Waking up with back pain day in and day out can be devastating and exhausting. Even though there are many causes of back pain, such as muscle strains, arthritis, soft-tissue injuries, and osteoporosis, one of the most common causes is using the wrong mattress and pillow. Our guide on the best pillow for back pain will introduce you to different types of pillows that will help reduce your back pain and prevent it from occurring in the future.
In order for you to get your hands on the most supportive pillow possible, there are several factors you should keep in mind, all of which we cover in our buying guide. On top of that, we’ve also included a FAQ section where we answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding pillows designed to help with back pain.
With that out of the way, let’s delve into our top overall recommendation.
| Pillow | Brand | Price | Type of Pillow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenfields Contour Memory Foam Pillow | Greenfields | £15 | Memory Foam |
| Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow Pack | Slumberdown | £13 | Microfibre |
| Putnam Memory Foam Pillow | Backcareonline | £73 | Memory Foam |
| Slumberdown CBD Infused White Pillow Pack | Slumberdown | £35 | Memory Foam |
| Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow | Panda | £45 | Memory Foam |
| Mediflow Water Base Orthopaedic Pillow | Health and Care UK | £35 | Water-based |
| Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic Pillow | Nature's Guest | £123 | Microfibre |
| Mystery&Melody Reading Pillow | Mystery&Melody | £25 | Cotton |
Topics
1. Greenfields Contour Memory Foam Pillow: Best Overall Pillow for Back Pain
If you don’t have any particular preferences in mind but you want to invest in an all-around supportive and pain-relieving pillow, we recommend the Greenfields Contour Memory Foam Pillow – our top choice for the best pillow for back pain.
Pros
- Provides pain relief
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
- Machine-washable
- Affordable
Not only does the Greenfields Contour Memory Foam Pillow provide back and neck pain relief, but it can also help reduce snoring and stress.
What makes this pillow so supportive is the Visco-Elastic Contour Memory Foam that cradles your entire upper body and helps you sleep better, as well as the amazing pressure-relieving benefits.
Additionally, the pillow is incredibly affordable – you can purchase it for only £15 and it comes with a complimentary pillowcase.
The pillowcase is both breathable and machine-washable, making the pillow suitable for year-round use and rather easy to maintain.
Another important feature of this pillow is that it’s suitable for all sleeping positions. Regardless of whether you prefer to sleep on your back or side, or you like to switch up your sleeping positions, you will benefit from its support.
Cons
Some customers found the pillow to be smaller in size than they expected, so make sure you read its full dimensions before purchasing.
2. Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow Pack: Best Breathable Pillow for Back Pain
Breathable pillows prevent the occurrence of night sweats and overheating during the summer. If this sounds like the type of pillow you need in your life and you also suffer from bad back pain, we highly recommend the Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow Pack.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Supreme temperature regulation
- Non-allergic and machine-washable
Made with a breathable Dacron filling, the Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow Pack will ensure that your sleeping environment remains sufficiently cool and dry when the temperatures rise. It’s a great option if you live in a hot climate or if you’re prone to night sweats.
On top of that, the pillow is declared as non-allergenic, meaning it doesn’t contain any materials that can potentially trigger allergic reactions.
This microfibre medium-firm pillow supports your head and aligns your spine simultaneously, which can significantly help prevent aches and pain in the upper body.
Additionally, it also encourages a healthy posture which is crucial for our health.
Another aspect we love is how affordable it is. A pack of two pillows will cost you £13, making the pillow extremely cost-effective.
The pillow is both machine-washable and tumble dry-safe, so cleaning it will take very little time and energy out of your day.
Cons
A couple of customers found the Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow Pack to be too thin for their liking.
3. Putnam Memory Foam Pillow: Best Pressure Relieving Pillow for Back Pain
Purchasing a pressure-relieving pillow will not only help you with your current back pain but it can also prevent pain and aches from other areas of the body. Our pick for the best pressure-relieving pillow for back pain is the Putnam Memory Foam Pillow.
Pros
- Recommended by chiropractors and osteopaths
- Provides support and pressure relief
- Two-year guarantee
This British-made pillow provides multifaceted pressure relief: it contains an ear recess that reduces the pressure in the ear for side sleepers and it also has a curved edge that reduces the pressure on your neck and shoulders.
The CosyPUR memory foam, combined with its ergonomic shape, provide support for your upper body and align your spine as you sleep. No more waking up with a stiff and painful neck or back; instead, you will wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Its contoured design also improves ventilation and makes the pillow breathable, making it a perfect option for everyone who lives in a hot climate.
On top of that, the pillow is recommended by chiropractors and osteopaths, so you can rest assured knowing your pillow is tried and tested by professionals.
Along with your purchase, you will receive a zipped, removable cover.
You will receive a two-year warranty with your purchase.
Cons
The Putnam Memory Foam Pillow is slightly more expensive than the average pillow.
4. Slumberdown CBD Infused White Pillow Pack: Best Pillow for Back Pain for Back and Side Sleepers
If you’re a back or side sleeper that tends to prefer medium-firm pillows, you will like our next recommendation. The Slumberdown CBD Infused White Pillow Pack is versatile and innovative, which is why we decided to choose it as one of our top recommendations.
Pros
- Infused with CBD oil, Aloe Vera, and lavender
- Perfect for back and side sleepers
- Non-allergenic
Being a medium-sized pillow that supports the back and aligns the spine, the Slumberdown CBD Infused White Pillow Pack is an ideal choice for back and side sleepers who are on the hunt for a comfortable pillow. It prevents both neck and back pain and stiffness, which is often a problem for back sleepers.
The complimentary cotton pillowcase is also infused with CBD oil, Aloe Vera, and lavender – the perfect blend to calm you down before going to bed and reduce your anxiety and stress levels.
In addition to all these benefits, the materials used in the pillow are non-allergenic, so the pillow is unlikely to be the cause of any allergic reactions.
The pillow is both machine-washable and dryer friendly, so you’ll have no problem with its maintenance.
You will receive two pillows for the price of £35, which is quite affordable.
Cons
A few sleepers found the Slumberdown CBD Infused White Pillow Pack to be too squishy for their liking.
5. Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow: Best Sustainable Pillow for Back Pain
Eliminating your back pain doesn’t have to come with an environmental cost. With the help of the Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a supportive pillow all the while being environmentally conscious.
Pros
- Incredible temperature regulation
- Eco-friendly
- Ten-year guarantee and a 30-night free trial
Made of bamboo, one of the most eco-friendly materials, the Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is the perfect choice for those who like to shop sustainably.
Additionally, bamboo is also naturally anti dust mite and hypoallergenic, which is always a plus.
Its tripe layer third generation memory foam provides an incredible amount of support for the upper body and helps align your spine and neck. Not only will this result in less pain and stiffness, but it will also help you have better posture.
Panda is known for its breathable pillows, and this bamboo pillow is no exception. The temperature regulating technology allows you to remain cool during the summer and cosy during the winter, so it’s a great year-round pillow.
Panda offer a ten-year guarantee and a 30-night free trial for every purchase.
Cons
Bamboo has a very peculiar smell that takes some getting used to but luckily the smell does dissipate from the pillow after a while.
6. Mediflow Water Base Orthopaedic Pillow: Most Innovative Pillow for Back Pain
Those who don’t shy away from trying new things and aren’t afraid of experimenting will like our next recommendation. The Mediflow Water Base Orthopaedic Pillow is a water-based pillow that offers innovative yet reliable support and pain relief.
Pros
- Improves sleep quality
- Helps with neck and back pain
- One-year warranty
Since the pillow is water-based, it seamlessly moulds to the shape of your upper body and cradles those sensitive areas. Expect to wake up refreshed and energized every morning.
The pillow is extremely easy to use – all you need to do is open the water pouch and fill it with water.
In addition, it’s even proven to help with conditions like snoring, concussion, and migraines.
Made of hypoallergenic fibre, the pillow is suitable for everyone who has a history of allergies or has sensitive skin.
On top of that, the pillow is suitable for all sleeping positions.
Keep in mind that it might take a few days for your neck to adjust to your new pillow.
Health and Care UK offer a one-year warranty for every purchase.
Cons
Some sleepers had trouble figuring out how much water they need in order to make the pillow comfortable.
7. Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic Pillow: Best Adjustable Pillow for Back Pain
Do you like to switch between different sleeping positions and prefer a variety of firmness levels? If so, the Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic Pillow might be for you.
Pros
- Great for all sleeping positions
- Hypoallergenic
- 30-night free trial
The Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic Pillow contains a dual zipper design that allows you to adjust the firmness levels of your pillow. This feature is extremely useful if you’re someone who doesn’t have a preferred sleeping position but likes to switch between multiple different types of positions.
One of our favourite features of this pillow is the contoured design that can reduce neck and back pain and helps keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
The gusseted edge design also contributes to the adjustability of the pillow, providing support for different types of sleepers.
In addition, the pillow is also breathable, all thanks to the premium microfibre filling.
Every pillow features a hypoallergenic cotton cover.
Nature’s Guest offer a 30-day free trial with your purchase.
Cons
The Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic Pillow is quite expensive.
8. Mystery&Melody Reading Pillow: Most Versatile Pillow for Back Pain
Whether you’re in the office, in your reading chair, or lounging on the sofa, the Mystery&Melody Reading Pillow will provide you with amazing support for your back and allow you to be comfortable in any position.
Pros
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Skin-friendly
The Mystery&Melody Reading Pillow is one of the most versatile pillows on the market, one that will help eliminate some causes of back pain such as poor posture while sleeping.
Even though it’s quite a sizable pillow, it will only cost you £25, which is quite affordable.
The pillow is made of skin-friendly materials, so even the youngest members of your family can enjoy its perks.
While the pillow is machine-washable, it’s not recommended that you iron, bleach, or dry-clean it.
Mystery&Melody offer a lifetime guarantee.
Cons
A few customers found the Mystery&Melody Reading Pillow to be shorter than they expected.
Buying Guide
As promised, now it’s time to go over some of the features you should look for in a pillow, as well as the factors you should consider before making a purchase.
Firmness Level
Just like mattresses, pillows have different firmness levels. While there isn’t a universal answer as to what kind of firmness you should opt for, it’s advised that you consider your preferred sleeping position before committing to a pillow. For instance, back sleepers tend to prefer medium-firm to firm pillows, front sleepers like soft to medium-firm pillows, while side sleepers get along with medium-firm and firm pillows. The right pillow for you is one that’s sufficiently supportive without being too soft.
Shape and Material
Most pillows designed to help with back pain have an orthopaedic or ergonomic design that soothes the upper body. One important feature to look for is pressure relief. Regardless of the shape you go for, always ensure that the pillow cradles the sensitive areas of your upper body such as your neck and shoulders.
Material-wise, there isn’t a one size fits all and every type of material comes with a different set of benefits and drawbacks. We recommend basing your decision regarding which pillow to purchase on the general qualities and features of the pillow.
Spine Alignment
Perhaps the most important feature of pillows designed to help with back pain is spine alignment. Not only does the shape of the pillow affect this, but so does the height. Choose a pillow with a height that aligns your head and neck perfectly in order to get the most benefits out of your pillow.
FAQs
What Is the Best Pillow for Back Pain?
We chose the Greenfields Contour Memory Foam Pillow as our top recommendation because it provides pain relief, is versatile, and is suitable for all sleeping positions.
What Firmness Is Best for Back Pillow?
It’s recommended that back sleepers and people who struggle with back pain choose a medium-firm to firm pillow in order to get enough support.
Can a Pillow Make Your Back Hurt?
Sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress is a common cause of back pain. If you suspect that your current pillow is causing you pain, we recommend investing in a new one that will provide sufficient support.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our guide on the best pillow for back pain!
Our top contender is the Greenfields Contour Memory Foam Pillow because it includes some amazing features, is affordable and quite versatile. Those who struggle with night sweats or live in a hot climate will benefit from purchasing the Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow Pack, whereas those in need of pressure relief should consider the Putnam Memory Foam Pillow. If you’re a side or back sleeper and you struggle to relax before you sleep, check out the Slumberdown CBD Infused White Pillow Pack.
In terms of sustainability, the Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is our top choice. We chose the Mediflow Water Base Orthopaedic Pillow as the most innovative pillow in our guide, while the Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic is one of the best adjustable pillows. Last but not least, consider the Mystery&Melody Reading Pillow if you want some versatility in your pillow.