A poor sleeping position or wrong posture when sitting can add pressure to certain body parts, especially on your back and neck. This, along with a poorly designed pillow, can cause back pain. Thankfully, the best pillows for back pain can support your body and reduce the pressure on your back. Using a back pillow with medium firmness and the right height and shape helps in proper alignment of the spine, thus reducing pressure on the neck and back. If you are new to choosing a pillow that helps alleviate back pain, read on as we have reviewed the best ones you can choose from.
10 Best Pillows For Back Pain
1. Beckham Luxury Linens Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
The rectangular back pillow from Beckham Luxury Linens blends comfort and elegance. It is made using a 250-thread count cover and filled with a generous amount of soft-down alternatives. The high-quality materials used in making the pillow ensure that it offers the right amount of firmness to cater to back, side, and stomach sleepers. Besides, its extra-loft and bounce-back design ensure you get good neck and back support, and the breathable material and cooling gel technology ensure you sleep comfortably. And what’s more, the cover is hypoallergenic and machine-washable. Pros
No-shift construction Plush-down like fill Silky sateen cover Stain-resistant Double-edge sewing design Suitable for all seasons
Cons
Filling may not be customizable Some may find the support insufficient
2. Epabo Contour Memory Foam Pillow
The contour memory foam pillow from Epabo has been ergonomically designed to support your head, back, neck, and shoulders, irrespective of whether you are a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or side sleeper. It is made using a blend of breathable memory foam and bamboo fiber that offers good air circulation and includes a silky soft pillowcase made of a hypoallergenic polyester and rayon blend. Besides, the pillow includes a removable piece of memory foam to let you adjust the height depending on your needs and comfort. Pros
Natural curve memory foam Reduces perspiration Hidden zipper Machine-washable cover Available in different sizes Chemical-free
Cons
Some may find the neck depression shallow May feel thin for side sleepers
3. Qutool Lumbar Support Pillow
If you spend hours on a chair or car daily, get your hands on this lumbar support pillow by Qutool. The pillow is ergonomically designed to contour the natural curve of the spine and help you maintain a healthy posture, thus reducing back pain. The pillow is made of premium high-density memory foam and has a hypoallergenic and washable 3D mesh cover that wicks moisture and promotes good air circulation. It also comes with adjustable straps to secure it tightly to your chair or car seat. Besides, the pillow is versatile enough to be used even as a maternity pillow or a wedge pillow. Pros
Two-way support Extension straps Ideal for all ages Suitable for all seasons Resistant to deformation Five-year warranty
Cons
May feel small for big body frames Seems thick for office chairs
4. Niceeday Lumbar Support Pillow For Office Chair
Here’s a lumbar support pillow with an ergonomic S-curve design to keep your back aligned, improve posture, and relieve back tightness. The pillow is made of premium memory foam that is fused with bamboo charcoal fiber for maximum elasticity and flexibility. Further, it comes with a washable and breathable 3D mesh cover that wicks moisture and sweat to keep you cool, thus making it suitable for use in all seasons. The pillow makes a suitable gift for those who sit for a long time and also comes with adjustable elastic straps to secure it to your chair, car seat, or wheelchair. Pros
Side pocket for mobile storage Built-in zipper Exquisite piping Non-slip design
Cons
May take up the seating area May seem small for tall body frames
5. Abco Tech Wedge Pillow For Sleeping
Abco Tech brings you this ergonomically designed pillow that offers good support and proper alignment to your head and back when sleeping, thus relieving lower back pain and neck pain. The versatile bed wedge pillow helps you get relief from breathing problems, post-surgery pain, throat pressure, and more, and can also be used as a recliner. The 12in pillow is made of premium and high-density polyurethane foam and includes a breathable and washable cover that is smooth and soft on your skin and offers a non-slip grip. Pros
Multipurpose pillow Firm foam base Keeps the body cool Easy to maintain Available in two sizes
Cons
Wedge might feel high for small body frames Pillowcase may pill over time
6. Pep Step Cooling Gel Lumbar Pillow For Sleeping
The cooling gel lumbar pillow for sleeping from Pep Step boasts a thickness of three inches, a soft lyocell fabric made of recyclable materials, and cooling gel memory foam that helps you sleep peacefully. It is ergonomically designed to relieve your strained back muscles and ligaments and keep your spine aligned. Besides, it is crafted to adapt to the curve of your spine when sleeping, regardless of your position. The pillow features a lyocell pillowcase that is removable, hypoallergenic, and machine-washable. Pros
Zero-pressure memory foam Helps reduce waist pressure Earth-friendly material Easy to maintain Works as a pregnancy pillow
Cons
May find the zipper flimsy Some may find it slightly high
7. Idle Hippo Lumbar Support Pillow For Sleeping
If you are searching for a pillow to relieve upper back pain and lower back pain, your search ends here. The Idle Hippo lumbar support pillow is ergonomically designed to contour your body and fit the waist snugly and comes with a detachable roundel to let you adjust the pillow’s height. Made using breathable 3D mesh fabric, the pillow provides good ventilation for a good night’s sleep. It is suitable for gifting and comes with an attractive zipper carry bag. Pros
26-degree curved design Soft and firm 3D air mesh filler Suitable for side and back sleeping Machine-washable
Cons
May not be convenient to adjust the height Some may find it small
8. PureComfort Curved Pillow
Made of CertiPUR-US-certified shredded memory foam, the PureComfort curved pillow weighs 3.5lb and has a curved gusset design to offer good support to your neck and back, promote proper alignment of the spine, and alleviate back pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain. You also have a provision to customize the thickness of the pillow by adding or removing the inner stuffing. The signature dual-sided cover is made of hypoallergenic and machine-washable Tencel fabric that offers good air circulation. Pros
Dust mite-resistant Easy to adjust Supports all sleeping positions Odorless foam Suitable for all seasons
Cons
May become hard over time Might require frequent fluffing
9. Restcloud Adjustable Lumbar Support Pillow
Restcloud’s adjustable lumbar support pillow has been ergonomically designed to support the lumbar region, relax your lower back muscle, and maintain a healthy spinal curvature. The pillow is made of CE-certified bamboo memory foam and features a removable pad to let you customize the pillow’s height based on your comfort. Further, it comes with a zippered pillowcase that is breathable and machine-washable. And thanks to its generous width of 23.6in, you do not have to worry about the position you sleep in. Pros
Soft and comfortable cover Easy to disassemble Soothing slope design Supports all sleeping positions Widely applicable
Cons
May seem smaller than expected Some may find the odor unpleasant
10. iCozyHome Lumbar Pillow For Sleeping
The lumbar support pillow from iCozyHome is ergonomically designed to relieve pain in your lower back, hip, knee, and leg joint and keep your spine in perfect alignment when sleeping. The pillow is made of 100% premium memory foam with a hollow perforated and honeycomb vent design for good air circulation. Besides, it features a breathable inner cover and a machine-washable pillowcase with an invisible zipper. The pillow is versatile enough to be used for all sleeping positions and can also be used as a leg, foot, or knee support pillow for the bed. Pros
Hypoallergenic Breathable pillowcase Easy to carry Relieves pressure on hip Soft and comfortable
Cons
Some may find it too firm Some may find the support inadequate
How To Choose The Right Pillow For Back Pain?
Keep the following factors in mind to choose the right pillow for back pain.
What Is The Best Sleeping Position To Reduce Back Pain?
As per Keck Medicine of USC, the best sleep position to alleviate back pain is on your back. And for best results, the medical center suggests you use an ergonomic pillow underneath your head or neck and place another underneath your knees. However, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor to know the best position for you. You may also sleep on the side with your legs straight or with a pillow placed between your legs. This position is beneficial if you often snore or have sleep apnea (1).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a product writer whose forte lies in covering household products. He leaves no stone unturned in recommending the best products to his readers by analyzing the features of several products. The best pillows for back pain he has listed here are ergonomically designed to contour the natural curve of your spine and are made of premium and safe materials. Wedetso has also included a buying guide to help you pick the right one.