Best Pregnancy Pillow: 2023 Buyer’s Guide

When you're expecting, a restful night might seem like a distant dream. The growing abdomen, relentless back pain, and sudden bouts of acid reflux can turn bedtime into a nightmare. The right pregnancy pillow can be the missing piece. Tailored to the contours of an evolving body, these pillows are designed to provide relief where it's typically needed most: the back, hips, and belly.

Below are some standout pregnancy pillows of 2023 as well as a breakdown of the features that can help buyers navigate their choices with clarity and confidence.

Best pregnancy pillow: a shortlist

• Sweet ZZZ — best pregnancy pillow choice for eco-conscious consumers
• Turmerry — best pregnancy pillow for versatility
• Husband Pillow — best pregnancy pillow for side sleepers
• Royal Therapy — best pregnancy pillow for customization and adjustability
• Sleepsia — best memory foam pregnancy pillow

How we compiled the list of the best pillows for pregnancy

The right pregnancy pillow can potentially enhance one's sleep experience. When selecting, it's essential to pay attention to specific criteria:

Criteria	Description
Material	Fabric and composition of the pillow's cover
Adjustability	Ability to modify the shape or size
Shape	Design oriented for specific support needs
Fill type	Contents inside the pillow
Care	Maintenance and washing guidelines

• Material. The type of material can influence overall comfort. Opting for a fabric that feels gentle against the skin, promotes breathability, and is hypoallergenic can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
• Adjustability. Some pillows offer adjustable sections or modular designs that allow users to modify the pillow's shape or firmness according to their evolving needs.
• Shape. Pregnancy pillows are available in C-shaped, U-shaped, or wedge shapes. The shape can potentially cater to different support needs, like offering a snug fit around the abdomen or providing a cushion between the legs.
• Fill Type. What's inside the pillow matters. Fill types like memory foam, polyester fiberfill, and microbeads each have unique characteristics. While some might mold closely to the body's contours, others might offer a firmer feel. Personal preference plays a significant role here.
• Care. As pillows see regular use, ease of cleaning becomes a factor. Pillows with removable and machine-washable covers can make upkeep simpler, ensuring a clean and lasting experience.

Best pregnancy pillows: an overview

Let's take a closer look at five best pregnancy body pillows, considering characteristics like material, adjustability, shape, fill type, and care. Whether you prioritize eco-friendly options, value versatility, need targeted support for side sleepers, or crave customization and adjustability, we've got you covered. In each review, we'll present the pros and cons of our top pillow choices and detailed insights to ensure you get a comprehensive understanding to make the right choice for your comfort.

1. Sweet ZZZ — best eco-conscious pregnancy pillow

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The Sweet ZZZ Body Pillow is designed with an organic cotton cover, aligning with eco-conscious choices, highlighted further by the brand’s participation in the "1% for the Planet" initiative. Its down alternative fill aims to offer contouring, potentially beneficial for those seeking a snug fit without the risk of arm numbness, a feature side sleepers might appreciate.

At 50" in length, it accommodates various user heights, and its 7.3 lbs weight might facilitate easier adjustments during sleep. The pillow emphasizes cooling features, possibly aiding those who tend to get hot during sleep. With an OEKO-TEX® certification, the pillow meets certain safety standards, making it a consideration for those concerned about material safety.

At $239.00, Sweet ZZZ Body Pillow is an investment, but one that offers a combination of design, material, and features that might appeal to various users, especially with its emphasis on comfort, safety, and environmental responsibility.

2. Turmerry — most versatile pregnancy pillow

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Turmerry’s $79 Latex Body Pillow highlights versatility with its organic latex construction, offering potential benefits for various sleepers — side, stomach, and expectant mothers. This pillow promotes spinal alignment, an aspect that might catch the attention of those prioritizing posture during sleep.

With dimensions of 38" x 7.5", it provides an extended length that can be wrapped around limbs for possible additional support. The pillow’s perforated design aims for improved airflow and a cooling effect, addressing temperature regulation concerns.

A standout feature is its availability in three firmness levels — soft, medium, and firm — enabling customization for individual comfort preferences. The removable zippered organic cover adds to its ease of maintenance, as it aligns with the care criteria for machine washability.

3. Husband Pillow — best pregnancy body pillow for side sleepers

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The Deluxe Comfort L Side Sleeper Body Pillow, measuring 36" x 8" x 24", presents a unique L-shaped design geared towards expectant mothers and side sleepers. This design hints at the possibility of offering support for the baby bump and potentially alleviating some discomforts associated with side-sleeping during pregnancy.

Its versatility could extend its use beyond pregnancy, perhaps aiding in relaxation postpartum or even during breastfeeding. However, prospective buyers of this $63.99 pillow should be aware that its singular shape might not cater to everyone's comfort needs, and, additionally, there's no option to adjust its shape.

4. Royal Therapy — best adjustable pregnancy body pillow

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The Royal Therapy Body Pillow offers customization through its adjustable gel microfiber filling. With dimensions of 21" x 56" and a price of $59.99, it's the most affordable pillow on the list. Better yet, it caters to various body sizes and preferred sleeping positions, especially for expectant mothers who want to comfortably sleep on their sides.

Users can assess the pillow over a 100-night trial, with a full refund option available if not satisfied. However, returns made post the 30-day window require the customer to cover shipping fees.

Maintenance is streamlined, as the pillow itself can be machine-washed (according to the manufacturer's instructions). A 5-year limited warranty is included, which is focused on addressing potential defects in material and workmanship.

5. Sleepsia — best memory foam pregnancy body pillow

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The Sleepsia full-body pillow is designed for side sleepers. It is filled with shredded memory foam, which allows users to modify its height and firmness. The pillow comes with a zippered cover, facilitating foam containment and enabling machine washing.

Measuring 54" x 20" x 6", this cylindrical pillow spans the body's length. The pillow is also highlighted as accommodating for body changes during pregnancy.

The product is CertiPUR-US® certified, which means it has met specific standards related to chemical content. The high-density foam is noted for maintaining its shape, and at $63.99 the price is on par with most body pillows for pregnancy.

Comparing the best body pillows for pregnancy

	Price	Material	Size & Dimensions	Filling	Care	Adjustable
Sweet ZZZ	$239	Organic cotton	50" length	Down alternative	Machine washable cover	No
Turmerry	$79	Organic latex	38" x 7.5"	Latex	Machine washable cover	No
Husband Pillow	$63.99	Synthetic blend	36" x 8" x 24"	Synthetic fill	Not specified	No
Royal Therapy	$59.99	Gel microfiber	21" x 56"	Gel microfiber	Machine washable	Yes (fill amount)
Sleepsia	$63.99	Memory foam	54" x 20" x 6"	Shredded memory foam	Machine washable cover	Yes (fill amount)

Regular vs. pregnancy pillows: a comparison

Regular body pillows and pregnancy body pillows are both designed for comfort, yet they are made with distinct purposes in mind. Their structural differences can influence support and comfort.

A regular pillow is typically made to support the head and neck, aligning the spinal structure to reduce muscle strain during sleep. Pregnancy pillows have a more specialized design, often considering the physiological changes experienced during pregnancy. They aim to provide targeted support not only to the head and neck but also to other areas like the back, hips, and abdomen.

As the body evolves, certain regions, such as the lumbar spine and pelvic area, may experience increased pressure. Pregnancy pillows potentially redistribute body weight, reducing these pressure points and optimizing spinal alignment throughout its entire length.

While both types of pillows aim for support and comfort, pregnancy pillows offer a broader range of support to accommodate the unique needs of expectant mothers.

The benefits of using a pregnancy pillow

Using a pregnancy body pillow can offer several potential benefits, claims which are rooted in biomechanics and sleep physiology.

The body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, creating stress on joints, muscles, and ligaments can increase. A pregnancy pillow is designed to provide support to key areas, such as the back, hips, and abdomen, potentially redistributing body weight and reducing pressure points. This support might help in maintaining a neutral spinal alignment, a factor considered crucial for preventing undue strain on the back.

Additionally, by facilitating better sleeping postures, these pillows may aid in optimizing blood circulation, which is essential for nutrient and oxygen delivery to both the mother and the fetus. While individual experiences can vary, the ergonomic design of pillows for pregnant women aims to foster a more comfortable and restorative sleep environment, potentially promoting sleep and enhancing overall physical well-being during this critical phase.

Materials to consider in a pregnancy pillow

When choosing the best body pillow for pregnancy, material selection plays a vital role in ensuring comfort and durability. Each material has its unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Common materials include:

• Memory foam. This helps the pillow mold to the body's shape, providing tailored support. However, it can retain heat and can feel too firm for some.
• Polyester fiberfill. While lightweight and breathable, it may clump over time and lose its shape.
• Microbeads. Small, polystyrene beads can offer firm and adjustable support. They also allow for air circulation but can be noisy when shifting.
• Organic cotton. Gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly, but can be less soft than other materials.
• Latex. Naturally hypoallergenic and offers even support, but can be firmer than desired for some.

Making the most of your pregnancy pillow

The best pregnancy body pillow, when used effectively, can aid in optimizing comfort during sleep. Positioning the pillow in alignment with the body's natural curve may provide support to the lumbar region and the abdomen.

As the body undergoes changes during pregnancy, periodic adjustments to the pillow's placement might be beneficial. Introducing the pillow between the knees may potentially alleviate strain on the hips and lower back.

When used behind the back, the pillow can offer supplementary lumbar support. For those who tend to experience elevated upper body needs, the pillow can be positioned to provide a gentle incline. Its versatile design can also be utilized during daytime rest or relaxation sessions.

Regular adjustments, based on comfort needs, can potentially enhance the effectiveness of the pillow.

Best pregnancy pillow — conclusion

From the eco-conscious fabric choices to the customization, each product presents its own set of attributes to be the best pregnancy pillow of the year. Factors like material type, ease of cleaning, and adjustability were key considerations in our evaluation.

As personal comfort is subjective, it's crucial to weigh these elements based on individual priorities. The goal is straightforward: to find a pillow for pregnant women that offers the right balance of support and comfort tailored to one's unique needs. Making an informed choice can pave the way for more restful nights during pregnancy.

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