A body pillow is a long or shaped support pillow that can help you find a comfortable resting position. When lying on your side, it can support an arm, your bump or the space between your knees, for example. The right model depends on where you need support, your size and the room in your bed. It may add comfort, but effects on pain and sleep vary from person to person.
How does a body pillow support your sleeping position?
When you lie on your side, the upper leg can fall forwards and rotate the pelvis. A pillow between the knees or underneath the leg may help you find a more comfortable position. The same position does not feel right for everyone.
Arrange the pillow so your pelvis and knees feel relaxed. Support the ankles and upper arm if helpful. Adjust it according to how you feel; a pillow should offer support without forcing your body into position.
Who might find a body pillow useful?
A body pillow may be worth trying if you sleep on your side or want extra support while resting. A special shape is not essential: ordinary pillows can also help you explore where support feels useful.
Support during pregnancy
In later pregnancy, side lying may make it easier to get comfortable. NHS guidance recommends going to sleep on either side from 28 weeks. Try a pillow under your bump and between your knees. If you wake on your back, simply turn onto your side. Ask your maternity team for individual advice if needed.
Support for finding a comfortable position
If your back or hip feels uncomfortable at rest, you can try a pillow for positioning support. A body pillow does not replace assessment or treatment of pain. Your head pillow also affects comfort: when comparing ergonomic pillows, consider your sleeping position and how much your mattress gives.
Extra support for side sleepers
Side sleepers can use a pillow to support the upper arm and legs. This gives you more ways to adjust your position without changing the bed or mattress. The Fossflakes Sidesleeper, for example, is a body pillow for side sleepers; assess how it fits your own resting position.
How to choose a body pillow
Body pillows come in several shapes. Your needs, sleeping habits and even the size of your bed help determine the right model.
Shape: U, C, J or I?
The shape determines where the pillow can provide support.
-
U-shaped pillow: The long sides can be placed in front of and behind your body. Fossflakes Comfort-U offers different ways to support your arms and legs, for example. A U-shaped pillow takes up space, so check its dimensions. No body pillow guarantees that you will stay in the same position all night.
-
C-shaped pillow: Depending on placement, the curve can support the head or upper body and the knees. It may suit you if you do not need long sections on both sides of your body.
-
J-shaped pillow: This has a long support section on one side and a curve at the top. It can be a space-saving option for supporting an arm and the knees, for example.
-
I-shaped pillow: A straight, long pillow is easy to place between your legs or in front of your body. It is usually combined with a separate head pillow so each support can be adjusted independently.
Filling and cover
The filling affects support, how easily the pillow changes shape and airflow.
-
Fibre filling: The feel and adjustability of fibre pillows vary with the filling and construction. Many are machine washable, but always check the care label. Material alone does not guarantee suitability for everyone with allergies.
-
Memory foam: Memory foam responds to pressure and temperature. Solid and shredded fillings feel different. Compare firmness, recovery and how warm the pillow feels to you; a firmer model is not automatically better.
An easily removable, washable cover helps you keep the pillow clean. Choose a cover material that feels pleasant and allows air to circulate.
Size and firmness
Choose the length according to where you want support. To support both an arm and your knees, the pillow needs to reach between them in your sleeping position. It does not have to be as long as you are tall. Check how much space remains for your partner too.
Firmness should feel comfortable and maintain the support you need without lifting a leg or shoulder awkwardly. Try different placements and assess how adjustable the pillow is: there is no single firmness that suits everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a body pillow in a double bed?
Yes, but it takes up space. U-shaped pillows are particularly wide and may need more room. Straight I-shaped or more compact J-shaped designs leave more space for a partner.
Does a body pillow replace a normal head pillow?
It depends on the model and how you place it. The curve of a U- or C-shaped pillow can support your head if its height suits you. A straight model is usually used with a separate head pillow. Aim for a relaxed, comfortable position without a pronounced sideways tilt of the neck.
Can a body pillow help with snoring?
Side sleeping can reduce back-sleeping-related snoring for some people, and a pillow may help support that position. It does not treat sleep apnoea. Seek medical advice for pauses in breathing, gasping or marked daytime sleepiness. Read the NHS guidance on snoring for more information.
Fit the body pillow to the available bed space
Check the pillow's length and width against the sleeping space available. Consider where it moves when you change position and where it will go during the day. Confirm the availability and care instructions of a suitable pillowcase before ordering.
Explore our pillow options in person
Visit our Helsinki showroom to explore almost our entire product range. See showroom details and arrange your visit. Contact us using our form for help finding options that suit your needs.
Leave a comment