A good night’s sleep can truly change your life. But if you’re a back sleeper, you might find yourself waking up with a stiff neck or aching shoulders. The reason? You’re not using the best pillow for back sleepers. Finding the perfect pillow can be the key to waking up refreshed and ready for the day. There are so many pillows out there claiming to be the best for back sleepers. So how do you actually choose the right one?
Table Of Contents
- What Makes a Pillow Good for Back Sleepers?
- Why Some Popular Pillows Aren’t Right for Back Sleepers
- Reviews of The Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
- Trying Out a New Pillow: What You Should Know
- FAQs about best pillow for back sleepers
- Conclusion
What Makes a Pillow Good for Back Sleepers?
You need a pillow that supports your head and neck while keeping your spine aligned. Think of it like this: you want your head to be comfortably nestled, not tilted too far forward or backward. Your pillow should help maintain the natural curve of your spine.
Understanding Pillow Loft and Fill
Loft refers to the pillow’s height. Back sleepers generally benefit from a medium loft that provides enough support without feeling too high. You can get overwhelmed by all the terms but essentially there are two types of fill to look at:
- Solid Fill: Solid fill pillows are usually made of memory foam or latex. These materials conform to the shape of your head and neck, providing great support.
- Adjustable Fill: As you can tell by the name, adjustable pillows let you add or remove filling to get that perfect loft. These are often filled with shredded memory foam or down alternative fibers.
Types of Pillow Fill
Once you’ve figured out the loft, you’ve got to choose the fill that’s best for you. It can seem confusing but just break down what matters to you. If you tend to be a hot sleeper, some materials might make you warmer than others.
| Pillow Fill | Pros | Cons |
| Memory Foam | Conforms to your head and neck, great for pressure relief, good for allergy sufferers | Can retain heat, some might find it too firm |
| Latex | Naturally responsive and bouncy, sleeps cooler than memory foam, durable and long-lasting | Can be expensive, some might find it too firm, sometimes has an initial odor |
| Down | Luxurious and soft, highly moldable, good for allergy sufferers (if properly cleaned) | Expensive, requires frequent fluffing, not vegan-friendly |
| Down Alternative | More affordable than down, hypoallergenic, washable, vegan-friendly | May not be as fluffy or long-lasting as down |
Why Some Popular Pillows Aren’t Right for Back Sleepers
Have you seen those wedge pillows advertised online? While they might look cool, they’re not ideal for back sleepers. They’re mainly designed for side sleeping, elevating your upper body, which can help with things like acid reflux . Another pillow you might want to skip is anything super thick and fluffy.
Those might seem comfortable at first, but for a back sleeper, they can throw your head out of alignment and cause neck pain. It is advisable to do your research and find the best pillow for your sleeping position.
The Trouble with Overstuffed Pillows
It might seem like a good idea to just pile on the pillows, but if you’re a back sleeper, this can actually hurt more than help. Stacking pillows elevates your head too high, putting a strain on your neck. You’ve got to find the best pillow with just the right amount of loft and firmness level for proper support.
Consider things like what kind of pillow cover you prefer, cotton cover or something else. Also think about whether the pillow is machine washable. The firmness level of your pillow is a matter of preference, some prefer a soft pillow and some a firm pillow. You can even get a medium firm pillow that is that perfect middle firmness.
Reviews of The Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
We’ve all seen those online lists promising the “10 Best Pillows,” but who has time to wade through all that? So, I wanted to highlight a few specific options, especially those made with shredded memory foam:
1. Coop Eden Cool Plus
This is widely considered a great option for back sleepers, offering both adjustability and coolness.
I actually tried this pillow out myself. As a combination sleeper (I’m all over the place, honestly.), I was worried I wouldn’t find the right fit. But this one impressed me. Its adjustable design lets me find the perfect loft, and the cooling features keep me from overheating throughout the night.
For the best results with adjustability, look for a pillow that’s Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified. This will give you a better idea about the materials used and whether it will work for you. Some pillows, such as this one, come with a washable cover for easier care.
2. Coop Eden Pillow
If the Eden Cool Plus is out of your budget, the original Eden is still a fantastic option.
It boasts the same great adjustable features but with a slightly more budget-friendly price tag. Sometimes getting that adjustable feature can save you from returning pillows like what happens with Sutera pillows. Those pillows only give you 30 days, with a 15% processing fee, and I’ve read horror stories in their reviews .
3. Parachute Down Alternative Pillow
Those who want a luxurious feel without the price tag of down might find this pillow to be a perfect fit. It’s designed to provide plush comfort while still offering adequate support for back sleepers.
Trying Out a New Pillow: What You Should Know
So you’ve done your research, and you’re ready to pick out a pillow. But how do you know it’s really the right one for you? Don’t forget to factor in that you might need a king size pillow or a standard size pillow depending on your preferences.
Pillow Trials
Most quality pillow companies offer sleep trials – this lets you test drive the pillow for a while. Be sure to pay close attention to the return policies. A longer sleep trial is generally a good indicator of a company that stands by their product.
Some brands, such as Brooklyn Bedding, are known for their sleep trials. You can check to see how many nights sleeping the trial period is. It can range from 30 nights sleeping to even longer. When testing pillows, take note of how you feel each morning when you wake up.
Listen to Your Body
Give yourself a couple of weeks to get used to the pillow, then really pay attention to how you feel when you wake up. If you’re experiencing neck pain or feel like your spine is out of alignment, that pillow might not be the best for back sleepers after all. Don’t give up on finding the perfect pillow, a good night’s sleep can significantly improve your overall well-being.
FAQs about best pillow for back sleepers
What type of pillow should back sleepers use?
For most back sleepers, the best pillows are medium-firm and provide support for your neck while allowing your head to rest comfortably. Consider memory foam, latex, or adjustable pillows that offer customizable support and spinal alignment. The best choice is about personal preference, so don’t hesitate to try out different options until you find the pillow that allows you to wake up pain-free and refreshed.
How high should a pillow be for back sleepers?
Pillow height (often called “loft”) is a key factor for back sleepers. We need something that fills in the gap between our neck and the mattress. This usually means a medium loft pillow. Aim for a pillow around 4 to 6 inches in height for comfortable neck support and spinal alignment.
What is the best sleeping pillow for back pain?
If you have existing back pain, the right pillow becomes even more important. It can make a difference in how you feel throughout the day. Many people find relief with memory foam or latex pillows that contour to your head and neck.
It’s best to look for a pillow that allows for adjustability, so you can tailor the loft to provide just the right level of support. This will help ensure that your spine remains in a neutral position, helping reduce back pain and promote comfortable sleep.
What is the #1 rated pillow?
While personal preference always comes into play, a lot of reviewers rank the Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow as one of the best options. This is largely because it checks a lot of boxes, from its cool-to-the-touch material to its adjustable loft.
Conclusion
There are lots of things to consider when it comes to choosing the best pillow for back sleepers. There isn’t really one “perfect” choice for everyone because everyone has their own needs and preferences. The journey to finding your ideal pillow involves researching different types of pillows, and paying attention to features like loft, firmness, and fill material. You should check reviews and ask about sleep trial policies.
Taking the time to invest in the right pillow can make a difference in how well you sleep and how you feel throughout the day. Consider all the options such as shredded memory foam, down alternative pillows, and more. Ultimately, a good night’s sleep shouldn’t just be a dream. Find the best pillow, and you’re well on your way to better rest.