The best pillow for back sleepers will be one that provides the perfect balance of comfort and support— a medium-firm pillow that holds your neck in healthy alignment with the rest of your body.
After testing the best pillows on the market for all sleep needs and budgets, our team of expert testers has narrowed down the list to the top six recommendations for back sleeping. Be it adjustable support, cooling comfort or enhanced pressure relief to soothe neck pain or aches, we have options below for every kind of back-sleeper.
1. The best pillow overall
The Original Adjustable from Coop Sleep Goods is our overall pick for back sleepers, thanks to its cloud-like comfort and adjustable fill that guarantees tailored comfort for back-sleeping.
The combination of hypoallergenic contouring CertiPUR-US certified non-toxic memory-foam and cushioning micro-fiber, results in a down-like plush yet supportive pillow, which can be brought down to a mid-loft level (ideal for back sleeping according to experts) for back-sleeping. Our lead tester who is a combination sleeper (side and back) found the Coop Original pillow to suit every position and felt it contributed to restful sleep throughout the night.
The pillow also slept at a comfortable neutral temperature mainly due to the super breathable Lulltra fabric (a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon) cover. Need something more cooling? Jump to our best cooling pick, the Nest Bedding Easy Breather at #5. Coop Sleep Goods also offers the top bedding-benefits in the market, including a a 100-night sleep trial, five-year warranty and free shipping.
What we like about it...
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✅Fully adjustable build: Add or remove fill to achieve your desired level of comfort and support for back-sleeping.
✅Appeals to fans of down pillows: The foam and fiber fill results in a plush hotel-style luxury sleep like down pillows, with great support while back-sleeping.
✅Breathable design: The Coop Original sleeps at a neutral comfortable temperature which should suit all except very hot sleepers.
What we don't like about it...
❌Requires regular re-fluffing: The foam and fiber fill tends to flatten easily which meant that our reviewer had to re-fluff it before bed as part of her nighttime routine.
❌Subtle off-gassing: Memory foam is a material infamous for off-gassing and our tester did notice a subtle scent while unboxing her Coop Original Adjustable pillow.
Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable: Our verdict
The Coop Original Adjustable Pillow is ideal for back sleepers who prefer a down-like plush, contouring headrest. The fully adjustable fill encased in a breathable cover, also makes it a perfect choice for combination sleepers prone to alternate between positions, thus being an excellent all-rounder. It comes at an upper mid-range price ($85 for standard) but you can usually snag an incredible deal during major sale events like Black Friday and Memorial Day. Plus the bedding benefits like 10-night trial, five-year warranty and free shipping always sweeten the deal.
2. The best affordable pillow
Ever wondered if a Squishmallow-like pillow is possible? Jazwares, the company behind the Original Squishmallows recently launched their cozy bed pillow collection called the SquishPillow, which currently comes in two firmness levels and two sizes.
It is crafted from the same Squishmallow plush poly-fill and velvety cover which according to the brand delivers "the ultimate blend of comfort, functionality and squishiness" for all sleepers.
While the brand recommends the medium-firm version for back and combination sleepers, our tester who tried the firm SquishPillow (although it can't be compared to the extra-firm Tempur-Neck pillow at #4) found it to be perfectly comfortable and consistently supportive for both side and back sleeping.
Both the loft and the build of the firm SquishPillow helped maintain perfect spinal alignment while lying on the back. This proves that your personal comfort and sleeping preferences matter the most when it comes to a good night's rest.
One disadvantage is that it does not have any cooling credentials apart from the inner case made from 100% cotton which covers the fill, so it may be insufficient for hot sleepers. Unlike other bedding brands, we also do not see any extra benefits like a sleep trial or warranty, other than Target's 90-day return policy. But at $29.99 for a standard size and a harmonious blend of cozy comfort and reliable support, we're not complaining at all. Check out our Squishpillow hands on review to find out more.
What we like about it...
✅Cozy yet comfy loft: Our tester who tried the firm SquishPillow found it to be at the right loft and firmness for back sleeping.
✅Choice of firmness: You can choose between a medium-firm and firm option to suit your sleeping preferences.
✅Consistent support: We found it largely stayed true to its claims during our hands-on, by providing plush contouring support all night for both side and back sleeping.
What we don't like about it...
❌Not actively cooling: It does not have any cooling elements apart from a natural cotton inner cover which holds the fill. Plus the micro-plush velvety cover may cause overheating in those prone to sleeping hot.
❌No sleep benefits: While we found it to showcase an excellent performance in our hands-on, it does not include a sleep trial or warranty.
SquishPillow by Original Squishmallows: Our verdict
Looking for a plush pillow for back-sleeping that doesn't break the bank? The SquishPillow by Original Squishmallows definitely fits the bill. It features a simple build of poly-fill and cotton cover and an additional velvety case giving you the 'Squishmallow' effect. We found it to largely stay true to the brand's claims of providing great comfort and consistent support all night, at an affordable price starting at $29.99 for a standard size. The highlight is that you can choose from two firmness levels to suit your sleeping preferences, and a soft version is soon to be launched.
3. The best luxury pillow
Need something with subtle pressure relief for your head, neck and shoulders while lying on your back? The GridCloud Pillow is Purple's latest offering this year, which comprises of fluffy microfiber fill and their signature Gelflex grid layer delivering 'cloud-like' comfort for back-sleepers. The highlight is the silicone coating on the microfiber, which prevents any flattening, so you can rest easy with a consistently supportive headrest.
The contouring down-like microfiber core combined with the GelFlex grid, results in a luxury plush yet responsive pillow. Plus the soft and stretchy moisture-wicking cover enhances the overall comfort and breathability, perfect for those who sleep warm.
Our combination sleeping tester (side and back) found it to be an absolute dream for those seeking sink-in comfort, without the fear of waking up to a pillow which feels as flat as a pancake in the morning. The lack of further size, firmness and loft options is a serious disadvantage, but the standard GridCloud turned out to be an excellent medium-firm pillow for back sleepers who needs a tad bit more luxury than just a supportive headrest.
What we like about it...
✅Arrives ready-to-sleep: No expansion time, off-gassing or re-adjustments, arrives in full-size for side and back sleeping.
✅Subtle pressure relief: The GridFlex layer adds in that responsive cloud-like support, easing up the pressure points on the head, neck and shoulders, perfect for back sleepers.
✅Breathable design: The honeycomb-like gel layer also aids airflow and dissipates heat, while the outer cover has moisture-wicking properties.
What we don't like about it...
❌The premium price: The premium benefits comes with a premium price tag at $149. However, the 30-night trial, one-year warranty and free shipping makes it a great deal.
❌No size or loft options: The single standard size might not be suitable for all body types and preferences. If you're someone used to a flatter pillow, the GridCloud may feel too high and there's no way to change this.
Purple Harmony Pillow: Our verdict
According to the brand, the GridCloud is essentially crafted to make you feel like your "sleeping on a cloud designed specifically for you" and as far as our combination sleeping tester is concerned, it proved to be true. The subtle pressure relief paired with the comfy bounce eases pressure in your head, neck and shoulders while lying on your back, making it stand out from the rest of the entries in this guide. The mid-loft GridCloud, however, is pricey at $149 (unless you spot a good deal during the Purple mattress sales), but you will get good benefits like a 30-night sleep trial, one-year warranty and free shipping. If you have the budget for a luxury pillow this is your ideal choice.
- Read more: Purple GridCloud pillow review
4. The best pressure relief
Tempur-Pedic is a brand which became popular for its specialized pressure-relieving foams used in both mattresses and pillows. If you're someone who struggles with a stiff neck and is craving for instant pressure relief while back-sleeping, chances are you'll not find a better pillow than the Tempur-Neck.
The Tempur-Neck is one of the brand's best-sellers (after the Tempur-Clous pillow primarily for stomach sleepers) made from a single block of firm Tempur foam (extra firm compared to the firm SquishPillow at #2). The major highlight is its ergonomic shape which follows the natural curve of the neck, while lying on your side or back.
In our lead tester's words for the Tempur-Neck Pillow review, "the instant pressure relief feels like a neck massage" while the ultra-firm support holds your neck in correct alignment with your spine. This potentially reduces the chances of developing any aches or pains, also making it our top pick for side sleepers with neck pain.
What we like about it...
✅Excellent pressure relief: The ergonomic design of the Tempur foam will instantly soothe the neck and shoulders muscles resulting in restful sleep.
✅Consistent support: The ultra-firm Tempur foam will not budge, even if you're prone to alternating between side and back sleeping during the night.
✅Choice of sizes: The Tempur-Neck pillow comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) to suit all body types and preferences starting from $99.
What we don't like about it...
❌Cooling cover comes at extra cost: Hot sleeper? You can either upgrade your Tempur-Neck at an extra cost or head straight to our cooling option at #5.
❌Doesn't include a sleep trial: All Tempur-Pedic pillow purchases are final. This means that it only includes a five-year warranty and free shipping, with no option for returns or exchanges.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillow: Our verdict
The Tempur-Neck is undoubtedly our top recommendation for back sleepers who require an extra-firm pillow delivering instant pressure relief, thanks to its ergonomic design which follows the natural curve of the neck. While it's not your average plush pillow, the Tempur-foam here offers light contouring, so it won't feel like a block of wood. It comes expanded and ready to sleep on and as per our reviewer, is easy to maintain too. However, whether the Tempur-Neck is going to be an everyday pillow for back-sleeping depends on how often you need extra support and pressure relief for your neck, head and shoulders.
- Read more: Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillow review 2025
5. The best cooling for back sleepers
The curved design (different from the Tempur-Neck at #4), customizable comfort and the contouring foam and fiber fill earned the Nest Easy Breather our best pillow for side sleepers title in the guide. However, based on our in-house testing, the very same features make it a great pillow for back sleepers, especially if you're after a cooling option.
The reason is the top cover made of Icecore (the brand's specialist cooling material), polyester and spandex which lends the Easy Breather a soft and cool-to-touch feel. Our tester who found the pillow to be great to be for all positions was particularly impressed by its cooling properties, giving it a solid 5 out of 5 for temperature regulation.
Not a fan of the crescent design for back-sleeping? The Easy Breather also comes in a traditional pillow shape (which is available in two sizes: standard and king), with a fully-adjustable build like our top pick at #1. All you have to do is add or remove the fill of 80% CertiPUR-US certified shredded foam (both memory foam and high response foam) and 20% polyester fiber, until you're satisfied with the loft and overall feel.
What we like about it...
✅ Top score for temperature regulation: According to our reviewer, the cooling properties are comparable to the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology, our top cooling pick in the main guide.
✅ Customizable comfort and support: Add or remove the foam and fiber fill to create your ideal pillow for back-sleeping.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Not a budget-buy: At $124 it is by no means a budget-pillow but the 30-night trial, 2-year warranty and free shipping makes this cooling option worth your money.
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow: Our Verdict
In short, the Nest Bedding Easy Breather is similar to our #1 pick in the guide, but with a cool-to-touch pillow cover, which makes all the difference for hot sleepers. While we've reviewed the side-sleeper crescent version which we found to be great for all positions, you can opt for the classic shape if that's more preferred. Considering a mid-loft headrest is ideal for back-sleeping, you can adjust the contouring and cushioning blend of foam and fiber to create a pillow that works for you. Yes, at $124 it is expensive but we've seen it up to 25% off during sales which brings the price down to $93.
6. The best budget hotel-style pillow
Need down-like fluffiness but within a budget? The Amazon best-selling Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative with over 250,000 ratings would be ideal with an MSRP of $59.99 for a pack of two queen pillows. As the name suggests, back-sleepers will find the the 100% polyester fill to deliver natural down-like plush comfort for the head, neck and shoulders.
It also definitely looks the part with a 250 thread count cotton cover adorned with silver stripes. The catch? Our combination sleeping (side and back) tester felt that it does not maintain the support for long and requires constant re-fluffing during the night. This is one of the reasons why we recommend it for short-term uses and guest bedrooms.
The main highlight is, however the price, which is typically $59.99 for a pack of two queen pillows. This amounts to roughly $29.99 for a single pillow, matchign the price of the SquishPillow at #2. Aside from the affordable price-point, the Beckham Hotel Collection does not include any benefits like a trial or warranty.
What we like about it
✅Down-like plushness: Fan of down-like plushness without the contouring memory foam feel? This might work well for your sleep.
✅Simple design: It is essentially the simplest form of a traditional pillow. No adjustable fill or removable cover.
✅Hotel-luxury within a budget: The Beckham Hotel Collection is only available to shop as a bundle starting from $59.99 which basically means you're buying two pillows for the price of a mid-range option.
What we don’t like about it…
❌No warranty or trial period: Compared to the other brands, Beckham Hotel Collection does not offer any sleep benefits.
❌Inconsistent support: Unfortunately, it did not last the test of time during our review in terms of support and would definitely need frequent replacing if you're using it as your everyday option.
Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow: Our verdict
Natural down-like fluffiness but does not cost a fortune— that's the Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative pillow in a nutshell. It has a very simple design consisting of 100% polyester fill covered in a soft 250 thread count cotton cover. The overall look and feel resembles luxury hotel pillows, but the support is not long-lasting. However, the affordable price point and easy-to-maintain build makes it an ideal choice for guest bedrooms and short-term uses.
Best Pillow for Back Sleepers FAQs
What is the ideal pillow-loft for back sleepers?
Back sleepers generally need a medium-loft pillow, usually between the 3-5" range. "This height keeps the head and neck in a neutral position, preventing the head from tilting too far upward or dropping too low," says Dr Chris Tomshack, CEO at HealthSource Chiropractic.
"Maintaining this alignment supports the natural curve of the neck and helps reduce morning tension or stiffness," he adds.
What pillow should back sleepers with neck pain opt for?
Back sleepers who struggle with neck pain or aches should ideally choose a contouring pillow, that gently supports the curve of your neck.
"I think the biggest error is when back sleepers use a pillow that is too thick, which actually moves your head too far forward. Especially if you suffer from tech neck, it's not great to rest in this position," explains Michael Eng, orthopedic surgeon at Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
"Memory foam or contoured pillows tend to work best here, because they can cradle the natural curve of your neck," he adds. The Tempur-Neck pillow in our guide fits the bill perfectly.
Can back sleepers use multiple pillows?
While no expert recommends stacking pillows under your neck which can potentially exacerbate aches or pains, back sleepers can still do it strategically.
"Back sleepers should stick to one pillow under the head to maintain proper alignment. However, placing a second pillow under the knees can significantly reduce pressure on the lower back," says Dr Tomshack.
This helps support the spine’s natural curve and is a simple way to promote more comfortable, relaxed sleep.
