$125 at Amazon
Best overall pillow for back sleepers
Coop Eden Plus Pillow
$149 at Purple
Best latex pillow for back sleepers
Purple Harmony Pillow
$65 at Casper
Best down alternative pillow for back sleepers
Casper Original Pillow
$109 at Helix
Best wedge pillow for back sleepers
Helix Wedge Pillow
Show more (7 items)
When it comes to preferred sleep positions, most people are side sleepers. A close second are back sleepers. When you sleep on your back, your spine is fully aligned. Not to mention, snoozing on your back can help reduce the risk of wrinkles and ease heartburn and acid reflux if the head of your bed is correctly elevated.
Back sleepers know the importance of finding the right pillow — especially if they suffer from neck pain. The best pillow for back sleepers should exist somewhere between options that are too lofty (high) and too flat. When you lie down for the night, the right pillow should also keep your neck and spine aligned. After testing more pillows than I can fit on one bed, I grouped the best pillows for back sleepers below.
The best overall pillow for back sleepers
The best overall pillow for back sleepers is the Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow. This pillow is adjustable (meaning you can add and remove the filling to your liking), and it’s made of high-quality, shredded memory foam that’s CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold Certified. It also keeps your neck and spine supported and aligned. Another perk of this pillow: It’s cool to the touch and great for hot sleepers. It even made our list of the best cooling pillows.
How we tested the best pillow for back sleepers
Human and pet tested and approved.
Caroline Igo/CNET
During my testing, I considered price, materials, feel, firmness, height and size. When I tried each pillow, I checked to see if my neck and spine were aligned to make sure the pillow was supportive enough for back sleepers.
I’m a combination sleeper, meaning I often switch to sleeping on my side or my stomach. Although I’ve tested more than 25 pillows (and another 10 for this article), I thought it would be best to consult a more consistent back sleeper for a second opinion. My boyfriend, who’s a strict back sleeper, helped me test and pick these pillows. We both spent a few nights sleeping and lounging on them (my dog included). The pillows that made this list are truly the best of the best for back sleepers.
Best pillow for back sleepers
Caroline Igo/CNET
You may have heard of Coop Sleep Good’s Eden Pillow, as it often tops lists of the best pillows. If you thought that pillow was cool, let me tell you — it got even better. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the new version of the Eden Pillow. It has a similar cool-to-the-touch cover, but now it also has a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer and shredded gel-infused memory foam, which is great for hot sleepers. The filling is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified.
This pillow is also adjustable. It comes with extra filling, as well as an option to pull out the filling. Make it as firm or soft as you desire, as long as it isn’t too high. I like that the memory foam lets you sink a little into the pillow, regardless of how much you fill it. Back sleepers will feel fully supported with this pillow.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch; great for hot sleepersAdjustable and hypoallergenic Removable, washable cover
Cons:
Not for those who don’t like to sink a little into pillows On the expensive side Caroline Igo/CNET
If you’re unsure about how supportive you want or need your pillow to be, finding an adjustable pillow is the right move. The Nolah Squishy Pillow is my favorite adjustable pillow for back sleepers. It’s made of cube-cut foam that’s super squishy, hence the name. My head sunk into the pillow a little, but I felt supported enough to sleep through the night.
Its cover is soft, machine washable and made of Oeko-Tex-certified bamboo-blend fibers. The best part is that one box comes with two queen-size pillows, so you get two for the price of one. Nolah even has frequent deals, so look for sales where you can get these two pillows for $20 cheaper.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Soft and comfortable Sold as a set of two queen pillowsAdjustable foam filling
Cons:
Some sleepers might find it too lumpyNot for those who don’t like to sink a little into pillows Caroline Igo/CNET
Memory foam is great for back sleepers who have neck pain because the foam will contour to the head and neck. The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Memory Foam Pillow in a low loft is great for these back sleepers. The pillow’s memory foam is perforated, and the top is infused with copper. This natural mineral helps fight against mold, allergens and dust mites. It’s around a medium firmness.
This Brooklyn Bedding pillow is also ideal for hot sleepers, as the cover is cool to the touch and can be removed and washed. Also, Brooklyn Bedding often has deals, so you can usually grab this pillow for under $99.
Sleeping positions: Back, stomach, side and combination
Pros:
Cool to the touch; great for hot sleepersGood for combination sleepers who switch to their backMachine-washable cover
Cons:
On the thinner sideNot for back sleepers who like a loftier pillow Caroline Igo/CNET
If you’re a back sleeper who often overheats at night, the Bear Pillow is a great option. It has a cover that’s cool to the touch. Both ends of the pillow have mesh, allowing for more airflow. It’s also hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, bacteria and dust mites. At its core, the Bear Pillow is made with a hybrid foam, which I consider halfway between bouncy latex foam and slow-molding memory foam. I think it’s right down the middle when it comes to firmness and softness — the perfect combination for back sleepers.
Note that you can’t wash the Bear Pillow cover. Spot clean only, and use a light, breathable pillowcase to feel the full effects of the cool-to-the-touch cover.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch; great for hot sleepersHypoallergenic Not too soft, not too firm
Cons:
Not machine washableOn the expensive side Caroline Igo/CNET
You might have heard of Purple and its unique honeycomb-patterned grid layer. This feature, found in all products including the Purple Harmony Pillow, is flexible, supportive and slightly moldable, like memory foam. The pillow also has a Talalay latex core that’s perforated for airflow. (Talalay is a natural latex sourced from rubber trees.) When you put your head down on this pillow, it feels light and slightly bouncy. My head never sank too far into the pillow.
The machine-washable mesh cover is slightly cool to the touch. This pillow should support back sleepers and also back sleepers who may switch to their sides.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Well-ventilated; great for hot sleepersBouncy feel keeps head from sinking in too far Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
ExpensiveIts unique latex grid isn’t for everyone Caroline Igo/CNET
Whether you’re particular about the materials that go into your bedding, have allergies or want a pillow that’s both eco-conscious and all-natural, the Avocado Green Pillow could be for you. Made with shredded GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok and cotton, the pillow is nontoxic, holds the Made Safe seal and is certified vegan. The removable, washable cotton cover is quilted and has a zipper for easy adjustability. Remove or add filling to your liking.
This pillow feels a little firmer than the other pillows on this list, but while lying on my back, I felt properly supported. The filling also contours to your head and neck, but not as much as memory foam filling. Note that this pillow requires frequent fluffing.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Cons:
Requires frequent fluffing Not for people who want a softer pillow Caroline Igo/CNET
A good down pillow is made of quality materials, with evenly distributed down clusters, and it should cushion the head without feeling lumpy. The Brooklinen Down Pillow checks all those boxes. It’s made of 100% down clusters and feathers, and it’s covered with a cotton sateen shell. You can also choose your ideal support by opting for plush, mid-plush or firm. I tested the mid-plush option, and I’d say it’s the best for back sleepers (in fact, this option should suit most sleepers). It’s optimal in terms of firmness and support. Stop-clean this pillow or dry-clean if needed.
Sleeping positions: Back, side, stomach and combination
Pros:
Available in plush, mid-plush and firmSoft and fluffy Great for all sleepers
Cons:
Not for people who are vegan or who have allergies Besides picking the loft, it isn’t adjustableRequires daily fluffing Caroline Igo/CNET
A more affordable version of the Avocado Green Pillow or other organic, all-natural pillows is a down alternative. These pillows are hypoallergenic and made without animal products while still being supportive and fluffy.
The Casper Original Pillow is my pick for the best down alternative pillow for back sleepers because it’s comfortable, versatile and doesn’t require constant fluffing. This pillow is made with a 100% cotton cover and polyester filling. Like foam, the pillow adapts to your head and returns to its original shape when you get up. I felt very supported by the Casper Original.
The removable cover is washable and the entire pillow can be machine-washed, as well.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Affordable priceFluffy and supportive Entire pillow is machine washable
Cons:
Not for people who prefer solid foam pillows A little firmer than the other pillows on this list Caroline Igo/CNET
Wedge pillows are great for supporting your back while you’re lying in bed working, scrolling on your phone or watching TV. These pillows may also help with snoring, nasal drainage, acid reflux and heartburn. You can also place a wedge pillow under your knees if you have lower back pain.
The Helix Wedge Pillow is made with a layer of gel foam over a core of poly foam. The cover is a blend of rayon and polyester fibers and can be removed and washed. I liked how the pillow propped me up and supported my head and neck. I tested this pillow while I read in bed.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Great for working or watching TV in bedCan be used when you’re sick or having symptoms of acid reflux Removable, washable cover
Cons:
Takes up a lot of space (it’s 24 by 24 by 10 inches)Not for people looking for a traditional pillow
Other pillows I tested for back sleepers
Though these pillows didn’t make my list, some have features worth noting. Here are my honorable mentions.
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is my favorite of the honorable mentions. It’s made with a hypoallergenic microfill and a cotton sateen shell. I tested the Down Alternative Pillow in a medium firmness but soft, side sleeper and firm options are also available. I’d consider both the medium and firm to be good for back sleepers, and the firm should work for people who don’t want to sink too far into their pillow.
Although I loved the feel of this soft pillow, it does require frequent fluffing. As someone who isn’t a big fan of down filling, I liked how this down-alternative pillow felt different. This won’t be for someone who’s a fan of down or down alternatives that feel like the real thing.
Caroline Igo/CNET
This hefty pillow from Saatva is made with shredded memory foam and latex foam core. It comes with a soft knit cover that you can remove and wash. Around the core is a graphite-infused memory foam that may help you sleep cooler by pulling the heat away from your head.
I found this pillow to be much better suited for side sleepers. Because it has a high loft of almost 6 inches, back sleepers might hurt their necks on this pillow. While you do sink a little into the material, the loft is still too high. Side sleepers, on the other hand, should find this pillow comfortable. It gave me great support between my head and shoulder.
Caroline Igo/CNET
Slumber Cloud is known for its cooling bedding. Its UltraCool Comforter made our list of the best cooling comforters. Its UltraCool Pillow is no different: cool to the touch and fluffy. Its down alternative filling is made of polyester fibers that won’t retain your body heat. For your firmness preferences, you can choose between soft/medium and medium/firm. The pillow itself isn’t adjustable.
For this review, I tested the medium/firm support, in consideration of back sleepers. I found this firmness level to be more medium than firm, which I was happy with. There isn’t as much support there as I found with other pillows on the list. This isn’t the pillow for back sleepers looking for more support.
Factors to consider when choosing a pillow for back sleepers
Material
Look for pillows made with contouring foams like memory, poly and latex foam and other fill like down or down alternatives.
Loft
Back sleepers should find a pillow with a loft (height) that is not too high nor too low.
Firmness
Pillows that are not too firm nor too soft are perfect for back sleepers. Look for pillows that are right down the middle.
Price
A nice pillow can cost you anywhere from $50 to $100. Pillows with higher-quality materials may be over $150 or $200.
Trial period
You dont have to commit to a pillow. Look at the trial period to see how long you have to test it out.
Best pillows for back sleepers compared
PriceSize(s)FirmnessMaterialsMachine washable?Hypoallergenic?Trial period Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow $139Queen, kingAdjustableShredded memory foamCover onlyYes100 nightsNolah Squishy Pillow $198Two queensAdjustableShredded foamCovery onlyNot specified30 daysBrooklyn Bedding Luxury Memory Foam Pillow $129Queen, kingMediumMemory foamCover onlyYes30 daysBear Pillow $150Standard, kingMediumLatex and memory “hybrid” foamNoYes30 nightsPurple Harmony Pillow $199Standard, kingMediumLatexCover onlyYes100 nightsAvocado Green Pillow $109Standard, queen and kingMediumShredded latex and cottonCover onlyYes100 daysBrooklinen Down Pillow $109Standard, kingMediumDown clusters and feathersNoNot specified365 daysCasper Original Pillow $65Standard, kingMediumPolyester fiber, down alternativeYesNot specified30 nightsHelix Wedge Pillow $109StandardMedium-firmGel memory foam and poly foamCover onlyYes100 nights
Best pillows for back sleepers FAQ
What type of pillow is best for back sleepers?
The best pillow for back sleepers is one that’s right between a firm, thick pillow and a soft, thin pillow. Back sleepers should look for foam (memory, poly or latex), down or a down alternative. These pillows will help support the head and keep the neck and spine aligned during the night.
Should a back sleeper have a medium or firm pillow?
A back sleeper should find a pillow that isn’t too soft or too firm. A pillow with medium firmness is best. Adjustable pillows are also great for back sleepers because you can add and remove filling to your liking. If you wake up with neck pain because you’re overextending your neck, remove some filling. Add more if you feel like you aren’t getting enough support.
Is a thick or thin pillow better for sleeping on your back?
A pillow that’s right between thick and thin is best if you sleep on your back. One that’s too thick may hurt your neck during the night, and one that’s too thin won’t give you enough support. Make sure your spine is aligned when you lie down and rest your head on your pillow.