We Tested the Best Pillows for Back Sleepers — Here Are Our Favorites

Of all the neck support pillows we tested, the Purple Freeform stood out for back sleepers dealing with recurring neck pain or stiffness. Most neck support pillows rely on a fixed contour shape, which only works if the loft matches your anatomy. The Freeform takes a differentapproach, allowing you to fully customize your support.

It features MicroFlex moon foam that can be added or removed to adjust loft, along with adjustable neck roll supports built into the inner seams. The exterior uses Purple's Honeycomb GelFlex grid, which flexes easily to relieve pressure without trapping heat.

“When first sleeping on my back, the neck support was like nothing I have ever experienced with a non-cotton type of filling,” says writer Raki Swanson. “Usually, with a 'stuffed' pillow, like down, your head tends to make the feathers separate, and you are left with your head close to the mattress — not the case with this. My neck did not hurt, and it was fully supported.” The adjustability and cooling design make it a strong choice for back sleepers who run hot and get neck pain.

The main drawback is the price, which places it at the higher end. It also has a different feel than a traditional pillow, which may not suit everyone, especially if you switch sleep positions. Still, for back sleepers with consistent neck discomfort, the combination of adaptive support and integrated, customizable neck rolls makes the Purple Freeform a worthwhile investment.

“There was no adjustment period, and it didn't need to be puffed up or settled down,” says writer Amy Sowder. “It was comfortable from the get-go.”

One thing to keep in mind: The pillow comes in multiple support options — soft, medium, and firm — and you have to choose ahead of time. As a back sleeper, you may want to lean toward medium to firm to maintain enough loft for spinal alignment, which is key to reducing neck pain. Being plush and down-like, the softer version can compress fairly quickly under head weight when back-sleeping, potentially leaving you without enough support.

If you're very particular about loft, the trade-off is that this pillow can’t be adjusted by removing or adding fill. But at this price, with machine-washable construction and a genuinely soft feel, it's an easy recommendation for back sleepers who have a decent idea of their preferred support.

“This pillow is plush and soft while still being supportive and responsive, and it doesn't go flat like other soft (cheaper) pillows,” says writer Grace Gallagher.

You can choose between standard loft and high loft; the former is better for back or stomach sleepers, while the latter appeals to side or combination sleepers.Unlike memory foam, which holds its shape for a few seconds after pressure is removed, latex bounces back immediately. So it adjusts as you shift positions during the night without requiring you to re-fluff.

The Saatva Latex Pillow is a pricier option and isn't readily adjustable. So it's best suited for back sleepers who already know they do well with latex or want to invest in a durable, natural-material option.

The Coop Sleep Goods Original features a unique fill. The company claims this fill resists clumping better than typical memory foam, providing more-consistent back and neck support night after night.

Coop's cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill blend is touted as medium-firm, and it provides 7 to 8 in of loft upon arrival. But it can be removed or added through a zippered opening, so you can dial in exactly the loft and firmness to keep your neck aligned. For back sleepers who've tried multiple pillows and never quite landed on the right fit, having this adjustability is a genuine game-changer.

Still, “it’s a trial-and-error period of really dialing in the pillow height,” says writer Catherine Brown. “I got excited when I received the pillow, but how it arrived was super-flat and flimsy. Had I left it alone for a day, I would have watched it fluff up a ton and actually be correct for me. Instead, I filled it too soon with more stuffing and ended up later that evening with a ridiculously massive pillow.”

Because this pillow's proprietary fill blend maintains its shape so well, it tends to perform well across multiple sleep positions and body types; testers noted its consistent support and shape retention.

The main thing to be aware of is a noticeable initial off-gassing smell when the pillow first arrives. It fades within a day or two of airing out, though. The fill is also clump-resistant, not clump-proof. A quick 10-minute fluff in the dryer usually takes care of it.

If you’re a back sleeper who runs warm at night, the SIJO FlexCool Memory Foam Pillow is the most effective cooling option we tested. The nylon and spandex cover immediately provides a cooling sensation. And beneath that is cotton infused with proprietary, temperature-regulating micro-capsules that absorb and dissipate body heat. So unlike standard pillows, you can enjoy that cool-to-the-touch feeling all night instead of having it quickly fade soon after lying down.

Combined with an inner core made of adjustable memory foam and polyester fill, this pillow offers good breathability that keeps sleepers noticeably more comfortable, cooler, and drier than standard foam pillows. Writer Kara Wahlgren can confirm: “The two main features are its adjustability and cooling cover, and it delivers on both. The cooling cover was icy cold, even under a pillowcase.”

This SIJO pillow is on the pricier end for a memory foam pick. Also, the cooling performance of phase-change covers can degrade slightly over time. But for hot sleepers, it solves a problem most pillows don’t address.

Good pillows don't have to be expensive, and the Ikea Isranunkel is the best proof of that on our list. The ergonomic memory foam construction is specifically designedto support your neck during back and side sleeping. Its contoured shape keeps your head from tipping too far forward or back. The butterfly shape also makes it ideal for stomach sleepers to wrap an arm around, perfect for those who find themselves in various positions throughout the night. For the price, it punches well above its weight.

Writer SaVanna Shoemaker, RD, agrees: “It's comparable in comfort to my $100 pillow, and it's only $40.”

One of its main limitations is availability. You'll need to either visit an Ikea or order from its online store. Another limitation is its longevity, as memory foam at this price point tends to soften and compress faster than higher-end latex or shredded foam options. But as a starting point for back sleepers who want ergonomic support without spending a lot, it's a pretty smart buy.

Contour pillows are designed with one main goal: to support your body's natural contours. The Bedgear Storm Cuddle Curve pillow curves to hug your neck and cradle your cervical spine by providing varying levels of loft under your head and neck. It does this by taking a multi-layerapproach to construction that lets sleepers choose their support level.

You can choose the firmer, responsive foam-crown side for more-gentle pressure, or the responsive side that offers a blend offoam and fiber for a softer, plusher feel. In between these layers, the breathable Ver-Tek and Air-X mesh materials work to make it one of the more cooling contoured pillows we looked at.

“I really liked the curved shape. I felt like it was really great for side sleeping,” says editor and writer Olivia Campbell.

The Bedgear Storm's biggest drawback is price, as this is the most expensive pick on our list. That can be a major consideration, given that contour pillows are less forgiving if the specific shape doesn't match your proportions. Back sleepers with a longer neck or larger frame may find a different loft profile works better.

If you’re a back sleeper with allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin, the SIJO FluffBase EucalyptusPillow stands out as one of the cleanest, most breathable options on our list. The eucalyptus fiber fill is naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens, and the TENCEL lyocell cover is both soft and breathable, wicking moisture away rather than trapping it against your skin.

The oils are removed in the processing of the Eucalyptus fibers, so there’s no scent (in case that sharp, minty smell isn’t your favorite). The pillow is also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, so you can be confident that it’s safe for skin and free from harmful chemicals.

“I found this pillow to be very cool and breathable. We tested it for two weeks for my very allergic kiddo, and she said she felt like it was more breathable than other pillows we have tried,” says writer Mary Sauer.

Some back sleepers just wanta pillow that feels good, and The Company Store Cool Zzz Deluxe delivers on that without skimping on support. The fiber fill has a soft, down-like quality that's immediately comfortable, eliminating pressure points and cradling your head and neck.

For those who run hot, this pillow does double duty. The cotton sateen cover adds a crisp, cool touch. And the inner liner absorbs body heat to preserve that cool feeling throughout the night.

“It's a good value to those who like very squishy, plush, not firm pillows,” says Sowder.

The loft is in a range that works well for back sleeping and combination sleeping. The main thing to keep in mind is that, like most fiber-filled pillows, it will benefit from occasional fluffing to maintain loft. However, it’s machine-washable. So if it begins to flatten from regular compression, a simple wash and dry cycle can bring it back to life. 

“The snoring stopped! My husband snores very loudly and occasionally has acid reflux at night. This wedge has stopped the snoring and reflux,” says Campbell.

Wedge pillows come with a learning curve, and it can take a fewnights to adjust to the elevated position if you're not used to it. With all the inserts, it's also significantly bulkier than a standard pillow, which can make it awkward to travel with or store. But forback sleepers who regularly wake up with discomfort related to some health conditions, it tackles the problem in a way no flat pillow can.