Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
If you’re a back sleeper, then you know how hard it can be to find the right pillow. You want something that cradles your head while also ensuring your neck is properly supported and that your airways are kept wide open (to prevent snoring). With so many factors to choose from, it might be frustrating trying to locate the best pillow for back sleepers. Luckily, we’re here to help. To improve your sleeping experience, see the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Below, we take a thorough look at the best back sleeper pillows in terms of cooling, neck support, pricing, and much more. We also include our own editor’s pick for a supportive pillow that checks all the boxes and offers one of the best back sleeping experiences possible. Keep reading to learn more, or for more general information, take a look at our best pillows guide.
Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
- Saatva Pillow – Nerd’s Pick
- TEMPUR-Pedic TEMPUR-Symphony – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Lagoon Lemur Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Coop Home Goods Original Pillow – Best Budget Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Purple Pillow –Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain
Watch our Review
Nerd’s Pick – Saatva Latex Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva pillow features a pillow-on-pillow design that enables users to easily adjust the height to their needs, leading to a great night’s sleep.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewWhile you might primarily sleep on your back, you’ve likely found yourself sleeping on your side for one reason or another. Whether you’re spooning your partner or simply like to switch sleeping positions every now and again to keep things fresh, it helps to have a pillow that will support you no matter what. The Saatva Latex Pillow does just that! Made with a Talalay latex support core wrapped in a plush outer layer, this pillow has enough loft to provide comfort and support as you switch from your side, to your back, to your other side.
The Saatva Latex Pillow has a bouncy feel that will make it easy to shift your position around, but enough pressure relief to allow your head to rest comfortably on the pillow once you land on your back or side. Your purchase comes with a 45-night sleep trial, so if you end up not liking it you can send it back.
What our testers say: “The Saatva pillow is an ideal choice for the average-weight back sleeper. Pillows with a 5” loft generally work best for this sleeping position because it is enough to support your neck and spine. The Saatva pillow’s dual-layer construction creates a balance of pressure relief and support.” –Becca, Editor & Lead Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Latex Pillow
- Hot sleepers
- Those with neck pain
Who Might not Like the Saatva Latex Pillow
- Budget shoppers
- Those who want a traditional memory foam pillow
For more information, read our full Saatva Latex Pillow review.
Best Memory Foam – TEMPUR-Symphony
TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow
The Tempur-Symphony from Tempur-Pedic comes with a dual-sided design, an arched side for back sleepers and a flat side for stomach and side sleepers.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe TEMPUR-Symphony accommodates a wide range of back sleepers and provides exceptional pressure relief. One side of the pillow is flat, which works well for stomach and side sleepers. Since we’re talking about back sleepers, we’ll be focusing on the arched side, which contours to your shape as the back of your head sinks into the memory foam.
The 100% polyester pillow cover is removable and machine washable, making it very easy to keep your pillow fresh smelling and clean. The TEMPUR-Symphony comes with free shipping and a five-year warranty.
What our testers say: “The Tempur-Symphony from Tempur-Pedic comes with a dual-sided design, an arched side for back sleepers and a flat side for stomach and side sleepers. This personalization offers more concentrated support in areas where you need it most, like the neck, head and shoulders, so you can achieve proper spinal alignment while you sleep.” –Becca, Editor & Lead Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the
- Memory foam lovers
- People of all sleeping positions
- Combination sleepers
Who Might not Like the
- Budget shoppers
- Hot sleepers
Read our full TEMPUR-Symphony review.
Best Hypoallergenic – Lagoon Lemur Pillow
Lagoon Lemur Pillow
This medium-soft pillow will appeal to eco-conscious shoppers who appreciate adjustability.
The Lagoon Lemur Pillow, in addition to being hypoallergenic and having an easy-to-clean cover, has a comfortable and eco-friendly construction. Made with bamboo and recycled microfibers designed to mimic the feel of down, this pillow is sustainably sourced and manufactured.
But what makes it good for back sleepers? Well, this pillow is actually great for many different types of sleepers because of its adjustable design. Plus, the medium-soft firmness is wonderful if you want your head to sink into the pillow a bit, but not all the way to the bottom.
What our testers say: “As a back sleeper, there’s a good chance that you’ll want your pillow to be a bit plump, but not so lofty that your neck rests at an awkward angle. With the Lagoon Lemur you simply remove as much filling as you need to achieve this desired shape and size.” –Daniel, Editor & Product Tester
Who Might Like the Lagoon Lemur Pillow
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Budget shoppers
Who Might not Like the Lagoon Lemur Pillow
- Heavier folks
- People who want a firm pillow
Best Budget – Coop Home Goods Pillow
Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow
This shredded memory foam pillow is premium and adjustable, sold with a customization option that allows it to accommodate virtually any body size and sleep position.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewWe believe that it’s worth spending money on proper mattresses, pillows, and other sleep necessities, but if you’re shopping on a tight budget, there are quality pillows that won’t break the bank. We recommend the budget-friendly Coop Home Goods Original Pillow. This adjustable pillow is medium-firm and features a healthy blend of microfiber and memory foam, creating a unique but accommodating sleep environment for your head and neck.
As a back sleeper, one of the things you need to prioritize is optimal spinal alignment, which you can achieve with this pillow, thanks to its ability to adjust to different lofts by removing some of the fluff. The queen size Coop Home Goods Original Pillow starts at $72, making it our choice for best budget pillow.
What our testers say: “You’ll want to purchase the Coop Original Pillow if you prefer firm pillows or if you’re a constant tosser and turner. If you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper or combination sleeper, this pillow could also be for you. Even habitual snorers will find that this adjustable pillow can significantly improve their sleep experience.” –Loren, Editor & Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Coop Home Goods Pillow
- Budget shoppers
- People looking for a firm pillow
Who Might not Like the Coop Home Goods Pillow
- Hot sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
Read our full Coop Home Goods Pillow review.
Best for Neck Pain – Purple Pillow
Purple Pillow
The original Purple pillow is made with the same stretchy, supportive Hyper-Elastic Polymer Smart Comfort Grid as the Purple mattress. We think back sleepers will love it, larger stomach sleepers will like it, and side sleepers will need to add the included boosters to make it more comfortable.
Mattress Nerd Score
3.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewIf you’re a back sleeper who is tired of waking up with a sore or stiff neck each morning, then you’ll want the Purple Pillow, our choice for best pillow for neck pain. Made with unique polymer Purple Grid technology that features hundreds of open air channels, this pillow is extremely soft and supportive, gently cradling your head and neck without exerting extra pressure on these sensitive areas.
The Purple Pillow is made of CertiPUR-US and Clean Air GOLD hypoallergenic materials that won’t aggravate your skin or your sinuses, further adding to the level of comfort you get while you sleep. Finally, the included adjustable pillow boosters let you modify the pillow’s height to best accommodate your preferences. The smallest size starts at $109, which may be a bit steep, but you’ll be glad you invested the money in a pillow that will soothe and prevent neck pain as well as the Purple Pillow.
What our testers say: “The layout of the Purple Grid works in tandem with the breathable pillow cover to make an all-around cool pillow, which is great news for hot sleepers. Any body heat that comes off of you throughout the night would not get trapped within the grid or any of the other materials that make up this pillow. I didn’t notice any heat retention on the Purple pillow after multiple uses.” –Becca, Editor & Lead Accessories Tester
Who Might Like the Purple Pillow
- Sleepers with allergies
- Hot sleepers
Who Might not Like the Purple Pillow
- Budget shoppers
- Combination sleepers who also sleep on their side
Read our full Purple Pillow review.
What Makes a Pillow Good for Back Sleepers
There are many factors that contribute to the quality of a pillow. If you’re a back sleeper in the market for a new pillow, we advise you to take a look at the aspects below to help you make your decision.
Loft
In the world of pillow manufacturing, the pillow’s height is referred to as loft. As a back sleeper, you’re going to want a pillow that isn’t strictly high-loft or low-loft. You want a pillow that’s right in the middle so that it can keep your head and neck level with your spine. When going with an adjustable loft pillow, you can easily adjust the loft to achieve the right amount of height, but with other pillows, you need to consider the fact that you’re stuck with the same loft, so you better be sure it’s the right one.
Support
Support is crucial for a restful sleep, especially if you’re a back sleeper. Your mattress should offer the right amount of support to keep your spine nice and straight, but your pillow should supplement that by keeping your head and neck aligned as well. If you don’t take care to promote proper spinal alignment, you can wake up each morning with lower back pain, muscle and joint stiffness, and an array of other problems.
Materials
The materials used in your pillows can have an impact on your sleep experience. Below are some descriptions of what you might be able to expect with each pillow type.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows are excellent for people suffering from neck and back pain because they mold to the shape of your neck and head, cradling them and offering excellent support. However, compared to other materials, memory foam pillows can trap a lot of heat, leading to uncomfortable sleep experiences for hot sleepers or people in warmer climates. Also, memory foam pillows are made with various chemicals that might give off irritating odors for a short time. See our list of best memory foam pillows for more details.
Latex
Latex pillows are biodegradable, 100% natural, dust-mite resistant, and designed to last for a very long time. You may also like the fact that they can mold to the shape of your head or neck, providing a firm sleep surface for back sleepers. Finally, latex pillows are breathable and cool, allowing them to repel heat much better than memory foam. Unfortunately, the cost of manufacturing latex pillows isn’t cheap, so you can expect to spend a lot of money on this organic option.
Down
Down pillows, similar to feather pillows, are softer and fluffier, making them a prime choice for both back sleepers and some stomach sleepers who want extra loft in their pillow. On the negative side, down pillows can be expensive due to the materials they use, and they require lots of shaking and fluffing to maintain their shapes.
Synthetic Down
Synthetic down pillows, also sometimes known as down alternative pillows, are usually more affordable than traditional down pillows, they retain less heat than other options, and they are naturally hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly. On the other hand, they’re not known for lasting a very long time (typically one or two years), the down alternative material isn’t biodegradable or eco-friendly, and they are not as soft as traditional down pillows.
Other Considerations
Before you go shopping for a new pillow, you don’t want to solely look at the pillow’s materials, pricing, firmness, or other individual aspects. You also want to look at the distributor or manufacturer as a whole. Below we review some important particulars you should look at in a company before you buy their pillows.
Shipping & Returns
Shopping for a pillow online can be tricky since you can’t physically see or feel the pillow. You’re relying on detailed descriptions and images. While most retailers do a good job of accurately portraying the pillow, it’s always good to have a little extra security in your purchase. Many pillow sellers will offer free shipping on orders to help you save money on your purchase, which can be great if you’re buying more expensive options. Also, you’ll want to buy from a seller who offers a trial period. Some pillows don’t feel right at first because they have a break-in period. Look for sleep trial periods, typically 30, 60, or 90 days, where you can test out the pillow and return it within a certain window for a total refund.
Care & Maintenance
No matter what pillow option you go with, it’s crucial that you take care of it if you want it to last a long time. A pillow, like your mattress, is an investment, and it needs to be maintained. Look over your pillow and the associated pillowcase to find out the best ways to wash them. Also look to see if the removable pillow cover is machine washable, and whether the pillow can be dry cleaned. Always double-check care and maintenance instructions on your pillows so that you don’t end up accidentally destroying them during a routine cleaning. Read our article on how to wash pillows for more info.
Pillow Warranties
Like with any big purchase, you want to ensure you have a warranty to protect it. Many pillow sellers offer an included warranty with their products that cover a wide range of flaws with the product. The most common warranty features cover physical flaws that cause the pillow to split or crack despite proper usage and handling, and deterioration of the pillow that may cause the product to not return to its original shape and size. Warranties typically do not cover damages inflicted by improper usage or handling of the pillow by the user.
Bottom Line
You deserve a good night’s rest, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by investing in the perfect pillow that suits your sleep position. Whether you need a pillow that will keep you cool, a pillow that’s super supportive, a pillow that’s adjustable, or all of the above, we believe our recommendations can help you out.
As you shop for new, high-quality pillows, remember to think about your sleep experience. What is your biggest issue when sleeping on your back? What could possibly rectify it? When you answer these questions, it will be much easier to find the right type of pillow for you.
