Best Pillow for Back Sleepers

With thousands of pillows on the market claiming to be “the best pillow for back sleepers,” it’s no wonder shoppers feel overwhelmed. The sheer amount of options back sleepers have to find their perfect pillow, all claiming to be their perfect pillow, can actually make it feel more out of reach.

So, why does finding the right pillow for back sleepers matter? Does it really impact your sleep quality? Yes, in fact, it does. 

Although back sleeping is said to be one of the better sleep positions due to proper weight distribution across the mattress, there is still room for the curves of your body to be unsupported. A lot of myths exist about sleeping on your back, including that a firm mattress is better for your back, back sleepers experience more back pain, and so on, but one thing is for sure: your pillow quality matters.

If you’re sleeping on a bad pillow, (check out our blog on bad pillow symptoms), your sleep quality could actually be lowered due to discomfort. The experts at Texas Mattress Makers will discuss how you can find the best pillow for back sleepers that suits your needs while sharing some tips and suggestions from our selection.

Read our guide on how to find the best mattresses for back sleepers or the best mattresses for back pain

What kind of pillow should a back sleeper use?

Unlike searching for the best pillow for side sleepers or stomach sleepers, back sleepers actually have a little more flexibility with their choices. As long as you have a pillow that keeps your spine in a neutral position and is high-quality, you’ll be able to sleep soundly on your back. 

When you lie down, you need a pillow that is going to support the base of your spine while also providing adequate support to the back of your head, neck, and shoulders. You’ll want to focus on the pillow’s height, materials, and supportive properties. 

• Height: How high should a pillow be for back sleepers? To avoid straining your neck, your pillow should be a medium profile (3-5 inches). This will ensure that your head is not titled too forward or backward which can cause discomfort.
• Firmness: Because you’re sleeping on your back, the firmness of your pillow can be determined by preference. However, we do recommend a medium-firmness pillow to keep your head and spine in place as you sleep. 
• Materials: Memory foam, shredded foam, high-density foam, or latex are great options as they are all supportive, mold to the shape of your head, and in the case of shredded foam and foam inserts, can be adjustable. If you tend to sleep hot, latex pillows or pillows with cooling properties can be a great investment. 

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Best pillow for back sleepers: Our expert recommendations

We asked our experts what their top picks for the best pillow for back sleepers would be if they had to choose. These best-selling pillows from our selection are designed to mold to the head, support the neck and shoulders, and keep your spine properly aligned all night for your most comfortable sleep yet.

The Cooling Pillow

Sleeping on your back can trap a lot of heat underneath your body and head, making proper airflow a top priority. The Cooling Pillow is a breathable and hypoallergenic pillow that is made with Cool Touch fiber technology to disperse your body heat as you sleep. 

Although this pillow is considered low-profile, The Cooling Pillow comes with a removable two-inch high-density foam insert so that you can adjust the height and feel of your pillow to your liking. This will make sleeping on your back cooler and more comfortable.

The Comfort Rest Pillow

As a back sleeper, having a pillow that cradles the back of your head while supporting your neck is crucial for healthy rest. If you’re wanting a pillow for neck pain, BedTech’s Comfort Rest Pillow is a hybrid pillow that is made of thousands of embedded micro cushions that conform to the head and neck to keep your spine neutral. The inside layer is made of shredded memory foam that allows you to customize the height and firmness of the pillow while not sacrificing comfort or support. 

Can a back sleeper use a side sleeper pillow? Although side sleepers need a little more height and firmness in their pillows, a back sleeper could absolutely be comfortable with a side sleeper pillow. However, if you change positions during the night, it would be wise to find a pillow that can accommodate multiple sleeping positions, like the Comfort Rest Pillow. That way, you won’t experience any neck strain in any position. 

Where should a pillow be placed for back sleepers?

The best pillow position for back sleepers is to have your head and neck fully on the pillow. Your shoulders should not be on the pillow. This will help to alleviate any neck stiffness, straining, or pain when you wake up. Stacking pillows on top of each other is not recommended, as you don’t want the distance between your head and the mattress to be too tall.

Some websites may recommend that back sleepers should lie down with an additional pillow underneath their knees so that their lower back can be pressed into the mattress to avoid back pain. However, if you have the right soft or firm mattress for lower back pain, this won’t be necessary. A mattress that is selected specifically for your body type and needs will support your back properly. 

Find the Best Pillow for Back Sleepers at Texas Mattress Makers 

While there might not be one “best pillow for back sleepers,” you can find the right pillow for your personal needs at Texas Mattress Makers. Selecting the proper pillow to accommodate sleeping on your back can help you wake up every morning feeling well-rested and pain-free. 

Texas Mattress Makers is in the business of matching you with your dream mattress and providing you with the proper tools to get your best night’s rest — including pillows. Investing in a high-quality pillow can transform your sleep quality by alleviating aches and pains for deeper sleep.

Visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores to upgrade your pillow and mattress today. Experience our incredible customer service and stress-free shopping experience for yourself! Better sleep is just one visit away.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• The Importance of Proper Spine Alignment While Sleeping
• Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
• How to Find a Good Quality Mattress
• The Expert’s Guide to Mattress Accessories
• Expert Guide to Mattress Firmness