Top Pillows for Back Sleeping – 2021 Reviews & Ratings

The right pillow can make your sleep relaxed and much better. Picking a suitable model for your head isn’t a thing you can without giving a thought. Some people may find this funny because “a pillow it’s a pillow”, but the truth is different.

Every sleeping position is different and adds or reduces the pressure of your body, shoulders, and neck, and if a suitable mattress can improve your sleep, naturally, a suitable pillow can do the same as well.

We’re putting an accent to the back sleeping positions and how it affects your rest, what type of pillow is suitable for a better support and what materials are top-quality.

If you seek for a back sleeping pillow online you’ll come across various offers (affordable and pricy). It’s important to know that not all pricy models are excellent models, which is why you back sleepers need to know what materials make the best pillows.

The last thing you need is a big investment and a poor-made pillow that flattens shortly after you started sleeping on it.

It’s crucial to pick a good support and height that works for sleepers in this position.

After we go in details with all the important info, we’ll focus on several high-quality pillows that work excellent for back sleepers.

See our best-rated overall pillows in the word if you are open to all options.

Importance of the Pillow Construction

How the pillow is built can change your entire posture. This is why we constantly emphasize the importance of materials, shape, thickness, and durability.

If you’re a back sleeper, you have your entire back supported by your mattress. If we assume you rest on a medium firm or firm bed (great for this position), then no part of your spine is sinking in the layers. Usually, the hips tend to make deeper compression which is why sleeping on a firm bed is important.

No part of your spine should sink or be in a weird position.

To keep your spine fully aligned, you’ll need a suitable head and neck support. This means that a lofty (contouring molded) model with a standard height of 4-6 inches is the best-rated option. The gap under your neck must be filled, and your head needs a proper lift.

If you wonder why this is important here is the answer.

Besides, you’ll get to breathe properly without snoring, by lifting your head you remove the pressure that spreads down your spine.

Lie on your bed without a pillow, and you can feel how your lower back muscles are “struggling.” This means your spine is not aligned and you don’t have the right support.

Back Sleepers Should Get a Specific Pillow

The back sleeping position is considered to be the most natural when comes to your spine. The mattress supports your whole body, your weight is properly distributed, and if your mattress is firm enough, there is no drastic sinking.

However, people who sleep on their back are having bigger chances for snoring than people who sleep on their stomach or side.

Without the proper head support, this position can be quite dangerous because the upper respiratory parts tend to drop (tongue, soft and hard palate) which blocks air and causes either snoring or sleep apnea.

A molded model is always a good idea because it has a contouring shape and will support your head the best. Your neck and shoulders also get a good support and the empty part underneath the neck is completely filled.

These cervical or contouring models are great because they have a consistent shape and if they’re made of a quality material (memory foam or latex for example) they won’t lose their shape even after extended use.

Pillows with shredded fillings aren’t contouring, but they can be also good for sleepers this position. Besides you can shape them however you want, they are thick enough to lift your head properly and support your neck and shoulders.

Material Guide

Memory Foam

Every seller (in-store or online) offers memory foam pillows. This is a popular material that people love because of its responsiveness and comfort.

It’s long-lasting and quite affordable, and doesn’t require some special maintenance.

Back sleeping pillows made of memory foam are also quite popular no matter how the foam is used (molded or shredded). Molded types are contouring well and have a constant shape, while the shredded filling is easier for sculpturing and is more breathable.

It gives a great support and easily lifts the head enough so the sleeper can breathe properly (without snoring or blockage of their respiratory system). At the same time, foam is firm enough and won’t flatten, but soft enough to add comfort to your neck and head.

If you have even a mild shoulder or neck pain, memory foam will reduce the pressure (the nerves and the muscles won’t be irritated).

Polyester

This is an eco-friendly material that is often used for making blends (with cotton for example). It resembles the cotton’s softness and is also breathable and cooling.

Polyester is quite an affordable material, so a pillow filled with it usually costs a reasonable price.

The great thing about this material is that you can easily wash it in the machine, without any risk of losing the shape of your pillow. Among the pros we can list is that polyester is hypoallergenic and excellent for people who are prone to skin or respiratory problems.

However, it’s not going to keep dust mites away.

Polyester pillows are filled with shredded pieces and are quite lightweight and feel very fluffy. They can provide a great support for back sleepers and don’t emit any unpleasant odors or off-gassing.

The reason why polyester is so affordable is because this material will lose its shape after a year or two; if you’re seeking a long-term investment, then this material isn’t for you.

Cotton

The market also offers plenty of cotton models for reasonable prices.

Cotton is a natural material that makes a breathable, soft and supportive pillow. People love it because it’s naturally hypoallergenic and won’t irritate the skin on the face and scalp, but also it won’t cause any respiratory issues.

It also doesn’t emit any off-gassing or ugly odors.

If your first choice is a cotton pillow, you should know that these models are usually lightweight and fluffy (just like the polyester models).

You’ll get a good support (cotton is a great filling for standard pillows) and proper lift, but you should expect that this material will flatten down after a year or two. This is perhaps its worst trait.

But, we don’t want to talk you off from buying such model; we just want to point out that you can’t expect it to have the same life span like memory foam.

Gel-Filled

When we say gel-filled, we don’t mean that the pillow is filled with a gooey gel that doesn’t keep its shape once you lay down.

A gel is used to improve memory foam; it gives this heat-trapping material cooling feature and makes it very pleasant for rest.

So if you’re a die-hard memory foam fan and can’t imagine sleeping on anything else, but love to rest on a cool pillow, then gel-infused foam is the top-rated option for you.

This is a durable material and won’t lose its shape even after prolonged use of several years. Also, gel makes foam hypoallergenic and will prevent you from allergens and bacteria.

Both shredded and molded foam can be infused with gel, therefore, you don’t have to limit your choices. It is firm enough to give you the support you need when you sleep on your back, and yet it’s soft enough to relax your neck muscles and keep your spine aligned.

Buckwheat

If you think that this is an old-fashioned or hipster material, you’re wrong, because many people chose it because they love sleeping on fully natural and hypoallergenic material.

Buckwheat is already winning the market, especially among sleepers that care for nature and have sensitive skin. This is the top-grade material that will provide you with a breathable and cool sleep.

Also, there is zero chance it will emit off-gassing; ideal for people who trust Mother Nature and rely only on the things that are natural.

Buckwheat, however, has a thing that everyone will like and that’s the noise it makes. The hulls that make the filling are going to make sounds whenever you move, but unless you don’t care about that, this can be the best pillow for you.

When comes to cleaning, of course, you can’t wash it in the machine, and the only way to do it is to remove the buckwheat and put it outside for aeration (you can also change it with new buckwheat).

Bamboo 

For everyone that loves natural materials, bamboo is a great choice. It feels soft and is often compared to cotton, although many people claim that it has softer fiber that feels more pleasant to the skin.

Bamboo has many perks; it’s naturally hypoallergenic and won’t irritate your skin nor will it make your breathing harder. A bamboo pillow doesn’t have any odors and won’t start emitting off-gassing.

It’s the number one material not only for adults, but for children as well (parents often chose it for their newborns or toddlers, because they want to be sure their children won’t be exposed to any risk).

A pillow filled with bamboo feels fluffy and lightweight; it’s important to mention that it doesn’t trap heat and is quite breathable. You won’t feel hot during your sleep. Depending on how dense the bamboo filling is, these pillows can be quite firm (great for a decent support).

It has a higher price than cotton and polyester, but it won’t lose its shape after a while.

Multi-Material

Multi-material is a filling mixed of two or more materials such as cotton blends (cotton, viscose, polyester, and bamboo), foam and natural fibers, latex, foam and bamboo and so on.

You can find as many combinations as you like.

If you pick a combination of memory foam and natural fibers make sure that the foam ratio is bigger because this way you’re getting a responsive pillow with materials that add breathability and make the pillow more lightweight.

Cotton blends are quite popular as well and have reasonable prices. These multi-material pillows are excellent if you want a thick and fluffy model that will support you well, won’t make you sweaty and will allow your skin to breathe.

The combination of more materials is great if you can’t make up your mind for one; you can even find companies that can make a customized model just for you (with your preferred materials and size).

Do You Have a Sleeping Partner?

Back Sleeper 

Couple sleepers that sleep in the same position are having much easier time finding a mattress that will work well for them. If you both of you are back sleepers, you are lucky, because you wouldn’t have to compromise for this decision.

Sleeping on your back requires a firmer mattress (innersprings is a superb material) that will spread your weight all over the surface and won’t allow you to sink deeper in the layers.

This position has the entire back supported by the bed; the spine remains in natural position, and all you need is a good pillow that will elevate your head enough so you can breathe normally (without snoring), and support your neck so your muscles and nerves won’t get sore after a while.

Without suitable pillow (firmer, thick and responsive), your back remains in natural position, but the lack of support under your neck can cause pressure and pain down the spine (especially to the lower back).

Side Sleeper

If you sleep on your side, then your mattress should be softer (if you’re sharing your bed with a partner, then a medium firm surface will be great, especially if your significant other sleeps in a different position).

This position is not getting the ideal support because the body makes deep compression to the side (especially with the hips). To avoid possible neck problems and to keep your spine aligned, you need a thick pillow that will lift your head to a point where it aligns your spine.

This means that pillows (molded or shredded) with loft of 4-6 inches (even higher if the filling is shredded) are the most recommended choice for you.

Your neck is at risk as well, which is why you need to fill this empty part with a good pillow (contouring models are a great option; standard shredded filling is an excellent option as well, because you can adjust it by your needs).

Also read: Best Pillow for Side Sleeper With Neck Pain – Our Reviews & Ratings

Stomach Sleeper 

Stomach sleepers need a medium firm bed; any other firmness simply won’t feel comfortable. Firm beds may put pressure to the front part of their bodies, while softer layers will let their pelvis drop, which causes spine misbalance and lower back pain.

Every stomach sleeper should avoid thick pillows because they elevate the head in unnatural way; this position requires a flat pillow that won’t lift the head too much. Cotton is a great material for them (pick models that aren’t too thick).

These sleepers won’t even endure the entire night on a higher pillow because the pressure in the neck and down the spine will be felt immediately.

It’s enough that they twist their neck to the side so they can breathe properly (this is why doctors don’t recommend sleeping like this), so the last thing they need is additional pressure to their neck and shoulders.

Combination Sleeping

Most people tend to roll during their sleep, and rest in every possible position. If you’re one of those people, then you have to find a suitable head support that won’t make you feel uncomfortable no matter how you position yourself.

We recommend you an adjustable model that is filled with shredded pieces of your favorite material. Cotton (or cotton blends), bamboo, latex noodles and mixed materials work excellent for combination sleeping.

This way you have enough control of your pillow and can “mold” it however you want.

When you sleep on your side, you can push the filling together and create a higher support, or flatten it enough so you can relax while you sleep on your stomach.

Molded models are great for back and side (the spine is aligned and free of pain), but won’t be the best-rated option if at one point you roll to your stomach.

Highest Quality Back Sleeper Pillows Reviews

Layla – Perfect Choice

We recommend Layla as one of the best choices for every sleeping position. It comes only in one size (18″ x 26″ x 4″). Its thickness of 4 inches (standard loft) provides excellent support for back sleepers.

Layla is filled with memory foam (70%) and Kapok fibers (30%); both materials work well together and make a lightweight, fluffy and responsive product. The shredded pieces can be easily adjusted for every position (higher for side and back, flat for stomach).

The cover is infused with copper that provides coolness and is excellent for the immunity and your skin.

Layla has the CertiPUR-US certificate that is a proof that the product is safe for use and free of volatile compounds.

If you have issues with allergies, then this model is the best and highest-rated option for you because it’s hypoallergenic.

It’s easy for maintenance and won’t put any pressure to your neck and shoulders.

Nest Bedding Easy Breather – Excellent Value

Nest Bedding offers everything a back sleeper needs – comfort, support and cool sleep without pressure.

Your spine will always be aligned and even if you have neck pain, Nest Bedding will sooth it with its contouring shape.

We love it because it doesn’t lose its shape and won’t flatten even after an extended use.

It’s filled with pieces of latex and its thickness is 8 inches; shredded pieces of latex are excellent because besides it will feel cool when you sleep, the pieces allow constant airflow, making the surface breathable. No odors will be trapped inside.

Its 8 inches are easy for adjusting; back and side sleepers can get the proper head elevation, while stomach sleepers can flatten the filling and sleep on a lower pillow.

The cover is also breathable and very soft. Latex is hypoallergenic and will not put your skin or respiratory system at risk (it won’t trap allergens or bacteria).

We picked Nest Bedding because it comes in standard, king and queen size, so if you’re a taller person you don’t have to limit yourself to the standard size only.

Purple – Great Support

The famous hyper elastic polymer is the main material that was used for the filling of Purple. Just like their mattress, the pillow too, is supportive and beyond comfortable.

The purple gel that looks like a net made of triangles is elastic and can endure really deep compressions; you don’t have to worry whether it will lose its shape, because it won’t.

This is the best quality choice for neck and back pain; it gives a pressure-free comfort, and support. Although the material is elastic and resembles gel, it’s firm enough to lift your head enough and allow you to rest well.

People instantly love Purple not only because of the comfort, but because it’s adjustable and can be shaped for every position.

The cover is soft and breathable; it’s made of polyester blend (spandex, viscose and bamboo).

Conclusion

If you sleep on your back you get a complete spine support, normal weight distribution and easy breathing. But, without the ideal head support, this position can be quite unpleasant.

You need a decent head support and lift so your breathing won’t be interrupted (snoring or sleep apnea). Besides that, a good head lift and neck support is crucial for a natural spine and no pressure or pain in your lower back (it happens when you sleep on a thin pillow).

It’s important to pick the right material, something that will not lose its shape after a year or two (like it can happen with polyester or cotton).

Memory foam (with gel infusion) is a great option because it’s comfy, supportive and responsive. Latex is one of the top-rated materials as well; besides it resembles foam, it’s naturally hypoallergenic and cooling.

Many people turn towards buckwheat; it makes thick and supportive pillows completely free of off-gassing and is naturally hypoallergenic.

Bamboo is one of the best options for sleepers who sleep on their back as well because it’s breathable, fluffy and provides excellent support.

Shredded pieces are great filling for those of you who prefer adjusting their pillows by themselves, while curved models have more consistency and remain in one shape forever.

Read:

• Our Top Pillows for Neck Pain (Cervical) This Year

Sources:

• Shape design of an optimal comfortable pillow based on the analytic hierarchy process method – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315854/
• Pillow Support and Comfort – https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/pillow-support-and-comfort