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The 11 Best Body Pillows of 2023

The Utopia Bedding Soft Bedding Pillow offers breathability while reducing pain and stiffness.

Best Body Pillows of 2023

Verywell Health / Amelia Manley

Sleep accounts for a whopping one-third of your life. And not only can a restful night’s sleep improve your mood, but there is also evidence to suggest it plays an important role in boosting your immunity, memory, and recovery time. So, products that can help us get a better night's sleep (like body pillows) are fantastic investments.

In fact, body pillows are becoming increasingly popular among those who struggle to sleep, as they provide support and increase comfort throughout the night. While anyone can enjoy a body pillow, people who may particularly benefit from one include side sleepers, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and sleep apnea. Even those who snore may find that a body pillow is a useful and inexpensive option for reducing snoring and promoting a good night’s sleep.

Kevin Lees, DC, director of chiropractic operations for The Joint Chiropractic, suggests that while a body pillow is simply an extra-long pillow that supports users' legs, arms, and torso, there are also different shapes and types that may benefit certain situations more than others (such as U, J, or C shapes).

To help you find the body pillow that's right for you and your individual needs, we tested the most popular options out there today. We then narrowed down the best of the best by evaluating each pillow based on durability, effectiveness, breathability, and value. A physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for accuracy, how to use body pillows and the best way to evaluate them. Here are our top picks.

Best Overall

Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow

Utopia Bedding Soft Body Pillow

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.7/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Holds its shape well and offers good support

  • Offers top-notch breathability and durability

  • Helps reduce pain and stiffness

Cons
  • Somewhat large for smaller people

Overall, the Utopia Bedding Soft Body Pillow received rave reviews as a pillow that not only holds its shape but also offers amazing support—despite being extremely fluffy, soft, and inviting. In fact, one reviewer noted that it supported their leg the entire night, was comfy to hold onto and allowed them to drift to sleep more quickly.

This pillow also boasts soft fabric that is comforting against even the most sensitive skin types and makes getting comfortable in bed a breeze. This pillow also prompted the reviewers to opt for more side sleeping rather than back sleeping, which ultimately resulted in less stiffness and pain in the morning.

Plus, with the pillow’s quality craftsmanship, and durability, it still seemed like a new pillow at the end of the 30-day test period. Aside from the pillow’s somewhat larger size, there were no real complaints about this pillow.

If you are looking for a high-quality pillow at an affordable price, this is the pillow for you. Not only does it provide excellent comfort and support, but it also can help improve your sleep while reducing any minor aches and pains.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
Polyester filling | Cover Material: Soft fabric | Firmness Level: Soft | Size: 54” x 20”

A person embracing a Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow on a bed

Verywell Health / Merrell Readman

Best Overall Runner-Up

Sleep Number Cool Comfortfit Body Pillow

Sleep Number Cool Comfortfit Body Pillow

Sleep Number

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Reduces overheating and offers cool-to-the-touch fabric

  • Made of high quality and durable materials

  • Holds its shape well and offers good support

Cons
  • Provided pillowcase does not offer much value

In addition to holding its shape and offering great support, the Sleep Number Cool ComfortFit body pillow’s most notable feature is its cooling capabilities. Not only did our reviewers note that they never felt any body-heat transfer throughout the entire night, but they also appreciated the cool-to-the-touch fabric. This cooling feature definitely promotes a more restful night’s sleep and would be the ideal for anyone who wakes up sweating in the middle of the night—also perfect paired with a set of sheets for hot sleepers.

This body pillow also is made of high-quality, durable materials and retained its shape well throughout the entire month-long testing period. This characteristic is especially important considering the amount of body weight along with wear and tear that is typically placed on a body pillow.

Overall, if you are someone who runs hot yet wants a pillow that is soft and cozy, then this is the pillow for you. Aside from the provided pillowcase that our reviewers felt did not offer much value, there is not much to dislike about this body pillow. It promises to keep you cool and comfortable while providing the support you need.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
Down alternative fibers | Cover Material: Hypoallergenic polyethylene and polyester | Firmness Level: Soft | Size: 54” x 18”

Sleep Number Cool ComfortFit Body Pillow displayed on a bed with zebra print sheets

Verywell Health / Jaylyn Pruitt

Best Budget

Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Pillow

Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Pillow

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.2/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Provides a soft exterior appropriate for sensitive skin

  • Offers good support

  • Reduces overheating

Cons
  • Gets lumpy fairly quickly

Boasting solid support without being too firm, the Snuggle-Pedic full body pillow is a great pillow for someone who wants all the bells and whistles of a quality body pillow without an exorbitant price. Not only does this pillow offer a soft exterior that is soothing for sensitive skin, but it also reduces overheating, too.

Our testers noted that they not only felt instantly relaxed as soon as they snuggled into this pillow, but that they also felt their muscle tension melt away. They also reported experiencing a deeper, more peaceful sleep and often woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed after using this body pillow.

The only downside to the Snuggle-Pedic pillow is that it can get a little lumpy feeling fairly quickly. But, one reviewer noted that it seemed to fluff up again after putting it in the dryer. Overall, this supportive and cozy pillow is a reasonable price and may be a good place to start if you are not sure if a body pillow is right for you.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
Shredded memory foam | Cover Material: Kool-flow bamboo | Firmness Level: Medium/firm | Size: 54” x 20”

Best Cooling

Buffy Body Pillow

Buffy Body Pillow

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.7/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Reduces overheating and offers cool-to-the-touch fabric

  • Offers great support for the hips

  • Made with high quality, earth-friendly materials

Cons
  • Dry clean only

While firmer than a typical pillow, this super breathable Buffy Cloud body pillow is one of the best cooling pillows we tested and reviewed. In fact, one reviewer noted that even when using this pillow under their duvet, the pillow was still cool to the touch. Like a cooling mattress topper, this could be an absolute game-changer for someone who runs hot or has trouble staying cool when sleeping.

This pillow also tends to promote a good night’s rest and offers good support for your hips if this is an area of concern for you. And while the pillow tends to be a little on the full side in terms of filling, one reviewer remedied this situation by breaking up some of the filling and adjusting it to their needs.

The only potential issue with this pillow is that it must be dry-cleaned, which can get costly if you are cleaning it once a month. But this is likely recommended in order to preserve its cooling capabilities. 

Overall, if you are someone who is always looking for the cool side of the pillow, this is the pillow for you. Plus, as an added bonus, it will give you the support that you need, especially if you are plagued by achy hips.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
GRS-certified, BPA-free, recycled PET fill | Cover Material: Sateen weave TENCEL™ lyocell shell | Firmness Level: Firm | Size: 54” x 20”

Best Breathability

Brentwood Home Charcoal Body Pillow

Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Charcoal Body Pillow

Brentwood Home

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.9/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Contains a PETA-approved vegan certification

  • Holds its shape well and offers good support

  • Made with high quality, earth-friendly materials

Cons
  • Can be a little pricey

As a firm yet cozy pillow, the Brentwood Home Crystal Cove charcoal body pillow, is one of the most breathable pillows we reviewed. Despite its firm texture, it does not weigh you down or cause you to feel hot and sticky while sleeping. In fact, one reviewer even slept with it on their chest much like a weighted blanket

Our reviewers also noted feeling more rested with improved sleep schedules as a result of using the pillow. They even reported fewer aches and pains. And because the pillow is customizable, it is a great option if you like to read before bed.

As an added bonus, this body pillow contains a PETA-approved vegan certification and environmentally friendly ingredients, making it an earth-friendly option. But, these top-notch materials and certifications do push up the price somewhat making it one of the more expensive body pillows we reviewed. That said, it may be worth the investment to know that the pillow you selected has a lower carbon footprint than some other models. 

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
Polyester | Cover Material: Polyester and spandex | Firmness Level: Firm | Size: 48” x 17”

Woman sleeping with Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Charcoal Body Pillow

Verywell Health / Chaina De La Cruz

Best Firm

Coyuchi Organic Body Pillow

Coyuchi Organic Latex Body Pillow

Perigold

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4.4/5
  • Durability
    4.9/5
  • Value
    4.4/5
Pros
  • Offers resistance to resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites

  • Provides excellent support

  • Reduces overheating

Cons
  • Can be hard to move around under covers due to heaviness

  • Can be a little pricey

If you are looking for a firm body pillow that will help mitigate your allergy symptoms, then the Coyuchi body pillow is the one for you. This pillow not only provides excellent support but it also reduces the likelihood you will overheat at night while using it.

What’s more, the nice, crisp fabric cover feels soothing against your skin and is easy to remove so that it can be washed and put back on. This feature is a plus for allergy sufferers who need to wash their bedding more frequently. 

The pillow also tends to be resilient and breathable, largely due to the fact that it is made of pure, organic latex. Plus it is resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, which is ideal for those with allergies. And while this pillow tends to be a little more expensive and hard to move around under the covers, it is comfortable and supportive once you get it in the position you want it in and well worth the investment if you have allergies.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex | Cover Material: Organic cotton | Firmness Level: Firm | Size: 68" x 7.5”

Best for Pregnancy

Newton Baby The Pregnancy Pillow

Newton Pregnancy Pillow

Newton Baby

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Versatile positions allowing for a U-, J-, or C-shaped configuration

  • Can be used in pregnancy and beyond

  • Has a soft down-like feel that is cooling and breathable

Cons
  • May be too big for some beds with dual occupants

While sleep in pregnancy is coveted, it is not always easy to find. For this reason, our reviewers were delighted with the Newton pregnancy pillow and described it as a real game-changer when it comes to restful and restorative sleep.

With a soft, down-like feel, this pillow not only contours to your body, but also boasts a soft fabric that is simultaneously cooling—a real must-have particularly in the third trimester when your body can feel like an inferno at times. And because this pillow is designed to take the pressure off your belly, knees, and hips, it allows its users to sleep soundly. 

Plus, this pillow is versatile and can be used in a U-, J-, or C-shaped configuration giving you the flexibility to fit the pillow to your style of sleeping and needs. This versatility also allows you to adjust it to your needs as your belly grows.

Overall, this pillow is ideal for anyone who is having trouble sleeping during pregnancy and wants more support. The only pitfall is that it can be a little big—especially if you are sleeping in a small bed with a partner. But, this is easily remedied by unzipping and removing part of the pillow to make it smaller. 

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
CERTI-PUR memory foam | Cover Material: Organic Cotton | Firmness Level: Soft | Size: 55” x 31” x 10”

Newton Baby The Pregnancy Pillow placed on bed

Verywell Health / Andrea Mandell

Best for Neck Pain

The Company Store Company Essentials Down Alternative Body Pillow Insert

The Company Store Company Essentials Down Alternative Body Pillow Insert

The Company Store

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    4.9/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Contains a certification guaranteeing no harmful chemicals

  • Helps with support and alignment

  • Reduces overheating

Cons
  • Somewhat large and may be too big for some beds

If you are looking for a pillow that is both soft and firm with solid support for your neck, then the Company Store down alternative body pillow insert may be just what you need. In fact, one of our testers indicated that they felt like they were sleeping on a cloud when using this pillow.

Our reviewers also reported fewer aches and pains and noted that their neck and spine felt more aligned after using the pillow. And, as an added bonus, this pillow has cooling pockets which help reduce the likelihood of overheating. 

The one downside to this pillow is that it runs a little big. In fact, considering that it is 72 inches long, it may be a little overwhelming if you have a smaller bed. However, one tester indicated that they were able to fold the pillow into a shape that fit nicely among their sleeping arrangements.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
Polyester | Cover Material: Polyester | Firmness Level: Soft yet firm | Size: 72” x 20”

Best for Back Pain

Tuft & Needle Body Pillow

Tuft & Needle Body Pillow

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.6/5
Pros
  • Machine washable yet holds its shape

  • Helps with support and alignment

  • Reduces overheating

Cons
  • Cover is extra and not included

The Tuft & Needle body pillow is a high-quality pillow that is a godsend for anyone with back pain. While it tends to feel a little firm and heavy straight out of the box, it is actually quite soft and comfortable—balancing out the need for both coziness and supportiveness in a body pillow designed to alleviate back pain.

Additionally, this pillow is breathable, durable—and most importantly—machine washable, which is a major plus if you are someone who likes to clean their bedding pretty frequently. Plus, one of our testers noted that despite frequent washing it still retains its shape and its fluffiness.

Although not a huge downside, the pillow does not come with a cover, so if that is something you want, then you will need to purchase that separately. That said, because the pillow is machine washable, you may not really need one—except to perhaps extend the life of your pillow.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
Polyester | Cover Material: Cotton | Firmness Level: Soft | Size: 54" x 20" x 8”

Best for Knee Pain

Pluto Puff

Pluto Puff Body Pillow

Pluto

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.3/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    3.8/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Filling and cover are hypoallergenic

  • Helps with support and alignment

  • Has a low profile and fits most sleeping arrangements

Cons
  • Can get a little hot at night

The Pluto Puff body pillow is a soft and supportive choice that offers exactly the right amount of structure without being too firm—which is ideal for someone who frequently struggles with knee pain. As an added bonus, the fabric has a great luxe-like feel to it and is initially cool to the touch. 

That said, this pillow can run a little hot at times trapping heat between it and your body—especially when used under sheets and blankets. If you are someone who cannot seem to get warm at night or you feel the heat may help alleviate some of your knee pain, then you may want to give this body pillow a try.

And, despite the fact that this pillow can run a little hot, the Pluto Puff body pillow left our reviewers feeling great in the morning after using it. In fact, one reviewer noted that after using this pillow their knee pain seemed almost non-existent.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
Synthetic fiber | Cover Material: Microfiber | Firmness Level: Spec | Size: 54” x 20”

Pluto Puff Body Pillow placed on bed

Verywell Health / Jaylyn Pruitt

Best for Snoring Prevention

Bearaby Cuddler

Bearaby Cuddler Body Pillow

Bearaby

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.4/5
  • Value
    4.6/5
Pros
  • Versatile and can be used in a number of different positions

  • Provides good neck support

  • Reduces overheating

Cons
  • Cover is extra and not included

  • Long and somewhat difficult to use when sharing a bed

As a long, twistable, noodle-like pillow, the Bearaby Cuddler body pillow is a versatile pillow that can be positioned however you want. This flexibility allows you to address issues like neck and head support so that you not only sleep more comfortably but can also address issues like snoring

Additionally, its versatile nature allows you to use the pillow for multiple purposes like lounging in bed reading or providing support for your back when watching TV. And despite the fact that the pillow clocks in at a whopping 75 inches long, it is actually quite breathable and does not lead to overheating. What’s more, it holds its shape despite how it's used—even when one reviewer’s kids pretended it was a “snake” to ride on the pillow proved to be sturdy.

That said, it should be noted that this pillow does not come with a cover, so if this is an important feature for you, you will need to consider that when budgeting for this pillow. But overall, this high-quality pillow has a lot of durability and versatility and is great for reducing snoring.

Key Specs: 
Cushion Material:
GOLS-certified Melofoam™ | Cover Material: Organic Cotton | Firmness Level: Soft | Size: 75” x 8”

A Bearaby Cuddler Body Pillow placed in a cardboard box

Verywell Health / Jessica Fleming

How We Rated the Body Pillows

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best body pillows we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These body pillows are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great body pillows, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These body pillows are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend body pillows with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

  • Coop Home Goods Body Pillow Although this pillow is extremely soft, it is lacking in support and firmness. In fact, our reviewers felt that it was missing the density it needed to function properly and did not get much benefit from its use.
  • Yogibo Roll Body Pillow This is a high-quality body pillow that is great for lounging, but it is not ideal for sleeping. Overall, our reviewers felt it was a little too firm and did not provide the comfort or coziness they were looking for while sleeping.
  • Siluvia Body Pillow for Adults While this pillow offers good support, our reviewers found that it did not stay in place when they were sleeping. It also was not very breathable and tends to be a little too narrow in comparison to other body pillows.

How We Tested the Body Pillows

We purchased different body pillows each at different price points and with different features and materials. During the testing period, each body pillow was used for at least one month and evaluated based on how it impacted the reviewers’ nightly sleep and alignment needs.

Throughout the testing, the reviewers evaluated the quality, effectiveness, and durability of the pillows. They also considered the pillows’ breathability and value as well as made recommendations on who might find the pillow useful for their particular needs.

In addition, we consulted with several experts, including:

Sherry McAllister, DC, president of Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

Rahul Shah, MD, FAAOS, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon specializing in complex spine conditions

Peter G. Whang, MD, FACS, orthopedic surgeon and spine expert at Yale Medicine

Who Should Use a Body Pillow

If you have back, hip, neck, or shoulder pain, a body pillow can help you relieve pressure by offering extra support. Not only will a body pillow help you maintain a comfortable and proper sleep alignment, it also can improve blood circulation and allow for a healing restful sleep.

“While a body pillow may be helpful for almost anyone suffering from musculoskeletal pain, it may be best-suited for people with arthritis or chronic soft tissue conditions who experience worsening symptoms at night due to abnormal positioning of the spine and extremities [such as their] arms and legs during sleep,” says Peter G. Whang, MD, FACS, orthopedic surgeon and spine expert at Yale Medicine.

Overall, adults with back pain are the most common users of body pillows, adds Sherry McAllister, DC, president of Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. But, their use is not limited to only those with discomfort.

“Body pillows can positively impact those who have trouble sleeping, those who are pregnant, anyone with postural issues, people recovering from surgery, sleep apnea, GERD, and even arthritis or fibromyalgia, to name a few examples,” Dr. McAllister says. “If you’re someone who wants to avoid taking medications for distress or pain when you lay down, you and your healthcare provider may find that a body pillow can be a good fit.”

Benefits of Body Pillows

Body pillows come in all shapes and sizes and offer a number of benefits such as proper spine alignment, pressure relief, pain relief, and added overall support, Dr. McAllister says. “Those with anxiety and depression may also benefit from hugging the body pillow. Studies also show [these pillows] are known to help improve blood circulation during sleep, by making sure that no part of the body is bearing extra pressure.”

Research also suggests hugging a pillow can help you calm down and promote sleep. For instance, when you are stressed or anxious, your body releases cortisol—a stress hormone—into your body. This increase in cortisol not only impacts your blood pressure and heart rate but it also interferes with your sleep. But research shows that hugging a pillow can reduce cortisol levels and help you sleep better.

“These types of pillows also may alleviate pain and symptoms such as numbness or tingling by supporting the joints, nerves, and other anatomic structures so that an individual can maintain good postural alignment and avoid abnormal positioning of the body during sleep,” Dr. Whang adds.

Body pillows provide extra support, allowing the person to rest a leg and an arm on the pillow while facing the pillow on their side, or using the pillow for extra back support when facing away from the pillow, Dr. Lees adds. “Stomach sleepers can develop neck pain from sleeping face down and having to turn their necks far to one side to breathe. Body pillows allow the person to lean on the pillow, supporting their torso, but keeping their head neutral to avoid neck pain.”

What to Look For in a Body Pillow

Body pillows can play an important role in helping you obtain quality sleep. As a versatile sleep aid, they tend to be exceptionally long and can be used to provide support in a number of different ways. These pillows are great for side sleepers, pregnant people, those who snore, and those who suffer from pain or need more support.

“When looking at body pillows, I recommend going through a stepwise approach to identifying the optimal fit,” says Rahul Shah, MD, FAAOS, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in complex spine conditions. “First, I would recommend identifying the optimal geometry to ensure that the body pillow is large enough for you as you sleep to be able to conform to your individual body habitus and allow for all dependent parts of the body to adequately and comfortably be offloaded to either the mattress or the body pillow.” 

Dr. Shah also recommends looking at the fill of the body pillow to ensure that the material contents—polyester, foam, feather, latex, and so on—meet your individual needs. He also recommends finding a pillow that helps you achieve an optimal posture at night that promotes restorative sleep. Here are some additional things to consider.

Cost and Value

The cost of your body pillow will vary depending on the materials used and its durability. Because body pillows are designed to last, they may be slightly higher priced than a standard pillow.

Consider the features and materials you are looking for when looking at different types of body pillows. You want to be sure the cost represents the value and longevity of the pillow you are purchasing.

Support

The primary goal of a body pillow is to provide support where your body needs it without causing additional tension or stress. If you wake up in the morning feeling stiff and in pain, then that is usually an indicator that you need additional support when you are sleeping. 

“For neck and back pain, it is important that the body pillow maintains the spinal column in neutral alignment to minimize any forces on the bones, discs, nerves, and other soft tissues of the spine,” Dr. Whang says.

You also should talk to a healthcare provider to determine what is causing your pain and what type of support you need before purchasing a body pillow, Dr. McAllister adds. “This will ensure you make the appropriate choice for your pillow to alleviate sore muscles and assist in your sleep posture.”

Area of Concern

When you are looking for a body pillow, you need to consider which one best addresses your needs or area of discomfort. Pay attention not only to how your body feels when you are going to sleep, but also how you feel after a night’s rest. Ideally, the body pillow you select will help you sleep better.

You also should think about the body pillow’s shape. According to Dr. Lees, C-shaped pillows tend to work well for pregnancy and U-shaped pillows can benefit those who are restless sleepers, have back pain, or switch from one side to the other.

“The most common type of pillow to aid and ease back pain is the U-shaped body pillow,” Dr. McAllister says. “This particular body pillow supports your legs, hips, and spine allowing for tension to dissipate for a more comfortable night’s rest.” 

You also can use pillows to take pressure off of your back if you are stomach or back sleeper. For instance, a pillow under your stomach can be helpful and keep your back from arching too much. Meanwhile, a pillow under your legs can take pressure off your back if you sleep on your back.

Quality Materials 

Because body pillows play an important role in helping you get a good night’s rest, you want to ensure they are made of quality materials that will last as long as you need them to. Additionally, they should be able to stand up to the wear of tear that you put them through without falling apart or compromising your posture while you sleep.

“In general, the pillow should be firm enough to support your body weight but still provide sufficient cushioning,” Dr. Whang says. “For anyone with allergies, the material should be hypoallergenic and be able to be cleaned to avoid any reactions. Many pillows also incorporate features that help to regulate body temperature which may improve their comfort and promote better sleep patterns as well.” 

Durability 

Regardless of whether you use a pillow protector or not, your pillow will accumulate everything from sweat and saliva to dust mites while you are sleeping. For this reason, it is important to consider your pillow’s durability. After all, you will need to wash it on a consistent basis to ensure you have a sanitary sleeping environment. What’s more, having a durable and washable pillow is particularly important if you have allergies. 

“Make sure the body pillow is washable or has a removable cover that is easy to clean,” Dr. Lees suggests. “Material is an important consideration since there is a lot more contact with the body pillow than a regular pillow. Some memory foam or latex can be heavy and very warm, whereas cotton filled, or wool may sleep cooler but have less support. If you are very sensitive to chemicals, a latex or down fill may be the best option.”

Return Policy

Arguably the most important characteristic of a body pillow should be the support it’s able to offer throughout the night. “The primary reason for use of the body pillow is maintenance of posture while you sleep,” Dr. Hayden says. “Most don't think of our posture while sleeping, but muscles that hold the joints in proper position are nearly flaccid during sleep.” The pillow should relieve portions of the body without causing added tension or stress. If you are using a posture corrector, then sleeping with a body pillow is a good idea. If you’re waking up in the morning feeling like you’re in more pain than when you went to sleep, that is an easy indicator that your bed is not providing accurate support. “Improper posture may cause injury to the ligaments and tendons of joints that are torqued or twisted,” Dr. Hayden adds. “Long term, spurring may occur with time. This can have serious consequences when the spurring happens in the spine.”

Body pillows encourage side sleeping to offer the most optimal support to the neck, back, legs and rest of the body. Pillows with adjustable filling can further offer you support because it allows for you to adjust the height and firmness to fit your particular needs.

Your body pillow should be used in a way that best addresses your discomfort. When shopping for a body pillow, pay attention to your body and how it feels both when attempting to go to sleep and when you wake up in the morning. “If you're a back sleeper, putting a small pillow under both knees can unweight the legs and take pressure off the back,” Pagliano recommends. “A small pillow under the belly if you’re a prone sleeper can give the back support so it’s not too arched. A pillow that fits between the knees and the feet can give the spine support so the weight of the legs don’t stress it if there is back pain.”

If you're pregnant, it's important to focus on the positioning of the body differently to make sure that you’re protecting the belly. “With pregnancy, putting a pillow under the belly can give the belly support and reduce back pain as well,” says Pagliano.

Hypoallergenic means that the produce is unlikely to cause allergies or an allergic reaction. In order to be hypoallergenic, pillows (or their covers) should be machine washable to allow for dirt, pet dander, and other allergens to be removed from the surface. Washing the pillow will also remove any dust mites that are living in the filling of the pillow. Determining whether a pillow is hypoallergenic or not can be difficult, especially given the different characteristics that can go into making a pillow that way. But the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has a helpful asthma and allergy friendly® Certification Mark for products they’ve found that pass the hypoallergenic test.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are body pillows good for you?

    If you are pregnant, a side sleeper, or have back pain, you may find that a body pillow is helpful in addressing your need for a good night’s rest. While they are not right for everyone, a body pillow is a great option—especially if after using one you wake up feeling refreshed, well rested, and pain free. 

    “Body pillows allow for extra support, allowing the person to rest a leg and an arm on the pillow while facing the pillow on their side, or using the pillow for extra back support when facing away from the pillow,” Dr. Lees says. “Stomach sleepers can develop neck pain from sleeping face down and having to turn their necks far to one side to breathe. Body pillows allow for the person to lean on the pillow, supporting their torso, but keeping their head neutral to avoid neck pain.”

  • What’s the best type of body pillow for my sleeping position?

    Traditionally, body pillows have been used for those who sleep on their side. They are able to wrap their arms around the pillow and between their legs, which ensures a healthy position and alignment for their hips and spine. Body pillows also can be used to keep people who tend to sleep on their back from rolling over.

    There also are different shaped pillows that can be useful depending on your preferred sleeping position. For instance, a U-shaped pillow might be a good pick for restless sleepers or those who have back pain, while a C-Shaped pillow is often used in pregnancy. Meanwhile, J-shaped pillows offer back, neck, and head support while not taking up too much space and can be ideal for those who share a bed with a partner.

  • What size body pillow should I get?

    Body pillows come in a variety of different sizes and lengths. The key is to find one that is large enough for your body without being overwhelming in your bed, Dr. Shah says. As you sleep, the pillow should conform to your body and allow it to adequately and comfortably offload body weight to either the mattress or the pillow. Because everyone is different, finding the right body pillow for you may require some trial and error until you find one that works for you, Dr. Shah adds.

Why Trust Verywell Health

As someone who specializes in covering health and social issues, Sherri Gordon, CLC understands how important it is to find the right products to address your medical issues and concerns—and she is particularly passionate about those products that help promote good sleep hygiene.

Throughout her career, Sherri has interviewed countless healthcare professionals, including those in the sleepcare industry, and was able to draw on that experience with these recommendations. With a combination of careful research and extensive knowledge, Sherri gives readers looking for products like body pillows everything they need to make an informed decision.

5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Citation: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Indoor allergens.

  3. Jeon MY, Jeong H, Lee S, et al. Improving the quality of sleep with an optimal pillow: A randomized, comparative study. Tohoku J Exp Med. 2014;233(3):183-188. doi:10.1620/tjem.233.183

  4. Seo K, Cho M. Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(10):3085-3087. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3085

  5. Sumioka H, Nakae A, Kanai R, Ishiguro H. Huggable communication medium decreases cortisol levels. Sci Rep. 2013;3:3034. doi:10.1038/srep03034