Best Pillow for Back Sleepers (2025 Buyers Guide)

Back sleepers need that perfect balance of not too high and too low to keep the neck and spine aligned and airways open. In this guide we will cover our top 5 best pillows proven to work for back sleepers.

5 Best Pillows for Back Sleepers (Our Picks)

1. Storm Cuddle Curve Pillow 0.0 – Best Overall Pillow for Back Sleepers
2. TEMPUR-BREEZE® ProLo Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
3. Carbon Cool Medium Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers
4. Technogel Contour Pillow – Best Contour Pillow for Back Sleepers:
5. TEMPUR-ADAPT® ProLo Pillow

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 back sleeper who wants options on firmness

Why We Like It: Works for most all back sleepers, with customizable options after purchase

 

Best Cooling – TEMPUR-BREEZE® ProLo Pillow:

With the superior contouring abilities of Tempur material, mixed with their coolest design yet, this pillow is the best cooling option for back sleepers. The low loft is great for back sleepers’ spinal alignment, and gone are the days of flipping the pillow to find the cool side!

Features:

• Innovative cooling Breeze® technology helps absorb excess body heat throughout the night for an enhanced cooling effect perfect for anyone who sleeps hot.
• The low 5″ profile provides maximum comfort and support for back sleepers every single night.
• Designed to adapt to your head, neck, and shoulders, TEMPUR-Material™ delivers exceptional pressure relief to help reduce aches and pains.

Best for: The back sleeper who sleeps hot

Why We Like It: Has all of the conforming quality expected from a Tempur-pedic + made with their best cooling materials every developed

 

Best Memory Foam – Carbon Cool Medium Pillow

The loft of this medium pillow is just right for back sleepers. The memory foam has more give than other firmer options, while keeping your head in alignment and supporting your neck the whole night through.

Features:

• Ventilated memory foam helps the memory foam feel softer and less dense than many options that often feel ‘too firm’ for some.
• Omniphase® technology helps regulate temperature for a cool night’s sleep.
• The medium loft + the softer foam makes for an excellent loft for back sleepers.

Best for: Back sleepers who often find memory foam pillows too hard

Why We Like It: One of the best priced options and works great for most back sleepers

 

Best Contour – Technogel Contour Pillow

Technogel is the only medical grade gel product on the market. This material contours excellent to the shape of your head, and the contour shape of the pillow provides some extra next support that is needed for back sleepers.

Features:

• Ventilated memory foam provides the perfect combination of comfort & support while also allowing air flow.
• Technogel uses medical grade cooling gel to give an exact conformability and adds a layer of coolness and temperature regulation.
• The contour shape provides some extra neck support which is essential for back sleepers

Best for: Back sleepers who need extra neck support

Why We Like It: A long-lasting pillow that provides essential neck support for back sleepers

 

Best Firm – TEMPUR-ADAPT® ProLo Pillow

Best Firm Pillow for Back Sleepers; This Tempur-pedic pillow provides one of the firmest feels but the low loft ensures your head will lay flat and your airways will stay open.

Features:

• The low 5″ profile with a medium-firm feel allows back sleepers to enjoy deeply comfortable, supportive sleep every single night.
• A single piece of proprietary TEMPUR-Material™ delivers a firm feel and adapts to your shape for all-night comfort, personalized support, and exceptional pressure relief.
• The removable, machine-washable SmartClimate® Cover is woven with special fibers that draw heat away from the body for all-night cooling comfort.

Best for: Back sleepers who prefer a firmer pillow

Why We Like It: The shape and material of this pillow provides an excellent firm and adaptive feel essential for back sleepers.

 

Why Back Sleepers Need the Right Pillow

Back sleepers need the right pillow for several crucial reasons:

1. Spinal Alignment:
   A proper pillow keeps the spine aligned and supports the natural curve of the neck.
2. Neck Support:
   It prevents neck strain by offering consistent support to the head and neck.
3. Reduces Snoring:
   A well-designed pillow can help open airways. This can reduce the risk of snoring.
4. Prevents Back Pain:
   The right pillow keeps the spine straight. This can reduce the chance of lower back pain.
   Improves Sleep Quality: It ensures better comfort and deeper sleep by minimizing pressure points.

How to Choose the Right Back Sleeper Pillow

When choosing your pillow, consider firmness, material and ergonomics.
A medium-firm pillow is usually preferred by most back sleepers as it supports the neck and head while keeping the spine aligned.

Loft Height

• Why it matters: A loft too high or too low can lead to poor spinal alignment and discomfort.
• Ideal range: 4-6 inches to support the head without straining the neck​.

Firmness Level

• Ideal firmness: Medium-firm to firm for back sleepers to maintain neck and spinal alignment throughout the night​.

Cooling Features

• Importance: Look for pillows with breathable fabrics or cooling gels to prevent overheating. Especially in memory foam pillows, which can trap heat​.

Material Considerations

• Breathability: Materials like latex and bamboo-based covers offer better airflow, which helps hot sleepers stay cool.
• Support and Durability: Memory foam and latex provide strong support and known for their durability​.
• Hypoallergenic Properties: Materials like memory foam and latex naturally resist dust mites and allergens. This makes them ideal for sensitive sleepers.
• Sustainability: Plant-based foams or organic cotton are sustainable options for eco-conscious buyers.

Shape and Contour Design

• Why it matters: Contoured designs help cradle the head and neck for better spinal alignment, reducing pressure points.

Wash Care

• Importance: Easy-to-clean, removable covers help maintain hygiene, especially for pillows you can’t machine wash. Look for pillows with washable covers for convenience.