Best Pillows for Back and Side Sleepers

Finding the best pillows for back and side sleepers starts with pillow height and support. Compare options by loft—the pillow’s height—and firmness to find a comfortable fit. Side sleepers generally need more height to fill the space between their head and shoulder, while back sleepers usually need less. If you switch positions, look for a pillow that supports head and neck alignment in both.

Sort & Filter

Sleepy's Signature Gel Memory Foam Pillow

2314

Starting at

$99⁹⁹

Firm Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Save $100 when you bundle¹⁰.

Sleepy's Deluxe Comfort Cool Pillow

1106

Starting at

$199⁹⁹

best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Save $150 when you bundle¹⁰.

Purple Harmony Pillow

1295

Starting at

$269⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Sleepy's Basics Quilted Memory Foam Pillow

629

Starting at

$49⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers

Save $50 when you bundle¹⁰.

Beautyrest BlackICE Memory Foam Pillow

1257

Starting at

$199⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Side Sleepers
Temperature

Sleepy's Coconut Bliss Pillow

832

Starting at

$179⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Sealy Cool Touch Pillow

430

Starting at

$29⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Bedgear Balance Performance Pillow

Starting at

$99⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pro Pillow

1197

Starting at

$175⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Purple Dreamlayer Pillow

932

Starting at

$229⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze Pro Pillow

877

Starting at

$275⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pro Adjustable Pillow

498

Starting at

$165⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature

Bedgear Storm Performance Pillow

Starting at

$259⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Stomach, Side Sleepers
Allergies
Temperature

Bedgear Night Ice Performance Pillow

Starting at

$299⁹⁹

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Stomach, Side Sleepers
Allergies
Temperature

Healthy Sleep Premium CPAP and Cervical Neck Support Pillow

Starting at

$119⁰⁰

Medium Comfort, best for

Back, Side Sleepers
Temperature

Sleepy's Deluxe Charcoal Cool Pillow

2500

Starting at

$199⁹⁹

Soft Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Save $150 when you bundle¹⁰.

Purple Pillow

472

Starting at

$249⁰⁰

Soft Comfort, best for

Back, Side, Stomach Sleepers
Temperature
Allergies

Sealy Extra Firm Support Pillow

398

Starting at

$39⁹⁹

Firm Comfort, best for

Side Sleepers
Temperature

Bedgear Pregnancy Body Pillow

Starting at

$149⁹⁹

Temperature

The best pillows for back and side sleepers balance comfortable cushioning with enough support to help keep your head, neck and spine naturally aligned. Pillow loft, or height, is an important starting point because each sleep position creates a different amount of space beneath your head. Back sleepers often benefit from a low- to medium-loft pillow that supports the neck without pushing the chin toward the chest. A pillow that is too flat, however, may leave the head tilted backward or the neck feeling unsupported. Side sleepers generally need more loft to fill the space between the head and mattress, helping prevent the neck from bending toward either shoulder. Your shoulder width, body proportions and mattress firmness also affect the right fit. Broader shoulders may call for a taller side sleeper pillow, while a mattress that lets your shoulder sink in more deeply may reduce the pillow height you need. Focus on how the pillow supports you under the weight of your head, not just how tall it looks. If you switch between your back and side throughout the night, look for a pillow that feels supportive in both positions rather than choosing by loft alone. The best pillow for combination sleepers should cushion the head comfortably while maintaining enough height for side sleeping without lifting the head too far forward during back sleeping. Firmness matters here: A pillow that feels plush at first may compress more than expected, while a firmer pillow may maintain its height but feel less comfortable around your ear or neck. To evaluate the fit, settle into each of your usual sleeping positions on a mattress with a feel similar to yours. On your back, your head should rest comfortably without your chin being forced upward or downward. On your side, aim for your head and neck to stay in line with your torso. Taking time to compare pillow support, compressed height and ease of changing positions can help you find a comfortable balance for back and side sleeping.

What features should back and side sleepers compare when choosing a pillow? + -

Compare firmness, shape, adjustability and care requirements. If you alternate between your back and side, consider your preferred feel in both positions rather than choosing based only on a sleep-position label.

How do soft and firm pillows differ in feel? + -

A soft pillow typically feels more yielding, while a firm pillow offers a more resistant feel when you press into it. Firmness descriptions can vary between brands, so read the feel description as well as the firmness label.

What is the difference between traditional and contoured pillows? + -

Traditional pillows generally have a familiar rectangular outline with a relatively even surface. Contoured pillows have a sculpted surface with curves or recessed areas. Back and side sleepers can compare these shapes based on whether they prefer a classic or more defined pillow profile.

What does adjustable mean when describing a pillow? + -

An adjustable pillow lets you customize its feel rather than keeping one fixed configuration. Adjustment methods vary by design, so check the product description for what can be changed and how the process works.

What care details should I check before choosing a pillow? + -

Check whether the whole pillow is washable or only its removable cover. Also review washing, drying and spot-cleaning directions. Choosing care requirements that fit your routine can make regular upkeep more convenient.