The 18 Best Pillows for Back Sleepers

When it comes to sleep, everyone has a unique sleeping position. Some individuals prefer sleeping on their stomach, while others sleep on their backs or sides. In order to have a good night’s sleep, it is necessary to have the right pillow for your mattress to support you.

Having the right pillow can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and waking up tired with aches and pains. Especially as a back sleeper, this sleeping position can result in a disrupted night of sleep, back pain, and even sleep apnea.

Those who sleep on their backs require specific pillows to keep their heads and spine aligned in order to avoid waking up with unwanted pain. The key to getting a comfortable night’s sleep is having a supportive pillow.

While finding such a supportive pillow is crucial for back sleepers, it can be a daunting task to find what pillows are the best. We’ve rounded up the 18 best back sleeper pillows so you can find the right one that you need!

The Ultimate Pillows for Back Sleepers

1. Relax the Back Technogel® Back Sleeper Pillow

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The Technogel ContourGel Back Sleeper Pillow has been designed to provide sleepers with support and relief while they are sleeping. This pillow features a curved surface to help cradle your head and allows you to roll from your back and side with ease.

It comprises Technogel’s patented cooling gel that is molded to the base and plays a key role in harmonizing your body so that you can have replenishing rest.

If you are looking to get a pillow that maintains your sleeping posture throughout the night and provides you with comfortable sleep, then this may be the best option to add to your home and your mattress.

This pillow includes a system of top-to-bottom air tunnels that enhances thermal conductivity to keep you cooled off and comfortable during the night. The design of this one keeps your head and neck aligned as well as promotes cervical spine alignment. It also comes with a soft and removable zipper cover.

The material used to produce this cover is a durable, soft, and solid gel and it’s free of all plasticizer oils. This material is also great for your health as it is toxic-free and free of odors.

The pillow’s unique design is paired with a patented gel that’s molded to the base, keeping your body supported during the night. When it comes to comfort and support, this pillow ranks at the top of which best pillows are superior on this list for back sleepers.

Key Features

  • Features Technogel’s patented gel
  • Comprises elevated side lofts
  • Comes with a zippered cover
  • Has a system of top-to-bottom air tunnels
  • Made from soft solid gel

Pros

  • Switches to the shape and height of your sleeping position
  • Does not consist of any plasticizer oils
  • Toxic-free, and free of any odors
  • Gentle feel

Cons

  • High in price

2. Helix Sleep Wedge Pillow

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A key advantage of using a wedge pillow under your head for sleeping helps is that it minimizes or completely eliminates neck pain for any back sleeper, and it may be the best pillow to elevate your legs for overall maximum back support.

This wedge pillow from Helix is ideal for you as it provides neck support while you rest or relax on your mattress. It also is beneficial for sleepers that deal with acid reflux, heartburn, and snoring. It even improves your breathing and circulation.

There is also a layer of cooling technology in this foam pillow that keeps you comfortable throughout the night and perfectly adjusts with your body curves to relieve you from any neck or back pain to get the sleep you need.

All in all, this is one of the best back sleeper pillows as it offers the essential needs that back and side sleepers require.

Key Features

  • Equipped with a layer of cooling foam
  • Produced in the USA
  • Includes a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer

Pros

  • Versatile design
  • Beneficial for acid reflux, heartburn, and snoring
  • Improves your breathing and circulation
  • Adjust to your body’s curves

Cons

  • Non-adjustable level of firmness

3. Leesa Hybrid Pillow

Hybrid pillow 1

The Leesa Hybrid Pillow is produced using a fabric that features chilling fibers for a refreshing and restful sleep. It’s also extremely supportive, making it great for back sleeping.

This hybrid pillow from Leesa comes with removable pillow inserts that are present between a down-like, quilted layer. The zipper in this pillow also allows you to change the support level of your pillow.

It is also adjustable and reversible, allowing for easy maintenance and more options when it comes to helping you get the rest you need.

Key Features

  • Consists of cool-to-the-touch fabric
  • Features chilling fibers
  • Comes with removable pillow inserts
  • Features a zipper to change the support level

Pros

  • Adjustable and reversible
  • Comfortable to sleep on
  • Best for neck and shoulder pain

Cons

  • Some initial odors might be present
  • May be too heavy for some people

4. Tempurpedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

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The design of this firm TEMPUR Neck Pillow provides you both support and proper body alignment. Derived from a firm TEMPUR Material, this pillow comes in 3 different sizes so that it suits all body types and sleep preferences.

While the level of firmness on this pillow is not customizable, it creates a quality foundation for your head and neck to rest upon.

It’s also perfect for back sleeping as its ergonomic design matches the curves of your body and perfectly supports your head, neck, and shoulders while you are sleeping. This firm pillow also comes with a 5-year warranty, making it a worthwhile investment.

Key Features

  • Available in 3 different sizes
  • Made from TEMPUR Material
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty
  • Suitable for all body types and sleep preferences

Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • Supports your head, neck, and shoulders
  • Matches the curves of your body

Cons

  • Non-washable foam

5. Sharper Image 10-In-1 Flip Pillow

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The 10-in-1 Flip Pillow is a worthwhile choice to suit all of your back-sleeping needs because it can be transformed into different positions that allow you to use it comfortably. This is a highly-versatile pillow as it features a two-piece design; you can use this pillow as a wedge or you can use it as a backrest.

This pillow comes in two sizes: standard size (29” x 20” x 8”) or Queen/King size (29” x 30” x 8”). This pillow is also suitable for those who have gastric or breathing issues. If you sleep on your stomach, then it will also aid you in your spine alignment, providing a great level of comfort.

The cover of this pillow consists of 100% polyester and the fill of the pillow is also 100% polyester.

Key Features

  • Available in 2 sizes
  • Features two-piece design
  • 1-year warranty
  • Comes with a 100% polyester cover
  • Has a 100% polyester fill

Pros

  • Can be transformed into various positions
  • Pleasant to sleep on
  • Keeps your spine supported
  • Versatile
  • Great for back sleeping

Cons

  • Smaller in size

6. Relax the Back Tempur-Contour Side-to-Back Pillow

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The Tempur Contour Side-to-Back Pillow is a unique and ergonomic pillow that keeps your neck and spine supported while in use. It features its first-ever dual-feel design that’s made from a supportive Tempur foam base.

This pillow has been designed while keeping in mind back and side sleepers as well as those who find themselves tossing and turning throughout the night.

It also features firm edges and a soft feel. Included with this pillow is a soft, breathable, and 100% knit cover, making it a great fit for your home and your mattress.

Key Features

  • Features a first-ever dual-feel design
  • 5-year warranty
  • Comes with a premium knit cover

Pros

  • Perfect for side sleeping and back sleeping
  • Firm edges
  • Soft center feel
  • The cover is breathable and soft

Cons

  • May be too firm for some

7. Avocado Green Pillow

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The Avocado Green Pillow is an eco-friendly pillow that is made up of all-natural materials. This pillow works perfectly hand-in-hand with Avocado’s Green Mattress.

The organic pillow features a customized amount of natural GOLS organic certified latex ribbons and GOTS organic certified kapok tree fiber. The fiber has an organic cotton fill and is zipped inside the GOTS organic cotton quilted cover.

This organic pillow is light, airy, and cool and allows you to be able to sleep in various kinds of positions by keeping your neck and head supported.

Key Features

  • Handmade
  • Made up of all-natural materials
  • Features GOLS organic certified latex rubber foam ribbons
  • Consists of GOTS organic certified kapok tree fiber
  • Comes with GOTS organic cotton quilted cover

Pros

  • Cooling material
  • Relaxes your neck and head
  • Great for back sleeping
  • All-natural materials

Cons

  • May be too heavy for some

8. AlwaysCool Gel Memory Foam Medium Support Contour Pillow

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This next product has an ergonomic design that adjusts with the curves of your head, neck, and shoulders so that you can get healthy and pleasant sleep, especially when back sleeping.

This foam pillow features an active relief foam that keeps your sleeping environment cool by creating cool infusions. The specialized foam decompresses quickly and fully.

It also comes with an easy-to-remove, machine-washable cover. The ventilation holes and the polyester cover make this pillow breathable and a great addition to your home and your mattress.

Key Features

  • Features an ergonomic contour design
  • Comes with a polyester cover
  • Features many ventilation holes

Pros

  • The cover is easy to wash
  • Adjusts with the curves of your head, neck, and shoulders
  • Machine-washable cover

Cons

  • May be too soft for some

9. Sealy Gel Memory Foam Medium Cooling Support Bed Pillow

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This next pillow for back sleepers has the perfect mixture of comfort and support for a night of healthy sleep. This pillow features a cooling layer l that works to give the pillow a refreshing and cool-to-the-touch sensation and provides proper support.

Unlike other pillows, this foam pillow features a dimensional design that keeps you relaxed and relieves tension. 

The high-quality foam effectively adapts to your body’s shape, providing support to your head and neck through-and-through. This pillow includes an easy-to-remove mesh cover that is machine-washable.

The mesh cover is responsible for enhancing the cooling capabilities of the pillow, while the center cut out provides a direct cooling sensation.

Key Features

  • Features cooling gel
  • Has a dimensional design
  • Includes a mesh cover
  • Has a center cut out

Pros

  • Gives you a refreshing sleeping sensation
  • Adapts to the many curves of your body
  • Provides shoulder and neck support

Cons

  • The gel side may feel a bit bumpy at first use

10. Gwendolyn Best Elevating Medium Memory Foam 21″ x 24″ Wedge Pillow

This next high-quality pillow makes a great addition to your bedtime essentials in your home. Featured in this pillow is a zippered pillow cover that is easy to remove and clean.’

The inner workings of this pillow are extremely breathable, and it’s also anti-bacterial and mite-resistant. You can use this one for resting or you can use it to elevate your legs to get relief from leg or back pain.

This pillow will also always retain its shape because it is made up of a dense luxury foam.

Key Features

  • Equipped with 45D foam
  • Comes with a 25D cotton and polyester knit cover
  • Zippered pillow cover

Pros

  • Gives you a refreshing sleeping sensation
  • Adapts to the many curves of your body
  • Provides shoulder and neck support

Cons

  • The gel side may feel a bit bumpy at first use

11. Natural Pedic Memory Foam Wedge Pillow

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The Natural Pedic Memory Foam Wedge Pillow uses a supportive foam, making it a great option for back sleepers. This pillow provides you relief from the discomfort of acid reflux, snoring, heartburn, pregnancy, neck pain, and shoulder pain.

This wedge pillow also a cover that is soft and easy to remove. The gradual incline on the wedge pillow provides structure to your back, which is essential for back sleepers. This pillow is compact so you can easily carry it along with you while you are traveling.

Made from memory foam, this wedge pillow will perfectly adapt to your shape, making it best for sleeping on your back.

Key Features

  • Uses a high-quality memory foam
  • Comes with a removable cover
  • Compact design

Pros

  • Supports your back
  • Convenient zipper for easy removal for cleaning
  • The cover is easy to remove and clean

Cons

  • May have a strong initial smell

12. Nuzzle Memory Foam Standard Pillow

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To extend its innovative line of products, Sharper Image partnered with Sinmax USA to combine high-quality technology with its advanced bedding collection, making the Nuzzle Memory Foam Standard Pillow.

This pillow features a unique curved design that will enhance your nighttime routine. This pillow supports the natural form of your body and minimizes tension from your muscles, making it a great option for back sleepers. The scooped shape of this unique pillow cradles your neck and shoulders.

This pillow is wrapped in a moisture-wicking cover that provides a cool sleeping environment, making it best for hot sleepers.

Key Features

  • Unique curved design
  • Scoop-shaped pillow
  • Comes with a moisture-wicking cover

Pros

  • Provides a cool environment
  • Minimizes the tension from your muscles
  • Cradles your neck and shoulders

Cons

  • May be too thick for some

13. Delaware Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Total U Shaped Fiber Pillow

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This next pillow for back sleepers features an incredible loft, comfort, and plushness. It is a wraparound pillow that eliminates your need for having two separate ones. This body pillow is a beneficial solution for those who sleep on their backs, who toss and turn throughout their slumber, and for pregnant women. This pillow will also keep you safe from sciatica and pain throughout your body.

Key Features

  • Comes with a removable cover
  • Wraparound pillow so it eliminates the need for two separate ones
  • Suitable for many sleepers including pregnant women, back sleepers, and those who frequently toss and turn

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic material
  • Includes a pillowcase and removable cover
  • Machine-washable

Cons

  • May be too heavy for some

14. Nature’s Guest Cervical Pillow

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This next pillow for back sleepers features an incredible loft, comfort, and plushness. It is a wraparound pillow that eliminates your need for having two separate ones.

This body pillow is a beneficial solution for those who sleep on their backs, who toss and turn throughout their slumber, and for pregnant women. This pillow will also keep you safe from sciatica and pain throughout your body.

Key Features

  • Comes with a removable cover
  • Wraparound pillow so it eliminates the need for two separate ones
  • Suitable for many sleepers including pregnant women, back sleepers, and those who frequently toss and turn

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • The fill of the pillow is easy to access
  • Firmness is adjustable

Cons

  • Thin design

15. BeautifulLife Back Pain Relief Memory Foam Pillow

This Bed Roll Pillow from BeautifulLife features a 100% premium visco-elastic foam that is hypoallergenic. Memory foam pillows are typically best at providing support to all of the pressure points on your body, and the same goes for this one.

This firm memory foam pillow comforts your lower back, hips, knees, legs, and ankles, making it the perfect choice for back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers.

The firmness of this pillow provides you with extra cushion and lumbar support while you are using it for resting or sitting. This pillow is covered by a breathable and machine-washable organic cotton cover.

Key Features

  • Made of a 100% premium visco-elastic memory foam
  • Comes with a removable cover

Pros

  • The cover is breathable and washable
  • Provides you with lumbar structure
  • Provides you with relief from lower body pain and sciatic nerve pain

Cons

  • Some may not like the firm pillow feel

16. Bluewave Bedding Super Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow

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This next standard-sized pillow has a height of just 3.25 inches, making it a low profile pillow. With this pillow, stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and side sleepers can rest comfortably during the night. Its thin and flat design prevents snoring and reduces overall body aches and pains.

It uses gel-infused particle technology that absorbs excessive heat and removes it from the surface. It also features an ergonomically designed ventilation hole that enhances air circulation in the center of the pillow, keeping your head and neck cool while you catch some shut-eye.

This is also a CERTIPUR-US Memory Foam pillow that does not have any sort of harmful additives, odor, and is also hypoallergenic. The cover of this pillow is made up of a combination of bamboo and polyester, making it temperature regulating as the bamboo material is moisture-wicking.

Key Features

  • Height of 3.25 inches
  • Features gel-infused particle technology
  • Features a ventilation hole
  • Includes a CERTIPUR-US Memory Foam
  • Includes a cover made up of a blend of bamboo and polyester

Pros

  • No odors
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Not made from harmful additives
  • The bamboo cover is cooling and moisture-wicking

Cons

  • May be too thick for some

17. Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow

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This next pillow features a concave center that cradles your head and neck, providing quality support. This pillow helps to restore the proper curvature of your spine alignment. The cover of this USA-made pillow is made up of a combination of 50% polyester and 50% cotton.

You can use this pillow to treat various conditions that might affect your neck, as it has a Tri-Core that offers therapeutic benefits. This pillow for back sleepers is suitable for most adults, as it helps in restoring your body posture while you are catching some shut-eye.

This pillow for back sleepers provides you with relief from headaches, neck injury, and arthritis. It’s also hypoallergenic and features 100% polyester fiberfill.

Key Features

  • Features a concave center
  • Dimensions are 24 x 16 x 3 inches
  • 1.2 pounds in weight
  • Has a 100% polyester fiberfill
  • Includes 50% polyester and 50% cotton cover

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Helps restore the proper curvature of the spine
  • Affordable

Cons

  • You may need to adjust to the pillow over several weeks
  • May be too firm for some

18. MARNUR Cervical Pillow

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With a size of 23.5” x 14.5” x 15.5”, the special design of this contour pillow is ideal for back sleepers, side sleep, and stomach sleepers. This pillow is also beneficial for people who continuously toss and turn throughout their night’s sleep.

The ergonomic design of this pillow maintains the natural curve of your neck so that your neck has proper support that you’re sure to like. The wedge extension of this pillow also provides support to the thoracic spine while the center cavity cradles your head for maximum support, making it a perfect pillow for back sleepers.

Also featured in this pillow are special armrests so that you can relax your hands while you are resting. These types of memory foam pillows have high and low curved surfaces at both ends that offer a custom fit for satisfying the needs of various sleepers and enhances your breathing so that you can have a refreshing slumber.

This pillow is made up of skin-friendly memory foam that does not let mold grow.

The slow-rebound memory foam also allows the pillow to retain its shape while supporting your head, neck, and shoulders. This pillow also includes a pillowcase that you can add or remove and is made from a combination of rayon and polyester.

This removable pillowcase is also machine washable. The outer cover makes the pillow long-lasting while the inner cover i.e. made up of polyester, keeps the foam clean.

Key Features

  • Has a size of 23.5” x 14.5” x 15.5”
  • Features a wedge extension
  • Has armrests
  • Made up of memory foam
  • Comes with a pillowcase that you can easily add or remove

Pros

  • Maintains its shape
  • The cover is easy to wash
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Skin-friendly

Cons

  • Does not include care instructions
  • May be too soft for some

Buyer’s Guide

There are a plethora of pillows on the market, but what are the best pillows for back sleepers? The best back pillow for you is the one that fits both your sleeping needs as well as your sleeping position. In order to help you find the right one for you, we have listed some features to look out for if your sleep on your back.

The Size of the Back Sleeper Pillow

Back pillows typically come in 6 different sizes, including:

The Small-size

Small-sized pillows feature foam or are produced from material like buckwheat. The measurements of these pillows are 20″ (width) x 12” (length).

The Standard-size

Standard-sized pillows are popular on the market because they are compact and have a very low price. These pillows are not suitable for those who toss and turn throughout their slumber because their head may easily slip off from one side. The measurements of these pillows are typically 20” (width) x 26” (length).

The Super Standard-size

These pillows are 2-inches longer than the standard-sized pillow. Unlike a standard-sized pillow, this pillow is ideal for those individuals who toss and turn. Measurement: 20” (width) x 28” (length).

The Queen-size

Queen-sized pillows are 4 inches longer than those of standard ones and are ideal for people who toss and turn. Measurement: 20” (width) x 30” (length).

The King-Size

King-sized pillows may be a great fit for you if you desire a long pillow. These pillows make for comfortable backrests or headrests that you can use for sleeping, reading, or just relaxing in bed. The measurements of these pillows are typically 20” (width) x 36” (length).

The Euro-sized

Unlike other standard-sized ones, euro-sized pillows are square. While they have different dimensions across the board, the most common measurements are 26” (width) x 26” (length) and 20” (width) x 20” (length). The majority of people don’t use them for sleeping, as they are typically used as backrests and headrests.

The Body-sized

If you like to snuggle with your pillow, then body pillows are the perfect choice for you. The dimensions of such pillows vary but usually, they have a length of 48” or 54” according to the shape of the pillow you are choosing. These pillows are also available in different shapes, such as a C-shape, U-shape, or a J-shape.

The Shape of the Back Sleeper Pillow

Back pillows can either have even or contoured surfaces. Even-surfaced ones can have a full or flat shape depending on what material they have. Curved-surface pillows include foam pillows that are elevated below the neck but are recessed below the head.

These pillows are great for back sleepers, as they help alleviate body aches in the neck and shoulders. Because these pillows are so beneficial, finding the right one for you is crucial to waking up well-rested each morning.

The Loft of the Pillow

The loft or thickness of a pillow is one of the most important elements for back sleepers. If a pillow is too thick or too thin, it can have a dramatic effect on your spinal alignment. There are 3 categories of pillow loft:

  • Low-loft: Low loft pillows have a thickness of 3”
  • Medium-Loft: These pillows have a thickness of 3” – 5”
  • High-Loft: Pillows that have a thickness of more than 5”

Most back sleepers prefer to use either medium-loft pillows or high-loft pillows because they keep the head and neck elevated, and help the sleeper maintain their spinal alignment and cut down on snoring. On the other hand, low-loft pillows cause your head to drop to the back of the pillow, resulting in more snoring as well as more pain.

Choosing the perfect pillow loft for yourself depends on many different factors like your body weight, the width of your shoulders, and the firmness of the mattress you are currently using.

The Mold-ability of the Back Pillow

Another characteristic that you should be considering in your back sleeper pillow is the mold-ability of it. Some pillows can easily retain their original shape after long-term use. On the other hand, some pillows are moldable and match the position of the sleeper.

Highly-moldable pillow options available on the market include feathers, down, and buckwheat while the least-moldable pillow options are solid foam as well as latex foam pillows.

The Price

The cost of a pillow for back sleepers depends upon the brand, firmness level, and the material used, so take these factors into consideration when deciding which pillow is the best for you.

Conclusion

Overall, there are a multitude of options of pillows for back sleepers available on the market, but selecting the best pillow for you can be a lengthy process. With our complete guide to some of the best pillows for back sleepers, you can be on your way to the sleep of your dreams!

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Macie Maislin

My mother told me to follow my dreams, so I took a nap.