Last Updated on January 10, 2023
Our Favourites
Editor’s Choice: Queen Rose Full-Body U Shape
Hypoallergenic Choice: Chilling Home J-Shaped
Long Choice: SleepDove Maternity
You need to expect a lot of changes in your body when you get pregnant. Swollen feet, morning sickness, pelvic pain, and other issues are common – even in the early stages of your pregnancy. However, a lot of women don’t realise just how difficult it’s going to be for them to sleep comfortably when they’re awaiting their due date. That’s why having the best pregnancy pillow could be a lifesaver.
The weight of the growing baby in your belly makes it very difficult to find a sleeping position that gives you comfort so you can rest soundly all night long. What’s more, depending on how you sleep, you might end up putting additional pressure on your bladder, meaning that you’re running back and forth to the bathroom at all hours of the night. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the harder it is to get your beauty sleep and tougher for your body to get the recuperation time it needs.
Fortunately, if you want to get plenty of rest before your baby arrives, the best maternity pillow could help. These specially designed cushions provide additional support for your changing body. After all, you’ll have plenty of sleepless nights when you have your newborn; there’s no need to start them any earlier than necessary.
How We Compared Pregnancy Pillows
To find the right pregnancy pillows we considered multiple factors including:
- Cover
- Filling
- Maintenance
- Comfort
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Pregnancy Pillow Reviews – Top 9 Picks
1. Queen Rose Full-Body U Shape (Best U-Shaped)
Queen Rose recommends their u shaped pillow not just for expectant mothers, but also for athletes and seniors who need additional body support.
Designed with allergy-resistant materials, this is a multi-functional dream come true for many mothers. The “U shape” pregnancy pillow is the most common choice for most women. It gives you an excellent way to reduce the pressure on your legs, back, and stomach when you’re sleeping, and it’s ideal for reducing the aches and pains common with pregnancy.
You can use it for when you sleep, nurse, read, and more. The full-body contour shape is ideal for providing a sound, painless night’s sleep – no matter which trimester you’re in. Unlike other body pillows, it also has a 30-day refund or exchange guarantee included.
However, like many full-body pillows, Queen Rose is very big so you might need to kick your partner out of bed to use it or keep one side of it off the bed.
Pros:
- Allergy resistant
- Excellent design for when you sleep and nurse
- Extra soft high-density pillow
- 30-day money-back or replacement guarantee
- With free pillowcase
Cons:
- Too huge for many beds compared to other pregnancy support pillows
- Difficult to put the cover back on after washing
- Will often fall off the bed during the night due to size
2. Chilling Home J-Shaped (Best Hypoallergenic)
The Chilling Home J-Shaped pregnancy pillow makes a good choice for anyone prioritising a plush feel that is soft, cosy and fully adjustable. Aside from pregnancy, this pillow is also great for people recovering from injuries or anyone in need of extra support in their spine and lumbar regions.
The J-Shaped pregnancy pillow by Chilling Home offers full support for your legs, back, and waist. The full body support is also adjustable, thanks to the hypo-allergenic Bionic Polyethylene filling that can easily be adjusted or removed to suit your specific body shape.
The expansive J-Shape of this pillow adds some versatility as well. In addition to sleeping with it, you can easily loop the bottom around your waist and use it in a sitting position for ample back support. The cover is made with velvet-like cotton and has smooth-running zippers so it can be removed and machine washed.
With this pillow, it is recommended you wash the cover upon arrival. Hence, don’t plan on using it straight out of the box. There are also some reports indicating that the pillow is thinner than some people anticipated and it may arrive with a cover that is not velvety.
Pros:
- Adjustable filling for a customised loft
- Cover is removable and machine washable
- Hypoallergenic Bionic Polyethylene filling
- Full support J-Shape
- Smooth running zippers
Cons:
- Reports of cover not being velvety
- May need to wash upon arrival
- Could be thinner than expected
3. SleepDove Maternity (Best Long)
Most women want a pillow that they can snuggle up to easily when they’re pregnant, so there are plenty of long pregnancy pillows out there to choose from.
However, the SleepDove cushion is among our favourite options thanks to its fantastic design. Unlike other body pillows, it’s ideal for expectant mothers who need extra length in their pregnancy body pillow. It covers about 9 feet of space in total.
The SleepDove is ideal for both pregnancy and post-pregnancy care. Aside from using it for relaxation, it’s well-suited for people with arthritis or spinal issues. The filling that’s made of hollow fibres is 100% anti-allergenic. There’s also a removable pillowcase included, which uses very soft microfibre.
Like most long pregnancy pillows, it’ll be hard to find enough room for you and your partner in bed when you’re using this. However, it might be worth the sacrifice. Lastly, it’s also quite challenging to put the cover on when you’ve washed it.
Pros:
- Over-sized length to suit a range of women
- Excellent U-Shape body support pillow
- Ideal for pregnancy, arthritis and other conditions
- Covers are machine washable
- Anti-allergenic
- With free pillowcase
Cons:
- Very big – takes up a lot of space
- Not the highest-quality pillowcase
- Difficult to get the case on and off compared to other pregnancy pillows
4. Sleepy Nights Big U (All-Round Choice)
When you’re looking for the best maternity pillow on the market, you want something that’s going to give support and provide a snug feel at the same time. Sleepy Nights delivers one of the most attractive options on the market, with their wonderfully luxurious “Big U” pillow.
Designed for pregnancy, breastfeeding support and more, this body pillow is the kind of snug comfort you’re going to want to hug all night long. It is well-stuffed and is suited for any stage of pregnancy. It can even be used for people who aren’t pregnant who just enjoy the feeling of being cuddled to sleep.
The pillow includes a removable cover that has an easy-to-use zip function. It’s also pretty easy to find replaceable covers online.
However, keep in mind that it’s not the most comfortable pillow for your head. The dense stuffing can be uncomfortable for people with neck issues.
Pros:
- Support and snug comfort with heavy stuffing for a good night’s sleep
- Ideal for use in any trimester as well as during post-pregnancy
- Can be used as a breastfeeding pillow
- Made of soft luxurious non-allergenic hollow-fibres
- Easy enough to get replacement covers
- With free pillowcase
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of room in the bed
- Not very comfortable for the neck/head
- May need to re-fluff occasionally compared to other pregnancy pillows
5. Kolbray U-Shape (Best for Breathability)
The Kolbray U-Shape pregnancy pillow is both soft and supportive. It makes a great all-around choice and is made by a reputable UK company.
The Kolbray U-Shape contains soft polyester filling to create its oversized shape. The design features a zip off side portion for more targeted support between your knees or for use as a smaller pillow wherever you like. Kolbray also makes a C-Shaped version of this pillow that is a bit firmer if you prefer added support.
A jersey knit cover covers this pillow making it breathable and soft to the touch. The cover also features an invisible zipper so it can be removed and machine washed and dried.
With this option, you may experience lower durability with the soft filling contained within. There are also reports indicating issues with the zipper and the larger size of this pillow may not be ideal for smaller beds, especially if you sleep with a partner.
Pros:
- Zip off smaller pillow included
- Breathable and soft jersey knit cover
- 100% satisfaction guarantee and lifetime manufacturer warranty
- Oversized U-shape design
- Removable and machine washable cover
Cons:
- Larger size may not be ideal in a smaller bed
- Zipper may experience quality issues
- Filling may have lower durability overall
6. Dreamgenii Support (Best Medical-Grade)
The Dreamgenii Support is designed to help you position yourself in the best possible way to encourage a good night of rest, without taking up too much space in your bed.
Some healthcare professionals believe that pregnant women can get a better quality of sleep if they rest on their left with padding between their legs. This sleeping position helps to align the pelvic bone and remove unnecessary pressure from the stomach and back.
The Dreamgenii Pregnancy accessory is designed to support pregnant women and nursing mums who prefer to sleep on their side. It helps to effectively align your hips according to the needs of both you and your little one, and can also relieve the symptoms of SPD, otherwise known as “Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.”
The biggest issue with this pillow is that it won’t be well-suited to taller women. If you’re 5 foot 11 or over, you might need to try a different option.
Pros:
- Excellent for encouraging you to lie on your left side
- Helps to support the lower back, knees and belly bump
- Promotes better blood flow and lessens leg cramps
- Good for use post-pregnancy too
- Alleviates symptoms of PBD
Cons:
- The body pillow is not big enough for taller women
- Won’t stop you from rolling during the night
- Fabric is quite thin than other maternity pillows
7. CosyDreams Exclusive U-Shape (Best Value)
When you’re saving up money for an expensive new little one, you need to save cash wherever you can. That could mean that the right pregnancy pillow for you will be one that doesn’t break the bank. The CosyDreams Exclusive U Shape pillow is an excellent sleeping aid for people who don’t have a lot of cash to splash.
It’s over 62 inches long and offers comfort and support for people with plenty of aches and pains to deal with. The zip opening means that the pillowcase (which comes included) is easy to remove and wash when you’re ready for that fresh-bedding feeling.
Additionally, you can buy extra covers in a range of colours to suit your bedroom’s style. The CosyDreams body pillow even works for plus-sized women.
Compared to other body pillows on our list, an issue that some customers brought up with CosyDreams is that the free pillowcase included is a bit thin. This means that it might develop holes quite easily. However, you can always buy another as you please.
Pros:
- A budget-friendly body pregnancy pillow
- Can be used as a feeding pillow
- Top zip opening makes it easy to clean
- Over 62 inches long
- Great comfort and support
- With free pillowcase
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of bed space than other maternity pillows
- Loses firmness over time
- Thin cover can easily have holes
8. Bedding Direct Full-Body U (Best with Cotton Cover)
Pregnancy pillows come in a range of different shapes and sizes, from a wedge pillow design to keep you on one side, to full-body pillows that wrap every inch of you in comfort. This full-body pillow is among the top models we’ve found so far and it comes from Bedding Direct UK.
This 150cm long, and 35cm wide pillow comes filled with non-allergenic hollow fibres. There’s also a soft cotton-blend pillowcase included. Designed in a U shape so you can give your baby bump, back and head support while spreading your weight evenly, the pillow can make a huge difference to your nights both pre and post-pregnancy. Some customers even continue to use it as a baby lounger for nursing after birth.
A pillow like this really makes all the difference for an expectant mum. However, it has a few small niggles to comment on. For instance, the cover is a bit too small, and the pillow itself is too big that it may just push your partner out of bed.
Pros:
- Variety of covers to choose from
- Non-allergenic filling
- Perfect for post and pre-pregnancy
- Good for stomach and back support
- Made in the UK
- With free pillowcase
Cons:
- Big enough to kick your partner out of bed
- Difficult to put on and remove the case
- The case is too small (may need a replacement)
9. Pharmedoc U-Shape (Best with Extension)
Offering a comforting U-shaped design, the Pharmedoc pregnancy pillow eases you to sleep with a soothing embrace of delightful, plush comfort. This pregnancy pillow comes with a detachable extension section, so you can add further back or stomach support depending on your needs during each trimester. The detachable section also works as a body pillow on its own.
Even when your pregnancy is over, you can still get years of functionality out of this pillow as a solution for supporting your back, knees, hips, and head to ease all kinds of discomfort. The Pharmedoc pillow would work well for sciatica and fibromyalgia.
A customizable pregnancy pillow that changes to suit your needs, this Pharmedoc U-Shape pillow is a delightful way to upgrade your sleeping experience. The detachable extension ensures that you get all the support you need in just the right spaces when you’re struggling to sleep during each trimester.
The U-Shape pillow also comes with a convenient zipper-removable cover, so you can wash your pillow and keep it feeling fresh for as long as possible. After pregnancy, you can continue to take full advantage of your extra-comfortable pillow for everything from gastric reflux to sciatica, and more.
Pros:
- U-shaped support
- Detachable section for additional comfort
- Washable cover included
- Perfect for legs, back, neck or stomach
- Can also be used for the relief of sciatica and gastric reflux
Cons:
- May be a tight fit for some mothers
How to Choose the Right Pregnancy Pillow For You
You’ve browsed through our maternity pillow reviews above, and you’re still not sure what kind of model you need. By now, you may think that finding a maternity pillow that suits you can seem like quite the challenge. But keep in mind that the more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be to make the right decision when looking through some of the best pregnancy pillows.
Modern pregnancy pillows are carefully designed and shaped to give additional support to your hips, lower back, stomach, legs, and knees. It’s not just about the price tag. These sleeping aids provide extra support to all the points in your body that are more likely to suffer from additional stress when you’re pregnant.
With the right pregnancy pillow, you can improve your posture, open up the muscles in your pelvis, and even increase blood flow for both you and your little one. When the baby arrives, many of the best pillows can also be used for feeding too!
The Basic Points to Look at in a Pregnancy Pillow
Finding the right pregnancy pillow means figuring out what kind of features matter most to you. For instance, are you looking for a U or V-Shaped pillow that will keep you feeling snug and protected all night long? Would you prefer a long pillow that you can shape according to your specific needs or a wedge that allows you to remove excess pressure from your stomach?
There are those who prefer pregnancy pillows that specifically help them to sleep on their left. This is because some doctors suggest that a sleeping position facing on the left can reduce your chances of pelvic injuries during pregnancy and improve your quality of rest too. Aside from the shape of your pillow, a few of the other things that you may want to consider for a restful sleep.
1. Think about the Cover of the Pillow
There are a lot of different materials available when you buy covers for pregnancy pillows. Most people will choose pillows with a bamboo cover or cushions that have anti-allergenic covers to prevent the risk of rashes and other discomforts. There are also pillows that come with furry or velvet covers for an extra touch of luxury.
2. Consider the Type of Filling Used in the Pillow
Remember to pay particularly close attention to the material used for the filling of your pregnancy pillow. This will usually play the biggest part in determining your comfort levels.
a. Check Its Density
How thick is the filling? Pillows that are heavily filled will be uncomfortable to rest on because it won’t allow your body to sink into the padding while you sleep. However, pillows that are too sparsely filled would have you struggling to get any support.
b. Know the Material Used to Make the Pillow
Many manufacturers today go for “hollow fibre” which is an anti-allergenic and cost-effective material that makes the pillow springy and durable. It’s also possible to find companies that offer memory foam pillows. However, these are often much more expensive.
Ideally, you’ll need a filling that maintains its shape well but is flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of your body as you move through your pregnancy. Fillings that are water-resistant and anti-allergenic are also favoured.
3. Inquire About How You Will Maintain It
Before you buy, there are some questions you should ask yourself when it comes to maintaining your pregnancy bump cushion. For instance, since expecting mothers can experience an increase in body temperature, night sweats can’t be avoided. How easy is it to apply or remove the cover on your support cushion? Is the pillow firm and doesn’t lose its shape after a wash, or is it one that falls apart as soon as you try to take off the pillowcase? What are the washing instructions? Do you need to hand wash it, or is it ok to use a washing machine? Can you find other replacement covers if necessary?
4. Test For Yourself How Comfortable It Is to Use the Pillow
Aside from maintenance, it’s also worth paying attention to how easy the pillow is to use. Some pregnancy pillows look great at first but can take a lot of getting used to. Other body pillows take up a lot of space in your bed, which means that you end up feeling cramped and overly warm – particularly if your partner is sleeping with you. Additionally, the pregnancy support pillow that UK consumers prefer could be one that could be easily used both during pregnancy and after the baby arrives.
Finding A Pregnancy Pillow You Can Count On
Choosing the best pregnancy pillow is an excellent way to make sure that you feel as much comfort as possible while your body adapts and changes to the demands of pregnancy. When you’ve got extra pressure and weight to deal with each day, the impact on your body can quickly leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Pregnancy pillows support your posture and give you the extra comfort you need to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Some of the best maternity pillows are also ideal for use after you’ve had your little one. You can fold it into the perfect shape for when you nurse or play with your baby while your body is healing and recovering. Choosing the best pregnancy pillow means finding something that fits perfectly your body’s needs. Some mothers will want a full U-shaped pillow, whereas others will simply want something to protect their stomach and knees.
Our favourite option out of all the reviews we’ve covered today is the Queen Rose Full-Body U Shape. This unique pregnancy pillow makes it quick and easy to get a good night’s sleep when you’re struggling to find the perfect position in bed. Aside from pregnancy, it also works for a host of other things such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, and for those recovering from injury or undergoing physical therapy.
Which would you like to buy? Which pillow helped you to survive the tougher parts of your pregnancy? Let us know in the comments below!
Kelly is an expert in consumer product research, which is very important when it comes to finding the most useful and aesthetically pleasing items for your home. This became her passion after finding it very time-consuming to wade through all the product information online.
She has a keen attention to detail which she brings to her articles, Kelly’s goal is to help you find what you need without spending too much time searching for it.