that’s too thick may hurt your neck during the night, and one that’s too thin won’t give you enough support. Make sure your spine is aligned when lie down and rest your head on your pillow.
