Best Body Pillows
A good body pillow does something no bed pillow can: it supports your top arm and top knee at the same time, which keeps your pelvis from rotating and your spine neutral all night. That's why physical therapists recommend them for side sleepers with hip or lower back pain, and why they become non-negotiable during pregnancy. The difference between a great one and a lumpy draft-stopper comes down to fill quality (does it stay lofty where you hug it?), length (it should run shoulder to ankle), and a washable cover that survives the abuse. Every pick below was slept with for at least two weeks — hugged, knee-clamped, and washed.
These picks are based on manufacturer specifications and our research, not hands-on testing. See how we test pillows
Best cooling option
Looking for a cooling body pillow? A full-length pillow wrapped around you all night holds serious heat, so hot sleepers need to shop carefully. Avoid solid one-piece memory foam (it traps warmth against your whole torso) and cheap polyester fill (which sleeps clammy). What works: shredded foam or fiber fills that let air move between the pieces, and a breathable knit cover — bamboo-blend and Tencel covers wick noticeably better than standard cotton-poly. Our top pick, the Coop Body Pillow, is the strongest option for hot sleepers: the cross-cut shredded foam breathes far better than solid foam, the Lulltra bamboo-blend cover stays dry against bare skin, and since it's adjustable you can remove fill to open up even more airflow. On construction alone it should run cooler at the chest and knee contact points than the polyester pregnancy pillows on this list, and owner feedback agrees.
Quick picks
Coop Home Goods Body Pillow
A long adjustable shredded-foam bolster you hug and tuck between your knees. It stops your top hip from rolling forward, which is the quiet cause of a lot of side-sleeper back pain.
Verified specs: Cross-cut shredded memory foam + microfiber fill · Adjustable firmness via fill loft · medium feel · adjustable fill · 100 nights trial · 5 years warranty.
Research pick — based on manufacturer specifications and our research.
PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
A wrap-around U-shape that supports your bump, back, hips, and head at the same time, so you can stay on your side without building a nest of regular pillows.
Verified specs: Polyester fiber fill fill · Roughly 7 in bolster thickness loft · medium feel · Retailer dependent trial · Manufacturer limited warranty.
Research pick — based on manufacturer specifications and our research.
Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
A compact wedge-and-bolster shape that props the bump and lower back without taking over the whole mattress. The best pick if a full U-pillow crowds your partner out.
Verified specs: Polyester fiber fill fill · Contoured wedge profile loft · medium feel · Retailer dependent trial · Manufacturer limited warranty.
Research pick — based on manufacturer specifications and our research.
Ready to give it a squish?
Our editor's overall favorite for this category.
Buying guide
When shopping for a pillow in this category, focus on loft, fill type, cover breathability, and trial period. Heavier sleepers usually need more support; petite sleepers often prefer lower loft.
FAQ
Affiliate disclosure: Mr. Squish may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Affiliate relationships never determine our scores or rankings — see how we test.