When you're in need of a little extra support during bedtime, a body pillow is your best friend. Whether you're pregnant, recovering from an injury, sleep on your side, or just like having something soft to snuggle, the best body pillows promote better sleeping posture by aligning your spine and easing pressure on your hips and shoulders.
As a certified sleep science consultant, I've tested just about every one of the best pillows out there, and body pillows remain one of my favorite tools for better sleep. I spoke with leading spine and sleep specialists and personally tested 17 top-rated models, evaluating each for comfort, support, breathability, and overall feel.
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Our top picks for body pillows
Best overall: Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow - See at Coop Sleep Goods
Best for side sleepers: Pluto Puff - See at Pluto
Best eco-friendly: Buffy Wiggle Pillow - See at Buffy
Best budget: Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow - See at Amazon
Best cooling: Zoma Sleep Body Pillow - See at Zoma
Best for back pain: Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow - See at Amazon
Best U-shaped: Yana 360° Body Pillow - See at Amazon
Best for pregnancy: Eli & Elm Memory Foam Pregnancy Body Pillow - See at Eli & Elm
Best overall
The Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow is soft, supportive, and perfect for any body type.
What we like
What we don't like
Our top pick has the same design as our all-time favorite pillow. Like the Coop pillow that earned the top spot in our guide to the best pillows, the Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam 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.
It's the perfect snuggle buddy at night. The Coop is bulky but just the right height for me — not too low and not too tall. 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 earned a spot on my bed. 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.
We noticed a slight chemical odor after unboxing. 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 Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow review.
Best budget
Soft, supportive, and budget-friendly, the Utopia Bedding Body Pillow offers a medium-firm firmness for around $30.
What we like
What we don't like
This is the best body pillow you can buy under $30. Measuring 54 inches long by 20 inches wide and weighing about 5.1 pounds, the Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow offers soft, reliable support at a fraction of the price of high-end models. It's filled with plush polyester, but it's Oeko-Tex certified for safety. It's a simple, no-frills option that still gets the job done.
It needs a day to fully expand. Thankfully, there was no strong chemical smell or off-gassing. I found it surprisingly comfortable for side sleeping. The fill feels medium-firm, soft to the touch but supportive enough to keep my knees and hips aligned. It's a cozy pillow that works well for hugging or tucking between the legs to reduce pressure.
But it has a few flaws. After a few days, I noticed a few lumps developing and had to fluff it to restore its shape. It's not the most durable pillow I've tested, and it does tend to sleep a little warm. Still, it rebounds well with a bit of care and feels more expensive than it is. Still, it's soft, supportive, and versatile. Considering the low price point and 30-day Amazon return window, it's a great value choice, especially if you're trying out a body pillow for the first time.
Best for side sleepers
Pluto Puff is built with side sleepers in mind. It’s flexible, soft, and durable.
What we like
What we don't like
The Pluto Puff is designed for side sleepers. In our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers, we name the Pluto Puff as our top choice for body pillow because it can easily be adjusted to best suit your needs. Despite its large size, the Puff is surprisingly easy to maneuver. The medium-firm feel supports side sleepers to keep their head, neck, and spine aligned through the night.
The Puff provides ample support in all the right areas. As a side sleeper, I know how tough it can be to find a comfortable position with all that pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. The Puff is a game changer for relieving pressure points and reducing tossing and turning. My husband, with sleep apnea, finds relief by sleeping on his side instead of his back. He reported the Puff to be incredibly helpful in maintaining proper alignment on his head and neck, with just the right amount of elevation.
I can't recommend it enough. Not only does it boast high-quality materials, but the included pillow case feels incredibly luxurious, silky smooth, and soft — like cuddling up with a cozy cloud of comfort. It also stays cool without overheating. Overall, the Pluto Puff is an excellent option, especially for side sleepers. It held its shape over time while providing consistent comfort, proper spinal alignment, and reliable support.
Best U-shaped
Available with either cooling memory foam or shredded latex fill, the Yana 360° Body Pillow offers a deep, cocoon-like comfort that supports your entire body from every angle, without the bulk or heat associated with other U-shaped designs.
What we like
What we don't like
This U-shaped pillow stood out during my testing. The Yana 360 Body Pillow is the first U-shaped pillow that actually feels as good as it looks; soft, supportive, and perfectly balanced. The moment I wrapped myself around it, I felt that deep, cocoon-like comfort that keeps your whole body supported from every angle without the bulk or heat of other U-shaped designs.
It's available in cooling memory foam or shredded latex. Both are Oeko-Tex certified, and free from harmful chemicals. I tested the cooling gel version, and it stayed comfortably cool all night. It includes a removable, ultra-soft cover that feels incredibly smooth against the skin. The pillow comes with an extra bag of fill, in case you prefer a loftier, firmer feel. I tried mine as-is at first, but found the top a bit too high and firm. I removed about three handfuls of fill, and then it was perfect.
I love its versatility. It really lives up to its "One Pillow, Infinite Positions" promise. You can twist, wrap, or fold it depending on your needs. I love to cocoon myself in it for sleep, but it's just as useful for reading or working from bed. You can even flip it to cradle your legs or fold it into a supportive seat. It's flexible enough to move with you but structured enough to keep your body aligned and comfortable in every position. When not in use, it also wraps up into a ball, which could be easier for storing (or displaying on your bed).
It takes up less space than other U-shaped pillows I've tried. It still delivers that enveloping 360-degree support that feels secure, soothing, and almost weightless. It keeps my spine aligned, relieves pressure on my back and hips, and helps me stay comfortably in place through the night. Soft, breathable, and thoughtfully designed, it's my top choice for the best U-shaped body pillow, ideal for pregnancy, side sleeping, or anyone who wants that cozy, all-around comfort that makes great sleep effortless.
Best for back pain
The Tempur-Pedic body pillow might just be the solution to reduce tossing and turning throughout the night.
What we like
What we don't like
This pillow is stuffed with the same material from Tempur-Pedic mattresses. The Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow 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.
It provides ample pressure relief. 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.
It's much firmer than other body 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
If you tend to sleep hot, the Zoma Sleep Body Pillow can keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
What we like
What we don't like
This pillow kept me cool and comfortable all night. If you're a hot sleeper, a cooling pillow could make all the difference. The Zoma Sleep Body Pillow is made with high-quality materials as seen in the cover, which 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 a little firmer than the Coop pillow. The 6-inch loft is helpful for side sleepers like me who need support between the knees. After a few nights of sleeping with the Zoma, I noticed a positive impact on my posture and spinal alignment.
It's shorter than other body pillows. It's two 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. 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. For pregnant people, this pillow is firm enough to rest a growing belly on to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Best eco-friendly
Whether you want to knot it up for lounging on the couch, prop your feet on it, or snuggle up for a cozy night’s sleep, the Buffy Wiggle Pillow offers great full-body support. It's also sustainably made.
What we like
What we don't like
This pillow is delightful to snuggle up with. I was particularly excited to review the Buffy Wiggle pillow, and it did not disappoint. The pillow has a white cover shell crafted from 100% fiber derived from eucalyptus. This fabric requires less water to produce than conventional cotton and is also biodegradable and compostable. Mine got softer after the first wash. You can also choose from 14 pillowcase colors, including linen, fleece, and prints, purchased separately. I opted for the fleece cover in a lovely peach color.
It features an eco-friendly design. Crafted entirely from recycled materials, its fill is composed of 55 recycled plastic bottles sourced from a facility certified by the Global Recycling Standard. These bottles, collected from landfills and oceans, undergo recycling and transformation into the fluffy pillows we've come to love.
It's long and versatile. Whether you want to knot it up for lounging on the couch, prop your feet on it, or snuggle up for a cozy night's sleep, it offers great full-body support. The Buffy is the longest pillow we've tested by far, at 82 inches, giving you plenty of room to wrap around and bend it to your liking. However, it's worth noting that its length might occupy more space on your bed, and it's also not as lofty as some might prefer.
Returning it is a major hassle. While Buffy has a 7-day trial (before your card is charged) and 50-day return policy, our editor recently went through the process, and found it to be a hassle and a waiting game for receiving a refund. Rather than a return portal, initiating a return required sending customer service an email. Initially, the response back was quick, prompting us to donate the items and provide a receipt. However, the confirmation response once we complied with their terms took over a week and multiple follow-ups.
Best for pregnancy
The Eli & Elm Memory Foam Pregnancy Body Pillow was designed with expecting mothers in mind to address their unique needs throughout all stages of pregnancy.
What we like
What we don't like
This pillow was designed to meet the needs of pregnant people at every stage. I had my sister-in-law, who was in her third trimester, try the Eli & Elm Memory Foam Pregnancy Body Pillow. She sought proper head, back, hip, and knee support while sleeping. She said the Eli & Elm allowed her to rest in different positions comfortably while minimizing pressure on her joints and improving her overall sleep quality. The ergonomic "J" shape won her over, and she plans to continue using it post-pregnancy. Plus, the removable and easy-to-wash pillowcase was a game changer for her maintenance routine.
It's a great body pillow for everyone. Despite not being pregnant myself, I found this pillow to be incredibly comfortable and versatile. I used it to prop myself against my chair for extra support while working from home at my desk. So, it's not just for expecting moms — anyone can benefit from this pillow.
It's adjustable. It can be tailored to your preferences, whether pregnant or not. Plus, it's Oeko-Tex and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's free of harmful chemicals, reassuring expecting parents that they can sleep soundly without worrying about any harmful substances.
Our top picks compared
| Our picks | Winner | Standout feature | One drawback |
| Best overall | Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow | Adjustability and customization | Chemical odor after unboxing |
| Best for side sleepers | Pluto Puff | Excellent support for side sleepers | Hefty |
| Best eco-friendly | Buffy Wiggle Pillow | Made with eco-friendly materials | Complicated returns |
| Best budget | Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow | Under $30 | Requires frequent fluffing |
| Best cooling | Zoma Sleep Body Pillow | Phenomenal temperature regulation | Short |
| Best for back pain | Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow | Firm support | Too firm for some people |
| Best U-shaped | Yana 360 Body Pillow | Versatile design | Pricey |
| Best for pregnancy | Eli & Elm Memory Foam Pregnancy Body Pillow | J-shape is perfect for before and after pregnancy | Too firm for some people |
What else we tested
- Bearaby Cuddler: "The Bearaby Cuddler follows the long cylindrical shape of the Buffy Wiggle Pillow and stretches over six feet long — taller than me. Despite its length, I like that it doesn't take up too much of the bed and that it's easily moldable. When I'm not using it, I can "knot" it up into a display piece. It's constructed of a single block of GOLS-certified latex foam Bearaby called Melofoam. It's been reformulated to be softer and a bit squishier, perfect for hugging. Since it's not a standard body pillow size, you'll want to invest in the cover too, but I had a hard time getting past the $350 price tag when bundled. For comparison, the Yana is also available with a latex construction and is $100 cheaper." — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
- Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow: The Moonlight can be used in a number of positions to provide versatile support for your entire body. It's filled with a comfortable and plush synthetic down called Fusion Fiberfill that won't flatten or clump, but it's not adjustable. Its large, oversized design also causes it to occupy a significant portion of the bed. If you prefer a down alternative U-shaped pillow, rather than the memory foam or latex of the Yana, this is a good option to consider. Moonlight also offers a lifetime warranty, which is appealing.
- Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Momcozy is one of the most popular pregnancy pillows on Amazon and has a very affordable $50 price tag, but I found it too bulky, taking up half of my king-size bed. It has a soft, cozy cover, but I found myself getting too hot with it, likely because of its bulkiness and thickness.
- Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow: The Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow was previously our top pick for side sleepers. After researching, we discovered that Snuggle-Pedic was acquired in 2020 and no longer offers features we loved, like a trial period and warranty. Recent customer reviews indicate a decline in the pillow's quality, many mentioned reduced fullness and changes in warranty terms. I also noticed a disparity between the original version we tested in 2020 and a new one that we re-tested, leading us to replace it in our guide.
- Oubonun Body Pillow: I recommend the Oubonun body pillow if you're on a budget; it's a good value for the money. It features a hidden zipper to adjust its hypoallergenic polyester fiber fill. It's softer than most but provides sufficient support and won't take up much space in your bed. One side is quilted, which is a nice detail. It even includes a pillowcase as a bonus.
What to look for in a body pillow
Choosing the right body pillow 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 Litzy 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:
- I-shaped: The I-shape is like a standard rectangular pillow but longer. A common length is 54", and it can range from four to six feet. It's ideal for people who want a body pillow but don't have a specific need that needs to be addressed.
- U-shaped: The U-shape is characterized by its ability to offer support on either side, keep you from rolling, and make it easy to switch positions without having to reposition the pillow, making it an optimal choice for pregnancy. The most common way to sleep is to keep the open part at your feet, cuddle whichever side you prefer, and rest your head on the bend, but you can get creative about how you lounge and sleep with this shape.
- C-shaped: The C-shape is typically pretty customizable. It has a bend on each end and can be contorted and bent into varying shapes. It's a little smaller than the U-shape.
- J-shaped: The J-shape follows the I shape with the addition of being able to position your head at the curve, wrap your body around the straight portion, or place the hook under the knees and position your back against the straight side. It's a popular choice for side sleepers to curl up with.
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. Some body pillows feature 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. 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 and 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 tested the best body pillows
Our testing methodology
To find the best body pillows, I did hands-on testing with 17 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 fell asleep, stayed asleep, and 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.
Meet the expert behind the guide
Suzy Hernandez, freelance contributor: I managed a sleep laboratory for over two years and have conducted extensive research on sleep. I've tested products for SleepScore labs and presented my work at the Eastern Psychological Association. Now, you'll find me testing sleep products from pillows to cooling bedding.
Body pillow FAQs
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 by cuddling with a body pillow.
How should you position yourself with 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 or pillow case, 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 top picks are filled with memory foam, which offers a good balance of support and firmness. However, our picks for side sleepers and our budget pick are filled with synthetic down, and have a softer, mushier feel. The right fill will depend on your preferences and sleep style. Latex fills are also an option, as seen from Yana and Bearaby, which will also feel firmer with a touch of responsive bounce.
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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@bjinnox.com.
