Pillows by Sleep Position
Best Pillows for Back Sleepers with Medium Loft
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow, Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud, and Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow lead for back sleepers. Each offers medium loft with distinct support and cooling. We compared fill, adjustability, and owner feedback.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best Overall
This pillow features a shredded memory foam and microfiber blend that you can add or remove to customize loft. The cover is made from bamboo-derived rayon and polyester, offering a cool sleep surface. Owners appreciate the adjustability and the included extra bag of fill.
Fill Shredded memory foam and microfiberAdjustable YesCover Bamboo rayon and polyesterDimensions 20 x 26 inches
- Customizable loft
- Cooling cover
- Machine washable
- May need frequent fluffing
- Some find it too firm initially
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for Pressure Relief
The TEMPUR-Cloud is made from TEMPUR material that conforms closely to your head and neck, providing even support. Its medium loft suits many back sleepers, and the soft feel reduces pressure points. Owners report good motion isolation and durability.
Fill TEMPUR materialLoft MediumCover Removable and washableDimensions 16 x 26 inches
- Excellent pressure relief
- Durable material
- Removable cover
- Retains heat
- Not adjustable
Best for: Best for Pressure Relief
Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Side Sleepers Who Occasionally Sleep on Back
This contoured pillow has a unique wave shape that supports the neck and shoulders, with a medium loft that works for back and side sleeping. The cotton cover is breathable and soft. Users like the balance of support and comfort.
Fill Polyester fiberShape ContouredCover CottonDimensions 26 x 16 inches
- Contoured support
- Breathable cotton cover
- Good for combination sleepers
- Not adjustable
- Spot clean only
Best for: Best for Side Sleepers Who Occasionally Sleep on Back
Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow Ultimate
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best Adjustable Alternative
The PlushComfort Ultimate has a zipper that lets you remove or add fill to achieve your ideal loft. Its microfiber fill is soft and supportive, and the cover is quilted for comfort. Owners appreciate the adjustability and the plush feel.
Fill MicrofiberAdjustable YesCover Quilted polyesterDimensions 20 x 26 inches
- Adjustable loft
- Soft and plush
- Machine washable cover
- May flatten over time
- Not as cooling as some
Best for: Best Adjustable Alternative
Brooklinen Down Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best Down Alternative
This pillow uses a down alternative fill that mimics the softness of down but is hypoallergenic. It has a medium loft that suits back sleepers who prefer a plush feel. The cotton sateen cover is smooth and breathable.
Fill Down alternativeLoft MediumCover Cotton sateenDimensions 20 x 26 inches
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft and plush
- Breathable cover
- May lack support for some
- Not adjustable
Best for: Best Down Alternative
Xeometric Pillow by Xtreme Comforts
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 Best for Neck Pain
The Xeometric pillow is filled with shredded memory foam and infused with cooling gel to regulate temperature. Its medium loft provides good neck support, and the adjustable fill allows customization. Owners with neck pain report relief.
Fill Shredded memory foam with gelAdjustable YesCover Bamboo rayonDimensions 20 x 26 inches
- Cooling gel infusion
- Adjustable fill
- Neck support
- Some find it too firm
- May have initial odor
Best for: Best for Neck Pain
MyPillow Classic Pillow
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best Budget Pick
The MyPillow Classic is made from patented interlocking fill that you can adjust by moving the fill inside. It comes in three lofts, with medium being a good fit for back sleepers. It is machine washable and dryer safe.
Fill Patented interlocking poly-foamLoft Medium availableCover CottonDimensions 26 x 20 inches
- Affordable
- Adjustable fill
- Machine washable
- Some find it too soft
- May need frequent fluffing
Best for: Best Budget Pick
What to Look for in a Medium Loft Pillow
Medium loft pillows typically measure 4 to 5 inches in height. This range suits back sleepers by keeping the head and neck aligned with the spine. Consider your body size; larger individuals may prefer a higher loft. Mattress firmness also affects how much loft you need. Softer mattresses may require a lower loft to avoid sinking. Look for adjustable pillows to fine-tune the height.
Fill Materials and Support
Memory foam conforms closely and offers pressure relief. Shredded foam is adjustable and breathable. Down alternatives are soft and hypoallergenic. Latex provides responsive support but is firmer. Each material affects temperature and durability. Consider your preference for softness versus support.
Cooling Features
Many pillows now include cooling gels, phase-change materials, or breathable covers. These help prevent heat buildup during the night. Bamboo rayon and cotton covers are naturally breathable. If you sleep hot, prioritize a pillow with active cooling. Some materials, like solid memory foam, retain more heat.
Adjustability and Maintenance
Adjustable pillows let you add or remove fill to customize loft. This is valuable if you change sleeping positions. Check if the cover is removable and washable. Some fills can be washed too. Follow care instructions to extend the pillow's life. A pillow protector can also help.
Questions people ask
What is medium loft for a pillow?
Medium loft usually means a pillow height of 4 to 5 inches. This suits back sleepers by supporting the natural curve of the neck. It works for many body types and mattress firmnesses.
How do I know if a pillow has medium loft?
Check the product specifications for height in inches. Many brands label pillows as low, medium, or high. If adjustable, you can set the loft yourself.
Can back sleepers use a high loft pillow?
High loft may push your head forward, straining the neck. It is better for side sleepers who need more space between the ear and shoulder. Back sleepers usually need medium or low loft.
Is an adjustable pillow worth it?
Adjustable pillows let you customize the loft to your exact preference. This is useful if you change positions or are unsure of your ideal height. They are slightly more expensive but offer flexibility.
What is the best fill for a back sleeper?
Memory foam and latex provide good support and contouring. Down alternatives are softer but may lack support. Shredded foam offers adjustability. Choose based on your comfort preference.
How often should I replace my pillow?
Most pillows last 1 to 2 years. Memory foam may last longer, while down alternatives flatten faster. If you wake with neck pain or the pillow loses shape, it is time to replace.
Can I wash my pillow?
Check the care label. Many pillows have removable, washable covers. Some fills, like shredded foam, can be washed. Down and memory foam often require spot cleaning.
What is the difference between medium and medium-firm?
Medium refers to loft, while firmness describes how hard the pillow feels. A medium-firm pillow has a medium loft but a firmer feel. This can provide more support for some sleepers.
Do I need a special pillow for neck pain?
A medium loft pillow that supports the neck curve can help. Contoured or memory foam pillows are often recommended. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent pain.
Is a cooling pillow worth it?
If you sleep hot, a cooling pillow can improve comfort. Look for gel infusions or breathable covers. They may cost more but can enhance sleep quality.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most back sleepers, the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow offers the best balance of support, adjustability, and cooling. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud is a great choice for pressure relief. Budget-conscious buyers can rely on the MyPillow Classic.
