During my pregnancy, I had the opportunity to review a collection of 10 terrific pregnancy pillows (you can check out my full reviews on all of the, here!). Each one was different and unique and all were designed to really meet a mom-to-be’s needs during her pregnancy. I really enjoyed the process and learned a lot about what pregnant women can come to expect in terms of support and comfort with pregnancy pillows.
Of the many pillows I reviewed, I put together my top two favorite picks as well as two additional pillows that I think are perfect for certain pregnancy-related needs (pain and space on your bed!). Below my reviews you’ll find more information on what you should look for if you’re starting to look for a pregnancy pillow yourself. Overall, I can say the last nine months have been significantly more comfortable thanks to these pillows and I hope they help to support you during this time as well.
Top Pregnancy Pillow Picks For 2018
- Leachco Snoogle
- Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge
Why The Snoogle?
Pillow Details
- Dimensions: 60″ x 7″ x 25″
- Filling: polyester fibers (like firmly packed down alternative)
- 14.4 ounces in weight
- A single uniquely C-shaped pillow that supports and aligns hips, back, neck, and tummy
- Comes in a variety of fabric options with removable and zippered covers (see below for more details)
- Actual pillow is spot clean only but removable covers can be machine washed and dried
- Patented design was developed by a Registered Nurse and Mom
Why I Love It
The shape and the overall feel of the Snoogle means that you only need one pillow to keep you comfortable all night – and it’s easy to adjust. It really helped keep my head, neck back and hips all in neutral alignment and served me well during all trimesters of my pregnancy.
You have your choice of several different cover options, including 100% organic cotton or jersey knit (and a mini-size option is available too). The covers are removable and simple to clean, though I’d recommend going with a zippered one since it saves on time getting the cover back on.
There are a so many different ways to use this pillow, both asleep and resting during the day. It’s also fairly affordable and can be found at multiple retailers so check for coupons and discounts!
Why The Hiccapop?
Pillow Details
- Dimensions: 15″ x 13.25″ x 4.5″ in height (at the tallest)
- Filling: Ventilated foam filling
- 10 oz in weight
- Dual-Sided Design: Memory foam on one side and a firmer foam option on the other side to accommodate all needs
- Removable velboa fabric cover (faux fur/velour-type feel)
- Phthalate, PVC and BPA free
- Compact and portable
- Versatile – can support different areas of the body, including belly, back and between the knees
- Variety of colors (the pillow reviewed is Navy Blue)
- One size
Why I Love It
One of the biggest perks of the Hiccapop wedge pillow is that it’s small, lightweight and compact – it’s so easy to travel with (it even comes with a little carrying case). If you’re a mom to be that travels frequently it can really help you stay comfortable in a pinch. The soft velour cover is removable so you can easily machine wash and dry it whenever you need it. I liked that it was inexpensive and had different firmness levels on each side so you could customize it slightly to meet your needs.
This has been a great pillow for me throughout my pregnancy. I’ve already used it a lot in the car for my back and I also sat on the wedge to ease my tailbone pain when I was working. It will fit nicely between your knees to help you keep your hips aligned at night or you could wedge it behind your back to help keep you from rolling onto your back at night. I know I’ll be able to use it when I’m resting once my little guy arrives as well.
Best Pregnancy Pillow For Back And Hip Pain: Queen Rose Full Body
Pillow Details:
- Dimensions: 51″ x 31.5″ x 7.9″
- Cover: 100% organic cotton (there are also grey velour and grey jersey knit options, as well)
- Filling: 100% polyester fiberfill
- Weight: ~7 lbs
- Care instructions: Cover zips off and is machine washable
- Colors: Multiple available colors
- Inner curve intended for support
- Keeps your back cushioned and keeps baby supported while nursing postpartum
- Upper and lower body can be elevated
- All sales are final – items damaged upon arrival are eligible for a refund. You must contact customer service within 30 days of receipt and provide a photo of the defect and/or incorrect product.
- Made in China
Why It Works For Back And Hip Pain
The Queen Rose is a full body pillow, it wraps around your entire body in a U-Shape which means you’re getting support on your head, neck, back, bump and in between your knees to help align your hips. If you’re struggling with back and hip pain you don’t have to juggle multiple pillows at night, you can just slip the “legs” of this pillow between your knees to help your hips and allow it to support your back at the same time. You can also fold it and use it on the couch for back support while you’re resting.
The cover is easy to remove and you can buy extras if you want. It’s got two sizes so if you’re on the taller/bigger side during your pregnancy (or before/after) there’s a great option. It’s also priced reasonably for such a large product!
Best Pregnancy Pillow For Small Spaces: Boppy Side Sleeper
Pillow details:
- Dimensions: 24″ x 14″
- Weight: 14 oz
- Soft knit, removable cover
- Filled with 100 percent virgin polyester fiber
- Support for your back and baby bump while side sleeping
- Stretch panel keeps the pillows in place as your bump grows
- Compact design allows you to sleep comfortably even while traveling
- Can be used before, during, and after pregnancy for support
- Machine washable
- Made in China
- Available at several retailers; around $30 per pillow
Why It Works For Small Spaces
The Side Sleeper from Boppy tackles the issues of providing good support to both your back and your growing bump, without surrounding you completely. This leaves more room in your bed and more room for your partner if someone shares your bed. You can also use it between your knees at night or to sit up and feel supported on your bed or on the couch. One of my absolute favorite things about this pillow is that you can unzip the cover and toss the whole thing in the washer and dryer! And the cherry on top? It’s super affordable and you can find it a range of retailers.
What To Look For In A Pregnancy Pillow
In case it isn’t obvious, not all pregnancy pillows look or function the same. There are a ton of them out there and it can get overwhelming on deciding which one(s) to pick. Here are the main set of factors you should think about before buying your pillow.
Size And Shape:
Pregnancy pillows can be full body or they can come compact and travel-size. Choosing the right one really depends on what your needs are. Here are some questions to think about to determine what size is best for you.
- How big is your bed?
- Do you sleep with a partner?
- Do you have room to store the pillow when you’re not using it?
- Will you be traveling with your pregnancy pillow?
Some pillows are designed for overall use, while some are shaped to support a specific area. For example, wedge pillows are often the best for letting a mom rest comfortably on her back at an elevated level or placed under the bump for support at night.
Filling:
Just like regular pillow shopping, there are a ton of fillings to choose from when considering a pregnancy pillow. Here’s an idea of what types of fillings you’ll find:
- Memory foam
- Polyester fibers
- Air (inflated)
- Micro-beads
- Wool
- Kapok fibers (seed pod fluff from a rainforest tree)
Fabric:
In many cases, you’ll find that your pregnancy pillow comes with a removable cover that you can wash (and sometimes extra covers are available for purchase). Typically they’re made with the same fabric as a regular pillow: cotton, organic cotton, jersey knit, polyester knit and velour, etc. Always check the cleaning instructions if you want something that is machine washable and dryer friendly.
Price:
There is a pregnancy pillow in just about everyone’s budget! The more compact and lightweight pillows that are good for travel tend to be the most affordable and range around $20-$40. You can get full body and U-shaped or C-shaped options for around $50-$60 but I’ve reviewed some that are closer to $200. Many of the pillows I reviewed are sold at multiple retailers, which helps to keep their price competitive. It also means you should price compare before purchasing and look for coupons that might apply to your pillow.
Trimester & Sleep Position:
Your pregnancy pillow needs may change as you progress in your pregnancy. While everyone is different, you may feel like you want more full-body support towards the end of your pregnancy and maybe support for specific areas earlier on. Also, by the halfway mark of your pregnancy you’ll primarily be side sleeping, which can be quite a change for those who are used to sleeping mostly on their stomach or back.
“By the second trimester, if you’re still sleeping on your back, it’s time to shift, since the weight of your expanding midsection can compromise your circulation,” says the National Sleep Foundation. “And by the third trimester, even if you naturally prefer to sleep on your left side, which is the ideal position during pregnancy, the sheer weight of your bump—combined with the increased laxity in your joints as your body prepares for childbirth—can add up to serious aches and pains.”
For even more information, we’ve put together a whole guide to pregnancy pillows that you can check out here.
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