Best Pregnancy Pillows
While a baby is a blessing, pregnancy doesn’t always feel blissful. Morning sickness, swelling, mood swings, difficulty sleeping… You might not experience all of these downsides, but even a single issue can put a hamper on the whole experience. One of the most common problems all pregnant ladies face is discomfort during sleep. As your belly grows, it can become more and more difficult to find a suitable sleeping position and get much-needed rest. Luckily, there’s a solution to this hindrance: pregnancy pillows.
Pregnancy pillows are specially designed to support a pregnant woman’s body in a way that allows for comfortable and safe sleeping positions. Available in different shapes and made from different materials, the best pregnancy pillows allow you to sleep soundly and pain-free.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
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| #2 |  Boppy Pregnancy Wedge
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| #3 |  AngQi Full Pregnancy Pillow
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| #4 |  Cozy Bump Inflatable Pregnancy Pillow
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| #5 |  Coop Home Goods Adjustable Body Pillow
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You may want to read: Best U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Table Of Contents
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
The idea behind a pregnancy pillow is simple but genius: it should support the sleeper’s body properly and relieve pressure points while offering support for the growing bump as well. The best designs will ensure proper spinal alignment, eliminate tension in the body, and give you a good night’s rest. Of course, while the idea is the same for any type of pregnancy pillow, there are different shapes and designs to accommodate different preferences and sleeping positions. After all, what works for a side sleeper won’t necessarily do it for a person that sleeps on her back, and those differences can only feel more pronounced in pregnancy. To make sure that the pregnancy pillow you’ve picked is actually tailored to your unique needs, pay attention to your choice of shape before any other feature.
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Wedge pregnancy pillows
A wedge-shaped pregnancy pillow is usually meant to be placed under the belly (when you’re sleeping on the side) to support your bump and make you feel comfier. Alternatively, wedge pillows can be placed under the legs or the back for support in certain positions. Multifunctional and versatile, these pillows can be used during and after your pregnancy- another great thing about the wedge design is that it is a perfect choice for so many different issues, such as sleep apnea and acid reflux.
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C-shape pregnancy pillows
Shaped like the letter C, these pregnancy pillows will feel like the coziest embrace: one end supports your head and neck and the other goes between your legs to keep your hips parallel while the whole length of the pillow cradles your back. This type of pregnancy pillow works great for side sleepers, but if you tend to switch sides throughout the night, it can be slightly impractical as it will require you to move the whole pillow to continue sleeping.
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U-shape pregnancy pillows
A fantastic choice for side sleepers and back sleepers both, a U-shaped pillow offers total body support during pregnancy. As the name suggests, this pillow has two long legs that contour your body from back and front as well as support your neck and head. You can comfortably switch sides during sleep or get great spinal support and comfort even if you prefer sleeping on your back. Furthermore, as all key pressure points are relieved with the U-shape design, pain and discomfort are guaranteed to become a thing of the past. Additionally, some people find these pregnancy pillows practical even after the birth as they offer support while you feed the baby in a comfy position.
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Body pillows for pregnancy
Also called total body pillows or standard pillows, these look similar to a regular pillow, just maximized in size- they are rectangular and usually long enough to support your head and knees both. Essentially, you “hug” this pillow, so it is not ideal in terms of back support, but it can help make sleep more comfortable for some pregnant sleepers.
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Inflatable pregnancy pillows
Last but not least are inflatable pregnancy pillows which are designed specifically for people who prefer sleeping on their stomach. Naturally, sleeping on your belly can be downright impossible when you’re pregnant, but this design wants to help make sure you can enjoy your preferred sleeping position even well into your third trimester. These pillows have a hole in the middle to accommodate your baby bump and work exactly like an inflatable mattress, for instance.
As well as inflatable mattress, we’ve got list of mattresses recommended during pregnancy.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Pregnancy Pillow
In addition to the shape of the pregnancy pillow, there are several other important features to look for to make sure that all your boxes are ticked. The choice of materials, design, and season-compatibility can drastically impact your experience with a pregnancy pillow so be sure to pay attention to all the important details.
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Cover material
Depending on your personal liking and the season of the year when you’re expecting, the ideal fabric of the cover can vary greatly. Most pregnant ladies feel hot in their sleep and are prone to sweating regardless of the year so cooling pregnancy pillows are in high demand. This means natural materials such as pure cotton or bamboo, or blends that combine these fibers with a percentage of polyester for easier maintenance and durability. Steer clear from all-synthetic fabrics, or winter-friendly materials such as flannel and fleece- unless you specifically want a pillow to keep you warm.
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Filling type
The most common filling types for pregnancy pillows include the classic polyfill, shredded memory foam, microbeads, and styrofoam balls. The premium option is by far the memory foam filling, as it will contour your body ideally and adapt to your unique physique to offer maximum support. On the other hand, memory foam can retain heat and as such, keep you warmer than you’d like.
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Sleeping position
Be sure to consider your preferred sleeping position when deciding on the shape of the pregnancy pillow. C-shaped pregnancy pillows and rectangular body pillows are suited only for side sleepers, U-shaped pregnancy pillows are great for side sleepers and back sleepers both, whereas inflatable pregnancy pillows suit stomach sleepers exclusively.
Our Picks for the Best Pregnancy Pillows
1. PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
Specs:
- Type: U-shaped with a detachable eg
- Filling: Polyfill blend
- Cover material: Jersey knit-cotton
Editor’s choice
There isn’t a ‘one-type-fits-all’ pregnancy pillow (although that would make things so much easier), but this clever versatile design comes pretty darn close to it. This is a U-shaped pillow with a detachable leg, so it can turn to a J-shape with a single move. As a result, this pregnancy pillow offers support for your back, hips, legs, belly, and head, and it makes a good choice for side sleepers and back sleepers both.
The filling is made from polyfill that increases support density once the pressure is applied, so unparalleled comfort is guaranteed. Additionally, the removable, machine- washable cover is made from smooth and cooling 100 percent cotton jersey (t-shirt material) so you’ll feel super cozy sleeping on it. This maternity pillow measures 53 inches in length, 31 inches in width, and is 7 inches high.
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2. Boppy Pregnancy Wedge
Specs:
- Type: Wedge pillow
- Filling: High-density foam
- Cover material: Cotton jersey
Runner up
If pregnancy pillows that give you full body support make you overheat or overcrowd your bed, then a wedge pillow that supports your bump is a much better choice for your needs. Made from firm, high-density foam, this wedge pillow boasts a versatile and supportive shape that will help side sleepers sleep more comfortably even well into their pregnancy. Alternatively, you can place the wedge under your back or knees for localized support and pressure relief, or to support your back when you sit and minimize the strain even during the day. This pregnancy pillow can be used after the pregnancy, as well, to help with a range of sleeping issues, e.g. mild sleep apnea forms.
The sleek and soft cotton jersey cover this pillow comes with is fully removable and machine washable. Measuring 14 inches by 12 inches and 4 inches high at its thickest part, this wedge pillow is suitable for all stages of pregnancy.
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Who Should Buy This?
Wedge pillows are multifunctional and practical even beyond pregnancy: use this small firm pillow to support your growing belly or relieve pressure from your knees and back during sleep, or as back support when you sit. It can also be quite helpful with issues such as sleep apnea or acid reflux- great bang for your buck if there ever was one.
3. AngQi Full Pregnancy Pillow
Specs:
- Type: U-shaped
- Filling: Cotton fill
- Cover material: Cotton jersey
Best pregnancy pillow for side sleepers
If you preferred sleeping on your side before you got pregnant, your growing belly might make it uncomfortable for you to continue doing the same. There are various types of pregnancy pillows that are suited for side sleepers out there, but this comfy full body U-shaped pillow is among the best designs you can get. Not only that this shape will cradle your body when you’re sleeping on your side, but it can also be suited to the needs of back sleepers, or used during the day for pressure relief and comfort. Place it behind your back when you’re reading in bed or use it as a supportive pillow for breastfeeding after you give birth- this is a truly multifunctional design that proves its merit even after your pregnancy.
The dimensions of the whole pillow are 55 inches in length, 31 inches in width, and 7.8 inches of thickness, which will suit most people throughout all stages of their pregnancies. However, that’s not the only size available: there are 60 inches, 65 inches, and 70 inches long pillows offered as well, in case you’re taller and want a larger pillow for real full body support.
If other body pillows seem too soft or flat to you, you’ll be impressed with the high-density soft cotton fill in this U-shaped pillow. It will feel cozy and comfy to sleep on but retain its shape throughout the night: no sagging, no discomfort. The cover is made from 100 percent cotton jersey and is removable for machine washing and drying.
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Who Should Buy This?
If you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or want a versatile pillow that offers full body support but can be adjusted to suit almost any position, this U-shaped pregnancy pillow is a great choice. Comfortable and supportive, it is generously filled and encased in a machine washable, cooling cotton cover.
4. Cozy Bump Inflatable Pregnancy Pillow
Specs:
- Type: Inflatable pregnancy pillow
- Filling: Air
- Cover material: N/A
Best pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers
Pregnancy can make all sleeping positions more uncomfortable, but when it comes to sleeping on your stomach, your baby bump can make matters downright impossible. However, with a specially designed pillow, you can still enjoy your favorite sleeping position- safely and comfortably. This inflatable pregnancy pillow has a hole in the middle to accommodate your baby bump even when you’re lying on it. Furthermore, the adjustable belly rim makes sure that your baby is safe and your belly supported properly while you’re napping.
For added comfort, the overall design meets the need of pregnant stomach sleepers: the gradual decline of the leg part and chest cut-out area allow for a natural and supporting sleeping position and the adjustable headrest can double as a pillow, making this inflatable pregnancy pillow all you really need for a good night’s rest.
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Who Should Buy This?
When you’re pregnant, sleeping on your stomach can be an impossible task, but this inflatable pillow with a hole in its center makes it a viable option throughout your trimesters. Supportive and comfortable, it will help you get quality rest without having to change your favorite sleeping position or endanger your baby.
5. Coop Home Goods Adjustable Body Pillow
Specs:
- Type: Body pillow- rectangular
- Filling: Shredded memory foam
- Cover material:N/A
Best memory foam pregnancy pillow
If you’re unsure which type of pregnancy pillows would work best for you or you don’t have any strong preferences, this adjustable body pillow could be the right match for you. Filled with shredded memory foam, it contours to your unique body shape and offers great support and comfort throughout the night, no matter how far along you are. Better yet, to really tailor the shape and the feel to your preferences, you can remove or add stuffing to make the pillow firmer or softer.
The filling is made with the highest safety standards in place, so this pregnancy pillow is CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold Certified- ideal if you are sensitive or have issues with allergies. The pillow measures 54 inches by 20 inches, and it will be a good match for most pregnant ladies, regardless of their sleeping position preferences.
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Who Should Buy This?
When you want a versatile body pillow that can give you that extra support and comfort during pregnancy, this memory foam pregnancy pillow is just the thing. Moldable to your body and really cozy to sleep on, it will be a cherished choice even after birth.
Bottom Line
Pregnancy pillows can make your life so much easier. Cleverly designed to support your spine, relieve key pressure points, and cradle your growing baby bump, they will ensure that you get all the rest you need while you’re expecting. These pillows come in different shapes, with different fillings and with covers made from different materials – so be sure to do your research before you settle on a pillow.
Photo credit: christinarosepix/Shutterstock