11 of the best body pillows for sleep in 2024

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This article talks in detail about 11 body pillows, the benefits of body pillows, and their shapes and fills. It also discusses how to shop for body pillows, explores other ways to improve sleep quality, and answers frequently asked questions.

A quick look at 11 of the best body pillows

• Best for back pain: AngQi Pregnancy Body Pillow
• Best for all sleeping positions: Leachco Back ‘N Belly Contoured Body Pillow
• Best for pregnancy symptom relief: Restorology 60-Inch Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
• Best for side sleepers: Coop Home Goods Body Pillow
• Best for a cooler sleep: Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Body Pillow
• Best for lumbar support: Utopia Bedding Body Pillow
• Best for posture improvement: The Company Store Multi-Position Body Posture Pillow
• Best for chronic conditions: Sharper Image Full Support Body Pillow
• Best for easy cleaning: Oubonun Premium Adjustable Loft Body Pillow
• Best for a down alternative body pillow: Pluto PUFF Body Pillow
• Best for multipurpose use: Yogibo Roll Body Pillow

Best for back pain: AngQi Pregnancy Body Pillow

• Price: around $40
• Materials: polyester
• Dimensions: 55 x 31 x 7 inches (in)
• Pros: reportedly reduces back pain
• Cons: customers report off-gassing smells

The AngQi Pregnancy Body Pillow is a U-shaped body pillow. It contains 6.6 pounds (lb) of polyester filling for extra comfort and support. The pillow naturally conforms to the body, making it a great multipurpose pillow for sleeping, reading, and nursing.

According to the manufacturers, this pillow provides total body support, especially for the back, hips, knees, and neck, reducing pregnancy-related symptoms, such as back pain. It comes with a soft, washable cover in blue, purple, or gray.

Best for all sleeping positions: Leachco Back ‘N Belly Contoured Body Pillow

• Price: around $90
• Materials: polyester
• Dimensions: 51 x 34 x 9 in
• Pros: may be most beneficial during pregnancy
• Cons: reportedly has uncomfortable seams

The Leachco Back ‘N Belly Contoured Body Pillow is a U-shaped pillow with inner contours that form an hourglass shape. This means the pillow can simultaneously support the back and growing belly.

The U-shape also allows people to change sleeping positions when asleep without relocating their pillow. Moreover, it comes with a removable cover for easy washing.

The product has mostly positive reviews on Amazon, although some say the placement of the seams is uncomfortable.

Best for pregnancy symptom relief: Restorology 60-Inch Full Body Pregnancy Pillow

• Price: around $42
• Materials: microfiber
• Dimensions: 19.8 x 15.6 x 7.6 in
• Pros: relieves sciatica and heartburn
• Cons: reportedly not enough fill, according to reviews

Restorology 60-Inch Full Body Pregnancy Pillow contours the body’s natural shape while supporting the head, neck, back, and abdomen.

The manufacturer claims this product can relieve lower back pain, sciatica, and heartburn, which some individuals may experience during pregnancy.

The company says the pillow is also suitable for people who are not pregnant, which means it may be useful after giving birth. This might make it more versatile and cost-effective than some other options. This body pillow also comes with a removable cover.

Best for side sleepers: Coop Home Goods Body Pillow

• Price: around $80
• Materials: memory foam
• Dimensions: 20 x 54 in
• Pros: contains CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Cons: some reviewers state it has an off-gassing smell

Coop Home Goods offers an adjustable body pillow that the company claims is tailored to every person and all sleeping positions. It provides full-body support, ideal for side sleepers and individuals with back pain. By removing or adding the filling, a person can also change the size and firmness of the pillow.

This body pillow contains CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means it does not contain harmful chemicals, such as flame retardants or formaldehyde. It is also hypoallergenic and fully machine-washable.

Coop Home Goods offers a 100-night sleep trial, so people can try it out at home and return it hassle-free if unsatisfied. This body pillow also has a 5-year limited warranty.

Best for a cooler sleep: Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Body Pillow

• Price: around $60
• Materials: shredded memory foam
• Dimensions: 16.4 x 8 x 8 in
• Pros: contains CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Cons: some reviewers state it is too flat to offer support

Snuggle-Pedic offers a high quality, breathable body pillow that contains environmentally friendly, CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. The pillow is also Greenguard Gold certified, which means it is hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and nontoxic.

The shredded memory foam in this pillow is durable and breathable. It provides support for the lower back, hips, and knees. The micro-vented bamboo cover helps body heat escape, which reduces the likelihood of overheating.

People can try this pillow for 120 days before they decide to keep it. Snuggle-Pedic also offers a 20-year warranty.

Best for lumbar support: Utopia Bedding Body Pillow

• Price: around $25
• Materials: polyester
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 17.3 in
• Pros: allows for versatile positioning, such as lying down or sitting
• Cons: some reviewers state it is too flat to offer much support

Utopia Bedding offers an affordable body pillow that supports the hips, back, and abdomen. Its rectangular shape makes it more versatile than other products, as people can use it for lumbar support while sitting in bed or sleeping on their front.

The pillow has a 100% cotton cover and synthetic ball fiber filling. The cover is removable and machine-washable.

Best for posture improvement: The Company Store Multi-Position Body Posture Pillow

• Price: around $89
• Materials: patented material
• Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 54 in
• Pros: has a flexible three-section design
• Cons: some reviewers state the pillow is not durable

A chiropractor designed the Multi-Position Body Posture Pillow to improve people’s sitting and sleeping posture. It has three sections that a person can position differently, to support the head, neck, shoulders, hips, lower back, and knees.

This unique body pillow is ideal for those who frequently experience back pain, as it may help improve the alignment of their spines and reduce pressure on painful areas.

Best for chronic conditions: Sharper Image Full Support Body Pillow

• Price: around $130
• Materials: polyester
• Dimensions: 130 x 15.5 x 15.5 in
• Pros: long enough to offer adjustable, wrap-around support
• Cons: costly

According to Sharper Image, this 10-foot body pillow alleviates pressure on the lower body and promotes proper spinal alignment, which may help with back pain.

The company states that it is ideal for individuals who experience:

• back, shoulder, or neck pain
• osteoporosis
• arthritis-related pain
• fibromyalgia
• trouble falling asleep

This product also makes a suitable pregnancy pillow. A person can use the pillow in its original U-shape, twist it into a circle, or use it to read comfortably or lounge.

Best for easy cleaning: Oubonun Premium Adjustable Loft Body Pillow

• Price: around $50
• Materials: polyester
• Dimensions: 54 x 21 x 15 in
• Pros: machine-washable
• Cons: some reviewers state it is too flat and wide to provide support

This body pillow is adjustable, meaning a person can add or remove filling to change the level of firmness. It can support the neck, shoulders, legs, and knees.

The manufacturer states that this support can help reduce sciatica symptoms, backache, and hip or knee pain. The pillow may also relieve back pain in those who are pregnant.

This pillow is machine-washable and is suitable to put in the tumble dryer. The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and full refunds.

Best for a down alternative body pillow: Pluto PUFF Body Pillow

• Price: around $95
• Materials: down alternative polyfill fiber
• Dimensions: 21 x 54 x 9 in
• Pros: hypoallergenic fill
• Cons: some reviewers state it is too soft

Pluto describes this body pillow as “reassuringly dense yet moveable,” similar to the feeling provided by a weighted blanket.

The pillow contains Cosmofluff, a hypoallergenic polyfill fiber that the company states are comparable to the finest European goose down. Additionally, it is machine-washable, and people can dry it in the tumble dryer.

Pluto offers a 110-night trial and a 1-year limited warranty.

Best for multipurpose use: Yogibo Roll Body Pillow

• Price: around $109
• Materials: microbeads
• Dimensions: 66 x 10 x 10 in
• Pros: microbeads offer contouring support
• Cons: some reviewers state the microbeads are too noisy

The manufacturer states that this body pillow is suitable for multiple uses and people of all ages. It contains microbeads, which can quickly mold themselves around a person’s body and may help relieve pressure points.

The company states that this pillow serves as a sleep aid, pregnancy support, back support, and a portable couch.

People can unzip the outer cover and wash and dry it in a machine.

The following table compares the body pillows in this article on their materials, dimensions, and more.

When purchasing a body pillow, people may wish to consider the following factors:

• Price: People should consider their budget when purchasing a body pillow. Body pillows vary in price depending on their fill, size, shape, and weight.
• Support: Some body pillows may only suit specific sleeping positions. Other body pillows may provide lumbar support while sitting down and suit a person who sleeps on their back, side, or front.
• Weight: Body pillows can vary in weight. It is advisable to buy a body pillow that a person can comfortably and safely move.
• Size: Body pillows are available in different sizes. Check the dimensions of a pillow before purchasing to ensure it is the right size. Additionally, wider body pillows will take up more space in the bed.
• Cleaning: Some body pillows come with a removable, machine-washable cover. People should also consider the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the body pillow itself. Some pillows are spot-clean only, whereas others are suitable for machine-washing.
• Warranty: Companies may offer a warranty or sleep trial. Purchasing a body pillow from a company that offers these benefits gives the customer time to determine whether the pillow is the right one for their requirements.

The products below include a selection of pillows for pregnant people, side and stomach sleepers, and individuals with back pain.

People can shop for body pillows in store or online. Body pillows can range in cost from around $10 to more than $200. A person should consider their budget before shopping for a body pillow.

Many individuals, particularly those living in areas with a smaller range of stores, may find buying a body pillow online more convenient. However, a person should check returns and warranty policies so they can return the pillow if it does not meet their expectations.

The main advantage of shopping in store is that a person can check the firmness and support of the pillow before committing to a purchase.

Anecdotal evidence suggests body pillows may help relieve neck, shoulder, back, and hip pain.

Other potential benefits include:

• relieving joint pressure
• promoting proper spinal alignment for side and stomach sleepers
• improving blood circulation
• improving overall sleep quality

Body pillows can also help someone train themself to sleep on their side instead of their back, which may reduce snoring.

Some doctors believe side sleeping can lower the risk of pregnancy complications. However, this is a highly debated topic among health experts, with mixed evidence.

A small 2018 study involving 25 pregnant people found that reducing the time spent sleeping on their backs in the third trimester could have health benefits for them and their fetuses.

However, a 2019 study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed data from over 8,700 women who participated in the Monitoring Mother-to-Be study, which aims to identify risk factors for first-time mothers.

Based on the study findings, the researchers conclude sleeping on the back does not affect the risk of pregnancy complications in the first and second trimesters.

While the health benefits of side sleeping during pregnancy are unclear, pregnant people may still find that body pillows help improve their comfort and sleep quality.

A person may wish to consider the shape and fill of a body pillow to ensure they purchase the right product for their needs.

There are three main shapes of body pillows:

• U-shape: This shape encases a person and may provide more support. People who are pregnant may prefer a U-shaped body pillow, as it provides lift and support in most positions.
• C-shape: A C-shaped body pillow provides support to the head, to the side, and between the legs. These pillows offer full-body support similar to U-shaped pillows.
• Rectangle: Rectangular body pillows are also suitable for side sleepers. People can place the pillow along their back or side to provide support while sleeping. Additionally, a person can use a rectangular pillow as lumbar support when sitting in bed.

Body pillows may use different fills. The most common fills include the following:

• Fiber fill: Many body pillows use fiber fill, such as polyester. Polyester is hypoallergenic and machine-washable and may be more breathable than some alternatives. However, polyester does retain heat, so it may not suit people who want a cooler sleep.
• Memory foam: Memory foam offers greater support and pressure relief than alternatives. This fill contours a person’s body and supports joints, which may result in fewer aches and pains.
• Down: Down offers a plush feel and allows for a cooler sleep. However, down pillows are often lumpier than other types and are not suitable for vegans and people with allergies.

While body pillows can help people find more comfortable sleeping positions, other factors can also influence sleep quality, such as a person’s mattress.

Mattresses influence spinal alignment and the amount of pressure on the joints. This means that someone with an unsupportive mattress may still experience pain or discomfort even while using a body pillow.

Room temperature is important as well. According to survey data from 765,000 people in the United States, higher nighttime temperatures reduce sleep quality. The National Sleep Foundation recommends people set their bedroom temperature to 60–67°F (15.5–19.4°C).

Additionally, certain fabrics contribute to how warm or cool people feel during sleep. Some synthetic fibers, such as polyester or memory foam, trap heat. This can lead to someone getting too hot. People may wish to use bedding that contains a high amount of natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo.

Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about these pillows.

Why do people use body pillows?

People may use body pillows to support their joints when sleeping or sitting in bed.

While there are no large-scale studies on the benefits of body pillows on sleep, anecdotal evidence suggests that they may lead to more restful sleep and alleviate joint aches and pains.

What is the best body pillow?

People may find that certain body pillows suit their requirements more than others.

Various factors, such as shape, fill, and materials, may make a particular pillow more suitable than another. For example, a body pillow may have a cooling outer shell, which may suit a person who feels hot during sleep.

People should research body pillows before purchasing them to ensure it has the features they require.

How much space does a body pillow take up?

The shape of a body pillow will influence how much space it takes up. For instance, a U-shaped pillow will take up more space than a rectangular one.

Companies will include the dimensions of a body pillow in the product description. People should take the measurements into account when making a purchase.

Can sleeping with a body pillow help your back?

Many online reviewers state that their body pillows have helped their backs, but these anecdotal reports are less reliable than peer-reviewed studies.

According to a recent study, using a body pillow may reduce pressure on the shoulders, hips, and whole body. However, this study only involved eight participants.

Further research is necessary to determine whether body pillows can help with back pain or posture.

How do you wash a body pillow?

Some body pillows are machine-washable. These are generally washed on their own, but a person should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The standard recommendation is to wash the pillow cover every 1–2 weeks and the pillow every 6 months.

Some can only be spot-cleaned. Other body pillows are not washable, but their covers are. Some users report that washable pillows have a longer life span.

What size body pillow should I get?

Finding the best size of a body pillow depends on the user’s body size and needs.

Many body pillows are 48–54 inches (in) long, which could be a bit short for taller people or for those who want wrap-around support. Longer body pillows, measuring up to 72 in, are also available.

Body pillows tend to weigh 5–7 lb, but pillows using memory foam can weigh as much as 16 lb. A person should consider how much they want to manipulate or move their pillow before purchasing.

Are body pillows good for you?

Anecdotally, the benefits of using a body pillow include pain relief, spine alignment, and promoting better sleep.

However, there is limited scientific data to support these claims. A small study of healthy young adults found that body pillows could enhance sleep quality.

Body pillows are available in a wide range of materials, shapes, and sizes. Anecdotal evidence suggests they help some people feel more comfortable during sleep. They may be especially useful during pregnancy or for those with posture-related back pain.

Research into the potential benefits of body pillows is limited. If someone has persistent symptoms that disrupt their sleep, a doctor or sleep specialist may help.