15 best body pillows to guarantee a good night's sleep, even if you've got back pain
Body pillows are an absolute must-buy if you're struggling to sleep right now. Sure, the increasing heat is resulting in a lack of shut-eye for the majority of us (and if you haven't invested in one of the best fans yet, get on that), but for those who struggle with back or neck pain, too? Even the soundest of sleepers are probably finding themselves struggling to reach the Land of Nod.
Besides the frequent nighttime bathroom trips that our bladders are blessed with as we get older, getting (and staying comfortable) is a nightly feat in the summer heat when even your favourite sleeping position can't overcome the discomfort of night sweats. So if you’re finding yourself in a nightly struggle for more sleep - whether it's due to the menopause, joint pains or back problems - it’s probably time to invest in one of the best body pillows money can buy. Alongside a pillow spray, a comfy new duvet and one of the best mattresses, obvs. Because really, who can put a price on good sleep?
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How do I choose a body pillow?
Body pillows come in all shapes and sizes (literally), each with their own pros and cons, so it's worth assessing your options before you buy.
U-shaped body pillows offer a full-body cradle but take up a lot of bed real estate, so they're probably best if you have a king-size or larger bed frame... or are sleeping solo.
C-shaped body pillows will also give you the full-body support you might be after, but with slightly less back support.
If you’re looking for something compact, you can’t beat a V-shaped body pillow – ideal if you’re also planning on moving it from the bedroom to the living room on the regular.
Another option is a straight body pillow – they’re great for both side sleepers and for those with back and neck problems.
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Scroll for our full edit of the best body pillows to buy now.
Why we love it: This full-length orthopaedic body pillow - as designed by Harley Street practitioners - elevates limbs and aligns your head, neck and spine to relieve pressure on muscles and joints while you sleep.
Pros: Available in seven colours and with a 14-night free trial upon purchase, it comes with a removable and washable hypoallergenic pillow cover, leaving your pillow fresh as a daisy.
Cons: It has a medium firmness level which might not be suitable for stomach sleepers.
Customers are saying: A top pick for osteoarthritis and sciatica.
Why we love it: Covered in a jacquard bamboo outer, this full body pillow is large enough to support the length of your body and soothe your aches as you sleep.
Pros: Filled with shredded memory foam, this pillow is perfect for personalizing the amount of support you want when sleeping – just add or remove stuffing for a firm, medium or hard pillow and customized comfort.
Cons: Can take up to 48 hours to expand after opening.
Customers are saying: Doesn’t move in the bed, moulds to your body and helps to improve sleep quality.
Save money on body pillows with a removable cover with these Amazon discount codes
Why we love it: Hailed by buyers as one of the best body pillows for lower back pain, the Kally Sports Recovery Pillow is designed to increase comfort on your pressure points and uses a hollowfibre filling to mould to the shape of your body.
Pros: Stays cool through the night using TENCEL™ lyocell fibre technology.
Cons: Filling sometimes needs to be fluffed to redistribute it after use.
Customers are saying: It’s a ‘miracle’ pillow.
Why we love it: With oodles of positive reviews plus several different size choices to suit your needs, this accessibly priced Wayfair rectangular shape pillow is great for everything from knee support to use as a support pillow for pregnant women.
Pros: It’s machine washable and provides a medium support, which is harder to come by than you might think.
Cons: No free delivery.
Customers are saying: It folds up for storing away, is generously filled and super comfy.
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Why we love it: With a breathable and cooling outer fabric, this body pillow from Amazon is a top pick for those prone to hot flushes - e.g. menopausal women - and, with its orthopedic support for all sleeping positions, you needn’t worry about sharing it with your S/O, no matter how they sleep.
Pros: Dust-mite resistant and free delivery from the US.
Cons: It’s quite thick for wrapping your arms around.
Customers are saying: It’s packed safely for international shipping, it’s well made and re-plumps after use with a quick cycle in the tumble dryer.
Save money on body pillows for stomach sleepers with these Amazon discount codes
Why we love it: Great for providing support specifically to the neck and head, this V-shaped pillow is perfect for those suffering from neck and upper back pain. Use it to keep yourself propped up in the evenings as you read or watch TV, and then adjust it to your needs as you sleep - the plump filling will provide the ultimate in comfort no matter your position.
Pros: Uses eco-friendly recycled polyester.
Cons: Cover is non-removable.
Customers are saying: Gives all-round support and comfort and is competitively priced.
Save money on the best body pillows with these Marks & Spencer discount codes
Why we love it: With a velvet touch cover and a comfy, squishy feel for buyers who like something to cuddle at night, this Silentnight full body support pillow is affordable, comes with quick delivery and is even machine washable.
Pros: Comes with a two-year guarantee and is hypoallergenic.
Cons: Might not provide the firm support required of buyers with back pain.
Customers are saying: N/A
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Why we love it: Who said pillows are just for your head? At five-feet long, this body pillow is ideal for post-surgery and joint or back pain to elevate your limbs and help you rest better.
Pros: At Soak & Sleep, you can choose from either a synthetic option - filled with a blend of microfibre and hollowfibre for sufficient support - or a body pillow filled with 100% Mitchell Wool from New Zealand. The latter is naturally temperature regulating and offers medium support.
Cons: Not allergy friendly.
Customers are saying: Super comfy, great service from Soak & Sleep and can be used in chairs too.
Save money on the best body pillows with free returns for a refund with these Soak & Sleep discount codes
Why we love it: A top choice for back sleepers, this firm pillow from Argos is includes a polycotton cover (which generally means it won’t need ironing), a one year guarantee and, according to customers, helps especially to support shoulder pain.
Pros: It’s comfortable and good for buyers in hospital (or perhaps with friends/relatives who are) who are in need of a little extra upright assistance.
Cons: The cover isn’t as high-quality as, say, the Dunelm Dorma pillow, but it has been highly reviewed on the whole none the less.
Customers are saying: Great for support while reading or when you’re not feeling well.
Save money on body pillows for back support with these Argos discount codes
Why we love it: At an accessible price under £30 with a V shape that’s been specifically designed to cradle your neck and head, the John Lewis Teflon support pillow is a top pick for buyers with neck pain or back pain.
Pros: Includes a 2 year guarantee and features a dirt repellent fabric to minimise the need for washing.
Cons: Not suitable for front sleepers.
Customers are saying: Helps to alleviate discomfort and feels like it’s giving you a hug.
Save money on pillows designed for side sleeping with these John Lewis discount codes
Why we love it: One of the most generously sized options in this round up, the Yogibo body pillow comes complete with a washable cover, which also happens to be a high quality cotton cover, and a micro-bead filling meaning that it adjusts to your body as you need.
Pros: Is the right body pillow for side sleepers and comes in a choice of 10 colours to suit your bedroom.
Cons: Can rustle when used with wriggly sleepers.
Customers are saying: It’s great for side sleepers and kids alike, and helpful for sitting up in bed.
Why we love it: With a three-year guarantee, free delivery and a number one award in customer satisfaction, we couldn’t make a body pillow round up without including the Tempur memory foam multi pillow.
Pros: Washable, removable pillow cover and the pillow moulds to your body shape.
Cons: Better for use on the lower half of your body.
Customers are saying: It’s good for knee/joint pain.
Save money on pillows for extra support in the knees with these Tempur discount codes
Why we love it: Great for allergy sufferers and with a premium thread count, this Dunelm full body pillow is eco-friendly with a blend of recycled fibres, and is machine washable and suitable for the tumble dryer.
Pros: Uses a spiral-type filling to stay fuller for longer.
Cons: Free delivery not included.
Customers are saying: Keeps its shape and is great for post-surgery.
Save money with these Dunelm pillow offer discount codes
Why we love it: Setting out to help with body alignment across the neck, back and even legs, the Slumberdown body support pillow pack includes a set of two pillows, ideal for couples and families, and is recommended for sufferers of fibromyalgia, arthritis and acid reflux.
Pros: Pricepoint, pillow case included and is hypoallergenic.
Cons: Nothing of note!
Customers are saying: A top pick for buyers experiencing disturbed sleep.
Why we love it: Trusty IKEA always comes through with the affordable choices and the NEJLIKA is no exception. We’re big fans of the back, neck and shoulder support provided, and the polyester fabric means it’s machine washable and suitable for the tumble dryer.
Pros: Polyester is wrinkle resistant.
Cons: Can’t be ironed (though you shouldn’t need to).
Customers are saying: It helps with spinal alignment and is a nice bedroom addition for reading at night.
Save money on the best pillows and mattress toppers with these IKEA discount codes
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Are body pillows good for you?
While body pillows are often skewed towards pregnant women, they're actually a worthwhile investment, pregnancy or not, particularly if you suffer from neck or back problems. Body pillows elevate your limbs in all the right places, which takes the pressure off your joints and muscles and leaves you feeling refreshed the next morning. Plus, they make a great spooning partner. Top it off with one of the best electric blankets and you'll be snoozing sounder than a bear in hibernation.
What is the best body pillow for side sleepers?
Our pick of the best body pillow for side sleepers would be John Lewis' V-shaped pillow. It's a mid-range option and boasts countless rave reviews and a host of ways to use it. Offering full support in the places you need it most - including the head, neck and shoulders - it has a dirt-repelling fabric protection and a makeup that's washable up to 40ºC. Despite it's serious body support, it's also made from cotton, so it'll be suitable for sensitive skin types, too.
After more sleep content? Let’s start with the basics: head this way for low platform bed frames to transform your bedroom, and in this direction for mattresses and the best pocket sprung mattresses for your best night’s sleep yet. Next up: over here for mattress toppers**, mattress protectors**, duvets**, bed sheets**, weighted blankets and anti-allergy pillows**. Finish things off with the best duvet covers**, blankets**, linen bedding**, silk bedding or the best silk pillowcase**. Phew.
