Sleeping during your pregnancy can be uncomfortable and seemingly impossible as your belly continues to grow.
Thankfully added relief can be found by using a pregnancy pillow, a fantastic investment for expecting mothers that takes the pressure off your belly and back while you sleep.
Below we break down the different types of pregnancy pillows and round-up the 10 best ones on the market!
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
Like most products, there are a variety of pregnancy pillows to choose from and each type offers something different.
Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
A wedge pillow slides under your tummy or your back to provide support while you sleep, sit or lounge.
One of the cheapest pregnancy pillows available, most expecting mothers prefer the wedge pillow for its small size and ability to be used nearly anywhere.
It is also fairly practical postpartum and can be used in a variety of ways to make you more comfortable as you sit, nurse or sleep.
Full Length Pregnancy Pillow
A full length pregnancy pillow is essentially a large body pillow that runs the length of your body.
Great for cuddling with and fitting between your knees, full length pillows are beloved for their ability to take the place of multiple pillows.
The appeal of these pillows is the ability to shape and mold it into whatever shape that you want.
This type of pillow doesn’t offer much support for the back however, so if you suffer from back pain during your pregnancy this might not be the pillow for you.
Total Body Pregnancy Pillow
A total body pregnancy pillow wraps around the exterior of your body providing ultimate support for your belly and back.
Available primarily in two different shapes, a C-shape and a U-shape, total pregnancy body pillows are typically 5 or 6 feet long and are typically fairly large in size.
Though this type of pregnancy pillow offers the most support, they also take up much more space and can be quite expensive.
Related: 10 Best Super Greens Powders For Pregnancy
Things to Consider Before Buying a Pregnancy Pillow
With so many options and varieties on the market, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing a pregnancy pillow.
The Filling
The filling of the pillow you choose will determine a few important factors such as whether or not it is hypoallergenic, whether it is breathable and the overall density of the pillow.
There are a variety of fillings used, such as shredded memory foam or polyester fibers, so do your research to find out which filling is going to best fit your needs.
Remember that even though you may not have any allergies now, most pregnant women develop sensitivies during their term, so a hypoallergenic pillow is most often the best option.
Is the Cover Removable?
A removable cover is essential for keeping your pregnancy pillow fresh and clean, especially as your pregnancy progresses and you begin to heat up during the night. While sweating is a completely normal part of being pregnant, you’ll want to make sure that your pregnancy pillow has a removable cover so that you can wash it every once in a while.
Size
If you have anything smaller than a King size bed and you share it with someone else, remember that most pregnancy body pillows are quite large in size.
Be aware of measurements before purchasing and also consider just when and where you want to take your pregnancy pillow. For instance, if you plan on traveling with your pillow you will most likely need a smaller one, such as a wedge pillow.
Soft or Firm
Just as people prefer different levels of firmness to their head pillow when they sleep, you will have a different preference for your pregnancy pillow than other women. Read the reviews as well as the full description of the pillow you are purchasing in order to figure out just how soft or firm the pillow is before buying.
10 Best Pregnancy Pillows
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to narrow down the right pillow for you.
Below we have rounded up the 10 best pregnancy pillows out there to help narrow down your choices.
1. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow
The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow is one of the most popular and highly rated pregnancy pillows available on Amazon.com. With a patented design that was developed by a registered nurse and mother, the design of the Snoogle Body Pillow is a unique c-shape to offer full body support.
In fact, the Snoogle Total Body Pillow is considered to take the place of roughly five regular pillows, offering you complete support from head to toe.
With its c-shape the Snoogle offers support for your back, hips and tummy and can furthermore be used after delivery for nursing support.
Made from 100% polyester fiber with a removable and machine washable cover, the Snoogle is an all around fantastic pregnancy support pillow.
Pros:
- Versatile enough to be used beyond just sleeping
- C-shape design for full body support
- Removable and machine washable cover
Cons:
- Can be too firm for some
The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow received a 4.2 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 8,445 comments and reviews.
2. Queen Rose Full Pregnancy Body Pillow
The Queen Rose Pregnancy Body Pillow is a 100% cotton high density yet super soft body pillow that provides comfort from all sides thanks to its unique U-shape design. With support for the belly, hips and back while sleeping, the Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow can also be used for better comfort while reading, nursing or watching TV.
Perfect for those who suffer from hip or back pain, the Queen Rose Body Pillow is also helpful for those who struggle with fibromyalgia, sciatica or poor posture and can also offer support for athletes or those recovering from an injury.
Another unique feature is the ability to remove some of the filling from the inner cover, allowing you to customize the fullness of the pillow to your preferences. With a full refund or exchange within 30 days, there’s no reason not to give the Queen Rose Pregnancy Body Pillow a try!
Pros:
- Full money back guarantee
- Removable filling allows for customization
- U-design for comfort on all sides
Cons:
- Pillow is on the smaller side
The Queen Rose Full Pregnancy Body Pillow received a 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 1,008 comments and reviews.
3. Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow
Though not marketed as a strict pregnancy pillow, the Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow is one of the highest rated body pillows on Amazon.com that can be used by almost anyone.
Made from a proprietary mix of hypo-allergenic Biogreen memory foam and Certipur-U.S. certified foam, the Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow is made from small pieces of USA produced memory foam mattresses, making them lighter and more resilient than other memory foam body pillows on the market.
As an added bonus the Kool-Flow micro-vented bamboo pillow cover allows for air to circulate through the pillow to keep you cool as you sleep.
Made only of the highest quality, most resilient and extra dense foam materials, the Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow offers a 120-night sleep trial along with a full refund or free exchange if you are not completely satisfied along with a 20 year warranty.
Pros:
- Made from shredded memory foam for a resilient pillow that holds its shape
- Micro-vented pillow case allows for air flow to keep you cool as you sleep
- 120-night sleep trial and 20 year warranty
Cons:
- Not for those who are looking for a thick and fluffy pillow
The Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow received a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 3,481 comments and reviews.
4. ComfySure Pregnancy Pillow
The ComfySure Pregnancy Pillow is an extra long body pillow that is designed for expecting and breastfeeding mothers, however it can also aid others by offering belly, arm and neck support while helping to relieve pain and discomfort. Made from 100% polyester, the ComfySure pillow is hypoallergenic and is ideal for even those with severe allergies or sensitive skin.
Perfect for both queen and king size beds, the pillow measures at 28.5″ x 58″ to provide comfort and fit nearly every body size. Machine washable, the ComfySure pillow also comes with an extra replacement pillow cover.
Pros:
- Extra long pillow to fit nearly every body
- Hypoallergenic and safe for those with allergies or sensitive skin
- Unique J-shape allows for multiple uses
Cons:
- J-Shape can be a bit odd for some
The ComfySure Pregnancy Pillow received a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 207 comments and reviews.
5. Sable Body Pillow
The Sable Body Pillow is unlike other body pillows in that it is a combination of both the U and C shapes while also containing an adjustable elastic band that allows you to adjust the shape of the pillow so that it continues to snug your body and shape as your pregnancy progresses.
The band easily adjusts from 11 to 15 inches so that it can fit your body, offering support for your hips, lower back, tummy, arms and even legs.
Made of 100% polyester that is hypoallergenic and a 100% cotton removable cover, the Sable Body Pillow won’t add any extra body heat and will help keep you cool throughout the night.
Continue to use the Sable Body Pillow postpartum for breastfeeding, sleeping and preventing your baby from accidentally rolling off the bed.
Pros:
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed with a lifetime warranty
- Adjustable elastic band adjusts to accommodate all sizes
- Crafted to follow the natural curves of your body
Cons:
- Pillow is quite large and can take up too much space in bed
The Sable Body Pillow received a 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 34 comments and reviews.
6. Dream Premium U Shape Pregnancy Pillow
This high quality U-shaped pregnancy pillow offers total body support through inner contours that are designed to follow the natural shape of your body.
Full length and extra large in size and width, the Dream U Shape Pregnancy Pillow provides support for all parts of the body, eliminating back pain while supporting the belly in whatever position you chose to sleep in.
Along with a 100% cotton removable cover, the Dream Premium Pregnancy Pillow is made of Luxury Fabric Cotton and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Inner contours follow the natural curves of your body
- Extra large in size and width for full coverage and comfort
- 30 day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Since it is made of only cotton it can retain heat and make sleeping uncomfortable for some
The Dream Premium U Shape Pregnancy Pillow received a 4.3 out of 5 star rating with 140 comments and reviews.
7. Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
Unlike prior pillows on this list, the Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is not a full body pillow but rather a wedge pillow. Soft memory foam on one side and a firmer foam on the other, this wedge pillow can be placed under your belly, behind your back or between your knees to help relieve stress, pain and any swelling.
Made with a perforated foam layer to help keep the pillow cool as you sleep, the Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is also covered in a plush cover for optimal comfort that can be removed and tossed in a washing machine when needed.
Easier to fit into any space that you may need it, this pregnancy pillow is compact and portable enough to be taken on the road with you when you travel or simply to any area of your home to help you get comfortable. It also comes with its own carry bag.
Pros:
- Soft and plush on one side and firmer on the other
- Compact enough to take with you anywhere
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Doesn’t always stay put during the night
The Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow received a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 841 comments and reviews.
8. PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow is a C-shaped body pillow with adjustable polyfill material to adapt to your belly and back whether you are sleeping, watching TV or nursing.
The C-shape design is the perfect balance of comfort and support and the jersey-knit cotton pillowcase is hypoallergenic so it fights off allergens and is suitable for those with even the most delicate allergies.
More than just a pillow for pregnant women, the PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow is great for anyone who needs more support, such as those recovering from surgery or an injury.
Made of 100% cotton, this pregnancy pillow comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- C-shape design for comfort and support
- Adjustable polyfill material
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Pillow seems to rip easily when removing the cover to wash
The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow received a 4.2 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 393 comments and reviews.
9. Angel U Shaped Body Pregnancy Pillow
The Angel U Shaped Body Pregnancy Pillow is designed to fit the natural contours of your body for a supportive, restful sleep.
Made primarily for expecting mothers, this pillow can be used by anyone looking for better sleep – from those with sciatica pain to those who suffer from heartburn!
Along with a washable cover, the Angel U Shaped Body Pregnancy Pillow is made of a 100% polyester inner cover and a 100% polyester hollow fiber filling.
A special feature of this pillow is the ability to remove or add filling to your pillow as needed to find just the right level of comfort for you.
As an added bonus, Angel offers a 30 day money back guarantee or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
Pros:
- Made of polyester for a cooling and comfortable night’s sleep
- Removable filling to adjust firmness of the pillow as needed
- 30 day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Reviewers have mentioned that the pillow can be difficult to fluff in the right places
The Angel U Shaped Body Pregnancy Pillow received a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 82 comments and reviews.
10. Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
The Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow is a hybrid wedge pillow that offers support both for your tummy and your back while sleeping on your side.
The connection between the two pillows is made from a stretchy material, allowing room for growth as your pregnancy progresses. With a compact design that can go with you wherever you need it to, the Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow can also be used as a back support while sitting or under your knees while lounging for optimal comfort and support.
Filled with 100% virgin fiber that is durable and supportive, the pillow covers themselves are removable and machine washable.
Pros:
- Small and compact
- Offers support for both the tummy and the back
- Stretches with you as pregnancy progresses
Cons:
- Reviewers have mentioned issues with the seems ripping
The Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow received a 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 99 comments and reviews.
Conclusion
The use of a pregnancy pillow can be just the thing you need to help you to sleep better now that you are pregnant.
From small wedge pillows to larger total body pillows, there is an option out there for everyone! Let this list be your guide to finding the right pregnancy pillow for you and get back to sleeping well tonight.
Diana Paul is a certified nutritionist who writes for leading health blogs. She is a master herbalist, yoga teacher, forager, and wild-crafting writer She is focused on helping people transform life blocks to opportunities. Based in NYC, she often holds health seminars and lectures.