10 Body Pillows to Curl Up with

A quick look at the best body pillows

• Best adjustable-height body pillow: Coop Home Goods Body Pillow
• Best C-shaped body pillow: PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow with Jersey Cover, C Shaped
• Best U-shaped body pillow: Leachco Back ‘n Belly Chic Pillow
• Best wool-blend body pillow: Savvy Rest Wool-Latex Body Pillow
• Best multi-position bolster body pillow: Sleep Yoga Multi-Position Body Posture Pillow
• Best cooling body pillow: Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow
• Best down alternative body pillow: The Company Store Down-Free Body Pillow
• Best memory foam body pillow: Queen Rose Pregnancy Body Pillow
• Best full support body pillow: Sharper Image Full Support Body Pillow
• Best for ergonomic design: Casper Hug Body Pillow

Body pillows can provide great comfort and even lead to a better night’s sleep for some people. They’ve been reported to reduce body aches and pains, especially for pregnant people or side sleepers who are seeking extra support. Plus, some people like the coziness factor of hugging a full body pillow throughout the night.

We’re here to help you find the right pillow for your needs, so we’ve broken down the best options by price, comfort, and popularity. Read on for our top picks.

What is a body pillow?

Body pillows are typically long pillows that extend the full length of your body, but they also come in a range of shapes and sizes that offer different types of support.

Some people find that body pillows reduce pressure on their joints, leading to fewer body aches and pains. Body pillows can also improve spinal alignment and help those recovering from surgery or with back pain rest more comfortably.

Side sleepers and pregnant people often find comfort in placing a body pillow between their legs while sleeping. Finding a pillow that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture can help people to rest better and wake up with less pain.

How we chose the best body pillows

To choose the pillows on this list, we read scores of customer reviews on multiple shopping sites.

We chose only pillows that come from well-known manufacturers and are made from safe, nontoxic materials. We took customer service history, ease of returns, and product guarantees into account.

We also selected pillows with removable covers. This makes them easier to clean than others on the market.

Pricing guide

Body pillows range in price and often go on sale throughout the year. Some are considerably more expensive than others, but certain budget pillows provide comparable comfort to more expensive models.

The cost of a body pillow is often determined by the type of fill used and the cover material. For this list, we indicated price with the following guide:

• $ = under $65
• $$ = $65–$150
• $$$ = $151–$300
• $$$$ = over $300

Healthline’s picks for the best body pillows

Best adjustable-height body pillow

Coop Home Goods Body Pillow

• Price: $$
• Height: adjustable
• Size: 20 inches x 54 inches
• Considerations: Some users have difficulty adjusting the amount of fill in the pillow to accommodate their comfort level. Others report feeling hot while sleeping with this pillow.

Key details: This pillow was designed specifically to be hugged by side sleepers to keep the hips, legs, and spine aligned. The fill is gel-infused, CertiPUR-US certified foam, with a shredded memory foam inner core. You can adjust the amount of fill, which gives you control over firmness and height. The case is polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon.

Best C-shaped body pillow

PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow with Jersey Cover, C Shaped

• Price: $
• Height: 7 inches
• Size: 30 inches x 57 inches
• Considerations: Some users complain that the pillow is hard to get back into the case after washing. Due to the density of its fill, this pillow weighs around 7 pounds and is heavier than some other body pillows.

Key details: This ergonomically designed, C-shaped pillow provides a cocoon-like environment for sleeping, with maximum back and stomach support. The fill is made from 100 percent polyester and is a good choice for people who have allergies to other types of fill, such as down or latex. The removable pillow cover is cotton and can be machine washed and dried. Users rave about the softness and cushion of this pillow.

Best U-shaped body pillow

Leachco Back ‘n Belly Chic Pillow

• Price: $$
• Height: 8.5 inches
• Size: 33 inches x 55 inches
• Considerations: This pillow, at 7 pounds, is heavier than other options heavy. It’s also fairly wide and takes up a significant amount of space. Some tall users who are over 5 feet, 8 inches find this pillow too short in length.

Key details: The Leachco Back ‘n Belly pillow has an hourglass-shaped inner curve, which many users find snuggly and super comfortable. It has more height than many other body pillows, and some people have said this helped reduce their acid reflux and heartburn.

It provides firm back support yet still has a softness to it. Some back sleepers find this pillow comfortable and supportive, too. It comes with either a zipper or sham cover. Both can be machine washed and dried.

Best wool-blend body pillow

Savvy Rest Wool-Latex Body Pillow

• Price: $$$
• Height: adjustable
• Sizes: 24 inches x 52 inches, 28 inches x 52 inches, or 34 inches x 52 inches
• Considerations: This pillow is by far the most expensive one on our list, so it’s a bit of a gamble since the manufacturer doesn’t accept returns. The removable pillowcase must be hand-washed to avoid shrinkage.

Key details: This body pillow is made from certified organic wool and shredded latex. The combination provides pliability, combined with firm support. You can control the pillow’s firmness by removing the amount of fill it contains.

The removable cover is made from unbleached organic cotton flannel. It’s soft to the touch and comfortable to sleep on. Since this pillow is around the same width as a standard pillow, it doesn’t take up much room and can be used comfortably when sleeping with a partner on a full- or queen-size bed.

Best multi-position bolster body pillow

SleepYogaMulti-Position Body Posture Pillow

• Price: $$
• Height: adjustable
• Size: 8 inches
• Considerations: Each section of this body pillow requires its own cover, which makes the cost add up. Pillow covers are sold separately. The pillow fill is a patented blend, and the manufacturer isn’t transparent about the materials used.

Key details: This bolster or cylinder-shaped pillow is separated into three sections. This design, thought up by a chiropractor, lets you adjust the pillow to accommodate injuries and painful areas of your body. Users say this is an excellent pillow to use while recuperating from the back, hip, or knee surgery. Some users with fibromyalgia also find it beneficial.

It has a machine-washable cotton cover. The pillow is made from a cotton-polyester blend. In addition to the cover, the pillow can be machine washed and dried, without getting lumpy.

Best cooling body pillow

Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow

• Price: $$
• Height: approximately 8 inches; variable
• Size: 20 inches x 54 inches
• Considerations: The pillow takes several hours to puff up to full size after opening the box. You must buy a pillowcase separately and some users find that this pillow doesn’t provide enough head height.

Key details: This pillow is ideal for hot sleepers. It has a patented, micro-vented cover made from a blend of bamboo memory foam, polyester, and Lycra. It’s hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and dust mite resistant. The fill is CertiPUR-US certified foam. This means it’s been tested for formaldehyde, phthalates, and other harmful toxins. The pillow can be machine washed.

Best down alternative body pillow

The Company Store Down-Free Body Pillow

• Price: $$
• Size: 20 inches x 72 inches
• Considerations: A 200–thread count protective cover for this pillow is sold separately. Some users dislike that white cotton is the only color and fabric available. The pillow itself is not machine washable; spot cleaning only is recommended.

Key details: This rectangular body pillow is filled with polyester as a down alternative, with a cotton shell. Users like the softness or squishiness, and people who wanted a long body pillow enjoy the length of this one. Its softness and lack of bulk make it easy to mold or fold into shape.

Best memory foam body pillow

Queen Rose Pregnancy Body Pillow

• Price: $
• Sizes: 31 inches x 55 inches, 31 inches x 60 inches, or 31 inches x 65 inches
• Height: 7.8 inches
• Considerations: Polyethylene is a chemical compound that’s considered safe, but some users prefer organic or all-natural fills. If you’re one of them, this pillow might not be the best choice for you. Some users report sleeping hot with this pillow. Other users mention that the stitching around the sides of the pillow is hard and can dig into the shoulder area.

Key details: This highly versatile pillow can be used as a body pillow for sleeping and to prop you up into a seated position in bed. Some users flip it upside down and elevate their feet (where their head is supposed to go), so they can sleep with their own pillow while getting the full benefit of a body pillow.

This pillow is filled with polyethylene memory foam for firm support and a shape that molds to your body. Users find that it provides comfortable support with lots of give. The zip-off cover means easy washing and drying.

Best full support body pillow

Sharper Image Full Support Body Pillow

• Price: $$
• Height: 15.5 Inches
• Size: 130 inches x 15.5 inches
• Considerations: At 10 pounds, this is a heavy pillow that’s also large and wide. It may be a bit bothersome to use in smaller beds or with a sleeping partner.

Key details: This one-piece, horseshoe-shaped pillow provides full body support, specifically for side-sleepers. It’s also a great option for anyone living with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or neck and shoulder pain as it’s described to relieve pressure. It’s also made with hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill that resists clumping and maintains its shape.

Best for ergonomic design

Casper Hug Body Pillow

• Price: $$
• Height: varies depending on size
• Size: 18 inches x 38 inches
• Considerations: Some users do not find the twisted design of this pillow comfortable, or the fact that it’s well-stuffed and firm.

Key details: This pillow has a unique ergonomic twist design that contours your body. It promotes proper alignment for side sleepers while also relieving pressure. It’s also designed to be hugged and fits between your arms and legs for all-night comfort but has sleep-cool technology so you won’t get too hot.

The pillow gets mixed reviews with some finding it too bulky and firm, while others enjoyed these factors and commented on how it’s the ultimate body pillow.

Comparison of the best body pillows

Who should use a body pillow?

If you’re pregnant, then a body pillow is a great addition to your nighttime routine. There are many specialty body pillows designed just for pregnancy, offering support as your belly grows.

Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult for pregnant people, so finding a supportive pillow can be the key to getting adequate rest. Body pillows are designed to help reduce hip and back pain. They provide support for side sleeping and can improve circulation.

However, even if you’re not expecting, you can still benefit from a body pillow. Side sleepers and people dealing with back pain may like the extra support a body pillow offers. It can also be a good choice for those dealing with other types of chronic pain.

You can use a body pillow to prop you up, or it can simply provide a comfortable surface to cuddle up to.

How to shop for a body pillow

There are tons of different body pillows out there. Here’s what to consider to narrow things down.

Sleeping position

Body pillows encourage side sleeping. If you’re a combination, back, or stomach sleeper, look for a body pillow with removable fill so you can adjust its height.

Size

Choose a body pillow that works well with your height. If you aren’t very tall, you may find a shorter pillow works best. However, if you’re tall, you’ll want to look for a long pillow to provide full-body support.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the pillow’s height and width. While larger pillows will prop you up more, they might not be as comfortable if you want to be able to wrap your arms and legs around them.

Filling material

The filling plays a big role in how durable the pillow will be over time. It may also determine how breathable the pillow will be.

You can find pillows filled with air, memory foam, polyester, and more. Remember that some materials, like foam, can contain chemicals and may have an odor at first.

Firmness

Just like any pillow, body pillows vary in density. Choose a softer, more pliable option if huggability is your priority when sleeping or relaxing. If you want more support, choose a firmer option.

Ease of cleaning

Some body pillows come with washable, removable covers, which makes them easier to clean.

Compatibility with bed space

Body pillows take up space. Check the pillow’s measurements against your bed size, especially if you sleep with a partner.

Weight

Since body pillows are bigger than standard pillows, they can be a little unwieldy. Consider the total weight in conjunction with the size to get a feel for how easy the pillow will be to move around.

Frequently asked questions about body pillows

What shapes do body pillows come in?

Body pillows are available in four main shapes:

• rectangular (most traditional)
• U-shaped
• C-shaped
• J-shaped

How long should a body pillow be?

A body pillow should be long enough to provide good support for your body size. While rectangular body pillows usually come in around the 48-inch mark, you may select shorter or longer lengths depending on your height.

How should you sleep with a body pillow?

It’s easiest to sleep with a rectangular body pillow if you lie on your side. You can wrap your legs or arms around it, or simply prop yourself up against it.

You can also put the pillow behind you for additional back support.

C-shaped, U-shaped, and J-shaped body pillows can be used in several ways. Typically, you’ll wrap the pillow around yourself to support your back, side, or stomach.

What does a body pillow help with?

Body pillows may help provide:

• pressure point relief
• spinal support
• belly support during pregnancy

Takeaway

Body pillows are specially designed to elevate your comfort level during sleep. While there isn’t a lot of data about body pillows, users often report reduced back, hip, and knee pain while using them. Pregnant people often use body pillows because they help to cradle the stomach and hips.

Body pillows come in a range of sizes, shapes, and price ranges.