Medium Firmness Down Pillows for Back Sleepers

If your primary sleep position is on your back you want a pillow that will support both your neck and your shoulders so your chin isn't being pushed into your chest you should look for a medium density down pillow. Once you allow the pillow to slip down to the nap of your neck or perhaps even under your shoulders your going to need to increase the density to compensate for the extra weight of your shoulders compressing the pillow.

If your primary sleep is position is on your back with only your head on the pillow the biggest potential problem is the pillow being to thick and elevating your head to the point where it pushes your chin into your chest. I think we can both agree that would not be comfortable. Fortunately, you will sink more "INTO" a down pillow soft cradling your head. The way to avoid that is to choose a soft or medium density down pillow so your chin is not pushed into your chest while lying on your back.

While sleeping on your back you find that your pillow has a tendency to slide down under your shoulders you should look for a higher density, or thicker pillow, to compensate for the extra weight of your body compressing the pillow. This will allow you spine to maintain a better alignment and reduce the stress on your neck due to the down within the pillow attempting to fill in the curvature of your neck between the top of your shoulders and the base of your head.

Given that you will sleep more "IN" this pillow while lying on your back it should allow your head to naturally compress the pillow in such a way as to relax your neck placing your spine at a better sleep angle. Snoring, however, is a serious issue. Choosing the right pillow density that helps keep your spine in alignment is important but factors like body size, your sleep conditions and your health can all contribute to snoring.

Choosing the right density pillow is critical to the quality of your sleep. However, back sleepers have some unique challenges that may actually be made worse with the use of a pillow. Typically we recommend a denser pillow, or thicker pillow, to support the head, neck and shoulders. However, not everyone has the same body type or perception of comfort. Something I have recommended on more than one occasion is sleeping without a pillow. If sleeping without a pillow improves the quality of your sleep and you wake more rested then you should sleep without a pillow.

As mentioned, choosing the right density or thickness when back sleeping is very important. The right density down pillow can properly align your head, neck and shoulders to alleviate pain and discomfort. However, if you have a tendency to rotate your head to one side or the other while back sleeping you may do more harm than good.

The best pillow for back sleepers is the one that allows your spine to be in alignment while you lay on your back. Factors to consider about your sleep style are the density of your mattress, the width of your shoulders and perhaps your body weight. Typically we recommend a medium to firm density down pillow for back sleepers. This allows you to maintain the proper spine angle regardless of how you position the pillow.