Best Pregnancy Pillows

Pregnancy is hard on your body. As you progress through the weeks in your first, second, and third trimesters, bodily discomforts are likely to appear. This can make getting a good night’s rest feel almost impossible, especially once you’re no longer able to sleep on your stomach or back. But getting a full night’s sleep is just as important, if not more so, when you’re pregnant.

Pregnancy pillows can bring some much-needed relief to sleep-deprived expecting mothers. These specialized pillows are designed to support your growing stomach, while making the doctor-recommended side sleeping position a bit more comfortable. We’ll break down the various shapes and intended functions of pregnancy pillows, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Product Details

The Sweet Zzz Body Pillow is soft, moldable, and extra-long. A length of 4.5 feet ensures even exceptionally tall people can lie comfortably with the pillow tucked between their knees. The fill consists of down alternative clusters that mimic the plush, lightweight feel of real down without triggering allergy symptoms or using animal-based materials. An organic cotton shell encases the fill. This fabric has earned certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, ensuring the cotton is sustainably grown and harvested.

An organic cotton liner separates the shell from the fill. This component allows you to wash and dry the shell in household machines without needing to launder the down alternative fibers. Since the fill retains very little heat and the organic cotton is highly breathable, the pillow shouldn’t sleep excessively hot – a major draw for pregnant sleepers who tend to feel warm or sweat while they sleep.

An affordable price-tag and free delivery across the contiguous U.S. make the Body Pillow a good option for shoppers with limited budgets. Sweet Zzz also offers reasonable flat shipping rates for Canadian customers. Each purchase is backed by a 50-night sleep trial and 4-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Buffy Cloud Body Pillow is an affordable option that uses the same naturally breathable design that’s made the brand’s standard Cloud Pillow so popular with sleepers. The fill consists of PET fibers derived from recycled plastic bottles. This material mimics the natural softness and airiness of cotton. A shell made of moisture-wicking lyocell fabric encases the fill. The cover has a luxuriously smooth hand-feel thanks to its sateen weave.

The pillow measures 4.5 feet long, making it ideal for pregnant people who enjoy sleeping with a pillow tucked between their legs as well as those who experience frequent back pain. The fill weighs 88 ounces, so the pillow is lightweight and easy to reposition as needed. Buffy recommends using an additional cover to keep the pillow hygienic and dry cleaning whenever it becomes dirty, as its size will likely be too large for most household washing machines.

Buffy utilizes FSC-certified recycled cardboard for all deliveries. Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping with their order. The company places a 7-day hold on the card you use for your purchase, so you won’t be charged right away. Pillow returns are accepted within 30 days of the order date.

Pregnancy can alter your body’s thermoregulation, causing you to overheat and sweat in bed even on colder nights. The Momcozy U-Shaped Body Pillow is a great option for any hot sleeper, pregnant or not. Fill consisting of fluffy cotton batting promotes airflow without retaining too much warmth, especially compared to other pillow materials such as down, memory foam, or latex. Another cooling component is the cover made of smooth, breathable polyester velvet.

The pillow uses an ergonomic design to support your entire body. A gentle curve cushions your stomach, while the back features a small protrusion intended to reduce pressure in your lumbar region and hips. The bottom of the pillow forms a small hook for tucking between your knees. While designed for side-sleeping pillow snugglers, the pillow is thick enough to provide decent support for your head and neck while lying on your back.

You can wash and dry the cover in your household machines for quick, easy care. Simply unzip the cover and separate from the fill pouch before laundering. The U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow is affordably priced, and shipping is available worldwide with reasonable rates. If you are not satisfied with the pillow and want a refund, you may request a return up to 7 days after the delivery date.

The Yana Sleep Pillow has a comfortable combination of support and pressure relief that expectant mothers may find beneficial. Though it has a higher-than-average price-point, shoppers looking for a durable, high-quality pregnancy pillow may find the Yana Sleep Pillow a worthy investment.

The Yana Pillow has a U-shape that’s flexible and can be used in multiple positions. Side sleepers can rest in the middle of the two arms so that they’re supported on both the front and back of their bodies. People suffering from knee or lumbar pain can position the arms to rest beneath those areas for added support.

The pillow’s fill is crafted from shredded latex, which is known for its durability, responsiveness, and pressure relief. Latex is typically a suitable option for those who want to alleviate discomfort from pressure points but prefer a surface that has slightly more bounce than memory foam. Sleepers are able to add and remove the latex fill as needed to create a comfortable loft level.

Hot sleepers should find that this pillow stays cool throughout the night, thanks to its latex fill and bamboo-derived cover. Users can machine wash the cover, though the pillow’s 16-pound weight means it’s too heavy for a washing machine and should only be spot cleaned. Shoppers can return unopened pillows within 30 days of purchase to receive a full refund.

Back pain and pregnancy often go hand in hand, but choosing the right pillow can help alleviate your discomfort. The Newton Baby Pregnancy Pillow measures 55 inches long and features an ergonomic shape that contours to your back, stomach, and hips. With a fill blend consisting of shredded memory foam and down alternative clusters, the pillow feels soft yet adaptive. 

Thanks to the detachable extension, you can sleep with the pillow nestled against your front and back, or remove this component and opt for a J shape. You may also feel comfortable with the extension tucked between your legs — this can reduce pain in the lumbar region. A breathable organic cotton cover gives the surface an exceptionally soft feel. Since a separate liner contains the fill, you can remove and machine wash the cover whenever a cleaning is needed. 

The Pregnancy Pillow is competitively priced and Newton Baby offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Shoppers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada pay a reasonable delivery fee. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt.

The MedCline Therapeutic Body Pillow has a unique J-shaped design that can provide extra support and reduce pregnancy-related discomforts. Snuggling with the pillow helps promote healthy spinal alignment while reducing pain in the lower back and shoulders.

The pillow has a polyester shell, which is removable and machine-washable for easy care. Shredded memory foam in the core offers cushioning for pressure points while staying quite moldable. Two sizes are available. The foam fill can be added or removed to adjust the pillow’s loft up to 5 inches for the small model and 6 inches for the medium model. The small model measures 45 inches long and is intended for adults who are 5 feet 1 inch or shorter. Taller people may prefer the medium model that is 50 inches long. Both have a medium (5) feel that offers excellent cushioning to alleviate pressure.

You can choose to add a white or gray body pillow cover to your pillow order for a discount. MedCline accepts returns between 30 and 60 days after delivery, and Therapeutic Body Pillows are backed by a 1-year warranty that covers structural defects.

Many doctors recommend that pregnant people sleep on their sides, which can often lead to pressure points in the shoulders and ships. The Bearaby Cuddler’s long, tubular shape is designed to help support side sleeping while alleviating pressure.

A breathable, organic cotton shell encases the pillow. The cover is removable and machine-washable for easy care. The core features GOLS-certified organic Melofoam latex that cradles the body to relieve pressure points. Meanwhile, the 7.5-inch profile ensures that your body stays on an even plane when sleeping on your side. The pillow measures almost 7-feet long, making it a great option for taller sleepers seeking a product for full-body support. You can choose to upgrade the pillow to include a Cuddler Cover, which is available in five color options.

Bearaby offers free shipping on all orders over $50, which covers the Cuddler. The Cuddler is backed by a 30-night sleep trail, during which you can return the pillow for a refund.

Some body pillows are straight and ideal for snuggling, while others have ergonomic shapes to provide lower back and hip support. With the Back Support Systems Body Pillow, you can choose between both options. The oblong pillow measures 52 inches long, while the slightly longer J-shaped pillow is designed to cushion your hips or fit between your knees. Both provide enough loft to elevate your head and reduce pain in the neck and shoulders.

Three fills are available, each with a unique name. The “Good” fill consists of shredded memory foam that feels squishy and highly adaptive. If you upgrade to “Better” fill, it will feature a blend of shredded memory foam and down alternative fibers for a distinctly softer feel against your body. Pillows with the “Best” fill contain shredded latex, which provides gentle cushioning and also has a lengthy expected lifespan. While the fill names reflect their increasingly higher price-points, none of the pillows are particularly expensive compared to other competing models.

The cover is made of viscose derived from bamboo, a breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties and a luxuriously soft hand-feel. You may remove and machine wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned. You may also purchase a replacement cover.

Back Support Systems offers worldwide shipping with rates based on package weight. You may return unopened pillows within 30 days for a full refund, but opened or used pillows are considered personal care items and may not be returned.

Coop Home Goods has earned a loyal customer following thanks to their line of adjustable pillows. The company’s body pillow follows in the tradition of its standard-size offerings. Shredded memory foam and down alternative microfiber make up the proprietary fill blend, resulting in a pillow that molds to your body’s unique curves and feels exceptionally soft. You can add or remove as much fill as you want to create the optimal loft. If you run out of fill, you can order a bulk shipment to replenish your supply.

Measuring 54 inches long, the pillow should accommodate most pregnant people regardless of their height. The pillow has an oblong shape. Unless filled to capacity, it’s fairly flexible and can be tucked or bent to suit your favorite positions. The cover is made from a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose. This material is quilted for extra softness. It’s also highly breathable, and the viscose has moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry.

Since the pillow is likely too large to laundry in your household machines, Coop Home Goods recommends using a pillow protector. Alternatively, you can wash and dry the entire pillow in commercial-size appliances. Separate the cover and fill pouch before doing so. You can also toss the pillow fully intact in a commercial dryer to expand the shape if it flattens with use.

The Coop Home Goods Body Pillow carries a very affordable price-point compared to competing models and shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 100-night sleep trial with free returns, as well as a 5-year warranty. The trial period is extended during the holiday season if you buy the body pillow as a gift for someone else.

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What is a Pregnancy Pillow?

A pregnancy pillow is a sleep accessory designed to support the changing bodies of expecting mothers, help them attain a comfortable resting position, and get more sleep. Pregnancy places a great deal of strain on the body, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Additional weight often stresses the back and joints, including the hips, knees, and ankles. This can cause aches and pains that make getting a full night’s rest difficult.

Pregnancy pillows are specifically designed to accommodate the contours of the pregnant body and provide support where it’s needed most. These pillows can be found in many different shapes and sizes to accommodate each sleep position and help prevent aches and pains. The most common types include C- and U-shaped full body pillows that provide support to the entire body, and wedge pillows that can be used to strategically support a single area like the midsection or back.

Do I Need a Pregnancy Pillow?

While a pregnancy pillow is not a necessity, it may be a suitable choice if you’re experiencing sleep disturbances as your pregnancy progresses. Sleep is important for your physical health, especially when your body is hard at work supporting the growth of another life.

As your pregnancy progresses, good sleep can be harder to come by. Expecting mothers are often prone to symptoms such as back and joint pain, heartburn, and sleep apnea. These symptoms can worsen as you reach your third trimester.

Getting comfortable at night is often key to being able to fall asleep and stay asleep. You can try to add extra cushioning with additional standard pillows, but a pregnancy pillow is specially designed to accommodate the shape of your pregnant body.

How to Choose a Pregnancy Pillow

If one or more of the many discomforts of pregnancy are keeping you from getting a full night of sleep, a pregnancy pillow is worth considering. But with so many choices, including different sizes, materials, and unusual shapes, it’s hard to know which is the right model for you. We’ll examine the most important factors to consider when choosing the best pregnancy pillow.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Pregnancy Pillow

Knowing exactly what to look for in a pregnancy pillow will largely depend on your own personal needs, including where you need support the most, but some properties are universal. Since bedding companies don’t alway use plain language to describe their products, it can be difficult to decipher the major differences between models. We’ll cover the most important factors to consider so that you can find a pregnancy pillow that works for you.

Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleep position will come into play when choosing a pillow. While pregnant, sleeping on your left side is recommended by doctors. Stomach sleeping becomes nearly impossible as your stomach grows, and back sleeping can restrict circulation. Sleeping on your left side places the least amount of strain on your body.

For this reason, the majority of pregnancy pillows are designed to make side sleeping more comfortable, including C-shaped and U-shaped pillows.

Loft
The right pillow loft is critical to healthy spinal alignment, and it can also help with snoring. A model that is too thick might push the head up, while one that is too thin could allow the head to droop, either of which could contribute to airway constriction and increased snoring.

The ideal loft depends primarily on body type and sleep position. Sleepers with broader shoulders and/or heavier heads usually need a thicker pillow to fill the space between their mattress and head and neck while providing adequate support, and those with narrower shoulders and/or smaller heads often need a thinner model for support without excessive lift.

Support
The amount of support a pregnancy pillow provides depends largely on its shape. Full body pillows can support multiple parts of your body and oversized models will essentially cradle you from head to toe. Smaller pillows like wedges may be firmer, but they only offer support to one area.

Firmness Level
Different pillow models will provide varying levels of firmness. Pillows made from polyester fiber fill tend to be softer and are a good option if you only need a bit of extra cushioning. Foam-based pillows are generally firmer and may provide additional support to the lower back and stomach.

Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how well a pillow molds to the shape of your body and alleviates pressure points. This is especially important for pregnant people dealing with chronic body aches.

Shape
Pregnancy pillows generally fall into two main categories: body pillows and smaller support pillows. Body pillows, including C- and U-shaped pillows, are designed to offer support to the head, neck, abdomen, back, and knees. While body pillows can be quite bulky, they make side sleeping easier. In contrast, smaller support pillows, including wedge-shaped ones, are meant to provide concentrated support to a single area.

Price
Pregnancy pillows generally cost less than $100, but it’s important to remember that price isn’t the only factor that should be considered. While quality can sometimes correlate with price, many well-made pregnancy pillow options are available for under $50. If you’re on a limited budget, you may want to consider a smaller, less expensive support pillow, like a wedge.

Quality Materials

Materials impact a pillow’s durability, breathability, level of support, and firmness. Polyester is the most common type of material used for both the cover and fill in pregnancy pillows. Polyester-based fabrics and fills are generally affordable, durable, and can come in many textures and levels of firmness. Foam is a good choice if you’re looking for a pillow that provides firmer support coupled with pressure relief.

Moldability
As your body changes during your pregnancy, it’s important to consider every level of comfort that your pillow can provide. Certain materials are more likely to help promote airflow to prevent you from overheating as you sleep. Polyester-based materials are often breathable, making them ideal for pregnancy body pillows. Memory foam is the most likely to trap heat, and tends to be more suitable for smaller pillows.

Pregnancy Pillow Shapes

You can find pregnancy pillows in all types of shapes. A pillow’s shape will determine the

type of support it provides. Some shapes are designed to support your entire body from head to toe, while smaller models bolster specific areas such as the back or stomach. You’ll need to consider where you need support the most in order to choose the shape that’s best for you. We’ll take a closer look at the most common pregnancy pillow styles on the market.

C-Shaped: This style of pillow is long, thin, and curved. The C-shape is one of the most versatile styles of pregnancy pillows. It’s not very bulky and its shape allows you to arrange it in different ways depending on where you need support. You can lay it out lengthwise to create a full body pillow to cuddle while side sleeping, or fold it in half and use it to support your stomach, back, knees, or shoulders.

Wedge Pillows: Wedge pillows are the most compact style of pregnancy pillow. While they don’t offer full-body support, you can use these inexpensive pillows to strategically bolster various parts of your body. These are especially useful for providing support to your stomach and back. You can also couple one or more wedge pillows with a larger pregnancy pillow for additional support.

U-Shaped: U-shaped pillows are designed to cradle your entire body. With your head placed at the bottom of the U, this style of pillow provides secure support for your head and neck, as well as both sides of your body. Although rather bulky, the U-shape design still offers some level of versatility. In the early stages of pregnancy, you can sleep comfortably on your back and then transition to side sleeping with excellent support for your stomach, back, and knees.

Inflatable Pillows: Inflatable pillows are typically the largest pregnancy pillows available and are designed to accommodate stomach sleepers. If you’re a lifelong stomach sleeper, having to suddenly change your sleep style on top of the other discomforts associated with pregnancy may be difficult. Inflatable pillows provide full-body cushioning with a hole in the center to fit your baby bump.

Other Styles: Bedding companies can get creative when it comes to the shape of pregnancy pillows, so shoppers may come across unique shapes that don’t fit into any of the above categories. Other shapes include the teardrop, designed as a small, versatile support pillow, and the barbell shape, designed to promote side sleeping.

Pregnancy Pillow Materials

Pregnancy pillows can differ significantly in their composition, including the materials used to make the cover and the interior filling. The type of material used will have an impact on the feel and performance of the pillow.

Many snorers find relief with the right pillow since it can change their position. Lifting the head and neck often makes gravity work in the sleeper’s favor, allowing their throat muscles to relax without blocking the airway.

We want you to get the best night’s sleep possible, which can be done under a medical professional’s guidance. Talk to your doctor for help determining the cause of your snoring and charting a course of action.

Pillow Fills

Polyester Fiberfill	Polyester fiberfill is a lofty material made from polyester. It is commonly used as a fill material in larger pregnancy pillows, as it provides soft, yet supportive comfort and ample airflow. Polyester fiberfill is also relatively inexpensive, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.
Memory Foam	Memory foam is known for its excellent contouring properties. It molds to the curves of the body while providing support. However, some memory foam formulations can stifle airflow and retain heat. For this reason, memory foam is typically reserved for smaller pregnancy pillows like wedges.
Polyfoam	Polyfoam provides contouring and support but tends to be firmer and less conforming than memory foam. This can result in more robust support for the back or stomach.
Microbeads	Smaller pregnancy pillows may be stuffed with microbeads. This material is made from small, round pieces of polystyrene and offers excellent contouring.

Pillow Covers

Cotton	Cotton is a breathable natural fiber that is easy to clean. It absorbs moisture and typically feels soft to the touch. Many higher-end pregnancy pillows feature organic cotton covers.
Polyester	Polyester is a synthetic fabric that's highly versatile. Manufacturers can formulate polyester fabrics to have different textures as well as an elastic stretch, a good feature for larger pillow covers.

Other Tips for Getting Better Sleep While Pregnant

A pregnancy pillow may help you find a comfortable position and fall asleep more easily. However, many other factors impact your sleep quality, including your sleep position, sleep surface, overall sleep hygiene, and the temperature of your room.

Sleep on Your Side: Many doctors recommend that expecting mothers sleep on their left sides, as they consider this sleep position to be the safest during pregnancy. Sleeping on your back can restrict blood flow, while sleeping on your right side can place strain on your liver. Sleeping on your stomach becomes virtually impossible as the pregnancy progresses.

Keep Your Bedroom Cool: There’s evidence that indicates that sleeping in a cool room can help you fall asleep quickly. The body experiences a natural drop in core temperature in the evening as part of the circadian rhythm. Mimicking this effect by setting your thermostat to around 65 degrees may help you fall asleep faster.

Choose the Right Mattress: While a pillow will help improve your body positioning as you sleep, you’ll still want to ensure that you are sleeping on a supportive mattress. The best mattresses for pregnancy tend to offer excellent pressure relief and a cool sleep surface that help prevent you from overheating during the night.

Focus on Sleep Hygiene: Proper sleep hygiene is one of the most significant ways you can improve your sleep. Establishing a nightly routine that helps you wind down and prepare for sleep may be beneficial for your sleep quality during pregnancy and postpartum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Pillows