Last Updated: January 2025 | Written by Sleep Better Expert Team
Quick Answer: The best pillow for back sleepers is the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud for its perfect balance of support and comfort. For a more budget-friendly option, the Casper Original Pillow offers excellent medium-loft support at half the price.
Back sleeping is the healthiest position for spinal alignment, but only if your pillow provides proper support. Too high, and your chin juts forward. Too low, and your head tilts back. The perfect back sleeping pillow maintains your neck’s natural curve while cradling your head.
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We tested 12+ pillows specifically for supine (back) sleeping. Here are our expert picks for 2025.
Top Pillows for Back Sleepers Comparison
| Pillow | Best For | Loft | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud | Best Overall | Medium | $$$ |
| Purple Harmony | Best Cooling | Medium/Tall | $$$ |
| Saatva Latex Pillow | Best Natural | Medium | $$ |
| Coop Home Goods Original | Best Adjustable | Adjustable | $$ |
| Casper Original Pillow | Best Budget | Medium | $ |
Best Pillows for Back Sleepers – Reviews
1. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud — Best Overall
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud is our top recommendation for back sleepers. The TEMPUR material gently cradles your head while maintaining enough support to keep your cervical spine aligned. Unlike firmer memory foam pillows, the Cloud feels plush without sacrificing structural integrity.
Key Features:
- Adaptive TEMPUR material conforms to your head shape
- Medium loft ideal for back sleeping
- Soft feel with proper support
- Breathable, washable cover
- 5-year warranty
Who It’s Best For: Back sleepers who want premium quality and a softer feel without sacrificing support. The TEMPUR material’s adaptive properties make it excellent for maintaining neutral spine position throughout the night.
2. Purple Harmony — Best Cooling
Hot back sleepers rejoice: the Purple Harmony combines exceptional support with best-in-class temperature regulation. The GelFlex Grid top layer provides instant pressure relief while promoting airflow, and the Talalay latex core offers responsive support.
Key Features:
- GelFlex Grid promotes airflow and cooling
- Talalay latex core for responsive support
- Available in low, medium, and tall lofts
- Moisture-wicking mesh cover
- No off-gassing or break-in period
3. Saatva Latex Pillow — Best Natural
The Saatva Latex Pillow offers natural, chemical-free support with shredded Talalay latex surrounded by organic cotton. It’s responsive, breathable, and eco-conscious—perfect for back sleepers who prioritize natural materials.
4. Coop Home Goods Original — Best Adjustable
Can’t decide on the perfect loft? The Coop Home Goods Original comes overstuffed with shredded memory foam, allowing you to remove fill until you achieve your ideal height. This customization makes it excellent for back sleepers still dialing in their preferences.
5. Brooklinen Down Pillow—known as a premium down pillow alternatives— — Best Down
For back sleepers who prefer traditional down, the Brooklinen Down Pillow offers luxurious softness with proper support. The mid-plush firmness provides enough structure for spinal alignment while maintaining that cloud-like feel.
6. Casper Original Pillow — Best Budget
The Casper Original Pillow uses a pillow-in-pillow design with a supportive inner core surrounded by a soft outer layer. It’s an excellent budget option that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price.
7. Nolah Squishy Pillow — Best Soft
If you prefer a softer pillow, the Nolah Squishy Pillow delivers plush comfort with its unique air-foam fill. It’s soft yet supportive—a rare combination that many back sleepers appreciate.
8. Helix Pillow — Best for Combo Sleepers
If you start on your back but shift positions throughout the night, the Helix Pillow offers versatile support. Its gel-infused memory foam core works well for both back and side sleeping positions.
When selecting the right back sleeper pillow, consider both support and comfort.
What Back Sleepers Need in a Pillow
Back sleeping (supine position) is considered the healthiest for spinal alignment. But the wrong pillow can negate these benefits:
- Medium loft (3-4 inches): Fills the natural gap between your head and mattress
- Medium firmness: Supports without pushing your head too far forward
- Neck support: Maintains the cervical spine’s natural curve
- Head cradle: Keeps your head centered and prevents rolling
Learn more about optimizing your sleeping position for better rest.
Ideal Pillow Loft for Back Sleepers
Loft (pillow height) is critical for back sleepers:
- Too high: Forces your chin toward your chest, straining neck muscles
- Too low: Lets your head tilt back, compressing cervical vertebrae
- Just right: Keeps your gaze slightly toward the ceiling, spine neutral
For most back sleepers, a medium loft (3-4 inches) works best. If you have a larger build or broader shoulders, you may need slightly higher loft.
Common Mistakes Back Sleepers Make
- Using too many pillows: Stacking pillows raises your head too high
- Choosing pillows that are too firm: Creates pressure points at the back of your head
- Ignoring pillow quality: Old, flat pillows don’t provide adequate support
- Not considering mattress firmness: Your pillow and mattress work together
For more comprehensive advice, check out our guide on how to sleep better.
💤 Still struggling with sleep? Try YuSleep – Natural Sleep Support
Natural ingredients • No prescription needed • 60-day guarantee
FAQ
What loft pillow is best for back sleepers?
Medium loft (3-4 inches) is ideal for most back sleepers. This height fills the natural gap between your head and mattress while keeping your spine aligned. Larger individuals may need slightly higher loft.
Is memory foam or latex better for back sleepers?
Both work well for back sleepers. Memory foam offers more contouring and pressure relief, while latex provides more responsive support with better temperature regulation. The best choice depends on your personal preferences.
Should back sleepers use a contour pillow?
Contour pillows can work well for back sleepers, especially those with neck pain. However, a quality traditional pillow with medium loft also provides excellent support. If you don’t have neck issues, a standard pillow shape is fine.
How do I know if my pillow is wrong for back sleeping?
Signs your pillow isn’t right include: waking with neck stiffness, your chin tilting toward your chest, your head tilting backward, or snoring that wasn’t there before. The right pillow should feel comfortable immediately.
Conclusion
Back sleeping is excellent for spinal health, but the right pillow is essential. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud remains our top pick for its exceptional balance of softness and support. Budget-conscious shoppers should consider the Casper Original Pillow, which punches well above its price point.
Whatever you choose, look for medium loft, medium firmness, and quality materials that will maintain their support over time. Your spine will thank you.
Also check out our reviews of the best pillows for side sleepers and best pillows for neck pain.
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