In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Research Analyst ⋅ Apr 19, 2024
The Best Pregnancy Pillows
Looking to up your sleeping comfort game with a supportive pregnancy pillow? We considered more than 20 popular products before choosing 8 competitors for our hands-on review. We purchased each pregnancy pillow and conducted side-by-side testing to find the most supportive and comfortable pillow you can buy. Sleeping while pregnant is very important, and getting good, all-night sleep can be a game-changer. Read on to find out which pillows can help you achieve peaceful slumber and which might feel like a trap to your growing body.
The INSEN Pillow is our favorite if you want an excellent C-shaped pillow. This pillow provides thick padding that conforms to your body under pressure while still offering firm support. It has a jersey cover that wicks moisture and doesn't create or hold heat, keeping hormone-fueled moms cooler than some of the competition. We like that it can fold and stack for sitting upright, and the thinner zipper has an end cover to prevent accidental face rubbing. This pillow is long, running to the toe on our side-sleeping 5'7" tester. Depending on where you need support, you can use it with the ends of the C in the front or behind, making it a versatile product.
This pillow doesn't have much back support. However, using it with the pillow ends in the front can provide back support but sacrifices belly assistance. If you need dual support, the Chilling Home Pillow is a U-shaped pillow that can offer simultaneous support front and back. Depending on your needs, this may not be the one for you. The INSEN is a tester favorite, with some users even swapping back to it mid-sleep when testing the competition. It is comfortable, stays relatively cool, and has a soft, washable cover.
The INSEN C shape pillow can be used in a variety of ways.
The Chilling Home Pillow is a unique U that is almost an O-shaped pillow. At first look, you may think it is a standard U, but it isn't. One leg curves around the bottom to meet the other leg, completing the almost O shape. This means you can flip the pillow and sleep with your head on the bottom of the O, which could provide all-around support without creating the trapped feeling some users dislike about the standard U-shape. This pillow has the thickest padding in our review. It offers firm support and bounces back during use. You can position this pillow to create support for sitting, snuggling, reading, or nursing, which means you might be using it well after pregnancy.
This pillow has a soft, velvety cover that retained heat in our tests, making it hotter than some competitors. This fabric could mean it is a no-go for warmer climates or summertime. It is also larger than most pillows we tested, taking up a significant amount of space. If your space is limited by bed size or partner, the size is something to consider. The INSEN Pillow is a smaller pillow, and the C shape can help the user avoid the trapped feeling the larger U-shaped option often causes. Some users find the U-shape confining, and useful support can change to feeling trapped. Overall, we love the padding on this pillow. It provided superior back support, making it an excellent choice for those moms looking for full-body support or struggling with back pain.
The Chilling Home has some of the thickest padding and offers superior support.
The QUEEN ROSE U-Shape Maternity Pillow is a traditional U-shaped pillow with a budget-friendly price. This pillow provides full-body support with midway bump-outs that dip to cradle burgeoning bellies. It has a soft cover with zipper end covers and adequate padding that is thicker than most pillows in our tests.
While the cover is uber-skin-friendly and soft, it retained heat during testing and could result in unnecessary sweating or overheating if your hormones are on an upswing. The shape can also cause some to feel trapped as the U's legs only spread so wide at the U bend, making it a potential no-go for those who easily feel claustrophobic. However, this width limit is a problem for almost every U-shape pillow and is not unique to Queen Rose. Also, if you were hoping for something longer, the QUEEN ROSE U-Shaped Long Pillow is a similar pillow that has much longer legs to support the ankles of taller users. In the end, we think moms who are searching for the most comprehensive support will like a U-shape pillow, and this product feels high-quality for a wallet-loving price.
The QUEEN ROSE U-Shape has a bendable shape you can use to prop up whatever part needs more support.
The PharMeDoc U-Shape Detachable is one of the most versatile pillows in the review, sporting a removable zippered leg. The detached portion can then work as added support wherever you need it. This U pillow turns into an L with one zip and can help pregnant moms avoid feeling trapped. It has a jersey cover you can remove with a hidden zipper track for increased comfort. The PharMeDoc offers front and back support with the leg on, and the padding is adequate for most testers.
This pillow's detachable leg is awkward, and when in place, there is a gap of over 8 inches where there is no padding at all. This design choice means there is no support in the front or back, depending on how you use it, and this could be a deal-breaker if support and propping are your primary needs. The fabric isn't very soft and not on par with the jersey-style competition for comfort or temperature control. The Chilling Home Pillow is an alternative U-shaped choice that isn't adjustable but has a full pillow without the gap. While not our absolute favorite, PharMeDoc U-Shape Detachable does offer something no competitor in this review has with the removable leg. This feature alone potentially increases the versatility and customized support where you need it, making it a possible choice if you're struggling with changing needs.
Unfortunately, the connection space of the detachable leg doesn't offer any support even when zipped in place.
Smaller women looking for a C pillow might be interested in the PharMeDoc C Shaped Pillow. This pillow is thinner than the INSEN and could be a better fit for those side-sleepers with narrower shoulders or hips. It has a nice shape that doesn't change under pressure, and it gives support where you position the pillow. It has a jersey cover that spot cleans well and is removable for washing.
This pillow isn't as soft as the other jersey covers in our lineup, but it doesn't trap heat, and that's a win, as any pregnant woman will tell you. It isn't as thick as some users might need, so if you know you have average or broader shoulders requiring higher support, this may not be the best fit for you. For a thicker pillow, the INSEN Pillow is one of our absolute favorites. However, we like the shape and size of the PharMeDoc C Shaped and think petite users will as well, making it a great contender for some moms-to-be.
The PharMeDoc C (on the right) is noticeably thinner and the padding wasn't distributed as evenly as the C-shaped competition.
The Meiz Pregnancy Pillow has a different fabric on each side of this U-shape pillow, which gives you options if one side is too hot or not soft enough. The cover is removable and washable. We like the side bump-outs for the belly and back support, and the end has knee support if you need it for additional comfort. The padding is thick compared to some of the competition and provides proper neck alignment for side sleeping for most users in our tests.
This smaller pillow has a narrow opening that could leave some users feeling confined. However, others might find it supportive and comforting to be wrapped in support. It is also somewhat shorter, making it a less-than-ideal choice for taller users. The Chilling Home Pillow] is more of a wrapping U shape and one to consider for all-around support. Last, the zipper on the Meiz is large and exposed like that on a sleeping bag, and it feels like overkill and is not skin-friendly. Overall, we like this option and its two-sided fabric choices. It is a straightforward U pillow shorter users may like.
The Meiz has a thick zipper that isn't as skin-friendly as the thinner zippers we saw on competitors.
This QUEEN ROSE U-Shaped Long Pillow is a perfect solution for taller users who want leg support and can't get it without an additional pillow. This pillow is U-shaped, giving front and back support with extra long legs up to 65 inches! It has a smooth but soft removable cover you can wash that didn't retain heat in our tests and was easy to spot clean.
This pillow isn't as thick as the competition, offering less support than other contenders. This thinness means it might not give the best support where you need it, especially if you hope to side sleep and have broader shoulders or hips. If you don't have longer legs, a short, less ample pillow might be in order, and the QUEEN ROSE U-Shape Maternity Pillow is similar without the length. It also doesn't have a zipper pull cover, which isn't a deal-breaker, but most of the competition did, and we got spoiled, not rubbing our faces on a metal zipper end. Overall, we like the cover and the extra length this pillow brings to the table. Taller moms will appreciate the size variations that support the entire length of longer appendages.
The Long pillow comes in longer lengths for taller users providing support right down to the toes.
The Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow has a unique C or S shape we didn't see in the competition. It is the smallest pillow in the group, making it easier to stow when not in use or to take in the car. This pillow is of better quality than some competition, and the cover has a modern, stylish pattern that will go nicely with most nursery decor.
This pillow's shape is not the best for back support and has little to no belly support compared to the competition (below left). In our tests, the ends were too thick, causing misalignment of testers' necks and strange gapping in the legs when we tried to put the lower end between them (below right). For more traditionally shaped pillows, the INSEN and the Chilling Home Pillow are C and U-shaped options that could be a more suitable fit. Last, the cover is rough and super itchy for all testers, with many feeling it was not face-friendly, making it the last choice in our lineup. Overall, this might be the right choice if you need a travel pillow for support and comfort in the car or on a plane. However, we think this pillow lacks the size to be truly useful for most sleeping needs.
The smaller compact size of the Boppy (center) might be good for travel, but the shape isn't the best for providing support where you might need it.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
We measured the U bend on the U shaped pillows to see which options offer wider spaces as they can often lead to a trapped feeling.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
How We Test Pregnancy Pillows
We researched over 20 potential contenders before choosing the top choices for hands-on testing. In this review, we used each pillow, comparing it side-by-side with the others to see the differences, which options are better than the rest, and why. We also used feedback from pregnant testers on their views and experiences using the top-ranked pillows. We considered metrics like comfort, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, versatility, and more to determine rank and winners. With arduous months spent lounging on comfy pregnancy pillows under our belts, we used the information and feedback from multiple testers to determine our winners and rankings.
If you can't trust the folks who bought and used 8 pregnancy pillows to help you find the best of the best, who can you trust?
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Why Trust GearLab
We specialize in top-ranked baby gear and test everything related to pregnancy, babyhood, and beyond. This pillow review is led by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and previous pregnant gal of two boys. Wendy tried various pregnancy pillows during pregnancy, which gave her keen insight into what makes one better than the other.
How to Pick the Best Pregnancy Pillow
Finding comfort when pregnant or even postpartum can be the difference between fitful and peaceful rest. Because quality sleep is important, most prefer to bolster their burgeoning parts with pillow help.
Choose a Shape
While there is some variety in pillow shapes, most fall into one of two basic configurations: C and U-shaped pillows. In our experience, a U-shaped pillow is less versatile but can offer better simultaneous support for your back and belly. The C shape is less claustrophobic and perhaps a better choice for those who might find the U shape confining. It has some more versatility in how it can bend and shift and could be good for propping up and sitting moms or for nursing.
Pick a Size
The size of the pillow will depend on your height and bed size. A smaller bed might make a U-shape pillow more challenging, while a taller person might like the longer legs we found in the U-shape. Each shape comes in slightly different sizes, and you might need to trial and error, which is best if you share your bed with a partner. Taller tests preferred the longer pillow sides on the U-shaped tall, while heavily pregnant users often liked the adjustability of the smaller pillows. However, this is a personal preference choice and could be influenced by your size and whatever body part is giving you the most trouble.
The Chilling Home has a modified U or O shape that is versatile and lets you sleep easier without the trapped feeling of a traditional U.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Analysis and Test Results
The final trimester of pregnancy comes with sleeping challenges as your size and shape change and your ligaments relax. Finding a comfortable sleeping or sitting position when pregnant can sometimes feel impossible, making a great pregnancy pillow a must-have piece of gear. We assessed each pillow for comfort and versatility to help moms-to-be find a comfortable position, whether sleeping, snuggling, reading, or breastfeeding.
The INSEN C-shape pillow provides moveable support as your body grows and your needs change.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Comfort
Essential pregnancy pillow factors for comfort are the thickness of the pillow, its ability to provide support where needed, and how the cover feels at first and during prolonged use.
The Chilling Home (above left) pillow has significantly more fluff and support than the Queen Rose (above right).
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Pregnancy pillows should be thick enough to support your body without being too thick and causing discomfort. A too-thin pillow is also a problem, as it can't provide the support you'll likely need. The most common areas needing help are the low back and the growing baby belly. The Chilling Home pillow has the best thickness in the bunch with the support that feels like heaven on your back and supports your head in alignment with your shoulder for side sleeping. We like that the side can tuck under your belly or push out if you don't need the height. This option also includes one longer leg that curves around for ankle support (something missing in the competition). The INSEN is a C-shaped pillow that provides adequate thickness for neck alignment (for most moms) and supports a natural spacing between legs to keep knees and ankles from feeling uncomfortable. As your ligaments relax in preparation for pregnancy, support between your legs can be a must-have necessity for comfort and alignment. Alternatively, the QUEEN ROSE U-Shaped Long Pillow has longer legs, which can provide middle support for longer legs, but it isn't as thick as some of the competition, which may result in the need for an additional neck pillow. The PharMeDoc U-Shape Detachable has a leg that zips off, and there is a weird gap in the top part of the leg with no padding. This design means you don't have support in this location, which is strange because you'll need to decide if this is the space you put your belly or back. It might be better to skip this “zip-apart” option and add a second standard pillow to the mix instead.
Finding a pillow you can bend and mold is key to keeping comfortable, like the Queen Rose seen here.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
The pillow's shape and the ability to move or alter the shape are other considerations, as your needs can and will vary throughout your pregnancy and afterward. If a pillow is immovable or lacks versatility, it might work temporarily but could fail in the long run. Alternatively, if it is too versatile, it may not do anything well, like many things that try to do everything. The U-shaped pillows are the least adaptable for sleeping, and while they offer full support both front and back, they can also feel somewhat claustrophobic depending on your size or sleep position. No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to kick out a leg of the U to give yourself more space, and if you sleep with your head on the U bend, you could wake up with your shoulders trapped under the legs. However, these pillows can easily be bent, pulling the legs up and folding them for back support for sitting in bed. You can also wrap a leg over your lap to support a nursing little one or a laptop. There are more folding and shaping options with the U shape for awake positioning than sleeping, so it may best suit your needs depending on your goals. Overall, we preferred the C shape during testing as it is far less confining during sleep, can be wrapped through your legs to support your back, or can be folded in half to offer sitting support. The INSEN Pillow is our favorite C-shape pillow as it provides slightly thicker padding and support than the PharMeDoc C Shaped Pillow.
The soft jersey fabric on the INSEN was the most comfortable cover in the group as it stayed cool even for hormone-fueled overheating pregnant women.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
The cover on your pillow can also influence your comfort depending on whether it retains heat, is soft or scratchy, or easy to clean (hey, accidents happen). Generally speaking, no matter what time of year you find yourself pregnant, you will likely run hot (thanks hormone cocktail). With an increase in blood flow and hormones, many pregnant women feel hot most of the time; you are a human incubator, after all. While we understand the draw of a velvety soft cover for comfort against sensitive skin, we think it's important to mention they retain heat and create an environment where sweat procreates. Sweaty velvet isn't a good thing, trust us. They are also harder to spot clean should you spill while eating, drool while sleeping, or later, your baby spits up. We really liked the ISEN Pillow with a soft, somewhat stretchy, jersey knit cover. This cover is silky smooth, breathable, and seems to wick moisture away (what magic is this?). Plus, it helped keep us cool all night. The QUEEN ROSE U-Shaped Long Pillow is also good at limiting heat retention. In our tests, the most disliked cover is on the Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow. This cover feels like a very low thread count cotton that is rough and caused testers' bare skin to itch. In our opinion, it simply wasn't skin-friendly compared to the competition and even seemed to catch on clothing instead of letting it slide across the surface.
The INSEN can be stretched out to support your belly and prop your legs up to support loose hip joints.
The INSEN can be used with the C ends supporting your back.
The INSEN can also be folded in half to provide support while sitting to watch tv, read, or work on a laptop.
Versatility
While no pillow can “do it all,” in our experience, we do think it is helpful if a pillow can meet multiple needs. For instance, it should provide support to help you sleep better or longer. It would be nice if it also supported you while watching TV or nursing after pregnancy to extend the lifespan of the pillow. Depending on your needs or goals, there are a few things to consider when choosing a pillow. If you don't care about support when sitting up or nursing, you have fewer concerns. If you'd like a little more support, then you may consider other aspects.
The modified U shape on the Chilling Home allows you to use it as a traditional U but frees up your shoulders for increased movement.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
In our tests, the Chilling Home is one of the most versatile. With a unique broken O or modified U shape, this pillow can be used with your head on either end to help limit the trapped feeling of a traditional U, and you can bend the legs for back or under-the-knee support or across-the-lap nursing support. This pillow is thick, conforms to the user's shape, and is downright snuggle-worthy. The PharMeDoc U-Shape Detachable has a removable leg you can use as a pillow or support precisely where you need it. It prevents the trapped feeling some users get with the U shape pillow by creating a somewhat modified C or an upside-down capital L.
We tested the best of the best pregnancy pillows on the market to find the right fit for every need.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Conclusion
The final two trimesters of pregnancy (possibly longer) often result in new discomfort and pain as your body changes and your ligaments begin to stretch in preparation for childbirth. These shifts in body size and hormones can lead to new and unique needs that require support and assistance to ensure you get the quality sleep and relaxation you and your baby need. Finding an excellent pregnancy pillow can be an essential piece of the puzzle to better comfort and continued support for any stage of pregnancy and beyond. We believe our testing and details can help you find the right pregnancy pillow for your needs and wallet.
