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Pillow that encourages back sleeping

21 replies

PillowPalava · 10/01/2025 21:10

Can anyone recommend a pillow that encourages back sleeping? I currently sleep in a weird twisted shape which smushes my face into my pillow and no doubt puts hideous pressure joints and things that could do without it.

I would prefer something breathable/made from natural fibres as I find memory foam and the like quite warm to sleep on.


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OP posts:
HouseFullOfChaos · 10/01/2025 21:13

It's memory foam so possibly not suitable but the groove pillow is amazing. My sleep has improved so much since I bought it a few months ago. Also, I no longer wake up in pain feeling like I spent the night being beaten up. Best £30 I've spent in a long time.

PillowPalava · 10/01/2025 21:15

HouseFullOfChaos · 10/01/2025 21:13

It's memory foam so possibly not suitable but the groove pillow is amazing. My sleep has improved so much since I bought it a few months ago. Also, I no longer wake up in pain feeling like I spent the night being beaten up. Best £30 I've spent in a long time.

Thanks. I'd prefer natural but I'm not even sure it exists. I will check out the groove!

OP posts:
Haaaaappyyynewyear · 10/01/2025 21:20

This won’t change your sleeping position but I have an organic silk pillowcase which is always cool and is also better for your skin and hair (I am a front sleeper so my face is squashed into the pillow and means less creases etc in my face!) It’s bliss.

KarmenPQZ · 10/01/2025 22:25

Watching for advise as I’ve been thinking I need to do this for a few years to help my back / hips / knees / general posture. But I just can’t change the habit and get to sleep in my front.

I did read that even with all the best face serums and anti aging potions the best thing you can do for face wrinkles is sleep on your back. But I still can’t change the habit of a lifetime of squishing my face into (an organic silk) pillow.

PillowPalava · 11/01/2025 05:46

KarmenPQZ · 10/01/2025 22:25

Watching for advise as I’ve been thinking I need to do this for a few years to help my back / hips / knees / general posture. But I just can’t change the habit and get to sleep in my front.

I did read that even with all the best face serums and anti aging potions the best thing you can do for face wrinkles is sleep on your back. But I still can’t change the habit of a lifetime of squishing my face into (an organic silk) pillow.

I read that putting a pulling under your knees can help....hasn't worked for me yet, but thought is pass it on in case if worked for you.

OP posts:
KarmenPQZ · 11/01/2025 09:23

Yup also tried but it doesn’t help me either. Or rather it does and I feel comfy. But I still can’t sleep

allhailtheeyeballsinthesky · 11/01/2025 13:46

I’ve broken my elbow so now can only sleep on my back until it heals in 6 to 8 weeks,but I can’t recommend it,and it definitely isn’t doing anything for the wrinkles

CharlotteStreetW1 · 11/01/2025 14:42

Sew a tennis ball onto the front of your PJs. Only half joking.

PillowPalava · 11/01/2025 18:36

CharlotteStreetW1 · 11/01/2025 14:42

Sew a tennis ball onto the front of your PJs. Only half joking.

I nay have to resort to this! 😂

OP posts:
GreyBlackBay · 11/01/2025 19:41

You're absolutely right for both joints and skin. I used to sleep on my front till pregnant then midwife said sleep on left to get baby into position. I did that for the next 15 years and now my left hip feels out of place and I had a single '11' groove on the left side.

Been trying to sleep on my back for about a year now, wrinkle is much improved and hip is better when I'm consistent.

I can't find a pillow either. I think a shaped memory foam is probably the way to go.

LionRumpus · 11/01/2025 20:18

KarmenPQZ · 10/01/2025 22:25

Watching for advise as I’ve been thinking I need to do this for a few years to help my back / hips / knees / general posture. But I just can’t change the habit and get to sleep in my front.

I did read that even with all the best face serums and anti aging potions the best thing you can do for face wrinkles is sleep on your back. But I still can’t change the habit of a lifetime of squishing my face into (an organic silk) pillow.

I've got one like this which can be helpful to put between your knees.

LIVIVO Comfortable Memory Foam Leg Knee Pillow Orthopaedic Reduce Sciatica Pain Relief Therapy Back Hip and Joint Pregnancy Cushion Support With Washable Cover & Elastic Strap For Side Sleepers https://amzn.eu/d/gDcCVJi

LIVIVO Comfortable Memory Foam Leg Knee Pillow Orthopaedic Reduce Sciatica Pain Relief Therapy Back Hip and Joint Pregnancy Cushion Support With Washable Cover & Elastic Strap For Side Sleepers : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen

Great prices on your favourite Home brands, and free delivery on eligible orders.

https://amzn.eu/d/gDcCVJi?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-style-and-beauty-5249513-pillow-that-encourages-back-sleeping

PillowPalava · 11/01/2025 20:42

LionRumpus · 11/01/2025 20:18

I've got one like this which can be helpful to put between your knees.

LIVIVO Comfortable Memory Foam Leg Knee Pillow Orthopaedic Reduce Sciatica Pain Relief Therapy Back Hip and Joint Pregnancy Cushion Support With Washable Cover & Elastic Strap For Side Sleepers https://amzn.eu/d/gDcCVJi

I think this would be useful for side sleepers, but wouldn't take care of the face smushed into the pillow issue.

It's also not straight on my side that I sleep. It's kind of on my front but with one knee and arm bent out so I'm twisted over to one side too.

OP posts:
Haaaaappyyynewyear · 11/01/2025 20:50

I’ve slept on my front for as long as I can remember (apart from when I’ve been unable to in later pregnancy). I just find it so comfy and just don’t see me stopping! I do however have a pillow under my hip/knees which helps I think keep a slightly straighter spine.

KimWexlerGoodman · 11/01/2025 20:52

I’ve tried a 2 very expensive pillows over the last couple of years in trying to do exactly this, no luck yet, they work for a little while but I think it’s a mental comfort thing for me sleeping on my front. Pillow under the knees is very comfortable but I get hot. I do however try and even out sleeping on both sides of my face to at least make the wrinkles even!

ThePoshUns · 11/01/2025 21:04

I've got an ikea pillow that's shaped for back and side sleeping.
I normally sleep on my side but it's causing hip pain so trying to stay on my back.
I've found a pillow under my knees has stopped me turning and stay on my back all night.
I only have one pillow under my head as well.

LionRumpus · 11/01/2025 22:13

PillowPalava · 11/01/2025 20:42

I think this would be useful for side sleepers, but wouldn't take care of the face smushed into the pillow issue.

It's also not straight on my side that I sleep. It's kind of on my front but with one knee and arm bent out so I'm twisted over to one side too.

Yeah I sleep similarly. I've got one knee almost up to my head the way I'm scrunched up.

I have no ideas how to fix that though. I'd love to because I've got bursitis in my hips and it's a nuisance to have to sleep on them

KarmenPQZ · 12/01/2025 09:33

@KimWexlerGoodman i think you’re right it’s just the mental association with comfort built from years and years of front/side sleeping. No idea how to break it but I will need to eventually as I can’t imagine I’ll be sleeping on my side as an 80 year old. So best to break it now and get the anti wrinkle benefit 😂

I had an epiphany last night that I will just decide to do it. It didn’t work surprisingly! I’m wondering if a weighted blanket would help give a bit more ‘comfort’ factor.

also don’t want to end up spending a fortune on aids to find none work. Maybe hypnotherapy 🤔

Zinglenibber · 12/01/2025 10:50

Joan Collins has said in a few interviews that she trained herself to sleep on her back to avoid a scrunchy face. The interviews never said how she did it but perhaps someone with better internet search skills than me could turn something up?

Fluffywabbits · 12/01/2025 11:06

I have switched to back sleeping from front sleeping in the last year or so - more by necessity than desire due to a back injury.

I found starting out on my back with 2-3 pillows under my knees and a relatively flat pillow behind my head helped make the shift. After I got used to falling asleep like that I reduced the number of pillows under my knees to 1.

I sometimes switch to side sleeping during the night now but keep a pillow between my knees when doing so.

ThePoshUns · 12/01/2025 17:34

That's interesting @Fluffywabbits I said up thread that I'm finding a pillow under my knees is keeping me on my back all night and one pillow under my head.

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