7 Best Pillows for Back Sleepers – Enjoy a Good Night’s Rest

By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Medical Advisory Team
Medical Advisory Team
Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: August 21, 2023
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While back sleeping may not be as common as side sleeping or combination sleeping, a lot of people prefer sleeping in this position the most. Individuals who get to sleep on their backs experience natural spinal alignment, and do not require extra cushioning in some sensitive areas unlike side sleepers. However, there are notable drawbacks to back sleeping, with common ones including higher risk of snoring and neck pains.

Pillow selection can make a huge difference in sleep quality for those who sleep on their backs. The best pillow for back sleepers is the one that comes with a higher loft or thicknessto offer more support for the neck and head, which can greatly minimize snoring. Additionally, those who sleep on their backs tend to feel more comfortable on pillows that conform closely to ease pain and pressure points in the neck, as well as the shoulders and other delicate or other sensitive areas of the body.

This guide includes buying tips and pillow considerations for back sleepers in addition to our picks for what we felt to be the best choices for back sleepers that are currently available on the market. Of importance to note is that our choices are based on owner experiences and verified customer reviews, as well as days of intensive product research and analysis. Our findings can be found in our in-depth reviews, and to help you make your choice, we’ve also included a buying guide to guide you through all the features you need to consider.

Quick Summary

Top 7 Pillows for Back Sleepers Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2695 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

The Original Queen Anne Pillow

Features
  • Pillow filling: 100% down
  • Number of pillows: 1
  • Adjustable loft: no
  • Pillow cover:100% cotton
  • Available in: Standard, Queen, King

Extra features: hand filled, available in soft, medium and firm, hotel-quality feel

OV

Manufactured by the Queen Anne Pillow Company – a familyowned business established in 2010 – a lot of people are impressed at how huge this manufacturer has become, especially in pillow production. Right now, the company is one of the biggest pillow providers for homeowners and some of the biggest names in cruises and hospitality.

The Original Queen Anne Pillow is a pillow designed for comfort. Better yet, it’s one of the best pillows for back and side sleepers and it comes in different firmness levels soft, medium and firm fill.

The makers of this pillow suggest that the soft fill pillow is excellent for back sleepers while those who are fond of sleeping on their sides will find the medium or firm pillow to be good for them. This pillow is truly the best pick for back sleepers and we highly recommend it if you find sleeping on your back to be comfortable for you.

The Original Queen Anne Pillow is nothing short of excellence. With a number of different types of sizes and firmness levels to choose from, rest assured of a great sleep with this quiet pillow that won’t crunch – made of 100% down, this pillow is completely sound-proof. Several reviewers have argued that the Original Queen Anne Pillow has significantly helped them in reducing neck and back pains with the down inside allowing the pillow to maintain its shape, an aspect that provides extra comfort – especially for back sleeper – compared to regular pillows.

    What do we love it for?
  • It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee
  • Its content is 100% European breast down
  • Several different types and firmness levels to pick from
    What were we disappointed with?
  • It can take time for it to conform to your body and might be a little high for small folks
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2303 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.7
2
Best Contour Pillow for Back Sleepers

Cradle Me Cervical Pillow

Features
  • Pillow filling: memory foam
  • Number of pillows: 1
  • Adjustable loft: no
  • Pillow cover: polyester
  • Available in: one size

Extra features: orthopedic pillow, made in the USA, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, patent-pending butterfly design

The Cradle Me Cervical Pillow can be described as a plush, cool, and a supportive pillow. If you need a highquality pillow that can help you sleep better on your back, then this is the perfect pillow for you. Unlike other pillows that are filled with gel, this breathable pillow features an orthopedic design that is made from quality memory foam that easily contours to the shape of your head.

While this pillow is perfect for multiple sleep positions, it is undoubtedly an excellent cervical pillow for back sleepers. Its unique memory foam butterfly shape features several heights whose purpose is to provide support in all the places, allowing for muscle relaxation and comfort.

Are you a back sleeper and currently struggling with some sort of back pain and no longer enjoying a night of deep sleep? If this is the case, then sleep soundly when using the Cradle Me Cervical Pillow that’s designed to ease back pains, stress and tension.

With the Cradle Me Cervical Pillow, rest assured that you will wake up feeling euphoric with this memory foam pillow that won’t trigger allergies, especially for sensitive people. Sleep soundly through the night and wake up feeling refreshed while using the Cradle Me Cervical Pillow.

If you get this cool, breathable and supportive pillow, rest assured that it will be your sleeping buddy for a very long time. Everybody deserves a great rest. The Cradle Me Cervical Pillow can guarantee you this – and your neck muscles will thank you!

    What stands out?
  • Helps in proper breathing and avoiding snoring
  • Relaxes your shoulder and neck muscles
  • Helps a user to sleep pain-free through the night
  • Eco-friendly foam
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • May need airing before usage due to memory foam odor
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6211 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
3
Best Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers

Nature's Guest Cervical Support Pillow

Features
  • Pillow filling: microfiber
  • Number of pillows: 1
  • Adjustable loft: yes
  • Pillow cover: cotton
  • Available in: one size

Extra features: hypoallergenic, gusseted edge design, patent-pending contoured design

It’s not so often that you easily find a support pillow that is adjustable and not made using memory foam. Instead, Nature’s Guest Support Pillow is filled with a microfiber stuffing so that you can add or remove according to your needs.

Nature’s Guest Support Pillow is ideal for side and back sleepers. In fact, it’s one of the best pillows that are perfect for those who tend to roll over during the night. With Nature’s Guest Support Pillow, rest assured of firm support either way. This pillow comes with a gusseted edge on top of a soft cotton cover.

All the materials used to make this pillow are from natural resources and are not treated using chemicals that other people may find allergic. This proven contoured pillow design is made in a way that it helps in reducing neck pains in addition to providing support to maintain proper neck, head and spinal alignment while sleeping.

A majority of back sleepers who have used this pillow before argue that it is hands down the best support pillow in the market. In fact, what makes this pillow a favorite among many people is the ability to add or take away filling to customize support, height and firmness to your liking.

In addition to its attractive price, the Nature’s Guest Support Pillow guarantees you pain-free in the mornings after you wake up due to the quality of raw materials used to manufacture this pillow. Try the Nature’s Guest Support Pillow today for a good night’s sleep.

    What stands out?
  • Highly recommended for those with neck pains
  • Two level cervical spine fusion
  • It’s a superb quality product
  • Very firm
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • A bit small
  • The stuffing may get stuck in the zipper
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3328 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.3
4
Best Adjustable Pillow

UTTU Sandwich Pillow

Features
  • Pillow filling: memory foam
  • Number of pillows: 1
  • Adjustable loft: yes
  • Pillow cover: 60% polyester 40% bamboo
  • Available in: 1 size

Extra features: UTTU dynamic foam conforms to natural curvature of your neck and head, 5-year warranty, machine-washable, low and high contour sides

The UTTU Sandwich Pillow is one of the best orthopedic pillows designed to help you find a better way of sleeping without having to break the bank. This orthopedic pillow is very convenient if you have trouble resting – especially on your back – even after you’ve invested in a new mattress and its topper.

The UTTU pillow can easily be adjusted to fit your sleeping position, an aspect that makes it the ideal onesizefitsall nighttime buddy. If you are fond of sleeping on your back, you will find this pillow to be very comfortable.

The dynamic foam and the bamboo cover that comes with this pillow allows for maximum breathability in addition to reducing any heat as you sleep.

In addition to being easily washable, this pillow is also very easy to adjust thanks to the sandwich design that accommodates different types of sleepers.

The layers found inside the cover of this pillow are removable, so if it happens that after several weeks, you find your pillow to be too flat, you can always add or remove layers if they’re not supporting you in the right way.

Highly praised for its compatibility with people who suffer from neck pains or prefer to sleep on their backs, the UTTU Sandwich Pillow makes it easier to wake up without feeling any discomfort on your neck or back.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Easy to wash
  • Adjustable
  • Good for back sleepers and those experiencing neck pain
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Not as adjustable and customizable as a shredded memory foam pillow
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6816 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
5
Best for Multiple Sleeping Positions

Sweetnight Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Features
  • Pillow filling: gel memory foam
  • Number of pillows: 1
  • Adjustable loft: yes
  • Pillow cover: rayon and cotton
  • Available in: Standard, Queen, King

Extra features: hypoallergenic, 3-year warranty, extra bag for storing excess foam

The Sweetnight Bed Pillows are very ideal for Side, Back and Stomach Sleepers. With the ability to adjust loft by removing or adding foam stuffing for softness/firmness, this pillow guarantees individualized support. With ergonomic and highdensity memory foam, this pillow prevents back and neck pains since it enhances posture while keeping every part of your upper body perfectly aligned.

While this pillow is ideal for back sleepers, those fond of sleeping on their side or stomach will find this pillow very comfortable, too. The Sweetnight Bed Pillow is soft, yet very supportive as it’s made of shredded gel memory foam with a soft bamboo cover.

Besides, the Sweetnight Bed Pillow is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. Being CertiPURUS Certified, the foam in this pillow is made without using harmful substances such as mercury, formaldehyde, and other heavy metals that may be dangerous to health. This hypoallergenic pillow can combat bacteria and allergens.

The Sweetnight Bed Pillow contains over 20% more filling than a majority of other bed pillows out there, so you can customize the pillow according to your needs, by adding or removing the foam shreds –it even comes with an extra bag for convenient storage of excess foam. This bed pillow is slowly turning out to be a favorite household item in many homes since it won’t become lumpy or go flat. It stays fluffy, yet just firm enough to be supportive.

If you prefer sleeping on your stomach, side or back, this is the perfect pillow for you since it can be adjusted with a lot of ease to accommodate your sleeping position(s).

    What do we love it for?
  • Can help prevent snoring
  • The foam on the inside is ergonomic and will ease back and neck pains
  • Perfect for supporting head and neck while asleep
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Has got a little odor when unpacking
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7183 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
8.8
6
Budget Pick

MARNUR Pillow

Features
  • Pillow filling: memory foam
  • Number of pillows: 1
  • Adjustable loft: no
  • Pillow cover: 60% polyester and 40% Bamboo
  • Available in: one size

Extra features: high and low contour sides, slow-rebound memory foam, large size

This last model in our review is a contour memory foam pillow that’s compatible with all types of sleepers. It ideal for side and back sleepers and won’t disappoint you even if you happen to be a regular stomach sleeper. With an affordable price and a unique design, the MARNUR pillow could turn out to be the simple solution to all of your sleep-related issues.

This pillow comes with a unique shape that’s designed to pamper all types of sleepers. It excellently cradles the back and neck to promote proper alignment of these areas. In addition, the elevated contour design keeps the shoulders in their optimal position throughout the night.

All the ridges and the grooves of this pillow are consistent with head and neck anatomy. This design is more scientific and supposed to contour the body shape, release any body pressure, and avoid creating any obstruction to the circulation of blood in the body.

If you frequently change your sleeping positions during the night or while sleeping, the MARNUR pillow would be ideal for you. Made of premiumgrade memory foam, this pillow won’t easily lose its shape no matter how much you move around. It is also highly breathable thanks to the bamboo cover, and doesn’t contain anything that could be harmful to your skin.

    What are its best features?
  • Memory foam filling provides some of the highest comfort
  • It supports all types of sleepers
  • Comes with a zippered bag
    What could be improved?
  • Not customizable / adjustable
  • Difficult to find a suitable pillowcase for this pillow’s dimensions and shape
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4347 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
7
Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Coisum Cervical Contour Pillow

Features
  • Pillow filling: memory foam
  • Number of pillows: 1
  • Adjustable loft: no
  • Pillow cover: fabric not specified
  • Available in: one size

Extra features: butterfly shape, Certi-PUR-US certified, slow-rebound memory foam

Next on our review is the Coisum Cervical Contour Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain. This uniquely shaped ergonomic pillow is one of the best since it provides a fantastic support to the head, neck and shoulders while reducing snoring and improving blood circulation. This pillow is ideal for all sleeping positions and a good choice for back sleepers thanks to its unique butterfly design.

Just like others that we have reviewed, the pillowcase that comes with the Coisum Cervical Contour Pillow is hypoallergenic as it’s made of mesh fabric and polyether. It’s removable, washable, and highly resistant to dust mites, an ideal pillow if you suffer from allergies. The mesh fabric also allows the air circulate, keeping it cool throughout the night.

This pillow is manufactured using highquality memory foam designed to provide adequate support to your neck while absorbing cervical and shoulder pressure. The slopes on both edges of this pillow fit the cervical curve very well, an aspect that helps to keep your spine in a natural curve, allowing you to get a deeper sleep in addition to allowing you breathe easier since your throat isn’t pressed at an awkward angle. Back sleepers with cervical issues can sleep on the higher side of the pillow designed to keep their necks properly aligned with the rest of the body.

    What are its best features?
  • Great quality memory foam
  • It’s versatile if you care to remove and replace the foam
  • It has got excellent side support
    What could be improved?
  • Not adjustable
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

Waking up in the morning with a stiff, sore neck or excruciating back pain does not feel great at all. In fact, such pains may be dangerous in the sense that it won’t stop there but grow into something dangerous such as chronic back pain, sciatica, and numbness in your arms and legs. While the majority of people blame their mattresses for this, the real culprit is the pillow. If your desire is to have a good sleep, you will need to invest in a good-quality pillow designed to support your neck and back. Here is an informative buying guide to assist you in making valid decisions before going ahead to acquire a pillow to suit all your needs.

Reasons to get a quality pillow for back sleepers

Continental-Bedding-Best-Down-Pillows

Sleeping on the wrong pillow can quickly lead to negative consequences for you. If you happen to be a back sleeper, it is important to invest in a good quality pillow due to a number of important reasons.

First, for a back sleeper, investing in a good quality pillow will ensure that you get sufficient sleep and wake up feeling energized or refreshed in the morning. If you want to get good restful sleep, you need to invest in a good pillow that will guarantee you such.

Secondly, a good quality pillow will ensure that your spine is properly aligned and save you from constant neck and back pains that people get when using a low-quality pillow.

Lastly, good quality pillows normally come with contoured or adjustable designs that conform to your neck and back to provide support in all the right places

Features to consider when choosing a back-sleeper pillow

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Pillows play a very significant role in our lives, especially in providing us a sound sleep and in relaxing our minds and bodies. It’s with the help of pillows that we are able to sleep peacefully at night, waking up feeling fresh in the morning.

For side sleepers, there are some important features that they need to consider when choosing sidesleeper pillows. Some of the best pillows for side sleepers are firm pillows. Additionally memory foam pillows are also the best. However, before making a purchase, there are important considerations you need to look at first. There are a lot of points that need to be considered before buying sidesleeper pillows. Here are some of the most important features to consider, especially when choosing sidesleeper pillows.

Pillow filling

Pillow filling, or the materials used in your pillow, matters a lot. If anything, the materials used should be of high quality and allow you to use the pillow for many years to come. The materials used should provide you enough comfort. You must ensure that the covering is strong and perfectly stitched such that the inner fillings do not come out. If you choose a latex pillow, you will have some challenges when it comes to machinewashing it. Down pillows are good when it comes to softness. On the other hand, memory foam pillows are great if you are looking for something that can easily adjust to your position as you sleep. Microfiber is also a great, soft and comfortable option

Loft adjustability

Loft is the height or thickness of the pillow. Before purchasing a pillow, you need to consider loft adjustability too. Highlofted plush pillows tend to be soft. On the other hand, lowlofted pillows are those ones that come with a supportive and firm surface. They go a long way in keeping your head and neck aligned. There are some pillows that allow you to adjust the loft. A good example is the shredded pillow from Sweetnight that can allow you to add or remove the foam shreds so that you can get the perfect fit, or a sandwich pillow like the one from UTTU.

Pillow cover fabric

Downlite-Hyppoalergenic-Best-Down-Pillows

Are you aware of what your pillow is made of? What about its outermost fabric?

A breathable pillow fabric will prevent you from an uncomfortable and hot sleep.

For this reason, you need a cover fabric with excellent breathability and ventilation. Your face comes into direct contact with the pillow cover fabric, so it is important to ensure that you get to protect your face by shopping for something cozy and soft. Cotton is the most preferred material since it offers a breathable, soft and supple feeling against your skin – the Original Queen Anne Pillow comes with a 100% cotton cover. Bamboo pillow cover fabrics are natural, highly breathable and very absorbent to sleep on.

Pillow Shape

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The shape of your pillow matters a lot. Apart from pillows with a classic rectangular shape such as the Original Queen Anne Pillow, one of the best pillows for back sleepers are adjustable pillows – such as the Sweetnight and UTTU pillows. The latter also has a slightly curved design, which is great for supporting the neck area. Contoured pillows also tend to be curved – an example being the Cradle Me Cervical Pillow or the Coisum pillow. These have a butterfly shape that perfectly conforms to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders, for a comfortable sleeping experience.

Do you sleep on your side and stomach, too?

Your pillow can account for close to 30% of your overall sleep satisfaction. Every person is different and what feels good to you may not work well for another person. If you also happen to be a side-sleeper, you will find a pillow designed for back sleepers-only not comfortable enough. If you are a constant side sleeper, you generally need a pillow with good loft to keep your neck and spine properly aligned. If you have enlarged shoulders, you may have to shop for a thicker pillow. On the other hand, if you are a stomach sleeper, on most occasions, a softer, thinner pillow is good for you. Back sleepers are advised to invest in thinner pillows with medium-firm or firmer density. Choose a pillow for multiple sleeping positions for comfort throughout the night.

Firmness rating

The firmness of your pillow is another important factor that you shouldn’t ignore while shopping for a side-sleeper pillow. Back sleepers need to check the firmness of the pillow since choosing the wrong pillow may affect your health in terms of shoulder and neck pains. Back sleepers are heavily advised to invest in medium-firm pillows. However, they may also choose a firm or medium-soft one – this all depends on your personal preferences. A firm pillow usually provides a good balance of comfort and support.

FAQ

What pillow should I choose if I have shoulder pain?

Shoulder pains can definitely prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Luckily, there are certain recommendable pillows that you can use if you have such pain. Shredded poly foams, memory foam and poly fiber fills are some of the best pillows to look out for. Also try to opt for contoured designs that will align your neck, spine, and shoulders and allow you to sleep pain-free!

What’s the best way to position the pillow if I get neck pain?

Neck pain can be significantly reduced by repositioning your pillow. If you have neck pains that are making you lose sleep, you may have to put a towel on top of your pillow while ensuring that you position your pillow horizontally to your mattress. Stacking the pillow too high or placing it vertically on your bed can increase or agitate your neck.

Is it normal for the pillow to have a smell?

Odor is completely normal on brand-new pillows, especially if they are sealed in plastic bags. To get rid of odor, it is advisable to air out your pillows several days before you use them if the odor bothers you.

Our verdict

The best part about pillows is that they come in several shapes and sizes all designed to fulfil independent roles. Does the pillow that you are about to purchase feel comfortable and offer enough head and neck support for correct spinal alignment? Do you think that you can spend as many as eight (or more!) hours on that pillow? Based on our research, we highly recommend the Original Queen Anne Pillow, the Cradle Me Cervical Pillow, and Nature’s Guest Support Pillow. If you want an allround pillow that will serve all your needs, all you need is the Original Queen Anne Pillow. The Cradle Me Cervical Pillow is a plush, cool, and highly supportive pillow. If you need a quality pillow that can help you sleep better on your back, then butterfly shape of this pillow is perfect for you. Lastly, based on our reviews, the Nature’s Guest Support pillow will come in handy for back sleepers experiencing back and neck pains. Better yet, it’s adjustable and can fit persons with heights of more than six feet.

9,9
Total Score
The Original Queen Anne Pillow - Editor’s Choice
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