7 Best Body Pillows To Get Relief From Back Pain In 2020

Most of the people suffering from back pain experience it more while sleeping. Back pain, neck pain and soreness in different parts of body are some of the common issues people deal with after a long work day. For some of them, sleeping only results in increased pain and tension.

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If you are dealing with any of these issues then body pillow is the perfect solution.

What is Body Pillow…?

Body pillow is specifically designed for supporting back muscles and spine. It helps in relieving tension and reduce tossing/turning which makes a serious difference to your sleep. Either you are side sleeper or sleep on back, you can get proper sleep without much tossing around.

Where Can I Purchase a Body Pillow?

You can buy them in a local store or online stores like Amazon. As there are many options, types, shapes and designs of body pillows present in the market, it is pretty common to get confused. That is the reason, we have developed a buying guide to help you make an informed choice.

Apart from that, our experts have also taken the privilege of researching over several products and picked up the best among them. The team has even considered the user experiences and physiotherapist’s reviews while finalizing the list.

Best Body Pillow for Back Pain: 2020 Review

Reviews of Best Body Pillows for Bad Back Pain

1. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Full Body Pillow

This body pillow has grabbed the first place in our list due to its high quality materials, durability, versatility and many other beneficial features.

The memory foam used in this body pillow has been modified with certain chemicals in order to enhance density and provide proper support. It was initially developed by NASA for aircraft crew, as it is very sensitive and molds into supportive shape.

Snuggle-pedic formula uses a combination of hypo-allergenic V.O.C biogreen memory foam and CertiPur-U.S in order to provide ultimate sleeping experience. One feature that makes this product standout is the orthopedic support. The combination of fluffiness and resilience helps you adjust each position you sleep into.

This body pillow is perfect for pregnant people and offers unparalleled support to the back. This body pillow is available in 3 different sizes: standard, queen and king. The ultra-luxurious Kool-Flow micro-vented bamboo cover offer an unprecedented breathability which allows proper air circulation through the pillow.

Positives:

• 120-night sleep trial with refund or free exchange option.
• Micro-vented bamboo cover.
• Orthopedic support.
• Hypoallergenic, low V.O.C bio-green and CertiPur-U.S certified foam.
• 43% viscose of bamboo, 56.4 percent polyester and 6 percent lycra.
• Compressed and Vacuum sealed for eco-friendly shipping.
• 3 different sizes.
• 20-year warranty.
• Both pillow and cover are washable.

Negatives:

• Some people found an unpleasant smell.
• Some of them found it too firm.

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2. Coop Home Goods Total Body Pillow

Second from the list comes our Coop Home Goods Body Pillow. One of the best things about this straight pillow is its ability to achieve the ideal loft. A removable viscose rayon cover which are specially designed to help sleepers.

For the filling, they use a combination of 60% polyester and 40% bamboo for temperature regulation. Not only the cover but also pillow is completely machine washable. The inner part of the pillow is made up of interlock fabric which provides tight knit and smooth surface.

It allows you to turn and change the sleeping positions throughout the night. The pillow is resistant to dust mites and allergens. The contents of this pillow are CertiPur-US certified which means that they are made without using lead, heavy metals, ozone depletes, formaldehyde and others.

Positives:

• Hypoallergenic & dust mite resistant.
• You can machine wash the whole pillow.
• 40% Viscose Rayon and 60% Polyester.
• Safe for pregnancy and maternity use.
• CertiPUR-US standards for emissions and durability.
• Analyzed by independent, accredited testing labs.
• Gel-infused memory foam and microfiber full.

Negatives:

• Initial odor comes out of the pillow.
• Some people found it firm.

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3. Moonlight Slumber Body Support Pillow

Looking for a maximum comfort U-Shaped body pillow then this is the ideal choice. This fantastic pillow is known for relieving pain and creating necessary support. This is specially designed for pregnant women as it provides ultimate comfort.

It will help you align your neck, hips, shoulder and entire back. Apart from that, it also helps in regulating body temperature and improving blood circulation. It was odorless, hypoallergenic and provides protection from dust-mites as well.

It can come handy for people who are suffering from fibromyalgia, sciatica and discomforts. Though the size is huge, it can provide comfort to the children as well. It is made up of synthetic down stuffing which is also known as extended polymer. It allows the air to flow freely through the material.

Positives:

• Hypoallergenic and odorless.
• Machine washable.
• Made in U.S.A.
• Premium synthetic down.
• No chemical fire barrier, antimony, or chlorinated TRIS.

Negatives:

• Too Bulky.

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4. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

This body pillow is designed by a registered nurse and mother. The leachco snoggle pillows are constructed to meet the needs of a pregnant women and people suffering from back pain.

This C-shaped pillow provides support to hip, head, belly and back though the entire pregnancy. It also be used after the baby is born for breastfeeding support. The dual sides allow personal comfort and neck support depending on your needs.

When used in natural C-shaped formation, it can provide full back and frontal support depending on which way you turn during sleep. It has 7-inch loft which leaves the plenty of material to provide the support you need.

Natural hypo-allergenic and non-clumping firm-plush comfort is used as filling. Though the cover is completely machine washable, the pillow is not designed to go through a wash.

Positives:

• Better support and spinal alignment.
• Great for maternity use.
• Washable cover and durable zipper.
• Patented design was developed by a Registered Nurse and Mom

Negatives:

• Space consuming than other regular pillows.

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5. Naomi Home Cozy Body Pillow

With ergonomic design and comfort, this body pillow allows you position your body at the right level of relaxation you need. This pillow helps you cuddle up comfortably which leaning or sleeping.

The high quality materials and excellent constriction will provide ultimate comfort. The smooth seams will not bother you like the ones with lesser quality. The square and large shaped head rest area will mimic the feeling of a standard pillow which provides the feeling of a cozy full body comfort.

The washable and removable pillow case is made up of 100% cotton and 300 thread counter percale which provides comfort and softness. The inner contours of the pillow were designed to fit the natural curves of the body.

The cover of this pillow is easily removable and can be washed on a regular basis like other begging materials. Besides just using it as a pillow, you can arrange it in different positions when watching movie or reading a book.

Positives:

• 100% ultra-hygienic cotton.
• Can be used as nursing pillow as well.
• Best suited for pregnant women.
• Smoother edges don’t cause any discomfort.
• Easy to wash zipper cover.
• Machine washable.

Negatives:

• Slightly large in size.
• Non-returnable.

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6. Sleep Innovations Embrace Body Pillow

This product takes your sleeping experience to next level by providing sufficient comfort and support. Sleep Innovations body pillow deserves a place in our list due to its unique features.

Its ergonomic design supports the vital organs and prevents the nerves from getting pinched. High quality memory foam has been used as the filling in order to prevent heat buildup. So, you can sleep throughout the without sweating.

It is also designed to prevent moisture buildup which makes it hypoallergenic. This makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergens. The soft microfiber cover can be removed easily and hand/machine washed whenever it gets dirty.

Positives:

• Soft microfiber cover.
• High quality memory foam.
• Huggable gentle comfort and support.
• Made in USA.
• Comes with 5 year warranty.
• Perfect for expectant mothers.
• Best suited for side, back and stomach sleepers.

Negatives:

• Very heavy.
• Too bulky.

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7. Holy Lamb Organic Body Pillow

Last but not the least body pillow comes from the Holy Lamb brand. This pillow is known to provide heavenly softness and ultimate comfortable sleeping experience.

This pillow is made up of eco-grown wool which is harvested from sheep farms present in the north western states of America. The outer layer of the pillow contains organic cotton sateen fabric.

The inner pillow contains wool which is completely breathable and regulates temperature. It helps your body cool during summers and warm in winters. As the material is anti-bacterial and non-flammable, it is the perfect choice for whole family.

Apart from just helping your sleep and supporting your back, you can use it as prop while reading book or watching television. This pillow is perfect for individuals suffering from back, neck and chronic joint pain.

Positives:

• Premium Eco-Wool filling.
• Machine washable.
• Organic cotton sateen fabric cover.
• Made in USA.
• Long style and soft plush design.
• Non-flammable and anti-bacterial.
• Regulates body temperature.

Negatives:

• Might be uncomfortable for smaller ones.

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What is considered as a Body Pillow?

Body pillows are oversized pillows which are specially designed for getting an extraordinary comfort while sleeping by properly aligning the spin. When you place them under the back, the pillow just molds to the body and keeps the back straight throughout the night. Using a body pillow prevents you from sleeping on stomach, which is not good for people who are dealing with back pain.

How Does a Body Pillow Work in Relieving Back Pain?

Actually, there are mainly three sleeping positions that include – stomach, back and side. Each position puts the strain on back in a different way which can trigger back pain. The body pillows are actually a bit large that have the length of an average person. They help you relieve the pressure from different body parts. Apart from relieving back pain, it also help you deal with neck and shoulder pain.

Body pillows usually elevate several parts of the body which will relieve strain from spine by keeping it in a neutral position while you are asleep. As the spine stays in neutral position, you will no longer wake up in the morning with back pain.

Apart from that, body pillow relaxes your muscles and boosts up the circulation. This helps to relieve the pain and stiffness. The support will help to boost up the oxygen flow throughout the body which helps to heal and recover quickly. And moreover a good night’s sleep plays a major role in overall health.

How to Choose Best Body Pillow for Back Pain

This buying guide will help you figure out which is the right one as per your requirements. Make sure to check them while purchasing the body pillow.

1. Different types

There are different designs and sizes of body pillows and you have to choose the one which suits your requirement. We have tried to provide information about them in detail below…

a) C-Shaped Body Pillows

The C-shaped pillows curve inward towards the stomach instead of bending towards the legs. They are perfect for providing supporting to the full spine. It is helpful for pregnant women, women who recently gave birth and breastfeeding moms. If you are a side-sleeper then C-shaped pillows are the best choice. However, if you are back or stomach sleepers then this should not be a choice.

If you are frequent traveler then these may not be a best choice. C-shaped pillows are big and takes up more space. And moreover they are a bit costly too.

b) U-Shaped Pillows

If you want an ultimate support then U-shaped body pillows are the best as they provide a dual side support simultaneously. It even as space for proper head support. This body pillow is best suited for people who have back issues and pregnant. They are pretty bulky, hefty, inconvenient and too big for travels.

c) I-Shaped Body Pillows

These are the simplest pillows available in the market. Because of its simple design, you will able to adjust as per your comfort. They are cheapest, made with a variety of pillows and readily available style. However, it is not effective in terms of support.

2. Fillings and Material

Different manufacturers use different type of materials for making body pillows. And when it comes to comfort, the price of the pillow doesn’t necessarily ensure it. Sometimes, choosing the right pillow is a matter of trial and error. However, the most popular ones are buckwheat, memory foam, polyester, and down alternative. Each body pillow has its own benefits and negatives based on comfort level and preference.

3. Positions

Considering your sleeping position is one of the important things to check before purchasing a body pillow. For example, sleeping on sides is the recommended position for people who are dealing with back pain. If you are dealing with herniated disc or sciatica then sleeping on sides may ease the pain.

U, J, C shaped pillow pillows are perfect for people who are sleep on sides. The wrap-around support provided by these pillows holds you in the place which keeps you on side without sliding on stomach or back.

If you change your sleeping position throughout the night then straight body pillow is preferable. Because they can be pushed aside when you turn over during sleep.

4. Design

Shape and design of the pillow greatly influence which one is the best for you. Some of the body pillows are long, straight and some of them are u-shaped. You can cuddle the pillow with knees and legs. You can place the pillow on aside depending on personal preference. These pillows are great for proper hip alignment.

U-shaped and J-shaped body pillow offer support to both neck and back as they wrap around the body. Though they are great for offering more support, these pillows take a lot of space. These pillows may retain heat than normal pillows.

C-shaped pillows are also present in the market. These type of pillows support the entire spinal column gently. Though they are specially designed for women, they can be used by anyone.

5. Measurements

There are different size variations available in the market. You have to consider your bed size and your height while selecting the body pillow.

Sleeping and Pillow Position

Either you use a body pillow or regular pillow, different sleeping position requires the pillow to be places in a different area of the body for best health. Below is a guidance of sleeping position and pillow position for your knowledge.

Sleeping On Back:

This position puts a lot of strain on back which may result in back pain, especially in the morning when you wake up. As per doctor’s recommendations, if you are experiencing chronic back pain then you should avoid sleeping on back. However, if you love sleeping on back then you have to place a pillow under the knees for maintaining the normal spine curve and to keep the spine in a neutral position while sleeping.

Sleeping on Side:

Sleeping on side may add pressure on the hip and lumbar area. To avoid back and other similar issues, we recommend to cuddle it and place the pillow (lower part of it) between the knees. Make sure to pull up the knees slightly towards the chest. This positioning helps to support the hips as well as the lower back. And moreover it helps you prevent the tightness and pain in the morning. Cuddling the pillow also helps to support the shoulders as well.

Sleeping on Stomach:

This is actually the worst sleeping position as per the doctors. Because it puts you under a tremendous pressure on the lower back. If you don’t like sleeping in any other way apart from it then make sure to place a pillow under the pelvis. This positioning help to straighten the curve. And make sure to sleep without the pillow under your head as it adds unnecessary pressure on the back.

How to Use a Body Pillow for Back Pain?

The full body pillow helps to maintain proper sleeping position in order to decrease the back pain. The best sleeping position for relieving back pain is to sleep on side, pulling your legs slightly towards the chest, while resting the upper leg on the pillow. Naturally in this position, the upper hand will rest on the body pillow.

Advantages of Using a Body Pillows

1. Good Quality Sleep

As per many clinical studies, placing a body pillow between the knees or legs will help to keep the spine properly aligned while sleeping. Apart from that, it also stops the hip from pressuring the spine which actually results in an uncomfortable sleeping position.

2. Complete Support

As the length of the pillow is large, it provides complete body support. This encourages you to sleep in a more comfortable situation (on sides). Placing it between the knees helps you align the spine and adjust your arms and legs properly. This helps in relieving bulging/herniated discs and sciatica.

Things to Note: If you are tall then you may need an extra-long body pillow for properly support your spine.

3. Relaxing Muscles

When hips and spine are properly aligned, the muscles will not have to work hard for keeping the body intact. This will keep off the tension from muscles which allows you to get more restful sleep at the night. Actually when you have back pain, your breath will be a little less than necessary. However, when the spine is properly aligned and the weight is properly distributed, the breath will be better. This also increases blood circulation and makes your muscles completely relaxed.

4. Great During Pregnancy

Back pain is a common discomfort faced by women during pregnancy. You are not allowed to take medication or do anything else to solve that issue. However, using a back pillow helps you alleviate back pain during sleep and let you sleep comfortably as it supports both back and belly.

5. Perfect for Nursing Support

Body pillows are helpful even after giving birth. It acts as a nursing pillow to provide enough support to you and your child. Any pillow you buy should be able to provide all the support you require.

6. Proper Support for Hips and Lower Back

As the body pillows are lengthy, they can provide support to lower back and hips as well. With proper support, you can have perfect sleep in any position. For relief, you can place the pillow between the knees, align your spine or adjust it under arms or legs. To keep it short, you can get relief from lower back, neck pain, sore back, shoulder pain or any other back pain.

7. Cost

Actually, body pillows vary greatly in price. Some of them are as expensive as $100 or more depending on the length. However, some manufacturer’s provide them at a budget friendly options too that usually range from $20 – $50. Some of these are worthy for the money and some of them can come apart after certain period of time. So, we recommend reviewing your back pillow before purchasing.

What is the Proper Procedure to Wash a Body Pillow?

If you are new to using a body pillow then you may be wondering how to wash it. Your mind may be popping questions that include – you have to fold it, does washing ruin the shape or which wash settings are suitable and so on…

Most of the pillows present in the market are machine washable or have covers that can be washed. But Leachco Snoogle cannot be washed. Below is a video that explains how to wash the body pillows easily…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfYZnvUKAOg

Is a Body Pillow Helpful During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women experience a lot of challenges throughout the 9 months and back pain is one of the most common one among them. It can be a result of restless feet, overheating, unable to get a good position or difficulty in adapting to the new body shape. And luckily, body pillows can be of a great help.

Body pillows are made up of different materials that include breathable, temperature moderation, moisture wicking ones and others. The best thing about having a body pillow during pregnancy is that you can sleep comfortably in any sleeping position. Sleeping on sides is particularly difficult during pregnancy as there will be gaps which makes it uncomfortable. However, a body pillow provides enough support you require for neck, legs and the hips. This helps in easing the tension on muscles and skeleton which ultimately reduces the stress, aches and pain.

A Few tips to Consider with Body Pillow

A body pillow can be used for more than just cuddling during sleep. You can increase its value by using it for more things. For example, you can use the pillow in an outdoor lounge chair or any other patio type furniture. You can use it as backrest while watching television. You can use the pillow for leaning against the wall or as an extra seating during a large party. It can also be used as a bolster for creating support to your body.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take them during camping trips. They can be either kept inside the tent or used for sitting. Body pillows are perfect for tail gating events in outdoor concert or in warm weather. Body pillows are often used by pregnant women. They also continue to provide support while nursing and enough support during first few months. After a year, it can be used as armrest for enough support and safety while they are learning how to walk and stand up.

If you have a pet then make sure it doesn’t have the access to the pillow. If it is cat then they may treat the pillow like a scratching post. Or if you have dog then they may claim their domination on this pillow. Whatever the reason might be, the fabric of the pillow can be end up with complete fur which is a complete disaster.

Conclusion

Sleep has a significant impact on your spinal health. A common body pillow may not be useful in terms of supporting the back muscles. But a high quality body pillow maintains proper alignment in your knees, hips, back and neck. It will make you more productive and happy without of the suffering og persistent back pain.

If you want to invest in a good spinal health then purchase a body pillow. As per the editor’s choice: “Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Full Body Pillow“ is the highly recommended one.

Which body pillow have you chosen? Share your experiences with us in the comment section below.