Regardless of your sleeping position, you need the right accessories to get a restful nightâs sleep. However, getting a new mattress can be expensive, so a supportive pillow might be a better option. The perfect pillow for back sleepers strikes the right balance between height and firmness. It should be supportive enough to ensure your neck and spine are properly aligned, but not so firm that it leaves you with a stiff neck. I have tested over 25 pillows during my time as a CNET sleep expert, and each pillow for this article was slept on for three nights. Using years of experience testing sleep products, Iâve compiled this list of the best pillows for back sleepers.
The best overall pillow for back sleepers
The best overall pillow for back sleepers is the Coop Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow. This pillow is adjustable (meaning you can add and remove the filling to your liking), and itâs made of high-quality, shredded memory foam thatâs CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold Certified. It also keeps your neck and spine supported and aligned. Another perk of this pillow: Itâs cool to the touch and great for hot sleepers. It also made our list of the best cooling pillows.
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Best pillow for back sleepers
Why we like it: You may have heard of the Coop Sleep 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. 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 isnât too high.Â
Who it is best for: This pillow is also adjustable, making it ideal for those who arenât sure how soft or firm they want their pillows. 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.Â
Who shouldnât get it: If youâre a back sleeper who enjoys thick memory foam pillows or firmer pillows that donât allow for the head to sink into the surface too much, this might not be for you.Â
Pros:
- Cool to the touch; great for hot sleepers
- Adjustable and hypoallergenicÂ
- Removable, washable cover
Cons:
- Not for those who donât like to sink a little into pillowsÂ
- On the expensive side
Why we like it: 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 pillowâs memory foam is perforated, and the top is infused with copper. This natural mineral helps fight against mold, allergens and dust mites. Itâs around a medium firmness.
Who it is best for: 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 deal hunters can usually grab this pillow for under $99. Â
Who shouldnât get it: While the pillow appeals to all sleeping positions, it may not be ideal for thicker pillow lovers. Itâs on the thinner side.
Sleeping positions: Back, stomach, side and combination
Pros:
- Cool to the touch; great for hot sleepers
- Good for combination sleepers who switch to their back
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- On the thinner side
- Not for back sleepers who like a loftier pillow
Why we like it: If youâre a back sleeper who often overheats at night, the Bear Pillow is a great option. It has a cover thatâs cool to the touch. Both ends of the pillow have mesh, allowing for more airflow. Itâs 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. Note that you canât 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.
Who it is best for: I think itâs right down the middle when it comes to firmness and softness â the perfect combination for back sleepers who like pillows that arenât too soft or too firm.
Who shouldnât get it: Sleepers who prefer down pillows or movable filling may not like how unadjustable this pillow is.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
- Cool to the touch; great for hot sleepers
- HypoallergenicÂ
- Not too soft, not too firm
Cons:
- Not machine washable
- On the expensive side
Why we like it: 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 thatâs 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 also slightly cool to the touch.Â
Who it is best for: This pillow should support back sleepers and also back sleepers who may switch to their sides.
Who shouldnât get it: The Purple Harmony Pillow will cost you around $200, so steer clear if youâre on a budget.Â
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
- Well-ventilated; great for hot sleepers
- Bouncy feel keeps head from sinking in too farÂ
- Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Expensive
- Its unique latex grid isnât for everyone
Why we like it: Whether youâre particular about the materials that go into your bedding, have allergies or want a pillow thatâs 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.
Who it is best for: This pillow feels a little firmer than the other pillows on this list, but while lying on my back, I felt properly supported. I recommend this one for those who want a pillow to contour to their head and neck, but not as much as memory foam filling.Â
Who shouldnât get it: I found that this pillow can get a bit lumpy after a few nights. If you dislike constantly fluffing your pillows, you may want a sturdier pillow, such as the Bear.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
Cons:
- Requires frequent fluffingÂ
- Not for people who want a softer pillow
Why we like it: 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. Itâs made of 100% down clusters and feathers, and itâs covered with a cotton sateen shell. You can also choose your ideal support by opting for plush, mid-plush or firm. Spot-clean this pillow or dry-clean if needed.
Who it is best for: I recommend the mid-plush option, and Iâd say itâs the best for back sleepers (in fact, this option should suit most sleepers). Itâs optimal in terms of firmness and support, especially for those looking for a middle-of-the-road pillow.Â
Who shouldnât get it: Iâm not the biggest fan of down fill, especially when the feathers poke out and scratch me. If you prefer down alternative or memory foam fill, skip this pillow.
Sleeping positions: Back, side, stomach and combinationÂ
Pros:
- Available in plush, mid-plush and firm
- Soft and fluffyÂ
- Great for all sleepers
Cons:
- Not for people who are vegan or who have allergiesÂ
- Besides picking the loft, it isnât adjustable
- Requires daily fluffing
Why we like it: I felt very supported by the Casper Original. 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 removable cover is washable, and the entire pillow can be machine-washed, as well. This pillow is made with a 100% cotton cover and polyester filling.Â
Who it is best for: Like foam, the pillow adapts to your head and returns to its original shape when you get up. I would describe the Casper Original pillow as very basic. The price is reasonable, itâs versatile and doesnât require constant fluffing. If you want a pillow without any bells and whistles, this is for you.Â
Who shouldnât get it: If you alternate between your stomach and back, this pillow is not adjustable and can be too tall for stomach sleeping.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Fluffy and supportiveÂ
- Entire pillow is machine washableÂ
Cons:
- Not for people who prefer solid foam pillowsÂ
- A little firmer than the other pillows on this list
Why we like it: Wedge pillows are great for supporting your back while youâre 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.
Who it is best for: I liked how the pillow propped me up and supported my head and neck, so I recommend this pillow for those who want to read in bed. Itâs also recommended for snorers, those with colds and acid reflux.Â
Who shouldnât get it: Traditional pillow lovers will want to skip this one.
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
- Great for working or watching TV in bed
- Can be used when youâre sick or having symptoms of acid refluxÂ
- Removable, washable cover
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of space (itâs 24 by 24 by 10 inches)
- Not for people looking for a traditional pillow
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Why we like it: If youâre 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. Itâs made of cube-cut foam thatâs 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.Â
Who it is best for: The best part is that one box comes with two queen-size pillows, so you get two for the price of one. This pillow is great for those on a budget. Nolah even has frequent deals, so look for sales where you can get these two pillows for $20 cheaper.  Â
Who shouldnât get it: This pillow will allow your head to sink into the surface a little. If you enjoy pillows that have less give, I recommend the Purple or Bear pillows instead.Â
Sleeping positions: Back and side
Pros:
- Soft and comfortableÂ
- Sold as a set of two queen pillows
- Adjustable foam fillingÂ
Cons:
- Some sleepers might find it too lumpy
- Not for those who donât like to sink a little into pillows
Other pillows I tested for back sleepers
Although these pillows didnât make my list, some have features worth noting. Here are my honorable mentions.
The Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is my favorite of the honorable mentions. Itâs 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. Iâd consider both the medium and firm to be good for back sleepers, and the firm should work for people who donât want to sink too far into their pillow.Â
Although I loved the feel of this soft pillow, it does require frequent fluffing. As someone who isnât a big fan of down filling, I liked how this down-alternative pillow felt different. This wonât be for someone whoâs a fan of down or down alternatives that feel like the real thing. Â
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. Â
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 wonât retain your body heat. For your firmness preferences, you can choose between soft/medium and medium/firm. The pillow itself isnât 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 isnât as much support there as I found with other pillows on the list. This isnât the pillow for back sleepers looking for more support.
Best pillows for back sleepers compared
BrandPriceSize(s)FirmnessMaterialsMachine washable?Hypoallergenic?Trial period Coop Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow $139Queen, kingAdjustableShredded memory foamCover onlyYes100 nightsBrooklyn Bedding Luxury Memory Foam Pillow $97Queen, kingMediumMemory foamCover onlyYes30 daysBear Pillow $88Standard, kingMediumLatex and memory âhybridâ foamNoYes30 nightsPurple Harmony Pillow $199Standard, kingMediumLatexCover onlyYes100 nightsAvocado Green Pillow $98Standard, queen and kingMediumShredded latex and cottonCover onlyYes100 daysBrooklinen Down Pillow $103Standard, kingMediumDown clusters and feathersNoNot specified365 daysCasper Original Pillow $65Standard, kingMediumPolyester fiber, down alternativeYesNot specified30 nightsHelix Wedge Pillow $87StandardMedium-firmGel memory foam and poly foamCover onlyYes100 nightsNolah Squishy Pillow $89Two queensAdjustableShredded foamCover onlyNot specified30 days
How we tested the best pillow for back sleepers
These pillows are human and pet tested and approved.
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. Â
Iâm a combination sleeper, meaning I often switch to sleeping on my side or my stomach. Although Iâve 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, whoâs 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.Â
Factors to consider when shopping for best pillows 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 donât have to commit to a pillow. Look at the trial period to see how long you have to test it out.
Medium-firm pillows tend to work best for back sleepers. Look for options made with foam (memory, poly or latex), down or a down alternative. Such options generally fall between thick and thin pillows, supporting the head and keeping the neck and spine aligned during the night.
A pillow thatâs right between thick and thin is best if you sleep on your back. One thatâs too thick may hurt your neck during the night, and one thatâs too thin wonât give you enough support. When you lie down, make sure your spine is aligned when you rest your head on your pillow.Â
A back sleeper should find a pillow that isnât too soft or too firm. A pillow with medium firmness works 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 youâre overextending your neck, remove some filling. Add more if you feel like you arenât getting enough support.Â
Experts recommend using a pillow, no matter how you sleep. If you sleep on your back, choose one that isnât too thick or too thin. It should fill the space between your neck and the bed while also providing the right level of support.
