The 6 best body pillows of 2024, according to a certified sleep coach

March 2024 · 21 minute read
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  • Best overall
  • Best for side sleepers
  • Best for back pain
  • Best cooling
  • Best C-shaped
  • Best for pregnancy
  • What to look for
  • How we test
  • FAQs

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    A great body pillow mimics all the best parts of snuggling with a partner — coziness, comfort, and support — and can also provide deep relief from discomfort and pain if you're pregnant or recovering after surgery or injury. As a certified sleep science consultant, one of my all-time favorite sleep products is my body pillow.

    I interviewed two experts and tested nine products for this guide to the best body pillow. I slept with each for seven nights and evaluated their comfort, breathability, and support. Our top pick is the Coop Home Goods Body Pillow, which provides great support and comfort without being too bulky. If you're specifically looking for a body pillow for pregnancy, we recommend the Moonlight Comfort-U, which is designed to provide support on all sides.

    If you're having trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position, we also recommend checking out our guides to the best pillow and best mattress to optimize your sleep set up. 

    Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

    Our top picks for body pillows

    Best overall: Coop Home Goods Body Pillow - See at Amazon

    Best for side sleepers: Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Pillow - See at Amazon

    Best for back pain: Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow - See at Amazon

    Best cooling: Zoma Sleep Body Pillow - See at Zoma

    Best C-shaped: Leachco Snoogle - See at Amazon

    Best for pregnancy: Moonlight Comfort-U - See at Moonlight

    Best overall

    It's not surprising that the same brand that makes our favorite regular pillow also made the best body pillow. Suzy Hernandez/Insider
    Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow

    The Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow is soft, supportive, and perfect for any body type.

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    Specifics

    The Coop Home Goods Body Pillow checks all the boxes for better sleep. Like our pick for best bed pillow (also from Coop), this body pillow is fully adjustable. You can add or remove the shredded memory foam to suit your sleep style and personal preferences. It also features a removable pillowcase for easy washing.

    The Coop is bulky but just the right height for me, not too low and not too elevated. It conformed so well to my body right out of the box that I didn't have to remove any foam. It's extremely flexible, moldable, and supportive — great for any body type. 

    It's also the softest, most snuggly pillow I've tested. I love cuddling with it and have continued to use it for months after testing because it's really helped with my shoulder pain. It hasn't flattened out at all, and I sleep so much better with the support it provides. It stays cool throughout the night because it's made with super-breathable polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon.

    Although a mild chemical odor is normal with memory foam pillows, the Coop had a very strong smell out of the box. The company recommends running it through the dryer with a dryer sheet for an hour to reduce the smell, which I did. While this helped, the odor didn't completely disappear until a week later, though I do think it's worth the wait. This pillow is hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US certified.

    Read our full review of the Coop Home Goods Body Pillow.

    Best for side sleepers

    This pillow is firm and bulky to provide the extra support side sleepers need. Suzy Hernandez/Insider
    Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Full Body Pillow

    The Snuggle-Pedic is the most comfortable body pillow for side sleepers. It's flexible and doesn't go flat after months of use.

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    Specifics

    In our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers, we name the Coop Body pillow (our best overall pick in this guide) the best body pillow for side sleepers because it can easily be adjusted to best suit your needs. However, side sleepers may also want to consider the Snuggle-Pedic; it's firm and bulky, and side sleepers typically need more support in their pillows than back and stomach sleepers.

    Out of the box, it was a bit too lofty for my petite frame (I'm 5'2" and 126 pounds). When I initially tested this pillow, Snuggle-Pedic offered after-purchase customizations in which they perfectly adjusted it for me, but have since stopped that service.   

    After a few nights of sleeping with the Snuggle-Pedic, I noticed reduced hip and neck strain. I also like the breathable bamboo cover that kept me cool throughout the night. My Snuggle-Pedic body pillow has not gone flat after months of use; it's still fluffy, soft, and supportive. 

    The Snuggle-Pedic body pillow truly impressed me. As a side sleeper, it can be difficult to find a restful position because the hips, shoulders, and knees are often under a lot of pressure. This pillow provided me with perfect support in all the right places.

    Read our Snuggle-Pedic body pillow review for more details.

    Best for back pain

    The Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow is the firmest we tested, which is ideal for those recovering from injuries or back pain. Suzy Hernandez/Insider
    Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow

    The Tempur-Pedic body pillow might just be the solution to reduce tossing and turning throughout the night.

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    Specifics

    This body pillow, made from Tempur-Pedic material developed by NASA, is engineered with shapeable micro-cushions that respond and adapt exceptionally well to the body. It's designed for use during pregnancy and for side-sleepers, but people with injuries, muscle tension, and back pain can also benefit from the sturdy support it provides. 

    The tension relief that I experienced after sleeping with the Tempur-Pedic was incredible. I love this pillow's versatility; I have used it to prop up my legs, relieve pressure on my lower hips, and stabilize my back when I'm sitting up. No matter how I use it, the pillow always returns to its original shape.

    The Tempur-Pedic is much firmer than the other pillows I tested. While this is a great feature for larger individuals and people looking for extra support, it might not be as comfortable for smaller folks or people who prefer a softer pillow. The foam is dense and heavy, so moving it around in the middle of the night could be tiring for people recovering from injuries, though the added heft means it doesn't fall off or move around the bed as easily.

    Best cooling

    Zoma makes an exceptional cooling body pillow that is great for hot sleepers. Suzy Hernandez/Insider
    Zoma Sleep Body Pillow

    If you tend to sleep hot, the Zoma Sleep Body Pillow can keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.

    Shop at Zoma Sleep External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." What we likeWhat we don’t like

    Specifics

    The Zoma Sleep Body Pillow is made with high-quality materials that kept me cool and comfortable throughout the night. The cover is made from a blend of stretchy, lightweight polyester and spandex. It's filled with shredded gel memory foam intended to keep hot sleepers at a comfortable temperature. It's a very well-made, high-quality body pillow that provides great support and breathability. 

    It's somewhat firmer than the Coop pillow but still provides great support and comfort. The 6-inch loft is helpful for side sleepers like me who need support between the knees. After a couple of nights sleeping with the Zoma, I noticed a positive impact on my posture and spinal alignment.

    The Zoma Sleep is 2 inches shorter than our top pick, so it's not possible to rest my head on it and have full leg support at the same time. I'm relatively short, so this could be a more noticeable issue for taller folks who want a pillow that supports the whole body. That said, the smaller size could be perfect for those who sleep with a partner and don't want to hog the whole bed. The cover is also not removable, which makes washing and drying the pillow a lengthy process. 

    Despite the shorter size and complicated washing process, the Zoma does provide excellent body support and absorbs heat well. For pregnant people, this pillow is firm enough to rest a growing belly on to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.

    Best C-shaped

    Its C-shape makes the Leachco Snoogle the most versatile body pillow I tested. Suzy Hernandez/Insider
    Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

    The Leachco Snoogle's C-shape design makes it versatile to use throughout the day and night, and may be especially comfortable during pregnancy.

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    Specifics

    This "C-shaped" body pillow was designed by a registered nurse to create extra support during pregnancy and provide proper spinal alignment. It features a sham-style removable cover that is machine washable and dryer safe. 

    I love how versatile the pillow is; it wraps around my body nicely, supporting my entire back and stabilizing my sleeping position throughout the night. The shape can be swirled into a lounge pillow, and I've used it to prop up my legs, cocoon me as I read comfortably in bed, and even as a replacement for my bed pillow. If you're expecting, this pillow will support you all around. 

    That said, there are a few things to consider about this body pillow because, as versatile as it is, it might not be for everyone. First, the texture of the cover is rough, and resting my face on it was uncomfortable. I also found it very difficult to remove and replace the cover for washing. The pillow is quite firm and might not be a good option for those looking for a softer pillow. Finally, its large size takes up quite a lot of room in my bed. 

    Although I didn't like the Leachco Snoogle's texture and firmness, I love to wrap myself around it while I read, work on my laptop, or watch TV. It's very supportive, and there are many ways to configure it. If you want to upgrade, Leachco also makes a variety of softer covers for this pillow.

    Best for pregnancy

    The U-shape of the Moonlight Comfort-U Pillow provides both front and back support, which can be helpful for dialing in comfort as your body changes throughout pregnancy. Suzy Hernandez/Insider
    Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow

    The Moonlight Comfort-U body pillow provides exceptional support and comfort from all sides, which makes it great for pregnancy.

    Shop at Moonlight External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." What we likeWhat we don’t like

    Specifics

    The Moonlight Comfort-U Full Body Pillow is the best pillow for pregnancy because it provides 360-degree support and great comfort. It's filled with hypoallergenic synthetic down and made with non-toxic materials that go through extensive testing to ensure the safety of the baby and parent. This pillow is specifically engineered to help people sleep better throughout pregnancy. 

    During early pregnancy, a U-shaped body pillow can rest between the legs to keep pressure off the knees. Later, you can use the body pillow as back support.

    If you're pregnant, this pillow can help you find the best position to sleep comfortably. It supports the back and baby bump simultaneously and helps you avoid laying on your belly. This support can alleviate body aches that pregnant people often experience. Many also find it useful after pregnancy for nursing. 

    I love that it can be used in a variety of ways throughout the night and even during the day. However, it occupies half of my Queen-sized bed, so consider the size of your bed before purchasing. Additionally, washing this pillow was no easy task because of its size, and it can take a long time to dry.  

    That said, I love to wrap myself around the Moonlight Comfort-U, even if I'm not pregnant or sleeping. Since working from home, it's helped me with my posture as back support, and it can be a game-changer for expectant parents.

    What to look for in a body pillow

    There are dozens of options on the market for body pillows. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors as you search for the perfect body pillow.

    Purpose

    Identify why you need a body pillow—whether for back pain relief, pregnancy support, or overall comfort. Select a pillow designed with your specific needs in mind.

    Shape and size

    Assess your bed space and choose a body pillow size that complements it. Dr. Karen suggests considering the pillow size based on your bed dimensions and ensuring it provides sufficient coverage for your entire body. Larger pillows like the Coop Home may be suitable, but for shared beds, consider smaller options like the Zoma. Adjustability, weight, and body size will also influence your selection. Additionally, factor in your preferred sleeping position and needs when selecting your ideal pillow shape:

    Fill and Firmness

    Determine your preferred firmness level, balancing proper spinal alignment with comfort. Factors such as weight, height, and sleeping position influence this choice. Most of the body pillows we've examined have a memory foam or down-alternative fill, but body pillows are available in all the typical fillings of pillows including down, wool, and latex as well. Memory foam pillows are firmer and offer more support, while down-alternative and polyfill will sleep more plush.  Opt for hypoallergenic options, and for foam fill, ensure it's CertiPUR-US certified. Always check if the materials are safe and certified for a worry-free sleeping experience.

    Ease of cleaning

    Consider the ease of cleaning, with some body pillows featuring removable, washable covers (e.g., Coop Home and Tempur-Pedic). Even those without removable covers, like the Snuggle-Pedic and Zoma, can be machine-washed. A pillowcase is recommended for regular washing, though washing larger pillows may be time-consuming. As body pillows increase in popularity, more bedding brands offer body pillow covers; just be sure to match the dimensions of your pillow. 

    Temperature regulation

    If you sleep hot, opt for a breathable pillow designed to regulate temperature. Some, like the Snuggle-Pedic, use materials to dissipate body heat effectively. Breathability is crucial, as overheating can disrupt sleep quality. 

    Medina emphasizes, "You don't want to become overheated on the body pillow, as an increased body temperature can provoke a wake response." A good body pillow enhances support, comfort, and breathability for improved sleep.

    Return policy/Trial Period

    Prioritize pillows with a flexible return policy and trial period. Since side sleepers may need time to find the perfect fit, allowing at least a week to adjust is essential. Ensure you can exchange or return the pillow if it doesn't meet your expectations.

    How we test body pillows

    Body pillows typically some in either an I-, C-, or U-shape. The ones shown here are all I-shape pillows. Suzy Hernandez/Insider

    I managed a sleep laboratory for over two years and have conducted a vast amount of research on sleep. I've tested products for SleepScore labs and presented my work at the Eastern Psychological Association.

    To find the best body pillows, I did hands-on testing with nine different models; relied on my background in sleep research; and interviewed sleep expert Zeke Medina, PharmD, and physical therapist Karen Litzy, DPT.

    As a sleep researcher and certified sleep science consultant, it's important for me to review items that truly improve quality sleep. I paid close attention to how well I slept with each pillow, including how comfortable, breathable, and supportive they were. Here's how I evaluated each pillow:

    Setup: First, I wanted to know whether the body pillows emitted any chemical odors as soon as I opened the package. If there was an odor, I evaluated how long it took for any smells to dissipate. I also noted if the pillows were adjustable and if they included a removable and washable cover. 

    Specs and components: I recorded each body pillow's length, weight, firmness, and quality of materials. I also noted if they were hypoallergenic and researched if the pillows' fills were CertiPUR-US certified or made without toxic materials. 

    Sleeping: I slept with each body pillow for seven consecutive nights, taking note of how well I was able to fall asleep, how well I stayed asleep, and how I felt in the morning. I evaluated how comfortable and soft the materials were, whether I slept cool or hot, and how much support and tension relief I felt throughout the night and in the morning. 

    Return policy: I looked at the return policy and warranty of each pillow. This is important, in case individuals are unsure it's the right fit. "No single pillow is the answer for everybody," says Medina, so it's best to try out body pillows to figure out what works for you.  

    Long-term use: Since original testing, I've continued to use our top picks regularly and will report back about their durability over time.

    Body pillow FAQs

    A body pillow can help alleviate strain caused by injury, pregnancy, or a bad mattress. Suzy Hernandez/Insider

    What are body pillows used for?

    The benefits you get from a body pillow will depend on your individual needs and preferences, but they can relieve muscle tension, help with blood circulation, can be used post-surgery and during pregnancy, and may reduce snoring. They're also beneficial for side sleepers to "hug" throughout the night as a way to promote healthy spinal alignment, as well as the psychological benefits provided from cuddling with a body pillow. 

    How to use a body pillow

    "You can throw your leg over it to take the stress off your shoulder, hip, and knees," said sleep expert Zeke Medina. "You can also place the pillow between your legs to alleviate the pressure between the knees."

    Can you wash a body pillow?

    In many cases, you can treat a body pillow like a regular pillow. Get a good body pillow protector so you have to clean the pillow itself less frequently. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and only use a large-capacity washer and dryer so you don't damage your machine.

    What is the best body pillow fill?

    Most of our topic picks are filled with memory foam, which offers a good balance of support and firmness. However, our pick for a pregnancy pillow contains synthetic down. The right fill will depend on your preferences and sleep style.

    Suzy Hernandez Freelance Writer Suzy is fascinated by sleep science so she decided to immerse herself in sleep research. She led a sleep psychology lab for more than two years where she conducted research on the effects of naps on cognitive function and the effects of sleep inertia. Suzy has presented her work at the Eastern Psychological Association and she tests sleep products for companies like SleepScore Labs.  She continues to contribute to sleep research and loves to promote effective strategies for better sleep quality and communicate the importance of good sleep habits. When she's not testing sleep products or reading about sleep, she likes to spend time with her family on the east end of Long Island, New York, where she is probably taking a nap at Montauk Beach or enjoying a drink by the bay. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less

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    Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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