10 Best Body Pillows to Curl Up With for a Better Night’s Sleep
Snuggle up and snooze in comfort.
Everyone has their own preferred sleeping position: While some feel most comfortable lying on their sides, others prefer sprawling flat on their stomachs. Then there are those who simply flop down on their backs and call it a day. No matter how you like to get your zzzs, curling up with one of the best body pillows can help alleviate aches and pains, so you wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.
What is a body pillow?
A body pillow, also known as a dakimakura in Japan, is an oversized pillow that’s designed to improve your spinal alignment and relieve tension from pressure as you sleep. Depending on the model you choose to sleep with, your spine, neck, legs, knees, back, and stomach can all benefit from its support.
Body Pillow Benefits
The best body pillows help take the pressure off common trouble spots that can cause pain as you doze. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center suggest that people who sleep on their backs should place a pillow under their knees to lessen stress on the spine, while stomach-sleepers may benefit from a body pillow that’s placed under the stomach and pelvis to prevent pain in the neck, back, or joints. Side-sleepers, meanwhile, can use the support between their knees to take tension off of the hips.
A good rule of thumb? Anywhere there’s a gap between your body and the mattress is a good place to put some cushion.
The Best Body Pillow for You
Want to add a body pillow but your nighttime routine, but not sure which one is best for you? We’ve got you covered with nine different options that are bound to work for you, no matter preferred sleeping position. Keep scrolling to see FIRST for Women’s picks for the best body pillows to help you get a better night’s rest.
What are the best body pillows you can buy?
Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow
Best Memory Foam Body Pillow
Why we like it:
- Hypoallergenic
- Great reviews
This top-rated body pillow, which has close to 5,000 ratings on Amazon, is made with breathable, hypoallergenic fabric on the outside to keep you cool, while shredded memory foam on the inside ensures it won’t go flat. It also provides extra support through the hips, knees, or stomach, making it a great choice to ease a variety of aches and pains. Better yet, with a 120-night “love it or send it back” policy and a 20-year warranty, you can be sure it’s built to last.
This reviewer says customer service went above and beyond: “I gave this pillow to my husband for Christmas … he LOVES [it] … I have personally been impressed with the extreme customer service I have received since ordering the pillow. Upon ordering, I received a phone call asking if I would be interested in a complimentary pillow cover. I chose the zippered cover, and it was delivered promptly and is very nice and high quality. I have also received emails asking how my product is and if there is anything more they can do for us. They are willing to customize a pillow, if needed. I find great customer service is a rarity these days and I appreciate a company that demonstrates a high level of customer service. I also appreciate they stand by their product and offer a great warranty. I highly recommend this product and this company.”
REMarkable Cashmere Memory Foam Body Pillow
best luxury body pillow
Why we like it:
- Buttery soft cashmere
- Machine-washable
Splurge on this luxe pillow that comes covered in buttery cashmere. Made with memory foam, it reduces pressure on joints, while also cradling your head for a peaceful night’s sleep. You can turn it over to be left- or right-facing — it will evenly distribute heat to keep you comfortable no matter which side you choose. Even better? Unlike your favorite cashmere sweater, it’s fully machine washable.
Sunbeam Heated Body Pillow
Best heated Body Pillow
Why we like it
- Great for side-sleepers
- Heating pad and body pillow in one
Aches and pains keeping you up at night? This quilted pillow from Sunbeam will act like a heating pad for your whole body, easing tension with its three different gentle heat settings while supporting your body through the lower back and hips. It’s perfect for side- and stomach-sleepers and has a super-soft 200 thread count. A pillow case is not included, but at 54 X 20 inches, it will fit most standard body pillow cases.
This reviewer loves using hers in colder weather: “So comfortable to curl up with this heated pillow in the winter months. Bought two, we love them!”
Soft-Tex SoftLOFT Body Pillow
Best affordable Body Pillow
Why we like it:
- Soft and fluffy
- Hypoallergenic
This fluffy, luxurious body pillow has a 240 thread-count cover, so it’s as soft on the inside as it is on the outside. The plush, hypoallergenic filling is supportive yet flexible, so you can adjust the pillow however is most comfortable for you — under your head, between your knees, or behind your back. This ultra-affordable body pillow doesn’t come with a cover, but you can get this zippered, machine-washable one from BioPEDIC to protect it (Buy on Amazon, $18.99).
“This pillow is softer than clouds. I have hip issues and wanted to upgrade what I use between my knees at night to keep a natural posture. This pillow is perfect because it also allowed for neck support when lying on my side watching tv. I will say that it’s not a firm pillow whatsoever. So if you’re looking for that kind of support, you won’t find it in this pillow. But this pillow is incredibly soft and squishy and the best to snuggle with. “
Mooshi Microbead Body Pillow
Best Microbead Body Pillow
Why we like it:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Available in a range of bright, bold colors
Available in a rainbow of fun colors, this squishy body pillow is especially great for kids. It feels like a bean bag, so it’s lightweight, flexible, and offers support for sleeping, reading, or watching TV.
Organic Shredded Latex Body Pillow with Plush Bamboo Cover
Best latex Body Pillow
Why we like it:
- Bamboo cover is cooling, great for hot sleepers
- Made from organic latex
If you prefer a latex body pillow, this one is made of organic, spiral-shaped pieces that lend it a feather-light feeling while still responding to your body like memory foam. Better yet, its bamboo cover is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, keeping it free from germs and allergens that could otherwise interrupt your slumber.
This reviewer says the pillow helps her chronic pain: “This has easily become my favorite pillow, not just for the support that it gives, but it has a soft cover and the amount of stuffing makes it firm and supportive throughout the night. I have fibromyalgia so pain and discomfort are often things I have to tackle throughout the night, so it’s nice to have a pillow that I can use for either front or back support.”
Contour Legacy
Best Body Pillow for joint pain
Why we like it:
- Supports joints after knee or hip replacement surgery
- Recommended by physical therapists
OK, this one’s technically not a full-on body pillow, but hear us out: If you’re a side-sleeper who suffers from sciatic nerve pain, this little wedge pillow will be a lifesaver. It’s meant to keep your legs and knees aligned and supported, taking the pressure off of sore spots. If you’ve had a hip or knee replacement, this physical therapist-endorsed pillow is a must-have item.
This satisfied customer has had both her hips and knees replaced: “I have been using Contour Living pillows since my knee replacement in 2001 and have found them all to be good, but this newest one is the best yet. I get a good night’s sleep without any joint pain from either my knees or hips, which have also been replaced.”
Mainstays Quilted Cotton Cover Body Pillow
Best walmart Body Pillow
Why we like it:
- Great for side-sleepers
- Filling won’t bunch or shift
Gusseting sets this body pillow apart, keeping its 100 percent hypoallergenic gel-fiber fill from bunching up or shifting to offer next level comfort and durability.
This side-sleeper recommends it: “Bought this body pillow because I’m a side sleeper. It’s so great and my sleeping has improved. Unlike most body pillows that flatten after a while, this pillow is made to keep its shape beautifully. Can’t say enough how much I love it!”
Pom Pom at Home Montauk Body Pillow
best body pillow for lounging
Why we like it:
- Minimalist design coordinates with many types of décor
- Machine washable
Like to curl up on the couch and binge the new season of your favorite series, but have trouble getting comfy? This linen body pillow is perfect for the sofa and adds a pop of color to any room. If you’ve got grandkids or pets, you’ll be glad to know that you can toss this one in the washing machine — and tumble try it, too!
Leachco Snoogle Body Pillow
Best pregnancy Body Pillow
Why we like it:
- One pillow takes the place of multiple pillows
- Zippered cover is removable for machine washing
Designed by a mother who is also a nurse, the curve in this pillow gives you a place to rest your head while also supporting your stomach, hips, and knees. That makes it perfect for pregnancy, but this pillow will also provide support long after the postpartum period has ended.
Raved one happy reviewer: “I love the way you can turn to one side for back support and then to other if you need leg support and it cradles you so nicely.”
