Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
As a back sleeper, you can probably agree that back sleeping feels like the most comfortable position. While back sleeping is considered one of the healthiest positions, it has some drawbacks, such as the potential for experiencing acid reflux, snoring and neck and back strain. Instead of giving up on your favourite sleeping position, you can address the issue with a superb pillow that will provide the necessary support.
Choosing the right pillow for a good night's sleep can be overwhelming when hundreds of options are available. Fear not, as our comprehensive guide to the Best Pillows for Back Sleepers will assist you in finding the perfect match that caters to your comfort and supports all of your needs, ensuring you enjoy uninterrupted rest all year round.
What Does This Guide Cover?
- What Should I Look For in a Pillow as a Back Sleeper?
- Best Overall Pillow for Back Sleeping
- Best Neck Support Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Best Orthopaedic Pillow for Back Pain
- Best Acid Reflux Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Additional Advice for Back Sleepers
What Should I Look For in a Pillow as a Back Sleeper?
There are some features which you must consider prior to selecting a suitable back sleeping pillow. After all, the last thing you want is to spend loads on an uncomfortable pillow that will fail to address any existing issues stopping you from getting decent sleep. The main features to look out for in a pillow for back sleeping are as follows:
Loft - Loft refers to the height or thickness of a pillow. People who sleep on their backs tend to prefer medium-loft pillows, which are those that have a thickness of between 3 and 5 inches (7.62cm - 15.24cm). Opting for a medium-loft pillow will allow most back sleepers to maintain spinal alignment, thus contributing to a better night's sleep.
Support - If you want guaranteed comfort as you sleep, go for a pillow that will hold your head and neck in place. Extremely soft pillows that allow your head to sink in all the way down to the mattress can sometimes lead to neck and back strain, a medium-firm pillow will maintain your head in the right position and prevent potential pain and discomfort.
Pressure Relief - Pressure relief is provided when weight is distributed evenly. Pressure relief is closely linked to a pillow's level of loft and firmness. Overly thick and firm pillows can lead you to develop pressure points in the neck which can lead to discomfort over time.
Best Overall Pillow for Back Sleeping
Our Winner: Mediflow Water Base Orthopaedic Pillow
Why We Love It...
✔ Features a water-filled base design that keeps your head and neck in place
✔ Can be filled based on individual preferences to achieve the perfect level of loft and firmness
✔ Designed to soothe daily stresses and freshen your appearance
Ideal For...
✔ Soothing neck and back pain, vertigo, poor sleep and shoulder pain
✔ Reducing snoring in back sleepers due to providing a slight incline
✔ Preventing migraines due to featuring a medium-loft thickness
Good to Know...
✔ Outperformed all water-based pillows during a clinical test for sleep quality
✔ Suitable for machine wash and dry
✔ Measurements (LxW): 50.5 x 71cm
Editor's Verdict: As one of our top picks, the Mediflow Water Base Orthopaedic Pillow has all you need to guarantee a good rest. This pillow features a water-filled base that can mould to your specific body shape while keeping your head and neck in place, this way preventing a stiff neck, back pain, shoulder pain, and other health issues that can develop as a result of sleeping on your back while using an unsupportive pillow. What's more, this pillow also provides a slight incline that reduces the chances of snoring while back sleeping, which is also a relief for whoever might be sleeping next to you!
Customer's Verdict: "This pillow performs very well. It is easy to fill and empty in terms of making adjustments. The construction seems very robust and the pillow is certainly very comfortable to sleep on. There are so many pillows out there to choose from in terms of the degree of comfort, height etc. It is wonderful to have a pillow that can be adjusted to individual requirements. When used as a prop for reading in bed, it provides good support for the back too, so a winner all around!..." - Heather ★★★★★
Best Neck Support Pillow for Back Sleepers
Our Winner: Harley Original Contour Neck Support Pillow for Neck Pain
Why We Love It...
✔ Perfectly supports the head, shoulders and neck to promote spinal alignment
✔ Moulded from liquid foam to provide optimal support and ensure a great night's sleep
✔ Features a breathable material to promote airflow and prevent overheating
Ideal For...
✔ Back sleepers who often wake up with a sore neck
✔ Preventing common neck and shoulder pain
✔ Users of all shapes and sizes due to versatile options available
Good to Know...
✔ Recommended by healthcare professionals for over 15 years
✔ Provided with a washable slip-over pillowcase and a two-year guarantee on the shape and feel
✔ Available in five sizes to cater to most users
Editor's Verdict: If back sleeping is your go-to position, you'll want to invest in a pillow that will provide effective neck and back support, as this will prevent long-term pain and discomfort. The Harley Original Contour Neck Support Pillow for Neck Pain is moulded from a soft yet firm liquid foam material, and it features a contoured shape that helps keep your neck and shoulders in the correct position all night. This pillow is available in five sizes to suit different body types and ensure that most back sleepers have a peaceful, uninterrupted rest.
Customer's Verdict: "After years of searching, I have finally found a pillow that has practically cured my insomnia due to pain. I have cervical spondylosis and this pillow relieves a lot of pressure in my neck and back. I wake up rested and tension free. Simply an AMAZING pillow. Although I've previously bought 12 expensive pillows, this one is the only one that works. Just buy it!" - Jane ★★★★★
Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
Our Winner: Pro11 Memory Foam Cooling Pillow for Better Sleep and Comfort
Why We Love It...
✔ Features revolutionary cooling gel cells that absorb excess body heat as you sleep
✔ Provides contoured, firm support to keep the head, neck and shoulders in place during the night
✔ Made from high-quality and durable memory foam that maintains its shape over time
Ideal For...
✔ Reducing pressure on your vital joints to prevent neck, back and shoulder pain
✔ People who suffer from night sweats or who struggle to sleep due to heat
✔ Enhancing blood circulation to help you fall asleep faster and improve your overall wellbeing
Good to Know...
✔ Can also be used for treating headaches, sunburn and fever
✔ Made from a hypoallergenic memory foam material to suit users with allergies and sensitive skin
✔ Measurements (LxWxH): 35 x 70 x 10cm
Editor's Verdict: Designed with revolutionary cooling gel cells and a medium-loft, the Pro11 Memory Foam Cooling Pillow for Better Sleep and Comfort is perfect for those back sleepers who suffer from headaches, or who struggle to sleep due to heat. This pillow features a long-lasting memory foam material that provides contoured support to the head, neck and shoulders, thus preventing pressure points from developing. The integrated gel layer also works to absorb excess body heat to help you maintain a pleasant temperature all night long.
Customer's Verdict: "I have to say it's amazing. I have hemiplegic migraine and the coolness of this pillow really helps. I am really impressed, I have found a winner and an item that is really helpful. Does what it says on the tin, I would recommend!" - Kay ★★★★★
Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers
Our Winner: Harley Designer Memory Foam Orthopaedic Neck Support Pillow
Why We Love It...
✔ Features viscoelastic memory foam that moulds to your unique shape
✔ Designed to prevent common neck and shoulder pain
✔ Supplied with a removable and washable zipped velour pillowcase
Ideal For...
✔ Relieving pressure and evenly distributing weight for guaranteed comfort
✔ Aligning the spine and opening up the airways to reduce snoring
✔ Preventing acid reflux or GERD as your head is kept in an elevated position
Good to Know...
✔ Only suitable for hand washing
✔ UK-made and trusted by thousands of people with orthopaedic problems
✔ Available in five sizes to cater to the majority of users
Editor's Verdict: Ensuring a restful night's sleep has never been easier with the Harley Designer Memory Foam Orthopaedic Neck Support Pillow. Made from viscoelastic memory foam material, this pillow moulds perfectly to the shape of your head for optimal positioning and proper spinal alignment. It helps reduce irritation and pressure on the nerves of the neck and upper body, making it beneficial for numerous conditions such as arthritis, migraines, and cervical spondylosis. The Harley orthopaedic pillow also features a breathable design that prevents it from overheating during warm weather, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant sleep all summer.
Customer's Verdict: "I have never had a more comfortable sleep. My physio recommended this pillow when I developed very painful neck and back pain. No point in spending on physiotherapy only for the work to be undone by an unconscious poor sleeping position. This pillow has been a great help" - Ronald ★★★★★
Best Orthopaedic Pillow for Back Pain
Our Winner: Sissel Soft Plus Orthopaedic Memory Foam Pillow
Why We Love It...
✔ Features a design that responds dynamically to body weight and temperature to fit the user's shape
✔ Includes a unique Vario pad that allows you to alter the height from 11 to 14cm
✔ Coated in a soft, unbleached cotton stockinette for extra comfort as you sleep
Ideal For...
✔ Supporting the lower cervical spinal column to prevent pain from developing
✔ People with sensitive necks in need of a pressure-distributing pillow
✔ Supporting proper spinal alignment to ensure a perfect night's sleep
Good to Know...
✔ Supplied with a washable velour case for easy hygiene
✔ Extra pillowcases are available for purchase
✔ Measurements (LxWxH): 47 x 33 x 14cm
Editor's Verdict: If your back pain is keeping you up at night, that means it's time to throw away your worn-out pillow and invest in some firm support. The Sissel Soft Plus Orthopaedic Memory Foam Pillow is the perfect solution for your back ache, as it features viscoelastic memory foam that evenly distributes pressure and helps alleviate any tension that is causing your discomfort. Though, what sets this pillow apart is its Vario pad, which can be adjusted from 11 to 14cm to provide the level of loft that is most comfortable for you.
Customer's Verdict: "The Pillow gives very good support to the neck but is also very soft and comfortable. Very pleased I bought it" - Linda ★★★★★
Best Acid Reflux Pillow for Back Sleepers
Our Winner: Harley Bed Relaxer White Bed Wedge Pillow
Why We Love It...
✔ Features an extremely comfortable polyurethane foam that remembers the shape of your body
✔ Provides firm back and neck support to relieve a wide range of conditions
✔ Also available in the colours blue and pink to cater the preference of most users
Ideal For...
✔ Treating acid reflux and respiratory problems as you sleep
✔ Improving posture to treat and prevent neck and back pain
✔ Sitting upright in bed and sleeping in an inclined position
Good to Know...
✔ Includes a white pillow cover to provide more comfort and improve pillow hygiene
✔ Measurements (LxW): 56 x 46cm
✔ Depth range (from front to back): 3cm - 19cm
Editor's Verdict: Back sleeping is the worst for those who suffer from acid reflux, as when you sleep on your back, stomach acid can flow back into your oesophagus much more freely and remain in your horizontal position. To prevent ongoing discomfort, you should consider a wedge pillow such as the Harley Bed Relaxer White Bed Wedge Pillow that will allow you to rest in a slightly raised position and lower the chances of acid reflux. The Harley bed wedge pillow also works to improve your posture as you sleep, which prevents back and neck pain from developing over time.
Customer's Verdict: "I have suffered from acid reflux for quite some time and have to take medication daily. This wedge cushion is giving me lots of relief overnight and has been well worth the purchase. Delivery was within 2 days of ordering, which is really good" - Brenda ★★★★★
Additional Advice for Back Sleepers
Besides investing in a firm and supportive pillow, there are other things back sleepers can do to ensure great rest every single night:
Choose a Supportive Mattress - The majority of back sleepers would rather opt for a medium-firm mattress, as these provide ample lumbar support and promote a neutral spine position without sacrificing comfort. Failing to provide the right support can lead many back sleepers to experience lower back pain.
Use a Pillow Underneath the Knees - Back sleepers who suffer from lower back pain could benefit from placing a pillow directly under their knees as they sleep, as doing so will help maintain the back's natural curve while reducing pressure points. A product such as the Harley Leg Raiser will help relieve pressure off the lower back and stimulate blood circulation for a better night's sleep.
Stretch Before Bedtime - Incorporating a few leg, back and neck stretches into your evening routine can improve blood flow and help you relax for uninterrupted rest.
Avoid Heavy Dinners - Back sleeping increases the risk of experiencing acid reflux. If this sounds like something you struggle with, make sure to avoid heavy dinners and eat at least four hours before heading to bed.
Get Top-Quality Rest Whenever You Need It
Investing in a high-quality pillow is key to ensuring a healthy, happy sleep and preventing the many issues that can develop from back sleeping. Whether you're a back sleeper looking to prevent pains and discomforts from emerging or would like a pillow that will aid your acid reflux, this blog has presented you with excellent recommendations and tips to help you get uninterrupted rest every time you need it.
Tags: Aids for Daily Living, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Pillows, Top 5 Guides