The Best Body Pillow of 2021 – As Cosy As It Gets

For many years, we would just accept the message that pillows were for our head. As time has gone on, we’ve gotten more experimental and realized that we could also get comfort and support by using pillows behind our backs, between our legs, under our shoulders, and more. For this reason, we’ve seen the addition of a full body pillow in the market.

With one look online, you’ll find body pillows in a U-shape, like a long tube, and in various other designs depending on which body parts you want to support. Because of their tremendous versatility, you can now cushion and prop up your knees, hips, shoulders, neck, back, and/or ankles. As well as fussy sleepers, full body pillows are popular among pregnant women, people with muscle/joint pain, and even athletes.

With this in mind, it leads to just one question; which is the best one? In today’s guide, we’re going to show some examples. From here, we’ll explain some buying considerations, the different types of body pillows on the market, and even the main benefits of choosing this product!

The Best Body Pillows of 2020

Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Body Pillow Review

When it comes to comfort, breathable material, and all the other features you would expect from a body pillow, we believe the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Body Pillow to have the best overall option. Made right here in the US, it blends support with softness thanks to the shredded foam filling. Not only is it made at home, it uses CertiPur-US, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly bio green materials; thus, the product is non-toxic and resistant to dust mites.

Regardless of how you sleep, the Snuggle Pedic will conform to your body, allowing for proper orthopedic support at all times. Since the filling is finely shredded, you aren’t restricted with positioning - it will adjust to each position you sleep in. Also, the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Body Pillow won’t sink over time. Each morning, it will return to its original shape which means that your legs, back, knees, and hips get the support they need night after night (they also stay aligned while you sleep). Another advantage of the shredded filling is that you can mold it to your desired shape; some choose flat and wide while others want a bulky pillow.

One of our favorite features is the soft hypoallergenic removable cover; without this, the life of the pillow reduces significantly. Thanks to the viscose bamboo fiber, it can regulate temperatures and prevent users from overheating. As a 20” x 54” full body pillow, it’s large enough for the tall among us.

Of course, you should remember that the density of memory foam can make it heavy… but this is required for the comfort and support discussed previously.

Coop Home Goods Adjustable Body Pillow Review

We’ve seen the moldability of shredded foam, but what about an adjustable feature? Well, this goes to the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Body Pillow because it allows us to adjust the filling via a zipper. If it feels a little too firm, just undo the zipper and remove some of the filling to make it more plush for your needs. Alternatively, add filling to increase support. Since side sleeping is a healthy sleep position that reduces the likelihood of snoring, this position is encouraged by the pillow.

Why should you consider the Coop Home Goods? For us, one of the main advantages is the medium-firm blend of microfiber and memory foam; the latter is also gel-infused. It will keep you cool and comfortable every night. Made in the United States, the pillow has the GreenGuard Gold certification alongside the CertiPur-US Seal of approval. If you haven’t seen these before, it essentially means that the product is meeting the strictest standards for low VOC emissions and suitable for all ages. 

With the cover, there are two main materials in play: 60% polyester and 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon. The cover is completely washable as well as the pillow itself! If you plan on washing the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Body Pillow, we should warn you that since it’s rather large in size, it becomes heavy when wet. Also, some users have been left disappointed after opening their machine and finding the foam filling strewn all around. 

Since there is a risk of the bamboo cover ripping open or coming undone during laundering, we think it’s best to follow the directions of the manufacturer. A safer bet might be just to wash the cover instead.

Leachco Snoogle Maternity Total Body Pillow Review

The problem with most body pillows for side sleepers is that they’re either too hard or too high. Thanks to the Leachco Snoogle Maternity Total Body Pillow, these two issues aren’t a problem as it follows the natural contours of your body from head to toe for maximum comfort. The horseshoe-shaped head pillow allows you to attain the position and height that is just right for you. A longer midsection is ideal for a stomach width or even a full back. Then, we have a slightly curved end which is placed between the knees, and you’re all set for a cool, comfortable night.

If you like to fidget before you get comfortable, the Leachco Snoogle Maternity Total Body Pillow is perfect here also. Although the filling is polyester and this can retain heat, we haven’t seen too many users upset at this feature. On the other hand, being easily adjustable, the pillow is perfect for sleeping and relaxing.

Meanwhile, there’s a removable cover which you can throw in the machine whenever you want to freshen it up. A lot of people love the shape and design of this product and consider it to be highly comfortable. As body pillows go for side sleepers, you won’t find many better.

While pregnant, getting comfortable is difficult (while awake and asleep!). Fortunately, there are some fantastic products that will help, and we’ve chosen the PharMeDoc Pregnancy Full Body Pillow in this guide. With excellent reviews from expectant mothers, PharMeDoc is actually a line of several pillows; our favorite is the C-shaped design body pillow with a jersey cover.

Using a polyfill blend, there’s a balance between soft comfort and firm support as soon as you place some weight onto the pillow. We like the fact that it is large enough to substitute multiple positions, and that it can be used in different ways. While some will utilize the pillow when on their side, others will fold it over as support for the feet or head. Even as a nursing pillow, we’ve seen pregnant women get the support they need for their back, hips, head, neck, and knees.

All in all, comfort means better sleep. With the PharMeDoc Pregnancy Full Body Pillow, you shouldn’t experience as many disruptions through the night, nor should you wake up with back pain associated with pregnancy. Although we’re focusing on pregnant women here, this product has also found an audience in people recovering after surgery or anyone needing more support. Also, it brings several pillows into one after years of using separate pillows for the back, head, legs, and neck.

Just to top it off, the hypoallergenic cover has a zipper and can be washed in the machine. As long as you do this every so often, you get a nice scent as you sleep and while also extending the life of the pillow.

Meiz U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow Review

We don’t always get into bed and sleep straight away, and this is something Meiz has considered with their full body pillow. With a U-shape design, it’s easy to get comfortable while reading or just relaxing before sleep (as well as during sleep itself!). Again, this product has a use as a maternity pillow due to its comfort, support, and softness. In addition to this, it’s also for people who are recovering from injury, or fed up of balancing several pillows on top of one another. It can support the hips, knees, head, back, feet, and stomach properly.

Just lie back in the center of the Meiz U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow, and you’ll have a great position for reading. Regardless of whether you use a new tablet/e-reader or a traditional book, you can use the ends to prop it up. Even when resting or doing other crafts or tasks in bed, you’ll almost certainly have a great partner in this product.

In this guide, we haven’t really spoken about storage, and it’s a concern for many. Luckily, the Meiz can be hung in the closet. Suddenly, it’s no longer getting in the way, and you can simply pull it out when it’s next required.

We’ve found the Meiz U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow to be useful in the following scenarios: leg swelling, back pain, pregnancy, sciatica, fibromyalgia, poor posture, hypertension syndrome. What’s more, it can help people who constantly find themselves tossing and turning during the night. Rather than sleeping awkwardly and waking up all stiff, you can get comfortable, relieve all tension, and encourage proper blood circulation.

Over time, the adjustable polyfill material stays odor-free and retains fluffiness for better comfort and support. Meanwhile, you can wash the cooling hypoallergenic cotton cover whenever it’s needed.

Queen Rose U Shaped Body Pillow Review

We all know how frustrating it is to have back pain, right? Suddenly, even the simplest of tasks become difficult whether it’s getting into a bath, picking up children, or getting comfortable while reading. Fortunately, there are body pillows to provide support, alleviate the tension, and encourage high-quality sleep at night. For us, the Queen Rose U Shaped Body Pillow is one of the best.

Shaped like a ‘U,’ the polyester filling material is durable, which means the pillow should stay with you for many years to come. What’s more, the velvet cover is soft to the touch and is considered hypoallergenic, machine washable, and anti-bacterial.

In terms of support, the Queen Rose soothes aching muscles and relieves pressure points in the back. By cradling the legs and back, you get the support you need as well as a comfortable sleeping position. Depending on what you like, you could even support your head with the top of the ‘U’ or focus on the lower body instead. Users have noted its use in reading, nursing, watching TV, and performing other tasks due to its flexibility; this is by no means a ‘one-trick pony.’

In fact, we’ve even seen couples both using the Queen Rose U Shaped Body Pillow. While one uses it during pregnancy for support and comfort, the other employs it to either get comfortable or relieve back tension and pain.

Warning: After removing the product from the packaging, follow the instructions, and be sure to allow enough time for the pillow to expand.

Utopia Bedding Soft Body Pillow Review

It’s all well and good talking about the best products in different areas, but what about readers on a budget? If this is the case, we have the Utopia Bedding Soft Body Pillow. This plush pillow comes in at 20” by 54”; making it just the right size for keeping you comfortable and supporting the natural contours of your body. Designed specifically for side and stomach sleepers, the ball fiber filling and the support this provides is also useful for pregnant women.

Contained within a soft cover (100% cotton, 240-thread count), the Utopia Bedding Soft Body Pillow provides pressure relief for the abdomen, shoulders, hips, and back - all areas that can ache after a long day at work. With the cover, this is durable and breathable. You will feel the softness when you use it for the first time, but you should also feel its sturdiness, and this comes from double-stitched edges (this should remove the need for a replacement any time soon!).

If you like to wash your covers frequently, the manufacturers have considered this, and it stands the test of time more effectively than most other budget products. Over time, the investment covers itself and, even if you want a replacement, it’s affordable enough anyway.

MALOUF Z Fine Linens Pillow Review

For those in warmer climates, you need a pillow that keeps you cool rather than making things worse. With this in mind, we’re suggesting the MALOUF Z Fine Linens Pillow, which is available in King and Queen sizes. Using plush, gel-infused polyester fibers, this is all contained inside a soft and breathable microfiber cover. These breathable materials help the pillow maintain a cool, comfortable temperature. For this reason, we also recommend this product for pregnant women.

While others clump over time, the Malouf Z will retain its shape night after night. Even with its rigidity, it still should be moldable enough when trying to find a comfortable position. How does the pillow offer such resilience and consistency? Through what’s called tiny siliconized microfibers.

Designed for light and average weight groups, some in the heavier categories have still found use with the MALOUF Z Fine Linens Pillow. Rather than using special cases and covers, you’ll be able to throw on a traditional case which reduces the investment and hassle somewhat (it also means you can keep a uniform appearance in the bedroom!). The product is backed by a three-year warranty.

Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow Review

Finally, we also wanted to provide an option for taller people since they can sometimes have trouble with regular body pillows. Since most models are less than 54 inches, this causes all sorts of problems. Fortunately, the Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow comes in at 60 inches, and the polyester microfiber lends itself to comfort and support.

As well as improving circulation and regulating body temperature, it will keep the back, hips, shoulders, and neck aligned as you sleep. For those who prefer extra pillow support or are pregnant, we recommend curving it between the legs and around to the back. Even if you’re relaxing in bed while watching TV or reading, the pillow can go behind the head. Whichever way you plan to use the Moonlight Slumber, it will remain plump and ready for use for a long time.

Thanks to the breathable cotton cover and synthetic down core, air circulation is good, and you shouldn’t ever feel uncomfortably hot while sleeping. With the synthetic down core, in particular, scientists essentially consider it an extended polymer which means that it retains shape while allowing air to pass through. Over time, you can shape the pillow in different ways thanks to the flexible design, and it’s even soft, squeezable, and lightweight just to add the cherry on top.

Why else should you choose the Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow? Well, it’s odorless, hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, machine washable, and, like every good pillow, luxuriously comfortable.

The Basics of Full Body Pillows

We’ve seen some examples of the best body pillows, let’s learn more of the basics before digging into the main benefits and uses. 

What’s a Body Pillow?

Sounds simple enough, but what actually constitutes a body pillow? When does a normal pillow become a body pillow? In recent times, it seems as though a standard has developed, and body pillows tend to be at least 48 inches long. Traditional pillows can help with body posture and cervical support, but they lack in relieving pain and tension in other areas…and this is where full body pillows come in. 

As well as length, one of the biggest differences between traditional and body pillows is the latter’s shape. As we’re going to explore in the next section, there are various ways to support the body as we sleep. Rather than fidgeting and constantly moving to get comfortable, it’s possible to find a relaxing position almost immediately. Not only do we get comfortable quickly, we stay comfortable and reduce the risk of waking several times per night. 

In case you didn’t know, side sleeping is the healthiest position, and this is another area in which body pillows excel. They encourage sleeping in this position to boost sleep quality and (hopefully!) reduce snoring. For pregnant women, this aids pregnancy by optimizing blood flow to the baby. 

Although we often concentrate on people with injuries, pain, tension, and discomfort, it’s also important to note that full body pillows are useful for anybody who strategically places three or four pillows to suit their back, neck, legs, shoulders, and other areas of the body. Why mess around for 20 minutes trying to get comfortable when one larger pillow will do the trick?

Types of Body Pillow

Often designed for side sleepers, it’s true that body pillows help us find a healthier position while sleeping. Over the years, lots of stomach sleepers have been able to improve their sleep and encourage spinal health. When researching this area, you’ll find all sorts of different designs and this is important to keep in mind. While some focus on hip and back pain, others pay more attention to the support for the neck and head. Here are some of the most popular designs; 

C-Shaped - Firstly, these pillows have long arms shaped like a ‘C’ and they bend slightly inwards. Since they fold quite easily, they can be employed in different ways. Normally, they provide support for the neck, head, and body. Depending on how you want to use it, you can lean into the long arm or use it to support the hip, knee, shoulder, and head. 

In terms of dimensions, C-shaped pillows normally extend beyond 60 inches while offering a width of between 24 and 30 inches. The benefit of choosing this pillow is that you can fold or twist in different ways, and this is useful if you’re just lounging rather than trying to sleep. Also, it can be transformed into a J-shaped pillow (more on this in a moment!). 

L-Shaped - As you can probably guess, this one is designed like an ‘L’ and it’s a versatile one. While some use it as a neck, head, and body support, others will put it between the legs to provide support for the knees and hips. By aligning the hips, the lower back has less stress and experts say there’s also a reduced risk of stretching tendons and ligaments in this area. 

Ultimately, the dimensions you find for L-shaped body pillows can vary. On the one hand, they can have both sides at the same length, such as 24 inches (and an 18-inch width). In other cases, the curved section will be shorter than one side. For example, we’ve seen L-shaped pillows with a 24-inch short length and 36-inch long length. 

U-Shaped - As one of the more common designs, and one we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, a U-shaped pillow is like having two straight body pillows with an adjoining curve for the neck and head. In the recovery period after surgery and during pregnancy, this is likely to be your best choice. Why? Because you can play around with them, fold them, twist them, and do whatever you need to do to get comfortable. 

Generally speaking, the width is between 40 and 50 inches while the length is 60 inches. With this in mind, it takes up most of a twin bed and perhaps half of a king or queen bed. For this reason, they’re often ignored (especially for those with partners who don’t want to sacrifice space!). However, don’t dismiss them too quickly because they’re considered the strongest for support and pain relief. 

J-Shaped - Although similar to the L-shaped pillow, and the J-shaped pillow provides support for the full body, it tends to have more options in the way of support for the neck and head. While the L-shaped pillows can have equal arm lengths, the J-shaped pillow always has a longer body, and this is how you tell them apart. In total, these pillows can go past 80 inches and the hook offers enough curvature to support the knees, hips, neck, and head (or however else you wish to use it). 

Straight - Finally, this is probably the most common option alongside U-shaped pillows and they’re almost exclusively 20 inches by 54 inches. If you want to relieve pressure in the joints, support the back, or provide a hip support, this is great way to go because you can still use your normal pillow for the neck and head. To stop snoring, the slight slope will also help. 

Types of Fill for Body Pillows

As you probably noticed when going through the examples, there isn’t a universal fill that all manufacturers use. Instead, there are five main types; 

Memory Foam - When the joints are aching after a long day at work, memory foam will mold to the contours of the body and provide specialized support. Despite the comfort levels, there are some problems with memory foam including the cost, weight, and the fact that it can get too firm or too hot during the night. 

Shredded Memory Foam - As an alternative to traditional memory foam, more manufacturers have started working with a shredded version which is exactly as it sounds; normal memory foam but shredded into pieces. This way, you get all the same support but in a lighter, softer, and cooler way. 

Polyester - Due to their low cost and good support, synthetic fills are popular; often, softness depends on how tightly the pillow is filled. Although breathability is low, and they can get hot, synthetic fills are washable and hypoallergenic. 

Down - When people first use down-filled pillows, they wonder why this secret has been kept from them for so long. Then, inevitably, they start to feel a lack of support and this is the biggest issue with the fill. Also, we’ve come across individuals who are allergic to down. As a result, some companies have developed a synthetic down so we can get the same feel but without the reactions and risk to health. It does breathe well and remains lightweight over time, but it’s not cheap. 

Microbeads - If you’ve ever had a beanbag, you’ll find some resemblance in microbeads. Easily moldable, microbead pillows are incredibly light. Yet, they don’t have the support of other options mentioned here. 

Cases and Covers 

Before we move onto the buying considerations, we want to briefly mention the fact that pillows can have a cover as well as a pillowcase. These come in four main fabrics; 

• Cotton-Poly Blend - Cheap, durable, and easy to clean. 
• Cotton - Washable, durable, comfortable, and breathable. 
• Polyester - Washable, durable, tends to be hot. 
• Bamboo - Soft, hypoallergenic, breathable, antimicrobial, can be expensive. 

Buying Considerations for Body Pillows

While we’ve been buying bedding for many generations, body pillows are a new niche within this market. How do you know what to look for? We’ve compiled a few considerations below! 

Height and Loft 

If support is the most important feature for you, consider the fill and loft. As you consider where you need the support and your body shape, you can start to focus on products with the right height. For example, supporting the back requires more loft than supporting the knees. 

Also, remember that down and shredded memory foam pillows are easier to mold to our needs than others. With one-piece pillows, the loft range is consistent but somewhat limited. 

Recently, more adjustable pillows have entered the market, and this is brilliant news because we can add/fill depending on what we need. If you’re just starting with these products, get comfortable and get a partner to help you with alignment. If required, you could even take a picture and work out how to really utilize the pillow. 

Sleeping Position 

Next up, you also need to consider your favored sleeping position before investing in a body pillow. If you sleep on your stomach or back, we highly recommend straight pillows that are more firm than soft. This way, you prevent straining your back and neck. If you like to change position several times over the course of a night, straight pillows will also be your answer. 

With U-, C-, and J-shaped pillows, they are designed for back pain in most cases because of the soft spinal support. Meanwhile, anybody recovering from a serious injury or suffering with sciatica or fibromyalgia need to pay more attention to their mattress. Even with the best pillow in the world, you aren’t going to see results without getting a mattress that balances softness and firmness. 

If you’re pregnant, you’ve hopefully already seen that body pillows can replace or become maternity pillows in many scenarios since they can cradle the stomach and provide good support. 

Design and Materials 

In a previous section, we’ve covered filling and we urge you to pay attention to this detail. Meanwhile, the material on the outside of the pillow is also important for your experience. There are many different textures and fabrics, and you need one that provides comfort but that is also breathable and soft. With these features, you won’t overheat, and you can stay comfortable all night long. 

Just briefly on the filling, polyfill is often the favorite because it’s simple, offers everything we need from a pillow, and is breathable. After pressure from consumers, more producers are also paying attention to natural and organic materials so this is another consideration you might make before purchasing. At the very least, you should look for pillows that don’t have potentially harmful chemicals. Especially for the pregnancy niche, we’re sure you don’t want to put yourself or your baby in harm’s way. 

Rigidity and Responsiveness

When we think of a pillow, we believe there’s just one standard firmness, but this isn’t the case at all. While some are extremely soft, others are noticeably firm. In the middle, we have somewhat of a compromise that supports the joints without being too uncomfortable. It’s natural to think that soft is best, but a pillow that’s too soft will lack support and lose shape over the course of a night. 

While on this note, there’s also something to be said for responsiveness. Will the pillow respond to your movements and contour to provide support in the areas needed? Of course, this is a specialty for memory foam and one reason why it’s such a popular filling. 

Size and Shape

We can expect body pillows to be long, but the number of shapes and sizes might just surprise you (as we saw in an earlier section!). At the very minimum, and for comfort through the night for your body, we recommend getting one that goes past the knees from the head. In terms of measurements, tall people should look for over 72 inches while everybody else should be fine with 54 inches. Don’t forget your bed size too. 

When researching, you’re likely to come across straight, flat pillows more frequently than any other. This being said, you might find more support from circular pillows and they’re especially useful for the chest and knees. For neck, head, and back support, the best designs are U-, J-, and C-shaped pillows. In particular, U-shaped body pillows, despite their large size causing potential issues, provide the most support and are ideal for pregnant women. 

Sadly, one of the biggest problems with body pillows is the heat they can generate. As a general rule, more heat is generated the more skin you have in contact with the pillow. If you want to avoid this completely, we can now do so thanks to bamboo and other breathable materials; phase-change-materials are also better than synthetic materials. 

You 

What do we mean? Well, it’s no use buying a full body pillow without considering your own circumstances. 

Budget - Firstly, do you have a specific budget in mind? If yes, this will immediately reduce the number of available products to a specific window and you don’t have to waste time looking at those that are too expensive. While some extend beyond $100, you’ll find high-quality pillows between $20 and $60. 

Pillow Weight - Do you plan on moving your body pillow from room to room (or even from home to home)? If so, consider that memory foam can be heavy. If you aren’t planning on moving it from your bedroom, you can look free from restrictions. 

Height - For most people who use a pillow between the knees, and aren’t too worried about their ankles, a standard body pillow will suffice. If you do like to separate the ankles or are taller than average, 54 inches may not be enough. With a little testing and reading reviews online, you’ll soon find the right product length for you. 

Material and Case - Do you need the support that comes with down or latex memory foam? Would you prefer the cheaper alternatives of synthetic materials? Also, does the product come with a case? As you can imagine with the strange shape, C-, U-, and J-shaped pillows don’t allow for simple cases. Rather than hunting high and low, it’s probably easier to buy a product that comes with a case. 

Pain and Discomfort - While some want a body pillow for comfort, others want to relieve tension and pressure (and even pain). If you have back pain, for example, you need extra support, and this comes from the irregular pillows such as those with a C, J, or U shape.

Climate - Where you live and how warm you get in bed is also important. If you get warm in bed, look for feathers, shredded foam, and materials that encourage air circulation. In the cover, we recommend avoiding synthetic materials (such as rayon and polyester) and sticking with cotton and other natural fibers. 

Pregnancy - If you’re expecting a child, firstly congratulations. Secondly, longer pillows are normally more comfortable because you can support the back and tuck the pillow in between the legs. 

Warranty and Trial - Finding a pillow that works is a unique experience; for example, you could try your friend’s chosen design and have a horrible night with it. Therefore, you also need to pay attention to the trial a manufacturer offers as well as the warranty. What if something was to go wrong with the pillow? What if there’s a split after just two weeks of use?

These days, most companies have faith in their products so will provide a warranty that lasts for a number of years. As long as the defect is not your own fault, the company may repair or replace the pillow. Be careful, don’t just assume that a pillow comes with a warranty because this isn’t always the case.

Other Considerations 

Elsewhere, there are three smaller considerations you might want to know. Firstly, with so much of our body in contact with the pillow, allergies are sometimes a problem. If you have allergies or other sensitivities, pay attention to the materials used in your chosen pillow.
Secondly, it’s also worth looking at the returns policy because you might not find the best body pillow at the first attempt. With a sleep trial, you can return a pillow that doesn’t work and continue with testing. If the returns policy allows and the pillow isn’t right, you’ll get a full refund with no questions asked. 

Thirdly, we also recommend looking for a machine washable cover. It’s not a necessity, but it will make everything so much easier. 

Benefits of Using a Full Body Pillow

Just in case you were in any doubt as to why you should consider a full body pillow, it isn’t just about comfort. Here are the main benefits; 

Reduce the Movement 

Whether it’s yourself or a partner, tossing and turning can quickly get frustrating. While some people are able to fall asleep as soon as their head hits the pillow, others need to constantly shift and turn just to get comfortable. Often, this is a result of the body feeling some form of discomfort. Even while the mind is relaxed, the body gets restless just trying to find the right position. 

With a body pillow, you’re much less likely to move. We can hold onto something that isn’t our partner (which only gets us hotter through the night anyway!). Your pillow won’t produce excess amounts of heat and you should be able to find a comfortable spot that you can keep through the night. It might be romantic to hold onto a partner, but we have to appreciate that they need to get comfortable too; we can’t sacrifice their comfort just so we stop moving. 

Over time, the brain is trained, and the pillow becomes the object you need to relax and get comfortable. At the moment, it might be reading or getting into pajamas that gets the mind ready for bed. By adding the body pillow, you have an additional tool to promote and encourage restful sleep. 

Pressure Point Relief

Did you know that a firm mattress aggravates the pressure points? Whenever the hips fail to feel support, the body moves, and we end up twisted or in a terrible position. Since this happens most nights, it leads to pressure on the arms, poor spinal alignment, and other issues. Especially if you have wide shoulders, you lean forward, fold the pillow in half, and generally have a bad time of things at night.

As you can probably guess, the solution here is a full body pillow. As it comforts the body and sits between the knees, the body stays aligned, and the hips have the support they need. When the lights go out, the body can relax, and you shouldn’t wake up in the morning feeling even more tired than before. 

Improve Alignment 

As we’ve just mentioned, discomfort and pain can come from our body weight pushing on the hips. As a result, we adjust the shoulders and slide the leg forward which creates a twisted frame and, sadly, poor alignment of the spine. While hugging a body pillow as you sleep, there’s no need to twist and all your weight is distributed evenly. If you’re wondering why we’ve mentioned people with back issues so frequently, this is the reason. 

Encourage Breathing and Circulation 

Now you have proper alignment, blood circulates around the body nicely and, with the body elevated slightly, breathing also improves. We can provide a sigh of relief to all partners too because an elevated frame should reduce snoring, so it almost works as an anti-snore pillow too. 

Comforting Hugs 

Often, we see this benefit go under the radar, but we cannot underestimate the value of a good hug. The reason why we hug parents as children and hug partners as adults is because they make us feel better. Whether you sleep with a partner or alone, hugging a body pillow can have the same effect and we drift off with a smile on our face.

As we hold onto something, it’s easier to calm the mind as the muscles relax. As mental health issues become more prominent in society, sleeping problems are a side effect of this and insomnia comes from not being able to switch off the mind. Thankfully, body pillows have brilliant reviews in this regard. 

Remember when we would hug a stuffed toy in bed as a child? Well, maybe we were doing something right. Why remove this when we can hug a body pillow and enjoy the same benefits? It’s essentially the same concept (except you get the bonus of improved breathing, circulation, spinal alignment, and more!). 

I Use a Body Pillow? Will I Benefit?

With everything we’ve learned in this guide, you know that body pillows support the whole body while stopping twisting in the pelvis, arching in the spine, and pressure in the hips and shoulders. Does this mean that absolutely everybody will benefit from such a product? Well, there are some who benefit more than most; 

Pregnant Women 

For back sleepers while pregnant, sleep becomes a difficult subject because of the weight distribution and heavy concentration on the stomach. By sleeping on the side with a pillow between the knees, a pregnant woman can cradle the extra weight and get support in all the right areas. We’ve spoken to plenty of expectant mothers who love the support for their back and even enjoy having something between the ankles and legs. 

Side Sleepers 

Although experts will tell you that sleeping on the side is best for our health, the problem often comes with the shoulder and arm taking all the weight. With a pillow between the knees, we can reduce this burden while also encouraging proper alignment (between the spine and pelvis). For anybody who experiences bruising or chafing in the ankles, a pillow will also stop them from rubbing together. 

Couples 

In this guide, we’ve concentrated on solo sleepers, but turn the pillow on its side and you have support for two people in a bed. Especially for couples who sleep closely to one another, most body pillows will accommodate support for both partners. 

Stomach Sleepers 

When sleeping on our stomach, there’s a risk of increasing both pressure and pain, and this is why doctors advise against it. This being said, introducing a pillow can alleviate the risk somewhat because we’re on a soft surface without neck strain. Elsewhere, you might find comfort half-way between stomach and side with the pillow underneath. 

Sufferers of Back Pain

We’ve generalized with the sub-heading, but it could also include anybody with problems with; 

• Flu 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Spinal issues 
• Arthritis 
• Infectious diseases 
• Autoimmune disorders 
• Injuries 
• Strains and pains 

If you’re a back sleeper who isn’t too comfortable sleeping on top of a pillow, there are two solutions. We understand that uneven support will lead to even more pain and discomfort, so the first option is to turn the pillow sideways. Otherwise, you can try smaller pillow sizes such as King, Queen, and Standard. 

Summary 

If you take one thing from this guide (hopefully you’ve learned lots!), remember that body pillows come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and firmness levels. While some enjoy using one during pregnancy, others need it after surgery. Meanwhile, some just want to increase their comfort and sleep quality in an average night. When we sleep better, we have more energy the next day and are able to concentrate more. In the long-term, this means working towards goals and potentially enjoying more success not only in a professional setting but in our personal lives too. 

With the right comfort and support, you can encourage correct alignment and relieve any tension and pain that might exist. As a sleeping aid, it’s a fantastic product and one that has transformed many lives. As long as you’re willing to test and find one that suits you, the potential rewards are huge!