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Top 7 Best Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers

UpdatedJuly 23, 2024

Getting a good night's sleep is essential to our overall health and well-being, and the right pillow can make all the difference. If you're a side and back sleeper, finding the best pillow can be a challenge. You need a pillow that provides adequate support for your neck and spine, while also being comfortable enough to help you drift off to sleep.

When choosing the best pillow for side and back sleepers, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you need a pillow that is the right size and thickness to support your head and neck while sleeping on your side or back. Second, you need a pillow that is made from high-quality materials that will provide the necessary support and comfort. Finally, you need a pillow that is easy to care for and maintain.

After researching and testing various pillows, we have identified the best pillow for side and back sleepers. This pillow provides the perfect balance of support and comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. In the next section, we will discuss the features and benefits of this pillow and why it's the best choice for side and back sleepers.

Top 3 Best Pillows for Side and Back Sleepers

  1. Osteo Cervical Pillow
  2. Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
  3. Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows

As side and back sleepers, we know how important it is to have a pillow that provides proper support and alignment. That's why we've researched and tested numerous pillows to bring you our top picks for the best pillows for side and back sleepers. Whether you prefer memory foam, down alternative, or a combination of materials, we've got you covered. Read on to find the perfect pillow for your sleeping style.


Osteo Cervical Pillow

Editor's Choice

Osteo Cervical Pillow

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If you're looking for a pillow that can relieve neck pain and provide a comfortable sleeping experience, Osteo Cervical Pillow might be the right choice for you.

Pros

  • The unique hollow center cradles the head, which helps maintain the natural cervical curve and alignment of the vertebrae in your neck.
  • It has a more refined thoughtful contour design than others, which fits side, back, and stomach sleepers.
  • The pillowcase is made of 3D mesh fiber, which allows heat to escape and fresh air to cycle in, making it ideal for hot sleepers and allergy sufferers.

Cons

  • The pillow is on the firmer side, which might not be suitable for those who prefer a softer pillow.
  • The snap in the center might tear through the fabric quickly, which ruins the point of the pillow.
  • Some users might find the shape of the pillow awkward and prefer a curved pillow of foam type material.

We've been using this pillow for a few weeks now, and we're impressed with its unique design and the relief it provides to our neck pain. The hollow center cradles our head, maintaining the natural cervical curve and alignment of the vertebrae in our neck, which ensures good blood flow to our neck and head, relieving pressure and removing muscle tension. The pillow's more refined thoughtful contour design fits us perfectly, as we're both side and back sleepers.

The pillowcase is made of 3D mesh fiber, which allows heat to escape and fresh air to cycle in, making it ideal for hot sleepers and allergy sufferers. The pillow is adjustable, which means we can control the height by rotating it 180 degrees or using the removable insert at the bottom. The pillow is CertiPUR-US certified and Oeko-Tex approved, without any harmful substances, which gives us peace of mind.

The pillow is on the firmer side, which might not be suitable for those who prefer a softer pillow. The snap in the center might tear through the fabric quickly, which ruins the point of the pillow. Some users might find the shape of the pillow awkward and prefer a curved pillow of foam type material. Overall, if you're looking for a pillow that can relieve neck pain and provide a comfortable sleeping experience, Osteo Cervical Pillow is worth considering.


Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

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If you are looking for a comfortable, cooling pillow that can accommodate any sleeping position, then the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows are a great choice for you.

Pros

  • The 250 thread count cover filled with a soft down alternative ensures superior comfort.
  • The breathability of the pillow can offer welcome relief for those who easily overheat.
  • The pillow is designed to make life easy with its easy clean feature.

Cons

  • Some users may find the pillow too firm for their liking.
  • The pillow may lose its shape after extended use.
  • The pillow may have a chemical smell upon opening the package.

We have been using the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows for a few weeks now, and we are impressed with their comfort and cooling features. The 250 thread count cover filled with a soft down alternative provides a comfortable sleeping experience, especially for those who prefer a firmer pillow. The breathability of the pillow is also a plus, as it helps to keep us cool during the night.

We appreciate the easy clean feature of the pillow, as it can be conveniently washed in the washing machine and tumble dried. However, some users may find the pillow too firm for their liking, and it may lose its shape after extended use. Additionally, the pillow may have a chemical smell upon opening the package, but it dissipates after a few days.

Overall, we recommend the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows for anyone looking for a comfortable, cooling pillow that can accommodate any sleeping position.


Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size

Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size

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If you are looking for a versatile pillow that can accommodate your sleeping position, the Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size (Black), Set of 2, Cooling Hotel Quality, Gusseted Pillow for Back, Stomach or Side Sleepers Black King (Pack of 2) is a great choice.

Pros

  • The black piping and double stitching give a stylish look to the pillows, making them a great addition to your bedding.
  • The poly fiber filling ensures a long night's sleep without any interruptions, making it a great choice for side, stomach, and back sleepers.
  • The pillows come in king size, ideally complimenting your bedding.

Cons

  • The pillows may be too thick for some people, making them feel like their head is getting swallowed into them.
  • It takes several times in the dryer to fluff them up, and they cannot just be shaken to fluff them up.
  • The pillows may be softer than what some people are used to.

We recently got the Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size (Black), Set of 2, Cooling Hotel Quality, Gusseted Pillow for Back, Stomach or Side Sleepers Black King (Pack of 2), and we are impressed with their quality. The black piping and double stitching give a stylish look to the pillows, making them a great addition to our bedding. The poly fiber filling ensures a long night's sleep without any interruptions, making it a great choice for side, stomach, and back sleepers. The pillows come in king size, ideally complimenting our bedding.

However, the pillows may be too thick for some people, making them feel like their head is getting swallowed into them. It takes several times in the dryer to fluff them up, and they cannot just be shaken to fluff them up. The pillows may be softer than what some people are used to.

Overall, the Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size (Black), Set of 2, Cooling Hotel Quality, Gusseted Pillow for Back, Stomach or Side Sleepers Black King (Pack of 2) is a great choice for people who want a versatile pillow that can accommodate their sleeping position.


Bespillow Neck Pillow

Bespillow Neck Pillow

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If you're looking for a pillow that can relieve neck and back pain, the Bespillow Neck Pillow is a great option.

Pros

  • The pillow is made of CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certified memory foam, which provides amazing comfort and soft yet sturdy support for sleep.
  • The pillow comes in two height options, making it suitable for multiple sleeping positions.
  • The breathable pillowcase is made of COLD SILK TECHNOLOGY FABRIC, which keeps you cool all night long and allows the skin to breathe.

Cons

  • The wider side of the pillow could be a little taller.
  • Some users may prefer a taller pillow.
  • The pillow may have a slight odor when first opened.

We've been using the Bespillow Neck Pillow for a few weeks now and have found it to be very comfortable. The memory foam molds perfectly to our head, neck, and shoulders, providing great support and reducing stress on the cervical vertebra and spine. We've also noticed a reduction in neck and shoulder pain discomfort and have been able to sleep much better.

One of the things we really like about this pillow is the two height options. We're both side sleepers, but one of us prefers a higher pillow than the other. With the Bespillow Neck Pillow, we can both find the height that suits us. The breathable pillowcase is also a nice touch. It's soft and fits snugly with the pillow core, and it keeps us cool all night long.

Overall, we highly recommend the Bespillow Neck Pillow to anyone looking for a pillow that can relieve neck and back pain. It's comfortable, supportive, and comes with a washable pillowcase. If you have any problems with the pillow, the company offers great customer service and a 24-hour reply.


QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillows

QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillows

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If you're looking for a comfortable pillow that will help you sleep soundly without neck and shoulder pain, the QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillow is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • The innovative blend of high-end shredded memory foam and microfiber molds to the contours of your neck, gently guiding your spine into a straight line and keeping your neck and back properly aligned.
  • The adjustable pillow provides hotel-quality softness and offers firm support, making it perfect for side sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and college students.
  • The cooling side of the pillow is made of cooling ice silky fabric, while the soft side is made of 40% bamboo rayon and 60% polyester, reducing the heat your body produces during the night.

Cons

  • The cooling side of the pillow only stays cool for a short time.
  • The pillow may have a slight odor when it's new.
  • The pillow may lose its plushness over time.

We've been using the QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillow for a few weeks now, and we're impressed with its quality and comfort. The pillow is adjustable, so you can add or remove foam filling to suit your size, shape, or sleep position. We found the pillow to be firm enough to provide support but soft enough to be comfortable.

The cooling side of the pillow is a great feature, especially if you tend to get hot when you sleep. However, we did find that the cooling effect doesn't last very long. The pillow may also have a slight odor when it's new, but it goes away after a few days.

Overall, we think the QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillow is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable pillow that provides support and helps reduce neck and shoulder pain. It's also a great value, as you get two pillows for the price of one.


Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping

Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping

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If you're looking for a pillow that can provide you with the same comfort as a down pillow without the hassle, then Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping is the perfect choice for you. Our pillows are designed to mimic the lightness and softness of authentic duck and goose down, but with none of the drawbacks.

Pros

  • Get the luxurious silky feel of a down pillow, without the mess!
  • Our cooling queen size pillows stay firm and supportive, so you won’t have that “head hits the mattress” feeling when you wake up.
  • The zipper on our bed pillow allows you to adjust the filling to meet your firm, flat, or fluffy preferences.

Cons

  • The pillows may flatten over time and require additional filling.
  • The pillows may be too soft for those who prefer firmer pillows.
  • Some users have reported a chemical smell upon opening the package.

Our Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping are made of 100% cotton cover, 100% poly gel fiber filling, and are machine washable. The premium gel-infused microfiber filling is super breathable and helps keep you cool as you sleep. Additionally, our pillows are cruelty-free and clean material.

The adjustable filling feature allows you to customize the pillow to your desired height and firmness, making it perfect for all side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. The pillows are also 100% machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain.

Overall, Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping are a great choice if you're looking for a comfortable, adjustable, and easy-to-clean pillow that can provide you with a good night's sleep.


Polovo Memory Foam Pillow

Polovo Memory Foam Pillow

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We highly recommend the Polovo Memory Foam Pillow for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive pillow for side and back sleepers.

Pros

  • The slow rebound memory foam automatically shapes to your neck and head, providing great support and comfort.
  • The pillow comes in two available heights, making it suitable for different sleeping positions.
  • The pillowcase is soft, comfortable, and machine-washable, making it easy to keep clean.

Cons

  • The pillow may be too firm for some people's preferences.
  • It may take some time to get used to the pillow's shape and support.
  • The pillow may have a slight odor when first unpacked.

We found the Polovo Memory Foam Pillow to be a great choice for people who suffer from neck pain and need a pillow that provides good support. The slow rebound memory foam is comfortable and supportive, and the two available heights make it suitable for different sleeping positions. The pillowcase is soft and comfortable, and it can be easily removed and machine-washed.

The only downside we found was that the pillow may be too firm for some people's preferences, and it may take some time to get used to the pillow's shape and support. Additionally, the pillow may have a slight odor when first unpacked, but this should dissipate quickly.

Overall, we highly recommend the Polovo Memory Foam Pillow for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive pillow for side and back sleepers. It's a great investment in your sleep and overall health.

Buying Guide

When choosing a pillow for side and back sleepers, there are a few features to consider to ensure a comfortable and restful sleep.

Loft

The loft, or height, of the pillow is an essential factor to consider. Side sleepers usually need a higher loft to fill the space between their ear and shoulder, while back sleepers require a lower loft to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Firmness

The firmness of the pillow is another crucial factor to consider. Side sleepers need a firmer pillow to support their neck and prevent it from bending unnaturally, while back sleepers require a softer pillow to contour to the shape of their neck and head.

Material

The material of the pillow can also affect its comfort and support. Memory foam pillows are a popular choice as they contour to the shape of the head and neck, providing excellent support. Latex and down pillows are also good options as they offer a balance of comfort and support.

Size

Finally, the size of the pillow should also be considered. A pillow that is too small or too large can affect the quality of sleep. Make sure to choose a pillow that fits your body size and sleeping position.

In summary, when choosing a pillow for side and back sleepers, consider the loft, firmness, material, and size to ensure a comfortable and restful sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of pillow for a side and back sleeper?

The best type of pillow for a side and back sleeper is a pillow that provides adequate support to the neck and spine. A pillow with a medium firmness and loft is ideal for side and back sleepers. Memory foam and latex pillows are popular choices as they provide excellent support and contour to the shape of the head and neck.

What type of pillow is best for combination sleepers?

Combination sleepers need a pillow that can adapt to different sleeping positions. A pillow with an adjustable loft, such as a shredded memory foam pillow or a down alternative pillow, is ideal for combination sleepers. These pillows can be fluffed or compressed to provide the right amount of support for different sleeping positions.

Can a back sleeper use a side sleeper pillow?

A back sleeper can use a side sleeper pillow, but it may not provide the best support for their sleeping position. Back sleepers need a pillow with a lower loft and firmer support to keep the neck and spine in alignment. A pillow designed specifically for back sleepers is the best option.

What are the top-rated pillows for side and back sleepers?

The top-rated pillows for side and back sleepers include the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow, the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, and the Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow. These pillows provide excellent support and comfort for side and back sleepers.

What are the key features to look for in a pillow for side and back sleepers?

The key features to look for in a pillow for side and back sleepers include the loft, firmness, and material. Side and back sleepers need a pillow with a medium loft and firm support to keep the neck and spine in alignment. Memory foam and latex pillows are popular choices as they provide excellent support and contour to the shape of the head and neck.

What are some recommended luxury pillows for side and back sleepers?

Some recommended luxury pillows for side and back sleepers include the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow, the Saatva Pillow, and the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow. These pillows are made with high-quality materials and provide excellent support and comfort for side and back sleepers.

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