Best Pillow for Back Sleepers 2026

We researched the top pillows for back sleepers and recommend the Brooklinen Marlow pillow as best overall.

Jul 01, 2026

Expert Reviewed

Jill WaldbieserNCOA Senior WriterWritten by:
Donya CurrieNCOA Associate Director, CommunicationsEdited by:
Samantha CapacilloFormer Program Specialist, NCOA Center for Healthy AgingReviewed by:

We recommend the Brooklinen Marlow pillow as the best pillow for back sleepers. We appreciate its combination of comfort and impressive neck and back support.
The pillows on this list range from $65–$165.
A good pillow for back sleepers supports the head while keeping the neck, spine, and shoulders aligned.
Medium-firm pillows tended to work best for back sleepers in our testing because they offered a balance of cushioning and support.
Adjustable pillows may be especially helpful for back sleepers because they let you customize height and firmness for better spinal alignment.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing pillows to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best pillows, we:

Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best pillow
Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
Worked with older adult testers to evaluate pillows and get their opinion
Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new pillows and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.

Many people sleep on their backs. But not all pillows are well-suited for back sleepers. A pillow’s shape, height, and firmness can all influence how well you sleep, depending on how you like to lie down. And the best pillows for back sleepers tend to be medium-firm, providing a good combination of plush comfort and solid support. Much like the best pillows for back pain, the right mix of comfort and support can help keep your neck cradled and your spine aligned. In turn, that can prevent aches and pains from ruining your sleep.

Back sleeping can help reduce back pain because it keeps the spine aligned and minimizes pressure points.¹But getting the most out of this position requires a great mattress for back sleepers and the right pillow. In our review of the best pillow for back sleepers, we highlight what makes a pillow the best for this sleep position. We also identify what to look for in a pillow for back sleepers and which brands we recommend.

Back sleeping and sleep apnea: What’s the connection?

While sleeping on your back may help ease back pain and pressure, it can also make sleep apnea worse. That’s because when you lie on your back, gravity can pull your tongue downward, which blocks your throat.²

If you have, or are suspicious you may have, sleep apnea, avoid sleeping on your back until you consult with your medical provider.

Best Overall

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

9.4 out of /10

Adjustable to promote spinal alignment, comfortable, fluffy, and plush

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Best Luxury

Saatva Latex

8.7 out of /10

Helps ease pressure on the back and neck; soft and supportive

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Best Adjustable

Luxome LAYR

9.3 out of /10

Most customizable pillow we’ve tested, while also responsive and supportive

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Best pillows for back sleepers in 2026

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Best Overall
Saatva Latex Pillow: Best Luxury
Luxome LAYR Pillow: Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers
TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
Silk & Snow Pillow: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain

Comparing the best pillows for back sleepers

Comparison Features	Brooklinen Marlow Pillow Visit Sitefor Brooklinen Marlow Pillow	Saatva Latex Pillow Visit Sitefor Saatva Latex Pillow	Luxome LAYR Pillow Visit Sitefor Luxome LAYR Pillow	TEMPUR-SymphonyPillow Visit Sitefor TEMPUR-SymphonyPillow	Silk & Snow Pillow Visit Sitefor Silk & Snow Pillow
Score (out of 10)*	9.4	8.7	9.3	8.1	9.4
Best for	Overall	Luxury	Adjustable	Back Pain	Neck Pain
Fill material	Memory foam	Latex	Down alternative and memory foam	Tempur-material	Microfiber and memory foam
Adjustability and loft height (inches)	Adjustable; 5”	Not adjustable; 5-7”	Adjustable; 9.5”	Not adjustable; 6”	Adjustable; 5”
Free trial period (nights)	365	None	30	None	100

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

How we tested the best pillows for back sleepers

For this review, we personally tested 15 pillows identified through our research to ease back pain. Each pillow was subjected to rigorous testing by older adults with pain to ensure we have real-world data on how they perform.

We considered these important factors when testing the best pillows for back sleepers:

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Best Pillow Overall for Back Sleepers

We chose the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow as our Best Pillow Overall for Back Sleepers. Our testers loved how supported they felt in every sleeping position, especially when sleeping on their back. The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow’s construction helped keep testers’ spines straight. Our team also noted that it had a plush feel while filling the gap between their neck and shoulders to prevent neck strain.

Our Top Pick

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Best Pillow Overall for Back Sleepers

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Comfortable and supportive
Keeps spine aligned and neck supported

Zippers make it easier to adjust firmness

Fill material: Memory foam
Adjustability and loft: Adjustable zippers, 5”
Firmness level: Adjustable
Free trial period: 365 nights
Cooling: Cooling memory foam
Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Exceptional cooling and comfort
Promotes spinal alignment and cradles the neck
Zippers make adjusting firmness simple
Supportive for back sleepers
Lowest price on this list

Cons

Spot clean only
Shortest warranty on this list (one year)

Why we chose the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow as the Best Overall Pillow for Back Sleepers

We chose the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow as the Best Overall Pillow for Back Sleepers because it provides excellent support for the neck, shoulders, and spine. Testers said the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow works well for any position, but especially for back sleepers. Its mix of plush comfort and strong support helped promote spinal alignment. But it also cradled testers’ necks to avoid neck strain.

Marlow’s two-zipper system makes it easier to adjust the firmness to your preference. This design is more convenient than some other pillows, requiring you to remove and store filler. Testers said this was the most supportive, “fluffy” pillow they had ever tried.

Our testing experience with the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Unlike other adjustable pillows that require you to actually remove filling, the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow has two zippers you can use to customize the firmness and height:

Zip up both sides for the firmest feel
Zip up one side for a medium-firm feel
Unzip both sides for the softest feel

When our testers lay down with the Brooklinen Marlow pillow for the first time, they were impressed. The pillow was soft beneath their heads, yet still provided enough structure to keep the neck, shoulders, and spine aligned correctly. “Back sleeping felt best with one zipper open and one closed, which provided a mix of sinkage and support that kept my neck and spine straight,” one tester said. “The 80-20 blend of memory foam and fiber did a great job providing support while still being soft and fluffy.”

The combination of support and softness was a key theme for our testers. “I think this pillow would be great for anyone seeking a medium-plush feel that's not too hard but still offers neck and head support,” said one tester.

Testers also loved how well the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow limited heat buildup. In fact, this pillow stayed cooler than any other pillow we tested. It only warmed up by 8.7 degrees Fahrenheit after testers lay on it for five minutes (the average was 12.5 degrees). That makes the Marlow a great option for those who sleep hot. The memory foam filler is infused with cooling fibers and has breathable mesh.

A person presses their hand into the Brooklinen Marlow pillow to show its plushness. — Our testers were impressed with the Brooklinen Marlow’s balance of softness and support.

Overall, the Marlow was a tester favorite. “I like this pillow a lot,” one tester said. “It feels like the type of pillow you'd get at a hotel—fluffy and plush. Actually, this pillow is more supportive than a lot of other ‘fluffy’ pillows I've tried.” Testers appreciated the filling’s combination of memory foam and polyester fiber, which helps balance support and pressure relief.

Our testers—especially those with allergies—also appreciated that the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. Check out our list of the best hypoallergenic mattresses for other hypoallergenic options.

The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow excelled in most areas, except in its warranty coverage. It has the shortest warranty on this list (one year). It’s also spot-clean only, meaning you can’t throw the whole pillow in the washer. For those who can look past those two drawbacks, the Brooklinen Marlow was a top performer across the board.

The Brooklinen customer experience

Trial period: 365-day return policy
Shipping: Free over $100
Warranty: 365-day warranty
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Brooklinen customer service by calling 646-798-7447, emailing hello@brooklinen.com, or through the live chat feature on the website.

Saatva Latex Pillow: Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers

We chose the Saatva Latex Pillow as our Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers because it offers a luxurious, hotel-pillow-like experience with excellent spinal support. Testers said it has a medium loft (height), which helps keep their head and neck in line with their spines. The Saatva Latex is responsive and comfortable, making it easier to change positions. But it is the most expensive pillow on this list by $15.

Saatva Latex

Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers

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Saatva Mattress Review
Helps keep the head and neck aligned with the spine
High-quality fabrics and materials

Shredded latex offers support for back sleepers
Standard and high loft options

Fill material: Cotton and shredded latex
Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; standard (4–5'') or high loft (6–7'')
Firmness level: Medium
Free trial period: 45 nights
Cooling: Breathable latex
Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Soft yet supportive for back sleepers
Helps keep the spine and head aligned
Shredded latex filler is washed and safe for latex allergies
Luxurious hotel feel

Cons

Most expensive pillow on the list by $15
Average cooling

Why we chose the Saatva Latex as the Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers

We chose the Saatva Latex as the Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers because it provided exceptional support for testers’ necks and spines while lying on their back. Testers loved the “luxe” feel of the Saatva Latex Pillow, and said it was clear the pillow’s materials were high quality.

The pillow’s shredded latex filler is responsive and supportive, with enough sinkage to keep your body aligned. We especially loved the Saatva Latex Pillow’s luxe and fluffy feel—testers likened it to a fancy hotel pillow.

Our testing experience with the Saatva Latex

The second our testers first touched the Saatva Latex pillow, they could tell it was high quality. “This pillow is made with very nice materials. It feels soft and cool to the touch,” said one tester. “I would consider this a luxury pillow.”

Other testers agreed. They were impressed by the way the shredded latex provided support while still holding its structure. “I think that this pillow has a decent amount of pressure relief for being a soft, latex pillow,” one tester said. “The second layer is very plush, which gives support and comfort around my neck. It’s the right amount of sinkage to be comfortable. I feel lifted off the bed, but not so much that my neck would begin to hurt. I think it would give a comfortable night's sleep for someone who likes a softer pillow.”

A woman sleeps on her back with the Saatva Latex pillow. — One of our testers assessing the Saatva Latex Pillow’s pressure relief for back sleeping.

You can’t remove the filling of a Saatva Latex pillow, and it isn’t adjustable. But we don’t consider this a drawback because of the material’s responsiveness. When our testers laid down, they thought the pillow had the right amount of sinkage and structure to keep the neck, spine, and shoulders aligned correctly. “This pillow would be better for someone who is a back sleeper or a combination sleeper,” one tester said. “It has a medium loft which will keep our head and neck flat with your spine but has enough responsiveness that switching positions is still comfortable.”

The Saatva Latex pillow excelled in most areas, except for cooling. It heated up by 14.4 degrees Fahrenheit after testers lay on it for five minutes. That’s one of the warmest pillows we tested.

The Saava Latex pillow is also the most expensive pillow on this list by $15. Saatva is known for quality, but if you’re looking for something less expensive, we recommend the Brooklinen Marlow pillow, which is $100 less.

The Saatva customer experience

Trial period: 45 nights
Shipping: Free delivery
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by calling 877-672-2882, emailing info@saatvamattress.com, or using the live chat feature on the website.

You can learn more about the brand in our Saatva mattress review.

Luxome LAYR: Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers

We chose the Luxome LAYR as our Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers because of its three separate internal layers. Users can mix and match these layers to achieve their preferred loft and firmness. We appreciate the ability to customize to create a pillow that best supports your body when lying on your back. No other pillow we tested allows this much customization.

Luxome LAYR

Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers

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Three internal layers you can mix and match
Most customizable options

Responsive and supportive

Fill material: Down alternative and memory foam
Adjustability and loft: Adjustable; 9.5''
Firmness level: Adjustable
Free trial period: 30 nights
Cooling: Gel-infused foam, breathable fabric
Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Comfortable and supportive for the back and neck
Most options to customize the height and firmness of any pillow on this list
High-quality, plush materials

Cons

Customization can be difficult
Traps heat

Why we chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers

We chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers because of its three internal layers. This design allows you to mix and match both loft and firmness to create the best pillow for your preferred sleeping position. The LAYR offers excellent support. Its combination of customizable options makes it easier for you to find the most comfortable height and firmness.

This pillow can work for any position, but especially for back sleepers. And its high-quality materials feel comfortable, plush, and cooling.

Our testing experience with the Luxome LAYR

The Luxome LAYR comes with three completely different inserts:

A soft insert (down-alternative)
A medium insert (down-alternative and shredded memory foam)
Two firm inserts (one- and two-inch block of solid memory foam)

You can mix and match the three layers to find your preferred loft and firmness.

When we tested the Luxome LAYR pillow, we were impressed by its high level of customization. With three separate layers—soft, medium, and firm inserts—you can tailor the LAYR to your exact needs. “I thought this pillow was super neat and a comfortable choice for people who may not know what they like in a pillow,” one tester said. “I've never seen a combination of material choices inside the case to provide the support it does. I loved the materials and the deliberate design choices this pillow has.”

The three layers of a Luxome LAYR pillow on display. — Three different inserts inside the Luxome LAYR—one soft, one medium, and one firm (the solid block of memory foam)

After some quick experimenting, testers were able to find the right combination. “I liked taking out the larger memory foam piece to lower the loft of the pillow for my neck and shoulders. You could go one step further and have it only be plush, which made it more comfortable on my stomach.”

This ability to customize makes the Luxome a great choice for back sleepers, because you can tailor the pillow to your preferred loft and firmness to keep your neck and spine aligned. “This pillow can easily be for any kind of sleeper with the way it is customizable,” one tester said. “You will just have to find the right loft, support, and responsiveness with the different layers you have.”

Testers loved the customization but noted that some people might find it annoying that you need to actually remove the filling. Other pillows, like the Brooklinen Marlow pillow, require you to simply open or close a zipper to customize the height and firmness. But the Luxome LAYR offers significantly more customization options than the LAYR. Consider whether you prefer more options or a simpler way to customize.

Testers also noted how hot the Luxome LAYR felt. It actually earned the worst cooling score of any pillow we tested. It heated up by 17 degrees (the average was 12 degrees). If you tend to heat up at night, we recommend the Brooklinen Marlow pillow.

Luxome LAYR customer experience

Trial period: 30 days
Shipping: Free standard
Warranty: Limited
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Luxome customer service by email at support@luxome.com

TEMPUR-Symphony: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Back Pain

We chose the TEMPUR-Symphony as the Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Back Pain because its responsiveness and supportive structure help keep your spine aligned. The TEMPUR-Symphony’s one side is gently arched to specifically give back sleepers more support for the head and neck. The cradling memory foam helps prevent pushing back sleepers’ heads upward at an awkward angle. The TEMPUR-Symphony can help promote spinal alignment, which in turn may ease your back pain.

TEMPUR-Symphony

Best for Back Sleepers with Back Pain

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Supportive and responsive memory foam that cradles the neck, shoulders, and spine
Two-sided design made specifically for back sleepers

Minimizes pressure points to help relieve pain
Cooling for hot sleepers (earned a 4/5)

Fill material: Memory foam
Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; 6''
Firmness level: Medium
Free trial period: None
Cooling: Breathable cover
Shape: Traditional rectangle with one arched side

Pros

Arched side is designed specifically for back sleepers
Comfortable and supportive memory foam
Helps minimize pressure points and reduce pain

Cons

Not adjustable
Tends to trap heat
No free trial

Why we chose the TEMPUR-Symphony as the Best for Back Sleepers with Back Pain

We chose the TEMPUR-Symphony as the Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Back Pain because one side is specifically designed for back sleepers (and the flip side is the best pillow for stomach sleepers or side sleepers). Its gently arched side provides extra support for back sleepers’ heads and necks. That, in turn, can help promote spinal alignment, which ultimately may help ease your back pain.

This attention to detail, along with its 4/5 cooling rating and comfortable memory foam, makes the TEMPUR-Symphony a great option for people looking to reduce their nighttime pain.

Our testing experience with the TEMPUR-Symphony

When we tested the TEMPUR-Symphony, the first thing we noticed was the side of the pillow designed specifically to support back sleepers. The slight arch to one side of the pillow helps keep your neck, spine, and shoulders aligned while sleeping on your back. That support is important when you’re dealing with back pain and seeking relief. For more information on sleeping with back pain, see our review of the best mattresses for back pain.

“I don't typically enjoy memory foam pillows, but this one felt really good as soon as I laid down,” one tester said. “On my back, I felt very supported in the neck area, but not that my head and neck were higher than my shoulders in a way that would be uncomfortable throughout the night.”

A woman sleeps on her back with a TEMPUR-Symphony pillow. — One of our testers napping on the TEMPUR-Symphony pillow. Testers said this pillow did a great job supporting the head and neck, while keeping the spine straight.

“Overall, I liked this pillow,” one tester said. “For a memory foam, I didn't feel like my neck or shoulder were up too high, where I would wake up with soreness or pain. I think it's a good quality pillow, with good materials and durable memory foam.”

And while some people find memory foam to be stiff and uncomfortable, our testers found the exclusive blend used by TEMPUR-Pedic to be soft and responsive. “The materials are comfortable, sturdy, and durable,” one tester said.

Not surprisingly, since the TEMPUR-Symphony is memory foam, it tends to trap heat. Its temperature rose 14.4 degrees in our testing, while the average pillow’s temperature rose 12.5 degrees. Also, the TEMPUR-Symphony doesn’t come with a free trial, which might be inconvenient if you don’t have a showroom nearby to try one out. If you want to test a pillow in your own home, you might prefer the Brooklinen Marlow, which comes with a full year trial period.

TEMPUR-Symphony customer experience

Trial period: None
Shipping: Free
Warranty: 5-year warranty
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact TEMPUR-Symphony customer service by calling 888-811-5053, filling out an online contact form, or using the website's online chat feature.

Silk & Snow Pillow: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain

We chose Silk & Snow as our Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain. The pillow’s responsive microfiber fill and shredded memory foam core help cradle the neck. This unique design keeps the neck well-aligned with the shoulders and spine. The high-quality material, combined with its mix of softness and support, earned the Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow a 4.5/5 rating for comfort.

Silk & Snow

Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain

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Shredded memory foam helps support and cradle the head and neck
Adjustable interior for preferred loft and firmness

Luxurious feel

Pillow type and fill material: Microfiber and memory foam
Adjustability and loft customization: Removable fill
Firmness level: Adjustable
Free trial period: 100 nights
Cooling: Breathable materials
Pillow shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Shredded memory foam helps cradle head and neck
Supportive and comfortable structure
Luxe feel for an affordable price
Soft and comfortable
Adjustable

Cons

Fill pieces are very small, which can make removing them messy

Why we chose the Silk & Snow as the Best Pillow for Neck Pain

We chose the Silk & Snow as the Best Pillow for Neck Pain due to its supportive and responsive microfiber fill and shredded memory foam. The design helps keep back sleepers’ necks, shoulders, and spines aligned. The Silk & Snow combines high-quality materials and a soft sleeping experience. We believe this pillow is a great choice for people looking to relieve neck pain at night.

Our testing experience with Silk & Snow

When we first tested the Silk & Snow adjustable pillow, we were impressed by its high-quality feel. It reminded us of the Saatva Latex, but it costs $90 less. “This feels like a luxury pillow,” one tester said. “The case is soft, but the fabric feels durable. When I unzipped the cover, I realized the cover was a plush top as well. Overall, this is a very well-made pillow with great intention behind their material and design choices.”

Once our testers lay down, they liked how comfortable and supportive the pillow was. “This pillow is very comfortable, especially if you are someone who likes a softer feel throughout the night,” one tester said. “I was immediately comfortable on my side and back.”

Even testers with shoulder problems found this pillow comfortable and supportive. “I love this pillow!” one tester said. “I would use this pillow every night if I could. It’s the perfect amount of cushioning and support for my head and neck, especially because I have old shoulder injuries.” For more information on sleeping with shoulder pain, see our reviews of the best mattresses for side sleepers and the best mattresses for shoulder pain.

Testers said this pillow was great for combination sleepers, but particularly back sleepers. “I recommend this pillow to combination sleepers who like to toss and turn onto their side and back,” one tester said. “Sleeping throughout the night on this pillow was super comfortable for my shoulders and neck on my back. This had enough support between the plush cover and memory foam inside that my head was aligned with my spine, but it was not harsh like a typical memory foam pillow.”

A person displays the interior fill of a Silk & Snow pillow, which is tiny pieces of memory foam. — The shredded memory foam inside the Silk & Snow pillow.

The Silk & Snow pillow is adjustable, allowing you to remove the memory foam inside if desired. But some testers thought the pieces were too small, and could make a mess if you tried to unzip the pillow and remove some. “The small pieces of foam fall out quickly and are a pain to pick up if you want to store them to possibly put back in,” one tester said.

Silk & Snow customer experience

Trial period: 100 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: 3 years
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Silk & Snow customer service by calling 1-855-777-0033, emailing hello@silkandsnow.com. or through the live chat feature on the website.

Why pillow choice matters for back sleepers

Pillow choice matters for back sleepers because it’s important to keep the neck, spine, and shoulders aligned while sleeping to prevent pressure buildup or pain. If a pillow’s loft is too high, it could force your neck upward into an awkward angle. This positioning can cause neck and back pain upon waking, or aggravate conditions such as sleep apnea.

Lower-back and neck pain are common consequences of poor sleep posture. Choosing the right pillow and keeping your spine supported while lying on your back can help minimize these issues.⁴

What to look for in a pillow for back sleeping

When choosing a pillow for back sleeping, it’s important to remember that what works best for you may differ from what works for someone else. Everyone’s pain and sleep goals are unique to them. Consider these features when choosing a pillow for back sleeping:

Loft

A pillow’s loft is how high it is. Mid-loft (3-5 inches thick) provides more elevation, and is usually suitable for back sleepers, side sleepers, and those who switch between positions at night.

Firmness

Medium-soft to medium-firm pillows offer the best combination of comfort and support for your head when you’re lying on your back. Too firm and you might sleep at an angle that makes you sore; too soft and your head will sink down, curving your spine.

Contouring support

A pillow’s ability to contour, or cradle, your head makes a big difference for back sleepers. You want a pillow that lets your head sink in just enough to stay aligned with your spine and neck.

73% of surveyed respondents said they experience some type of pain that affects their ability to sleep well at night.

— NCOA 2025 March survey of older adults who sleep with chronic pain³

Material

The interior of your pillow also influences how well it supports the back of your head as you lie down. The best memory foam pillows are very responsive and supportive, but can trap heat. Down alternatives are fluffy and comfortable, but offer slightly less support. The best material is the one that you enjoy sleeping on.

Shape

For back sleepers, a traditional rectangular pillow offers comfort and support. Some, like the TEMPUR-Symphony, have two different sides, with one side arched specifically for back sleepers. Either option can be a good one as long as you feel comfortable and aligned.

How much do the best pillows for back sleepers cost?

The pillows in this article range from $65–$165. When choosing a pillow, consider the price along with other possible expenses, such as shipping or return fees.

Comparison Features	Brooklinen Marlow Pillow	Saatva Latex Pillow	Luxome LAYR Pillow	TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow	Silk & Snow Pillow
Price*	$65	$165	$150	$99	$75
Shipping costs	Free over $100	Free	Free	Free	Free
Warranty	1 year	Limited	Limited	5 year	3 year
Return fees	$9.95	None	Determined at return	No returns	None

*Most mattress and pillow brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.

How to save money on pillows

The simplest way to save money on pillows is to wait until they are on sale before making a purchase. Look for holiday sales, such as Memorial Day or Labor Day. Some companies will send you a discount if you sign up for their email and text lists, too.

You can also save money by taking advantage of the company’s promotions, such as a free trial period or free returns.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best pillow height for back sleepers?

Mid-loft (3-5 inches thick) is usually suitable for back sleepers, side sleepers, and those who switch between positions at night.

How firm should a pillow be for back sleepers?

A medium-soft to medium-firm pillow is usually best for back sleepers. It should cushion the head without letting it sink too far or pushing it too high, which can throw the spine out of alignment.

Should back sleepers use memory foam or latex?

Back sleepers can get a good night’s rest on both memory foam and latex, as these materials are responsive and supportive. But if you have a latex allergy, you'll likely want to avoid that material.

How often should I replace my pillow?

Most back sleepers should consider replacing their pillow every 1–2 years. But materials can have an impact on how frequently a pillow should be replaced. For example, latex and memory foam pillows often last longer than down or polyester-filled pillows, which can lose their support more quickly.

Can a pillow improve snoring or sleep apnea for back sleepers?

It’s unclear whether a pillow can improve snoring or sleep apnea for back sleepers. Some pillows can help open the airways, but it’s important to speak to your doctor or health care provider if you have severe snoring or a sleep apnea diagnosis.

How do I know if my pillow is causing neck pain?

You would know if your pillow is causing neck pain because you would wake up with sore or aching muscles. You might also feel like you’re sleeping at an uncomfortable angle.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org

Disclosure

In This Review

Back sleeping and sleep apnea: What’s the connection?

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Saatva Latex

Luxome LAYR

Best pillows for back sleepers in 2026

Comparing the best pillows for back sleepers

How we tested the best pillows for back sleepers

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Best Pillow Overall for Back Sleepers

Pros

Cons

Why we chose the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow as the Best Overall Pillow for Back Sleepers

Our testing experience with the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

The Brooklinen customer experience

Customer service

Saatva Latex Pillow: Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers

Pros

Cons

Why we chose the Saatva Latex as the Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers

Our testing experience with the Saatva Latex

The Saatva customer experience

Customer service

Luxome LAYR: Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers

Pros

Cons

Why we chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers

Our testing experience with the Luxome LAYR

Luxome LAYR customer experience

Customer service

TEMPUR-Symphony: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Back Pain

Pros

Cons

Why we chose the TEMPUR-Symphony as the Best for Back Sleepers with Back Pain

Our testing experience with the TEMPUR-Symphony

TEMPUR-Symphony customer experience

Customer service

Silk & Snow Pillow: Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain

Pros

Cons

Why we chose the Silk & Snow as the Best Pillow for Neck Pain

Our testing experience with Silk & Snow

Silk & Snow customer experience

Customer service

Why pillow choice matters for back sleepers

What to look for in a pillow for back sleeping

Loft

Firmness

Contouring support

Material

Shape

How much do the best pillows for back sleepers cost?

How to save money on pillows

Frequently asked questions

What is the best pillow height for back sleepers?

How firm should a pillow be for back sleepers?

Should back sleepers use memory foam or latex?

How often should I replace my pillow?

Can a pillow improve snoring or sleep apnea for back sleepers?

How do I know if my pillow is causing neck pain?

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Why we chose the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow as the Best Overall Pillow for Back Sleepers

Our testing experience with the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

The Brooklinen customer experience

Customer service

Why we chose the Saatva Latex as the Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers

Our testing experience with the Saatva Latex

The Saatva customer experience

Customer service

Why we chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Sleepers

Our testing experience with the Luxome LAYR

Luxome LAYR customer experience

Customer service

Why we chose the TEMPUR-Symphony as the Best for Back Sleepers with Back Pain

Our testing experience with the TEMPUR-Symphony

TEMPUR-Symphony customer experience

Customer service

Why we chose the Silk & Snow as the Best Pillow for Neck Pain