Best Pillows for Back Sleepers in 2023

You may have heard of Coop Sleep Good’s Eden Pillow, as it often tops lists of the best pillows. And if you thought that pillow was cool, let me tell you it got even better. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the new version of the Eden Pillow. It has a similar cool-to-the-touch cover, and now it also has a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer and shredded gel-infused memory foam, which is great for hot sleepers. The filling is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified.

If you’re unsure about how supportive you want or need your pillow to be, finding an adjustable pillow is the right move. The Nolah Squishy Pillow is my favorite adjustable pillow for back sleepers. It’s made of cube-cut foam that’s super squishy — hence the name. My head sunk into the pillow a little, but I felt supported enough to sleep through the night.

Memory foam is great for back sleepers who have neck pain, because the foam will contour to the head and neck. The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Memory Foam Pillow in a low loft is great for these back sleepers. The pillow’s memory foam is perforated, and the top is infused with copper. This natural mineral helps fight against mold, allergens and dust mites.

If you’re a back sleeper who often overheats at night, the Bear Pillow is a great option. It has a machine-washable cover that’s cool to the touch. At both ends of the pillow is a mesh that allows for more airflow. It’s also hypoallergenic and helps to stop mold, bacteria and dust mites. At its core, the Bear Pillow is made with a hybrid foam, which I consider halfway between bouncy latex foam and slow molding memory foam. I think it’s right down the middle when it comes to firmness and softness — the perfect combination for back sleepers.

You might have heard of Purple and its unique honeycomb-patterned grid layer. This feature, found in all its products, such as the Purple Harmony Pillow, is flexible, supportive and slightly molding like memory foam. The pillow also has a Talalay latex core that’s perforated for airflow. (Talalay latex is a natural latex sourced from rubber trees.) When you put your head down on this pillow, it feels light and slightly bouncy. My head never sank too far into the pillow.

Whether you’re particular about the materials that go into your bedding, have allergies, or want a pillow that’s both eco-conscious and all-natural, the Avocado Green Pillow could be for you. Made with shredded GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok and cotton, the pillow is nontoxic, holds the Made Safe seal and is certified vegan. The removable cotton cover is quilted and has a zipper for easy adjustability. Remove or add the filling to your liking.

A good down pillow is made of quality materials, with evenly distributed clusters, and it cushions the head and doesn’t feel lumpy. The Brooklinen Down Pillow checks all those boxes. It’s made of 100% down clusters and feathers and covered with a cotton sateen shell. You can also choose the support by opting for plush, mid-plush or firm. I tested the mid-plush option, and I’d say it’s the best for back sleepers (in fact, this option should suit most sleepers). It’s optimal in terms of firmness and support.

A more affordable version of the Avocado Green Pillow, or other organic, all-natural pillows, is a down alternative. These pillows are hypoallergenic and made without animal products while still being supportive and fluffy. The Casper Original Pillow is my pick for the best down alternative pillow for back sleepers because it’s comfortable, versatile and doesn’t require constant fluffing. This pillow is made with a 100% cotton cover and polyester filling. Like foam, the pillow adapts to your head and returns to its original shape when you get up. I felt very supported with the Casper Original.

Wedge pillows are great for supporting your back while you’re lying in bed working, scrolling on your phone or watching TV. These pillows may also help with snoring, nasal drainage, acid reflux and heartburn. You can also place a wedge pillow under your knees if you have lower-back pain.

The Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is my favorite of the honorable mentions. It’s made with a hypoallergenic microfill and a cotton sateen shell. I tested the Down Alternative Pillow in a medium firmness but soft, side sleeper and firm are also available. I’d consider both the medium and firm to be good for back sleepers, and the firm should work for people who don’t want to sink too far into their pillow.

This hefty pillow from Saatva is made with a shredded memory and latex foam core. It comes with a soft, knit cover you can remove and wash. Around the core is a graphite-infused memory foam that may help you sleep cooler by pulling the heat away from your head.

Slumber Cloud is known for its cooling bedding. In fact, its UltraCool Comforter made our list of the best cooling comforters. Its UltraCool Pillow is no different: cool to the touch and fluffy. Its down alternative filling is made of polyester fibers that won’t retain your body heat. For your firmness preferences, you can choose between soft/medium and medium/firm. The pillow itself isn’t adjustable.