How We Tested The Pillows
To compile this list, we first researched highly rated pillows on the market. Then, we put our top picks to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating each option’s quality, construction, and durability. For cooling pillows, we measured the pillow’s temperature before and after our testers laid on each for a period of time. Our long-term pillow testers then took each of our picks home to sleep on and test for weeks. They noted if their sleep was enhanced or hurt during this time, earning each pillow high or low marks. With our writer’s research and our tester’s notes, we published our final results.
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
What To Look For In A Pillow For Back Sleepers
The right pillow height: While side sleepers need a high loft and stomach sleepers a low loft pillow, back sleepers should opt for a pillow somewhere in the middle. The perfect pillow for back sleepers will keep your spine aligned, so your neck and shoulders dont tilt in any direction. Dr. Jaspal R. Singh M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine also warns not to put pillows behind your neck, “but instead support your upper back as well in order to maintain neutral cervical spine alignment.”
Don’t forget to peek at the care label: We tested pillows that cannot be machine washed at home or at all. Some require a commercial sized front loading machine while others had just a washable cover. Always look at the care label before purchasing to avoid any surprises. We recommend washing your pillows about every four months and to always use a pillow protector to keep your pillow fresh.
To say goodnight to tossing and turning, shop the best pillows for back sleepers for your best sleep ever:
Soak& sleep 100% Canadian Goose Down Standard Chamber Pillow
This is a superb-quality pillow from its outermost stitch to its deepest layer of padding.
Its a chamber pillow, which means there are multiple compartments inside, each filled with stuffing. In the outer two of this pillows three chambers, thick clusters of Canadian goose down create a luxurious level of fill and keep your head wonderfully well supported.
Thanks to its malleable filling, Soak& Sleeps pillow has tremendous versatility. In our testing, it provided support and comfort while we rested in various positions, including front, back and side. We also liked the use of two seams around the edge, which seems to help the pillow keep its shape.
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How Many Pillows Should Back Sleepers Use
The number of pillows you should have in your bed each night depends on your sleeping position and comfort level. In general, back sleepers should use one supportive pillow under their neck.
If low back pain is an issue, you can also place a pillow beneath your knees. This can help relieve pressure in your lower back.
The Best Pillows For 2022 Are:
- Best overall Soak& Sleep 100% Canadian goose down standard chamber pillow: £195, Soakandsleep.com
- Best memory foam support Nectar a whole nights sleep adjustable memory foam pillow: £56.43, Nectarsleep.co.uk
- Best soft feel eve the fluffable feather pillow: £79, Evesleep.co.uk
- Best supportiveness Brook + Wilde perla hybrid pillow: £249, Brookandwilde.com
- Best adjustability Simba hybrid pillow: £81.75, Simbasleep.com
- Best wool-stuffed pillow Woolroom chatsworth collection washable wool pillow standard: £74.99, Thewoolroom.com
- Best for front-sleepers Scooms Hungarian goose down pillow standard: £80, Scooms.com
- Best wedge-shaped pillow eve the wedge microfibre pillow: £39, Evesleep.co.uk
- Best hypoallergenic pillow Woolroom classic wool pillow: £52.99, Thewoolroom.com
- Best temperature regulating pillow Otty deluxe gel pillow: £44.99, Otty.com
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Wondersleep Premium Adjustable Loft Pillows
- Fill: memory foam
Key features: The WonderSleep Premium pillow is fully adjustable and designed to improve your sleeping posture. Filled with 100 percent shredded memory foam and wrapped in a breathable cover, the WonderSleep puts you in control of the firmness. For a firmer pillow, simply add foam. To decrease the firmness, remove the foam filling until you find the right support for your back and neck.
It also comes with stay-cool material and a breathable cover that helps keep you cool. Plus, you get two pillows, which makes the WonderSleep an affordable option for couples.
Considerations: The pillows tend to have an odor, so be prepared to let them breathe before using.
How Much Do Pillows Cost
Pillows range anywhere from $10 to upwards of $200, so you should be able to find a model that fits your budget. Materials and craftsmanship tend to have the most impact on price, but pillow type, size, and brand can also influence price-points.
- Size: Price generally increases with size. That said, a luxury pillow model could be three times the cost of a mid-range model of the same size. Custom sizes or specialty models tend to be pricier because they are less common.
- Type: Not all pillow types require the same construction or craftsmanship. Handcrafted, ergonomic, or more complex designs typically command higher price-points than standard pillows.
- Material: Material type and quality heavily influence pricing. Down, latex, and memory foam tend to drive up cost, while polyester and polyfoam models are usually more economical. Natural and organic materials can also increase price-points.
- Brand: While many shoppers are willing to spend more for brand recognition, an affordable generic model is sometimes comparable to well-known brand products that cost more. Be sure to compare different brands and models to ensure youre getting the best deal.
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Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Back sleepers, no matter the body type, need a pillow thats right in the middle in terms of height. You want your head and neck in a neutral position, while keeping your chin in line with your sternum. And Brooklyn Bedding makes a pillow thats a win for back sleepers out there.
The brands Talalay latex pillow is soft but supportive at the same time. You wont sink too far into this pillow, but youll get plush comfort and support.
This pillow wont sleep hot thanks to the perforated latex foam, and it comes in two loft options, low and high. Back sleepers have the luxury of using either loft, but the high loft option is a win if you have a snoring problem.
What Makes Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow Stand Out?
- This pillow combines comfort and support all while being relatively affordable!
- It wont trap heat due to perforations in the foam and a breathable cotton cover.
- Two loft options makes it truly versatile for all back sleepers.
Find The Right Mattress
Back sleepers dont just need the right pillow they also need a mattress that supports their sleeping position.
In general, avoid a mattress that is too soft or firm, especially if you are prone to low back pain. The ideal mattress will provide a medium level of firmness to keep your body in a supported position.
If possible, seek recommendations from a sleep or mattress expert who can help you choose a mattress with the right firmness and pressure points.
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Layla Kapok Memory Foam Pillow
- Blend of foam and soft fibers
- Good for multiple sleep positions
- Grey pattern may be visible under pillowcases
- Fill material: Memory foam/kapok blend
- Firmness level: Medium-plush
With comfort you have to feel to believe, this one is surprisingly plush yet still supportive thanks to its innovative blend of shredded memory foam with soft and fluffy kapok . The fill is also adjustable so it works with multiple sleep styles or for people who often change positions.
It easily bounced back to shape after we applied weights in our tests to mimic a head lying on it overnight. Just note that because the pillow uses a grey pattern on its outer cover, it may be visible under white pillowcases.
Tester notes: It earned the highest overall ratings from our consumer testers. They gave it perfect scores for comfort, support and overall satisfaction, plus they said it kept its shape and had them waking up without feeling sore. A tester highlighted how she was able to stop using two pillows by switching to this one, while another summarized, “I like the softness, how supportive it feels and how it is moldable.”
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
Choose The Right Pillow For You
Knowing what pillows are best to use to sleep comfortably can be challenging. Hopefully, our guide has been helping you make an informed choice about any future pillow purchases, regardless of whether you are a back sleeper or a side sleeper.
Just remember the general rule those who sleep on their back will require softer pillows than side sleepers.
At Sleepseeker, we have a range of bedding to choose from including duvets, luxury pillows and electric blankets.
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Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow Set
- Easy to clean and keeps its shape
- Good value for the pair
- Too high for those who switch positions to their stomachs
- Fill material: Polyester down alternative
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
Designed specifically for side and back sleepers, the poly stuffing is lightweight yet still significantly firmer than other down alternatives. It aced all of our Lab’s evaluations, including pillowcase fit, shrinkage after laundering and how well it kept its shape after we applied weight. This is especially important because side sleepers need their pillow to keep its shape all night for proper alignment.
On top of that, it uses a synthetic down alternative, which is ideal for easy care and a lower cost. In fact, this set of two pillows cost less than other individual ones. The fill also prevents it from feeling too dense, which can sometimes be a downside to pillows made for side sleepers.
Tester notes: Our entire panel was impressed with how it stood up to pressure, and a user told us it “kept its shape better than any other pillow I’ve ever used.” More importantly, they all rated it supportive and comfortable to sleep on. One even called out its luxurious attention to detail, saying it had “excellent quality with good materials and stitching.”
Best Pillow for Back Sleepers
From $99 At Casper And Amazon
Casper describes this pillow as feeling like a marshmallow and we couldnt agree more thats exactly what this pillow feels like. The squishy yet supportive Casper Hybrid pillow has a synthetic fill core surrounded by an outer layer of memory foam, which offers the perfect balance between excellent support and comfortable plushness, unlike some other foam pillows which we found too firm or too soft in our testing. The ventilation holes in the foam layer also give the Casper Hybrid an advantage over other memory foam pillows it never left us feeling overheated while sleeping, so its a great choice if you are a hot sleeper.
While the Hybrid Pillow is sold for general use, we liked it for sleeping on our side because of its rectangular shape and substantial side gusset, which helped keep our head elevated in a comfortable position but didnt dig into our shoulder or neck. It also kept its shape throughout the night.
The Hybrid Pillow comes in two heights, regular with a 2-inch gusset and low loft with a 1.25-inch gusset. You can take a quiz on Caspers website to help determine which loft height is right for you. Casper recommended a low loft pillow for our testers needs and we found it was the perfect size for our petite tester, so if you have a larger frame you may want to consider the regular loft size.
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Lie On The Pillow For At Least 15 Minutes To Get A Good Feel
Susan J. Gordon, Ph.D., research professor at the Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Adelaide, Australia, who has studied the effect of pillow types in relation to sleep quality and their effect on waking back and neck pain, recommends lying on a pillow for at least 15 minutes when trying it out. Thats the time it takes for the body to fully settle so youll know whether or not the pillow is right for you.
Best Pillow For Combination Sleepers
Some folks are strictly side sleepers, some love to slumber on their backs, and others settle into the stomach-sleeping position every night. But what if you rock every sleep style during the course of your 40 winks? Well, youll need the perfect all-position pillow, of course. And thats where my roundup of the best pillows for combination sleepers comes in!
In this guide, Im presenting my top 10 favorite pillows for combo sleepers, all of which Ive personally tested. Ill show you what theyre made of, how they feel, and leave you with a few tips and tricks to guide you in your search when youre shopping on your own!
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What To Consider When Purchasing A Pillow For Back Sleepers
Sometimes companies use copywriting to make their pillows sound wonderful without actually telling you what you need to know about the pillow. Instead of buying a pillow because it feels like a cloud or will make you sleep like a baby, assess the characteristics that are most important to you as a back sleeper.
Before purchasing a pillow, make sure you have an understanding of its loft, firmness level, shape, and materials. Determine how supportive the pillow is and how well it relieves pressure. Also, be sure to take into consideration the cost to ensure you stay within your budget.
When you focus on the key characteristics of a pillow rather than poetic, abstract claims, youre more likely to end up purchasing a pillow that will provide the support and comfort youre seeking.
LoftThe loft of a pillow refers to how thick the pillow is without anything on top of it. Back sleepers tend to prefer medium-loft pillows, which are those that measure between 3 and 5 inches thick. With a medium-loft pillow, most back sleepers will maintain spinal alignment.
SupportA supportive pillow will hold your head and neck in place, rather than allow them to sink all the way down to the mattress. In a pillow, support generally results from a combination of a pillows loft, firmness level, and materials.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Made with 100 percent silk for the filling, this pillow will provide combination sleepers with a soft, luxurious feel. Its easy to mold to the shape of your liking and is temperature regulating, so sleepers shouldnt overheat. Its designed to be oversized to make it work for a variety of sleepers.
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Support Your Sleep Position
Support refers to how well a pillow keeps the head and neck in optimal alignment. Good sleep posture is key to avoiding aches and pains the next morning. Material type, loft, and firmness all influence relative support.
Different body types have varying support needs. Heavier sleepers generally require more supportive pillows to keep a pillow from flattening too much.
Where you place a pillow to promote good posture is also important. The best option for you depends on your sleep position.
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What Kind Of Pillow Is Best For Back Sleepers
The best pillow for back sleepers is one that will support the natural head, neck and spinal alignment of the body. Please keep in mind that this is not the same thing as an exact straight line. Our bodies have a natural curve to them – this is noticeable when sleepers place their hands behind their heads and move them down toward the shoulders – the curvature is prominent in this point.The best pillow for back sleepers is one that supports this natural curve. One that is too firm will push the head forward, generating neck strain and discomfort. Likewise, a pillow thats too soft or flat will cause the head to fall too far back, exaggerating the curve of the neck and increasing the likelihood of neck pain as well.
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How To Choose A Pillow If You Sleep On Your Back
If youre looking for a pillow but dont know where to start, here are some things to consider:
- may reduce sinus congestion
- helps avoid wrinkles, creases, and irritations to the facial skin
But for all its benefits, back sleeping still isnt for everyone. People who are pregnant may find this sleep position puts too much pressure on their bellies. Those with back pain or sleep apnea may also need to avoid sleeping on their backs.
How you sleep is a matter of preference, but there are some ways to help improve your sleep quality if youre a back sleeper.
The Best Pillows For Back Sleepers
by Summer | Oct 28, 2022 | Sleeping FAQ’s |
If you are a back sleeper, you know how important it is to find a pillow that supports your neck and spine. There are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for pillows for back sleeping. First, you want to find a pillow that is firm. A firm pillow will provide the support you need to keep your spine aligned. A soft pillow will not provide the same support and may actually cause your spine to curve. Second, you want to find a pillow that is the right size. A pillow that is too big or too small can cause neck pain. Finally, you want to find a pillow that is comfortable. A comfortable pillow will allow you to sleep through the night without waking up with a neckache.
To sleep side by side, you should have a pillow that keeps your shoulders, neck, and head in neutral, comfortable positions. We decided to look for the best side-sleeping pillows in our search. Hundreds of pillows are sold specifically for side-sleeping. Elis Elm Side Sleeper pillow has a U-shaped cutout that allows your shoulder to be hidden when you sleep side by side. A synthetic fill layer is sandwiched between the memory foam layer and the memory foam filling in the Casper Hybrid pillow. It provides excellent support as well as a comfortable plush sensation. Even though the shape does not fit well in standard pillow cases, the cover is removable and washable.
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