Pillow Behind The Back
Tucking a pillow behind the back while side-sleeping is an excellent way for back or stomach sleepers to train their bodies to sleep on their sides. When youre not used to sleeping a certain way, forcing yourself into the habit can be challenging. The cushion should provide additional guidance during the night to prevent you from rolling over onto your back.
Is There A Better Pillow For This Position
Side snoozers usually benefit from a firm, thick pillow to ensure that the neck stays aligned with their spine. Keep in mind, your head is pretty heavyaround 10 or 11 pounds. If the pillow is too thin or soft , your head might sink in too far, and you could wake up with an achy neck or back.
Memory foam pillows can be a good option. They provide support while also contouring the shape of your head and neck. If you want to rest your shoulder on the pillow, it may help relieve some of that pressure.
View Our Guide:Top Rated Side Sleeper Pillows
Which Side Is Best Left Or Right
Does the side you sleep on really make a difference? Research says yes. Left-side sleepers experience less heartburn and acid reflux, and doctors recommend pregnant women lie on their left to increase blood flow and circulation. Left-sleeping also helps your brain filter out more toxins than the right.
Snoozing exclusively on the left may cause some problems, however. You may put pressure on your stomach and lungs, making it uncomfortable after a while. More shoulder and hip pain can come from laying in one place for too long, as well.
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The Best Body Pillow For Back Pain
The Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow might just be the solution to reduce tossing and turning throughout the night.
- Cover materials: Silk and bamboo blend
- Care instructions: Removable cover is machine washable
- Trial period and warranty: No trial period/5-year limited warranty
Pros: Exceptionally supportive and versatile, removable and machine washable cover, firmness is great for heavier individuals
Cons: Firmer and heavier than the usual body pillow, might not be a good choice for smaller bodies, no trial period
This body pillow, made from Tempur-Pedic material developed by NASA, 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.
The tension relief that I experienced after sleeping with the Tempur-Pedic was incredible. 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.
Lay On The Pillow For At Least 15 Minutes
Susan J. Gordon research professor at the Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Adelaide, Australia, who has studied the effect of pillow types in relation to sleep quality and their effect on waking back and neck pain, recommends laying on a pillow for at least 15 minutes to try it out. Thats the time it takes for the body to fully settle so youll know whether or not the pillow is right for you.
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How To Choose A Pillow For Side Sleepers
The best pillow for side sleepers will provide adequate cushioning to support the head and neck. Our testing shows that pillows that either sink too deeply or feel too thick can interfere with spinal alignment, and neck and shoulder aches typically occur as a result. In determining the best pillow, you should look at several factors, including loft, firmness level, and material composition. In the next few sections, well discuss how side sleepers can find a pillow that will work for them.
Who Is Not Suited:
Back Sleepers: Because they would provide back sleepers with uneven support, most individuals who sleep exclusively on their backs steer clear of body pillows. That being said, back sleepers could use a rectangular body pillow as a head pillow, though the extra length may be unnecessary since a smaller pillow can typically accomplish the same task at a more affordable price.
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When Should You Start Using A Pregnancy Pillow
You can start using a pregnancy pillow at any time, but since these pillows help take the pressure off your back and midsection, most moms-to-be start using the pillow around the second trimester when significant physical changes start happening in their body. Doctors suggest that women should stop sleeping on their backs at around week 20 of pregnancy, so pregnancy pillows can also be helpful when transitioning to more of a side-sleeping position.
Is It Good To Sleep With A Body Pillow
Yes. Body pillows can help relieve back pain, promote a properly aligned spine, improve blood circulation and aid in supporting the body during a woman’s pregnancy. Depending on the pillow you choose, it can support your head and neck, while at the same time, relieve pressure between the knees and joints.
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Sleeping With A Traditional Body Pillow
The traditional body pillow, sometimes also called I-shaped body pillow, is basically a longer version of a regular pillow. These are rectangular pillows that can be between four and six feet long. You can either sleep on your side facing this style of pillow, which allows you to hug it and wrap a leg around the pillow. You can also sleep on your side facing away from the pillow to get support for your back.
How To Choose A Pillow As A Side Sleeper
To best keep your head, neck, and back in neutral alignment, look for a medium-firm to extra-firm pillow that keeps your head around 3 to 4 inches above the mattress. Pillows that have wide side gussets are better at maintaining this height over time.
You may also want to look for a pillow that wont go flat over time.
If youre looking to avoid certain chemicals, like volatile organic compounds , look for brands whose pillows use CertiPUR-US or Greenguard Gold certified materials to narrow down your options.
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How We Evaluated These Pillows
Our hands-on testing process involves each person lying on the pillow for several minutes to evaluate support, pressure relief, and other qualities. While these particular evaluations focused on side sleeping, we asked the testers to change positions to see if the pillow felt more or less comfortable. We also test pillows for temperature control, shape retention, odor potential, and other factors that dont impact your sleep position. The top picks listed above reflect pillows that earned the most favorable ratings during these tests.
Have The Sleep Of Your Dreams With Casper Pillows
Your sleep is important, and you shouldnt compromise it by waking up with body aches or stiffness.
And the side-sleepers out there dont need to give up on your favorite sleep position. Our body pillow can help you improve your moonlight slumber.
At Casper, our priority is to help you sleep well and sleep how you want. Thats why we designed our body pillow ergonomically to promote the best alignment possible, leaving you refreshed and restored when you wake up. So instead of waking up to neck pain and soreness, wake up from a good nights sleep with Caspers huggable bed pillow.
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The Best Body Pillow For Hot Sleepers
Pros: For people who overheat at night, that whole “encompassed by clouds” feeling starts to feel a bit more like suffocation. Thankfully, the Snuggle-Pedic body pillow is designed for front-body support while still keeping you cool.
Inside, you’ll find shredded memory foam, which conforms to your shape while still promoting optimal air-flow. The outer cover is made from hypoallergenic and mite-resistant bamboo, which breathes, wicks moisture, and keeps you feeling sanitary. Finally, since it rests only on one side of your body the stomach side it’ll support your arm, knee, chest, and tummy without that trapped, constricted feeling. Currently, it has over 3,500 reviews and a 4.7-star rating.
Cons: Since it’s filled with memory foam instead of polyfill, this one’s a lot heavier than the others. It’s also pretty bulky, so it’s not ideal for a small bed.
Available Colors: Off-white
According to one reviewer: I’m 5’10, have trouble getting the right pillow combo for nightly comfort since the average body pillow is too short for me, and struggle nightly on if I am going to lay on one side to avoid shoulder pain but have hip pain or vise versa. This eliminates that dilemma and provides the back support I need to avoid should pain and allows me to sleep on the side I would like to, which allows me to to have a pain free hip. I sleep so much better.
Best Pillows For Side Sleepers Video
Watch our video below to learn more about our labs top picks for pillows for side sleepers.
We provide an overview about each of our picks, covering features that set each pillow apart from the competition. Further down, well take a closer look at how pillows affect side sleeping and offer a few tips for choosing a pillow based on thickness, material composition, price, and other factors.
Labor Day Sales Are Still Going On!
Labor Day is now behind us, but many companies are still offering major holiday discounts. Check our product reviews below for discount information. You can also head to our list of Labor Day deals and discounts.
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Can You Wash Body Pillows
Most body pillows are machine washable, but due to their size, they may not fit in your home washing machine. If your body pillow is too big for your washer, take it to a laundromat. Alternatively, you can hand wash body pillows in a bathtub with mild detergent. Always read the care tag on the pillow, as some pillows cannot be immersed in water. Instead, you should spot-clean them to avoid damaging them.
We suggest washing body pillows once every three or four months. Use a removable cover to protect your pillow from stains, sweat, and debris and reduce the need for frequent washing.
Budget Pick: American Pillowcase Body Pillowcase
Budget pick
*At the time of publishing, the price was $15.
For a cheaper pillowcase that still feels nice, try the American Pillowcase Body Pillowcase. We didnt test this pillowcase, but its one of the most highly rated cheap cases we could find. It is almost half the price of the other two cases we recommend and, based on user reviews, still reasonably soft and well-made. Its fabric is 100 percent cotton sateen so it will have a heavier, silky feel. As of this writing, there were more than 1,300 mostly positive reviews on Amazon, and many praised the soft, thick fabric and durable construction. One review even specifically mentions using it in tandem with the Snuggle-Pedic, our top pillow pick. At 60 inches long, theres plenty of room for any 54-inch pillow inside, and this case has a limited, but nice, range of several muted colors to choose from.
While many reviewers loved this pillows fabric and low price, some called it scratchy, and noted that the color swatches werent always accurate. The color range is also limited, so this wont be the thing to really add pizazz to your room, and you may have trouble matching other bedding. Like the Cuddledown, you must insert your long pillow from one short end, which could get annoying. If youre looking for the best pillowcase money can buy, this isnt it, but we think its a great option and will work well for most people.
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The Best Body Pillow For 2022
Comfort is the top priority when it comes to picking out any type of pillow, so why not pick the best body pillow for all your sleeping needs
Your work may become tedious as the days go by. And, youll need the right accessories to help you take a well-needed break top of the list is a body pillow. Body pillows are designed to relieve pain and tension in your body by providing adequate support to your back, neck, knees, arms, shoulders, and legs. A body pillow is generally longer than your body to support those areas of your body. There are many types of materials and designs to choose from. Its important that you find one that is the right shape and size for your body in order to get the best nights sleep possible. Here are some great options, as well as some pointers to help you find the perfect body pillow.
What Else We Recommend And Why:
- Oubonun Body Pillow: The Oubonun 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. I recommend this body pillow if you’re on a budget it’s a good value for the money.
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How Can You Sleep On Your Side Without Hurting Your Shoulder
Sleeping on your side isnt always comfortable, especially if you rarely change sides. Regular side sleepers may struggle with neck, back, and shoulder pain. For this reason, you may want to consider doing a few things to avoid this discomfort.
- Consider a medium-firm mattress A medium-firm mattress is often the best for side sleepers as it offers the right support and pressure relief. If your current mattress isnt as comfy for this position and you dont have the budget for a new bed, you can purchase a mattress topper that fits your needs. Toppers adjust the feel of a mattress and are significantly cheaper than buying a new mattress altogether.
- Shift sides One of the best practices for side sleepers is changing sides. Many say sleeping on their left side is healthier than sleeping on the right, but its often the most comfortable to switch regularly.
- Place a pillow between the knees Placing a pillow between your knees can prevent the knees and hips from collapsing. A pillow between the knees can also help create a better spine alignment.
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Price: $$
Customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you hate the sinking feeling of memory foam, opt for a pillow made of latex foam instead. Supportive natural latex helps cradle the head and neck while you rest easy on your side. The organic cotton cover is said to be breathable, easy to clean, and soft to the touch.
The pillow is also hypoallergenic and available in a low or high loft. High is likely the best choice for side sleepers.
Side sleepers like that the pillow provides plenty of neck support without being too firm. A handful of customers also appreciate that it doesnt sleep hot like memory foam.
The brand offers free shipping, a 30-night trial, and a 3-year warranty.
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How To Sleep With A Body Pillow
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support , Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support , Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee in 2006.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 86,991 times.
Body pillows are a great way for side sleepers to get a good nights sleep and feel comfortable while they do so! They are excellent items for anyone who has trouble sleeping on their side, has lower back issues, or for women who are pregnant. From extra back support, to total body alignment, learn how the right body pillow shape can give you ultimate comfort.
Honeydew Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
Price: $$
Customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This handmade pillow has a curved side and is tall enough to help you avoid hunching your shoulder up too close to your ear. This helps maintain neutral spinal alignment during sleep. The ribbon edging helps the pillow resist bunching and sagging so that it maintains its height and shape.
It has a hidden zipper along one seam, so you can adjust the amount of fill youre comfortable sleeping on. The fill is made from copper-infused foam and micro-gel fiber, which helps maintain a cool temperature.
Its made in the United States by the Honeydew Sleep Company . Users like their good customer service and the 60-day risk-free trial with free return shipping.
Some users complain that the pillow has a smell for several days after opening. Others dislike the need to only buy pillowcases made specifically for this pillow.
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Considerations When Shopping For A Pregnancy Pillow
Before you buy the first thing you see marketed as the best pregnancy pillow, youll want to consider a few key factors:
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Sleep position. Are you a side sleeper, back sleeper or stomach sleeper? While stomach sleepers have obvious challenges getting comfy in bed, back and side sleepers have different hurdles to overcome.
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Firmness and support. Do you like firm foam or a softer fill? Whats going to feel best against your back or bump? If youre picky about firmness and density, pay extra attention to find a pregnancy pillow that meets your needs.
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Fabric. If you like high-quality bed linen, its important to think about fabric. Cotton or bamboo is soft and naturally breathable, making it a good option for people that run hot. Whereas pillows made with polyester tend to be cheaper. Bear in mind that youll be sleeping with this pillow every night for monthsso its a good idea to opt for one with a removable and machine-washable cover.
