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Sciatica pain ranges from mild to intense. When you’re dealing with the radiating, often unrelenting pain of sciatica, finding a comfortable position to rest in can be challenging.
Sciatica is caused by inflammation, compression, or irritation of the sciatic nerve. If you have sciatica, you may have to experiment with sleeping positions that provide the most relief.
Well-designed pillows, bed wedges, and cushions can help by taking pressure off the sciatic nerve and hip flexors. A good pillow for sciatica will help you maintain your spine’s natural alignment and reduce pressure on the lower back.
Many pillows that help alleviate sciatica pain are also beneficial for other conditions, such as low back pain caused by arthritis. They can also be helpful during pregnancy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all sciatica pillow. With that in mind, we included a range of shapes and types. We also included a broad range of prices that can accommodate most budgets.
Whenever possible, we opted for pillows made from organic or sustainable materials.
The pillows on this list come from trusted and transparent manufacturers. We read scores of customer reviews on multiple sites and only chose pillows that had more positive feedback than negative.
Sciatica pillows range significantly in price. The most expensive types tend to be full-body pillows or wedge systems.
Pillows made without ozone-depleting materials and other chemicals also tend to be more expensive.
In this roundup, we’ve indicated price as follows:
- $ = under $100
- $$ = $100–$200
- $$$ = over $200
Contour Products Backmax Foam Bed Wedge System
Price: $$$
This firm bed wedge system is made from medical-grade support foam. It has multiple sections that can be used together or unzipped and used separately.
It’s designed to be used in multiple positions on surfaces like your bed, couch, or floor.
As a full-sized bed wedge system, it follows the natural curve of the spine, alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve. You can also use it to elevate your legs or to prop up your lower back. And the back wedge can be used separately to support your back while sitting or reclining.
It’s available in two widths: 20 inches and 28 inches. Keep your bed width in mind when you buy, especially if you’re co-sleeping.
This bed wedge system comes with a zipped, washable cover.
ComfiLife Bolster Pillow
Price: $
This wedge pillow is ergonomically designed to support the lower back or elevate the knees. The half-moon design makes it easier to use than a regular pillow for propping up both knees.
Placing a pillow under your knees can reduce pressure on your hip flexors. This can help alleviate sciatica pain.
Some people with sciatica also find that sleeping with a firm pillow between their knees provides relief. This position helps reduce compression on the nerve root and supports spinal alignment.
This pillow is made from high density memory foam. It has a removable, machine washable cover.
Some users find it too small to use comfortably between the knees, while others say it’s the perfect fit.
It comes with a lifetime money-back or replacement guarantee from the manufacturer.
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow
Price: $
A complaint many people have about knee pillows for sciatica is that they slip out of position overnight. The ergonomic design of this pillow eliminates that problem.
You can use this high density memory foam pillow to prop up one leg. You can also sleep with it comfortably wedged between your knees, thighs, or calves.
It’s best for side sleepers since it can’t be used to elevate both knees simultaneously.
It comes with a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning. It also comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s money-back or replacement guarantee.
MedCline Therapeutic Body Pillow
Price: $$
Stomach sleeping can place added pressure on the spine and is not recommended for sciatica. If you’re a stomach sleeper, using a body pillow may stop you from shifting into this position during sleep.
This therapeutic body pillow is made from shredded CertiPUR-US certified memory foam that adapts to your body. It’s J-shaped to provide cushioning and support for your neck, lower back, hips, and knees. It also keeps you on your side, which may be the best sleeping position during sciatica flare-ups.
It has no seams on its inner curve that would press into your neck, torso, or knees.
It comes in two sizes and has a removable, machine washable cover.
Yana 360° Body Pillow
Price: $$
This U-shaped full body pillow is made from OEKO-TEX certified materials, including organic cotton and bamboo velour. Unlike many brands of less expensive body pillows, it doesn’t contain chemicals, doesn’t smell, and won’t off-gas.
Two fills are available: shredded latex and cooling gel. The cooling gel may be especially comforting against your lower back when you’re not using an ice pack. It’s also beneficial for hot sleepers.
This pillow is firm and supportive. It can be used to provide support to the lower back, hips, and knees.
DMI Wedge Pillow
Price: $
This wedge pillow is specifically designed to elevate the legs above the heart. According to the manufacturer, it’s beneficial for circulation and back pain.
It’s made from high density foam and is very firm. Some users say it helps alleviate sciatica pain significantly, but others find it too firm to use.
It comes with a removable, machine-washable cover.
Cushion Lab Back Relief Lumbar Pillow
Price: $
This upper mid-back cushion can be used while reclining or sitting. It’s ergonomically designed to provide support for the lower back and spine.
It’s made from extra dense memory foam that’s hypoallergenic. It has an elastic, adjustable strap that keeps it in place while you’re driving or seated in a chair.
A removable cover is made from polyester and rayon, and it’s also machine washable.
The Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll
Price: $
This supportive foam lumbar roll pillow comes in firm or standard densities.
You can use it to support your lower back while sitting and driving. You can also prop it under your lower back or knees while reclining.
It has a built-in strap and removable cover.
Users say it helps them maintain good posture and reduces sciatica pain.
- Do experiment with different types of pillows. What works for someone else may not work for you.
- Do make sure that the pillow you choose can be accommodated by the size of your bed. This is especially important if you buy a full wedge system or full-body pillow.
- Do make sure to sleep on a firm surface. Too-soft mattresses that sag can put pressure on your spine, aggravating sciatica and exacerbating pain.
- Don’t sleep on your stomach. If you’re a stomach sleeper, try to get comfortable on a sciatica pillow that will keep you from shifting positions during sleep.
- Don’t expect any pillow to alleviate sciatica pain completely. Sciatica stretches, yoga, medication, and other forms of medical support may also be needed.