Pillows by Sleep Position
Best Adjustable Pillows for Back Sleepers Under
7 picks compared
6 min read
ProductPickly is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks.
The short answerFor back sleepers under the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow offers the best balance of support and customization. The Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate is a close second for its dual-sided comfort. For a budget pick, the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra Luxury is a solid choice.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Best Overall
This pillow comes with a 50/50 blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber. You can adjust the fill to your desired loft, making it ideal for back sleepers. The cover is made from bamboo-derived rayon and is removable and washable.
Fill Shredded memory foam and microfiberLoft Adjustable, 4-6 inchesCover Bamboo-derived rayonWashable Yes, cover and fill
- Highly adjustable loft
- Breathable cover
- Machine washable
- May need to adjust fill over time
- Some find it too soft initially
Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate Pillow
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best Value
This pillow features two different comfort levels: a plush side and a firmer side. It is filled with a blend of down alternative and microfiber, providing a balance of softness and support. The cover is soft and breathable.
Fill Down alternative and microfiberLoft Medium, 5 inchesCover Cotton blendWashable Spot clean only
- Two comfort options in one
- Good support for back sleepers
- Quality construction
- Not adjustable in fill
- Spot clean only
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra Luxury Pillow
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best Budget
An affordable option with shredded memory foam fill that is adjustable. It comes with a soft bamboo cover and a zipper for easy fill removal. Many owners report good neck support for back sleeping.
Fill Shredded memory foamLoft Adjustable, 4-5 inchesCover Bamboo rayonWashable Yes, cover
- Low price point
- Adjustable fill
- Cooling cover
- May have a slight chemical smell initially
- Fill can shift
Xtra Comfy Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for Neck Pain
This pillow is designed with a contoured shape to support the neck and head. It is filled with shredded memory foam that you can adjust. The cover is made of a soft, breathable fabric.
Fill Shredded memory foamLoft Adjustable, 4-6 inchesCover Breathable fabricWashable Yes, cover
- Contoured design for neck support
- Adjustable loft
- Good for side and back sleepers
- Contour may not suit all
- Slightly firm
Best for: Best for Neck Pain
EPABO Adjustable Loft Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Side Sleepers
This pillow offers a higher loft range, which is beneficial for side sleepers who need more support. It is filled with shredded memory foam and has a zipper for adjustment. The cover is soft and durable.
Fill Shredded memory foamLoft Adjustable, 5-7 inchesCover Soft fabricWashable Yes, cover
- High loft for side sleepers
- Adjustable
- Good support
- May be too high for some back sleepers
- Fill may clump
Best for: Best for Side Sleepers
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best Cooling
This pillow features a gel-infused memory foam that helps dissipate heat. It is not adjustable but offers a medium loft that suits many back sleepers. The cover is soft and removable.
Fill Gel-infused memory foamLoft Medium, 5 inchesCover Removable, washableWashable Yes, cover
- Cooling gel technology
- Plush feel
- Removable cover
- Not adjustable
- May be too soft for some
Utopia Bedding Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for Stomach Sleepers
This pillow is designed with a lower loft, which is better for stomach sleepers to avoid neck strain. It is filled with shredded memory foam and has a zipper for adjustment. The cover is made of a soft cotton blend.
Fill Shredded memory foamLoft Adjustable, 3-5 inchesCover Cotton blendWashable Yes, cover
- Low loft for stomach sleepers
- Adjustable
- Soft cover
- May not provide enough support for back sleepers
- Fill can compress
Best for: Best for Stomach Sleepers
Our picks focus on real products available on Amazon. We prioritized pillows with high ratings and consistent reviews. We also considered how well each pillow maintains its shape over time.
What to Look for in an Adjustable Pillow
Adjustable pillows let you change the loft by adding or removing fill. This is key for back sleepers who need a specific height to keep the spine aligned. Look for pillows with a zippered cover for easy access. Consider the fill material; shredded memory foam molds well but may sleep warm. Gel-infused foams can help with cooling. Check the cover fabric for breathability and washability.
How to Choose the Right Loft for Back Sleeping
Back sleepers typically need a medium loft, around 4 to 6 inches, to support the natural curve of the neck. A pillow that is too high can push the head forward, causing strain. Too low can lead to a flat neck. Adjustable pillows allow you to fine-tune the loft. Start with the fill as shipped, then remove or add small amounts. Test the pillow by lying on your back and having someone check if your head is aligned with your spine.
Fill Materials: Memory Foam vs. Down Alternative
Memory foam provides firm support and contours to the head and neck. Shredded memory foam is more adjustable and breathable than solid foam. Down alternative is softer and lighter but may compress over time. Some pillows blend both for a balance of support and comfort. Consider your preference for firmness and temperature. Memory foam tends to retain heat unless infused with cooling gel.
Maintenance and Durability
Most adjustable pillows have removable, washable covers. Some allow you to wash the fill as well, but check the label. Regular washing can extend the life of the pillow. Over time, shredded foam may break down and lose support. Fluffing the pillow daily can help maintain its shape. Replace the pillow when it no longer provides adequate support, typically every 1 to 2 years.
Questions people ask
What is the best adjustable pillow for back sleepers?
The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow is a top choice due to its customizable fill and supportive design. The Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate is also excellent for its dual-sided comfort.
How do I adjust the loft on an adjustable pillow?
Most adjustable pillows have a zipper on the cover. Unzip it and remove or add fill until you reach your desired height. Start with small changes and test the pillow.
Is a higher loft better for back sleepers?
Not necessarily. Back sleepers generally need a medium loft to maintain spinal alignment. A higher loft can push the head forward, causing neck strain.
Can I wash an adjustable pillow?
Yes, most adjustable pillows have removable covers that are machine washable. Some also allow washing the fill, but always check the care instructions.
What is the difference between shredded memory foam and solid memory foam?
Shredded memory foam is more adjustable and breathable, while solid memory foam offers more uniform support. Shredded foam can also be replaced or removed to change loft.
Are adjustable pillows good for neck pain?
They can be, because you can customize the loft to support your neck properly. Look for pillows with contoured shapes or adjustable fill to target neck pain.
How long do adjustable pillows last?
Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on the quality and how often you use them. Shredded foam may compress over time, so fluffing regularly helps.
Which is better for back sleepers: memory foam or down alternative?
Memory foam offers more support and contouring, which is often better for back sleepers. Down alternative is softer but may not provide enough support for some.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For back sleepers under the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow is the best overall due to its adjustability and comfort. The Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate offers great value with dual-sided support. For a budget option, the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra Luxury provides solid performance at a lower price.
