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Top 7 Best Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers

UpdatedOctober 23, 2024

A good night’s sleep is incredibly important for our bodies, and the right pillow is one of the keys. As a side and back sleeper, it can be a little tricky to come across the right pillow for you. You require a pillow that will support your neck and spine well but at the same time be soft enough to facilitate sound sleep.

To provide the best options for side and back sleepers, we have reviewed and compared a wide range of pillows. If you like memory foam, a down alternative, or a blend of the two then look no further because we’ve got you covered. Continue reading to discover how to choose the right pillow for your sleeping position.


Osteo Cervical Pillow

Editor's Choice

Osteo Cervical Pillow

This, the unique design of this pillow and the relief that it brought to our neck pains. The hollow center supports our head in the correct position, enables cervical curve and alignment of the vertebrae in the neck that enhances circulation of blood around our neck and head and releases all tension. The new thoughtful contour design of the pillow accommodates us well since we are side and back sleepers.

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For those who have neck pain and need a good night’s sleep, Osteo Cervical Pillow could be a great solution to this issue.

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.

The pillowcase is produced from 3D mesh fiber and is designed to ventilate, which is perfect for hot climates and dust-sensitive individuals. The pillow is height adjustable and can be raised by flipping the cushion 180 degrees or by adding or removing the cushion at the base. The pillow is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it has no toxic chemicals, and is Oeko-Tex approved, which makes me satisfied.

The pillow is quite firm and it may not be ideal for people who like to use soft pillows. The snap in the center could wear out through the fabric in no time thus defeating the purpose of having the pillow. Some people might be uncomfortable with the shape of the pillow and might want to use a curved pillow made of foam material.


Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

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If you are in need of a comfortable, cooling pillow that will work for any sleeping position then it is worth a shot to try the Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows.

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.

The 250 thread count cover stuffed with a soft down alternative ensures a good night sleep to those people who like their pillows a little firm. It is also very breathable to ensure that we do not overheat during the night as we sleep.

It is easy to clean the material used in the pillow since it is machine washable and can be tumble dried. However, it may be too firm for some users and may end up developing a concave shape when used for some time. Moreover, it has a chemical smell that usually comes with the packaging of most pillows, but it vanishes after some days.


Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size

Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows for Sleeping King Size

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Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows is a great pillow that may suit any type of sleeping position if you are looking for a universal pillow.

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.

The black piping and double stitching make the product fashionable and ideal to use as pillows on our beds. The poly fiber filling guarantees a comfortable sleep throughout the night, which is suitable for side, stomach, and back sleepers. The pillows are available in king size which should suit our bedding perfectly.

However, the pillows may be too thick for some users, and they feel like their heads are sinking into the pillows. They cannot be shaken to fluff them up and it takes several times in the dryer to fluff them up. The pillows may be softer than most people would expect them to be.


Bespillow Neck Pillow

Bespillow Neck Pillow

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This is the Bespillow Neck Pillow, and if you are having problems with neck and back aches, this product is worth a try. It is comfortable, supportive and has a washable pillowcase. If you have any issues with the pillow, the company provides excellent customer support, and they respond within 24 hours.

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.

The memory foam hugs the head, neck and the shoulders proficiently giving optimum support to the cervical vertebrae and spine. We have also observed a decrease in the discomfort level of neck and shoulder pain, and have even been able to sleep much better.

There is one feature that we really like in this pillow and this is the fact that it comes in two heights. We’re both side sleepers but one of us needs a higher pillow than the other. With the Bespillow Neck Pillow, we can both get the height that will be most comfortable for us. The use of a breathable material on the pillowcase is also appealing. It is quite comfortable hugs the pillow core perfectly, and keeps everyone cool the whole night.


QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillows

QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillows

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For those who want the comfort of a good night’s rest without waking up with an aching neck and shoulders, the QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillow is a perfect fit.

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.

The QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillow is flexible, and you can increase or decrease the amount of foam in it depending on your size, shape, or sleeping position. It could be observed that the pillow offered adequate support while at the same time, it was soft enough.

The cooling side of the pillow is an added advantage, especially for those people who tend to overheat during sleep. We were also able to determine that the cooling effect does not last very long. Sometimes it may also have a mild smell when it is new, but the smell is gone within a few days.

In conclusion, we believe that the QUTOOL Cooling Gel Pillow is highly recommended for those who seek a firm and comfortable pillow that will ease neck and shoulder discomfort. It is also quite affordable since 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 are interested in using a pillow that will give you comfort like that of a down pillow without requiring you to do so much, then Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping is the best solution for you. The construction of our pillows is similar to true duck and goose down in terms of fluffiness and lightness but we do not have such negative aspects.

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.

Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping are available in 100% cotton cover and 100% poly gel fiber filling; these products are also washer machine friendly. The quality gel-infused microfiber filling is extra-breathable to regulate your body temperature and give you a comfortable sleep. Furthermore, the pillows do not contain any animal-derived components and the material is hygienic.

The adjustable fill level aspect makes the pillow perfect for all side sleepers as well as back and stomach sleepers. The pillows are also fully machine washable which adds to their convenience and ease of maintenance.

In general, Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping can be considered for those who need a comfortable, adjustable, washable, and therapeutic pillow for sleeping.


Polovo Memory Foam Pillow

Polovo Memory Foam Pillow

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If you are searching for a perfect pillow for side and back sleepers, then the Polovo Memory Foam Pillow is the ideal option for you. This is a good investment in your sleep and health.

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.

The Polovo Memory Foam Pillow is a good product that is perfect for those who have neck problems and require a high-quality pillow. The slow rebound memory foam is friendly to the skin and offers support to the body, and the available with height options makes it perfect for the diverse postures. The pillowcase is very cozy, and it can be easily unwashed and washed in a washing machine.

The only con we noticed was that the pillow could be too firm for some people and it could take time before one adjusts to the shape and firmness of the pillow. Also, there may be some smell from the pillow when it is new, but it is recommended to dissipate after some time.

Buying Guide

When selecting a pillow for side and back sleepers, here are some characteristics worth focusing on:

Loft

The loft or height of the pillow is an important factor that should not be overlooked. Side sleepers require a higher loft to match the gap between their ear and shoulder while back sleepers require a lower loft to support the spine.

Firmness

The firmness of the pillow is another critical aspect that needs to be addressed. Side sleepers require a stiffer pillow to ensure that the neck aligns well with the spine while back sleepers need a soft pillow that molds to the shape of the head and neck.

Material

Pillow material may also play an essential role in determining the comfort levels of the pillow as well as support. Memory foam pillows are also preferred because of their ability to conform to the shape of the head and neck and offer adequate support. Latex and down pillows are also suitable as they provide adequate cushioning and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The ideal pillow for side and back sleeper is one that offers sufficient support to the neck and spine. Side and back sleeping individuals should use a medium-firm pillow with reasonable height. Memory foam and latex pillows are widely preferred as they offer support and conform to the shape of the head and neck.

What type of pillow is best for combination sleepers?

It would therefore be important for combination sleepers to use a pillow that can suit the various positions of sleeping. The best pillow for combination sleepers is a shredded memory foam pillow or a down alternative pillow with an adjustable height. These pillows can be inflated or deflated according to the need of the specific sleeping position of the user.

Can a back sleeper use a side sleeper pillow?

A back sleeper can use a side sleeper pillow, although it may not be the most effective for this particular sleeping position. For back sleepers, a dense and thinner pillow is recommended to support the neck and maintain its alignment with the spine. In this case, the most appropriate pillow is one that is intended for people who sleep on their backs.

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

Some of the best pillows for side and back sleepers are the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow, Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, and the Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow. These pillows are highly recommended for side and back sleepers as they offer good support and comfort.

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

The most important characteristics of a suitable pillow for side and back sleepers include height, firmness, and material. Side and back sleepers require a pillow that is slightly higher in density and firmness to ensure the neck and spine remain aligned. Memory foam and latex pillows are preferred as they offer support and conform to the curves of the head and neck.

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

Some of the best luxury pillows for side and back sleepers are the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow, the Saatva Pillow, and the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow. These pillows are well constructed with good quality material that offer great support and comfort to side and back sleepers.

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