Pillows aren’t just for the head and neck. Body pillows can provide targeted support for your personal problem areas (from the neck down) that mattresses and regular pillows just can’t. The best body pillows, therefore, are pliable enough to shape however you need while still providing plenty of support. Our top pick, the Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow, lives up to its name with a plush, shredded memory foam fill that can be shaped and reshaped endlessly without going flat.
The purpose of a body pillow, according to Dr. Nathan Holley, D.C., a chiropractor with years of clinical experience, is “to help patients maintain proper spinal alignment while sleeping.” Proper spinal alignment during sleep can help you feel more rested and less sore. Below, along with our best overall pick, we included a wide selection of other body pillows to meet a variety of needs based on pillow shape, pain points and materials.
Material: Shredded memory foam | Features: Cooling technology, eco-friendly, machine-washable | Size and weight: 20 x 54 inches, 7.65 pounds
Pros:
Cooling bamboo cover
Made with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
Cons:
Cover isn’t removable
Difficult to wash due to its size
Designed in collaboration with a chiropractor, the Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Pillow is made to cater to everyone, from pregnant people to those who appreciate just a little more support to people who suffer from hip, lower back or leg pain. It’s made with CertiPUR-US certified shredded memory foam, so it’s been tested for harmful chemicals and met technical standards on both emissions and durability. It’s also GreenGuard Gold certified, which means it’s non-toxic, eco-friendly and resistant to dust mites.
Reviewers love the breathable bamboo cover on this pillow. Like the filling, it tends to stay cool even on balmy nights. Though the cover itself isn’t removable, you can throw the entire pillow right into the washing machine whenever it needs to be cleaned. Overall, we think the Snuggle-Pedic is a great, versatile body pillow for most people.
What the reviews say: A return customer writes, “I ended up buying a second pillow because my husband claimed the first one as a back support for when he's sitting up in bed. We're happy with our two pillows and I definitely recommend them if you need a big, hefty body pillow.” Another adds the large design is “perfect for cuddling or supporting your body” and that “it is also extremely comfortable.”
Best Value Body Pillow
Allergy-Free Option Made With Recyclable Materials
Buffy Cloud Body Pillow
Material: Cotton lyocell shell with down alternative fill | Features: Allergy-free, recycled and sustainable material, 7-night free trial | Size and weight: 20 x 54 inches, 5 pounds
Pros:
A high-quality pick at an affordable price
Made with hypoallergenic materials
Cons:
Soft fill may not be supportive enough for all sleepers
Cover isn’t removable
Worry-free cuddling is possible with this allergy-free Cloud Body Pillow, stuffed with 100% GRS-certified, BPA-free, recycled PET fill. This means the synthetic down upholstery is not only hypoallergenic but is also certified for its recycled material. According to Buffy, each pillow recycles about 73 plastic bottles. Whether you’re a side, stomach or back sleeper or require additional support during pregnancy, this body pillow provides pro-planet plushness to help you sleep better.
Thanks to the 7-night trial that lets you try it out for free, you also don’t have to worry about being stuck with a pillow you don’t absolutely love. On top of that, there is also a 50-night return policy. The shell is made with Tencel lyocell fibers derived from sustainable wood sources and contains no essential oils. This makes it safe for pets, kids or anyone with sensitive skin. Plus, the shell is designed to absorb moisture and keep you cool and dry all night.
What the reviews say: One self-described stomach sleeper writes, “I've never had a pillow quite like this Buffy pillow—it is so buoyant. The fill is somehow squishy and fluffy at the same time. I use the pillow to ‘fake’ sleep on my stomach by draping myself over it and sleeping more on my side. Or I sleep directly on top of it, allowing my neck to curve naturally down instead of being forced to crick up. So far, so good, and my [pain] issues are significantly reduced.”
Best Body Pillow For Pregnancy
Extra-Long For Tailored Support
Bearaby Cuddler Body Pillow
Material: Cotton shell with Melofoam fill | Features: Extra-long, ergonomic, GOTS-certified 100% organic | Size and weight: 8 x 75 inches, 8.8 pounds
Pros:
Extra-long to provide front and back support
Space-saving cylindrical shape
Removable cover
Cons:
Significantly more expensive than most other body pillows
Added length and weight may make it cumbersome
With its extra-long design, the Bearaby Cuddler solves the problem of losing your support when you turn over or having your pillow fall off the bed. Since it wraps around your front and back and contains squishy Melofoam filling, this body pillow is always within reach and designed to support a pregnant belly, relieve pressure and help you sleep soundly. The plant-based rubber foam is made by tapping sap from organic trees and collecting it in coconuts for an entirely natural process, according to the brand.
The insert is encased in a GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton cover that is also OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified, so you know it’s safe for the entire family and the environment. The brand also ensures that it never uses harmful chemicals or pesticides when growing materials or making products—adding that the entire Cuddler Body Pillow is fully biodegradable. To match your decor scheme or make it convenient to clean, you can pick up additional cooling zip-on covers in several styles.
What the reviews say: “Having slept with this every night since I got it, I can tell you it was worth the money for me,” says one customer. “No matter what side I wake up on, the Cuddler is with me, meaning I take it with me when I turn in my sleep. Not only is it great for hugging, it's long enough to offer support through my knees and ankles. It's also long enough to support my back, wrap around my neck and hug—for the best naps I've had in a while. It is truly a versatile pillow that can be used in so many different ways.”
Best Body Pillow For Side Sleepers
Like Your Very Own Cuddle Buddy
Coop Home Goods Original Body Pillow
Material: Shredded memory foam and microfiber fill | Features: Adjustable fill, eco-friendly, machine-washable, removable cover | Size and weight: 20 x 54 inches, 8.75 pounds
Pros:
Adjustable firmness level
GreenGuard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified
Cons:
Heavier than other body pillows of the same size
Rectangular shape may take up too much space in a shared bed
The Coop Home Goods Original Body Pillow was designed so that side sleepers could cuddle all night long (and keep their legs and back supported in the process). It was intentionally made longer and wider than your average body pillow to support you no matter your height or weight.
The rectangular shape is already an effective option for side sleepers, but this pillow is particularly useful because you can easily remove or add foam to adjust the firmness and fluffiness. This allows you to fully customize it so that your hips, legs and arms settle on the pillow naturally. According to reviewers, removing the fill makes the pillow softer, while adding makes it firmer. This adjustability, combined with its memory foam filling, means your body can get the unique support it needs. Reviewers who are side sleepers state that the pillow helps keep their knees and hips in a better position. They also say the elevation of their arms alleviates shoulder pressure. Like the Snuggle-Pedic, this pillow is GreenGuard Gold-certified and CertiPUR-US-certified. Plus, the jacquard fabric is made from naturally hypoallergenic bamboo.
What the reviews say: “I have had this for exactly one-year,” writes one customer. “Not only does it never lose its shape, [but] it feels like the very first day I got it. I went through a couple pillowcases, but I have the perfect pillow.”
Best Body Pillow For Back Pain
A Multipurpose Option To Provide Optimal Relief
Queen Rose Pregnancy Body Pillow
Material: Polyester | Features: Adjustable filling, ergonomic shape for optimal body support, machine-washable, removable velvet cover | Size and weight: Available in five sizes and weights
Pros:
Available in multiple sizes and weights
More affordable than similar body pillows
Removable cover
Cons:
Reviewers say it can be hot
Filling may shift, requiring frequent fluffing
Because the Queen Rose Pregnancy Body Pillow is made for pregnancy, it cradles you on both sides to help you sleep better. The polyester filling helps the pillow retain fluffiness for better support. Despite it being for pregnancy, this pillow is raved about by verified five-star reviewers (both pregnant and not pregnant) for how much it helps with pain in particular, whether it’s related to a chronic condition or from accidents and surgeries.
Reviewers say this pillow helps alleviate hip pain, gives support no matter what position they’re in and helps them position themselves easier and sleep better through the night. The pillow is available in 14 different colors.
What the reviews say: A reviewer with scoliosis and a dislocated shoulder says, “This pillow has been a life changer. I have decreased daily spinal pain by at least 80% and [my] shoulder and neck pain are definitely about 70% better. I love that one of the sides detaches so I can adjust it to my position sitting, back sleeping or side sleeping.”
Best Down Alternative Body Pillow
Fluffy With Hypoallergenic Filling
Parachute Down Alternative Body Pillow Insert
Material: Cotton sateen shell with microfiber fill | Features: Hypoallergenic, machine-washable, 3-year warranty | Size: 20 x 54 inches
Pros:
Made with vegan and hypoallergenic down alternative
Machine washable
Cons:
Doesn’t come with a removable cover
Reviewers say it’s large and hard to move around
If you love the soft and fluffy feeling of a down pillow but struggle with allergies, a down alternative pillow is an excellent substitute. While down typically comes from geese or ducks, down alternative filling is made from polyester microfibers, also making it ideal for those searching for vegan or cruelty-free bedding. This body pillow is stuffed full of superfine, 100% hypoallergenic filling that mimics the fluff and warmth of natural down without going flat.
The entire pillow is made in the U.S. and comes with a 3-year warranty that covers defects in material or workmanship. One common complaint of down bedding is the little feathers that poke out or fly all over the place. However, this down alternative option features a reinforced design with a double-stitched piping seam to ensure the filling stays inside the pillow. The brand also carries a variety of body pillow covers that fit this insert, so you can change them out for a seasonal update or to match your bedroom decor. Plus, you can easily put it in the washing machine to keep it looking like new.
What the reviews say: “As a side sleeper, I’ve been on a quest to find the right body pillow, and I’ve finally found it,” writes a five-star review. “This one is nice and dense, so it holds its shape while also being the right amount of cushy for comfort. [It’s] worth it. Get it.”
Best J-Shaped Body Pillow
A Moldable Pillow You Can Customize To Your Liking
Medcline Therapeutic Body Pillow
Material: Shredded memory foam | Features: Adjustable filling, washable case, seamless design | Size: 45 x 18 x 5 inches (small), 50 x 22 x 6 inches (medium)
Pros:
“J” shape provides support for multiple sleeping positions
Comes with a removable and machine-washable cover
Cons:
More expensive than comparable body pillows
Reviewers say it’s difficult to move
The Medcline Body Pillow is designed with a few unique features, starting with its patented design that eliminates seams from the inner curve to ensure you don’t feel them while cuddling. Another benefit is the ability to adjust the stuffing to your exact needs, such as adding more fluff to support your knees or creating space for your neck. The certified CertiPUR-US shredded memory foam is ideal for properly aligning your body while in the side-sleeping position.
Since it’s available in two sizes, it’s suitable for kids or adults. The brand recommends the small for children or adults under 5’2” and the medium for anyone taller than 5’2”. With its J-shaped design, this pillow is useful for a ton of positions, such as putting the long limb in front of or behind you, pulling it between your knees for support and putting it behind your back to keep from rolling over. For convenient care, the Medcline pillow comes with a removable, washable case with additional colors available for purchase.
What the reviews say: A five-star review says, “This pillow is a game-changer. I regret not knowing about it for my pregnancies. I've been doing workouts to heal my diastasis recti, and I get the best sleep at night with this product. My husband has post pains from his soccer career and he's felt an incredible difference when using it. I love that the cover is washable and you get to choose the length based on your height. I highly recommend it.”
Best U-Shaped Body Pillow
Moldable And Machine-Washable For Maximum Comfort
Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillow
Material: Jersey cotton with polyester filling | Features: Detachable extension for customization, removable and machine-washable cover, certified chemical-free | Size and weight: 53 x 31 x 7 inches, about 6 pounds
Pros:
Detachable extension for custom support
Removable and machine-washable cover
Cons:
Flattens easily according to some reviewers
Large and bulky
Regardless of the reason you’re shopping for a body pillow, the Parmedoc Pregnancy Pillow has you covered. The pillow offers full body support to help anyone doze off in comfort. While this moldable pillow begins as a U-shape, it has a detachable extension that turns into two independent pieces—a J-shape main pillow and a smaller rectangular body pillow. You can use them together or separately to support any part of your body and ease discomfort from sciatica, pregnancy, gastric reflux, fibromyalgia and more, according to the company.
The interior is stuffed with fluffy polyester, while the exterior cover is made of a soft jersey cotton with a hidden zipper for convenient cleaning. The cover is machine-washable, certified chemical-free and breathable. Together, the unique shape and supportive filling can help alleviate joint pain, foster proper spinal alignment, decrease swelling in legs and ease restless sleep, according to the brand.
What the reviews say: “I absolutely love my new pillow. Not only is it incredibly comfortable to sleep on, but it has also helped with my swollen legs,” writes an Amazon reviewer who says they struggle with a condition that causes fluid to buildup in their legs. “I found that sleeping with my feet elevated on this pillow has greatly reduced the swelling. The pillow is made of high-quality materials and has just the right amount of firmness to support my legs without being too hard.”
Best Cooling Body Pillow
Conforming With A Cool-To-The-Touch Feel
Sleep Number Cool Comfortfit Body Pillow
Material: Polyester cover, memory foam pieces and down alternative fiber blend filling | Features: Cool-to-the-touch cover, 1-year limited warranty, hypoallergenic, removable and washable cover | Size and weight: 54 x 18 inches, 8 pounds
Pros:
Features a 100-night sleep trial
Cooling cover is removable and washable
Cons:
Pricier than similar body pillows
Heavy and difficult to move
Those searching for a cooling pillow that contours to your body should appreciate this Sleep Number body pillow. This pillow’s made with a blend of memory foam pieces and down alternative fibers, which allow it to offer contouring support while remaining soft. The conforming filling combination is great for full-body support and helping keep hips aligned.
While memory foam isn’t typically the most breathable material, the cooling outer cover helps ensure you’re never too hot. Plus, the outer cover zips off and is machine-washable to keep it fresh. It contains CertiPUR-US certified foams, meaning the fill has been tested by a third party and found free of certain chemicals. We think the pillow is a stellar choice, but if for some reason you’re not in love, Sleep Number offers a 1-year limited warranty and also allows you to return or exchange the pillow within 100 nights.
What the reviews say: “My husband and I both bought these with the purchase of a mattress,” a reviewer writes on the Sleep Number website. “This is definitely the best body pillow, as we both snuggle into ours each night. Our kids even love them. It’s soft and cool, yet firm.”
Best Firm Body Pillow
Firm Support Where You Want It
MOST POPULAR
Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow
Material: Knit cover with memory foam filling | Features: Firm support, 5-year warranty, removable and washable cover | Size and Weight: 48 x 14 x 5.5 inches, 8.5 pounds
Pros:
Made with medium-firm Tempur material
Removable and washable cooling cover
Cons:
More costly than similar pillows
May be too firm for some people
With the same Tempur memory foam material used in the company’s recognizable memory foam mattresses, this body pillow is perfect for those who prefer that familiar slow sinking sensation. The pillow is filled with shapeable “microcushions,” which allow it to mold to every contour and angle while offering solid support, according to the company. With the ability to respond to the shape and pressure of your body, Tempur-Pedic says it’s ideal for side sleepers and expectant mothers. As a bonus, the knit cover is machine-washable and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
What the reviews say: “You have to know what you're getting with this pillow,” one reviewer begins. “[It’s] a heavy pillow that seems hard at first but allows your head [and] body to ‘melt’ into it,” they continue. “I've eyed [this pillow] for a while and finally decided to buy it. It's exactly what I expected and [I] love it. It's very supportive, but heavy. If you know and like the feel of the firm Tempur Material, and are aware of how it functions, you'll love the pillow.”
Best Body Pillow That Won't Go Flat
A Traditional Shape That Maintains Its Loft
Pluto Puff Body Pillow
Material: Microfiber cover with synthetic fiber filling | Features: Never loses loft, hypoallergenic, 110-night sleep trial, machine-washable pillow and removable cover | Size and weight: 21 x 54 inches, 12 pounds
Pros:
Machine-washable and has a removable cover
110-night sleep trial
Easy to shape and reshape without flattening
Cons:
More expensive than comparable body pillows
Significantly heavier than other body pillows
No one likes a pillow that goes flat, especially after a tireless search for an option that contours to your body and suits your every need. Well, say goodbye to saggy pillows because Pluto claims its Puff Body Pillow never loses its loft. It’s filled with synthetic fiber designed to emulate the softness of 600-fill European down, giving it an ultra-soft feel. The brand also intentionally designed it to be long enough to support healthy alignment, regardless of whether you’re petite or really tall.
The Puff’s design also addresses another common pillow complaint: washability. It’s a machine-washable pillow with a removable case that can also be tossed in the laundry. That means this hypoallergenic pillow helps keep your conscience and your sinuses clear with regular cleaning. At 12 pounds, it’s one of the heaviest pillows on this list. However, that’s an intentional feature, with Pluto wanting to create a comforting bed companion that provides security and support. Plus, with the company’s 110-night trial, there’s no major risk if you get the pillow and find out it’s not right for you.
What the reviews say: “[I’ve] been searching for a long time for the perfect pillow for me and I have finally found it,” writes one reviewer. “As a side sleeper, it supports my head, back and with its unique design [there’s] room for my shoulders. It does all this without being too hard or soft, and it does not lose [its] loft. Great pillow.”
Best Body Pillow For Hip Pain
Certified Organic With Full-Body Support
Coyuchi Latex Body Pillow
Material: Organic latex with organic cotton cover | Features: Made with organic materials, supports multiple sleeping positions | Size: 7.5 x 68 inches
Pros:
Made with certified organic materials
Supportive latex conforms easily to the body
Long pillow can be shaped in multiple ways
Cons:
May be too stiff for some people
Shorter than traditional U-shaped pillows when folded in half
Coyuchi’s Organic Latex Body Pillow is a long, tube-shaped pillow (affectionately described by one reviewer as a “giant noodle”) made from molded latex, a breathable and supportive material that shapes to the body much like memory foam. That makes this pillow ideal for supporting the hips and helping to relieve pelvic pain. You can wrap your legs around the pillow, rest your top knee on the pillow, or curl the pillow between your legs and behind your back to help position your hips comfortably. Its length allows it to support other parts of the body, like the shoulders and back, in tandem with the hips.
It’s also made with completely organic materials, including a cotton cover that’s removable and machine-washable. Because of its tube shape, this pillow also takes up less space in the bed—making it a good choice for body pillow users who share a bed with a partner.
What the reviews say: One reviewer says, “After a week my hips already feel better. [This pillow] is helping me be a happy side sleeper.” Another writes, “It was just what I needed to support my shoulder and hip for better quality of sleep.”
Best Body Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
Thin And Low-Profile With A Comfy Microfiber Fill
HOMBYS Slim Body Pillow
Material: Microfiber with a cotton cover | Features: Ultra-thin design, machine-washable, baffle box design | Size: 16 x 54 inches, three pounds
Pros:
Slim design promotes spinal alignment for stomach sleepers
Entire pillow is machine-washable
Baffle boxes keep fill evenly distributed
Cons:
Lacks support and padding for side sleepers
Cover is not removable
Most body pillows aren’t made with stomach sleepers in mind. They’re too thick and padded, whereas stomach sleepers are more comfortable (and maintain better spinal alignment) with thinner pillows. This ultra-thin design from Hombys is a great option, allowing stomach sleepers just enough support to relieve shoulder and hip pressure without being suffocating or interfering with proper sleep posture.
The pillow features a microfiber fill and a cotton cover, and the baffle box construction ensures that it won’t get lumpy. It’s also thin enough that it’s easy to toss the whole pillow in the washer, and it has the added benefit of being highly portable. You can roll it up and take it with you wherever you go.
What the reviews say: One satisfied reviewer writes, “This pillow provides a nice option for tummy sleepers.” Another says, “[This] long thin body pillow is great for stomach and side sleepers.” Many reviewers also appreciate the compact size and that it’s easy to fold up for travel.
We narrowed down products based on several key features, including shape, budget, temperature-regulating properties, material and a handful of other criteria. Our goal was to include a variety of options to suit all needs and concerns. We know everyone sleeps differently and what you need differs from the next person—so we selected a variety of products that have different design features, too.
Though the body pillows on our list have different features and fills, they all have one thing in common: They pass a high bar. Each body pillow we included is well-reviewed with an average rating of at least four stars by customers like you. The pillows we selected are all available from reputable retailers or direct-to-consumer brands.
What Are The Benefits Of Body Pillows
One of the main benefits of body pillows is the targeted, extra support Holley described. But that might not be the only benefit they have.
In a 2013 study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that hugging a soft, small cushion with a humanoid shape decreased levels of cortisol (a hormone correlated to stress) in study participants. Though body pillows aren’t exactly what researchers studied, they are another huggable option. Holding one can feel like snuggling without the snoring or body heat that comes from another person.
Body pillows are also designed to alleviate joint pressure. According to research conducted by the University of Rochester, if you sleep on your side a firm pillow between your legs and knees helps keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure on your hips. Plus, the anecdotal evidence suggests these pillows can help reduce pain and soreness associated with a variety of physical conditions, including pregnancy, injury and other health issues, such as sciatica and back pain.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Body Pillow
Ergonomics And Shape
Body pillows are not one-size-fits-all—the features that make one ergonomic and comfortable vary from person to person. There is, however, one pretty universal factor: “An ergonomic body pillow [should be] about the length of the person,” says Holley.
“[A body pillow’s] main function is to take pressure off the joints while sleeping and help circulation,” Holley says. Sacroiliac (pelvic) pain, sciatica and sleep apnea are the most common conditions that benefit from body pillow use, according to Holley. He says that pregnant people may also find relief from body pillows.
When choosing a body pillow, the most crucial feature to consider is shape, says Holley. “The style of the pillow is the most important for the function you are trying to achieve. Basically, you want to use the pillow to focus on the area you wish to take pressure off of, such as taking some stress off a mother’s growing belly or supporting the knees after a knee surgery.”
The most common and versatile option is an I-shaped, or rectangular, pillow. This shape can provide support anywhere you need it—whether it’s under or between your knees or acting as a cushion for your back while you sleep on your side. These pillows can benefit devoted side sleepers and those trying to switch to this sleep position. That’s because they can offer the support you need to alleviate pressure points inherent to side sleeping. For example, you can use a body pillow to support the elbow and knee that are more elevated when side sleeping, making the position more comfortable.
Other options include J-shaped, C-shaped, and U-shaped body pillows, which wrap around the body and can more easily support multiple body areas than an I-shaped pillow.
Health Conditions
Your health is also a consideration when choosing a body pillow. Certain shapes may be more helpful for relieving pain in certain parts of the body, or for accommodating temporary changes like pregnancy or post-surgery recovery. Here are some of Holley’s recommendations:
Shoulder pain: C- or J-shaped pillows can be helpful for people with shoulder pain. The pillow’s hook-shaped end can be used to support position and support your arm to help reduce discomfort in your shoulder.
Back pain: For back pain or sciatica, a U-shaped pillow could help keep you in the optimal position all night. Their large size allows you to be fully supported from the front and the back in a side-sleeping position.
Hip pain: U-shaped pillows can also be helpful for hip pain, since you can use them for many different sleep positions while still directing pressure away from your hips.
Pregnancy: If you’re trying to get comfortable during pregnancy, you may want to opt for a C-shaped pillow, as it wraps around the front of the body to support the head, stomach and knees. With their added length, these pillows can also be easily adjusted throughout pregnancy as your belly grows and your sleep posture preferences change.
Surgery: Holley recommends C-shaped body pillows for post-surgical patients. These pillows can support the entire body—including the shoulders, back, spine and hips—for different sleep positions. They can also be shaped in numerous ways to redirect pressure away from the site of your surgery.
Filling And Firmness
Firmness is also an essential factor to consider and while it depends on personal preference, Dr. Holley says firmer is generally better. “The purpose of these pillows is to provide support for the joints and if the pillow is too plush, it loses that function.”
Body pillows come with different fills that range in firmness and sensation, which we broke down below.
Polyester: This is one of the most common body pillow fills. It’s hypoallergenic, less expensive and often machine-washable. However, this material may not be as durable as the others, especially for long-term use.
Solid memory foam: This material is generally firmer and contours to your body shape, which means it can offer greater support for your limbs. However, pillows that are memory foam-filled and don’t have cooling features, like a breathable or wicking cover, may retain heat.
Shredded memory foam: This is another form of foam that more closely resembles fluffy fills, such as polyester. It tends to be a little more flexible, lighter, breathable and softer than its solid cousin.
Latex: Unlike memory foams, latex can be sourced naturally from the sap of rubber trees. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly and natural materials in the sleep realm. It’s generally on the softer side and can be cooler than memory foams, which is great if you tend to run hot overnight.
Cover Material And Price
Body pillows come with different cover materials, like cotton and polyester. Some are removable and machine-washable, making them easy to clean. For covers that aren’t removable, make sure to refer to the brand’s instructions on how to keep it clean. Usually, it’s spot cleaning or dry cleaning.
What’s The Best Way To Sleep With A Body Pillow?
Side sleepers can benefit from traditional I-shaped body pillows by putting the pillow between their legs and hugging it to relieve pressure on the hips. Those with back pain can also use this type of pillow as a cushion for their back. C-shaped pillows are beneficial during pregnancy, for post-surgery, sciatica and other issues by wrapping entirely around the body to support the stomach, knees and back.
What Is The Best Body Pillow To Buy?
The best body pillow varies by person and depends on your needs or concerns. However, the Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow is our pick for the best overall body pillow. Because a chiropractor helped in the design, it caters to a wide variety of people thanks to its excellent support. It also contains several third-party certifications, including the CertiPUR-US certification that tests for harmful chemicals and the GreenGuard Gold certification that ensures it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly.
What Is The Best Body Pillow For Pregnancy?
Holley recommends C-shaped body pillows for pregnancy. These pillows can wrap around most of the body, so they’re able to support an expanding pregnant belly from the front and back. From a side-sleeping position, the pillow aids with spinal alignment while also relieving pressure on the hips, knees and shoulders.
The author SaVanna Shoemaker has years of experience researching, testing and writing about sleep products.
Senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon are both sleep science coaches and oversee the sleep category. They have collectively tested dozens of pillows, including some of the best body pillows.
For this article, we spoke with Dr. Nathan Holley, D.C., a chiropractor in Wabash, Indiana with years of clinical experience, on the different benefits of body pillows and what to lookout for when shopping for one.
This article is also routinely updated for accuracy. It was recently updated in June 2024 by the author with two new picks; the Coyuchi Body Pillow and Hombys Body Pillow.