Where to purchase a body pillow

The company states that their pillow is ideal for people who experience:. This product also makes a suitable pregnancy pillow.

A person can use the pillow in its original U-shape, twist it into a circle, or use it to read comfortably or lounge. Mattresses influence spinal alignment and the amount of pressure on the joints. This means that someone with an unsupportive mattress may still experience pain or discomfort even while using a body pillow.

Room temperature is also important. According to survey data from , people in the United States, higher nighttime temperatures reduce sleep quality. Additionally, certain fabrics contribute to how warm or cool people feel during sleep. Some synthetic fibers, such as polyester or memory foam, trap heat. This can lead to someone getting too hot.

People may wish to use bedding that contains a high amount of natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo. People may use body pillows to support their joints while they are sleeping or sitting in bed. While there are no large-scale studies on the benefits of a body pillow on sleep, anecdotal evidence suggests that they may lead to more restful sleep and reduce joint aches and pains. People may find that certain types of body pillows suit their requirements more than others. Various factors, such as shape, fill, and materials, may make a particular pillow more suitable than another.

For example, a body pillow may have a cooling outer shell, which may suit a person who feels hot during the night. People should research the body pillow before purchasing to ensure it has the features they require. The shape of a body pillow will influence how much space it takes up. For example, a U-shaped pillow will take up more space than a rectangle pillow.

Companies will include the dimensions of a body pillow in the product description. People should take the measurements into account when purchasing a pillow. Body pillows are available in a wide range of materials, shapes, and sizes. Anecdotal evidence suggests they help some people feel more comfortable during sleep.

They may be especially useful during pregnancy or for those with posture-related back pain. Research into the potential benefits of body pillows is limited.

If someone has persistent symptoms that disrupt their sleep, a doctor or sleep specialist may help. Cooling pillows can benefit those who get too warm during sleep. The materials in the pillows have different cooling qualities.

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The all-cotton cover feels softer and smoother than any other pillow we tried, and the pillow comes with a lifetime guarantee. The Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow is the best choice for people who need more support when they sleep—for example, pregnant people or those who need extra hip or knee support. You can shift and press the shredded memory foam fill to customize the support better than in other pillows.

The slightly lumpy cut-up foam fill can feel odd at first, but we know from testing shredded memory foam bed pillows that most sleepers tend to get used to the texture. If the Snuggle-Pedic is unavailable, the Coop Home Goods shredded memory foam body pillow is a decent replacement. If you need a more supportive body pillow and the Snuggle-Pedic is unavailable, we also like the Coop Home Goods shredded memory foam pillow.

Our testers found this pillow a little thicker, heavier, and less malleable than the Snuggle-Pedic. Removing some of the fill might make this pillow more moldable, but we think you get just the right amount of fill with the Snuggle-Pedic.

Though not as soft, supportive, or well-constructed as our other picks, the Newpoint is a decent, basic pillow for a fraction of the price. It had the softest cover and smoothest fill of any of the inexpensive pillows we tried. While other cheap pillows were lumpy, too thick and lofty, or thin and flat, the Newpoint Home had the best combination of softness and support. This all-cotton, percale body pillow cover has a convenient zipper and fits the inch Company Store body pillow we love.

It comes only in white, though. We love the feel of the fabric on the pillow itself, and the pillowcase is made from very similar all-cotton, thread-count percale, which should feel cool and crisp during the night.

The pillowcase has a zipper, which will keep the case from gaping or falling off a common problem with regular bag-style cases. We love this fabric because it is silky, smooth, and strong, and wrinkled less than any other sheets we tested.

It comes in several muted colors, including white and ivory in both solid and damask stripe. At 60 inches long, it will also fit all three of the inch pillows we recommend. To learn about using a body pillow for comfort and alignment during sleep, I spoke with Dr.

Karen Litzy , a physical therapist and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association , and Marianne Ryan , a physical therapist and author. For that guide, in addition to specialized pregnancy pillows, we researched and tested standard body pillows, which many people find comfortable for sleep during pregnancy. Anyone can enjoy cuddling up with a body pillow, which is shaped like a standard bed pillow but about twice as long.

But Litzy and Ryan both told us that body pillows tend to be most comfortable and beneficial for side- and stomach-sleepers, and can also offer comfort and support for people with injuries or pain.

Side-sleepers may find it comfortable to hug a body pillow, reducing pressure on the bottom shoulder and arm. You can lie on your side or at a three-quarter turn with the body pillow pressed along your front. If you need extra support during sleep, a body pillow can help you maintain a comfortable position.

Pregnant people often need to sleep on their sides and may need extra support under their belly, along their backs, and for their hips, knees, and ankles. After speaking with Litzy and Ryan, and from our previous experience testing pregnancy pillows and standard bed pillows , we determined a good body pillow should be:.

Most people shift sleep positions at least a dozen times per night. Supportive and moldable: A supportive pillow will strike the right balance of softness and resistance.

When we tested both bed pillows and pregnancy pillows, we found that moldable fill like shredded memory foam offered more customized support, and they worked for a much wider range of bodies. The fill of the pillow should also feel good to you. We tested pillows filled with both down alternative, which tends to feel smoother, and shredded memory foam, which feels somewhat lumpy to the touch but supports weight better. A pricey pillow should also last you a long time. We were especially interested in pillows that came with a guarantee or a warranty at least five years for shredded memory foam according to our bed pillows guide.

The right shape and size: Though you can find body pillows in a variety of shapes, we focused on standard, straight pillows—the most popular, versatile, and widely available shape. But this longer size may feel overwhelming for some.

This led us to eight pillows to test. We evaluated the cover, fill, shape, and feel of each pillow and eliminated three pillows that had scratchy, cheap feeling covers and that felt noticeably over-or under-filled. We tested the remaining five pillows in our Los Angeles office, with a panel of eight Wirecutter staffers.

Our testers ranged from 5-foot-1 to 6-foot-1, and included stomach-sleepers, side-sleepers, and back-sleepers. They then filled out a survey ranking flexibility, support, and the general feel and comfort of each pillow. We sent the finalists home for overnight testing with one of our panel testers, who slept with each pillow for at least one night.

The cushy down-alternative fill struck the right balance of support and give—easily bending and conforming to different sleeping positions, unlike other pillows that felt too thin or too firm. Thanks to their support and versatility, U-shaped pillows are usually one of the most popular styles for pregnant women. This support for the head, neck, and knees may be especially appropriate for pregnant women and those who suffer from aches and pains in their knees, hips, necks, and backs.

This is one of the most common body pillow shapes on the market. Memory Foam: Body pillows may use either solid or shredded memory foam or polyfoam. Polyfoam is typically more breathable than memory foam, so it may be a better option for those who tend to sleep hot. Latex: Though not as common, some body pillows use natural or synthetic latex.

Latex is popular for its buoyant feel and its strong temperature regulation, which may make it especially well suited for people who change positions a lot during the night and those who are prone to overheating. Natural latex is also considered eco-friendly, so environmentally-conscious shoppers often prefer it. Polyester: Many body pillows use fiber fill, and polyester is one of the most common types of fibers used today.

Body pillows with fiber fill are usually breathable, making them well suited to people who usually sleep hot. Many are also hypoallergenic and washable, so allergy sufferers and others concerned with maintaining a clean sleep surface may prefer them. Down: Down body pillows typically have a plush feel and strong temperature regulation. Since down is often associated with luxury and durability, shoppers looking for an exceptionally luxurious body pillow might consider it.

However, pillows made of down may be more prone to lumpiness, spikiness, smells, and noisiness than some alternative options. They also tend to be less supportive, so sleepers may have to fluff their down body pillow frequently to keep it from going flat. The best style of body pillow will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

U-shaped and C-shaped body pillows may be a better choice for sleepers looking for full-body cradling, while rectangular body pillows are a strong option for those looking for one-sided support. While low-cost options may look like a good deal on the surface, they sometimes use lower-quality materials that make them less durable.

A higher-end body pillow may come at a higher initial price-point, but it could be a better value in the long run if you hope to use the pillow for years to come. Care instructions vary between body pillow models. Customers should follow these instructions carefully to preserve the longevity of their body pillow.

Many body pillows have removable, machine washable covers for easy cleaning. Some pillows can also be laundered, but you should not attempt this unless the care instructions provide specific instructions because some fill materials will sustain damage if washed.

You can purchase a body pillow in most stores that sell sleep accessories, including Amazon, home goods stores, department stores, and manufacturer websites. Like other pillows, body pillows can absorb oil and dead skin cells, which could attract dust mites. If the pillow is washable, regular laundering can help, but your body pillow may still go flat over time.

In general, most pillows will last up to two years. However, body pillows made of durable materials like latex and down may last for much longer. There are a few adjustable body pillows on the market. Most body pillows are not adjustable, but they can often be repositioned and manipulated to achieve the intended effect. Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health.

He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products. Are you in the market for a pillow that alleviates shoulder pain? Our best pillow for shoulder pain guide includes…. The best hotel pillows add luxury and comfort to your bed. Our guide will showcase some of the top options…. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

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Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Updated July 21, Written by Daniel Noyed. Product Details. Best Overall Zoma Body Pillow. Fill: Shredded memory foam and down alternative fibers. Who it's best for: Side sleepers who experience pain and pressure due to poor alignment Hot sleepers People who are allergic to authentic down.

Highlights: Balanced blend of support and plush comfort Improves spinal alignment for side sleepers Minimal heat retention for a cool feel. Use this SleepFoundation. Fill: Proprietary blend of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber clusters. Who it's best for: Hot sleepers Sleepers who prefer adjustable pillows Value seekers. Highlights: Fill can be added or removed to adjust loft Plush blend of microfiber clusters and memory foam Breathable shell maintains a cool temperature.

Who it's best for: Pregnant women Side sleepers Those looking for body pillows smaller than C-shaped and U-shaped pillows. Who it's best for: People who tend to sleep hot Side sleepers Those who prefer pillows with adjustable loft settings. Highlights: Virgin down alternative fibers offer an exceptionally plush feel Breathable organic cotton shell Adjustable fill.

Who it's best for: People who enjoy snuggling with exceptionally soft pillows Those who normally find memory foam too hot Shoppers looking for a pillow with a long trial period. Highlights: Cushioned with plush, shredded memory foam that contours closely Breathable cover made of rayon derived from bamboo night trial and forever warranty. Best for Back Sleepers Yana Pillow. Who it's best for: Those who prefer adjustable body pillows Hot sleepers People with sensitive skin. Highlights: Shredded latex can be added or removed to change the loft Extra-long, contoured shape makes the pillow very moldable Smooth cover made of organic cotton and rayon from bamboo.

Who it's best for: Side sleepers People with allergies Shoppers can opt to purchase a compatible pillowcase. Highlights: Luxuriously plush fill consists of shredded memory foam and down alternative clusters Cover made from a breathable fabric blend that resists heat buildup night trial includes exchange options.

What is a Body Pillow? Related Reading. Was this article helpful? Yes No. Our best pillow for shoulder pain guide includes… Best Hotel Pillows The best hotel pillows add luxury and comfort to your bed. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent.

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