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The 9 Best Body Pillows for Back Pain & Sciatica

Using a body pillow for back pain is one of the best natural ways to fall asleep and stay asleep while keeping your spine aligned and your back muscles relaxed.

This reduces the chance of waking up in the morning with a stiff and aching back.

To prevent back pain from pregnancy or back injuries, a full body pillow is one of the most effective natural pain relief tools to have at home.

In this post, you’ll find the best U-shaped body pillows, pregnancy pillows, and memory foam body pillows for back pain relief, pregnancy discomfort, and sleep problems.

In a Hurry? 

See our top picks in this comparison table, or jump to our full-body pillows reviews below:

Body Pillow	Best for	Filling/Cover	Price
Yana Body Pillow	Best U-Shaped	Shredded latex Organic cotton cover	✅ $199 at Yana Sleep
Leachco Snoogle	Best for Pregnancy	Polyester 65%/Cotton 35%	✅ $64 on Amazon
Snuggle Pedic	Best Memory Foam Best for neck pain	Shredded memory foam 43% Viscose of Bamboo/56.4% Polyester cover	✅ $69 on Amazon
Medcline Body Pillow	Best for Side Sleepers	Shredded memory foam Vekour cover	✅ $95 at Medcline
Tempurpedic Body Pillow	Best for Sciatica	TEMPUR® material filling Polyester Knit Cover	✅ $121 on Amazon
Zoma Body Pillow	Most Cooling	Gel infused memory foam & down alternative Polyester cover	✅ $120 at Zoma Free shipping

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Can a Body Pillow Help with Back Pain?

Full body pillows are oversized pillows designed to give you greater comfort and a better night’s sleep, by keeping your spine aligned and rested all night.

Body pillows mold themselves to your body and keep your back straight throughout the night while preventing you from sleeping on your stomach, which is the worst sleeping position for back pain.

Here’s how body pillows can help with back pain:

1. Full body support while you sleep – the length of the pillow gives you full-body support and encourages you to sleep in the best position (side sleeping).

Placing it between your knees will align your spine and adjust the position of your arms and legs.

This will relieve pain from sciatica and bulging/herniated discs.

2. Muscle Relaxation – When your spine is aligned and your arms and legs’ weight are divided equally, you can breathe better, your blood circulation improves and your muscles can fully relax all through the night.

3. The only natural solution for pregnancy back pain  – If you’re pregnant, you can’t take medication (or do anything else for that matter) for your annoying lower back pain.

The body pillow can alleviate your back pain at night and help you sleep in a comfortable position, supporting your back and belly simultaneously.

 RELATED: The 7 Best Pillows for Neck Pain

How to Choose a Body Pillow for Back Pain Relief

When you choose your body pillow, consider its shape, its size, and its materials:

Body Pillows Shapes

Some body pillows (also known as maternity pillows) are shaped like an oversized U, others look like a giant candy cane and some are rectangle-shaped:

Rectangular – the rectangular body pillow is the same as a regular pillow, except it is longer.

They are best for people who want to support back alignment but want a different pillow for the head.

C-Shaped – These body pillows are made to cradle your body while allowing some parts to stick out (such as the knees or buttocks).

They are great for pregnancy-related back pain because they give you full-body support – with a gap for a growing belly.

U-Shaped – These body pillows look like a horseshoe, and only have a gap for your feet to stick out.

If you want full back alignment and you don’t tend to toss and turn to change sleeping positions – this type is the best.

Body Pillow Filling

The inner filling will determine the amount of support the pillow can offer and its thickness.

The denser the material, the less it will crumble under your weight and allow for proper back alignment.

Cotton – 100% cotton is rare, but it is the best natural and hypoallergenic pillow fill.

Cotton will stay cool and allow for air circulation.

It is machine washable and contains the least amount of chemicals.

The only problem is that these pillows tend to lose their height over time, and can flatten after a year or two.

Down – Down filling is soft and cuddly, it conforms to your body and lasts a long time.

Down is cushioning and comforting, but tends to stay warm, and it is not a cruelty-free product.

Down Alternative, such as polyester, is not as cloud-like as down but is cooler and a bit more supportive.

It is usually less costly and is cruelty-free.

Memory Foam – This type of filling contours to your body weight and shape and offers the most support for back alignment.

It compresses under your heavier body parts and fills the gap under the lighter parts.

(This is why memory foam is an essential material inside the best hybrid mattresses for back pain relief!)

However, memory foam body pillows are heavier (not great for combo sleepers), and tend to keep heat more than cotton or down.

Latex foam filling is more temperature-regulating and more bouncy but is still relatively heavy to move around during the night.

The 9 Best Body Pillows for Back Pain Relief

We’ve analyzed hundreds of consumer reports, and consulted with two chiropractors to find the top-rated full-body support pillows of 2023:

1. Yana Body Pillow Best U-Shaped

The Yana Body Pillow is the most adjustable and comfortable U-shaped body pillow on this list and is perfect for people who love to snuggle with a full-body pillow that keeps the spine aligned even when they toss and turn – without needing another pillow.

The pillow is contoured in the middle, the filling and cover are breathable and cooling, and you can add or remove as much fill as you like to change the loft and density.

The cover is made from organic cotton and bamboo rayon (good for people with sensitive skin), and the pillow is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified free of harmful chemicals.

It is also heavy enough to prevent it from sliding around on your bed while you sleep.

You can even choose the filling (cooling gel or natural latex), which is more breathable and chemical-free.

The only downside is the price, which can be explained by the high-quality materials and unique design.

Also, there is no warranty and partial refund with proof of damage – within 15 days.

Pros

• Provides exceptional support and comfort (according to USA Today and CNN as well)
• Made with organic bamboo cotton
• Won’t slide off the bed while sleeping
• Good for most sleeping positions

Cons

• Has a slight rubbery odor when the package is opened
• No warranty, only a refund for an unopened package

✅ Available at Yana Sleep ($199)

2. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow Best for Pregnancy

The Leachco Snoogle candy-cane-shaped body pillow (made in the USA) cradles your body and is one of the best-selling body pillows for pregnancy and back pain.

This body pillow was designed by a nurse to meet the needs of expectant and new mothers but works great for anyone suffering from back pain from pregnancy.

We recommend it for chronic back and neck pain, respiratory difficulties, and digestive problems (for example, it can prevent reflux at night).

The head section is extra wide and long for versatile sleeping styles or for those who love to hug their pillow.

Its stuffing is pleasant yet firm and supportive.

Again, it’s a big pillow but most buyers say that it still fits in an average-sized bed without their partner complaining.

Pros

• Versatile and can be twisted in many ways
• Soft and comfortable
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Less supportive for the neck (use a cervical pillow for neck pain)
• May be too soft (and not supportive enough) for heavy people

✅ Available on Amazon ($64). If you want a 100% cotton cover go for the Chic Supreme model. 

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The Complete Guide to Low Back Pain Relief – at Home!

3. Tempurpedic Body Pillow Best for Sciatica

The Tempurpedic body pillow is the highest loft and most durable body pillow on this list and is recommended for side sleepers, and sciatica sufferers.

Why?

Because it’s especially important for sciatica sufferers to keep the spine aligned at night so it can heal.

If the pillow is too soft the knee will sink in and this can aggravate pinched nerves and bulging discs – causing sciatica symptoms.

It is filled with medium-firm shapeable micro-cushions, that return to their original shape in the morning.

Users confirm that this pillow doesn’t lose its shape over the years and is heavier than most full-body pillows on the market.

It doesn’t get too hot or too cold, is firm but feels soft, and molds to whatever shape you’d like.

The disadvantage is its weight, which makes it a bit uncomfortable to toss and turn with.

Pros

• Provides great support for side sleepers, especially between the knees
• Contours well to the body and molds closely to relieve pressure on joints, muscles, and nerves

Cons

• Might be too large and heavy for smaller people
• TEMPUR-Pedic does not offer a trial on its pillows

✅ Available at Tempurpedic ($199 with a 5-year warranty and free shipping), and on Amazon ($120)

See our review for the best Tempurpedic pillow for neck pain!

4. Snuggle Pedic Best Body Pillow for Neck Pain

The Snuggle-Pedic is one of our top choice in the memory foam body pillows category, because of its effective spine support (it seldom goes flat) and good comfort level.

This also makes it one of the best body pillows for neck support.

It has just the right firmness to support your neck, especially if you are a side sleeper.

This denser bamboo memory foam pillow supports the hips, knees, and abdomen well.

The shredded memory foam filling molds to the body to support all the important areas.

This body pillow is filled with CertiPUR-US certified foam and low VOC hypoallergenic memory foam which is shredded, allowing more breathability and a cool feeling.

The cover is made with polyester, viscose of bamboo, and a little lycra, and the pillow conforms to your body perfectly.

Not happy with it? the company offers a 120 money-back guarantee and a 20-year warranty, with excellent customer service.

Pros

• Made of shredded memory foam, which conforms to the body and provides pressure relief
• The filling of the pillow is movable, so you can customize the level of support and loft
• Designed to be breathable and cool, which can be especially beneficial for hot sleepers

Cons

• Some users have noted that the pillow needs to be fluffed regularly to maintain its loft and firmness
• No opening to add or remove filling

✅ Available on Amazon ($69)

5. Medcline Body Pillow  Best for Side Sleepers

The Medcline body pillow is a full-length, J-shaped body pillow, especially designed to support side sleepers.

It is made with shredded memory foam, which can be moved around inside to create different lofts – just the way you need it.

A unique feature of the Medcline is its patented seamless design, that won’t dig into your neck like other contoured pillows.

The pillow feels medium-firm and supportive, and many users say that it can also help relieve acid reflux and other digestive issues.

It comes in 2 sizes – small/medium-large, the small one is for people 5’1 and below, and the loft height is one inch smaller.

The U-bend is very flexible, which can be a good thing overall, but it can also make it difficult to keep the pillow in place.

It comes with a velour cover that’s machine-washable., and you can also purchase another cover in three different colors for an extra $28 each.

There is no trial period for the pillow, but it does come with a one-year warranty.

Pros

• Seamless design, smooth and comfortable, the zipper is well-hidden
• Best support for side sleepers
• Good loft for neck support
• Adjustable and movable shredded memory foam filling
• Flexible

Cons

• Expensive
• Smell that goes away after a few days

✅ $95 at Medcline and on Amazon ($119)

6. Coop Home Goods Body Pillow CertiPUR-US Certified

The Coop Home Goods memory foam body pillow (USA-made) is best for pregnant women, back pain sufferers, side sleepers, and snuggle bugs .

Made with advanced shredded memory (a hypoallergenic mix of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber), it helps support natural alignment and allows you to adjust the pillow to your liking – while bouncing back to its original shape afterward.

Plus, the filling is CertiPUR-US certified, which means it’s made without CFCs, formaldehyde, heavy metals, lead, mercury, TCEP flame retardants, TDCPP, PBDEs, or ozone depleters.

The fabric (polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon) is soft and stretchable, you never want to stop cuddling with it.

Pros

• The shredded memory foam breathes well to keep you cool
• CertiPUR-US certified
• Less firm compared to other memory foam body pillows – great for those who prefer a softer pillow
• Does not lose shape

Cons

• A bit on the heavier side due to the shredded memory foam filling

✅ Available at Coop Home Goods ($79) and on Amazon ($79)

7. Zoma Body Pillow Most Cooling

The Zoma body pillow (100% made in the USA) is the only body pillow on this list that is filled with a blend of down alternative clusters, which will not bother allergic people and adapt to the body for comfortable support.

It’s somewhat firmer than the Coop pillow and the 6-inch loft is great for most side sleepers, but not ideal for back sleepers.

Users say that they have felt a positive impact on their posture and spinal alignment.

This filling does not tend to get hot, especially compared to traditional memory foam or real down filling.

Plus, there are no ozone depleters and flame retardants inside.

The lightweight, ultra-soft AirCloth shell keeps the air flowing and maintains a cool temperature.

Pros

• USA-made, with a 10-year warranty and 100-day trial!
• Keeps a cool temperature
• Comfortable, snuggly, and supportive

Cons

• Strong initial odor can take days to fade
• Bulky
• May be too firm  for many petite people and back and stomach sleepers

✅ Available at Zoma ($120) 

8. PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow – Best Seller on Amazon

The PharMeDoc body pillow is the #1 best seller in maternity pillows on Amazon, so we had to check it out.

Reading through hundreds of consumer reviews, we found that the reason for its popularity is the combination of its unique design (the detachable side – see in image below) and the relatively low price.

This special U-shaped pillow is made from 2 parts that can be separated for the best placement according to your needs.

The detachable extension can be used as its own small body pillow or attached to the main C-shape body pillow.

The jersey-knit cover (removable and washable) is cool to the touch, breathable, and soothing, and buyers rate this pillow as highly comfortable, with a high (7-inch) loft that supports and aligns the spine properly.

The only con we found, which is quite alarming to some people, is the California Prop 65 warning label on the package, which warns about a chemical that may cause birth defects, cancer, or other reproductive harm.

✅ Available on Amazon ($35 with code under the price)

9. Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow Affordable

The Queen Rose pregnancy pillow is popular on Amazon right now, so we had to see why.

Through our research, it may be the best 3rd-trimester pain reliever for pregnant women and helps people with fibromyalgia, Sciatica, reflux, and back muscle pain.

The head support is great and the U-shape helps you turn to your other side without having to re-arrange multiple pillows.

It can reduce the reflux common in pregnancy for those who want their head slightly higher than their body.

The ultra-soft cover is made with 100% soft velvet, and the resilient and durable filling is polyester (machine washable).

However, without a cotton cover, the material can get hot and some people complain about sweating in the neck area.

Pros

• Wrap-around style provides full-body support – great for pregnancy
• Comes in different cover options, including 100% organic cotton, grey velour, and grey jersey knit
• The pillow is allergenic, comfortable, and supportive

Cons

• Takes 48 hours to get fully fluffed
• May feel too large or too firm for some people

✅ Available on Amazon ($37)

9. Holy Lamb Body Pillow Best Organic

If avoiding toxins in your bed is important to you, a natural and organic body pillow is the perfect body pillow for you.

Most body pillows are made from polyester, but the Holy Lamb body pillow is filled with pure eco-grown wool and covered with organic cotton Sateen cover.

Personally, I’d opt for natural materials in bed and conventional bedding and pillows are sometimes full of breathable toxins.

This body pillow is rectangular-shaped, so it can’t prevent you from tossing and turning, but it will relieve your back pain in a toxin-free environment.

However, it is quite expensive!

✅ Available on Amazon ($189)

Do Pregnancy Pillows Help with Sciatica?

A pregnancy pillow can be helpful for sciatica because it can provide support for the lower back and legs, helping to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

By properly supporting the hips, legs, and belly, a pregnancy pillow can help alleviate the discomfort associated with sciatica and other pregnancy-related back pain.

Many people are frustrated with sleeping with a bunch of pillows all around them and under them, that move out of place when they toss and turn.

A body pillow can prevent that and keep the spine aligned much better.

How to Use a Body Pillow for Lower Back Pain

A full-body pillow helps you keep the best sleeping position to reduce back pain – all night.

The best sleep position with a body pillow is sleeping on your side, drawing your legs up slightly toward your chest, and resting your upper leg on the body pillow.

Your upper hand will naturally rest on the body pillow as well.

Full Body Pillow Covers

Body pillows can absorb sweat, dust mites, and skin particles over time, so it’s smart to keep them covered with pillowcases that are made for long or u-shaped body pillows.

We recommend purchasing a replacement body pillowcase, made from 100% cotton.

Leachco Pregnancy Pillow Cover

The Leachco Covers are just like the zippered removable cover that comes with their body pillow.

They are machine washable, zippered, and easy to put on and take off.

Here’s one in stylish denim:

And here’s one in a relaxing sage color:

Comfort Crazy Body Pillow Case

The Comfort Crazy Body Pillow Case is a 100% cotton, 400-thread count cover designed for 20″x54″ body pillows in classic white.

It feels soft and comfortable against the skin, it is durable and fit for frequent use and washing, and easy to clean and maintain.

How Much Does a Body Pillow Cost?

Body pillows can cost under $40 to over $200, but the price depends on the body pillow type (U-shaped/rectangle), filling and cover materials, brand reputation, and size.

Most body pillows for back pain relief fall in the $40 to $190 price range.

How Does a Body Pillow Help During Pregnancy?

A body pillow helps to sleep on the side with the arms and legs bent comfortably, which prevents backaches, digestive issues, and breathing difficulties – caused by a growing tummy.

It helps support the back, neck, knees, and hips, which can help reduce pain caused by poor positioning on your side and prevent joints from collapsing or twisting during sleep, especially on softer mattresses.

Using a pregnancy pillow can help improve spine alignment, which can lead to a more peaceful rest.

A pregnancy pillow can continue to be useful after delivery – it can be used to support your baby while cuddling with them or breastfeeding, and can also help keep you comfortable while sleeping as your body starts to return to normal.

How Long is a Body Pillow?

Body pillows come in different shapes and sizes for specific needs, but the most popular length is 54 inches.

For taller people, an extra-long body pillow (72″) is recommended.

Some people prefer shorter body pillows, which are easier to handle and maneuver, while others prefer longer body pillows for maximum support and comfort.

Body pillows also vary in thickness, firmness, and material, so it’s important to choose a body pillow that meets your specific needs and comfort preferences.

How Long Do Body Pillows Last?

A body pillow’s life span varies depending mainly on its constitution and material but on average, most last for 1-2 years.

Memory foam body pillows are less likely to flatten and become lumpy than down pillows.

To lengthen their life span wash the pillow (on low heat) every 3-6 months, wash the cover frequently to prevent dust and sweat build-up, and shake the pillow every two weeks.

To your health and happiness,

The Back Pain Relief Products Team

References

Maintaining Good Posture, American Chiropractic Association

Body Pillows, WebMD