Best Pillows For Back Pain

How To Choose The Best Pillow For Back Sleepers

There are many pillows to choose from for back sleepers, so we spoke with experts to find out how to find the best pillow. All of the experts agreed there is no perfect pillow that will work for everyone, and that a good pillow should keep the head, neck and spine in a neutral position.

While many pillows are marketed for specific sleeping positions, the arguments for their effectiveness are largely anecdotal. Theres actually no scientific evidence that a given pillow labeled for a certain sleep position, such as back sleeping, will work for an individual, says Andrew Varga, M.D., neuroscientist and physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center.

During our testing, we kept this expert consensus in mind, and worked with the understanding that there wasnt one perfect pillow for anyone we looked for a pillow that would let us achieve a neutral, comfortable, supported sleeping position and we didnt always like the pillows sold for a given specific position.

However, while testing pillows we did find in general that manufacturers sleep position labeling gives a good starting point to finding the right pillow. Most pillows for back sleepers, for example, are more supportive and lofty compared to pillows for stomach sleepers that are softer and flatter, so youll want to take this into consideration, at least as a starting point, when trying to find a pillow to suit your needs.

When You Should See A Doctor About Back Pain

Though some back pain can be managed or treated at home, there comes a time when your pain should be addressed with your doctor. Dr. Shah says you should seek medical attention in these scenarios.

• Youre experiencing night sweats on the regular.
• You have fevers along with your pain.
• Your back is swollen or red.
• You have a sudden, unexplained weight loss.
• Your back pain has not improved after seven days of home treatment.
• Your pain is constant or intense, specifically when lying down.
• You have weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.

Best Pillow For Side And Back Sleepers With Neck Pain

The best pillow for side and back sleepers with neck pain is one that is firm and supportive. It should provide adequate alignment for the spine and neck, and it should be comfortable to sleep on. A pillow that is too soft can cause the neck to bend awkwardly and can lead to pain, while a pillow that is too hard can be uncomfortable and can cause the head to roll off.

The ideal pillow for side and back sleepers with neck pain is one that is medium-firm and made of a material that is supportive but also comfortable.

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Best Overall Nest Easy Breather Pillow

The goal of the Easy Breather Pillow from Nest Bedding is to seamlessly combine pressure relief with much-needed support for the spine and neck, and it certainly achieves its goal.

The cover of the Nest Easy Breather Pillow consists of organic cotton which provides breathability and a soft, luxurious feel on the skin.

The pillow is stuffed with 8-inches of all-natural latex which is popular for its firmness. The latex ensures the Nest Easy Breather Pillow remains cool all night long and never loses the lift that is critical to supporting the natural curve of the spine.

Back sleepers will find that the Nest Easy Breather Pillow provides nominal support and alignment of the spine and comfortably conforms to the shape of the neck and head. When sleeping on the side, the Nest Easy Breather Pillow performs well and enables a smooth transition from one side to the other.

The Nest Easy Breather Pillow also performed well when placed under the legs. The shredded latex noodles are incredibly responsive and provide comfortable separation when placed between the knees and healthy support when placed under the lumber.

Samsonite Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow

Courtesy of Amazon

• Works for office chairs and cars

• Budget-friendly

• Not firm enough for some users

Samsonite might be best known for their luggage, but that doesnt mean they didnt know what they were doing when they made this portable and durable lumbar support pillow. Its also one of the more affordable options around, so it gets our pick for best budget option. Made with memory foam and covered in washable mesh fabric, this pillow has just as many quality features as other, more expensive brands: its contoured shape molds to your spine, relieving the pressure and tension on your lower back when youre spending long periods of time sitting.

Its also lightweight and able to be removed and installed elsewhere with a single strap meanwhile, its inexpensive cost makes it easy to stock up on these to keep in multiple locations such as your living room, office, or car.

Price at time of publication: $30

Material: Memory Foam | Firmness Level: Soft to medium

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Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillow Queen Cervical Pillow For Neck Pain Contour Pillow Pillow For Neck And Shoulder Painneck Pain Pillowside

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Product Details

Bamboo-derived Rayon Behind every great nights sleep is our cervical neck pillow with an ideal shape, height, and density. This contour neck pillow provides just that, offering you a perfect balance of orthopedic support and plushness.

Royal Therapy side and back sleeper pillows dont only provide support and comfort, but they also make your nights sleep something you look forward to. Unlike traditional contour pillow for side sleepers, our special foam is engineered to make a more ventilated, adjustable cervical pillow.

Our memory foam cervical pillow is designed to relieve neck and shoulder pain by providing the correct sleeping posture. Made to cradle your natural curve, our neck contour pillow comes with an adjustable loft that accommodates different shoulder widths.

The unique 3-layer design allows you to adjust the memory foam contour pillow for optimal orthopedic support so you can sleep comfortably all night. Simply remove the middle layer of memory foam to customize your comfort level.

Your body will be molded to the back and side sleeper cervical pillow for a complete ergonomic sleep. Made from a CertiPUR US memory foam pillow for neck pain works with your bodys temperature to provide the highest quality sleep.

Thick enough for personal comfort zones, yet slim enough to encourage sound sleep and spinal alignment throughout the night.

Whats The Worst Pillow To Use If You Have Back Pain

Soft pillows are typically not recommended for those with back pain because they dont provide enough support. Most sleepers, especially those sleeping on their side and back, need a medium to firm pillow to keep the head and neck aligned with the rest of the spine. A pillow with a too-low loft may also be a bad choice for back and side sleepers.

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What Makes The Layla Kapok Pillow Stand Out

• You have the option to add in or remove the inner fill to adjust the pillow to your liking, which can help you achieve a neutral alignment.
• The copper infusion in the cover will pull heat away, allowing you to sleep cool.
• The shredded foam has that classic slow-moving feel to it, so youll get a proper alignment while the pillow contours to your head and neck.

Body Back Buddy Original Trigger Point Therapy Self Massage Tool

• Every Body Back Buddy has been 100% sourced IMPRESSIVE LANDMARK DESIGN
• The Body Back Buddys has remained virtually unchanged UNIQUELY DESIGNED MASSAGE TOOL
• The Body Back Buddy has helped revolutionize

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Unique, multi-knob design reflects years of feedback from massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists. The Body Back Buddy stimulates in between muscles and pinpoints trigger points for a more finely-tuned treatment.

This versatile cane is the ultimate self massage tool. Trigger point therapy and myofascial release are techniques that focus on hyperirritable spots in the fascia and surrounding skeletal muscle. These myofascial knots or trigger points can be compressed and massaged with varying degrees of pressure to break up the taut, stressed muscle fibers.

The unexplained pain that frequently radiates from these spots points to tenderness in broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. The concept of trigger point therapy provides a framework that can be used to help address certain musculoskeletal pain.

Trigger point therapy is fast becoming a widely accepted treatment for those with physical therapy or sport recovery needs and for those who are just looking to bring more health and wellness to their life.

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Size: 2 pack. Color: black.

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How Do I Pick The Right Pillow

You can pick the pillow up from your local bedding or home goods store, but its easier if you go to a shop in which they have an in-house assortment of pillows for sale. Choose a pillow that matches your body type or sleep style. Be sure it is on the firmer side. Lay down on it. You can lie down on the floor with the Tempur, but try some and see how you like it.

If you have back problems, its probably a good idea to test them out on a hard surface first. See what feels good for you. Also, pay attention to how thick the pillow is. Extra thick pillows may cause your neck and head to go numb. Go with a medium or medium-firm topper. Think about your sleeping environment. If you sleep in a room with other people, what might be the best sleeping arrangement for you?

Our Top Picks For The Best Pillows For Back Pain

• Layla Kapok Editors Pick
• Saatva Latex Pillow Best Pillow for Neck and Back Pain
• Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
• Yana 360 Best Body Pillow for Back Pain
• MedCline Shoulder Relief Pillow Best Wedge Pillow for Back Pain
• Sutera Best Orthopedic Pillow for Back Pain

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Best For Stomach Sleepers: Casper Original Pillow

Why We Like It: Caspers unique design keeps the Original Pillow soft yet supportive, and the low loft from the down-alternative filling is ideal to prevent your head from being too lifted when sleeping on your stomach.

Its Worth Noting: It may not be firm enough for some people.

Were sorry to break the news to you stomach sleepers, but Lees says sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your neck. Even if you have the right pillow, lying on your stomach forces your head to turn to one side, which will likely cause neck pain eventually. If youre a stomach sleeper, learning to lay on your back or side may relieve neck pain more than getting the right pillow.

That said, using too high of a pillow while sleeping on your stomach can create pain. Instead, Dr. Lin recommends opting for a thinner pillow so your head isnt too elevated relative to your torso. The beloved Original Casper Pillowthe sleep companys best-selling pillowutilizes a down-alternative fill with a low profile so your head is comfortable, but not lifted when you sleep on your stomach.

This pillow also features Caspers unique pillow-within-a-pillow design to maintain support on the inside and softness on the outside. Plus, it has a breathable cotton weave to keep you cool at night.

Casper also offers a 30-night sleep trial and has great customer service if youre not happy with your purchase. Even better, this pillow is backed by a one-year warranty.

Price at time of publication: $65

Xtreme Comforts Hypoallergenic Adjustable Thickness The Best Pillow For Shoulder Pain And Good For

Versatile

The Xtreme Comforts pillow is a versatile product that can accommodate all sleeping positions.

You can also adjust the pillow thickness via an inner zipper so it can fit your needs and preferences in terms of firmness.

Made in the USA

This quality pillow is USA-made with quality materials and top craftsmanship.

Thats why it was voted Number 1 by The Wirecutter in 2018, and the Best Pillow by USA Today in 2019.

Highly Tested

The memory foam boasts a CertiPur certification for safety, so it uses no toxic chemicals like TDCPP, lead, mercury, phthalates, ozone depleters, or heavy metals.

This is a durable pillow that has undergone various independent tests at accredited labs, which is why it has a 6-year warranty.

Ultra-Deluxe Memory Foam

The premium shredded memory foam is elastic, it doesnt form lumps, and it doesnt get easily flattened. As such, it offers good support in all sleeping positions, aligning your neck, spine, and hips.

This reduces pain, sleep issues, and orthopedic problems because your posture is improved.

As its shredded, the memory foam is easy to mold and adjust for comfortable use.

Micro-Vented Kool-Flow Cover

The cover is made of bamboo, so its soft and breathable. The Micro-vented Kool-Flow design ensures optimum air circulation, so the cover is breathable.

This technology also helps to regulate your body temperature, keeping the pillow cool throughout the night.

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Pillows For Back Sleepers

The most recommended position for back pain relief is sleeping on your back. When you sleep in this position, your weight is evenly distributed and places less strain on pressure points.

If youre a back sleeper, a standard pillow should be placed under your knees.This helps your spine keep its natural curve. You should also try these helpful pillows.

A soft pillow roll provides lumbar support to relieve back pain. The ties keep it in place if you move around while sleeping.

The memory foam in this pillow shapes to your head and neck. The foams custom fit and the pillows contoured design keep your head, neck, and spine aligned.

If youre looking for a more economical option for cervical support, try this pillow. The pillows lobes firmly support your neck while sleeping.

Tiger Tail The Classic 18

• Cushioned foam offers relief from sore and tired muscles
• The roller lets you massage your skin for improved circulation
• Portable design lets you carry this massage roller easily

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The Muscle Massager is perfect for personal use working on both upper and lower body areas and helps to relieve knots, aches, cramping, spasms and stiffness. The roller is constructed using a firm design , no cold plastics, spindles or beads and wont pinch your skin, pull hair out or snag clothing when in use.

Works on all muscle groups such as neck, shoulders, arms, upper/lower back, hamstrings, glutes, quads etc. Why choose the 18 or 22? If youre wondering how to choose between the 18 and the 22, the only difference in construction is length.

The 22 offers four more inches of massage surface. The 18 offers 10 of massage surface while the 22 offers 14 of massage surface. Each handle is 4 inches long. The 22 is best for buddy massage and back massage and for people who are less flexible or larger in size.

It works well for personal use but the extra length does make it easier for using on someone else. The 18 is they best-selling size and works great for personal massage. The shorter length makes it just a little bit easier to pack into small bags.

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Excellent Build Quality The RENPHO Cordless Massager is made with a powerful motor of 3600 pulses per minute, which allows it to offer you a deep tissue massage.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pillows For Back Sleepers

How common is back sleeping?

Unfortunately, experts estimate that less than 10% of people sleep on their backs. This is too bad because back sleeping is widely viewed as the healthiest sleeping position available . Back sleeping is beneficial because it keeps your body in a neutral position and isnt as likely to cause pressure points.

What is the most important consideration when choosing a pillow for back sleepers?

Loft is generally the most important consideration for back sleepers choosing a pillow. Most back sleepers prefer a medium loft pillow. If a pillow is too flat, your head might tilt back and put pressure on your neck. Conversely, if a pillow is too thick, your head might be propped up too far forward.

What is the worst pillow type for back sleepers?

The worst pillow for back sleepers is one that has an inappropriate loft, meaning it is too flat or too thick. If the pillow loft is off, the sleeper will experience pressure in their neck. There is no single pillow material type that works best for all back sleepers. The material type determines a pillows feel, and sleepers should opt for the feel that they prefer.

Where can I find a pillow for back sleepers?

Is back sleeping bad for pregnant women?

Do Pillows Cause Back Pain

Back pain is caused by strain and heavy lifting, skeletal problems, infections, pregnancy, sleep disorders, and poor posture.

However, a bad mattress or bad pillow can cause pain or make it worse because it doesnt offer you the right support.

If your pillow doesnt fit correctly in the nape of your neck, your body is thrown off alignment, which activates certain pressure points.

Its wise to choose a pillow that supports your movements and neutral spine posture throughout the night:

• If youre a stomach sleeper, choose a high-density pillow or a contoured one that keeps your neck in a natural angle.
• If your pillow isnt supportive, your head bends and strains your upper body.
• Dont choose a very high pillow because it makes your neck muscles sore.
• Choose a body pillow for side sleeping to keep your arm in a correct position and avoid shoulder pain.
• If youre a back sleeper, choose a medium-density pillow that doesnt push your chin into your chest.
• If youre a side sleeper, choose a thin model that doesnt force the neck back.

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