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Best Body Pillows
Body pillows don’t get as much attention as conventional pillows, but they can be just as impactful. They are exceptionally long (usually at least 48 inches) so that they are closer in length to an adult body. Because of their extra length, body pillows are very versatile, with many ways to use them. You may use one to prop you up or you can wrap your legs and arms around it. Side sleepers, stomach sleepers, pregnant women, and people who suffer from back pain can frequently find relief from the right body pillow.
While selecting a body pillow may seem simple on the surface, they are just as diverse as other sleep products. They have different shapes, fills, weights, and firmnesses, all of which impact the pillow’s comfort and performance.
We’ll share our favorite body pillows on the market today and explain what makes them stand out. We’ll also explore different types of body pillows, how they are constructed, and detail the main factors to consider as you shop for one.
The Best Body Pillows
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Best Overall
Sweet Zzz Body Pillow
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Best Value
Buffy Wiggle Pillow
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Best Pressure Relief
MedCline Acid Reflux Wedge & Body Pillow System
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Best for Pregnancy
Eli & Elm Ultra Comfort Memory Foam Body Pillow
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Most Comfortable
Pluto Puff Body Pillow
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Softest
Sleep Number Cool Comfortfit Body Pillow
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Best for Side Sleepers
Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow
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Best Luxury
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Charcoal Body Pillow
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Best for Back Pain
Back Support Systems Body Pillow
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Best Cooling
Yana Pillow – Cooling Gel
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In-Depth Reviews
The Sweet Zzz Body Pillow has a plush down alternative design that makes it a perfect pillow for snuggling and squishing during sleep. The rectangular shape is large enough to offer all the perks of a body pillow without taking up too much space on the bed.
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Pros
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Down alternative fill provides plush feel
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Shell and pillowcase are made with 100% certified-organic cotton
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Rectangular shape measures 20 inches by 54 inches
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Cons
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Not machine washable
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Customer is responsible for shipping on returned pillows
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Price
$149
Fill
100% down alternative fibers
Firmness
Medium Soft
If you like your body pillows plush and squeezable, the Sweet Zzz Body Pillow is a rectangular model with a medium soft feel that’s perfect for snuggling. The price-point is also reasonable compared to other body pillows with similar quality and construction.
The pillow is filled with down alternative fibers that give it a plushness similar to down, but without the animal sourcing or potential allergies. You’ll find moderate support from this model, but its strength is the luxuriously fluffy feel that conforms to your body. The fill is encased in a shell made of 100% cotton, which is certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The cover that comes with the pillow is also made of GOTS-certified organic cotton. All materials are breathable, so hot sleepers should sleep comfortably with this pillow.
The measurements for the Sweet Zzz Body Pillow are 20 inches wide by 54 inches long, which is standard for a rectangular body pillow. The shell and cover are washable by hand or dry cleaning, but the fill must not be washed. Sweet Zzz does not recommend tumble drying.
The pillow comes with a 50-night sleep trial as well as a 4-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses within the contiguous U.S.
Best Value
Buffy Wiggle Pillow
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The Buffy Wiggle Pillow has a unique tube shape that’s perfect for wrapping and twisting in whatever way feels most comfortable. You can’t beat the price, especially given the exceptional plushness.
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Pros
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Eco-friendly down alternative fill derived from recycled plastic
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Extra-long design should accommodate any body pillow lover
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Optional, machine-washable cover available in three colors
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Cons
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82-inch length may take up too much space on the bed
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May feel too plush for sleepers who prioritize support
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Price
$69
Fill
100% recycled PET fibers
Firmness
Medium Soft
Buffy has earned a reputation for high-quality sleep products with affordable price-points. One of the company’s newest additions is the Wiggle, an ultra-long body pillow with a plush, squeezable feel. The fill consists of down alternative clusters derived from recycled plastic bottles, which mimic the natural softness of real down without using animal-based materials or potentially triggering allergy symptoms. A smooth Tencel shell encases the fill.
At 82 inches, the Wiggle is one of the longest body pillows we’ve tested. This ensures most people can snuggle with the pillow while tucking the bottom between their legs, so the Wiggle is a good choice for pregnant people. Hot sleepers can also benefit from the pillow because the fill retains minimal heat, and the Tencel shell is both breathable and moisture-wicking.
You should avoid machine washing the pillow, and only spot clean the shell as needed. Buffy offers an optional Tencel cover, which is removable and machine-washable. Buffy recommends washing the cover in cold water, then line drying. The cover is available in three eye-catching colors, and adding it to your purchase does not increase the price-point whatsoever.
In addition to its low sticker price, the Wiggle qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Buffy allows customers 7 nights to test the pillow before their credit card is billed, then backs each purchase with an additional 100-night sleep trial.
Best Pressure Relief
MedCline Acid Reflux Wedge & Body Pillow System
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The three-piece Shoulder Relief System from MedCline is a great fit for people living with frequent or chronic pain. A compartment on the wedge allows you to lie on your side without awkward loss of feeling in your arm.
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Pros
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Sophisticated three-piece pillow targets and alleviates shoulder and back pain
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Wedge elevates the upper body to minimize symptoms of GERD and acid reflux
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Available in three sizes
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Cons
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Fairly expensive compared to the average pillow
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Returns not allowed after pillow is unboxed
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Price
$250
Fill
Shredded memory foam
Firmness
Medium
Most body pillows are suitable for side sleepers, but MedCline’s Shoulder Relief System includes two additional components to help you sleep comfortably in any position. A firm wedge bolsters the body pillow, while a foam insert lets you rest your arm within the wedge while sleeping on your side.
Shredded memory foam makes up the body pillow’s fill, giving it a plush and adaptive feel. You can add or remove the fill to customize the loft based on your body and personal preferences. This quality makes the pillow particularly well suited to the anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy. The cover is removable and machine-washable.
The Shoulder Relief System is pricey, but may prove a worthwhile long-term investment if shoulder or back pain is keeping you up at night. Sleep Doctor provides free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. Each pillow system is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Best for Pregnancy
Eli & Elm Ultra Comfort Memory Foam Body Pillow
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The Eli & Elm Ultra Comfort Memory Foam Body Pillow has a unique shape and design meant specifically for pregnant sleepers, with extra cushioning and contours where they’re most needed.
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Pros
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Adjustable construction lets you customize the loft and firmness
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Angled shape has ergonomic benefits for people with lower back pain
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Exceptionally long design is ideal for tall people
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Cons
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Foam fill may trap excessive heat
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Takes up a lot of space on your bed
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Price
$145
Fill
Shredded memory foam
Firmness
Medium
A body pillow can greatly improve sleep quality for those with lower back pain brought on by pregnancy. The Ultra Comfort Memory Foam Body Pillow from Eli & Elm stands out thanks to its ergonomic U shape with extra padding for the lumbar region and a slender arm for snuggling or tucking between the knees when sleeping on your side. You can also add or remove the shredded memory foam fill, allowing you to customize the pillow’s firmness and thickness to your liking.
The breathable cover is composed of a cotton-polyester blend with a hint of spandex for extra stretch. An inner liner contains the fill. When a cleaning is needed, you can separate the liner from the cover and machine-wash the latter in your household machine. One size measuring 56 inches long is available. Due to the angled shape, the pillow takes up less space on your sleep surface than many competing models and shouldn’t disturb your partner during the night.
Although the Ultra Comfort Memory Foam Body Pillow is somewhat pricey, Eli & Elm offers free standard shipping with all purchases. You may test out the pillow for up to 45 nights to decide whether to keep it or return it for a full refund.
Most Comfortable
Pluto Puff Body Pillow
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Packed with plush down alternative clusters, the Pluto Puff Body Pillow is exceptionally soft and comfy. An ultra-long design also makes the pillow a solid choice for pregnant sleepers and other folks who use a body pillow to alleviate lower back pain.
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Pros
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Fill consists of plush down alternative clusters
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Knit cover is soft and breathable
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Hot sleepers
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Cons
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Loft may be too thick for some sleepers
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Frequent fluffing is needed to maintain a full shape
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Price
$130
Fill
Down alternative fibers
Firmness
Medium
Pluto’s Puff Body Pillow is exceptionally plush and lofty. The fill is composed of animal-free down alternative clusters, which mimic the lightness and softness of real down without absorbing heat or triggering allergy symptoms. A breathable knit cover encases the fill, adding to the comfy design.
The pillow measures 54 inches long, allowing you to tuck it between your legs for lower back support while you sleep. This makes the pillow especially well-suited to pregnant people dealing with soreness or aches in their lumbar region. Hot sleepers can also benefit from the thermoregulating design — during our hands-on tests, we noticed exceptional cooling and temperature control.
You can remove and machine-wash the cover whenever a cleaning is needed. A microfiber pillowcase is included with your purchase. The Puff Body Pillow is competitively priced, and shipping is free if you reside in the contiguous U.S. Each order includes a generous 125-night sleep trial, ensuring you’ll have plenty of time to test the pillow and decide whether it’s right for you.
Softest
Sleep Number Cool Comfortfit Body Pillow
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The Sleep Number Cool Comfortfit Body Pillow caters to anyone who enjoys the deep contouring of foam minus the heat retention, thanks to several cooling features. The plush feel is cozy, comfortable, and won’t trap too much heat.
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Pros
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Luxuriously plush fill consists of shredded memory foam and down alternative clusters
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Cover made from a breathable fabric blend that resists heat buildup
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30-night trial includes exchange options
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Cons
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Foam may emit off-gassing odors in the first few days
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Only the pillow cover is machine-washable
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Price
$100
Fill
75% shredded memory foam, 25% down alternative fibers
Firmness
Medium
A common complaint about memory foam body pillows is that the fill absorbs heat and causes the surface to feel uncomfortably warm. The Sleep Number Cool Comfortfit Body Pillow lives up to its name by slightly tweaking the traditional style. The fill consists of shredded memory foam blended with down alternative clusters that won’t retain as much heat. The cover is also a cooling component thanks to its fabrication, which consists of polyester and breathable polyethylene. If you’ve felt excessively hot using other memory foam body pillows, the Cool Comfortfit should be a more comfortable option.
A medium feel ensures the pillow will contour closely without sinking or losing shape too frequently. The cover may be removed for home cleaning. You may machine-wash the cover in cold water with mild detergent, then tumble-dry on a low setting. The foam should only be spot-cleaned as needed because exposure to too much moisture can cause permanent damage.
Compared to other memory foam body pillows, this one is affordably priced. Sleep Number also provides free ground shipping to all 50 states, as well as reasonable flat-rate delivery for Canada and U.S. territories. Your order comes with a 30-night sleep trial, during which you may test out the body pillow and – if you aren’t satisfied – exchange it for another Sleep Number model.
Best for Side Sleepers
Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow
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The Coop Home Goods Body Pillow is filled with foam and microfiber clusters that strike a balance between contouring and support. The medium feel makes the pillow perfect for side sleepers to place comfortably between the legs.
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Pros
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Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill offers strong contouring
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Fill may be added or removed for adjustable loft
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Entire pillow is machine-washable
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Cons
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Memory foam may release some off-gassing odors at first
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Hot sleepers may notice heat retention from foam fill
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Price
$99
Fill
Proprietary blend of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber clusters
Firmness
Medium
The Body Pillow from Coop Home Goods caters to side sleepers and pregnant women who are looking for just the right balance of support and pressure relief to stay comfortable through the night. If you’re on a budget or only planning to use the pillow temporarily, the price-point is very reasonable compared to other high-quality body pillows on the market.
The pillow is composed of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber clusters, encased in a cover made of polyester and bamboo-derived rayon. The fill has a medium feel and excels at contouring the body while still delivering ample support to keep body parts comfortably elevated. The fill can be added or removed from the zippered cover, allowing you to adjust the loft as needed. Since the memory foam is cross-cut, rather than a solid piece, air flows more freely through the pillow. This benefits hot sleepers and pregnant women, who tend to run hotter while pregnant.
Both the cover and fill may be machined washed in cold water on a delicate cycle and tumble dried on a low setting. The foam and cover must be completely dried. Coop Home Goods recommends drying the fill in a laundry delicates bag to speed up the process.
The pillow ships free within the contiguous U.S. Customers may try out the pillow for 100 nights risk-free, with free refunds offered to customers who return the pillow within this timeframe. Coop Home Goods also offers a 5-year warranty.
Best Luxury
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Charcoal Body Pillow
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The Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Charcoal Body Pillow is filled with a memory foam and fiberfill blend that deeply cushions your body. You can add or remove fill to achieve your perfect loft, which is a big bonus with body pillows.
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Pros
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Memory foam and fiberfill conform to the body
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Two size options
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Loft and firmness are adjustable
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Cons
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Pillow insert is not machine-washable
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Memory foam may emit slight odor for a few days
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Price Range
$139 – $155
Fill
65% charcoal graphite memory foam, 35% polyester gel fiber
Firmness
Medium
The Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Charcoal Body Pillow is a memory foam model that excels at cradling sensitive pressure points while still providing robust support.
The pillow is filled with a blend of memory foam and gel fiberfill, which allows it to contour the body and relieve pressure buildup on joints. This may appeal to pregnant sleepers, side sleepers, or anyone who typically experiences painful pressure points at night. Sleepers can add or remove fill in order to achieve the ideal loft. The adjustability allows you to elevate your arms and legs to maintain a comfortable sleep posture. If you typically overheat with foam pillows, the charcoal infusion in the foam is meant to reduce heat retention.
Shoppers can pick from two different sizes. The outer cover, which is 99% polyester and 1% spandex, may be machine washed in cold water on a delicate cycle and then air dried. The inner liner and fill are not machine-washable.
Brentwood Home offers a 30-day return policy as well as a 1-year warranty. Shipping is free to all 50 states.
Best for Back Pain
Back Support Systems Body Pillow
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The Back Support Systems Body Pillow is a versatile model that comes in different shapes and materials, each catering to specific needs and preferences. You can choose whichever design works best to keep aches and pains at bay.
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Pros
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Multiple shape and fill options to suit different sleeper preferences
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Breathable, moisture-wicking cover made of bamboo-derived rayon
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Lengthy dimensions can accommodate pregnant people and taller individuals
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Cons
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Pillow cannot be returned after package is opened
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Foam options may trap too much heat for hot sleepers
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Price Range
$80 – $140
Fill
Shredded memory foam (Good), shredded foam and fiber blend (Better), shredded latex (Best)
Firmness
Medium, Medium Firm
The Back Support Systems Body Pillow is both versatile and affordable. You can choose between straight or contoured shapes. The latter is ideal for those who enjoy sleeping with a pillow tucked between their knees, as well as pregnant people, while the straight shape may be more comfortable for side sleepers who extend their arms and legs. Three fills are also available. The “Good” consists of shredded memory foam, the “Better” contains a blend of shredded memory foam and fiber clusters, and the “Best” features shredded latex.
The best fill for you depends on several factors. In addition to being the most affordable, the Good foam fill has an adaptive feel that makes the pillow moldable and snuggly. The fiber clusters in the Better fill mimic the softness of real down, making the pillow feel luxuriously plush. Those who want a pillow that feels more responsive should opt for the latex fill of the Best design. While this option costs the most – especially when paired with the contoured shape – the price-point is still quite reasonable compared to the average body pillow.
At 50 inches in length, the pillow can accommodate tall people who have found other body pillows too short. A cover made of rayon derived from bamboo encases the fill for all designs. This fabric is both breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable on hot or humid nights.
Back Support Systems offers free shipping to customers in all 50 states. New, unopened Body Pillows can be returned within 30 days of the delivery date – though you’ll need to pay a 20% restocking fee and cover the return shipping charges.
The Yana Pillow is a solid pick for sleepers who tend to overheat while snuggling their body pillow. It’s available in a latex or cooling gel option, both of which offer excellent temperature-regulating properties.
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Pros
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Shredded latex can be added or removed to change the loft
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Extra-long contoured shape makes the pillow very moldable
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Smooth cover made of organic cotton and rayon from bamboo
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Cons
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Yana does not accept returns for this pillow
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Unique shape takes up a lot of bed space
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Price
$199
Fill
Latex-free cooling gel
Firmness
Medium
The Yana Pillow is a luxuriously crafted option for people who enjoy snuggling with their body pillow at night. Measuring 55 inches long, the pillow is contoured in the middle and will mold to your body without hugging too tightly.
The pillow is available in two fill options — shredded latex and cooling gel. The latter option caters to sleepers who prioritize bedding with strong temperature control. The cooling gel is latex-free and conforms closely to your body. The cover is composed of organic cotton blended with rayon from bamboo velour. The material is silky-smooth and perfect for people with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Whenever the pillow needs to be cleaned, you can remove the cover and wash and dry it in your household machines.
The Yana Pillow weighs 16 pounds at full volume, so you won’t need to worry about it shifting or sliding around on your bed while you sleep. The foldable design also allows you to tuck the pillow between your knees or use it as a comfy bolster.
The pillow is fairly priced given its luxurious materials and thoughtful, unique design. Yana does not accept returns on pillows that have been opened.
What is a Body Pillow?
Body pillows are long, narrow pillows. Most sleepers choose to use them to prop up a leg while sleeping on their sides, which can help relieve pressure and align the hips and spine. While the name would suggest they are for the body, many sleepers also use them under their heads or arms for added comfort and support.
How you use a body pillow may depend largely on its style. There are several different shapes and styles of body pillows, each of which carries distinct potential benefits. Some wrap around the body, while others rest on just one side of the sleeper. U-shaped and C-shaped pillows may appeal to those looking for full-body support, while rectangular pillows may be better suited to those simply looking to prop up their leg or lean against a pillow.
Just as body pillows come in different shapes, they also contain different fills. A pillow’s fill can directly affect its support, cushioning, and breathability.
Many sleepers may benefit from a body pillow, including back pain sufferers, pregnant women, side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and anyone who enjoys snuggling with a pillow. If you’re not sure if a body pillow is right for you, keep reading to learn more.
How to Choose a Body Pillow
With so many options, choosing the best body pillow for you requires weighing your priorities and assessing your options. The section below will explain some of the top factors that may influence your decision.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Body Pillow
The following criteria vary between body pillows, leading to differences in their performance and comfort levels. Focusing on these aspects of a body pillow may make it easier to find an option that fits your needs and preferences as closely as possible.
As you shop, keep in mind that not all body pillows are ideal for all sleepers. Even if a company claims that its body pillow is universally comfortable, it may not be the best option for you. That’s why we recommend paying attention to the criteria that affect a pillow’s performance and keeping in mind which aspects are personally important to find the right pillow for your needs.
Size
Most body pillows measure between 48 and 54 inches in length. Shorter pillows may be ideal for sleepers who aren’t as tall or who don’t feel they need cushioning between their ankles. Longer body pillows may be better for taller individuals and those who want cushioning for more of their bodies.
Body pillows also vary in width. Narrower pillows may allow a sleeper to wrap their arms and legs around them comfortably, while wider pillows may keep the sleeper’s limbs more uniformly elevated.
Shape
Body pillows come in three main shapes: U-shaped, C-shaped, and rectangular. The U-shaped and C-shaped designs provide more full-body cradling, while rectangular pillows give one-sided support and cushioning. We’ll explain these shapes in more detail below.
Fill
The fill of the pillow affects its feel, support, and breathability. Pillows may be made up of several different types of fill, including foam, latex, polyester, and down. The fill material can have important implications for a pillow’s performance, though some models use different construction techniques that set them apart from other pillows that use similar materials.
Weight
On average, body pillows tend to weigh between 5 and 7 pounds, but you can find both lighter and heavier options. If you plan to rest the pillow on top of one of your arms or legs, a lightweight body pillow may be more comfortable. Lightweight options may also be easier to move and reposition. However, heavier pillows may feel more securely situated on your bed.
Firmness Level
The firmness of the body pillow affects its plushness and support. Some sleepers prefer a softer pillow for its extra cushioning, while others favor a firmer option for its added support.
Which firmness option is best may also depend on your intended use. If you’re looking for a cushy body pillow to hug during the night, a soft pillow may be what you’re looking for. If you want a body pillow to drape your leg over while sleeping on your side, a firmer option may better support your alignment.
Pressure Relief
Many side sleepers experience pressure between their knees as a result of one knee resting on top of the other. A body pillow wedged between the legs can help relieve this pressure by cushioning the knees and keeping them from pressing together. At the same time, body pillows can also help promote better spinal alignment, thereby limiting the strain and associated discomfort that side sleepers often experience in their hips, shoulders, and spines.
Price
Most body pillows run between $20 and $100, but you can find budget models for under $10 and luxury models for over $200. The price is usually reflective of the pillow’s materials and construction. Depending on your needs and intended use, any price point may be a good value for you. However, the lowest-priced body pillows may not last as long as some of the other options on the market.
Quality Materials
Quality materials can improve a body pillow’s performance and lifespan. While body pillows made of quality materials usually carry a higher ticket price, they may have better performance or a longer lifespan that justifies the added expense.
Temperature Regulation
Since body pillows typically press against the body, they could also impact a sleeper’s temperature. Memory foam is often prone to trapping heat, so body pillows that use the material and do not have sufficient temperature-regulating features may get too warm for people who tend to sleep hot. Fiber, latex, and down fill are typically more breathable.
Who Should Use a Body Pillow?
Anyone looking to adjust their sleep surface and enjoy support for more potential sleep positions may benefit from a body pillow. However, body pillows might appeal most to pregnant women, side sleepers, back pain sufferers, stomach sleepers, people recovering from surgery, and those with chronic pain.
Pregnant Women: A pregnant woman’s belly adds weight around her midsection, which can create back discomfort. Doctors usually advise pregnant women to sleep on their sides, and a body pillow can make this more comfortable by providing extra support. C-shaped and U-shaped body pillows are especially popular for their distinct cradling sensation.
Side Sleepers: Side sleepers often experience discomfort in their hips, shoulders, and knees as a result of their sleep position. Sleeping with a body pillow can help prevent the upper shoulder from slouching, separate the knees to limit pressure, and help keep the pelvis better aligned with the spine.
Those with Back Pain: Body pillows can help support the neck and spine, which may relieve back discomfort. This extra support may also enable the muscles to relax more fully, thereby preventing some of the aches and pains that typically occur when a sleeper unknowingly tenses their muscles to keep their spine aligned.
Stomach Sleepers: Experts typically advise against sleeping on the stomach since it can lead to discomfort and strain. A body pillow can give avid stomach sleepers a similar sensation to stomach sleeping while propping them up on their side. Not only can this reduce some of the aches and pains associated with stomach sleeping, but it can also help train the sleeper to lie on their side instead.
Those Recovering from Surgery: Discomfort from surgery may make it difficult for individuals to lie in their preferred sleep position. Those recovering from surgery can use a body pillow to try different positions while enjoying support and cushioning.
Those with Chronic Pain: Like those who are recovering from surgery, sleepers suffering from chronic pain may need to move around and sleep in more positions than the average sleeper. A body pillow can give the sleeper the support they need to explore different options, better equipping them to find the sleep position that’s best for their current symptoms.
Who is Not Suited:
Back Sleepers: Because they would provide back sleepers with uneven support, most individuals who sleep exclusively on their backs steer clear of body pillows. That being said, back sleepers could use a rectangular body pillow as a head pillow, though the extra length may be unnecessary since a smaller pillow can typically accomplish the same task at a more affordable price.
What Types of Body Pillows Are Available?
Body pillows come in a variety of styles and may use a wide array of fill materials. Each style and material has potential benefits that may make it better suited to some sleepers than others.
Styles:
U-Shaped: U-Shaped pillows are especially appropriate for sleepers looking for the cradling sensation of having a pillow on either side of their body. Thanks to their support and versatility, U-shaped pillows are usually one of the most popular styles for pregnant women.
C-Shaped: Like U-shaped pillows, C-shaped body pillows provide support around more of the sleeper’s body. Typically, the pillow lies underneath the sleeper’s head, along the front of their body, and between their knees. This support for the head, neck, and knees may be especially appropriate for pregnant women and those who suffer from aches and pains in their knees, hips, necks, and backs.
Rectangular: Rectangular body pillows look kind of like a conventional bed pillow that’s been stretched out. These long, narrow pillows can be used behind a side sleeper’s back for support or along their front to give them somewhere to rest the arm and leg that aren’t under their body. This is one of the most common body pillow shapes on the market. It’s also generally one of the most affordable, making it a solid option for shoppers who are looking for pressure relief and support on a budget.
Fill Materials:
Memory Foam: Body pillows may use either solid or shredded memory foam or polyfoam. Whether solid or shredded, both memory foam and polyfoam shape to the sleeper’s body for contouring and support. Polyfoam is typically more breathable than memory foam, so it may be a better option for those who tend to sleep hot.
Latex: Though not as common, some body pillows use natural or synthetic latex. Latex is popular for its buoyant feel and its strong temperature regulation, which may make it especially well suited for people who change positions a lot during the night and those who are prone to overheating. Natural latex is also considered eco-friendly, so environmentally-conscious shoppers often prefer it.
Polyester: Many body pillows use fiber fill, and polyester is one of the most common types of fibers used today. Body pillows with fiber fill are usually breathable, making them well suited to people who usually sleep hot. Many are also hypoallergenic and washable, so allergy sufferers and others concerned with maintaining a clean sleep surface may prefer them.
Down: Down body pillows typically have a plush feel and strong temperature regulation. Since down is often associated with luxury and durability, shoppers looking for an exceptionally luxurious body pillow might consider it. However, pillows made of down may be more prone to lumpiness, spikiness, smells, and noisiness than some alternative options. They also tend to be less supportive, so sleepers may have to fluff their down body pillow frequently to keep it from going flat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Pillows
The best style of body pillow will depend on your specific needs and preferences. U-shaped and C-shaped body pillows may be a better choice for sleepers looking for full-body cradling, while rectangular body pillows are a strong option for those looking for one-sided support.
Body pillows can cost under $10 or over $200, but most fall in the $20 to $100 price range. While low-cost options may look like a good deal on the surface, they sometimes use lower-quality materials that make them less durable. A higher-end body pillow may come at a higher initial price-point, but it could be a better value in the long run if you hope to use the pillow for years to come.
Care instructions vary between body pillow models. Customers should follow these instructions carefully to preserve the longevity of their body pillow. Many body pillows have removable, machine washable covers for easy cleaning. Some pillows can also be laundered, but you should not attempt this unless the care instructions provide specific instructions because some fill materials will sustain damage if washed.
You can purchase a body pillow in most stores that sell sleep accessories, including Amazon, home goods stores, department stores, and manufacturer websites.
A body pillow’s life expectancy will vary based on its materials and construction. Like other pillows, body pillows can absorb oil and dead skin cells, which could attract dust mites. If the pillow is washable, regular laundering can help, but your body pillow may still go flat over time. In general, most pillows will last up to two years. However, body pillows made of durable materials like latex and down may last for much longer.
There are a few adjustable body pillows on the market. Some pillows allow you to add and/or remove fill to adjust the feel or add and/or detach pieces to modify the shape. Most body pillows are not adjustable, but they can often be repositioned and manipulated to achieve the intended effect.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
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Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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