Best Pillow for Back Sleepers

Best Pillows for Back Sleepers

Sleep comprises one-third of a person’s life, using an optimal pillow for appropriate neck support to maintain cervical curve may contribute to improve quality of sleep. A 2014 study showed that pillow shape and content plays a crucial role in cervical curve, pillow temperature, and pillow comfort. A carefully chosen pillow will improve sleep quality by reducing neck strain, providing support and bring more comfort while sleeping(1).

Pillow Review by a Real Posture Expert – Dr. Paul Paez, DC

I’ve been helping people in healthcare for over 20+ years. I am a Nationally Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic with specialties in Posture Correction, Posture Neurology and Posture Ergonomics. This puts me in a unique position to review products as I draw from my advanced knowledge on how the body works and my experience of working with clients to find real solutions.

Choosing your Pillow

Not all pillows are created the same. Which is why I created a simple system for helping people find the perfect pillow for them.

Material – Allergies are a big problem for many of people. Companies across many industries including the pillow industry are recognizing this and are upgrading their material to be hypo-allergenic.

Shape and Size – Specifically for back sleepers the shape is very important for correct support of the neck while allowing the head to rest near the same level as the back. Pillow-makers will offer similar sizing as what you find in conventional pillows and I have found a close translation, which means whichever size you normally buy will be about the same for a pillow designed for a back sleeper.

Temperature – The cooler the material, the less the pillow retains heat the more comfortable your sleep will be. Researchers who tested pillows for their comfort and support found that pillows that held more heat resulted in greater complaints of unrestful sleep (1).

Pricing – The old adage, “you get what you pay for” holds true when it comes to picking the right pillow. Fortunately, the demand is high enough for an effective, quality product that prices reasonably. In fact, I recommend avoiding the cheap options, there just not worth it.

Dr Paul’s #1 choice for Best Pillow for Back Sleepers – TriCore

Pros

• Non-allergenic 100% virgin polyester fiber fill. Cover 50/50 cotton/polyester blend.
• The trapezoid-shaped center cradles the head and allows the built-in neck roll to firmly support the neck.
• Tri-Core Standard Size, Firm Support 24 in x16 in (61cm x 41cm)
• The Tri-Core standard size fits a standard pillowcase and the midsize and petite will leave some extra room.
• Find it on Amazon

Cons

• If you are allergic to polyester, this may not work for you. Other than that Tri-core is a leader in the pillow industry since 1988. This is why it’s my #1 pick.

Feature Highlights

• Made in the USA
• Two different width neck rolls on top and bottom provide a custom fit for different sized sleepers. The generous side lobes are taller for side sleeping, and help support the neck.
• Blended cotton cover is breathable and soft to the touch.
• High resiliency fiber
• Find on Amazon

Why Choose this Pillow

TriCore Pillows come from Core Products International and is widely recognized as “best in class” for cervical support and comfort. A neck pain sufferer and his doctor teamed up and designed the first TriCore pillows which are perfect for back sleepers. It meets all of the criteria for the ideal pillow receiving four thumbs up.

Dr Paul’s #2 choice for Best Pillow for Back Sleepers – Perform Pillow

Pros

• Cover: 56% Polyester/43% Bamboo
• Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)
• Kool-Flow™ Micro-Vented Bamboo Cover
• Pillow and Cover are Hypoallergenic and Dust Mite Resistant
• Priced at $79.95

Cons

• Only two supportive options

Feature Highlights

• Made in USA
• Machine Washable
• Removable cover
• Find on Amazon

Why Choose this Pillow

This is a great pillow designed by a chiropractor with over 20 years experience. With its’ contoured shape and special density foam, it is extremely comfortable, yet offers correct support exactly where you need it. Although it has many of the qualities I look for in a pillow for back sleepers it does lack options in sizing which puts it in a close second place.

Dr Paul’s #3 choice for Best Pillow for Back Sleepers – Marnur – Cervical Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Pillow

Pros

• Slow-rebound memory foam keeps the shape of the contour pillow
• 60% polyester and 40% Bamboo
• Unique design
• Price is $39.99

Cons

• Only one size

Feature Highlights

• Size is 23.5*14.5*5.5 inches
• Removable zippered pillowcase
• Find on Amazon

Why Choose this Pillow

This is a good pillow with an interesting design allowing for support if you  switch to side or stomach sleeping. Although lacking in sizing options it does the job.

Why be a Back Sleeper

The best sleeping posture is one that puts the body in the most supportive and relaxed position. Typically the more supportive sleep posture, the better quality sleep you will have. I find the back sleeper with the right pillow set up will give you the most support and still keep you in a natural relaxed body position.

References

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25008402