The best pillow for back pain

If you are a back sleeper, finding the best pillow for back pain that supports your neck, back or shoulder pain can be difficult. A firm pillow which can be classed as a rock or a loose pillow that provides no support, is neither ideal for a decent night’s sleep. If you find yourself with a pillow that doesn't provide enough support, it isn’t uncommon to experience myriad aches and pains in various parts of your body. Therefore, it is vital to choose the best pillow based on the way you sleep. There’s only one kind of pillow solution, and you can read all the fluff right here…

Just to note, if you do experience a lot of back pain, then as long as you have the right pillow, sleeping on your back will be the best in evenly distributing your weight. This puts less strain on your pressure points. The general rule of thumb is that a side sleeper's pillow should come with firm support. Whereas back sleepers should go for a pillow with medium support, and a front sleepers' pillow should be soft. Then there are sleepers who tend to be a combination.

Best pillow for back pain at a glance:

• Best pillow for back sleepers: Emma Original Pillow - View on Emma Sleep
• Best orthopaedic pillow for back pain: Orthopaedic V-Shaped Pillow - View on Amazon UK
• Anti-allergy pillows for back pain: Slumberdown Anti Allergy Pillows, for Back Relief - View on Amazon UK
• Budget back sleeper pillow: Snuggledown Back Sleeper Pillow - View on Amazon UK

Whatever you may be, ensure you buy something that gives proper alignment (side sleepers) or prevents your neck or shoulders from tilting in awkward positions (back sleepers) while in a deep sleep. If you also find yourself waking up with neck pain regularly, make sure you check out our guide to the best pillows for neck pain too.

In addition to selecting the best pillow for back pain, it might be worth reassessing your mattress or mattress topper to make sure it’s providing enough support. From soft pillow rolls to custom-fit memory foam pillows, here are the top pillow recommendations for back sleepers. There are even antisnore pillows, which feel revolutionary. Slip away in comfort...

Best pillows for back pain

FAQs

How to choose the best pillow for back pain

There are a few main factors to consider when selecting the best pillow for back pain. For those that often suffer from back pain. Chances are - you may need special, orthopaedic pillow support.

Firmness: ensure your pillow provides medium-firm support

Loft: ensure the height and the type of fill is medium to high for full comfort. Perhaps go for an adjustable loft if you are a combination sleeper and move between the positions

Shape: keep in mind that some pillow fills such as latex and solid foam keep their shape better and require less maintenance than others

Size: pillow sizes do range, but the two most common pillow sizes include a standard (20 x 26 inches) and a king (20 x 36 inches)

Quality: invest in a pillow with high-quality materials, especially the pillow’s cover and fill to ensure durability

Reviews: a great indication of a pillow’s performance is to look at its customer reviews

Where to put a pillow for back pain?

Small knee pillows are also another effective tool in minimizing back, neck and shoulder pain with back and side sleepers. Simply place the pillow under your knees if you are a back sleeper or between your knees if you are a side sleeper. This will secure your hip joints and ensure a natural curvature of the spine.

Emily Farquar writes commercial and branded content across the full range of Bauer brands like What’s The Best, Yours, Heat, Closer, Mother & Baby and Grazia.

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