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You spend time carefully choosing the best mattress for you. Your pillow deserves the same amount of attention. Like your mattress, your pillow affects how comfortable you feel in bed and how well you sleep.

Just as some mattresses work better for back sleepers, so do some pillows. Not all back sleepers prefer the pillows loved by side, stomach, and combination sleepers.

Generally, back sleepers require a pillow with a higher loft than pillows for stomach sleepers and a lower loft than pillows for side sleepers. The ideal pillow for back sleepers promotes spinal alignment rather than arching the neck too far upward or allowing the head to sink in too deeply.

In-Depth Reviews

  • Pros

    1. Chambered design offers multi-level support and excellent cushioning

    2. Graphite-infused core helps reduce heat retention

    3. 45-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty

  • Cons

    1. Above-average price-point

    2. Hot sleepers may still notice heat buildup despite graphite infusion

Price Range

$155 – $175

Fill

Shredded gel memory foam

Firmness

Medium

Uncomfortable heat retention can be an issue for memory foam pillows, but this model from Saatva sleeps relatively cool thanks to its chambered design. The pillow’s outer chamber contains memory foam infused with graphite, which has natural cooling properties, while the core is cushioned with shredded gel-infused memory foam. The entire pillow is encased in organic cotton cover that is also quite breathable.

The thick profile and medium feel of this pillow makes it best suited to back and side sleepers. The close contouring will also be ideal for people who experience aches, pains, or pressure points along the neck. The pillow has received CertiPUR-US certification, so you won’t need to worry about any harmful substances in the foams.

The cover can be removed and laundered in your household machines, but the other components should only be spot cleaned as necessary. Customers may add sateen pillowcases to their purchase for a small extra charge.

Queen and king sizes are available for this pillow. Those who buy two with their order will receive a discount of $20 to $40, depending on which size they choose. Saatva provides free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S., and every purchase is backed by a 45-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty.

  • Pros

    1. Choice of three loft levels

    2. Feather core and soft down fill balance support and cushioning

    3. Premium down at a budget-friendly price

  • Cons

    1. Down fill may trigger allergies in some sleepers

    2. Returns incur a $9.95 fee

Price Range

$109 – $129

Fill

Canadian white down clusters

Firmness

Plush

Down pillows are exceptionally soft, and the plush model of the Brooklinen Down Pillow is no exception. This product offers the characteristic plushness many appreciate in down without the excessive sinkage and inadequate support.

The Brooklinen Down Pillow is better suited to back sleeping than most of its competitors because you can choose from three different firmness options. Of all options, the plush model caters strongly to sleepers who prioritize fluffiness. This option is filled entirely with down, making it very soft. This is well suited for back sleepers, especially those who prefer pillows to cushion the head and neck.

The pillow’s shell is made of smooth, breathable cotton sateen, and the edges are reinforced with double stitching to prevent fill from escaping. Each pillow is given an antimicrobial treatment to stave off harmful bacteria and other contaminants.

In addition to the firmness options, you can choose between standard and king sizes. Brooklinen discourages machine washing, as this can permanently damage the pillow, so you should spot clean if light stains occur or dry clean for a more thorough cleaning.

Compared to other down pillows with this quality of construction, the Brooklinen model is very reasonably priced and shipping is free of charge for U.S. orders. Brooklinen allows returns within 365 days of your original purchase, even if you’ve used the pillow, and return shipping is free for all customers.

  • Pros

    1. Down alternative fiber balances softness and support

    2. Breathable cotton cover helps keep the pillow cool

    3. 50-night sleep trial

  • Cons

    1. Might feel too plush for some back sleepers

    2. Returns incur a shipping fee

Price Range

$135 – $150

Fill

Plant-based down alternative fibers

Firmness

Medium

Down is the fill of choice for many sleepers who enjoy soft pillows, but the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow caters to those who enjoy the feel of down but cannot sleep on it due to allergies. It’s also a good fit for those who enjoy down but prefer a pillow that is not sourced from animals.

The pillow is filled with a down alternative fiber that is derived from plants. The medium firmness offers a nice balanced feel that should be comfortable for back and side sleepers. The plushness of the pillow allows it to contour the head and neck, but there’s also enough firmness to support the head and neck and properly align them with the spine. The cover is made with cotton, a naturally breathable fabric that helps keep the pillow cool for people who overheat easily at night.

Shoppers can pick between a queen and king size. The entire pillow is machine-washable in cold water on a gentle cycle, and you may tumble dry on a low setting. Sweet Zzz recommends against dry cleaning.

The pillow comes with a 50-night sleep trial, during which customers may return the pillow for a full refund as long as the pillow is clean and free of damage. It’s also backed by a 1-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

  • Pros

    1. Solid, responsive latex gently cradles without hugging too closely

    2. Cover composed of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric

    3. Two loft options to accommodate different profile preferences

  • Cons

    1. Pillow is fairly heavy and some may find it difficult to reposition

    2. Rubbery smell may be present for the first couple nights after unboxing

Price Range

$89 – $99

Fill

Talalay latex

Firmness

Medium Firm

For many back sleepers, neck pain is a frequent hindrance to a good night’s rest. A pillow that lacks proper support can exacerbate this issue. Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex Pillow, on the other hand, reduces the potential for pain by propping up your head and supporting your neck. The solid latex core gently cushions with the deep hug of memory foam, and the material is ventilated to promote airflow and minimize heat buildup.

Two profile options are available. Most back sleepers on our team preferred the mid-range 4-inch loft, while our combination sleepers who switch between the back and side positions were more comfortable on the thicker 5-inch model. Keep in mind latex is a fairly heavy pillow material, so moving and repositioning the pillow may be difficult.

The cover is made of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived textile prized for its cooling and moisture-wicking properties. This adds to the pillow’s excellent overall temperature control. You may remove and machine-wash the cover for quick, easy cleaning, but the latex should only be spot cleaned as necessary. Queen and king sizes are available.

The Talalay Latex Pillow’s sticker price is way below average compared to similarly constructed models from other brands, and Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a 30-night trial. If you decide to keep the pillow after the return period ends, your purchase is further backed by a three-year warranty.

  • Pros

    1. Unique design allows sleepers to customize pillow’s height and firmness

    2. Down alternative, solid memory foam, and shredded memory foam ensure cradling for the neck and head

    3. Cotton and bamboo-derived viscose fabrics promote breathability

  • Cons

    1. Might take some trial and error to figure out ideal configuration of layers

    2. Foam layers are prone to heat retention

Price Range

$100 – $115

Fill

Down alternative, shredded gel-infused memory foam, and solid gel-infused memory foam

Firmness

Adjustable

The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow goes a long way toward ensuring your pillow is the right firmness and thickness for healthy sleep posture. An adjustable design allows you to tweak the feel and loft until it’s just right for your head, neck, and spine.

The pillow contains three different inserts, each with a different firmness and fill. The softest insert is composed of down alternative fibers while the insert with a medium firmness contains a blend of shredded memory foam and down alternative. The firmest insert is made with solid memory foam. You may use all three inserts for maximum loft, but you can also remove inserts to make the pillow thinner.

In addition to customizing the number of inserts, you can also adjust the amount of fill. The firm insert contains two memory foam layers, and you can remove one of the layers if preferred. You can also remove shredded foam or down alternative from the other inserts to achieve the thickness and firmness that feels most comfortable for your back and neck. All inserts offer pressure relief, albeit some more than others, so this is a good choice for sleepers who need a pillow that cradles the head.

The inserts are encased in shells made of breathable cotton, and the entire pillow cover is made of a bamboo-derived viscose fabric that feels cool and smooth. The shells and cover are machine-washable but the various fills are not.

Luxome offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. and the pillow comes with a 30-day return policy.

  • Pros

    1. Down and feather fill provides plush, cloud-like cradling for the head and neck

    2. Cotton cambric shell is soft and breathable

    3. Double-stitched edges protect the cover fabric from rips and tears

  • Cons

    1. Frequent fluffing needed to maintain a full shape

    2. New owners report an initial, “earthy” aroma after the pillow is unboxed

Price Range

$95 – $110

Fill

White Down, Feathers

Firmness

Soft

In order to reduce neck pain as a back sleeper, you should invest in a pillow that provides adequate support without feeling too stiff or rigid. The Helix Down & Feather Pillow nicely toes that line with densely packed fill and a chambered design. Real down in the outer chambers gives the surface a luxuriously plush feel, while the core contains feathers that stabilize the pillow and prevent your head from sinking too much.

Although the pillow measures 6 to 8 inches thick, the fill should compress just enough to create the ideal loft level for back sleepers. Combination sleepers who switch between their back and stomach should also be satisfied with the pillow. While the extra moldability makes the pillow great for snuggling, this also means you’ll need to fluff on a regular basis to restore its shape.

The shell is made of soft, smooth cotton cambric. This material promotes breathability and offsets heat retention from the down chambers, so the pillow shouldn’t sleep too warm. The side seams are double-stitched to help the fabric resist rips and tears. A certification from the Responsible Down Standards indicates all down and feathers used in the pillow have been procured using cruelty-free means.

Standard and king sizes are available. Prices are below-average compared to other down and feather pillows on the market, and standard ground shipping is free of charge within the contiguous U.S. Helix backs each purchase with a generous 100-night trial, and those who choose to keep their pillow also receive a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

  • Pros

    1. Chambered design evenly distributes the fill and reduces the need for fluffing

    2. Available in three firmness levels for back sleepers with different needs and preferences

    3. Breathable cotton shell offsets heat retention

  • Cons

    1. Not suitable for sleepers allergic to down or feathers

    2. Price tag may be high for shoppers on a tight budget

Price Range

$159 – $219

Fill

White down, down/feather blend

Firmness

Soft

The Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow lets you bring the luxurious comfort of a high-end hotel suite into your own bedroom. Thoughtfully constructed with three internal chambers to evenly distribute the fill, the pillow is exceptionally plush and lofty. A shell made of smooth, breathable organic cotton completes the sophisticated design.

Three firmness levels are available. Our hands-on tests suggest most back sleepers prefer either the medium or firm designs, both of which feature supportive feathers in the core chamber and pure down in the outer chambers. These designs provide plenty of cushioning for the head and neck without sinking too much — this leaves you less susceptible to snoring when lying on your back. The soft pillow’s chambers all contain down, and we found this option is best suited to stomach sleeping. If you’re a combination back-and-side sleeper, the firm pillow is probably the way to go.

The pillow is completely machine-washable, making it easy to keep clean as long as your household washer is large enough to accommodate it. Dry cleaning is an alternative option. Standard and king sizes are available. A certification from the International Down Standard recognizes Boll & Branch’s commitment to animal welfare, so you can rest easy knowing all birds used to procure the down and feathers are humanely treated at each stage of the supply chain.

Standard shipping is free of charge for all orders within the contiguous U.S. You may return the Down Chamber Pillow for a refund or exchange it for a different model within 30 days of receipt throughout most of the year, with the trial period extended to 100 days during the winter holiday season.

  • Pros

    1. Long-strand silk fill is luxuriously soft, breathable, and durable

    2. Bamboo-derived cover has cooling and moisture-wicking properties

    3. Excellent shape retention means little to no fluffing is needed

  • Cons

    1. Pillow cannot be machine-washed

    2. Expensive pricing may be a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers

Price Range

$279 – $329

Fill

Long-Strand Mulberry Silk

Firmness

Medium Soft

If you primarily sleep on your back and run hot in bed, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow checks both of these boxes and throws in some luxurious details for good measure. The fill is composed of long-strand mulberry silk, a material prized for its longevity and shape retention. Silk also retains little to no heat and feels cool to the touch. A cover made of moisture-wicking bamboo-derived fabric further bolsters the pillow’s thermoregulating properties.

Silk’s natural softness makes the pillow a solid match for anyone who needs cushioning for their head and neck, but dislikes the close hug and deep sink of solid foam. The strands also have some buoyancy akin to that of latex, resulting in a light bounce in response to physical contact.

Since silk should not be machine-washed, you’ll need to spot clean or dry clean the pillow if stains or smudges occur. This may be a deal-breaker for anyone seeking a pillow with easy care instructions, but a machine-washable pillow can reduce the time and expenses related to cleaning. Standard and king sizes are available.

The Silk Pillow’s steep sticker price may be too expensive for shoppers with limited budgets, but its durability and performance over time may prove to be a solid long-term investment. Cozy Earth also offers free ground shipping for all U.S. orders. Returns are accepted within 100 nights of the delivery date, and the pillow’s generous 10-year warranty includes shape loss as a defect worthy of replacement.

  • Pros

    1. Solid foam conforms closely to your head and neck

    2. Medium thickness is well suited to back sleepers

    3. Phase change fabric in the cover helps keep the surface cool

  • Cons

    1. Foam may emit off-gassing odors in the first few days

    2. Cannot be returned

Price Range

$125 – $145

Fill

Aerated LOFT-X polyfoam

Firmness

Medium

The Bear Pillow is an all-foam model that shines when it comes to contouring. The adaptive design is perfect for back sleepers who find most supportive pillows uncomfortably firm.

The pillow is composed entirely of solid Loft-X Foam, a polyfoam that gently hugs your neck and head while offering a touch of responsiveness and bounce. The foam compresses easily under your weight, so you’ll experience minimal pressure buildup during sleep. The loft is in the medium range for a pillow — 5 inches for a king size and 5.5 inches for a standard. Most back sleepers should find this thickness comfortable, since it elevates the head without cranking it too high.

One of the standout features of the Bear Pillow is the cooling design, which is meant to minimize the heat retention that foam pillows are known for. The cover is made with a phase change fabric that helps regulate temperature through the night, and two corners of the pillow feature mesh panels to help with ventilation.

The Bear Pillow is a final-sale item so returns are not permitted, but you will receive a two-year warranty with your purchase. Shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S.

  • Pros

    1. Adjustable loft and firmness

    2. Zoned construction keeps fill evenly distributed

    3. Recessed center cradles the head and encourages spinal alignment

  • Cons

    1. High price-point

    2. Returns incur a shipping and handling fee

Price Range

$349 – $399

Fill

Wool, shredded latex, or memory foam

Firmness

Medium Soft, Medium Firm, Firm

The Noble Head Pillow is another model that offers adjustable loft. Customers can choose between three different types of fill, wool clusters, shredded organic Talalay latex, and shredded memory foam. The pillow is constructed with nine individual chambers, and you can add or remove fill from each chamber to adjust the pillow’s thickness. This level of customization allows any back sleeper to optimize their pillow for the most comfortable loft.

The wool and latex are both quite breathable, and the shell is composed of GOTS-certified organic cotton sateen for added cooling. The wool is ethically sourced, making that design a good choice for animal-conscious individuals, while the latex contains no animal-based components and is ideal for people who identify as vegan. The shredded memory foam model offers close contouring for the head and neck, making it a great choice if you frequently experience aches and pains in the morning.

The chambered design of this pillow also ensures a more comfortable night’s rest for people with pain and pressure points around the head and neck. Noble Pillow will provide complimentary wool or latex fill whenever you need to replenish your supply.

The Noble Pillow’s sticker price is a bit steep, but the company provides free ground shipping anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. You can return your pillow within 30 days of the original purchase, and those who opt to keep it will also receive a five-year warranty that protects against structural defects.

  • Pros

    1. Custom designed for your weight, sleep position and comfort preferences

    2. Ventilated foam for better cooling

    3. 100-night sleep trial

  • Cons

    1. Some hot sleepers may overheat on foam despite ventilated design

    2. Foam is prone to initial off-gassing odors

Price Range

$85 – $105

Fill

Ventilated solid foam, hypoallergenic fibers

Firmness

Varies

The Pluto Pillow is unique because it’s created specifically for your body and sleep preferences. Shoppers fill out a questionnaire on the Pluto website, then Pluto creates a custom pillow based on each individual’s unique information.

In the questionnaire, Pluto asks your age, height, weight, current pillow style, firmness, and loft, satisfaction level with your current pillow, heat sensitivity, pillow surface preference, sleep position habits, and more. Shoppers can also leave specific notes about their preferences.

Pluto uses a proprietary algorithm that results in 35 different pillow designs, so the pillow you receive is not generic. For this reason, the Pluto pillow is a good choice for sleepers who haven’t found comfort on conventional pillows.

Pluto Pillows are built with a “pillow within a pillow” hybrid design. Pluto uses different types of foam support cores and outer fiber fillings, depending on your body’s unique needs. They also offer a cooling cover for people who tend to sleep hot.

Pluto Pillows ship for free and come with a 100-night risk-free sleep trial. That said, the company recommends you sleep on the pillow for at least two weeks before making a decision. This time frame allows for you to adjust to your pillow and vice-versa.

Best Pillows for Back Sleepers Video

In the video below, our sleep experts explore some of our top pillow picks for back sleepers. Watch the video to get a better idea of how each pillow looks and feels.

The Benefits of Back Sleeping

Back sleepers tend to enjoy spinal alignment more readily than side and stomach sleepers. For this reason, back sleeping is considered the most healthy position. Still, if their pillow’s loft is too high, even back sleepers can experience pressure points in their neck.

One drawback to back sleeping is that those prone to acid reflux are more likely to experience it while lying on their back. Eating a light dinner or at least four hours prior to lying down can help prevent this, however.

Unfortunately, back sleepers tend to snore more than side and stomach sleepers. Snoring is especially an issue in people who have sleep apnea but aren’t using a CPAP or BiPAP machine. Snoring in back sleepers can be reduced by sleeping on a slight incline.

There are special considerations to keep in mind when pillow shopping as a back sleeper. Many back sleepers want a pillow with a high enough loft to help reduce snoring, but low enough to maintain spinal alignment.

How to Choose a Pillow for Back Sleepers

As a back sleeper, there are particular pillow features you should take into consideration when shopping. In their advertising, pillow brands make all pillows sound good, even though not all will work well for your body. It’s important to bypass the hype and focus on what’s important.

Learn which pillow features are truly impactful for your sleep experience, then judge prospective pillows on those features rather than manufacturer claims about comfort.

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, you’re more likely to end up purchasing a pillow that will provide the support and comfort you’re seeking.

Loft
The 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.

Support
A 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 pillow’s loft, firmness level, and materials.

Firmness Level
Most back sleepers prefer medium-firm pillows. The firmness level of a pillow determines how it feels and how much it flattens in response to weight. Pillows of all material types can be firm or soft. Often, the density of the pillow’s materials are what determine firmness.

Pressure Relief
A pillow provides pressure relief by evenly distributing weight. Pressure relief is often closely tied to a pillow’s loft and firmness level. When a pillow is too thick or firm for a sleeper, they tend to develop pressure points in their neck. Pressure points can lead to discomfort or even pain over time.

Shape
Most bed pillows are rectangular, though their loft and shape can vary. Down and down alternative pillows tend to look more rounded. A gusset, or a fabric panel surrounding the edge of a pillow, can give the top of these pillows a flatter look and feel. Molded memory foam and latex pillows tend to be flat and rectangular, unless they are molded into a rounded shape. Specialty orthopedic pillows frequently feature irregular shapes designed for particular sleep positions.

Price
Pillows sell for anywhere from ten to hundreds of dollars. Price is largely determined by the costs associated with the pillow’s materials and construction. Down and latex pillows tend to cost more than down alternative and memory foam pillows. Organic pillows also tend to be more costly.

Quality Materials
Within each type of pillow material, there are varying qualities available. Higher density memory foam is usually higher quality than low-density foam, for example. Also, down pillows with a higher percentage of down are higher quality than those with a lower percentage of down.

What Pillow Materials are Best for Back Sleepers?

There is no single material type that works best for back sleepers overall. Back sleepers should opt for the material type that provides the feel they most prefer.

Memory Foam: Memory foam often conforms closely to the body. Memory foam is quiet and tends to provide pressure relief. The downside of memory foam is that it can trap heat if it isn’t infused with something cooling or intentionally designed to promote airflow. Also, memory foam tends to off-gas more than other pillow materials.

Buckwheat: Buckwheat is an all-natural pillow fill made of the shells from buckwheat kernels. Some liken the feel of a buckwheat hull pillow to that of a beanbag. One advantage of buckwheat pillows is that they often come with extra hulls, so increasing or decreasing their loft is usually easy. Buckwheat is also a cooler pillow material. Buckwheat pillows often come with higher price tag and some sleepers dislike the sound the hulls make when you change positions.

Feather: Feather pillows should not be confused with down pillows. Goose and duck feathers differ from down plumage. Feathers are larger with stiffer, longer quills. Feather pillows tend to be less expensive than down. They also tend to remain cooler. The feather quills can stick through the outside of the pillow, however, causing discomfort.

Latex: Latex is naturally derived from rubber trees, then processed into a springy material that supports the body. Molded latex pillows retain their shape and do not require any fluffing. Shredded latex pillows are more down-like. They tend to provide good support and pressure relief. Latex pillows are long-lasting and come with a higher price tag.

Down: Down refers to the small plumage found on a goose or duck beneath their larger feathers. Down is very soft and fluffy. Down pillows are usually a mix of down and feathers, though they must contain at least 75% down to be called a down pillow. Down can retain heat, but not as much as memory foam does. These pillows are often the longest lasting and the most expensive.

Polyester: Polyester fill pillows are a synthetic alternative to down. These pillows usually feel soft and are inexpensive and widely available. Unfortunately, they aren’t long-lasting. Although they might be comfortable at first, they need to be replaced more often and tend to become misshapen or flattened.

What Size Pillows Are Available?

As you pillow shop, you might notice that bed pillows come in several sizes. The most common are standard, queen, and king. Some brands offer other sizes such as super standard, European sizes, or unconventional sizes, such as large body pillows.

Standard, super standard, and queen pillows usually fit into standard pillowcases. King pillows need king-sized pillow cases, however. Body pillows also require their own specially sized pillow cases.

Keep reading to learn the measurements of each pillow size, as well as who tends to prefer each size the most.

  • Standard: Standard pillows typically measure 20″ x 26″. Standard pillows are the most common pillows bought and sold. They are also the most compact pillows. Although most people like standard pillows, some prefer a larger pillow.
  • Super Standard: Super standard pillows typically measure 20″ x 28″. They are 2 inches longer than standard pillows, making them a good option for people who roll around often or simply want a longer pillow.
  • Queen: Queen pillows typically measure 20″ x 30″. Queen pillows are 4 inches longer than standard, so they also work well for people who toss and turn and want more pillow length as a result.
  • King: King pillows typically measure 20″ x 36″. King pillows measure a full 10 inches longer than standard pillows. Two king pillows work well on a king-sized bed. A king pillow offers the most space for a sleeper who moves around at night.
  • Body Pillow: Body pillows typically measure 54″ x 20″ or 48″ x 20″. Generally, people sleep with a body pillow length-wise alongside them rather than under their head. Side sleepers and pregnant women often use body pillows so they can “hug” the pillow or put it between their knees as they sleep for increased comfort.

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 (or earlier) 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.

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 (except for pregnant women). Back sleeping is beneficial because it keeps your body in a neutral position and isn’t 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 pillow’s feel, and sleepers should opt for the feel that they prefer.

Where can I find a pillow for back sleepers?

All of the pillows for back sleepers featured in this post are available online. Most pillow companies sell their pillows online directly to customers. Third-party websites such as Amazon and department store sites also sell pillows online. Customers who want to buy pillows in-person can visit brick-and-mortar mattress stores, department stores, and other stores that sell bedding.

Is back sleeping bad for pregnant women?

Back sleeping is fine for pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, however, experts recommend that pregnant women sleep on their left side. Pregnant women who are accustomed to sleeping on their backs can use a body pillow or pregnancy pillow to help “train” themselves to sleep on their sides during pregnancy and reduce strain on the hips and lower back.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Learn more about our Editorial Team