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Key takeaways
- Shape decides how the pillow supports you. Straight pillows are hugged, U-shapes surround you, and C-shapes wrap one side and cradle your head.
- Fill decides feel and upkeep. Shredded memory foam is adjustable and supportive, fiberfill is soft and cheap, and down is the lightest and squishiest.
- The common straight body pillow is about 20 × 54 inches. U-shaped pillows can take up half a queen bed, so check your bed and your partner first.
- A removable, washable cover matters more on a body pillow than on a regular pillow, since you're wrapped around it all night.
- Adjustable fill lets you remove foam until the loft fits. It's the single most useful feature for side sleepers.
Who body pillows are for
Body pillows are long pillows you hug, lean against or wrap around. They're popular with side sleepers who like something to rest their top arm and knee on, pregnant sleepers looking for support on several sides at once, and anyone who likes the feel of something to hold at night.
We don't make medical claims. Some people find a body pillow more comfortable for side sleeping, and that's reason enough. If you're pregnant or dealing with pain, follow your doctor's advice about sleep position and support.
We haven't lab-tested these pillows. Our picks are well-known, widely sold body pillows chosen for the shapes, fills and features their makers list. Check the current listing for dimensions and fill details.
Step one: choose a shape
| Shape | Typical size | How you use it | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight (rectangular) | About 20 × 54 in | Hug it, rest a knee on it | Side sleepers, small beds | Needs a separate head pillow |
| U-shaped | Often 55–60 in long | Surrounds your front and back | Pregnant sleepers, people who switch sides | Takes a lot of bed space |
| C-shaped | Varies | Wraps your head, front and between knees | Side sleepers who want one pillow for everything | Mostly supports one side |
| J or L-shaped | Varies | Head support plus a long arm to hug | Side sleepers on smaller beds | Less common, fewer choices |
Straight body pillows
The classic. It's easy to fit on any bed, easy to find covers for, and you can use it on either side. Most people still use their normal head pillow with it.
U-shaped body pillows
A U-shape runs along your back and your front at the same time, with your head in the curve. You can roll from one side to the other without moving the pillow. The trade-off is size: on a queen, a U-shaped pillow can take up most of one person's side, so talk to your partner first. See our mattress guide for couples for more on sharing space.
C-shaped body pillows
A C-shape curls around your head, runs down your front and tucks between your knees. It's a good all-in-one for side sleepers, though it mostly supports you facing one direction.
Step two: choose a fill
| Fill | Feel | Adjustable? | Care | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded memory foam | Supportive, moldable | Often, via a zipper | Usually the cover only | Side sleepers who want support |
| Polyester fiberfill | Soft and squishy | Rarely | Often machine washable | Budget buyers, soft-pillow fans |
| Down or feather | Light, very squishy | No | Follow the label | Sleepers who want minimal bulk |
| Latex (shredded) | Springy, responsive | Sometimes | Usually the cover only | Sleepers who find foam too dense |
| Microbeads or blends | Moldable, sometimes noisy | No | Varies | Travel and specialty shapes |
Shredded memory foam is the most popular fill for body pillows because you can add or remove foam to change the loft. Fiberfill is softer and cheaper but tends to flatten and clump over time. Down and feather are light and easy to scrunch, but they don't hold a shape. For more on fills, see feather vs down vs down alternative and our best latex pillows.
Quick picks
| Pick | Tier | Shape | Fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coop Sleep Goods Original Body Pillow | $$ | Straight | Adjustable shredded foam blend |
| Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow | $$ | Straight | Shredded memory foam |
| Utopia Bedding Body Pillow | $ | Straight | Polyester fiberfill |
| PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pillow | $$ | U | Fiberfill |
| Boppy Total Body Pillow | $$ | Adjustable | Fiberfill |
| Down or feather body pillow | $$–$$$ | Straight | Down and feather |
The best body pillows
Coop Sleep Goods Original Body Pillow
$$Coop (formerly Coop Home Goods) makes a straight body pillow at about 20 × 54 inches, filled with a shredded memory foam and fiber blend you can add or remove through a zipper. Adjustable fill is the main reason it's popular: you tune the loft to your shoulder width and knee spacing.
Why we like it
- Adjustable loft
- Removable, washable cover
- Extra fill often included
Keep in mind
- Can feel dense until you remove some fill
- New-foam smell at first, so air it out
Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow
$$Snuggle-Pedic is known for shredded memory foam pillows with breathable covers, and its body pillow applies the same approach to a long straight shape. Good if you want a supportive, moldable pillow you can squish into position.
Why we like it
- Moldable shredded foam
- Breathable cover
- Straight shape fits any bed
Keep in mind
- Heavier than fiberfill pillows
- Check the listing for current dimensions and adjustability
Utopia Bedding Body Pillow
$A basic polyester-fiberfill body pillow at a low price tier. It's soft and squishy rather than supportive, and it's a good way to find out whether you like sleeping with a body pillow before spending more.
Why we like it
- Low price tier
- Soft, huggable feel
- Fits standard body pillowcases
Keep in mind
- Flattens over time
- Not adjustable
PharMeDoc U-Shaped Body Pillow
$$PharMeDoc's U-shaped pillows are popular with pregnant sleepers because they support the front and back at once. Some versions include a detachable section you can use separately. Check which configuration the listing includes.
Why we like it
- Front and back support
- Roll over without moving the pillow
- Removable cover
Keep in mind
- Takes up a lot of bed space
- Hard to find replacement covers
Boppy Total Body Pillow
$$Boppy's body pillow is designed to be bent and positioned in several ways, and it's built with pregnancy in mind while working for anyone who wants flexible support. Smaller than a full U-shape.
Why we like it
- Bends into several positions
- Smaller footprint than a U
- Washable cover per the maker
Keep in mind
- Less support than a full U-shape
- Fiberfill can shift
Down or Feather Body Pillow
$$–$$$Several bedding makers sell straight body pillows filled with down and feather. They're light, easy to scrunch into any shape, and quiet. They don't hold a shape the way foam does, and quill ends can poke through thin covers.
Why we like it
- Light and easy to shape
- Quiet
- Traditional feel
Keep in mind
- Less support
- Needs a tight-weave cover to stop quills poking out
How to choose the right body pillow
- Start with your bed. On a full or a shared queen, a straight pillow is the safe choice. U-shapes need room.
- Think about how you hold it. If you hug it and rest a knee on it, go straight. If you want support behind your back too, go U-shaped.
- Pick your fill by feel. Want support? Shredded foam. Want soft and huggable? Fiberfill. Want light and squishy? Down or feather.
- Prioritize adjustable fill for side sleepers. The right loft depends on your shoulder width, and adjustable fill lets you find it.
- Check the cover. Removable, washable and breathable are the three things to look for. Replacement covers in standard 20 × 54 sizes are easy to find. Specialty shapes aren't.
- Consider temperature. A body pillow adds a big insulated surface next to you. Hot sleepers should look for breathable covers and avoid dense foam without airflow. See best cooling mattress toppers for other ways to cool a bed.
Sizing: will it fit your bed?
A straight 20 × 54 body pillow fits on any bed from a twin up, but on a twin it takes up a third of your width. On a queen, each sleeper has about 30 inches, and a U-shaped pillow can use most of it. On a king, you have 38 inches each, which leaves more room for a large pillow and a partner. Our mattress sizes guide has the full dimensions.
Care and lifespan
- Wash the cover often. You're in close contact with it all night.
- Follow the label for the insert. Many foam inserts shouldn't go in the washer. Fiberfill inserts often can. Down needs gentle handling and thorough drying.
- Fluff and redistribute shredded foam every few days so it doesn't settle into one end.
- Air out new foam for a day or two if there's an odor. See new mattress smell and off-gassing for the same principle.
- Replace when it stays flat or lumpy after fluffing. Our pillow lifespan guide covers the signs.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a U-shape for a shared queen without asking. It may crowd your partner out.
- Ignoring the cover size. Odd dimensions make replacement covers hard to find.
- Keeping all the fill in an adjustable pillow. Most people find them too firm at first. Remove some and try again for a few nights.
- Skipping a protector. A zippered cover keeps the insert cleaner and helps it last longer.
Body pillows as gifts
Body pillows make good gifts for expectant parents and side sleepers, and they're less personal than a head pillow because loft matters less when you're hugging it. Pick a straight or adjustable style if you're unsure, and include a gift receipt. More ideas in our best sleep gifts guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard body pillow?
The most common straight body pillow is about 20 × 54 inches. U-shaped and C-shaped pillows vary, so check the listing's dimensions.
What is the best fill for a body pillow?
Shredded memory foam is the most popular because it's supportive and often adjustable. Fiberfill is softer and cheaper. Down and feather are lightest but don't hold a shape.
Is a U-shaped or straight body pillow better?
A U-shape supports your front and back and lets you roll over without moving it, but it takes a lot of bed space. A straight pillow fits any bed and is easier to share a bed with.
Can you wash a body pillow?
Most covers are machine washable. Whether the insert is washable depends on the fill, so follow the care label. Foam inserts often aren't meant for the washer.
Are body pillows good for side sleepers?
Many side sleepers find them comfortable for resting the top arm and knee. Choose adjustable fill so you can match the loft to your frame.
Do body pillows work for pregnancy?
Many pregnant sleepers use U-shaped or C-shaped body pillows for support on more than one side. Follow your doctor's advice on sleep position.