Best Pillow for Back Sleepers

With thousands of pillows on the market claiming to be “the best pillow for back sleepers,” it’s no wonder shoppers feel overwhelmed. The sheer amount of options back sleepers have to find their perfect pillow, all claiming to be their perfect pillow, can actually make it feel more out of reach.

So, why does finding the right pillow for back sleepers matter? Does it really impact your sleep quality? Yes, in fact, it does. 

Although back sleeping is said to be one of the better sleep positions due to proper weight distribution across the mattress, there is still room for the curves of your body to be unsupported. A lot of myths exist about sleeping on your back, including that a firm mattress is better for your back, back sleepers experience more back pain, and so on, but one thing is for sure: your pillow quality matters.

If you’re sleeping on a bad pillow, (check out our blog on bad pillow symptoms), your sleep quality could actually be lowered due to discomfort. The experts at Texas Mattress Makers will discuss how you can find the best pillow for back sleepers that suits your needs while sharing some tips and suggestions from our selection.

Read our guide on how to find the best mattresses for back sleepers or the best mattresses for back pain

What kind of pillow should a back sleeper use?

Unlike searching for the best pillow for side sleepers or stomach sleepers, back sleepers actually have a little more flexibility with their choices. As long as you have a pillow that keeps your spine in a neutral position and is high-quality, you’ll be able to sleep soundly on your back. 

When you lie down, you need a pillow that is going to support the base of your spine while also providing adequate support to the back of your head, neck, and shoulders. You’ll want to focus on the pillow’s height, materials, and supportive properties. 

• Height: How high should a pillow be for back sleepers? To avoid straining your neck, your pillow should be a medium profile (3-5 inches). This will ensure that your head is not titled too forward or backward which can cause discomfort.
• Firmness: Because you’re sleeping on your back, the firmness of your pillow can be determined by preference. However, we do recommend a medium-firmness pillow to keep your head and spine in place as you sleep. 
• Materials: Memory foam, shredded foam, high-density foam, or latex are great options as they are all supportive, mold to the shape of your head, and in the case of shredded foam and foam inserts, can be adjustable. If you tend to sleep hot, latex pillows or pillows with cooling properties can be a great investment. 

Where should a pillow be placed for back sleepers?

The best pillow position for back sleepers is to have your head and neck fully on the pillow. Your shoulders should not be on the pillow. This will help to alleviate any neck stiffness, straining, or pain when you wake up. Stacking pillows on top of each other is not recommended, as you don’t want the distance between your head and the mattress to be too tall.

Some websites may recommend that back sleepers should lie down with an additional pillow underneath their knees so that their lower back can be pressed into the mattress to avoid back pain. However, if you have the right soft or firm mattress for lower back pain, this won’t be necessary. A mattress that is selected specifically for your body type and needs will support your back properly. 

Find the Best Sleep Solutions for Back Sleepers at Texas Mattress Makers 

While there might not be one “best pillow for back sleepers,” you can find the right pillow for your personal needs at Texas Mattress Makers. Selecting the proper pillow to accommodate sleeping on your back can help you wake up every morning feeling well-rested and pain-free. 

Texas Mattress Makers is in the business of matching you with your dream mattress and providing you with the proper tools to get your best night’s rest — including pillows. Investing in a high-quality pillow can transform your sleep quality by alleviating aches and pains for deeper sleep.

Visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores to upgrade your pillow and mattress today. Experience our incredible customer service and stress-free shopping experience for yourself! Better sleep is just one visit away.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• The Importance of Proper Spine Alignment While Sleeping
• Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
• How to Find a Good Quality Mattress
• The Expert’s Guide to Mattress Accessories
• Expert Guide to Mattress Firmness