Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Say goodbye to neck pain and night sweats.
Photo:Real Simple
Finding the right pillow largely depends on your sleep style and, of course, your personal preferences.
Back sleepers typically require an option with medium firmness and loft, offering ample neck support and elevation.
For expert insight, we consultedKelly Murray, certified adult sleep coach, andDr.
PHOTO: The Company Store
Grant Shifflett, M.D., board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon atDISC Sports and Spine Center.
With our findings and their guidance, we named the following nine pillows the best for back sleepers.
The foam doesnt have much airflow.
PHOTO: Real Simple
And if the CoolMax fiber isnt your thing, the pillow also comes with a polyester Tencel knit cover.
This pillows winged design is best suited for back sleepers, so combination sleepers may want to look elsewhere.
Since they are so well filled, you may encounter difficulty squeezing them into your pillowcase.
Considering its inexpensive price, this AmazonBasics two-pack is a real steal.
The polyester microfiber fabric felt pretty standard, though this was to be expected given the price.
Once we put a pillowcase on the pillow, we could hardly notice.
As a much-appreciated bonus, this pick is entirely machine washable.
One of our favorite things about this pillow is its versatility.
It conformed to our neck as we slept, maintaining its shape and firmness throughout three months of use.
We were also impressed by this pillows airflowafter lying on it for 15 minutes, it stayed surprisingly cool.
Overall, it offers the ideal combination of fullness, support, and breathability.
And for such a low price?
PHOTO: Amazon
We couldnt ask for much more.
The brown piping on the border can be seen through lighter pillowcases.
We could tell the Saatva Latex Pillow was high quality just by looking at it.
PHOTO: Real Simple
The material felt soft to the touch and looked well made, with no loose threads in sight.
It includes two layers: an inner latex core and a plush, machine-washable layer of down-like microfiber.
However, if you have a darker pillowcase or dont mind the brown, it wont bother you.
This pillow is available in two heights: standard loft and high loft.
We found it to be plump and heavy, almost as if it were weighted.
It rose immediately after we pushed our hand into the material, quickly regaining its shape.
Still, it felt supportive from all angles, so we hardly needed to readjust our position.
Crafted with a 100% cotton cover, this pillow proved to be incredibly breathable.
It kept us cool throughout the night, and we never needed to flip it to the other side.
Despite retaining some more heat at the three-month mark, this pillow maintained its loft throughout the testing period.
This is the most expensive pillow on our list, so it isnt for everyone.
Still, if youre seeking a high-quality and long-lasting pillow, it may be worth the splurge.
PHOTO: Saatva
The gray pattern is visible through white pillowcases.
We love the customizability, which allows every jot down of sleeper to achieve maximum comfort.
Plus, the extra fill can revive your pillow if it becomes softer with use.
PHOTO: Real Simple
It did warm up quite a bit in our testing, increasing in temperature by 14F over 15 minutes.
After three months of use, this pillow continues to exceed our expectations.
The machine-washable cover has held up well after laundering, showing no wrinkles or loose threads.
Removing the protector may be a messy process.
The pillow didn’t retain body heat at all, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout.
This can be largely attributed to the pillow’s perforated surface, which promotes ventilation and air flow.
This pillow struck the perfect balance of firmnessnot too hard and not too soft.
We found the latex to have a nice bounce to it.
making it incredibly durable and easy to adjust.
After six months of use, the pillow is still in great condition.
It has retained its shape and firmness and has reduced the tension in our neck over time.
In terms of sustainability, we appreciate that this is an organic pillow.
It’s made with a GOLS-certified organic latex core, and the cotton cover is similarly eco-friendly.
The fill shifts around a bit.
Filled with a blend of feathers and microfiber, this down pillow is plush, cloud-like, and supportive.
Though it’s labeled as medium firm, we found it to be on the softer side.
Despite increasing by 10F over 15 minutes in our testing, we found this pillow to be very breathable.
It also has a weightless feel, which makes it ideal for those who reposition often throughout the night.
PHOTO: Coop
By the three-month mark, we observed the fill shifting around, as well.
Even so, the thick cotton cover helped mask most of the prickly texture.
For the most part, this pillow maintained its shape and comfort over time.
PHOTO: Real Simple
And given its inexpensive price, we consider this a low-stakes purchase.
It may experience minor wear and tear after laundering.
In our testing, the pillow did absorb some heat, increasing by 14F over 15 minutes.
However, we maintained a cool, comfortable temperature throughout the night.
As with most down-alternative options, this pillow is entirely machine-washable.
Post-wash, we noticed some minor shrinkage and a few loose threads, but the pillow maintained its fluffiness.
After six months of use, this pick is still one of our go-to pillows.
Its cooling technology, coupled with its fluffy design, makes it a worthy purchase.
It may take some time to break in.
We found this pillow to be similar to a Posturepedic one: luxurious, comfortable, and supportive.
The foam conformed to our neck as we slept, catering toward our curves as we tossed and turned.
In fact, after using the pillow for just one month, we were already experiencing less neck pain.
It also boasts impressive cooling capabilities.
We were impressed by the pillows airflow and found it cool to the touch in our testing.
Putting a pillowcase on it reduced some of the cooling effect, but it still kept us comfortable.
After six months of use, this pillow is holding up beautifully.
The stuffing hasnt worn down at all, and fluffing the pillow makes it look brand new.
Its too firm for side or stomach sleeping, so it may be less suitable for combination sleepers.
Firm pillows are excellent for promoting spinal alignment, particularly in back sleepers.
Thats why we love the Amerisleep Comfort Classic Pillow.
In addition to its durability, the Bio-Pur material is also designed to promote airflow.
But if youre a consistent back sleeper, we think this is a great choice.
Since sleeping is personal, comfort varies based on preference and sleep position.
If the pillow was adjustable, we considered how easily we were able to add and remove the fill.
We considered whether the pillow was as lofty or firm as advertised, and whether it offered ample support.
Next, we evaluated the pillowsbreathability.
These pillows come in a variety of forms, including shredded, charcoal, and solid memory foam.
Down:Crafted with duck or goose down,down pillowsare luxurious, lightweight, and breathable.
Murray says theyre ideal for people who like to fluff their pillow and mold it to the perfect shape.
Feather:Feather offers the same fluffy appeal of down at a more affordable price.
PHOTO: Turmerry
Just keep in mind that feathers are stiffer than down, so they may occasionally poke through the pillow.
Polyester pillows are also lightweight and easily washable.
That said, polyester is made from plastic, which may not be breathable enough for hot sleepers.
PHOTO: Amazon
Gel:If youre a hot sleeper, gel-filled pillows might be your best bet.
Gel effectively distributes heat, keeping you cool throughout the night.
However, she says that much of those cooling capabilities depend on the structure of the gel.
PHOTO: Real Simple
She adds that gel pillows can also be too firm at times, depending on the composition.
Loft
The loft of a pillow refers to its compressed height while youre laying on it.
Pillows come in a variety of low, medium, and high lofts.
Firmness
Pillows are personal, and the right firmness largely depends on personal preference and sleep position.
While firmer pillows may feel less comfortable, they tend to offer better support and spinal alignment.
Breathability
For hot sleepers, breathability is a must.
In general, gel, down, and down alternative tend to be the most breathable fills.
With that in mind, its important to consider the brands return policy before you purchase.
for prolong your pillows lifespan, be sure to follow the manufacturers care instructions.
And, just as its crucial to wash your pillows, its equally important to wash your pillowcases.
Experts recommendwashing your pillowcasesonce a week and your sheets biweekly.
Questions You May Have
How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?
PHOTO: Slumbercloud
According to Murray,pillow replacementdepends largely on the punch in of pillow you have and your personal needs.
What Is the Ideal Loft and Firmness for Back Sleepers?
What Pillows Are Best for Those With Neck Pain?
PHOTO: Real Simple
According to Dr. Shifflett, the goal is typically to find a pillow that optimizes your spinal alignment.
Take Our Word For It
This article was written byJamie Fischer, a writer forReal Simple.
For expert insight, we consultedKelly Murray, certified adult sleep coach and award-winning pediatric sleep consultant, andDr.
Grant Shifflett, M.D.t, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon atDISC Sports and Spine Center.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
PHOTO: Nest Bedding
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Amerisleep
Real Simple
Real Simple
