No matter your sleeping place, you want the best equipment to get a restful evening’s sleep. Nevertheless, getting a new mattress could be costly, so a supportive pillow is perhaps a greater choice. The proper pillow for again sleepers strikes the best stability between peak and firmness. It needs to be supportive sufficient to make sure your neck and backbone are correctly aligned, however not so agency that it leaves you with a stiff neck. I’ve examined over 25 pillows throughout my time as a CNET sleep professional, and every pillow for this text was slept on for 3 nights. Utilizing years of expertise testing sleep merchandise, I’ve compiled this checklist of the very best pillows for again sleepers.
The most effective general pillow for again sleepers
The most effective general pillow for again sleepers is the Coop Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow. This pillow is adjustable (that means you’ll be able to add and take away the filling to your liking), and it is made from high-quality, shredded reminiscence foam that is CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold Licensed. It additionally retains your neck and backbone supported and aligned. One other perk of this pillow: It is cool to the contact and nice for decent sleepers. It additionally made our checklist of the greatest cooling pillows.

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Greatest pillow for again sleepers
Why we prefer it: You might have heard of the Coop Sleep Eden Pillow, because it usually tops lists of the very best pillows. If you happen to thought that pillow was cool, let me let you know, it acquired even higher. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the brand new model of the Eden Pillow. It has the same cool-to-the-touch cowl, however now it additionally has a heat-wicking interior liner, a gel layer and shredded gel-infused reminiscence foam, which is nice for decent sleepers. The filling is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US licensed. It comes with further filling, in addition to an choice to drag out the filling. Make it as agency or comfortable as you need, so long as it is not too excessive.
Who it’s best for: This pillow can also be adjustable, making it excellent for many who aren’t certain how comfortable or agency they need their pillows. I like that the reminiscence foam allows you to sink a bit of into the pillow, no matter how a lot you fill it. Again sleepers will really feel totally supported with this pillow.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you happen to’re a again sleeper who enjoys thick reminiscence foam pillows or firmer pillows that don’t enable for the pinnacle to sink into the floor an excessive amount of, this won’t be for you.
Professionals:
- Cool to the contact; nice for decent sleepers
- Adjustable and hypoallergenic
- Detachable, washable cowl
Cons:
- Not for many who do not prefer to sink a bit of into pillows
- On the costly facet
Why we prefer it: Reminiscence foam is nice for again sleepers who’ve neck ache as a result of the froth will contour to the pinnacle and neck. The Brooklyn Bedding Luxurious Reminiscence Foam Pillow in a low loft is nice for these again sleepers. The pillow’s reminiscence foam is perforated, and the highest is infused with copper. This pure mineral helps battle in opposition to mildew, allergens and mud mites. It is round a medium firmness.
Who it’s best for: This Brooklyn Bedding pillow can also be excellent for decent sleepers, as the duvet is cool to the contact and could be eliminated and washed. Additionally, Brooklyn Bedding usually has offers, so deal hunters can normally seize this pillow for underneath $99.
Who shouldn’t get it: Whereas the pillow appeals to all sleeping positions, it is probably not excellent for thicker pillow lovers. It is on the thinner facet.
Sleeping positions: Again, abdomen, facet and mixture
Professionals:
- Cool to the contact; nice for decent sleepers
- Good for mixture sleepers who swap to their again
- Machine-washable cowl
Cons:
- On the thinner facet
- Not for again sleepers who like a loftier pillow
Why we prefer it: If you happen to’re a again sleeper who usually overheats at evening, the Bear Pillow is a superb choice. It has a canopy that is cool to the contact. Each ends of the pillow have mesh, permitting for extra airflow. It is also hypoallergenic and immune to mildew, micro organism and mud mites. At its core, the Bear Pillow is made with a hybrid foam, which I take into account midway between bouncy latex foam and slow-molding reminiscence foam. Observe you can’t wash the Bear Pillow cowl. Spot clear solely, and use a light-weight, breathable pillowcase to really feel the total results of the cool-to-the-touch cowl.
Who it’s best for: I feel it is proper down the center relating to firmness and softness — the proper mixture for again sleepers who like pillows that aren’t too comfortable or too agency.
Who shouldn’t get it: Sleepers preferring down pillows or movable filling might not like how unadjustable this pillow is.
Sleeping positions: Again and facet
Professionals:
- Cool to the contact; nice for decent sleepers
- Hypoallergenic
- Not too comfortable, not too agency
Cons:
- Not machine cleanable
- On the costly facet
Why we prefer it: You might need heard of Purple and its distinctive honeycomb-patterned grid layer. This function, present in all merchandise together with the Purple Concord Pillow, is versatile, supportive and barely moldable, like reminiscence foam. The pillow additionally has a Talalay latex core that is perforated for airflow. (Talalay is a pure latex sourced from rubber bushes.) Whenever you put your head down on this pillow, it feels gentle and barely bouncy. My head by no means sank too far into the pillow. The machine-washable mesh cowl can also be barely cool to the contact.
Who it’s best for: This pillow ought to help again sleepers and in addition again sleepers who might swap to their sides.
Who shouldn’t get it: The Purple Concord Pillow will price you round $200, so steer clear when you’re on a finances.
Sleeping positions: Again and facet
Professionals:
- Nicely-ventilated; nice for decent sleepers
- Bouncy really feel retains head from sinking in too far
- Mushy, machine-washable cowl
Cons:
- Costly
- Its distinctive latex grid is not for everybody
Why we prefer it: Whether or not you are specific concerning the supplies that go into your bedding, have allergy symptoms or need a pillow that is each eco-conscious and all-natural, the Avocado Inexperienced Pillow might be for you. Made with shredded GOLS-certified natural latex and GOTS-certified natural kapok and cotton, the pillow is unhazardous, holds the Made Protected seal and is licensed vegan. The detachable, washable cotton cowl is quilted and has a zipper for straightforward adjustability. Take away or add filling to your liking.
Who it’s best for: This pillow feels a bit of firmer than the opposite pillows on this checklist, however whereas mendacity on my again, I felt correctly supported. I like to recommend this one for many who need a pillow to contour to their head and neck, however not as a lot as reminiscence foam filling.
Who shouldn’t get it: I discovered that this pillow can get a bit lumpy after a number of nights. If you happen to dislike continually fluffing your pillows, you might have considered trying a sturdier pillow, equivalent to the Bear.
Sleeping positions: Again and facet
Professionals:
Cons:
- Requires frequent fluffing
- Not for individuals who need a softer pillow
Why we prefer it: An excellent down pillow is made from high quality supplies, with evenly distributed down clusters, and it ought to cushion the pinnacle with out feeling lumpy. The Brooklinen Down Pillow checks all these packing containers. It is made from 100% down clusters and feathers, and it is lined with a cotton sateen shell. You may also select your excellent help by choosing plush, mid-plush or agency. Spot-clean this pillow or dry-clean if wanted.
Who it’s best for: I like to recommend the mid-plush choice, and I might say it is the very best for again sleepers (in reality, this selection ought to swimsuit most sleepers). It is optimum by way of firmness and help, particularly for these on the lookout for a middle-of-the-road pillow.
Who shouldn’t get it: I’m not the most important fan of down fill, particularly when the feathers poke out and scratch me. If you happen to choose down various or reminiscence foam fill, skip this pillow.
Sleeping positions: Again, facet, abdomen and mixture
Professionals:
- Accessible in plush, mid-plush and agency
- Mushy and fluffy
- Nice for all sleepers
Cons:
- Not for people who find themselves vegan or who’ve allergy symptoms
- In addition to choosing the loft, it is not adjustable
- Requires every day fluffing
Why we prefer it: I felt very supported by the Casper Authentic. A extra reasonably priced model of the Avocado Inexperienced Pillow or different natural, all-natural pillows is a down various. These pillows are hypoallergenic and made with out animal merchandise whereas nonetheless being supportive and fluffy. The detachable cowl is washable, and your complete pillow could be machine-washed, as properly. This pillow is made with a 100% cotton cowl and polyester filling.
Who it’s best for: Like foam, the pillow adapts to your head and returns to its unique form while you stand up. I might describe the Casper Authentic pillow as very fundamental. The value is cheap, it’s versatile and doesn’t require fixed fluffing. If you need a pillow with none bells and whistles, that is for you.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you happen to alternate between your abdomen and again, this pillow just isn’t adjustable and could be too tall for abdomen sleeping.
Sleeping positions: Again and facet
Professionals:
- Inexpensive worth
- Fluffy and supportive
- Complete pillow is machine cleanable
Cons:
- Not for individuals who choose stable foam pillows
- Slightly firmer than the opposite pillows on this checklist
Why we prefer it: Wedge pillows are nice for supporting your again when you’re mendacity in mattress working, scrolling in your cellphone or watching TV. These pillows may assist with loud night breathing, nasal drainage, acid reflux disorder and heartburn. You may also place a wedge pillow underneath your knees you probably have decrease again ache.
Who it’s best for: I favored how the pillow propped me up and supported my head and neck, so I like to recommend this pillow for many who wish to learn in mattress. It’s additionally beneficial for snorers, these with colds and acid reflux disorder.
Who shouldn’t get it: Conventional pillow lovers will wish to skip this one.
Sleeping positions: Again and facet
Professionals:
- Nice for working or watching TV in mattress
- Can be utilized while you’re sick or having signs of acid reflux disorder
- Detachable, washable cowl
Cons:
- Takes up loads of house (it is 24 by 24 by 10 inches)
- Not for individuals on the lookout for a conventional pillow
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Why we prefer it: If you happen to’re not sure about how supportive you need or want your pillow to be, discovering an adjustable pillow is the best transfer. The Nolah Squishy Pillow is my favourite adjustable pillow for again sleepers. It is made from cube-cut foam that is tremendous squishy, therefore the title. My head sunk into the pillow a bit of, however I felt supported sufficient to sleep by the evening. Its cowl is comfortable, machine cleanable and made from Oeko-Tex-certified bamboo-blend fibers.
Who it’s best for: The most effective half is that one field comes with two queen-size pillows, so that you get two for the worth of 1. This pillow is nice for these on a finances. Nolah even has frequent offers, so search for gross sales the place you may get these two pillows for $20 cheaper.
Who shouldn’t get it: This pillow will enable your head to sink into the floor a bit of. If you happen to get pleasure from pillows which have much less give, I like to recommend the Purple or Bear pillows as a substitute.
Sleeping positions: Again and facet
Professionals:
- Mushy and cozy
- Offered as a set of two queen pillows
- Adjustable foam filling
Cons:
- Some sleepers may discover it too lumpy
- Not for many who do not prefer to sink a bit of into pillows
Different pillows I examined for again sleepers
Though these pillows did not make my checklist, some have options value noting. Listed here are my honorable mentions.
The Parachute Down Different Pillow is my favourite of the honorable mentions. It is made with a hypoallergenic microfill and a cotton sateen shell. I examined the Down Different Pillow in a medium firmness however comfortable, facet sleeper and agency choices are additionally accessible. I might take into account each the medium and agency to be good for again sleepers, and the agency ought to work for individuals who do not wish to sink too far into their pillow.
Though I liked the texture of this comfortable pillow, it does require frequent fluffing. As somebody who is not an enormous fan of down filling, I favored how this down-alternative pillow felt completely different. This would possibly not be for somebody who’s a fan of down or down options that really feel like the true factor.
This hefty pillow from Saatva is made with shredded reminiscence foam and latex foam core. It comes with a comfortable knit cowl you can take away and wash. Across the core is a graphite-infused reminiscence foam that will show you how to sleep cooler by pulling the warmth away out of your head.
I discovered this pillow to be significantly better suited to facet sleepers. As a result of it has a excessive loft of just about 6 inches, again sleepers may damage their necks on this pillow. Whilst you do sink a bit of into the fabric, the loft remains to be too excessive. Facet sleepers, then again, ought to discover this pillow snug. It gave me nice help between my head and shoulder.
Slumber Cloud is thought for its cooling bedding. Its UltraCool Comforter made our checklist of the greatest cooling comforters. Its UltraCool Pillow isn’t any completely different: cool to the contact and fluffy. Its down various filling is made from polyester fibers that will not retain your physique warmth. To your firmness preferences, you’ll be able to select between comfortable/medium and medium/agency. The pillow itself is not adjustable.
For this assessment, I examined the medium/agency help, in consideration of again sleepers. I discovered this firmness stage to be extra medium than agency, which I used to be pleased with. There is not as a lot help there as I discovered with different pillows on the checklist. This is not the pillow for again sleepers on the lookout for extra help.
Greatest pillows for again sleepers in contrast
Model | Worth | Dimension(s) | Firmness | Supplies | Machine cleanable? | Hypoallergenic? | Trial interval |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coop Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow | $139 | Queen, king | Adjustable | Shredded reminiscence foam | Cowl solely | Sure | 100 nights |
Brooklyn Bedding Luxurious Reminiscence Foam Pillow | $97 | Queen, king | Medium | Reminiscence foam | Cowl solely | Sure | 30 days |
Bear Pillow | $88 | Customary, king | Medium | Latex and reminiscence “hybrid” foam | No | Sure | 30 nights |
Purple Concord Pillow | $199 | Customary, king | Medium | Latex | Cowl solely | Sure | 100 nights |
Avocado Inexperienced Pillow | $98 | Customary, queen and king | Medium | Shredded latex and cotton | Cowl solely | Sure | 100 days |
Brooklinen Down Pillow | $103 | Customary, king | Medium | Down clusters and feathers | No | Not specified | three hundred and sixty five days |
Casper Authentic Pillow | $65 | Customary, king | Medium | Polyester fiber, down various | Sure | Not specified | 30 nights |
Helix Wedge Pillow | $87 | Customary | Medium-firm | Gel reminiscence foam and poly foam | Cowl solely | Sure | 100 nights |
Nolah Squishy Pillow | $89 | Two queens | Adjustable | Shredded foam | Cowl solely | Not specified | 30 days |
How we examined the very best pillow for again sleepers
These pillows are human and pet examined and accepted.
Throughout my testing, I thought of worth, supplies, really feel, firmness, peak and measurement. After I tried every pillow, I checked to see if my neck and backbone had been aligned to verify the pillow was supportive sufficient for again sleepers.
I am a mixture sleeper, that means I usually swap to sleeping on my facet or my abdomen. Though I’ve examined greater than 25 pillows (and one other 10 for this text), I believed it will be greatest to seek the advice of a extra constant again sleeper for a second opinion. My boyfriend, who’s a strict again sleeper, helped me take a look at and decide these pillows. We each spent a number of nights sleeping and lounging on them (my canine included). The pillows that made this checklist are actually the very best of the very best for again sleepers.
Elements to think about when purchasing for greatest pillows for again sleepers
Materials
Search for pillows made with contouring foams like reminiscence, poly and latex foam and different fill like down or down options.
Loft
Again sleepers ought to discover a pillow with a loft (peak) that’s not too excessive nor too low.
Firmness
Pillows that aren’t too agency nor too comfortable are excellent for again sleepers. Search for pillows which are proper down the center.
Worth
A pleasant pillow can price you wherever from $50 to $100. Pillows with higher-quality supplies could also be over $150 or $200.
Trial interval
You do not have to decide to a pillow. Take a look at the trial interval to see how lengthy you need to check it out.
Medium-firm pillows are inclined to work greatest for again sleepers. Search for choices made with foam (reminiscence, poly or latex), down or a down various. Such choices usually fall between thick and skinny pillows, supporting the pinnacle and maintaining the neck and backbone aligned throughout the evening.
A pillow that is proper between thick and skinny is greatest when you sleep in your again. One which’s too thick might damage your neck throughout the evening, and one which’s too skinny will not provide you with sufficient help. Whenever you lie down, ensure your backbone is aligned while you relaxation your head in your pillow.
A again sleeper ought to discover a pillow that is not too comfortable or too agency. A pillow with medium firmness works greatest. Adjustable pillows are additionally nice for again sleepers as a result of you’ll be able to add and take away filling to your liking. If you happen to get up with neck ache since you’re overextending your neck, take away some filling. Add extra when you really feel like you don’t get sufficient help.
Specialists suggest utilizing a pillow, regardless of the way you sleep. If you happen to sleep in your again, select one which is not too thick or too skinny. It ought to fill the house between your neck and the mattress whereas additionally offering the best stage of help.