Best Pillows for Back Sleepers

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If you sleep on your back, good news — many sleep experts agree it’s one of the healthiest sleep positions. It supports proper alignment of your head, neck, and spine, and it can help reduce pressure points. But getting all those benefits depends on having the right pillow. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best pillows for back sleepers.

I’ve personally tested hundreds of pillows and narrowed it down to the top picks that provide comfort, support, and durability — all specifically suited to back sleeping.

Quick Pick: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers

Top Choice: Saatva Latex Pillow
This one’s my go-to. It’s soft and plush on the outside, but thanks to its latex core, it still offers the support back sleepers need to maintain healthy neck alignment. Plus, it’s made from organic materials and stays cool throughout the night.

The 9 Best Pillows for Back Sleepers

  1. Saatva Latex Pillow – Best for Neck Pain

  2. LUXOME LAYR Pillow – Best Luxury Option

  3. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex – Best Cooling Pillow

  4. Coop Sleep Goods Original – Best Adjustable Memory Foam

  5. TEMPUR-Neck – Best Contour Pillow

  6. Purple Harmony – Best for Back and Side Sleepers

  7. Avocado Molded Latex Pillow – Best Firm Support

  8. Lagoon Lemur Pillow – Best Eco-Friendly Choice

  9. PlushBeds Goose Down Pillow – Best Down Pillow

How We Chose These Pillows

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches used a mix of hands-on testing and proprietary analysis to evaluate dozens of pillows. For this roundup, we focused on:

  • Support & Loft: Proper neck support and the right height for spinal alignment.

  • Material Quality: Organic, breathable, and durable materials.

  • Cooling Properties: Back sleepers tend to overheat less than side sleepers, but we still favored pillows that sleep cool.

  • Durability: We picked pillows that hold their shape and comfort over time.

Want to dig deeper into how to choose the right pillow? Scroll down to our Buyer’s Guide for all the details.

Best for Neck Pain: Saatva Latex Pillow

Why It’s Great:
The Saatva Latex Pillow is soft but structured, thanks to a shredded latex core surrounded by a plush down-alternative layer. This combo helps cradle your head while keeping your neck in a neutral position — ideal for preventing morning neck pain.

What We Love:

  • Made with organic cotton and latex

  • Hypoallergenic and breathable

  • Medium loft ideal for back sleepers

Keep in Mind:

  • It’s on the pricier side at around $165

  • Combination sleepers might prefer the high-loft version

Best Luxury Option: LUXOME LAYR Pillow

Why It’s Great:
This pillow takes customization to the next level. It comes with multiple inserts so you can adjust both the loft and firmness. Great for back sleepers who want their pillow just right.

What We Love:

  • Fully customizable design

  • Cooling cover made from bamboo viscose

  • Machine-washable inserts and cover

Keep in Mind:

  • Some may find the customization process a bit trial-and-error

Best for Cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Why It’s Great:
Talalay latex naturally promotes airflow, and this pillow is perforated for even better breathability. It comes in two lofts, so you can choose the right height for your body size.

What We Love:

  • Naturally breathable latex

  • Soft yet supportive feel

  • Two loft options for a personalized fit

Keep in Mind:

  • Not the best choice if you prefer the plush feel of down or down alternatives

Best Memory Foam: Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow

Why It’s Great:
This shredded memory foam pillow is fully adjustable — just remove or add fill to get your perfect loft. It offers that classic memory foam feel and solid neck support.

What We Love:

  • Adjustable firmness and height

  • Hypoallergenic bamboo cover

  • Comes with extra fill

Keep in Mind:

  • Removing foam can be a bit messy

Best Contour Pillow: TEMPUR-Neck

Why It’s Great:
With its ergonomic shape, the TEMPUR-Neck pillow is designed to cradle the head and support the natural curve of your neck. Great for anyone dealing with stiffness or pain.

What We Love:

  • Contoured for alignment and support

  • Dense, slow-moving memory foam

  • Multiple size options

Keep in Mind:

  • May sleep warm without the (optional) cooling cover

  • On the firmer side, which not everyone will love

Best for Combo Sleepers: Purple Harmony Pillow

Why It’s Great:
Perfect for back-and-side sleepers, the Purple Harmony combines a latex core with the brand’s signature GelFlex Grid for a responsive, cool feel.

What We Love:

  • Ultra-breathable and cooling

  • Responsive and springy, easy to move around on

  • Available in multiple lofts

Keep in Mind:

  • Doesn’t feel like a traditional pillow

  • Premium price point

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