7 of the best thin pillows—because they’re harder to find than might you think

Your choice of pillow can make or break a good night’s sleep and thin pillows can be a great choice for avoiding back and neck pain. Thin pillows allow proper spinal alignment, without being propped up too far above the mattress—a position that can be uncomfortable for some.

Good-quality thin pillows can also reduce pressure on your neck, and prevent aches and pains during your night's sleep. With a thin pillow, you can maintain a straight spinal position, which can help with aches and pains. But for fans of the thin pillow, finding the right one can be hard. There are often far fewer choices, with most retailers favoring plumper pillows.

Luckily we’ve done the heavy lifting and sought out the best thin pillows on the market. If you do prefer a fluffy, thick pillow for a cozy night's sleep, we also have a brilliant selection of both thick and thin pillows in our expertly curated guide to the best pillows overall. 

Why are thin pillows beneficial for some sleepers?

Every sleeper needs a different type of pillow. Side sleepers will need more support—perhaps even two pillows, but if you prefer to sleep on your front or back, a thin pillow can provide the correct alignment, which means your shoulders and your spin are in the same alignment as if you were stood upright with the correct posture. 

Thin pillows are especially beneficial for front sleepers. Hayley Chaytor, a spokesperson at Silentnight, said, “Thin pillows are recommended for front sleepers as this sleep position requires very little support. They also have an advantage as they can be stacked to match the individual’s exact height preference when it comes to their sleep.” 

The best thin pillows to buy as chosen by experts

Pancake Pillow's Adjustable Layer Pillow strives to meet the needs of all sleepers. If you've yet to find your ideal height, this customizable solution may be perfect for you. Each of its six layers is removable, allowing you to experiment until you find your favorite stack of 'pancakes'. This flexibility makes it one of the best pillows for neck pain. 

No matter how thin you choose to go, the puff gel microfibre filling guarantees your head will have a soft place to land. If you like your thin pillow to still be fluffy and comfortable, like the best hotel pillows, this is a great option. 

Overall, the Pancake Pillow can take the stress out of buying online—they boast that it's impossible to accidentally buy the wrong size, as you can adjust the pillow to your preference. 

• Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow at Amazon for £49.59

Bluewave Bedding is a great company if you're after a flatter pillow. With sizes such as Slim, Super Slim, and Hyper Slim, they are well aware that thin pillows can often be preferred for sleepers who don't want to sleep too high up in bed. 

Their thinnest option, the Ultra Slim pillow, comes in at just two-and-a-half inches tall, but still boasts a soothing gel filling and the rounded edges of traditional pillow shapes. Not only can this design accommodate your thin-pillow needs, but it's also said to help reduce snoring and back pain. Customers raved that this pillow is a great option for stomach sleepers and for those who sleep with their arms under their heads.

Bluewave has made sure to counteract the heating effects some memory foam can have by adding temperature-regulating gel particles into the material—making it one of the best cooling pillows on this list, too.

The deep contour of Nature’s Guest's cervical pillow allows for a thin feel while still providing adequate back, shoulder, and neck support. 

And as with the Pancake Pillow, you are put in control of your comfort. The filling of this pillow can be tailored to your preferences in every section, allowing you to choose your ideal level of height, squish and support. The microfibre stuffing is also designed to promote healthy airflow and provide users with a more restful sleeping experience. 

This SUQ I OME Slim Sleeper Pillow is thin, at a maximum of 6cm in height on one of the curved edges, but has a dip in the middle to allow your head to lie flat while you sleep. A curved pillow can reduce pressure on the neck and shoulders, and can help to prevent you from waking up with pain in these areas.

Handily, this pillow also has a removable inner cover for easy washing and is made of memory foam, which will help to shape the pillow to your body. However, this thin pillow option doesn't have cooling properties to counteract the heating effect memory foam can have, so it may not be the right pick for those who get warm in bed. 

Customers who have bought the pillow have praised its firmness and support, with many explaining that they've felt the benefit all the way from their neck down through their spine. 

• SUQ I OME Slim Sleeper at Amazon for $32.99

Blissbury works to guarantee that you'll have the perfect pillow no matter where you go. Their super-thin Stomach and Back Sleeping Pillow is also one of the best travel pillows, not just because of its size, but because it has a handy little carrying case too, and bends easily to fit into it.

This slim sleeper is just a couple of inches of gel and memory foam. The filling is equipped with small ventilation holes that help to regulate body temperature as you sleep. On top of that, its cover is made with bamboo and polyester. These natural materials help to reduce moisture and create a cool sleeping experience

However it's worth noting that this is one of the thinnest pillows on our list, so may not be the right pick for you. 

• Blissbury Stomach and Back Sleeping Pillow at Blissbury for $39.99

Belly Sleep's signature Belly Sleeper Pillow is award-winning and—you guessed it—super thin! You won't have to worry about the two-and-a-half inches of memory foam getting too warm at night, either. The filling is infused with cooling gel to keep you comfortable.

As the name would suggest, this pillow is specially designed for those who like to sleep on their stomach. This position can often cause spinal stress for those using pillows not intended for stomach use. Belly Sleep prioritizes even neck and spine alignment to ensure that you wake up rested and pain-free. The Belly Sleeper Pillow also has a removable cover to ensure an easy washing routine. 

• The Belly Sleeper Pillow at Belly Sleep for $49.99

The Lavender Bliss Memory Foam Pillow is more of a stratus cloud and is packed with specially designed memory foam. It aims to eliminate tension in the shoulders, neck, and back. 

That’s not the only way this pillow aims to soothe, however. It is also lightly scented with lavender oil, which is known for its sleeping aid benefits. The subtle hint is not overwhelming and is also designed not to fade over time, to allow for the perfect descent into a peaceful sleep. 

With thanks to Hayley Chaytor, spokesperson at Silentnight, for her time and expertise.