spot_img
19.2 C
London
spot_img
HomeAI & Machine LearningBest Cushions for Up Sleepers, Tested by a Sleeping Expert

Best Cushions for Up Sleepers, Tested by a Sleeping Expert

Despite of your sleeping place, you need the proper equipment to get a restful night’s sleep. Nevertheless, getting a new mattress can be costly, so a friendly mattress might get a better choice. The best mattress for again sleepers strikes the right compromise between elevation and firmness. It should be friendly enough to maintain your neck and spine are appropriately aligned, but not so strong that it leaves you with a thick neck. I have tested over 25 cushions during my day as a CNET sleep specialist, and each mattress for this content was slept on for three times. Using years of experience testing sleeping products, I’ve compiled this list of the best mattresses for again sleeping.

The best general bed for again sleepers

Coop Eden Cool+ Pillow on a white bed

Caroline Igo/CNET

The best general bed for again sleepers is the Coop Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow. This pillow is adjustable (meaning you can add and remove the filling to your liking), and it’s made of high-quality, shredded memory foam that’s CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold Certified. It also keeps your neck and spine supported and aligned. Another perk of this pillow: It’s cool to the touch and great for hot sleepers. It also made our list of the best cooling pillows.

July 4th sale image
Best 4th of July Mattress Talks

We’ve rounded up the top July 4th Mattress deals from across the net so you can get the deepest deals without spending a lot of time searching.

Notice Then

What We Updated: July 2025

We added clear suggestions in each listicle. Products on this record stayed the same.

Best bed for again sleep

Editors ‘ alternative

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: You may have heard of the Coop Sleep Eden Pillow, as it often tops listings of the best mattresses. If you thought that bed was nice, let me tell you, it got even better. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the new edition of the Eden Pillow. It has a similar cool-to-the-touch support, but now it even has a heat-wicking inner coat, a gel level and crushed gel-infused memory foam, which is great for warm sleepers. The packing is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified. It comes with extra pouring, as well as an alternative to take out the filling. Create it as strong or smooth as you desire, as long as it isn’t to high.  

Who it is ideal for: This mattress is also customizable, making it ideal for those who aren’t convinced how soft or business they want their mattresses. I like that the storage foaming lets you drop a little into the bed, regardless of how many you fill it. Back sleepers may feel completely supported with this bed.  

Who does n’t find it: If you’re a back sleeper who enjoys heavy memory foam mattresses or firmer cushions that don’t allow for the mind to fall into the floor too much, this might not be for you.  

Pros:

  • Cool to the touch; wonderful for warm sleep
  • Flexible and hypoallergenic 
  • Removable, clean include

Cons:

  • Not for those who don’t like to drop a minor into pillows 
  • On the pricey area

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: Memory foam is great for back sleep who have chest pain because the foam did edges to the head and neck. The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Memory Foam Pillow in a small balcony is great for these up sleep. The pillow’s storage foaming is perforated, and the best is infused with metal. This healthy metal helps fight against cavity, allergens and dust mites. It’s around a platform strength.

Who it is ideal for: This Brooklyn Bedding mattress is also perfect for warm sleep, as the handle is cool to the touch and can be removed and washed. Furthermore, Brooklyn Bedding often has offers, so bargain hunters can usually get this cushion for under$ 99.    

Who really n’t obtain it: While the bed appeals to all sleeping opportunities, it may not be appropriate for thicker cushion fans. It’s on the thinner area.

Sleeping positions: Again, abdomen, side and combination

Pros:

  • Cool to the touch; wonderful for warm sleep
  • Great for blend sleep who switch to their up
  • Machine-washable include

Cons:

  • On the thinner part
  • Not for again sleeping who like a nobler mattress

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: If you’re a back sleeper who generally overheats at evening, the Bear Pillow is a great choice. It has a support that’s cool to the touch. Both edges of the bed have grid, allowing for more air. It’s also washable and resistant to mold, germs and dust mites. At its base, the Bear Pillow is made with a composite foaming, which I consider way between springy latex foam and slow-molding memory foam. Notice that you can’t wash the Bear Pillow support. Spot clean even, and apply a light, breathable pillow to feel the full results of the cool-to-the-touch protect.

Who it is ideal for: I think it’s right down the middle when it comes to strength and warmth– the perfect combination for again sleep who like comforters that aren’t very soft or too strong.

Who should n’t get it: Sleepers who prefer down pillows or movable filling may not like how unadjustable this pillow is.

Sleeping positions: Back and side

Pros:

  • Cool to the touch; wonderful for warm sleep
  • Hypoallergenic 
  • Not too soft, not too firm

Cons:

  • Not machine washable
  • On the pricey area

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: You might have heard of Purple and its unique honeycomb-patterned grid layer. This feature, found in all products including the Purple Harmony Pillow, is flexible, supportive and slightly moldable, like memory foam. The pillow also has a Talalay latex core that’s perforated for airflow. ( Talalay is a natural latex sourced from rubber trees. ) When you put your head down on this pillow, it feels light and slightly bouncy. My head never sank too far into the pillow. The machine-washable mesh cover is also slightly cool to the touch.  

Who it is best for: This pillow should support back sleepers and also back sleepers who may switch to their sides.

Who should n’t get it: The Purple Harmony Pillow will cost you around$ 200, so steer clear if you’re on a budget.  

Sleeping positions: Back and side

Pros:

  • Well-ventilated; great for hot sleepers
  • Bouncy feel keeps head from sinking in too far 
  • Soft, machine-washable cover

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Its unique latex grid isn’t for everyone

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: Whether you’re particular about the materials that go into your bedding, have allergies or want a pillow that’s both eco-conscious and all-natural, the Avocado Green Pillow could be for you. Made with shredded GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok and cotton, the pillow is nontoxic, holds the Made Safe seal and is certified vegan. The removable, washable cotton cover is quilted and has a zipper for easy adjustability. Remove or add filling to your liking.

Who it is best for: This pillow feels a little firmer than the other pillows on this list, but while lying on my back, I felt properly supported. I recommend this one for those who want a pillow to contour to their head and neck, but not as much as memory foam filling.  

Who should n’t get it: I found that this pillow can get a bit lumpy after a few nights. If you dislike constantly fluffing your pillows, you may want a sturdier pillow, such as the Bear.

Sleeping positions: Back and side

Pros:

Cons:

  • Requires frequent fluffing 
  • Not for people who want a softer pillow

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: A good down pillow is made of quality materials, with evenly distributed down clusters, and it should cushion the head without feeling lumpy. The Brooklinen Down Pillow checks all those boxes. It’s made of 100 % down clusters and feathers, and it’s covered with a cotton sateen shell. You can also choose your ideal support by opting for plush, mid-plush or firm. Spot-clean this pillow or dry-clean if needed.

Who it is best for: I recommend the mid-plush option, and I’d say it’s the best for back sleepers ( in fact, this option should suit most sleepers ). It’s optimal in terms of firmness and support, especially for those looking for a middle-of-the-road pillow.  

Who should n’t get it: I’m not the biggest fan of down fill, especially when the feathers poke out and scratch me. If you prefer down alternative or memory foam fill, skip this pillow.

Sleeping positions: Back, side, stomach and combination 

Pros:

  • Available in plush, mid-plush and firm
  • Soft and fluffy 
  • Great for all sleepers

Cons:

  • Not for people who are vegan or who have allergies 
  • Besides picking the loft, it isn’t adjustable
  • Requires daily fluffing

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: I felt very supported by the Casper Original. A more affordable version of the Avocado Green Pillow or other organic, all-natural pillows is a down alternative. These pillows are hypoallergenic and made without animal products while still being supportive and fluffy. The removable cover is washable, and the entire pillow can be machine-washed, as well. This pillow is made with a 100 % cotton cover and polyester filling.  

Who it is best for: Like foam, the pillow adapts to your head and returns to its original shape when you get up. I would describe the Casper Original pillow as very basic. The price is reasonable, it ’s versatile and does n’t require constant fluffing. If you want a pillow without any bells and whistles, this is for you.  

Who should n’t get it: If you alternate between your stomach and back, this pillow is not adjustable and can be too tall for stomach sleeping.

Sleeping positions: Back and side

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Fluffy and supportive 
  • Entire pillow is machine washable 

Cons:

  • Not for people who prefer solid foam pillows 
  • A little firmer than the other pillows on this list

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: Wedge pillows are great for supporting your back while you’re lying in bed working, scrolling on your phone or watching TV. These pillows may also help with snoring, nasal drainage, acid reflux and heartburn. You can also place a wedge pillow under your knees if you have lower back pain.

Who it is best for: I liked how the pillow propped me up and supported my head and neck, so I recommend this pillow for those who want to read in bed. It’s also recommended for snorers, those with colds and acid reflux.  

Who should n’t get it: Traditional pillow lovers will want to skip this one.

Sleeping positions: Back and side

Pros:

  • Great for working or watching TV in bed
  • Can be used when you’re sick or having symptoms of acid reflux 
  • Removable, clean include

Cons:

  • Takes up a lot of space ( it’s 24 by 24 by 10 inches )
  • Not for people looking for a traditional pillow

Looking for a new mattress? With this CNET-exclusive deal, you can take 27 % off Helix sitewide and get two free pillows with any mattress purchase. This is the biggest discount available– you won’t find it anywhere else. Use code CNET27 at checkout.

Caroline Igo/CNET

Why we like it: If you’re unsure about how supportive you want or need your pillow to be, finding an adjustable pillow is the right move. The Nolah Squishy Pillow is my favorite adjustable pillow for back sleepers. It’s made of cube-cut foam that’s super squishy, hence the name. My head sunk into the pillow a little, but I felt supported enough to sleep through the night. Its cover is soft, machine washable and made of Oeko-Tex-certified bamboo-blend fibers.  

Who it is best for: The best part is that one box comes with two queen-size pillows, so you get two for the price of one. This pillow is great for those on a budget. Nolah even has frequent deals, so look for sales where you can get these two pillows for$ 20 cheaper.      

Who should n’t get it: This pillow will allow your head to sink into the surface a little. If you enjoy pillows that have less give, I recommend the Purple or Bear pillows instead.  

Sleeping positions: Back and side

Pros:

  • Soft and comfortable 
  • Sold as a set of two queen pillows
  • Adjustable foam filling 

Cons:

  • Some sleepers might find it too lumpy
  • Not for those who don’t like to sink a little into pillows

Other pillows I tested for back sleepers

Although these pillows didn’t make my list, some have features worth noting. Here are my honorable mentions.

Caroline Igo/CNET

The Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is my favorite of the honorable mentions. It’s made with a hypoallergenic microfill and a cotton sateen shell. I tested the Down Alternative Pillow in a medium firmness but soft, side sleeper and firm options are also available. I’d consider both the medium and firm to be good for back sleepers, and the firm should work for people who don’t want to sink too far into their pillow.  

Although I loved the feel of this soft pillow, it does require frequent fluffing. As someone who isn’t a big fan of down filling, I liked how this down-alternative pillow felt different. This won’t be for someone who’s a fan of down or down alternatives that feel like the real thing.  

Caroline Igo/CNET

This hefty pillow from Saatva is made with shredded memory foam and latex foam core. It comes with a soft knit cover that you can remove and wash. Around the core is a graphite-infused memory foam that may help you sleep cooler by pulling the heat away from your head.

I found this pillow to be much better suited for side sleepers. Because it has a high loft of almost 6 inches, back sleepers might hurt their necks on this pillow. While you do sink a little into the material, the loft is still too high. Side sleepers, on the other hand, should find this pillow comfortable. It gave me great support between my head and shoulder.    

Caroline Igo/CNET

Slumber Cloud is known for its cooling bedding. Its UltraCool Comforter made our list of the  best cooling comforters. Its UltraCool Pillow is no different: cool to the touch and fluffy. Its down alternative filling is made of polyester fibers that won’t retain your body heat. For your firmness preferences, you can choose between soft/medium and medium/firm. The pillow itself isn’t adjustable.

For this review, I tested the medium/firm support, in consideration of back sleepers. I found this firmness level to be more medium than firm, which I was happy with. There isn’t as much support there as I found with other pillows on the list. This isn’t the pillow for back sleepers looking for more support.

Best pillows for back sleepers compared

Brand Price Size(s) Firmness Materials Machine washable? Hypoallergenic? Trial period
Coop Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow $139 Queen, king Adjustable Shredded memory foam Cover only Yes 100 nights
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Memory Foam Pillow $97 Queen, king Medium Memory foam Cover only Yes 30 days
Bear Pillow $88 Standard, king Medium Latex and memory “hybrid” foam No Yes 30 nights
Purple Harmony Pillow $199 Standard, king Medium Latex Cover only Yes 100 nights
Avocado Green Pillow $98 Standard, queen and king Medium Shredded latex and cotton Cover only Yes 100 days
Brooklinen Down Pillow $103 Standard, king Medium Down clusters and feathers No Not specified 365 days
Casper Original Pillow $65 Standard, king Medium Polyester fiber, down alternative Yes Not specified 30 nights
Helix Wedge Pillow $87 Standard Medium-firm Gel memory foam and poly foam Cover only Yes 100 nights
Nolah Squishy Pillow $89 Two queens Adjustable Shredded foam Cover only Not specified 30 days

How we tested the best pillow for back sleepers

A stack of pillows on the bed with a black dog sitting among them.

These pillows are human and pet tested and approved.

Caroline Igo/CNET

During my testing, I considered price, materials, feel, firmness, height and size. When I tried each pillow, I checked to see if my neck and spine were aligned to make sure the pillow was supportive enough for back sleepers.    

I’m a combination sleeper, meaning I often switch to sleeping on my side or my stomach. Although I’ve tested more than 25 pillows ( and another 10 for this article ), I thought it would be best to consult a more consistent back sleeper for a second opinion. My boyfriend, who’s a strict back sleeper, helped me test and pick these pillows. We both spent a few nights sleeping and lounging on them ( my dog included ). The pillows that made this list are truly the best of the best for back sleepers.  

Factors to consider when shopping for best pillows for back sleepers

Material

Look for pillows made with contouring foams like memory, poly and latex foam and other fill like down or down alternatives.

Loft

Back sleepers should find a pillow with a loft ( height ) that is not too high nor too low.

Firmness

Pillows that are not too firm nor too soft are perfect for back sleepers. Look for pillows that are right down the middle.

Price

A nice pillow can cost you anywhere from$ 50 to$ 100. Pillows with higher-quality materials may be over$ 150 or$ 200.

Trial period

You don’t have to commit to a pillow. Look at the trial period to see how long you have to test it out.

Medium-firm pillows tend to work best for back sleepers. Look for options made with foam ( memory, poly or latex ), down or a down alternative. Such options generally fall between thick and thin pillows, supporting the head and keeping the neck and spine aligned during the night.

A pillow that’s right between thick and thin is best if you sleep on your back. One that’s too thick may hurt your neck during the night, and one that’s too thin won’t give you enough support. When you lie down, make sure your spine is aligned when you rest your head on your pillow.  

A back sleeper should find a pillow that isn’t too soft or too firm. A pillow with medium firmness works best. Adjustable pillows are also great for back sleepers because you can add and remove filling to your liking. If you wake up with neck pain because you’re overextending your neck, remove some filling. Add more if you feel like you aren’t getting enough support.  

Experts recommend using a pillow, no matter how you sleep. If you sleep on your back, choose one that isn’t too thick or too thin. It should fill the space between your neck and the bed while also providing the right level of support.

spot_img

latest articles

explore more

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

en_USEnglish