Best Pillow for Back Sleepers Reviews 2024 | Cozie Pillow

Do you have a favorite sleeping position? The way you lay your body down as soon as you get to bed is most likely your preferred way to sleep, and you probably spend most of the time in that particular posture throughout the night.

Maybe you have not given this much thought before, but your sleeping position can affect the quality of your sleep and also your health in many ways. There are many sleeping positions, and while some of those may seem like the most comfortable ones. Beware(!) – unhealthy, and inappropriate postures could cause you serious harm.

If you have ever woken up feeling irritable, then a common cause could be a lack of good night’s sleep, and just by correcting your posture, you could increase the quality of sleep immensely.

While it is true that all sleeping positions have health benefits and risks, some are considered to be much more beneficial than others.

In today’s post, we’re going to discuss different sleeping positions and how they affect your sleep and overall health. We have picked sleeping on your back as the best sleeping position, especially for those struggling with neck or back problems. But one must invest in the right kind of pillows to get the most out of this sleeping position.

With the right pillow to rest your head on or place below your knees, you can help align your body in the best possible manner that is required to take off the strain from your spine.

We’ve compiled a thorough list of best pillows for back sleepers and reviewed each product to empower you with all the necessary information you may need before making your final selection.

But before we continue, we should inform you that there is going to be a lot of reading involved as we have a lot of exciting things to cover on this topic. So grab a mug of coffee and start reading this article till the end.

Why is the sleeping position so important?

Let us start by answering a common question, ‘Why all the fuss about sleeping positions?’

The answer is quite simple.

Our body and mind require a certain amount of sleep every night to heal and recover from all the strain taken in during the day. When we sleep our mind, heart, and blood vessels all get a chance to repair and prepare for the next day.

Some people need more hours of sleep than others but in the end, every person – regardless of their age, needs quality sleep.

If you are exhausted and doze off in front of the T.V or on your couch, then you are most likely going to wake up feeling even more tired than you did before you went to sleep. That’s because you only managed to shut off your brain but did not give your body the rest it needed.

The only way to get the best sleep is to lay down in a position that is best suited for your body and then allow yourself to fall asleep.

Let us take a look at 4 of the most common sleeping positions:

1. The Fetus

It is by far the most common sleeping position for both children and adults.
It is where you lay on your side with your knees curled towards your body, similar to a fetal position.
If you’ve got a snoring problem, then this is an excellent position to eliminate the issue. It is also quite common to see pregnant women sleeping in this position as it provides a lot of comfort during that time. However, if you’re experiencing back or neck problems, then this is not the best sleeping position for you.

2. Side Sleepers

In this position, you are also lying on your side but with the torso and legs positioned quite straight. It’s a great option to stop snoring and also helps with back problems to some extent but can cause wrinkles on the face.

Sleeping on one side for long can also place pressure on the stomach and cause numbness to the arms and legs.

3. Back Sleepers

Highly recommended to those with back problems, sleeping on your back has a lot of benefits, both health-wise and cosmetically.
When you lay straight on your back, your neck and spine feel very little to no force at all. As you sleep, your spine recovers and goes back to its healthiest form.

If you’re very particular about taking good care of your face then sleeping on your back also helps in keeping the skin wrinkle-free and fresh throughout the night because you will not have your face buried into a pillow.

However, people suffering from sleep apnea should avoid sleeping on the back as this position causes our tongues to rest in such a way that affects breathing and increases the chance of snoring.

4. Sleeping on the Stomach

If that’s your favorite sleeping position, then we think it is time you moved on to something else because this position has very minimum benefits ( we can honestly think of only one) and many side effects.

Sleeping on the stomach may help you eliminate snoring, but you could always try sleeping on your side or in the fetal position for that.

When you sleep on your stomach, you have your head turned to one side which is very harmful to the neck. You may find yourself waking up in the middle of your sleep several times to turn your head from one side to another which also results in low-quality sleep.

If you have back issues then back sleeping is an absolute “no-no” for you! Because the position encourages the natural curve of the spine to flatten which causes pain and damage to the lower end of your back.

Which is the best sleeping position?

We cannot just pick one sleeping position to be the best because it depends on your health condition and whether you suffer from things like snoring or back pain. However, we can surely tell you that sleeping on your stomach is a bad idea, regardless of whether you have any health issues or not.

For this post, we decided to look into sleeping on the back for various reasons. After taking a look at the pros and cons of all the sleeping positions we feel that as there are a large number of people suffering from neck and back problems sleeping on the back maybe one of the best sleeping positions. Even if you do not have any back injuries now, it is still a good idea to practice sleeping in this position to avoid any future complications.

Health Benefits of Being Back Sleepers

If you have been struggling to train yourself to sleep on your back, then the following health benefits may give you a little push that you need to get yourself to do it in the end.

1. No risk of heartburn – with the right kind of pillow you could elevate your head above your chest which is the key to handling problems like heartburn.

2. Best for back/neck problems- When you sleep on your back, your total body weight gets evenly distributed so there will be no stress points. That is very beneficial for the neck as it allows the neck to be in a neutral position while also taking off any pressure from the spine, allowing it to relax completely.

3. Relax your muscles- This is a great way to give your muscles time to rest for hours throughout the night. You may not realize the strain which you place on your neck and shoulders and even legs during the day so while you sleep on your back, these muscles get a chance to ease up on all the tension.

4. Fewer wrinkles on the face and neck- Sleeping on the back has some outstanding benefits for the skin on your face and neck too. As you lay on your back, your face is left open to the air all around, so there are fewer chances of wrinkles forming from the pressure of pillows and bedsheets. The same goes for your neck because it relaxes in an extended position so the skin does not can remain smooth and wrinkle-free.

5. Your face will not look swelled- If you spend hours sleeping with your head turned to a particular side, then that side of your face will be a bit swollen due to blood, and other body fluids will get stuck in one area for a long. But you can fix this by keeping lying on your back and saving your face from any pressure.

6. No more Bacteria- No matter how clean your sheets and pillows are, they may contain bacteria that is harmful to your face. If you position a side of your face on a pillow or bed sheet, then any bacteria present will rub against your skin and cause breakouts. But if you keep your face away from making any contact with the bed sheets or pillows, then you are no longer at risk here.

These are some of the fantastic benefits which you can get while sleeping on your back so we hope you can start practicing sleeping with this position from tonight if you want to experience these benefits soon.

Let’s come to another significant factor: Getting pillows for back sleepers and why it is essential to choose the right ones for your sleep.

It is not only about comfort, choosing the right pillow provides you with the support you need to keep up your head, neck, and spine in the correct posture. You will understand the importance of a good sleeping cushion when you use the wrong kind of pillow and end up with headaches and a sore back, but we don’t want you to find it out the hard way. So we’re here to warn you well in advance about this.

Luckily there are quite a few kinds of pillows available for back sleepers so you can analyze your particular case and select the right sleeping pillow based on that. We recommend thin and flat cushions for the best head and neck support and also a good quality knee pillow to place between or below your knees for further assistance. If you find thin pillows uncomfortable, then consider getting a firm, high-loft pillow that will contour and take on a suitable shape underneath your neck.

The Types of Pillows for Back Sleepers

1. Memory Foam Pillows– These pillows have added chemicals to keep the higher density. They tend to reshape and allow you accurate spinal alignment. Memory foam pillows last longer than traditional cushions, so you always get good value for your money.

2. Contour Pillows- Contour pillows have unique therapeutic shapes and do not resemble traditional cushions. They are designed to adapt and take a form that will provide the best support for your head, neck, and shoulders.

3. Knee Pillows – Knee pillows provide a lot of support to the hips and lower back. Both the side and back sleepers can benefit from using a knee pillow placed between or below their knees.

4. Best Back Sleepers pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain.

Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Sleepers

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1. Coop Home Goods – Shredded Hypoallergenic Certipur Memory Foam Pillow

If you’re looking for a cushion with an adjustable loft, then check out the fully adjustable headrest made from shredded memory foam by Coop Home Goods.

This queen-sized pillow measures 20 inches x 30 inches and is just what you need to keep resting your head for the best sleep at night.

Crosscut memory foam is produced fresh and new for each pillow, so quality is not a concern here. With a combination of foam and microfiber, this pillow offers its users amazing comfort and proper firmness for a great head, neck, and shoulder support.

Irrespective of your body shape, you can adjust the thickness of the pillow to the height that is perfect for you. It is recommended to avoid using too high or too low sleeping cushions because they tend to put strains on your neck and leave you with pain the next morning. With an adjustable headrest, you can size up or down to the level you feel most comfortable with it.

Keep in mind that your head must be aligned whether you are a back sleeper or a side sleeper because when you place your head wrong – your whole spine gets affected, resulting in lower back pain, stiff necks, and muscle strains.

The removable cover of this pillow has a mixture of 60 % polyester and 40 % rayon (bamboo) which keeps this pillow clean and protected from bacteria and germs. If you are prone to allergies, then you can rest assured that the hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant material will keep you safe and free from all harm.

This pillow is available in two sizes: Queen and King. So, if you prefer big sleeping cushions, then you can choose the larger size.

Most customers who have previously owned this pillow have stated that it retains its shape quite well and looks and feels even better after it’s fully fluffed. We recommend fluffing so you can give the pillow height and thickness where it is most needed.

People with small shoulders or those who have a smaller ribcage may find this pillow a bit too dense, so we recommend this mostly for adults with medium to big body frames.

You’ll not face any problems with the pillow heating up, but some users have reported that this pillow gives off a slight ‘gassy’ smell which went away after a few days of use.

Video – Adjust Your Pillow

 

2. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

We all want a good night’s sleep and having the right kind of pillow makes it possible. If you are someone who loves everything luxurious, then we are guessing that you also enjoy sleeping on the most comfortable and high-quality beddings. If the quality and performance are that important to you, then you must check out the Ultra-Luxury pillow by Snuggle-Pedic.

This super comfy pillow is made of shredded memory foam and is available in the sizes Standard, Queen, and King.

The pillow can also be adjusted to the thickness of your choice so you will not be limited to a particular height every night as you sleep. Adjustable lofts are beneficial for the whole family because each member may have different comfort zones that they may not like to compromise.

The manufacturers of this pillow also looked into the complaint that many users had regarding memory foam pillows feeling too heavy, by using low V.O.C laboratory-tested foam. This particular kind of foam is light and cut into small pieces which provide the right balance between softness and support.

It’s not a matter of whether you’re a side or back sleeper. This pillow is designed to adjust itself to deliver proper support to the head and neck area. Pregnant women will also benefit from using this pillow as they can change it according to their preferences.

The bamboo mixed polyester cover consists of micro vents that allow airflow, keeping the pillow and you cool throughout the night.

Both the cover and the pillow can be washed in the washing machine so you can enjoy hassle-free cleaning whenever you feel it is time to give your sleeping pillow a bit of pampering.

Video – SnugglePedic Fully Adjustable Foam Pillow

3. WonderSleep PREMIUM Adjustable Loft [Queen Size 2-Pack] – Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow

We came across this fabulous pack of two Queen sized pillows manufactured by the brand WonderSleep and then decided to review it for our esteem readers who are interested in purchasing a set for their home.

We noticed that these pillows also had some great customer reviews which also earned the product a place on our list.

It’s a combination of 80% shredded memory foam and 20% polyester fiber. As a result, the pillows are fully adjustable to the thickness of your choice. You can add or remove the inner filling to turn the pillow from thick to thin, depending on your comfort and health requirements.

For adult back sleepers we recommend keeping the loft at a medium to slightly thicker range because very thin pillows will not provide the support needed for a proper head, neck, and back alignment. Back sleepers worried about snoring should also avoid thin cushions.

Children and adults with smaller frames can remove some of the fillings if they want to sleep on something softer and with a low height.

The bamboo-derived rayon covers are machine washable and have dual linings in them. The micro-fiber inner layer locks the foam in place while the outer layer keeps the pillow fresh and soft to sleep on it.
If you sweat a lot or experience hot flashes at night, then you’ll enjoy the fresh feel of these pillows.

Buyers of this product will receive two of these supreme pillows, so we think it is an excellent deal for any home.

Best Contour Pillow for Back Sleepers

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1. Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Pillow with Cotton Cover

This contour pillow is available in 3 sizes: Travel, Standard, and Queen.

We reviewed the standard size (5’’x20’’x15’’)because it is a popular size among back sleepers who do not toss or turn much during sleep, but if you prefer something bigger then you can go for the queen-sized one (5’’x24’’x15’’). We also recommend getting a travel-sized pillow, so you do not compromise on quality sleep while you are away from work because that is when people tend to neglect their health and sleep comfort the most.

This pillow takes the natural shape of your head and neck area and provides you with the support and elevation required to keep your back aligned while you sleep.

Back sleepers especially need to keep their neck, head, and back in the correct posture so that they don’t have to apply unnecessary pressure to specific points of the body.

As this pillow keeps the head well elevated-the thickest part has a height of approx 5 inches, back sleepers who tend to snore can find relief from the problem. Many people are afraid to sleep on their backs for fear of increasing the chances of snoring. But with this pillow, you can get the best benefits of being a back sleeper while eliminating the problem of snoring as a whole.

To keep the pillow intact and in great shape, it comes fully wrapped and protected inside a removable cotton cover that is easily washable.

This memory foam pillow is one of the best contour pillows for back sleepers as well as side sleepers who are looking for some comfort and support during the night.

Video – Sleep Innovations Story

2. ViscoSoft – Ultra Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow

This pillow is perfectly suitable for back-sleepers, but as it is a multi-functional pillow, side-sleepers can also benefit significantly from it. It is a standard-sized contour pillow, but queen sizes are also available if you need one, although if you are a back sleeper, you should try to maintain sleeping in one position to avoid sleep disturbance.

As the name suggests, this is an Arctic Gel Contour pillow that has 2 lbs. of wave flow cooling gel that is exclusively constructed to work according to the sleeper’s body, thus making sure that airflow is never an issue and so that the sleeper has a comfortable sleeping experience.

The contouring memory foam is pressure-sensitive. As a result, it can correctly match the contours of the user’s neck and head so that the pain and discomfort get decreased and both side sleepers and back-sleepers are guaranteed to have ideal support.

When buying this pillow, you no longer need to worry about allergies because this pillow is hypoallergenic and comes packed in a cover that is 100% sanitary. It contains CoolMax fabric which also holds moisture-absorbing properties so that your sleep isn’t interrupted by sweat if you’re one of those people who sweat profusely.

The cover is removable and machine-washable, but make sure that you don’t wash the pillow itself in a washing machine as this can hinder its function.
All pillows from ViscoSoft come with a 3-year warranty just in case there are any errors from the manufacturer.

Pros

• Suitable for both back-sleepers and side-sleepers.
• Wonderful design improves aeration
• Packed with a removable and machine-washable cover.
• Available in both sizes: queen and standard.
• Fits perfectly with the contours of the neck and head of the user
• Full refund and product return from the company within a month of purchase.

Cons

• The pillow is more on the firm side.
• Many users complained about the pillow having a pungent smell in the initial days.

Video – Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain or Side Sleeping

3. AERIS Contour Pillow Premium Side Sleeper Pillow with Ventilated Memory Foam

If you are going for a pillow that not only supports the neck but is also beneficial for other joint pains such as the back and shoulders, then this pillow is the right choice.
The central concept of this pillow design was to be ergonomic. That means it hugs your head perfectly and elevates the neck to create a better blood flow system. At the same time, it minimizes pressure on the back, shoulders, and neck area. Hence, it reduces the snoring problem.

The foam is of high-quality memory foam which is highly demanding when it comes to producing orthopedic pillows due to the foam’s ability to stay firm and keep hold of its shape in the long run.

This pillow is also quite effortless to wash and clean, given the fact that it also comes with a machine washable luxury velour cover. The standard size pillow measurement is 21.3 x 12.6 x 4.7 inches while the queen-size measurement is 23.6 x 15.7 x 4.7 inches.

We have seen a lot of ordinary memory foam that tends to quickly warm up which in turn causes discomfort for the user. To make sure you don’t have to suffer like that, rest assured the Aeris Memory Foam Pillow is reliable even in this section. The ventilation holes present in the design allow the best airflow possible and ensure a good night’s sleep.

Even though this pillow has been manufactured excessively for your best comfort, know that you will not get a whiff of the odor of it due to the seven days aeration system promised by the manufacturers which skillfully dissipates the undesired smell of the newly manufactured memory foam – a minor complaint received by many customers who buy such pillows.

Due to its compact size and maximized benefits, the Aeris Memory Foam Pillow is also great as a present for your dear and loved one’s health, noting that the company also offers a decent warranty period.

Video – Aeris Adjustable Memory Foam Contour Pillow

Best Knee Pillow for Back Sleepers

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1. Cushy Form Back Pain Relief Half-Moon Bolster Knee Pillow

This one is a multipurpose pillow that can be used by both side sleepers and back sleepers. It measures 20.5 inches x 8 inches x 4.5 inches and comes in a half-moon shape.

The pillow has a top layer of memory foam on a firm and durable bolster material for double strength and longevity. The 100% Visco-elastic memory foam is hypo-allergenic, so it is safe to use by everyone.

The 4.5 inches height gives users just the right amount of elevation required for blood flow and reduction of pain when placed beneath the knees. The 20.5 inches long pillow also provides enough length for adults to sleep comfortably with their legs rested well on the pillow.

We found the double-layer construction of this pillow to be one of its best features because it gives this pillow a balancing firmness without feeling too hard or uncomfortable.

If you’re currently suffering from any types of back pain or joint pains, then this pillow could give you all the comfort you need for a good night’s sleeps. Often after a hip replacement or knee surgery, doctors and therapists recommend using a knee pillow to help keep the spine accurately aligned which assists in easing pain and promoting quick recovery.

Back sleepers with lower back pain can place this pillow beneath their knees to maintain the right posture throughout the night to avoid putting pressure on the spine.

With a removable and washable organic cotton cover, you can keep this pillow clean and fresh for a long time. Just remove the cushion cover and throw it into the washing machine anytime you feel that it needs cleaning.

Some users mentioned using this pillow for lower support but we feel that it may be a little too high for that purpose, especially if you are going to be sleeping flat on your back. However, if you are slightly elevated or in a half-sitting position, then you could place this below behind you to help support the arch on your lower back.

Video – Back Pain Relief Half-Moon Bolster by Cushy Form 

2. Knee Pillow Pain Relief by DTC Comfort

If you suffer from chronic back or hip pain and if the pain seems to get worse every morning then maybe you are not sleeping right. How you position your body during the night will affect any pain which you may currently be suffering from, and we strongly recommend using a knee below for the best hip and leg support.

This wedge knee pillow by DTC Comfort comes in the shape of an hourglass which makes it ideal to place between the knees for proper leg and hip alignment. With the appropriate adjustment of the legs and hips, you will also be reducing the pressure from your lower back and spine area.

It’s from 100% visco-elastic memory foam. So, this pillow is both comfortable and firm. It comes wrapped in a soft, breathable cover that can be removed and washed separately.

This cushion is 10 inches long and 7 inches wide, so it is an appropriate size for most adults. The highest point of this pillow is 6 inches while the narrowest point is 3 inches thick.

Although the shape of this pillow is ideal and more suited for side sleepers, back sleepers can also find it useful for leg elevation.

According to a few users, it took them some time to get used to the pillow so you may find yourself adjusting this pillow now and then during the first few nights until you determine your comfortable spot.

We recommend this memory foam knee pillow to pregnant women, those who recently underwent hip replacement surgery, and to those who are looking for some relief from sciatic nerve pain or chronic back pain.

3. ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow – Memory Foam Wedge Contour

This one is an orthopedic knee pillow in wedge style that you can use in multiple ways. If you fail to sleep at night due to sciatic pain, then you should consider getting this pillow for the best comfort and proper body alignment.

Back and hip pain is common these days, and most doctors advise their patients to get a knee pillow for pain relief.

The ComfiLife knee pillow is designed to fit perfectly between your legs for instant comfort and relief from pain. It measures 9.8 inches x 7.9 inches x 6.3 inches, with the narrowest point measuring at approximately 3.5 inches. You can place the pillow between your thighs or lower legs while sleeping on your side. That will assist in keeping your hips relaxed and properly aligned with your spine. It also stops your hip bones from rolling.

Pregnant women seeking comfort during the night or while resting during the day should use this pillow to reduce stress and pain from the hip, back, and leg areas.

If you can practice using this pillow despite having no injuries or back pain, then you too can enjoy a healthier sleeping position that will benefit your bone and muscle structure and provide you with quality sleep every night.

Back sleepers often need to elevate both or one of their legs while they sleep for proper body alignment and placing this pillow beneath their legs is a great way to achieve the right height and posture.

With high-density memory foam, this pillow stays in shape and offers the right amount of firmness to both side and back sleepers. It also comes with a removable easy-to-clean cover made of 100% polyester.

Video – Sleep with ComfiLife Knee Pillow

Best Back Sleepers Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain

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1. Sleep Innovations Cool Memory Foam Contour Pillow

If you happen to suffer from neck or shoulder pain, then we can understand how difficult it must be to get a good night’s rest because somehow every pain seems to increase at night magically!

But it’s not the end of the day! Because there’re other things which you can use to relax your body throughout the night and wake up feeling much better. One of the fastest ways to ease such pain is to get the right kind of pillow.

Our first pillow in this category is the stay cool contour pillow by Sleep Innovations.

This pillow contains lightweight memory foam. You can mold it into a unique shape that fits comfortably beneath your head and neck area, allowing your neck and shoulders to remain perfectly aligned.

The memory foam is designed to let air flow easily and keep you comfy while you’re asleep, unlike many pillows that heat up and cause discomfort during the night. If you tend to sweat a ton during sleep, then you need a cushion that stays cool.

The ergonomic shape of this pillow supports the neck in such a way that pressure is taken off from the spine and evenly distributed throughout the body, thus reducing both neck stiffness and back pain.

Buyers get a 5-year warranty from the manufacturers, and the pillow is meant to hold its shape for that long.

We recommend cleaning the pillow by hand and not throwing it in the washing machine or dryer because that could damage the foam and also alter the original shape.

2. Medium Profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow

For neck pain, we suggest investing in a pillow that is not too thick or too thin. We picked the medium profile memory foam pillow by Perform Pillow because of its proper thickness and perfect contouring shape which significantly impacts the quality of your sleep.

The pillow is a Chiropractor approved and measures 19 inches in length and 14.5 inches in width. The highest point of this pillow is 4.5 inches with the thinnest part measuring 3 inches.

Using this pillow to rest your head on every night will help keep your neck and spine correctly aligned, so you do not feel any stiffness or pressure on your neck, shoulder, or back while you sleep.

If you are a fan of super-soft pillows, then it is time you train yourself to start using cushions that are firm and can provide you with the necessary support needed to reduce strain on certain parts of your body.

As this pillow contains memory foam, it does a better job is keeping its original shape for much longer as the foam used is not shredded.

To prolong the life of the pillow and also keep you fresh during the night, this pillow comes wrapped in a high-quality bamboo cover that is made from breathable material and is fully machine washable.

With the double contour design, you can adjust the pillow beneath your head and neck area for better comfort and support. The hypoallergenic cover ensures that those suffering from any allergies can sleep without worry.

As most of these pillows give off unpleasant odors during the first few days, the cover somewhat helps to keep the smell low. You could also fit your cushion in any standard-sized pillow cover for more protection.

No products found.

3. Cervical pillow with premium memory foam by CustomSleeping

Most people do not understand the need for a good ergonomically designed pillow until they wake up with stiff necks and shoulders. People already suffering from neck, shoulder, or back pain should immediately switch to using cervical pillows for pain relief.

This original cervical pillow is made from high-grade shredded memory foam and is recommended by therapists and doctors for neck and spine support.

Available in two sizes: King and King-Firm, buyers will get a large and comfortable pillow that provides incredible comfort and firmness at the same time. It offers an excellent solution to problems like poor spine alignment, stiff neck, sore shoulders, and snoring.

Back and side sleepers both will find this orthopedic pillow extremely beneficial for their health and overall sleep quality.

If you’re not a big fan of firm cervical pillows, then you will love the soft and fluffy feel of this pillow. As it contains a mixture of shredded gel memory foam and angel hair cluster fibers, users get to sleep on a pillow that offers impressive comfort with just the right amount of firmness for support. You can also adjust the thickness by removing or adding stuffing from/to the areas you prefer.

The fabric used is 100% cotton and can be easily washed in a washing machine so that you can keep your pillow clean and fresh without any hassle.

Video – CMUEPO Cervical Pillow

Buying Guide

Before you select a pillow, you should consider the following things to ensure that you get to pick the perfect one for you and your loved one.

Surface Shape

Depending on the type of pillow, the surface can be flat or curved. Flat pillows have no contours but if made from the right materials can have the ability to reshape itself to a certain extent to provide better support to the neck area. Memory foam pillows that are flat are considered better than traditional flat cushions for this reason.
Curved-surface pillows are designed to rise below the neck and also go flattered below the head. That is ideal for back sleepers with neck or back pain because this pillow helps keep the head, neck, and shoulders well aligned, providing the best support for the spine.

Loft (Thickness)

Back sleepers need to pay attention to the thickness of their pillows because a pillow too thin or too thick can cause pressure on the spine. There are three basic thickness levels in sleeping cushions, and they are low-loft, medium-loft, and high-loft. Low loft pillows usually measure below 3 inches in thickness while high loft pillows have a loft of 5 inches and over. Anything with a depth of 3 to 5 inches is considered a medium loft pillow.

Back sleepers with snoring problems should go for medium to high loft pillows for the best elevation of the head and neck. Low-loft pillows may cause back pain so if you already suffer from back problems then keep that in mind.

Another option for those who like to sleep on pillows of various thicknesses on different nights can select their sleeping cushions with adjustable loft. These pillows usually have pockets where you can insert extra filling to increase the height.

Pillow Size

In general, pillows come in 6 different sizes: Small, Standard, Medium, Queen, King, and Body.

Most cervical memory foam pillows come in a small size (20 inches x 12 inches) because they are suitable for back sleepers who need to maintain a specific posture throughout the night to keep their spine well-aligned.

Although the standard size of 20 inches x 26 inches is the most common size, it may be too small for those who like to toss and turn too much. Medium (20inces x 28 inches) and Queen sized (20 inches x 30 inches) pillows are best for people who love bigger pillow cushions and toss a lot while they sleep.

King-sized pillows (20 inches x 36 inches) can be used as headrests while body-sized cushions are ideal for those who prefer to have a pillow to snuggle up against at night.

Pillow Material

There’re several materials that may be used to make pillows, and each one of these materials has some benefits and drawbacks. Whether they are natural or synthetic materials, the quality and level of comfort of the pillow depend significantly on the material used.

Buckwheat

If your pillow has buckwheat filling, then expect to find approx 5 to 10 lbs of the material. Usually, the hulls which are primarily buckwheat seed shells, are used inside to create pillows that are firm and provide good support. Buckwheat pillows stay cool, but you can hear some noise at times and are also quite heavy. They are great for back sleepers and can be adjusted to have just the right amount of thickness.

Goose Down

These pillows tend to be quite soft and lightweight. They also stay cool but often require fluffing to retain shape. Some people may be allergic to that material while some back sleepers may not enjoy sleeping on these fairly soft pillows.

Feather

Most feather pillows come with adjustable lofts and can last a long time. They are soft and not too heavy but can produce heat at times. Feather pillows are firmer than down pillows, so they are good for back sleepers.

Memory Foam

Memory foam pillows are usually filled up with foam that changes shape and texture according to temperature. If that pillow contains shredded foam, then the loft will be adjustable. The only drawback is that these pillows have a shorter lifespan when compared to down or feather pillows. Cervical memory foam pillows of firm models are best for back sleepers.

Latex

You cannot adjust the loft of latex pillows because usually they are made from solid pieces, but they do provide satisfying support and can last for a long time. These pillows do not heat up and produce no noise, but they can be quite expensive. As a back sleeper, you will find latex pillows firm and comfortable to sleep on it.

Polyester

Polyester pillows are quite affordable and carry no risk of allergies. However, they do intend to lose shape quite fast when they contain shredded pieces. Interlocking polyester pillows are much better for back sleepers, but they too have a shorter lifespan.

Knee Pillow Shapes

Although side sleepers mostly use knee pillows, back sleepers can also benefit from placing a wedge cushion beneath their knees for added support.

Usually made of memory foam, knee pillows are much firmer than head pillows because if they are too soft, they will lose shape from the pressure applied to them.

Hourglass Shaped Knee Pillows

You can probably guess that these knee pillows come in the shape of an hourglass but with more square-like edges. They are designed like this to help keep your legs firmly in place while you sleep.

Wedge Pillows

Also known as half-moon pillows, these have a roundish or half-moon shape and are ideal for back sleepers. As hourglass-shaped headrests are more suited for side sleepers, half-moon pillows are perfect for placing beneath the knees. Therefore they are great for back sleepers.

Body Pillows

These are not generally knee pillows because they are both long and broad, making them perfect for hugging while sleeping. Some people prefer to place these pillows between their knees and sleep while some may position them anyhow according to their comfort.

Cost

The cost of pillows may vary from brand to brand, but the material of this pillow will also have an impact on the price range. Cheaper options include feathers and polyester, but they may not be so great for back sleepers that need a lot of support for the neck and back.
Memory foam pillows may be a bit expensive, but they are ideal for back sleepers because they offer fantastic head, neck, and spine support.

Caring for Your Pillow

You can prolong the lifespan of your pillow with some care and maintenance. The following tips will help you keep your cushion in good condition even after years of use.

1. Keep your pillows clean- When you keep your sleeping cushions clean, you don’t only prolong their lifespan but also save yourself from getting affected by bacteria and germs. Too much dirty can weigh down a pillow and also make them less fresh and be prone to giving out an off smell

2. Fluff your pillows- Pillows need to be fluffed now and then to retain their shape.

3. Wash with care- Throw your pillow in the washing machine only if it is machine-washable. You should never wash memory foam pillows in the washing machine unless allowed by the manufacturers as they require special care before washing. Many websites and videos on YouTube tell you how to clean memory foam pillows in case your cushion is not machine-washable.

4. Know when to replace your pillows- You can always tell when it is time to replace your existing cushion and when it is time to let your faithful companion go. A sleeping cushion that stays folded or does not bounce back to its original shape is telling you that it has no more life left.

5. Use Pillow Covers and Cases- If your pillow does not come with a cover then consider getting a cover before you place it inside a case. Pillow covers should be washed often too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wrapping Up

Shopping for pillows may not seem like that big of a deal! But when you consider the amount of impact a cushion has to contribute to the quality of your sleep, you suddenly come to realize the significance of the right kind of pillow.

It’s even more crucial for back sleepers who suffer from neck and back problems. And that’s the reason why we were very precise in selecting the best pillows to review for you in this post. All the products we examined above have tons of positive customer reviews and are designed to provide you with not only comfort but also back support and quality of sleep.

The bottom line is – Invest in a quality pillow, and you will never have to wake up feeling cranky or miserable in the middle of your sleep!