Best J-shaped / Best budget pregnancy pillow: Momcozy J Shaped Maternity Body Pillow
This pillow is one for the books. Its J-shaped design provides support, helping moms-to-be feel more comfortable during an otherwise uncomfortable time. It supports the belly and back, and its length provides much room to stretch out.
One outstanding feature is its noiseless nature. We’ve previously discussed how the noise a pillow makes can impact the quality of your sleep. This one is definitely on the quiet side, allowing for undisrupted sleep throughout the night.
There’s also no need to toss and turn to find a comfortable position. You can hug this pillow and bring it between your legs for optimal support and comfort.
Best U-shaped / Best extra-large pregnancy pillow: Meiz U Shaped Full Body Pillow
When it comes to getting the ultimate support during pregnancy, the Meiz U-shaped full-body pillow can be a game-changer. This U-shaped pillow is the perfect partner for expectant moms who prefer more room and need extra support.
Being U-shaped, this pillow provides 360-degree support. Expectant moms can reap the benefits of its all-around comfort. It’s fantastic for those who crave more fluff in their pregnancy pillow, as it balances softness and firmness.
One of the challenges many pregnant moms often face with pregnancy pillows is noise. Some pillows create annoying sounds upon movement. The Meiz U-shaped pillow puts these fears to rest with a minimal noise design.
The pillow’s fabric is a standout, chosen for its low noise quality. It doesn’t rustle or wrinkle too much when repositioned for comfort. This feature ensures a peaceful night’s sleep without the disturbance of unexpected noises.
Overall, this pillow’s quiet design and extra-large shape make it a standout choice. It addresses common needs—and complaints—about pregnancy pillows in a simple, effective manner. Users of this pillow can look forward to restful, comfortable sleep.
Best C-shaped pregnancy pillow: Pharmedoc C-Shape Full Body Pillow
This is your ideal solution if you’re seeking exceptional support. Its versatility and less bulky size than other pregnancy pillows stand out. It’s all about comfort and adaptability here.
The PharMeDoc C-Shape Full Body Pillow molds to your body’s needs, offering sound cushioning. Unlike bigger pregnancy pillows, this pillow is compact yet long enough to tuck under your belly or knees.
Some users have pointed out that the pillow could do with a bit more fluff, especially in the head area. It’s rated low on firmness (1 to 2) and support (1 to 2), making it ideal for softer pillows. Be mindful that the cover may catch stains or potentially snag on sharp items.
Don’t let a lack of support interrupt your sleep during pregnancy. The PharMeDoc C-Shape Full Body Pillow strives to ensure comfort at every stage.
Best adjustable pregnancy pillow: bbhugme Adjustable Pregnancy Pillow
Deciding on the best adjustable pregnancy pillow can be challenging, considering personal comfort preferences, body shape, and sleeping habits. However, the bbhugme Adjustable Pregnancy Pillow stands out for its unique features.
One noteworthy aspect of this pregnancy pillow is its adjustability. The bbhugme pillow offers a customized fit, adjusting to your body’s needs. This adjustability ensures optimal comfort and support for a good night’s sleep.
Those sleeping hot or cold can find solace in the bbhugme pillow’s temperature-regulating feature. The pillow’s design also accommodates any bed size, making it versatile.
However, you must consult a physical therapist or doctor about the pillow you need, especially if you have physical concerns or injuries.
Most versatile pregnancy pillow: Boppy Full Body Side Sleeper Pillow
Moving on, we have the Boppy Full Body Side Sleeper Pillow. If flexibility and versatility are among your main requirements, this cushion could be just what you’re shopping for.
Pregnancy pillows are excellent at making certain body sections more comfortable, and at times, they’re even moldable to fit squarely under those areas. This is precisely what the Boppy Side Sleeper manages to accomplish. With a unique design compatible with any body part, you’ll find targeted relief whenever needed.
For instance, try wedging it beneath your belly for added support during side sleeping. Feel free to adjust its placement as your baby bump gradually expands. These functionalities aren’t exclusive to abdominal use – they apply to any body part.
You can embrace it or place it between your legs in a bear hug. The Boppy is a full-body pillow, and its long shape gives extensive support to the front half of your form.
Considerations when using this pillow should include personal comfort preferences. Some users note a lack of cushioning in the head area and a rather flat profile – for those who love extra fluff, this might not be the ideal pillow.
This type of pillow requires some maintenance; the cover may be prone to staining or snagging onto sharp items. So a bit of care when using and cleaning it is suggested.
With your comfort in mind and given its versatility, the Boppy Full Body Side Sleeper Pillow is a strong contender in the market for pregnancy pillows. It could become your best comfort companion throughout pregnancy with careful selection and usage.
Best wedge pregnancy pillow: Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge
When looking for the perfect pregnancy pillow steeped in comfort and functionality, the Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge is the best budget choice. Now, don’t just take my word for it—let’s dig a little deeper.
The Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge is uniquely designed to support a growing belly while relieving comfort to the back and legs. The dual design sets it apart – a softer side for light support and a firmer side for those needing more pronounced bolstering.
Despite being affordable, there’s no compromise on quality. It’s soft yet adequately firm – a key blend for maternity support. However, it has a softer rating of 1 to 2 on both firmness and support scales. This may be something to consider if you seek a hardcore fluffy partner.
Some potential drawbacks include the possibility of the cover being prone to stains and an arguably less cushioned head part. However, these cons can be successfully navigated with smart maintenance and careful use.
Best pregnancy pillow for back pain and back sleepers: Belly Bandit S.O.S. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
Back pain is one of the changes that can go under the radar during pregnancy. Thankfully, you can manage this by adjusting your sleep position. According to a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Andrea Braden, sleeping on your left side during pregnancy is ideal. This position aids in reducing the risk of major blood vessel compression by the growing pregnant uterus, which could lead to dizziness, decreased blood flow to the baby, varicose veins, and leg swelling when you lay on your back.
If you prefer back sleeping, you might face some trouble adjusting to side sleeping. Here, the Belly Bandit S.O.S. Side Sleeper Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is handy. It’s designed to make sleeping comfortable for the side, promoting good circulation. Its wedge shape offers the right amount of support where needed- helping relieve back pain, maintain proper spinal alignment, and support your growing belly. This pillow boasts a memory foam fill-type, offering a firm yet comfortable foundation.
However, it must be noted that individual needs and preferences vary. Therefore, what works for one may not necessarily suit another. That’s why the market abounds with several pillow options catering to different body types, sleeping styles, and comfort requirements.
How I chose the best pregnancy pillows
Selecting the best pregnancy pillow was not easy. My primary factors were comfort and versatility. The Frida Mom Adjustable KeepCool Pregnancy Pillow stood out for everyday use. I loved its easy maneuverability throughout the night, an advantage uncommon with larger, heavier, full-sized pregnancy pillows.
As comfort requirements shift with the progress of pregnancy, each individual may find different pillow styles supportive. For instance, I often leaned toward a wedge pillow in the early stages. As my belly grew, I appreciated something that gave back and stomach support.
One often overlooked factor is noise. Yes, noise. It’s hard to believe, but certain fillings, like seeds, can crinkle. Even the pillow fabric can rustle when you shift position, potentially disrupting sleep. Be sure to avoid noisy pillows for unbroken sleep during your pregnancy.
The best way to sleep with a pregnancy pillow
Getting a good night’s sleep can be a real challenge when you’re expecting. Luckily, a pregnancy pillow can help provide the comfort and support you need. But to get the most out of it, you must know the best way to sleep with one.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, different sleeping positions might be more comfortable. For instance, in the early stages, a wedge pillow is often the preference. Later, you may require more back and stomach support as the belly grows.
Noise is also a factor to consider. The last thing you want is a pillow filling or fabric that will disrupt your slumber. Stick to materials that are not only comfortable but also quiet.
Remember, every sleeper has unique needs. So, take your time and explore different pillow configurations. With patience, you’ll discover the best way to optimize your sleep with a pregnancy pillow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a pregnancy pillow enhance my sleep quality during pregnancy?
Pregnancy pillows can significantly improve sleep quality by providing targeted support to the head, neck, back, and stomach. Notably, they alleviate excess pressure on the body and help promote optimal spine and hip alignment. This addition can help mitigate pregnancy discomfort, thus enhancing sleep.
What are essential things to consider when selecting a pregnancy pillow?
Consider placement, size, shape, firmness, and versatility when picking a pregnancy pillow. This choice should align with your unique body needs and changes during pregnancy. Select a pillow that supports comfort in all stages of pregnancy.
How should I choose the right pregnancy pillow size?
The size of your pregnancy pillow should be determined by the body areas you intend to support and the space in your bed. Larger pillows offer wide-ranging support, including arms and wrists, and thus could mitigate conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Yet, ample bed space should also be considered, particularly for bed-sharing.
Does the firmness of a pregnancy pillow matter?
The firmness level of your pregnancy pillow largely depends on the area you wish to support. More firmness often implies more support. For example, if you’re seeking neck support, you might need a pillow that effectively fills the space between your ear and shoulder top.
Why should I consider the shape of my pregnancy pillow?
The shape of your pregnancy pillow should align with your body’s shape and specific needs. For instance, a very short person might only need a toddler-sized pillow for hip and back pain relief. An oversized pillow can cause more discomfort. Conversely, a longer, larger pillow might be preferable, and multiple pillows might be used for body support.
How did you decide which pregnancy pillows are the best?
Our choices were based on 2024 What to Expect Sleep Awards data and testimonials from staff members who’ve used most of the pillows on this list. We also sought expert advice regarding how pregnancy pillows function and their essential qualities. Finally, all products on our list aid in adequate body positioning for side sleeping during pregnancy and support various body areas, including the back, hips, knees, and belly.