Best Pillows For Back Sleeper

What Else Can Back Sleepers Do

Back sleepers should consider more than just the pillow resting under their head. Here are a few more tips for a good nights sleep.

• Sleep on a supportive mattress: Back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress offering solid support, especially in the lumbar region of the spine. Check out our roundup of the best mattresses for back sleepers if youre on the market for a new mattress!
• Add a mattress topper to a too-firm mattress: If your mattress is too firm and you arent ready for a new one, try adding a memory foam or latex mattress topper for an extra layer of comfort. If your mattress is too soft, some high-density toppers may help make your sleep surface slightly more firm.
• Add another pillow to the bed: Sleeping with a pillow underneath your knees can help the natural curvature of the spine. This is especially true for back sleepers who experience lower back pain.
• Stretch before bed: Doing some light stretches before bed to release muscle tension can help you avoid pressure and pain in the lower back.
• Looking into pillows that offer trial periods: This way, you can sleep on several pillows for a few nights and see which one leaves you feeling the best in the morning.

How To Shop For A Pillow For Back Sleepers

A person can shop for pillows either in-store or online.

Many different stores sell pillows, including dedicated sleep stores and grocery stores. An advantage of shopping in-store is that a person can feel the support, firmness, and loft of the pillow before committing to a purchase.

Purchasing a pillow online may be more convenient for people who do not have the time to shop in-store or those who know what type of pillow they require. However, a person should always check a companys return and warranty policies to ensure they can return the pillow if it is not suitable.

A person may also purchase pillows that do not come in standard sizes. The following pillow types may be suitable for certain sleeping conditions:

• Wedge pillows:This pillow type angles the head up during sleep, providing more support for those who sleep on their backs. Using a wedge pillow may also help reduce snoring.
• Cervical pillows:These pillows are often rounder in shape and may help ease neck and shoulder pain. Learn more about cervical pillows.
• Sleep apnea pillows:These pillows may suit those who have continuous positive airway pressure machines. The pillows have a cutout to accomadate CPAP tubes and help keep the head elevated.

Ishowstore Therapeutic & Ergonomic

Another thrifty choice, The IshowStore Therapeutic and Ergonomic brand lives up to its name by providing a butterfly-shaped pillow that is not only comfortable, but helps heal your back while you sleep. Made with memory foam, it helps with snoring, head and neck pains, insomnia, and many other issues.

Its shape is low and straight on one side, while the other has raised sides with a concave area in the center for your head.

Those who purchased this very affordable pillow enjoyed the firmness and its ability to keep its shape without going flat. It has corrective properties, specifically for people who suffer from back troubles. A 100% polyurethane product, the memory foam is also anti-bacterial, dust mite-resistant, and comes with a removable, washable pillowcase.

Some buyers found the multiple heights of the loft confusing. With those many choices, each sleeper can find a preferable height, suitable just for them. It comes in several different colors: white, navy blue, grey, and purple.

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Best Pillow For Back Sleepers

Buckle up, back sleepers, because Im about to take you on a journey to some better slumber! In this best pillows for back sleepers roundup, were going to learn all about back-sleeping and the seven pillows that perfectly suit this position. And dont worry Im presenting a wide range of materials and fabrics so that everyone can find the pillow of their dreams. Of course, if you dont find your personal best pillow for back sleepers here, Ill leave you with some expert tips and tricks that will guide you in your search when youre shopping on your own. Lets get started!

What Is The Right Height Pillow For A Back Sleeper

There is no right height pillow for a back sleeper. However, most back sleepers may prefer a thinner pillow that does not raise the head too far. If a person sleeps with a higher loft pillow, their neck may be out of alignment with their spine, leading to neck pain.

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Check The Return Policy

Since one pillow will not work for everyone, make sure to check the brands return policy. Many brands offer a trial period or returns, but some brands do not allow you to return the pillow. Youll want to choose a pillow with a good return policy so you can return it if it doesnt work for you unless youre willing to risk not being able to return it.

How To Choose A Pillow

If you sleep on your back, you already know that you should have a pillow in the medium-soft to medium-firm range. This will give you both a comfortable, cushiony feel while still providing the support you need on your head and neck. When it comes t0 the fill however, there are generally three options: memory foam, down, and fiberfill, each with their own benefits and disadvantages.

Memory Foam: This fill can come in two forms: either a single piece of foam or shredded memory foam. Single-piece pillows are generally higher-quality than those made of shredded foam, and provide a firmer, more supportive feel. However, unlike single-piece memory foam pillows, shredded memory foam pillows are often adjustable, allowing you to add or remove foam reach your desired pillow height and firmness.

Down: If you want cloud-like softness, down may be the best type of pillow fill for you. While down pillows are not as supportive as ones made of memory foam, they are super pliable and fluff up to perfection. These are a great option if you tend to shift around when you sleep or change positions during the night. However, they’re not always a great option for people with allergies, as the down can sometimes hold onto allergens within the pillow.

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Other Tips For Sleepers With Neck Pain

In addition to choosing the right pillow, you can reduce neck pain through lifestyle changes like adopting proper posture, taking stretching breaks, and generally being more active. People who experience neck pain should avoid shoulder bags, slouching, and long periods of sitting at the computer.

• Choose the Right Mattress: Your bodys overall position is influenced not only by your pillow, but also your mattress. Plusher mattresses allow your body to sink down further, meaning youll need a lower-loft pillow. The opposite holds true for firmer mattresses, which will require a higher pillow to maintain proper alignment of the neck and spine.
• Engage in Physical Therapy: From daily habits to more serious regimens, there are plenty of exercises you can do to relax your neck muscles and relieve strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. A certified massage therapist or chiropractor may also be able to help. Always consult a health professional before starting any kind of treatment.
• Use Ice or Heat: Many people with neck pain receive instant relief from a hot or cold compress, or from taking a warm shower. This may not cure your neck problems, but it can be a helpful short-term solution.

Best Support: Emma Original Pillow

If you want your head and neck to always be in the same position, go with Emma Original pillow.

Do you struggle to maintain posture when sleeping on your back? If the answer is yes, then look no further. Emma Original pillow is designed to provide firm support.

But this is not a classic firm support, because this is a memory foam pillow, so with firm support you get all the other features of memory foam that make it comfortable.

Height and firmness are adjustable, but not in the same way as other memory foam pillows. It has three layers that you can add or remove.

Airgocell foam is highly breathable as well as removable, washable polyester cover. Emma Original pillow je durable and comes with 30-night trial, 2-year warranty.

• Do expect a bit of off gassing.

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Best Adjustable: Otty Adjustable Pillow

Anyone can customize OTTY Adjustable pillow to get the perfect sleeping experience.

The only way one pillow can be suitable for all sleep positions, including combination sleepers, is to be adjustable.

Thats what OTTY did with this pillow. It is filled with memory foam pieces that are in a special bag, and there is a cover over the bag. Bag is implemented to help you avoid losing pieces when washing the cover, which can be machine washed at 40 degrees C.

According to the manufacturer, this is a medium firm pillow, on a firmness scale of 1 to 10, it is around 5 and a half. It is hypoallergenic, and breathability is fine.

• Stomach sleepers will find it too tall.

Best Anti Allergy: Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Pillow comes with NOMITE, an anti-allergen standard, guaranteeing the safety of allergy sufferers.

The name of this pillow is a bit misleading, because it is not 100% down. It is much more complex than that. It consists of the inner core and outer chamber.

The inner chamber is made of 15% down and 85% feather, while the outer chamber is 90% down and 10% feather. Our opinion is that this is the perfect ratio for both inner core and outer chamber. Feather in inner core for support and down in outer chamber for perfect cosiness.

• Cover is not removable.

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How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Not getting enough zzzs? Our sleep expert shares tips on how to fall asleep faster and wake up more rested in the video below. And check out CRs sleep guide for more advice on how to get the shut-eye you craveand need.

Editors Note: A version of this article also appeared in the February 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow

• Price point: $$
• Fill: memory foam

Key features: Its affordable, adjustable, and has an abundance of positive reviews from customers just a few reasons why we consider Coop Home Goods to be the best-rated pillow for back sleepers.

This pillow seems to work well for anyone whos looking for a balance of soft and firm, with enough support to encourage proper posture. Plus, since its fully adjustable, youre in control of the loft and height. Simply add or remove the foam to determine what works best for you.

This top pick is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. And it comes with a 100-night guarantee. If youre not satisfied, contact customer service for a full refund, no questions asked.

Considerations: Some customers report that the pillow sleeps hot. Also, you may want to let it sit out for a while before tossing it on your bed. This pillow can have an odor when it first comes out of the package. Plus, its only available in queen and king sizes, so you may need to keep looking if you want a standard size.

Also Check: Rem-fit Zeeq Smart Pillow

Tips On Choosing The Best Pregnancy Pillow For Back Sleepers

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a pregnancy pillow, including:

-Your sleep position. If you are a back sleeper, you will want a pillow that provides support for your back and helps to keep your spine in alignment.

-The size of the pillow. Pregnancy pillows come in a variety of sizes. You will want to choose a size that is comfortable for you and allows you to move around easily.

-The type of filling. Some pregnancy pillows are filled with down or feathers, while others are filled with synthetic materials. Choose a filling that is comfortable for you.

-The price. Pregnancy pillows range in price, so choose one that fits your budget.

What Pillow Materials Are Best For Neck Pain

The best pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to hold your head at a healthy angle, but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Most sleepers find success with either a memory foam, latex, buckwheat, or feather pillow, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief.

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Memory Foam Pillows: Pros And Cons

• Pros: Offer even support, easy to take care of, durable and long-lasting
• Cons: Can be too hot in summer, some people simply dont like the feel

This modern addition to the pillow market is good for those looking for strong support. Roughly 13% of our members choose to use a memory foam pillow. They are easy to take care of, like microfibre, but many find them to be too dense and firm, and too hot to sleep on in summer.

They are a great option for those looking for neck pain relief, as the memory foam contours to your body and can offer even support.

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.

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How Often Should I Buy New Pillows

Experts at the Better Sleep Council recommend swapping out your pillow approximately every three years. But if youre waking up with back, neck, or shoulder pain, or your pillow looks a little flat, you may be due for a change. On the flip side, if your pillow has retained its shape past three-ish years, you might be in the clear for a little longer.

Why You Can Trust Us

Our team at Sleep Foundation includes experts and testers with years of experience in the sleep product industry. We have tested over 300 pillows in order to determine which ones are best suited to sleepers with different needs. Our team includes back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers, as well as sleepers of different body types. This allows us to represent as wide an array of sleep preferences as possible in our findings.

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Molded Moldable And Adjustable

Many of the memory foam and polyurethane models have a solid form, and you cant mush them around as you do with worn-out pillows. They come in a form that cannot be changed. Yet, some brands can be fluffed and formed.

The biggest advantage of memory foam is that it keeps its shape, but that can be its biggest downfall. Some manufacturers overcome this by shredding the memory foam. Gel fiber fill is similar and can also be manipulated in different ways.

Other Tips For Back Sleepers

Although pillow choice is important for back sleepers, other factors also influence how well a person sleeps. Choosing the right mattress, using a pillow beneath your knees, and eating a lighter dinner can keep you comfortable when you lie down for the night.

Choose the Right Mattress: Most back sleepers prefer a medium-firm mattress, since they provide ample lumbar support. Without adequate support, many back sleepers experience lower back pain. Of course, body weight greatly influences how a mattress reacts to and feels to your body. Heavier back sleepers might need a firm mattress to receive proper support.

Use a Pillow Beneath the Knees: Some back sleepers, especially those who suffer from lower back pain, might benefit from sliding a small pillow under their knees while lying down. Doing so can help maintain the natural curve of the back and reduce pressure points.

Eat a Lighter Dinner: Sleeping on your back is a risk factor for acid reflux. If acid reflux is a problem for you, bypass this tendency by opting for a lighter dinner, or eating dinner at least four hours prior to lying down.

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Other Pillows We Tested

$49 at Garnet Hill

We loved the Garnet Hill Heirloom European White Goose Down Pillow, so its no surprise we also liked its down alternative pillow. Its more plush and supportive than most other synthetic fill pillows we tested and keeps its shape throughout the night. Its washable and comes in three firmness levels. Garnet Hill also has a 90-day return policy.

$165 at Saatva

Unlike other adjustable pillows that can be messy when removing the fill, the Saatva pillow has an outer layer thats filled with down alternative fibers and a removable inner core made of shredded latex thats completely encased so its not spilling out. This makes it much easier to adjust the firmness of the pillow but doesnt allow for complete customization, essentially only allowing for two firmness levels.

$29.99 at

Amazon Basics recommends this soft pillow for stomach or back sleepers. We found this pillow comfortable when sleeping on our back and even our side. Its one of the flatter pillows we tested, making it good for someone who likes a thinner pillow or a petite person who doesnt need a higher pillow. When we washed this pillow, it seemed to flatten out and clump slightly more than others, so we question how long it will hold up over time, but its one of the lowest-priced pillows on this list, so it would be more budget-friendly to replace than others.

$109 at Layla

$65 at Brooklinen