Best Maternity Pillows for Sleeping
Pregnancy pillows are definitely the kind of product that could make your life easier when you’re expecting. Feeling nighttime discomfort when you’re about to have a baby is perfectly normal and understandable since your body is going through so many changes. It’s wise to invest in the items that bring you comfort throughout this period of your life, and this is exactly what a maternity pillow can do.
If you can’t find the right position to sleep in, if you wake up sore the next day, or if you feel that parts of your body aren’t as supported as you’d like them to be, this product is bound to change the way you sleep when you’re about to have a baby.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  QUEEN ROSE Pregnancy Pillow
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| #2 |  hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow
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| #3 |  PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
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| #4 |  Leachco Snoogle Body Pillow
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| #5 |  INSEN Pregnancy Pillow
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You may want to read: Best Pregnancy Pillows
Who Are Maternity Pillows For?
A maternity pillow is a good product for women who are expecting, when even a good regular pillow won’t do. As their bellies go, there is a lot of strain on the body and positions that were once very comfortable to sleep in now seem impossible to get adjusted to. Just as the name suggests it, maternity pillows are here to support the bodies of future mothers by making sure they have enough comfort and support during the night.
It’s true that there are plenty of expecting mothers that go through their entire pregnancy period without the need for a pillow, so you’re probably wondering if this really is a good investment for you. Let’s see if we can shed some light on that matter:
- Do you often experience aches and pains while you are sleeping/when you wake up? The baby bump can put a lot of additional strain on your body, and your abdominal muscles get weaker and cause you to be in pain. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to have legs, hips, or lower back pain. A good maternity pillow can provide additional support in areas that hurt, making it easier for you to actually rest throughout the entire night.
- Do you like sleeping on your back? It is a well-known fact that during pregnancy, the best and safest sleeping position is on your side. A lot of doctors advise expecting mothers to sleep on their left side in order to have good blood flow and encourage nutrient absorption for the developing fetus. If you are often tempted to switch to back sleeping when you’re pregnant, a maternity pillow can make sure that you find more comfort in sleeping on the side, so you will be less drawn to switching positions.
- Do you wake up a lot during the night? It is also common for women who are expecting to wake up frequently during the night because they are having a hard time feeling comfortable for some full hours of interrupted sleep. Once again, that is something that a good maternity pillow can help you with.
What Are Maternity Pillows Made From?
As you can expect, maternity pillows differ from one another depending on the outer shell and the cover material used in their construction. When it comes to filling, pillows for pregnancy can be made from:
- Memory foam, which is probably one of the most common materials used to make pregnancy pillows. Memory foam is known for the superior contouring it provides, but also for being less firm compared to other types of materials. It is also smoother on your body when you switch from one sleeping position to another. It is not uncommon to find different types of pillows that are filled with memory foam, such as wedge or knee pillows.
- HD foam is more commonly used in wedge pillows. It is a way firmer option compared to memory foam because, as the name suggests it, has a higher density. These types of pillows are, however, really good for offering additional support where needed, especially in the belly region.
- Poly fiber pillows are nothing more than polyester products that provide a good amount of airflow and are good for nights when you simply feel that it’s too hot to sleep. It is very common to find body pillows filled with poly fiber, as they are rather soft and very contouring. They are also typically machine washable, which makes it easier to clean them. They are available in a wide range of firmness levels as well.
- Microbead-filled pillows have small polystyrene pieces, making them one of the most conforming options available. Microbeads are generally found in smaller maternity pillows.
As far as cover is concerned, maternity pillows typically have one of two different outer shell fabrics: cotton and polyester. Cotton covers are amazing because they provide high levels of breathability, and that’s a feature that expecting mothers will love because having hot flashes is something a lot of them experience during pregnancy. Cotton is also a great option because of the natural feel and provenance of the fiber, as you can easily find pillows that are made with organic cotton covers.
You can also find maternity pillows that are surrounded by polyester fibers, which is available in a broad range of textures and provides decent levels of breathability as well. Pillows with polyester covers are generally less expensive, and the fact that the fabric is stretchable makes it easier for you to put the cover back on the pillow after you’ve washed it.
Maternity Pillow Styles
One of the best things about maternity pillows is the fact that they are available in a broad range of shapes and sizes, which makes it easier for you to pair them with the right need that you’re looking to cover. Some of them are targeted towards specific areas of your body, while others are designed to provide support for the entire body.
Needless to say, the type of pillow that you choose will have an impact on the price, as factors such as construction, materials used, and the size of the product all influence how much you end up paying for it. You can find the following types of maternity pillows:
- Wedge pillows are recognized by their unique shape. They are generally designed to provide support for a specific area of the body, which is why a lot of expecting mothers use these pillows under their lower back or their bellies. Which pillows are often the best solution to help you avoid switching between sleeping positions?
- U-shaped pillows will generally cover the entire length of your body as they meant to provide support for your body and your head. There are plenty of women who love to sleep on those pillows in the early days of their pregnancy because they provide enough comfort for them to sleep on their backs.
- C-shaped pillows are easier to configure, but they also run the entire length of your body. There are women who prefer tucking the short side between their legs for a more comfortable sleeping position, while the long side is there to support the back.
Top 5 Maternity Pillow Reviews
Let’s dive into the five most popular, best-selling, cost-effective, and customer-praised maternity pillows that money can buy. We’re pretty sure there’s a little something in here for every mommy-to-be.
QUEEN ROSE Pregnancy Pillow
Specs:
- Type: U-shaped pillow
- Available colors: 7
- Materials: bionic polyethylene filling, cotton cover
Best U-shaped pillow
Our first item of the day is a highly-appreciated maternity pillow that runs the length of your entire body and is designed to make sure that expecting mothers are fully supported when they want to sleep on the side. Because it literally surrounds the entire body, it can offer support for a variety of different body zones, such as the knees or the head.
Thanks to its size and versatility, it can also be used after the baby is born, offering support while you’re nursing. The pillow is surrounded by a cotton cover available in a variety of different colors. The cover can be fully removed and washed inside the machine, which makes it easy for you to care for it.
Inside the pillow, you can find filling made from HD bionic polyethylene which is soft and contours your body if you want, for instance, to place one of your legs on top of it while you sleep.
Pros:
- Good for nursing and during pregnancy.
- Very comfortable.
- Versatile design.
- Supports the head.
- Machine washable cover.
Cons:
- Flattens out in the long term.
Who Should Buy This?
The Queen Rose pregnancy pillow is designed for all moms-to-be that are looking for comfort in a pillow that can be useful in providing support during the pregnancy, as well as when they’re nursing.
hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow
Specs:
- Type: wedge pillow
- Available colors: 2
- Materials: memory foam, firm foam, velboa fabric cover
Best wedge pillow
As we’ve mentioned in the first part of this article, wedge pillows are extremely versatile and can be placed in different locations in order to ensure maximum comfort for the future mommy.
Our choice for the best wedge pillow isn’t a one-sided product that comes with soft memory foam one side and a firmer choice of foam on the other. This means that you basically have two products in one, as you can switch the pillow from one side to the other whenever you are in need of a softer or a firmer surface. Due to the fact that the filing is perforated, you get much more breathability, which is something you want to have if you are a hot sleeper.
The pillow can be placed in many different locations such as between your knees, under your back, or under your belly. The cover is made from soft velboa fabric which can easily be removed and washed inside the washing machine.
Pros:
- Removable cover.
- Machine washable cover.
- Versatile use.
- Dual-sided firmness.
Cons:
- Doesn’t stay in place.
Who Should Buy This?
The Hiccapop pillow is designed for expecting mothers that want a small but versatile product, which they can use under different parts of their bodies, wherever more support is needed.
PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
Specs:
- Type: C-shaped pillow
- Available colors: 4
- Materials: polyfill blend + jersey cover
Best C-shaped pillow
If you’re a side sleeper, here is a pillow that you absolutely have to try. It offers great support and a bunch of comfort for expecting mothers that are having a hard time finding the right position to sleep in. The pillow measures 30 x 57 inches, with another seven inches in thickness, being really supportive as well as pretty long.
The pillow is wrapped in a jersey cover that can be removed and cleaned inside the washing machine. The inside of the pillow is made with a polyfill blend that manages to provide a good level of support, but without being too firm to the point of causing discomfort.
The pillow is designed to support multiple parts of your body, including your neck and your head. When the baby arrives, it can easily be switched to a nursing pillow, but there are women who even find comfort with this product when lying in bed to read a book.
Pros:
- 6 color choices.
- Washable cover.
- Easy to mold.
- Good for side sleepers.
- Versatile use.
Cons:
Who Should Buy This?
The PharMeDoc is a maternity pillow which is designed for pregnant women that like to have some additional support while sleeping on the side, but also for those who want a product that’s flexible enough to be folded several times to increase its versatility.
Leachco Snoogle Body Pillow
Specs:
- Type: C-shaped pillow
- Available colors: 6
- Materials: polyester fiberfill + polyester and cotton cover
Customer’s choice
The Leachco Snoogle pillow is a great C-shaped model for mothers who are looking for something to support their bellies, necks, heads, shoulders, backs, or even just something to hug them at night. The pillow is made with a longer side that’s designed to support the back and a curved side that goes in the front and can go between the legs, keeping them further apart for more skin breathability.
One of the greatest things about this pillow is the versatility of use. It is somehow just the right size to support you during pregnancy, but can be used for a variety of different other activities, even when you’re looking for a comfortable position to sit on the couch and read your favorite book.
The pillow is made with a cover that brings together polyester and cotton, being completely removable and machine washable, for your own convenience. Inside the pillow, you will find a polyester fill. It is available in six color choices, including a nice shade of mauve and ivory.
Pros:
- Versatile.
- Washable cover.
- 6 color options.
- Foldable.
- Customer favorite.
Cons:
- Falls flat pretty fast.
Who Should Buy This?
Are you looking for that one maternity pillow that customers appreciate over and over again? Are customer reviews and feedback one of the most important things you look for when you buy a product? Then this pillow is for you.
INSEN Pregnancy Pillow
Specs:
- Type: C-shaped
- Available colors: 6
- Materials: velvet cover + hollow cotton fill
Bargain buy
The last product on today’s list is another C-shaped pillow that provides amazing comfort for future mommies that just can’t seem to sleep in their final trimester. Available in a different range of colors, this pillow is designed with a velvet cover that feels really soft to the touch, but might run a bit too hot and should be avoided if you know you’re got problems with that while you sleep.
In spite of its low price, the pillow is extremely soft and comfortable, and the choice of fill is the one responsible for that. Thanks to the hollow cotton inside it, the pillow does a really good job at contouring to your body and giving you all the support needed, wherever needed.
Even if this is a C-shaped pillow, it is big enough to offer support for almost every part of the body, as you can easily rotate and experiment with sitting, resting, or sleeping on it in different positions, until you find one that most supports your body and feel comfortable enough for your belly.
Pros:
- Versatile use.
- Soft cover.
- Double zippers.
- Washable cover.
- Cotton fill.
Cons:
- Cover sleeps hot.
- Questionable long-term durability.
Who Should Buy This?
The Insen pillow is designed for pregnant women that are on a budget, yet still want to benefit from a product that offers good support and a decent level of firmness.
Bottom Line
Even if pregnancy is a temporary phase that paves the road for an amazing new lifetime experience, it is sometimes hard to deal with the changes that your body has to go through.
Ensuring that you feel as comfortable as possible while you’re expecting is something that you owe to yourself, for both your physical and mental health.
One of the things that you will notice as your pregnancy advances to its second and third trimester is that sleeping is now more uncomfortable than ever before, which means that you have to take some measures in order to make sure you eliminate as much of it as possible. And maternity pillows are here to help with a lot of different sleep-related needs.
Whether you need more support, sometimes to have between your knees to avoid sweating, or something to keep you sleeping in the same position all night, these products are designed at making pregnancy sleep as comfortable as possible.