Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
Solid TEMPUR Material (viscoelastic foam)
Updated October 2026
Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a pillow that fills the natural cervical curve without pushing the head forward. These 6 score best in our research ratings for back-sleeping support.
Compare the top picks and current prices
Start with the fit and construction, then check the retailer's current price and return terms. Shopping links may earn Sleep Sage a commission at no additional cost to you.
Technogel
Technogel Contour Pillow
Technogel® Water-Based Gel + Memory Foam Core
Purple
Purple Harmony Pillow
Hyper-Elastic Polymer GelFlex Grid + Talalay Latex Core
Key Lab Findings
- Medium
- Back sleepers usually need less loft than side sleepers and more than stomach sleepers
- Source: Sleep Sage editorial analysis
- Contour
- A gentle contour is a preference feature, not a medical treatment
- Source: Sleep Sage editorial analysis
- Adjustable
- Removable fill can help tune height after purchase
- Source: Sleep Sage editorial analysis
What Back Sleepers Need from a Pillow
Medium Loft (3–5")
Back sleepers need just enough loft to fill the cervical curve without pushing the chin toward the chest
Prevents forward head postureCervical Contouring
A slight bump or contour at the bottom of the pillow supports the natural curve of your neck
Reduces tension headachesStable Surface
Back sleepers don't move much; you need a pillow that holds its shape, not one that flattens overnight
Consistent support 7+ hoursShopping note: If you wake up with a sore lower jaw or tension headaches, your pillow is too tall — it's pushing your head forward and jamming your TMJ. Try a thinner pillow or remove some fill from your adjustable pillow.
#1
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
Ergonomic contour design engineered for cervical alignment
9.2/10
Solid TEMPUR Material (viscoelastic foam)
Research evaluation — full lab score pending
9.1
Comfort
9.6
Support
Firm (7/10)
Firmness
Three sizes for personalized loft fitSolid TEMPUR foam doesn't flatten over timeCervical contour shape supports natural neck curve
$119$139
#2
Technogel Contour Pillow
Curved neck support with signature gel cooling
9/10
Technogel® Water-Based Gel + Memory Foam Core
Research evaluation — full lab score pending
9
Comfort
9.3
Support
Medium
Firmness
Specially contoured curve for neck supportAvailable in thin, medium, and thick profilesSignature Technogel® cooling
$190$239
#3
9.3/10
Hyper-Elastic Polymer GelFlex Grid + Talalay Latex Core
Research evaluation — full lab score pending
9.4
Comfort
9.5
Support
Medium (Standard) / Medium-Firm (Tall)
Firmness
Exceptional cooling from GelFlex GridNo pressure points - grid adapts instantlyTalalay latex core for durable support
$159$199
#4
9/10
Shredded Talalay Latex
Research evaluation — full lab score pending
9.2
Comfort
9
Support
Medium (adjustable)
Firmness
Talalay latex is bouncy and breathableAdjustable loft — remove fill to customize365-night trial matches their mattresses
$165$195
#5
Best Value Adjustable
Marlow Pillow
Adjustable hybrid memory foam pillow with cooling mesh side panels
9/10
Shredded memory foam + polyester microfiber blend
Research evaluation — full lab score pending
9.1
Comfort
9
Support
Adjustable (Medium)
Firmness
365-night trial — best in classSignificantly cheaper than Coop OriginalCooling mesh gusset for hot sleepers
$65$75
#6
9.1/10
Low-friction silky fibers
Research evaluation — full lab score pending
9.3
Comfort
9
Support
Medium
Firmness
Pillow-in-pillow designAnti-clump fiber fillBreathable percale cotton cover
$89$109
Another take on this topic
Our partner site also evaluates back-sleeper pillows for cervical curve support and snoring reduction. It's a good cross-reference if you split time between your back and side.
Check Mr. Squish's back-sleeper pillow guideFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best pillow loft for back sleepers?
3–5 inches. The pillow should fill the gap between the back of your head and your upper back without tilting your chin toward your chest. A small cervical contour at the bottom helps preserve your neck's natural C-curve.
Are contour pillows good for back sleepers?
Yes — they're often ideal. A contour shape supports the cervical curve while keeping the head in neutral alignment. The TEMPUR-Neck and Technogel Contour both excelled in our back-sleeper trial.
Can a pillow reduce snoring for back sleepers?
Yes, modestly. Slight elevation (about 4 inches) keeps the airway more open than lying flat.
Should back sleepers use a knee pillow?
Yes — a small pillow under the knees flattens the lumbar spine against the mattress and significantly reduces lower-back pressure. This is the single highest-impact addition for back sleepers with morning lower-back stiffness.
Looking wider than best pillows for back sleepers? Browse all pillow reviews to compare every pillow we have reviewed on loft, fill, cooling and price.