Doctors advise that you shouldn’t sleep on your back– while lying flat- after the 2nd trimester. This is because the pressure in the womb may strain your spine and back muscles and also constrict vessels that supply blood and oxygen to you and the fetus.
However, you’ll struggle to switch from sleeping on your back to your sides because you’ll always be tossing and turning.
Besides supporting your baby bump, a pregnancy pillow establishes a comfortable wall on your back to prevent you from turning to sleep on your back.
From our tests and customer reviews, we concluded that Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity Total Body Pillow is the first choice for a C-shaped pillow, Belly Bandit – S.O.S. Sleep on Side Maternity Pillow is the most convenient to pack for traveling, while the PharMeDoc U-Shape Full Body Pillow is the most versatile for sleeping and lounging.
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Editor’s Pick for the Best Pregnancy Pillows for Back Sleepers
Here is the Table of Contents
Review of 10 Best Pregnancy Pillows for Back Pain
Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows
1. Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity/Pregnancy Total Body Pillow
This pillow was designed by a nurse and mom who has ensured that it meets all the comfort and safety needs of a pregnant woman.
It is a full-body pillow so you get full body support and not just your back. The pillow supports your back, neck, hips, and tummy considering that it is 60 inches long.
Its cover is made of breathable and washable cotton fabric, guaranteed to keep you cool and comfy all night. The cover is cream-colored but the good news is that you can remove it anytime and toss it into the washing machine so you don’t have to worry about it staining.
Despite being a full-body pillow, it can fit in a queen-size bed and leave enough space for your partner.
“Apart from pregnant women, this pillow also comes in handy for someone who might have back pain , a side sleeper who needs some back support.”- Amol
“Excellent. Originally bought for my back. Since then, I have purchased 6 of these for different family members. I keep buying this brand because is the right fill and size for me. I can sleep on my side or on my back for hours without being in pain.”- Brad M.
Cover fabric: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
- Designed by a registered nurse and mom
- Full body support – neck, back, tummy, and hips
- Comfortable fabric that keeps heat away
- Easy to clean
- Big enough but does not take up all the bed space
- Doesn’t have the fluffiness of memory foam
2. PharMeDoc C-Shape Full Body Maternity Support Pillow
If you just check the reviews for this pillow on Amazon here, you’ll see that buyers get used to it that it becomes a must-use even after pregnancy.
If you are a back sleeper, a C-Shaped maternity pillow is all you need for a comfortable night. Made with a dark grey cover, PharMeDoc C-shape full body pillow does not get dirty quickly. You can use this pillow throughout your pregnancy journey and also use it for post-surgery recovery after a C-section.
Since the back gets too tired and stiff during the third trimester, this best pregnancy pillow for back pain offers all the support you need. The exterior is made with a cooling fabric so it also helps you to take away the heat during those sweaty nights.
And it’s a long and huge pillow so it will fit you no matter your height.
Cover fabric- 45% Polyester, 45% Cooling Nylon, 10% Spandex
- Versatile for pregnancy and post-surgery recovery
- The dark grey cover is easy to clean
- Fabric has cooling capabilities
- C-section design for easy adjustment
- Huge enough even for tall women
- Some units might come without a cover so you have to buy them separately
Best U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows
3. AngQi U-Shaped 55-inch Maternity Pillow for Pregnant Women with Cooling Jersey Cover
A U-shaped pillow allows perfect coverage for full body support. Whether you are looking for pregnancy pain relief or surgery recovery support, this pillow will serve all your needs. It is easy to adjust depending on your comfort level and body size. The best thing is that it is big enough to fit all body sizes.
This pillow is flexible so it conforms to your natural body position depending on how you like to sleep. The back support is big enough to prevent you from turning to sleep on your back at night.
For a comfortable sleep at night, the pillow is made with a fluffy material that helps you to release pressure and also encourages the proper flow of blood. For easy cleaning, all you have to do is remove the cover and toss it into the washing machine.
“This pillow is amazing! When I first got pregnant I thought these maternity pillows were a gimmick and I could get the same results with a pillow between my legs or next to me… I was wrong! At about 5 months I was so uncomfortable at night, had terrible back pain and was getting very little sleep. I did a bit of research and picked this pillow for a combination of positive reviews, price and shipping time. I could not have been more pleased! It improved my sleep and helped with my back pain. Now, two weeks postpartum I’m still sleeping with it and using it as a breastfeeding pillow for middle of the night feedings. Highly recommended!”–Sunny Days from Cottonwood, AZ
“This pillow is amazing! I was having back problems and using this pillow has helped alleviate my pain…in fact I recommended this to my physical therapist . Hubby has also purchased one as well.”– A buyer from the US
Outer cover: super soft cooling jersey
- Full body support for back, belly, and hips
- Flexible to fit your sleeping style
- Soft materials release pressure on the body
- Removable and easy-to-clean cover
- Might come squished due to packaging at first but quickly goes back to its shape
4. Meiz U Shaped Pregnancy Body Pillow with a Zipped Removable Cover
The one thing that makes this pregnancy pillow stand out from the rest is the soft velvet cover. It makes it feel luxurious and high-end. A quick look at it you will realize that it’s intentionally designed with double zippers. However, the design is not the only thing commendable about this pillow. It is filled with polyester filling for utmost comfort.
Since it is a U-shaped pillow it is flexible so you can use it either for sleeping or for relaxing and reading on the bed. The pillowcase is machine washable so it is easy to maintain hygiene. If you suffer from pain and fatigue associated with pregnancy, the fluffy nature of this maternity pillow will serve your needs well. Thousands of customers have also used it to relieve pains such as sciatica, fibromyalgia, gastric reflux, congestion, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain.
“I am an admin for a back surgery group and I tell everyone to purchase this. Its totally worth it and not only for pregnant ladies…”- Erin Heywood
Material: 100% soft velvet
- Soft and luxurious velvet cover
- Careful and high-quality design with double zippers
- Flexible design to fit your sleeping style
- Easy to clean with a washing machine
- Good for easing pregnancy discomfort
- Removing and returning the pillowcase is quite a task
Best Adjustable Pregnancy Pillows
5. INSEN H-Shaped Body Pillow for Pregnant Women
The INSEN H-Shaped Body Pillow for Pregnant Women has to be among the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers in our review, for a good reason. The H-shaped body pillows are not common but they are effective at alleviating different body pains.
Unlike traditional pillows, this pillow is easy for adults. The shape of the pillow allows you to support your back and belly depending on your comfort needs.
This pillow comes in two parts that can be detached so you can adjust it to target wherever you want more support. You can use it for hip and belly support but you can also use it for sitting comfortably on your bed while you read. It has a purple jersey cover material that you can remove and machine wash.
Pillowcase fabric: 95% Cotton
- Detachable parts making it adjustable
- Good for pregnancy growing pains
- Easy to machine wash
- The unique design makes it versatile for sleeping and reading
- Comfortable breathable material to avoid night sweating
- The foam might flatten after some time
6. Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Pillow
This L-shaped pregnancy pillow is all you need to manage body pains during your child-bearing period. The L-shaped design is flexible so you can adjust it to fit your body curves. It is made with special micro-bead filling technology that cools your body during the hot months.
Depending on your sleeping style and the kind of support you need, the pillow can be adjusted to either a c-shape or u-shape. Unlike other pillows that can be bulky, this one takes less space on the bed and leaves enough room for your partner. In fact, this is one of the easiest to fold and pack in your bag for a trip or vacation.
The fabric case is soft and stretchable so it feels good on the body. It’s also removable for easy cleaning.
“My last pregnancy, I had a C-shaped pregnancy pillow. It was a bit stiff and my neck ached, but it was better than the backache… I’ve used this pillow in a few of the recommended positions and I love how soft, flexible, and light it is… easy to maneuver when you need to roll over, take it with you on a trip (to the mountains or your toddler’s room)… so far I’m ecstatic!”– Antonietta S from Huntington Beach, CA
Cover – 46% Nylon, 46% Polyester, 7% Spandex. Filling- 100% Polystyrene Foam Beads
- Best for traveling – a compact design that takes less space
- Flexible design to suit your sleeping style
- Comfortable fabric that feels good on the skin
- Breathable micro-beading prevents night sweating
- Easy to clean
- Might be too small for some people
7. Meiz Detachable Pregnancy Pillow for Sleeping with Adjustable Belt, U-Shape Full Body Pillow for Supporting Back, Hips, Legs, and Baby Bump
This u-shaped pillow comes with detachable parts for the neck and arms area. It’s a full-body pillow so it supports your hips, back, and legs. The pillow is made for convenience since it has an area to keep your arms and also an adjustable belt to prevent shifting of the pillow as you toss and turn.
Since the pillow is detachable, it’s possible to alter it to different designs to fit your style of sleeping.
The cover of the pillow is soft so it feels good on the skin. You can use the pillow for sleeping, reading on the bed, or even breastfeeding. If you are worried about the large size of the pillow, you can detach some parts.
“I love this pillow. I used to have horrible back and hip pain until I bought this. I tuck one side between my knees and the other behind my back. I don’t think I have ever slept so good in my life.”- Katie
Outer pillowcase: 100% soft jersey knit cotton
- Detachable parts for ease of use
- Practical to use for arm and back support
- Comfortable on the skin
- Versatile to use for different purposes
- Might be too large if you have a small bed
Best Multipurpose Pregnancy Pillow
8. PharMeDoc U-Shape Full Body Pillow and Maternity Support for Back, Hips, Legs, and Belly
If you are going through sleepless nights in your third trimester, this is all you need for comfort. This U-shaped pillow is designed to keep you comfortable by supporting your back, belly, hips, and legs. It has some detachable parts so you can remove some parts of the pillow depending on your preference.
The removable cover is jersey cotton material so it is breathable and feels good on the skin. Apart from using it for pregnancy support, you can use the pillow for reading or even for breastfeeding when the baby arrives. This pillow is also ideal for anyone dealing with body pains.
Material: Soft Velvet
- Comfort and back support during pregnancy
- Keeps away the night sweats with breathable jersey cotton material
- Adjustable parts
- Versatile to use during and after pregnancy
- Bulky – around 9 lbs
9. Chilling Home 55 Inch U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow with Removable Cover
Made using a 100% velvet cover, this best pregnancy pillow for back sleeper is all you need for comfort and functionality.
It is a pretty long pillow so it will fit you even if you’re a 6ft tall lady. The pillow is flexible enough to support your back, neck, and belly and also to relieve swelling on your legs.
If you are worried about getting sweaty at the night, this is the right pillow to get. It keeps away the night sweats and the best thing is that you can remove the cover and machine wash it. You can use this pillow for sleeping, reading, and lounging since it is flexible enough and adjustable.
- Beautiful 100% velvet cover
- Flexible and functional design for different uses
- Keeps you dry during the night sweating
- Best for relieving sciatica, leg swelling, and stopping snoring
- Best for people who have allergies and sensitive skin
- Takes a large space on the bed
10. Belly Bandit – S.O.S. Sleep on Side Maternity Pillow, Supports Back and Belly During Sleep
This charcoal grey pillow has a unique design. It is made of two wedge pillows so it is not as bulky as full-body pillows. The pillow does not take up a lot of space in your bed so you can still share your bed with your partner and pets. The pillow has been developed by an obstetrician/ gynecologist to keep you sleeping on your side to maintain healthy blood flow and oxygen to your unborn baby and prevent back sleeping.
This is the best pillow if you are looking for excellent belly and back support.
Unlike full-body pillows that can be hot and bulky, this pillow is compact and breathable. It is made using a cotton fabric so it is easy to clean and also absorbent. Since it’s a compact and lightweight design, you can carry the pillow with you anywhere you go.
“I am a natural back sleeper and have tried pregnancy pillows, body pillows, pillows between my legs and this is the only thing that has kept me from rolling onto my back in the middle of the night, while also allowing me to sleep comfortably. It’s pricey but worth it.”– The Coopers
“I had one of those long body pregnancy pillows. But I kept ending up on my back. This is perfect!! I can adjust the straps to hold me in place. I don’t have to worry as much about flipping on my back anymore . This was the best pregnancy purchase I’ve made for myself”- BreAnn in Manchester, PA
“Before pregnancy, I slept on my back. It’s been so hard to change to my side . This really helps me keep on my side, which my doctor recommended.”- A Buyer on Amazon
Cover: 62% Polyester, 33% Rayon, 5% Spandex
- Compact and portable design
- Practical pillow for belly and back support
- Breathable cotton fabric design
- Easy to use – easy to adjust the pillow and back wedge
- Not as versatile as a full-body pillow
FAQs on the Best Pregnancy Pillow for Back Sleepers
When should you start sleeping on a pregnancy pillow?
Most women start using a pregnancy pillow in the second trimester when the belly starts growing noticeable. You can start using the pillow any time from 20 weeks because this is when you start experiencing pregnancy pains. However, you can still use a pillow for pregnant women as early as the first trimester because every pregnancy is different.
The pillow is most useful in the third trimester because at this point your tummy is big and you need more support to sleep comfortably. You can go ahead and use the pillow after delivery because it will help you with recovery and breastfeeding support.
Can you sleep on your back while pregnant?
Sleeping on your back while pregnant is not advisable. In the first trimester, you can sleep on your back because the uterus and the baby are still small. However, after 15 weeks, it is advisable to only sleep on your sides.
Sleeping on your back is discouraged because as the uterus grows big, the vessels become constricted when you sleep on the back. So if you sleep on your back for a long time you might cut the blood and oxygen supply to the growing fetus.
How can I avoid sleeping on my back during pregnancy?
If you are used to back sleeping, switching positions can be stressful. Fortunately, you can make some adjustments to ensure that you sleep on your sides. One of the ways to stay in position is by using a pregnancy pillow. With a pregnancy pillow, it’s possible to support your back and belly so that you stay in position.
Is C-shaped or U-shaped pregnancy pillow better?
When choosing a pregnancy pillow you might be wondering which the right choice is. A C-shaped pillow is great because it’s versatile. You can shape it into different styles so that you can achieve your desired level of comfort.
On the other hand, if you want to focus on back support, it is advisable to go for a U-shaped pregnancy pillow. It targets the back but it might not be ideal for flexibility.
Is a full-body pillow worth it?
A full-body pillow is the most comfortable when it comes to pregnancy support. It supports your entire body right from the neck to the legs. However, some full-body pillows might be bulky. If you have a single bed, some of these pillows might the entire space. If you want to support your back and belly only, you can opt for a pillow that only targets these areas.
A full-body pillow will also not be ideal if you want something portable that you can carry around.
Conclusion
If you are looking to avoid turning to sleep on your back in the middle of the night while you’re pregnant, it is advisable to get a good pregnancy pillow for back support. The pillow will also help to alleviate child-bearing body pains such fibromyalgia and sciatica, as well promoting better blood and oxygen supply to the fetus.
Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity Total Body Pillow is the first choice for a C-shaped pillow, Belly Bandit – S.O.S. Sleep on Side Maternity Pillow is the most convenient to pack for traveling, while the PharMeDoc U-Shape Full Body Pillow is the most versatile for sleeping and lounging.