Ever had a restless night, spent tossing and turning, just wishing you had someone to curl up next to you? Or, alternately, have you ever had a different kind of restless night, wishing the person next to you would stop tossing and turning? It's hard finding the perfect slumber companion, but body pillows can provide the snuggly softness of a human and, if need be, function as a barrier between you and the soft human next to you who's keeping you up all night. And hey—they're cheaper than investing in a new mattress.
"Body pillows can help people side-sleep in a comfortable manner that supports optimal spinal alignment," says Nate Watson, MD, co-director of the University of Washington Medicine Sleep Center and SleepScore Labs advisor. "This can be important, particularly in people with supine sleep-dependent sleep-disordered breathing, where side-sleeping resolves the problem. This is called 'positional therapy' and is a low-cost, effective way to control obstructive sleep apnea in some individuals. Longer pillows are better, but firmness is a personal preference."
- Christine Stevens, sleep consultant and founder of Sleep Solutions by Christine
- Darlene Marshall, NASM-CWC, NASM-CPT, certified wellness coach and personal trainer at the National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Jake Schaake, DC, MS, chiropractor at Palm Health
- Meredith Warner, MD, orthopedic surgeon and author of Bone on Bone: An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Avoiding Surgery and Healing Pain Naturally.
- Michael Guinta, PT, DPT, CSCS, CEO of Evolution Physical Therapy.
And because you might want something cloud-soft or shaped like a cat (no judgment—take whatever comfort is available), we rounded up the best body pillows that'll help you sleep soundly.
The best body pillows, at a glance
- Best cooling: Honeydew Sleep Company, The Ultimate Luxury Body Pillow, $200
- Best memory foam: MedCline, Therapeutic Body Pillow, $119
- Best down alternative: Parachute, Down Alternative Body Pillow Insert, $80
- Best for pregnancy: Pharmedoc, Pregnancy Pillow, $50
- Best eco-friendly: Buffy, Wiggle Pillow, $87
- Best U-shaped: Yana, 360˚ Body Pillow, $199
- Best I-shaped: Pluto, Puff Body Pillow, $130
- Best adjustable fill: Coop Home Goods, Original Adjustable Pillow, $64
- Best for back pain: Brentwood Home, Crystal Cove Charcoal Body Pillow, $169
- Best for side sleepers: Bearaby, Cuddler, $199
- Best budget: Snuggle-Pedic, Full Body Pillow With Shredded Memory Foam, $60
What to look for in a body pillow
As mentioned, incorporating a body pillow into your sleep routine can help alleviate pain and pressure in your body, and can help with alignment issues, too. “Good physical alignment benefits posture and decreases joint pain, and can help after spine, lower back, neck, hip injuries, and knee pain,” says Darlene Marshall, NASM-CWC, NASM-CPT, a certified wellness coach and personal trainer at the National Academy of Sports Medicine. “It’s also nice having something to hold onto and cuddle.”
Simply put? Everyone can benefit from using a body pillow. No matter how you sleep—on your side, your back, or your stomach—using a body pillow can help realign your body and reduce pressure. “The main benefit of a body pillow is to position your hips and spine in a way that will optimize rest and recovery,” says Michael Giunta, PT, DPT, CSCS, CEO of Evolution Physical Therapy.
What types of body pillows are out there?
There are four different types of body pillows to consider, each one benefiting a different type of sleeper or comfort level:
I-Shaped Body Pillows
This type of body pillow is a long, rectangular or tube-like shape, aka an “I.” It’s not only the most common shape, but also the most beneficial for side sleepers, which Giunta says can help , “accommodate structure in between the knees and upper body.” Combination sleeper? You’re in luck, too. “They’re good for people who change positions often while they sleep,” Marshall says.
J-Shaped Body Pillows
If you’re looking for full body support, this may be the shape to try. “It wraps about the back and goes between the legs, while it also provides a curve around the upper body,” says Meredith Warner, MD, Baton Rouge-based orthopedic surgeon and author of the upcoming book Bone on Bone: An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Avoiding Surgery and Healing Pain Naturally.
C-Shaped Body Pillows
This type of curved body pillow is helpful for pregnant sleepers, as the shape can allow space for a growing belly. It functions similarly to the J-shape, but with less curve around the legs.
U-Shaped Body Pillows
To support your front and back simultaneously, try a U-shaped body pillow. “It’s like two pillows got married,” Marshall says. This type of pillow will help you stay in place while you sleep.
Shop the best body pillows
For a body pillow that supports *and* keeps you cool throughout the night, this one from Honeydew Sleep Company is a must-have. It’s hand-crafted with a soft, quilted, OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified cover and features 100 percent CertiPUR-US-certified virgin gel foam fill that doesn’t heat up while you sleep. It’s an all-around favorite of Jake Schaake’s, DC, MS, a chiropractor at Palm Health in Missouri. “It manages to stay cool and is great for someone with skin sensitivity or allergies,” he says. He also likes the versatile I-shape and the fact that the discreet zipper lets you add or subtract fill to find your ideal firmness. The cover is removable and machine washable, and the brand even offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like it (but you will!).
Fill: CertiPUR-US certified virgin gel foam
Shape: I
Dimensions: 13” x 49”
Cover: Sold separately
Pros:
- Cooling gel foam mitigates heat
- Flexible I-shape
- Made with high-quality, certified materials
- Sensitive-skin friendly
- Has a 60-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Pricey
- Cover sold separately
Looking for a body pillow that does it all? This one by MedCline may just be your best bet, thanks to its adjustable memory foam fill and versatile J shape. “I love pillows made with memory foam,” says sleep consultant Christine Stevens. She points to this one as a favorite specifically for its memory foam fill, calling it “very comfortable.” The body pillow’s versatility extends past the shape, too, since it comes in two different sizes and includes a removable, washable cover. It’s specifically designed for side sleepers and can help alleviate pressure on your neck, spine, and hips throughout the night.
Fill: Shredded memory foam
Shape: J
Dimensions: 22” x 50”
Cover material: Included
Pros:
- Comes in two different sizes
- Shape is ideal for side sleepers
- Comfortable memory foam
- Cotton cover included
Cons:
- Fill may smell weird out of the box
As someone who pretty much exclusively sleeps on Parachute sheets these days, this down alternative body pillow is a must-have. While, unlike some of its competitors, it doesn’t come with a cover, its host of supportive features more than make up for that. The fill is 100 percent hypoallergenic microfiber and it has a soft cotton sateen shell to keep you cool and comfortable while you catch your zzzs. Shoppers say it “stays puffy” and is “very soft and comfortable yet firm and supportive.”
Fill: 100% hypoallergenic microfiber
Shape: I
Dimensions: 20” x 54”
Cover: Sold separately
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ideal for people with down allergies or sensitivities
- Shape adjusts easily
- Made with an eco-friendly down alternative
Cons:
- May lose shape after washing
- Doesn’t come with a cover (but one can be purchased separately)
Treat yourself and your growing bump to full body support, courtesy of this Pharmedoc body pillow. “C-shaped pillows are ideal for back and front support, which is useful during pregnancy,” says Dr. Schaake. This one not only sports a C-shape, but a removable cotton jersey cover as well, which the brand guarantees will still be soft even after 300 washes. It’s finished with plush, pliable polyfill—and, not to mention it’s racked up over 14,000 five-star ratings. Good night’s rest, indeed.
Fill: Polyester
Shape: C
Dimensions: 30” x 57”
Cover material: Cotton jersey
Pros:
- C-shape supports growing bumps
- Removable, washable cover
- Soft and supportive
- Affordable
Cons:
- Shape may be too bulky for some
A body pillow that not only does good, but feels good? That’s well, good. (Actually, it’s great.) Welcome to the Buffy Wiggle Pillow, which does all of the above in a unique, noodle-like silhouette. Its breathable cover is crafted in Tencel lyocell, and it’s filled with recycled, airblown fiber that saves a whopping 55 bottles from the landfills. Tall sleepers will like its elongated length, and the bendable shape is pliable for many different sleeping positions.
It’s a favorite of W+G commerce editor Francesca Krempa, who said it relieved her tight hips and painful lower back. “On nights when I can’t get comfortable because my hips are screaming? I fold that bad boy right up and give it a big ol’ sprawl, making me look like a Daddy Long Legs trying to take a nap,” she writes. “Crazy looks aside, it gives my hips instant relief and, in turn, full body relief, too.”
Fill: 100% Tencel lyocell
Shape: I
Dimensions: 8” x 82”
Cover: Sold separately
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Affordable
- Unique design
- Cooling and moisture-wicking
Cons:
- Machine washable but must be line-dried
- Cover sold separately
Dr. Schaake prefers this U-shaped body pillow for anyone looking for full body support. “It maintains its firmness and gives off a luxury feel,” he says. The supportive shape is ideal for a variety of sleepers, including pregnant ones. It’s designed with a luxe removable velvet cover and comes with your choice of fill (natural latex or cooling gel, which is ideal for hot sleepers). The brand also recommends a variety of ways to shape it, including twisted, wrapped, or tucked, so you can enjoy support throughout the day and night.
Fill: Cooling gel or natural latex
Shape: U
Dimensions: 28.5” x 55”
Cover: Included
Pros:
- Available in two options
- Washable velvet cover
- Can be twisted into multiple shapes
- Supportive
Cons:
- Expensive
Pain doesn’t just exist in one part of my back. No, I’m lucky enough to have discomfort all the way from my shoulders down to my glutes. Enter this I-shaped body pillow from Pluto, which has quickly become one of my go-tos for a good night’s sleep. The name suits it—the super-soft, quilted pillow is indeed puffy, thanks to its 9-inch loft height, but simultaneously squishes down comfortably throughout the night and then springs back up come morning. While it doesn’t come with a pillow cover, they are sold separately in a variety of pretty hues.
Fill: Polyester
Shape: I
Dimensions: 21” x 54”
Cover: Sold separately
Pros:
- Super plush
- Retains its shape
- Supportive and comfortable
Cons:
- Pricey
- Cover sold separately
Body pillows aren’t just for your body—they’re for your neck, too. This one from Coop Home Goods isn’t an actual body pillow, since it’s, well, a regular pillow. But it’s comfortable and supportive like a full body pillow just the same. I especially love that the memory foam fill—which is CertiPUR-US- and GREENGUARD Gold- certified—is fully customizable—so whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper, you can choose how puffy you want the pillow to be. It even comes with extra fill to give your pillow extra oomph if needed.
Fill: CertiPUR-US certified hypoallergenic memory foam
Shape: Rectangular
Dimensions: 19” x 29”
Cover: Sold separately
Pros:
- Fill is fully adjustable
- Crafted with eco-friendly fabric
- Versatile
Cons:
- A bit pricey for a regular pillow
Eco-friendly. Aesthetically pleasing. Comfortable for a wide variety of sleepers. This Brentwood Home body pillow delivers on all of the above. It’s designed with a beautiful quilted cover and crafted with CERTIPUR-US Certified charcoal-infused memory foam and a gel fiberfill to help reduce strain for side sleepers, pregnant women, and people recovering from surgery. It comes in two different sizes and weights for versatile comfort. It also has a hidden side zipper, so you can easily zip off the outer cover and toss it in the washing machine. Not only that, but the fill is adjustable, too. It certainly checks a lot of sleep-friendly boxes.
Fill: 65% CERTIPUR-US charcoal graphite memory foam, 35% polyester gel fiber
Shape: I
Dimensions: 17” x 48” (small), 17” x 56” (large)
Cover material: Sold separately
Pros:
- Comes in two sizes
- Luxe, aesthetically-pleasing design
- Comfortable and supportive
- Made with high-quality, body-safe materials
Cons:
- May feel a bit heavy
- Cover sold separately
Quite honestly, this body pillow had me at the word “cuddler.” While truth be told, I don’t always prefer cuddling with an actual person, I always love the snuggliness and coziness of a cuddly body pillow. Thankfully, this Bearaby one delivers. I’ve tried it both in front and behind my body and slept blissfully both ways. Somehow, it actually feels like someone is hugging me when it’s positioned at my back! The Melofoam fill is satisfyingly squishy, molds to my body while I’m zonked out, and helps alleviate pressure throughout the night. While I prefer the I shape, it can also be twisted into a knot, and you can add an optional Sweater Cover in a variety of eye-catching shades.
Fill: Melofoam
Shape: I
Dimensions: 8” x 75”
Cover material: Sold separately
Pros:
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Approved by the American Chiropractic Association
- Supportive and comfortable
- Versatile
Cons:
- Length can be cumbersome
- Pricey
- Cover sold separately
Just because this Snuggle-Pedic body pillow is budget-friendly, doesn’t mean it isn’t supremely comfortable. “This is a great affordable option with high-quality material and a versatile size and feel,” Dr. Schaake says. The exterior is made of breathable, cooling bamboo rayon, and it’s filled with shredded memory foam that conforms to your back, hips, knees, and legs as you sleep.
Fill: 100% memory foam
Shape: Rectangular
Dimensions: 20” x 54”
Cover: Sold separately
Pros:
- Affordable
- Machine washable
- Cool and breathable
Cons:
- May feel lumpy after awhile
FAQS
Do body pillows help with anxiety?
They can! Body pillows can act as your own personal anxiety-busting buddy, providing a comforting embrace when you need it most. Snuggling up with a body pillow can help create a cozy, safe space, promoting feelings of relaxation and calmness. Plus, the physical support they offer can alleviate tension in your muscles, helping you unwind after a long day.
How do you choose a body pillow?
It all comes down to personal preference, but you'll want to keep in mind the size, shape, fill type, cover, and firmness of your body pillow. Want something a little firmer for support on your side? Try a firm I-shaped pillow. Need something that wraps you in head-to-toe coziness? Aim for a U-shaped pillow.
What's the most common body pillow size?
The most common body pillow size is typically around 20 inches in width and 54 to 60 inches in length. This size provides enough length to support most folk's body, from your head to your feet, while still being manageable in terms of size and weight. Of course, body pillows come in various sizes to accommodate different preferences and needs, but this size is widely popular and readily available in the market.
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