Feel Supported With the Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow will give you the comfort you need
Original article published by VeryWellHealth.com, March 24, 2022 on VeryWellHealth.com
By Brittany Loggins and Stephanie Valera
If you’re a back sleeper, you may need to do a little more research to find your perfect pillow. A supportive pillow that maintains spinal alignment is best for back sleepers, according to Brittany Loggins and Lauri Leadley, CCSH, RPSGT, a clinical sleep educator and president and co-founder of Valley Sleep Center.
When looking for a pillow, aim for a pillow “that will hold your neck and head in place instead of one that will have your head sinking down to the mattress,” Leadley says. Brian A. Cole, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Englewood Spine Associates, adds that a contoured pillow “should allow a neutral position of the spine when you are lying on your side or on your back.”
We looked at pillow heights and thicknesses, as well as the pillow materials for those who prefer down and those who like memory foam. We evaluated contour and shape options to address different kinds of sleeping positions for back sleepers. We also took coverings into account: whether they were removable for washing, hypoallergenic, and if the material would retain heat or stay cool.
These are the best pillows for back sleepers on the market today.
Best Overall: Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
PROS
- Adjustable
- Includes extra fill
- 100-night sleep trial
CONS
- Strong memory foam smell
- May be too firm for some
Who else recommends it? Good Housekeeping, The Strategist, and The Spruce all picked the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow.
What do buyers say? 88% of 51,900+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
We chose the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft pillow as our top pick because it's made of cross-cut memory foam, so it will perfectly contour your neck in order to create the perfect alignment. The best part is that the memory foam is cut into little pieces, and the pillow comes with extra in case you want to add more and increase firmness.
It also has a washable cover that’s made of a type of rayon that's derived from bamboo. The cover is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant, so you’re sure to avoid any allergens. The pillow is available in queen and king sizes, so you can find a size that fits your bed as well.
Price at time of publication: $72
Cover Material: Polyester, Bamboo-derived viscose-rayon | Stuffing Material: Memory foam | Sizes Available: Queen, king | Machine-washable: Yes
Best Budget: Utopia Bedding Gusseted Pillow
PROS
- Comes in a set of two pillows
- Breathable
- Can be easily shaped for support
CONS
- Pillow may be too soft for some
- Not machine-washable
For those that aren’t sold on a memory foam pillow, but still want something that’s supportive and alignment-friendly, this is the option for you. The Utopia Bedding Gusseted Quilted Pillow has 950-grams of comfortable poly fiber filling that makes it super breathable. Its plush level of firmness allows the pillow to cradle your head and neck for the perfect amount of support. Each pillow has a microfiber shell that resists water so that it can maintain its shape and supportive qualities.
Price at time of publication: $31
Cover Material: Poly cotton | Stuffing Material: Polyester | Sizes Available: Queen, king | Machine-washable: No
Best for Neck Pain: MARNUR Cervical Pillow Memory Foam Orthopedic Pillow
PROS
- Also good for side sleepers
- Ergonomic
- Machine-washable case
CONS
- May take some time to adjust to the pillow
- May be too firm for some
This pillow is a champion for those experiencing any sort of neck pain or discomfort. It’s made of memory foam that has been molded into a butterfly shape that’s designed to maintain the cervical contour of the neck. The central part of the pillow perfectly cradles the neck, while the accompanying wedge extensions help support the thoracic spine.
This pillow also has armrests that allow you to support your hands during sleep. It comes with a detachable pillowcase that’s made of spandex and polyester, so in addition to being super soft, it’s easy to remove and washable.
Price at time of publication: $30
Cover Material: Rayon/polyester | Stuffing Material: Memory foam | Sizes Available: Queen | Machine-washable: Yes
Most Restrictive: YourFacePillow Memory Foam Beauty Pillow
PROS
- Alleviates pressure on face
- Also good for side sleepers
- Cooling memory foam
CONS
- Not ideal for those who move around when they sleep
- May lose firmness after a few uses
Not only does this pillow have a flat bottom and edges that contour perfectly to your neck, but it also has two memory foam edges that will hold your head in place so that you don’t toss and turn throughout the night. Since you’re not turning on your side, you don’t have to worry about any wrinkles or potential acne concerns that come from pressure on your face as you sleep on your side.
Price at time of publication: $100
Cover Material: Bamboo/spandex | Stuffing Material: Memory foam | Sizes Available: Standard, large (21x12x6) | Machine-washable: Yes (outer case)
Best for Multiple Positions: Sweetnight Shredded Memory Foam Cooling Gel Pillow
PROS
- Cooling memory foam
- Hypoallergenic
- Supportive but soft
CONS
- Strong memory foam smell
- May not be ideal for stomach sleepers
This pillow is made of shredded cooling gel memory foam so that you can add in or take out pieces to get your perfect height and firmness. Once you’ve found the correct amount of memory foam shreds, the pillow will perfectly contour to your neck and shoulders.
The covering of the pillow is easily removable and washable. It’s also made of rayon that’s super breathable so that you’re never overheating. No matter how you toss and turn during the night, this pillow will keep you supported.
Cover Material: Bamboo-derived rayon, polyester | Stuffing Material: Gel-infused shredded memory foam | Sizes Available: Standard, queen, king | Machine-washable: Yes (outer cover)
Best Breathable: Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow
PROS
- Cooling gel-infused memory foam
- Dual inner and outer cover
- Available in different heights
CONS
- Not ideal for stomach sleepers
- May be too firm for some
Never worry about your pillow slipping around again because Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Pillow has a flat bottom and a contoured side so that you are truly supported in your perfect alignment all night long. It’s also the perfect option for those that love a memory foam pillow but can’t stand the heat that they typically trap as it has an infused gel particle technology that works to move heat away from the surface of the pillow. The cover of the pillow is made of a washable bamboo-polyester blend that is also super cooling, and even works to wick away moisture.
Price at time of publication: $40
Cover Material: Polyester, bamboo-derived rayon | Stuffing Material: Memory foam | Sizes Available: Standard and King in three heights (Hyper Slim, Ultra Slim, Super Slim) | Machine-washable: Yes (outer cover)
Best for Back Pain: Nature's Guest Standard Size Cervical Pillow
PROS
- Adjustable
- Also good for side sleepers
- Gusseted edge design for stability
CONS
- Not recommended for those looking for a soft pillow
- Limited size options
The layout of this pillow is truly unique. The center features different sides for large and small necks, while the sides are ideal for those that switch into sleeping on their sides in the middle of the night. This indentation at the center also works to keep your spine safe from any movement.
They have a microfiber support filling that can be adjusted to your liking by taking it in or adding in more via a zipper on the side of the pillow. It is designed with neck and cervical support in mind and keeps the head, neck, and spine aligned throughout the night. It’s also great for people who like a firmer pillow.
Price at time of publication: $50
Cover Material: Cotton, silk trim | Stuffing Material: Microfiber polyester | Sizes Available: Standard | Machine-washable: Yes (outer cover)
Best Down-Filled: Parachute Down Pillow
PROS
- Luxurious
- Supportive and durable
- Available in three densities (soft, medium, firm)
CONS
- Expensive
- Not for those allergic to feather fill
Parachute is known for its luxurious, comfortable bedding and sheets but their Down Pillow is also a great pick for back sleepers. It boasts a 750 fill power that offers support and durability while providing the soft and airy quality that makes for a comfortable bedtime routine.
The Parachute Down Pillow comes in three densities—soft, medium, and firm—so you can choose that support that fits you best, although the medium is recommended for back sleepers. The pillow is plush and soft against the head but keeps the neck in the necessary neutral alignment.
Price at time of publication: $129 for soft
Cover Material: Sateen cotton | Stuffing Material: European white down | Sizes Available: Standard, king | Machine-washable: Yes
How We Selected
To find the best pillows for back sleepers, we spoke with sleep experts and specialists, researched and reviewed pillow height and options for ordering different thicknesses, as well as the pillow materials for those who prefer down and those who like memory foam.
We evaluated contour and shape options to address different kinds of sleeping positions for back sleepers. We also took coverings into account: whether they were removable for washing, hypoallergenic, and if the material would retain heat or stay cool. Based on all these factors, we put together this list of best pillows for back sleepers.
What to Look for in Pillows for Back Sleepers
Height
You'll want to find a pillow that either has an adjustable filling or that can be ordered in a variety of thicknesses. For some, a thicker pillow may be more natural for spine alignment, while others might need a flatter option.
You can tell if the pillow is a good fit for you by noticing any unnatural strain that may occur while lying on your back. “Any pillow which maintains the normal curvature of the spine from the neck below is going to be ideal,” says Abhinav Singh, MD, MPH, FAASM, and expert at SleepFoundation.org. “As head sizes and body types vary, the height choice of the pillow will also be variable.”
Material
When shopping for a pillow for a back sleeper, opt for a pillow that holds its support throughout the night — something that is too soft will lose its shape and its support over time, according to Kevin Lees, DC, a chiropractor and the manager of auditing and quality at The Joint Chiropractic in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Memory foam or natural latex are good options that usually hold up for a long time,” says Dr. Lees. “Natural latex is better for those who have chemical sensitivities. For those that feel memory foam or latex is too hot, a cotton filler is a good alternative as it breathes very easily. Cotton does tend to clump over time though, so the durability may not last as long.”
Covering
If you are sensitive to heat, it may also be important to consider the material of the pillow covering and make sure it is cooling and comfortable. To prevent overheating, look for a covering that is made of rayon or bamboo so that it circulates heat. “Another point of consideration could be a pillow that does not let the temperature rise, and allows for breathability, keeping the neck and back and scalp cool,” says Dr. Singh.
Shape
Some types of pillows, such as cervical pillows, are specifically shaped to guide your head and neck into the right angles during sleep. “Cervical pillows help keep the spine in its natural curve through the night,” says Dr. Lees. “They often have a raised area on the edge that supports the neck and allows the head to fall back in a neutral position.” Keep in mind, however, that using a new type of pillow may cause initial soreness until a person gets used to the change. This shouldn’t last more than a couple of days, according to Dr. Lees.
Why Trust Verywell Health
An experienced health writer, Brittany Loggins understands how important it is to have a comprehensive understanding of the products she's recommending. All of the products found in her pieces have either been tested by her first hand or have been recommended by trusted medical professionals.
Additional reporting to this story by Stephanie Valera
Stephanie Valera has written and edited articles for Mashable, Everyday Health, Weather.com, HuffPost, and CBSNewYork.com, among other publications. She was previously editorial director at the environmental organization NRDC, content director at Ziff Davis, and deputy editor at The Weather Channel Digital, where she covered breaking weather news and reported, wrote, and edited features on climate, environment, health, travel, and lifestyle. She has also held editorial positions at CBS, NBC, and BBC America.
About The Joint Chiropractic
The Joint Corp. revolutionized access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail health care business model in 2010. Today, it is the nation’s largest operator, manager and franchisor of chiropractic clinics through The Joint Chiropractic network. The company is making quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for millions of patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. With 800 locations nationwide and nearly 11 million patient visits annually, The Joint Chiropractic is a key leader in the chiropractic industry. Ranked number one on Forbes’ 2022 America’s Best Small Companies list, number three on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list and consistently named to Franchise Times “Top 400+ Franchises” and Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500®” lists, The Joint Chiropractic is an innovative force, where healthcare meets retail. For more information, visit www.thejoint.com.
Business Structure
The Joint Corp. is a franchisor of clinics and an operator of clinics in certain states. In Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, The Joint Corp. and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional chiropractic practices.
Media Contacts
The Joint Corp.
Margie Wojciechowski
[email protected]
Office: (480) 245-5960 x 210
Leadership claim based on network size. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.