Pillows by Sleep Position
Best Memory Foam 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 Eden, the Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate, and the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam pillow lead. Each offers distinct support and cooling. We compared loft, firmness, and materials.
?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 Eden
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 best overall
The Eden pillow features a shredded memory foam fill that you can add or remove. This adjustability helps back sleepers find the perfect loft. Its bamboo-derived cover is soft and breathable.
Fill Shredded memory foamLoft AdjustableCover Bamboo-derived polyesterSize 20 x 15 x 5 inches
- Customizable loft
- Breathable cover
- Machine washable cover
- Requires fluffing
- May be too soft for some
Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best value
This pillow uses a proprietary foam blend that offers medium support. Its contour shape cradles the neck and head. The cover is soft and removable for washing.
Fill Memory foam blendLoft MediumCover Cotton blendSize 26 x 17 x 5 inches
- Good neck support
- Removable cover
- Durable construction
- Not adjustable
- May sleep warm
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best budget
This pillow is infused with cooling gel to help regulate temperature. Its medium-firm feel supports back sleepers without being too hard. The outer cover is soft and breathable.
Fill Gel-infused memory foamLoft Medium-firmCover PolyesterSize 25 x 16 x 5 inches
- Cooling gel
- Affordable price
- Medium-firm support
- Not adjustable
- May have initial odor
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra Luxury
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best for hot sleepers
This pillow uses a breathable bamboo cover and a shredded foam fill. The fill allows airflow, reducing heat buildup. Its adjustable loft suits back sleepers who change positions.
Fill Shredded memory foamLoft AdjustableCover Bamboo viscoseSize 20 x 15 x 5 inches
- Excellent airflow
- Adjustable fill
- Soft, breathable cover
- Requires fluffing
- May be too soft for heavy sleepers
Best for: best for hot sleepers
Xeometric Contour Memory Foam Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best for neck pain
This contoured pillow has a wave shape that supports the neck and head. Its medium-firm foam maintains alignment. The cover is removable and washable.
Fill Memory foamLoft Medium-firmCover CottonSize 24 x 15 x 5 inches
- Ergonomic contour
- Good neck support
- Washable cover
- Not adjustable
- May be too firm for some
Best for: best for neck pain
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best for side sleepers who switch
This pillow features a soft TEMPUR material that conforms closely. It offers a low loft, which suits back sleepers who also sleep on their side. The cover is soft and stretchy.
Fill TEMPUR materialLoft LowCover PolyesterSize 26 x 17 x 4 inches
- Soft conforming support
- Low loft
- Durable material
- Not adjustable
- Price may be higher
Best for: best for side sleepers who switch
MyPillow Premium
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 best for stomach sleepers
This pillow is designed with a low loft to keep the neck aligned for stomach sleepers. Its firm fill provides support without raising the head too much. The cover is soft and machine washable.
Fill Shredded foamLoft LowCover CottonSize 26 x 18 x 4 inches
- Low loft
- Firm support
- Machine washable cover
- May be too firm for some
- Not adjustable
Best for: best for stomach sleepers
We looked at loft, firmness, and materials. We also considered cooling features and adjustability. These factors matter most for proper spinal alignment.
What to look for in a memory foam pillow for back sleepers
Back sleepers need a pillow that maintains the natural curve of the neck. The ideal loft is usually between 4 and 6 inches. Firmness should be medium to medium-firm. Cooling features help if you sleep hot. Adjustable fill allows you to customize the height.
How to choose the right loft and firmness
Measure your shoulder width to estimate your ideal loft. A thicker shoulder often needs a higher loft. Firmness depends on personal comfort and weight. Heavier sleepers may prefer firmer support. Lighter sleepers might find softer more comfortable.
Cooling features and materials
Memory foam can trap heat. Gel infusions and breathable covers help. Shredded foam allows more airflow. Bamboo-derived covers are naturally breathable. Look for covers that are removable and washable.
Adjustable vs. fixed loft pillows
Adjustable pillows let you add or remove fill. This is useful if you are unsure of your ideal loft. Fixed loft pillows are simpler and often more affordable. They are consistent in feel but less customizable.
Questions people ask
What is the best memory foam pillow for back sleepers under?
The Coop Home Goods Eden is a top choice due to its adjustable loft and supportive fill. The Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate is also excellent for balanced support.
How thick should a memory foam pillow be for a back sleeper?
For back sleepers, a loft of 4 to 6 inches is typical. Your exact thickness depends on your body size and mattress firmness.
Is a firm or soft memory foam pillow better for back sleepers?
Most back sleepers do well with medium to medium-firm pillows. That firmness supports the neck without pushing the head too far forward.
Can a memory foam pillow help with neck pain?
Yes, a contoured memory foam pillow can support the neck and maintain alignment. The Xeometric Contour is designed for that purpose.
Do memory foam pillows sleep hot?
Some do, but many now include cooling gels or breathable covers. The Zinus Cooling Gel and Snuggle-Pedic are good options for hot sleepers.
What is the difference between shredded and solid memory foam?
Shredded foam is adjustable and allows more airflow. Solid foam provides more consistent support but may sleep warmer.
How long do memory foam pillows last?
With proper care, a quality memory foam pillow can last 2 to 3 years. Look for high-density foam and a durable cover.
Can I wash a memory foam pillow?
Most memory foam pillows have a removable, washable cover. The foam core itself should not be machine washed. Spot clean if needed.
What is the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers under?
Side sleepers may need a higher loft. The Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate offers medium support that works for many side sleepers.
Is a memory foam pillow worth it?
Yes, for many back sleepers, memory foam provides the support and pressure relief needed for a good night's sleep. Choose one with cooling features if you sleep hot.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most back sleepers, the Coop Home Goods Eden offers the best combination of adjustability and support. If you prefer a fixed loft, the Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate is a solid value. Consider your sleeping temperature and neck pain when choosing.