The 6 Best Body Pillows for Side Sleepers

If you’ve been trying to catch some all-too-elusive Zs, a body pillow might be your salvation—especially if you’re a side sleeper or have back pain.

According to the Mayo Clinic, sleeping on your side can reduce back pain—especially if you incorporate the right pillows. “Flexing your knees and having a pillow between your legs can help align your spine, pelvis and hips,” writes the Clinic’s experts. “This position takes pressure off your spine. Use a full-length body pillow if you prefer.”

Whether you’re a natural-born side sleeper or you’re in it for the ergonomics, incorporating a body pillow that helps cultivate better alignment in your body is a win all around. Plus, studies have shown that a “huggable communication medium,” otherwise known as a body pillow, can actually decrease cortisol levels to bring people both physical and mental relaxation that’s associated with human touch.

Since we’re all out here trying to avoid pain, suffering, and stress, we’ve rounded up some of the best body pillows to incorporate into your bedtime routine.

best body pillows for side sleepers

• Best basic body pillow – Cosybay’s Large Body Pillow
• Top U-shaped body pillow – Cute Castle Pregnancy Pillow
• Best high-density body pillow – Shredded Memory Foam Full Body Pillow
• This cult-favorite body pillow – The Scrumptious Side Pillow with Cooling Organic Pillowcase
• Top Tempur-Pedic body pillow – Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow
• Best body pillow with chic covers – Buffy Body Pillow

Best basic body pillow – Cosybay’s Large Body Pillow

Unlike a lot of other supposed sleep-cure alls, body pillows aren’t necessarily expensive. The risk for trying one out is about as minimal as it gets—and the reward can really pay off. This large body pillow from Cosybay is under $20—a small price to pay for a shot at better sleep and more comfort. What’s more, you don’t have to buy a separate cover for it. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic.

One note for those of you who skim over the fine print: when your pillow arrives, it’s super compact for easy shipping. You’ll have to follow a few simple instructions to fluff your pillow up to its full potential!

Top U-shaped body pillow – Cute Castle Pregnancy Pillow

Maybe you are growing a human. Or maybe you just want to feel the sweet joy of burrowing into your own personal nest. Either way, this jumbo 57-inch U-shaped pillow is the real deal. It wraps around the contours of your body, embracing you fully so you can comfortably sleep on your side while supporting your head, back, belly, sides, knees, hips, and feet.

Amazon reviewer Kate O. writes, “I am a side sleeper who was desperate to stop my pinch neck and shoulder. I was getting ready to purchase a pillow for over $200. But It was Amazon Prime days and I thought I would try this U-shaped option first. I will never sleep with anything else.”

Best High-density body pillow – Shredded Memory Foam Full Body Pillow

Fluffy pillows are all fun and good. However, if it’s ergonomic support you’re looking for, then you’ll probably want something more dense to prop your body with. That’s why we love this high-density Shredded Memory Foam Body Pillow. The manufacturer claims that by supporting your neck, shoulder, hip and legs, the pillow will release body fatigue and pain. We also appreciate how you can adjust the filling to fit your exact preferences.

This cult-favorite body pillow – The Scrumptious Side Pillow with Cooling Organic Pillowcase

“After just seconds, I could instantly understand why the Scrumptious Side Sleeper is by far Honeydew’s most popular pillow,” wrote Angel Kilmeister in their review of the cult-fave body pillow by Honydew. “I’ve been in a relationship with this pillow for two weeks now, and I genuinely feel like I’m getting that super-deep sleep where I wake up in the same position I fell asleep in. My other seven or so pillows are there, but they might be feeling a little neglected.”

Top Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow Pick – Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow

People love their Tempur-Pedics. If you’re already sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic mattress and mattress topper, then A., kudos to you and B., why not round out the comfort palooza with the Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow? The 48-inch body pillow responds to the shape and pressure of your body to bring support to the exact areas you need it. It has a medium-firm feel, and a five-yar repair or replacement warranty.

Best body pillow with chic covers – Buffy Body Pillow

The only downside to body pillows is they can sometimes look more geriatric than stylish. This is not the case, however, if you choose to shop Buffy Body Pillows. These fluffy, 300-thread count body pillows come with the option of bundling with a silky-smooth Buffy Body Pillow Cover, which come in soft luxe hues of blush, oyster, chambray, and white.

Updated 9/10/2024.

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