Buying Guide
Combination sleepers, those who switch between different sleep positions throughout the night (such as back, side, and stomach), require a pillow that can adapt to their changing needs. Since each sleeping position exerts different pressures on the neck and spine, a versatile pillow helps maintain proper alignment and ensures a comfortable, restful sleep throughout the night.
5 Best Pillows for Combination Sleepers (Our Picks)
- TEMPUR-ADAPT® ProLo Pillow – Best Overall Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- TEMPUR-BREEZE® ProHi Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- TEMPUR-ADAPT® ProAdjust Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- TEMPUR-BREEZE® ProHi Pillow – Best Luxury Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- Convolution Pillow – Best Budget Pillow for Combination Sleepers
Best Overall – Storm Cuddle Curve Pillow 0.0:
The shape of this pillow allows for optimal head placement, hugging the shoulders and keeping the neck in alignment. With its two-sided design you can flip it until you find your desired firmness. *The 0.0 is the best loft for most people, but if you have above average shoulder width, the 1.0 will be better for you.
Features:
- React™ Crown – A cutting-edge responsive foam technology designed to deliver firm, conforming pressure relief exactly where you need it.
- With its unique dual-sided construction, the Storm Cuddle Curve Pillow provides a perfect balance of support and comfort, adapting to your body’s contours for a personalized experience.
- React Blend Fill – A luxurious fill material combining the best of responsive foam and silk-like fibers for the ultimate in plush comfort.
Best for: The combination sleepers who prefer customizable comfort.
Why We Like It: Great for those who need a combination of comfort and cooling features.
Storm Cuddle Curve Pillow 0.0
Best Cooling – TEMPUR-Breeze® ProHi Pillows
TEMPUR-Breeze® ProHi Pillows combine cooling innovative technology with infinitely adaptable TEMPUR-Material™ to provide supportive, comfortable, refreshing sleep to side and combination sleepers all night long.
TEMPUR-Breeze® ProHi Pillows
Best Memory Foam – TEMPUR-ADAPT® ProAdjust Pillow
The TEMPUR-Adapt® ProAdjust Pillow complements combination sleepers with TEMPUR-Material™ that precisely adapts to your head, neck, and shoulders. It’s specifically designed to provide back, side, or stomach sleepers deeply comfortable rest all night long.
TEMPUR-ADAPT® ProAdjust Pillow
Best Luxury – TEMPUR-BREEZE® ProHi Pillow
TEMPUR-Breeze® ProHi Pillows are the perfect complement to a Breeze® mattress. They combine cooling innovative technology with infinitely adaptable TEMPUR-Material™ to provide supportive, comfortable, refreshing sleep to back and side sleepers all night long.
TEMPUR-BREEZE® ProHi Pillow
Best Budget – Convolution Pillow
The Convolution Pillow is a versatile pillow that allows you to select the support you want. The inner core is convoluted on one side and flat on the other allowing for different comfort options.
Convolution Pillow
What Is a Combination Sleeper?
A combination sleeper is someone who changes positions while they sleep, often sleeping on their back, side, or stomach.
Why Combination Sleepers Need the Right Pillow
A combination sleeper needs the right pillow because they frequently switch between different sleep positions—back, side, and stomach—throughout the night. Each of these positions requires different types of support for optimal alignment and comfort, and a single, poorly chosen pillow could lead to discomfort, disrupted sleep, or even neck and back pain. Here’s why getting the right pillow is essential:
Maintaining Proper Alignment
Back Sleepers need a pillow that provides adequate support for the natural curve of the neck without pushing the head too far forward. If the pillow is too high or too stiff, it can lead to neck strain. A medium-loft pillow is often ideal.
Side Sleepers require a firmer, thicker pillow to fill the space between the shoulder and neck, keeping the spine aligned. Without enough height or support, side sleepers risk poor alignment, leading to shoulder or neck discomfort.
Stomach Sleepers typically need a thinner, softer pillow to prevent their head from being propped up too much, which can cause neck strain. Too much loft in the pillow can create unnatural neck angles, increasing the likelihood of pain.
How to Choose the Right Combination Sleeper Pillow
When choosing a pillow, make sure to factor in each benefit a pillow offers and combine that with your own sleep pattern to find which option fits your needs best.
Sleeping Position Needs
Different positions need different support.
- Side Sleeping: Needs a high loft to support your neck and shoulder.
- Back Sleeping: Needs a medium loft to support your neck’s natural curve.
- Stomach Sleeping: Needs a low loft to reduce neck strain.
Consideration: Choose a pillow that adjusts to different loft levels.
Loft (Pillow Height)
Loft means how tall the pillow is when flat. It helps maintain proper spine alignment.
Consideration: Combination sleepers should pick a medium loft. This provides good support for side sleeping without being too elevated for back or stomach positions.
Firmness Level
Firmness indicates how much the pillow compresses under weight.
Consideration: A medium-firm pillow is best. It keeps the spine aligned without feeling too stiff.
Fill Material
Filling affects the pillow’s feel, support, and longevity.
- Memory Foam: Conforms to your head and neck but traps heat.
- Latex: Bounces back fast and is naturally cool.
- Down/Feather: Soft but may lack support and can trigger allergies.
- Polyfill (Down Alternative): Hypoallergenic and adjustable but may go flat.
Consideration: Shredded memory foam or latex are best for combination sleepers.
Adjustability
You can add or remove filling from some pillows to customize loft and firmness.
Consideration: Choose an adjustable pillow if you want to tailor the height and support.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness means how quickly the pillow adapts to movements.
Consideration: Choose a responsive pillow if you switch positions often. This helps keep support even as you move.
Shape Retention
Shape retention means how well the pillow keeps its shape.
Consideration: Pillows like latex and high-quality memory foam keep their shape longer.
Cooling Properties
Cooling features help with airflow and prevent overheating.
Consideration: Look for pillows with cooling gels or breathable covers if you sleep hot.
Hypoallergenic Materials
Hypoallergenic pillows resist allergens like dust mites and mold.
Consideration: Pick materials like latex or synthetic fills if you have allergies.
Size and Dimensions
Pillows come in different sizes like Standard, Queen, and King.
Consideration: Pick a size that fits your bed and gives you room to move without losing support.
Durability and Longevity
Durability means how long the pillow stays comfy and supportive.
Consideration: High-quality materials may cost more upfront but offer better value over time.