Lifestyle

The Best Pillows for Back Sleepers We’ve Ever Tested

WDC NEWS 6 STAFF May 28, 2024

6 16 minutes read

The Best Pillows for Back Sleepers We’ve Ever Tested

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The Company Store

The Company Store’s Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow earned perfect scores for its comfort, quality, and durability in our testing, making it our best overall pillow for back sleepers. Unlike standard rectangular pillows, this one has a unique winged shape designed to release pressure and align the spine. We were amazed by how well this pillow cradled our neck and head—even those of us with stiff necks woke up without any pain.

We found this pillow to strike the perfect balance of firmness, offering ample support while still being soft and comfortable. It proved durable enough to maintain its shape, even after one month of nightly use, so you won’t need to fluff it too often. It’s worth noting that this pillow didn’t have as much airflow as other options we tested, likely due to its solid memory foam core. However, hot sleepers can try out the included CoolMax polyester pillow cover, which wicks away moisture throughout the night. And if the CoolMax fiber isn’t your thing, the pillow also comes with a polyester Tencel knit cover.

This pillow’s winged design is best suited for back sleepers, so combination sleepers may want to look elsewhere. If you’re hesitant to purchase, don’t worry—the brand’s 90-day return policy gives you some time to try it out.

Firmness: Firm | Fill: Solid memory foam | Cover: Polyester/Tencel lyocell knit cover, CoolMax fiber cover | Return Policy: 90 days | Machine Washable: Cover only

Real Simple / Monica Aguinaga
Real Simple / Monica Aguinaga

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Amazon

Considering its inexpensive price, this AmazonBasics two-pack is a real steal. Each pillow was well filled—so much so that we had difficulty squeezing it into the pillowcase—and provided support while still feeling plush. The polyester microfiber fabric felt pretty standard, though this was to be expected given the price. Once we put a pillowcase on the pillow, we could hardly notice. As a much-appreciated bonus, this pick is entirely machine washable.

One of our favorite things about this pillow is its versatility. No matter how often we tossed and turned throughout the night, it offered the perfect amount of support in any position. It conformed to our neck as we slept, maintaining its shape and firmness throughout three months of use. Despite molding to our curves overnight, we were pleased to find that the pillow seemed to reset each morning, providing a fresh, untouched surface to lie on.

We were also impressed by this pillow’s airflow—after lying on it for 15 minutes, it stayed surprisingly cool. Overall, it offers the ideal combination of fullness, support, and breathability. And for such a low price? We couldn’t ask for much more.

Firmness: Medium, soft | Fill: Down alternative | Cover: Polyester microfiber | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes

Real Simple / Rachel Marek
Real Simple / Rachel Marek

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Saatva

We could tell the Saatva Latex Pillow was high quality just by looking at it. The material felt soft to the touch and looked well made, with no loose threads in sight. It includes two layers: an inner latex core and a plush, machine-washable layer of down-like microfiber. It’s worth noting that this pick has brown piping on the borders, which may be visible in some light pillowcases. However, if you have a darker pillowcase or don’t mind the brown, it won’t bother you.

This pillow is available in two heights: standard loft and high loft. We found it to be plump and heavy, almost as if it were weighted. It rose immediately after we pushed our hand into the material, quickly regaining its shape. It took us a few nights to get used to the height, but once we grew accustomed to it, we were comfortable. Due to its loftiness, this pillow is better suited for side sleepers and back sleepers rather than stomach sleepers. Still, it felt supportive from all angles, so we hardly needed to readjust our position.

Crafted with a 100% cotton cover, this pillow proved to be incredibly breathable. It kept us cool throughout the night, and we never needed to flip it to the other side. The cover is also machine washable, but we don’t recommend drying it—we noticed some shrinkage, making it more difficult to squeeze over the pillow. Despite retaining some more heat at the three-month mark, this pillow maintained its loft throughout the testing period. This is the most expensive pillow on our list, so it isn’t for everyone. Still, if you’re seeking a high-quality and long-lasting pillow, it may be worth the splurge.

Firmness: Medium | Fill: Shredded natural latex | Cover: Organic cotton | Return Policy: 45 days | Machine Washable: Cover only

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Coop

Finding a pillow with the right amount of fill can be challenging, but this adjustable option from Coop Home Goods helps you find the perfect height. While this pillow arrives with medium firmness, it comes with an extra half pound of shredded memory foam and microfiber fill that you can add to make it firmer or remove to make it softer. We love the customizability, which allows every type of sleeper to achieve maximum comfort. Plus, the extra fill can revive your pillow if it becomes softer with use.

Though this pillow doesn’t claim to be cooling, its cover, crafted with a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon, is breathable. It did warm up quite a bit in our testing, increasing in temperature by 14°F over 15 minutes. Regardless, this pillow kept us comfortably cool, and we never felt the need to flip it to the other side.

After three months of use, this pillow continues to exceed our expectations. The machine-washable cover has held up well after laundering, showing no wrinkles or loose threads. Our only complaint involves the design—this pillow’s cover has a gray stitch pattern, which is visible through white pillowcases.

Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: Shredded memory foam and microfiber | Cover: Polyester/bamboo-derived rayon | Return Policy: 100 days | Machine Washable: Yes

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Amazon

Filled with a blend of feathers and microfiber, this down pillow is plush, cloud-like, and supportive. Though it’s labeled as “medium firm,” we found it to be on the softer side. We would even go as far as to compare the feeling of lying on it to sleeping on a bed of feathers. Despite increasing by 10°F over 15 minutes in our testing, we found this pillow to be very breathable. The filling was cool to the touch and high quality, bouncing back to its original form quickly after use. It also has a weightless feel, which makes it ideal for those who reposition often throughout the night.

While the manufacturer says this pillow is machine washable, we don’t recommend doing so—after laundering, we noticed some feathers poking through the material. By the three-month mark, we observed the fill shifting around, as well. Even so, the thick cotton cover helped mask most of the prickly texture.

For the most part, this pillow maintained its shape and comfort over time. And given its inexpensive price, we consider this a low-stakes purchase.

Firmness: Medium firm | Fill: 80% feather, 20% microfiber fill | Cover: 100% cotton | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Yes

Real Simple / Rachel Marek
Real Simple / Rachel Marek

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Slumbercloud

If you’re seeking the plush coziness of real down without the high price tag, consider the Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative pillow. This pillow is available in two firmness levels: soft medium, which is best for stomach and back sleepers, and medium firm, which is ideal for side or back sleepers. This pillow struck the perfect balance of fluffy and firm in our testing, feeling substantial but not too bulky. Considering how soft it was, we were especially impressed by its durability—it retained its shape, regardless of our positioning, and handled the weight of our head without squishing down too much.

The manufacturer notes that the pillow’s cotton cover is infused with NASA-engineered technology, which regulates your temperature as you sleep. In our testing, the pillow did absorb some heat, increasing by 14°F over 15 minutes. However, we maintained a cool, comfortable temperature throughout the night.

As with most down-alternative options, this pillow is entirely machine-washable. Post-wash, we noticed some minor shrinkage and a few loose threads, but the pillow maintained its fluffiness. After six months of use, this pick is still one of our go-to pillows. Its cooling technology, coupled with its fluffy design, makes it a worthy purchase.

Firmness: Soft medium, medium firm | Fill: Down alternative | Cover: Cotton | Return Policy: 60 days | Machine Washable: Yes

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Nest Bedding

We found this pillow to be similar to a Posturepedic one: luxurious, comfortable, and supportive. The foam conformed to our neck as we slept, catering toward our curves as we tossed and turned. Some of us found the pillow a bit stiff at first, but once we got used to it, we had no complaints. It maintained its shape well during testing, supporting our neck and bouncing back quickly when we lifted our head. In fact, after using the pillow for just one month, we were already experiencing less neck pain.

This pillow is adjustable—it arrives overstuffed with shredded foam fill, which you can remove depending on your loft preferences. It also boasts impressive cooling capabilities. The cover is made from a blend of polyester, spandex, and the brand’s Icecore technology, designed to regulate your temperature as you sleep. We were impressed by the pillow’s airflow and found it cool to the touch in our testing. Putting a pillowcase on it reduced some of the cooling effect, but it still kept us comfortable.

After six months of use, this pillow is holding up beautifully. The stuffing hasn’t worn down at all, and fluffing the pillow makes it look brand new. This is a durable, supportive, and customizable choice—we especially recommend it for those with neck pain, as it has alleviated our stiffness and even reduced our headaches.

Firmness: Adjustable | Fill: 80% shredded memory foam, 20% polyester fiber | Cover: 49% Icecore, 49% polyester, 2% spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Cover only

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Amerisleep

Firm pillows are excellent for promoting spinal alignment, particularly in back sleepers. That’s why we love the Amerisleep Comfort Classic Pillow. Crafted with the brand’s Bio-Pur (a material made from partially renewable plant-based oils), this pillow bounces back quicker than standard memory foam. We were pleased to find that it maintained its size and shape throughout weeks of use, regaining its form as soon as we lifted our head.

In addition to its durability, the Bio-Pur material is also designed to promote airflow. While we didn’t notice any significant cooling capabilities, the pillow did maintain its temperature as we slept, keeping us comfortable all night.

This pillow has a nice density and thickness, both of which prevented our neck from bending or straining throughout the night. We found it too firm and flat when sleeping on our stomach and side, so combination sleepers may want to put a smaller pillow beneath it for extra loft. But if you’re a consistent back sleeper, we think this is a great choice. Just keep in mind that this pillow is a bit pricey and can’t be returned, so make sure you’re confident before you buy.

Firmness: Medium firm | Fill: Bio-Pur (memory foam) | Cover: Polyester, spandex | Return Policy: Non-returnable | Machine Washable: Cover only

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Casper

Night sweats can really put a damper on your sleep—hot sleepers need a pillow that will keep them cool throughout the night. This pillow from Casper is made with perforated foam for added airflow, along with the brand’s Snow Technology and HeatDelete Bands, which divert heat from your head as you sleep. We were amazed by how cool this pillow kept us, even in 90°F summer heat.

While this pillow is plush, we found it to be rather flat, so those seeking a taller pillow may want to add an extra one underneath. It’s also the heaviest pillow we tested, which may pose difficulties for people who reposition often throughout the night. That said, this heft effectively alleviated our neck pain and provided ample support. Plus, the substantial design is durable and long lasting—even after six months of use, the pillow still looks and feels as good as new.

While it’s one of the pricier options on our list, we think its durability and cooling technology make it a worthwhile investment for hot sleepers.

Firmness: Not specified | Fill: 77% polyurethane foam, 23% viscoelastic polyurethane foam | Cover: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex | Return Policy: 30 days | Machine Washable: Cover only

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow, which cradles the neck, aligns the spine, and relieves pressure points. This pick also comes with two covers—a polyester Tencel knit cover and a CoolMax fiber cover—so you can switch off according to your preferences. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Amazon Basics Down Alternative for Stomach and Back Sleepers, which is breathable, durable, and comfortable in any position.

Our Testing Process

We’ve tested 117 pillows in our lab and at home, evaluating them based on quality, effectiveness, breathability, durability, and value. Since sleeping is personal, comfort varies based on preference and sleep position. When compiling our list of the best pillows for back sleepers, we took special attention to the insights from our testers

Upon arrival in our lab, we observed the quality of each pillow, inspecting the fabric and construction. We then placed it into a standard pillowcase, noting how well it fit and whether any designs on the cover were visible through the pillowcase. If the pillow was adjustable, we considered how easily we were able to add and remove the fill.

To evaluate effectiveness, we lay on each pillow for five minutes on our back, noting how comfortable it was to sleep on and if we experienced any neck pain. We considered whether the pillow was as lofty or firm as advertised, and whether it offered ample support. Next, we evaluated the pillow’s breathability. Using an infrared thermometer, we took the surface temperature of the pillow before and after lying on it for 15 minutes.

And finally: durability. Following the manufacturer’s care instructions, we washed and dried the pillow, noting any changes in firmness, fluff, or size. We then received the price of each pillow, assessing its overall value based on its cost relative to its performance.

For long-term insights, we took each pillow home to evaluate its real-world performance after one month, three months, and six months of use. Throughout this testing period, we considered how comfortable and supportive it was to sleep with, whether it flattened or wore down over time, and how easy it was to clean.

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

More to Consider

Uttu Sandwich Pillow: This orthopedic pillow cradled our head nicely throughout the night, offering support as we slept on our back or side. The cover was incredibly soft to the touch, so much so that it was too slick to grip our pillowcase.

Turmerry Molded Solid Latex Pillow: With a perforated latex fill, we found this pillow impressively breathable, and it didn’t retain any of our body heat as we slept. It’s also available in various loft and firmness options, so you’re bound to find something you like. However, we struggled to take it in and out of its protector, which made it difficult to clean.

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

How to Shop for Pillows for Back Sleepers

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Foam: Foam pillows conform to the shape of your head and neck, offering support and pain relief as you sleep. These pillows come in a variety of forms, including shredded, charcoal, and solid memory foam. While foam is ideal for pain relief, Murray explains that the material may not be best for hot sleepers, as it tends to retain heat. She says that foam pillows may also have a unique scent to them, noting that “latex foam pillows have a latex smell to them at first, which is a bit like vanilla, while memory foam pillows go through an off-gassing period that smells chemically and can be unpleasant for those with sensitive noses.”

Down: Crafted with duck or goose down, down pillows are luxurious, lightweight, and breathable. Murray says they’re ideal for people who like to fluff their pillow and mold it to the perfect shape. However, she warns that they aren’t very supportive, particularly for side sleepers, and may “wreak havoc on allergies.”

Feather: Feather offers the same fluffy appeal of down at a more affordable price. This fill is a bit firmer than traditional down, which Murray says is perfect for those seeking the quality of down with a bit more structure. Just keep in mind that feathers are stiffer than down, so they may occasionally poke through the pillow.

Polyester: “Technology has come a long way, and down-alternative pillows made of polyester come pretty close to mimicking the real thing—with a lower price tag and with the benefits of being hypoallergenic,” Murray says. Polyester pillows are also lightweight and easily washable. That said, polyester is made from plastic, which may not be breathable enough for hot sleepers. It’s also worth noting that polyester fill is less supportive than gel or feather, so these pillows may flatten with use.

Gel: If you’re a hot sleeper, gel-filled pillows might be your best bet. Gel effectively distributes heat, keeping you cool throughout the night. The material is often combined with memory foam, which offers a great combination for sleepers looking for the structure and comfort of memory foam with the cooling ability of gel, according to Murray. However, she says that much of those cooling capabilities depend on the structure of the gel. She adds that gel pillows can also be too firm at times, depending on the composition.

Loft

The loft of a pillow refers to its compressed height while you’re laying on it. Pillows come in a variety of low, medium, and high lofts. Low-loft pillows, under 3 inches in height, are best suited for stomach sleepers; medium-loft options, between 4 and 6 inches in height, are ideal for back sleepers; and high-loft pillows, over 6 inches in height, are best for side sleepers.

Firmness

Pillows are personal, and the right firmness largely depends on personal preference and sleep position. While firmer pillows may feel less comfortable, they tend to offer better support and spinal alignment. The firmer a pillow is, the better it will maintain its shape beneath the weight of your head and the less neck pain you’ll experience.

“A medium-firm pillow provides enough support to hold the head and neck at the correct angle without being too hard, which can cause the neck to flex unnaturally and lead to stiffness or pain,” Murray says. Some pillows on our list, like the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow and Coop Home Goods Original Pillow, are adjustable, meaning that you can add or remove fill to adjust the loft and firmness.

Breathability

For hot sleepers, breathability is a must. In general, gel, down, and down alternative tend to be the most breathable fills. In addition to the airflow of the fill, some pillows are made with cooling technology specifically designed to promote temperature regulation. Our best cooling pillow, the Casper Foam Pillow With Snow Technology, is made with Snow Technology and HeatDelete Bands to wick moisture and divert heat from you as you sleep.

Return Policy

Whether you’re buying a pillow online or in store, it’s hard to predict how comfortable it will be when you actually sleep on it. With that in mind, it’s important to consider the brand’s return policy before you purchase. Most online bedding companies offer a risk-free sleep trial, from as few as 30 days to as long as one year, allowing you to try out the pillow at home before you commit. The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow, our best adjustable pillow, has the longest return policy on our list with 100-day returns.

Care Instructions

Some pillows come with removable and machine-washable covers, while others, like the AmazonBasics Down Alternative for Stomach and Back Sleepers, are entirely machine washable. In order to prolong your pillow’s lifespan, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. And, just as it’s crucial to wash your pillows, it’s equally important to wash your pillowcases. Experts recommend washing your pillowcases once a week and your sheets biweekly.

Questions You May Have

How often should you replace your pillow?

According to Murray, pillow replacement depends largely on the type of pillow you have and your personal needs. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends replacing your pillow every two years or sooner, as the pillow can trap dust mites, dander, or mold over time. “Some pillow fills, however, offer longer lifespans—such as down, which can last anywhere from five to 10 years with consistent care and maintenance.”

What is the ideal loft and firmness for back sleepers?

“For back sleepers, think like Goldilocks—you want both loft and firmness that aren’t too high and aren’t too low,” Murray says. When it comes to loft, Murray stresses that back sleepers should aim for a medium height between 4 and 6 inches in height. “The combination of medium loft and firmness helps ensure that the head isn’t tilted too far backward or too far forward, which is crucial for maintaining an open airway and providing relief and support to the muscles and joints in the cervical spine,” she explains.

Dr. Shifflett recommends firmer memory-foam-style pillows, or adjustable pillows in which the fill can be tailored to achieve and maintain the optimal height. “Some patients really benefit from some of the pillows which have custom molding to ‘cup’ the head while sleeping on the back and/or wrap around and behind and support the neck,” he adds.

What pillows are best for those with neck pain?

According to Dr. Shifflett, the goal is typically to find a pillow that optimizes your spinal alignment. However, he explains that every person and every spine is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula to finding the best pillow “because everyone has a different level of curvature in their lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spines, and because every person has different mobility of their spines.”

For back sleepers specifically, he suggests slightly firmer or memory-foam-style pillows, as these “cup and support the head and maintain their position throughout the night, whereas soft fluffy flimsy pillows may deform over the course of sleep and lead to an uncomfortable sleeping position.” He also advises back sleepers to consider adding a pillow behind their knees as they sleep, which can take some stress off the lower back.

Murray similarly encourages memory foam and latex options, noting that these materials are often recommended for those experiencing neck, back and shoulder pain, migraines and headaches, TMJ, acid reflux, and sleep apnea. “Think of foam pillows as the ‘medical[ option, in addition to being one of customized comfort and support,” she says. For those who suffer from neck or back pain, she recommends a curved or hill-shaped memory foam pillow that offers neck support, like The Company Store Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow.

Take Our Word For It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 117 pillows in our lab and at home, evaluating their comfort, breathability, and durability for back sleepers. For expert insight, we consulted Kelly Murray, certified adult sleep coach and award-winning pediatric sleep consultant, and Dr. Grant Shifflett, M.D.t, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at DISC Sports and Spine Center.

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The Best Pillows for Back Sleepers We’ve Ever Tested

Final Verdict

Our Testing Process

More to Consider

How to Shop for Pillows for Back Sleepers

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