Mattresses may get all the attention, but the difference between a good night’s sleep and a restless one usually comes down to what’s under your head—and also sometimes what’s lying next to you in bed.
More and more caregivers are realizing the value of body pillows to accommodate their particular sleeping position and style. The best body pillows not only help with spinal alignment and back support but also make it more comfortable for side sleepers—which means less tossing and turning and usually easier breathing as well (and maybe less snoring).
While body bed pillows are often assumed to be just pregnancy pillows, they’re quite versatile and can provide full-body support and pressure relief for all ages and body types. Plus, research has shown just the act of hugging – yes, even a pillow – can provide some stress relief. Even back sleepers and stomach sleepers often enjoy the comforting pillow resting next to them, offering a cuddle when it’s most needed.
While body pillows can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including the popular J-shaped and C-shaped pillows often used by pregnant women, this list of top picks includes the more standard rectangular and long body pillows that can benefit caregivers of all ages.
Explore the list below for some of the best pillow options in a variety of price ranges:
Dubbed by the company as “the ultimate sleep companion,” this huggable option from the Honeydew Sleep Company – which also sells sheets, sleep masks and a variety of head pillows – promises deeper relaxation for both lounging and high-quality side sleeping. Each body pillow has a machine-washable cover, and it also comes with a white custom-fitted pillowcase.
Details:
- Cool gel memory foam fill
- Hypoallergenic
- Approximately 49″ x 13”
- Three-year limited warranty
- 60-night money-back guarantee
- Made in the U.S.
With plush memory foam and a polyester fill, this full-body pillow is also adjustable—which is perfect for sleepers who need to remove some of the fill to adjust it to their height and body type. Users also love that unlike many of the other body pillows available, this entire pillow – including both the removable cover and the filling – can be thrown in the washing machine.
Details:
- Approximately 54″ x 20″
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- Five-year warranty
- Weight: 7.28 pounds
Touted by the company as the “comfiest body pillow you never knew you wanted,” this substantial entry from the 5-year-old company is making a name for itself—appearances on “Shark Tank” and “TODAY,” topping the “Good Housekeeping” list and earning scores of satisfied customers. Currently only available through the company’s website, this pillow promises to never go flat or saggy. It uses a unique synthetic fiber that claims to emulate the fluff and softness of 600-fill European down. Take a quiz about your sleep preferences, and the company will craft a pillow just for you!
Details:
- Hypoallergenic
- Approximately 54” x 21”
- Weight: 12 pounds
- 110-day money-back guarantee
Some people don’t love the feel of memory foam, so Parachute Home offers a medium-firm – and more affordable – option that uses a down alternative made from hypoallergenic microfiber in a cotton cover. The pillow maintains its shape after use, and users report it conforms to their body when sleeping. The company also offers carbon-neutral shipping throughout the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).
Details:
- Hypoallergenic
- Approximately 54” x 20”
- Made in the U.S.
- Free returns within 60 days
You may not realize Sleep Number makes pillows, but this is one of the best cooling body pillows, perfect for those hot sleepers out there. This option uses a polyethylene and polyester outer material that stays cool and also wicks moisture away from the body. Made with moldable memory foam filling inside a polyester cover that’s lightweight and breathable, the pillow is also hypoallergenic and has an extra-long zipper around three sides, making it easy to put the case back on.
Details:
- Hypoallergenic
- Approximately 54” x 18”
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- Free shipping
This adjustable (and affordable) option from Qeils helps keep your spine aligned and provides extra support for reading, relaxing and, of course, sleeping soundly. Filled with microfiber polyester that’s a down alternative fill and topped with a quilted cover, this option is highly rated on Amazon and adjustable to each sleeper’s needs.
Details:
- Hypoallergenic
- Approximately 54” x 21”
- Weight: 7 pounds