I have a confession to make, I sleep with a body pillow for back pain. There it is, the cat is out of the bag! But seriously, this is something new for me and I can’t believe it took me such a long time to get over the fact that I am a man, and I need a body pillow.
Back problems have been my nemesis for about 20 years now and it’s just been the past few years that I have found some products to help. A body pillow is definitely right up there as one of my favorite products for back pain.
If you think about it, sleep is so essential to functioning on a daily basis, and if there is some way for me to get a better night of sleep, I am all for it. Sleeping with a body pillow has taken me a little getting used to, but now I love it.
Choosing the right body pillow
These are the factors I look for:
- Firm – The pillow should be firm but not too firm. You don’t want it to break down quickly
- Supportive – You need a pillow that will support your body weight
- Big – A body pillow that is too small for you kind of defeats the purpose
- Durable – Of course, a pillow that will last a long time would be ideal
Below are some of the body pillows I recommend, and I have labeled the one that I own, and happens to be my top choice, the Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow. Such a manly name too!
Best body pillow recommendations
- SOFT MEMORY FOAM - Our body pillows for adults use shredded foam to keep you supported, no matter what side you sleep on. It conforms to your body shape, promoting alignment for your legs, back, and hips.
- OEKO-TEX & CertiPUR-US CERTIFIED - Rest easy knowing this long body pillow is put under strict third-party lab testing and is OEKO-TEX and Certi-PUR US certified to ensure safety, quality, and comfortability.
- CHIROPRACTOR DESIGNED - Sleep tight and melt the stress away with a big pillow that's been developed by a chiropractor for pain-free nights.
- KOOL-FLOW TECH - This cooling body pillow isn't all talk! The fabric on its luxurious, extra-breathable cover will keep you cool on even the hottest nights.
- USA MADE - Get the support you need, without the guilt. Our long pillows for sleeping are super durable, built for everyone, and best of all, made in the USA!
- Cuddle Body Pillow: QUEEN ROSE U shaped body pillow is specially enhanced the belly and back support, adapting to your needs when sleeping on your side. Brings hug to growing belly and makes pregnancy journal enjoyable.
- Farewell to Body Pains: Our pregnancy pillow adapts exceptionally well to your body fits your body curves, provides comfort and support to all the right places-shoulders, lower back, belly, pelvis, knees and ankles. Reduce pressure pains and legs swelling during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
- Ideal for Side Sleepers & Expected Moms: Maternity pillows provide spinal alignment and correct posture with wrapped back and legs support. Experts encourage side sleeping for back pain relief. Replaces up to 5 other pillows, no more tossing and turning at nights.
- Anytime, Anywhere: Use the body pillow anywhere you want to get cozy. Position to your bed, sofa even the floor when sitting, nursing, reading or watching TV to get support. The pillow is loved by people recovered from injured, sciatica and reflux because of its extraordinary supportive function.
- Smooth soft velvet cover makes you feel like sleeping in marshmallow. Pressure relief filling is chemical free and adjustable for different needs. Certified standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, good for you, good for your baby.
- 🏆 [The Ultimate Body Pillow] - C-shaped body pillows design replaces need for multiple bed pillows, helping support your back, hips, knees, neck and head.
- ✔️[Multi Purpose Pregnancy Pillows] - Adjustable polyfill material adapts to your belly and back when you want to sleep, read, nurse, or watch TV
- 🔰[3rd Trimester Pains?] Our full body pregnancy pillow can help ease you into a better sleep, reducing interruptions throughout the night and helping relieve back pain associated with pregnancy
- 💎[More Than Just a Pillow For Pregnancy] - This full body pillow is perfect for ANYONE needing more support, recovering from surgery, or tired of having to use separate pillows to support their head, neck, legs, and back
- Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty Designed in California 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed*
Fining my body pillow: trial and error
I have tried all kinds of different pillows including regular sized pillows that you sleep on, my wife’s big decorative pillows too. Nothing really gave me the comfort and support I was so desperately in need of. That’s when I bit the bullet and bought a giant body pillow. I can tell you I think it’s worth the investment if you suffer from back pain.
What is a body pillow?
I am glad you asked. This is a giant pillow that you snuggle up with at night. Many body pillows are as long as people are tall, thus the term body pillow.
A body pillow is great for side sleepers who want a comfortable night of sleep. You can snuggle up to this behemoth, wrap your legs around it and this helps to keep your spine aligned while you sleep. A body pillow can be great for people who suffer from lower back pain like me.
Shapes, size, materials
There are a lot of body pillows available, in a variety of sizes and materials. You will need to find the right one for you, whether that is hypoallergenic, bamboo, or both, there are a lot of models available for everyone to choose from.
Benefits of sleeping with a body pillow for back pain
The main reason to use a body pillow is for support. I use a body pillow every night, and it provides me with a lot of support for the right side of my body. My right side is the bad side for me when it comes to back problems, this is where sciatic nerve pain shoots down my leg. I regularly sleep with a body pillow and it helps to support my hips and keeps my spine neutral.
When I am laying on my side, I bend my knees and put the pillow between my legs, it sure makes a big difference for me. When I was going through spinal stenosis in 2016, the only way to sleep was curled up in the fetal position, and a body pillow worked wonders, let me tell you.
I also like the fact that the body pillow provides a barrier between my wife and I LOL. She is a very restless sleeper, so with the pillow between us, I can still get a solid night of sleep. My wife does tend to get a little bit jealous and refers to my body pillow as “competition”.
I sleep better with a body pillow
Now that I have been using a body pillow for a while, I can attest to the fact that I sleep better. My wife and I were in the market for a new mattress, but I think this pillow may have done the trick. A body pillow was much cheaper than a new mattress for me.
Way more comfortable
Having a quality body pillow is way more comfortable than just putting a standard pillow between your legs, or at least for me it is. I also prefer this to the between the knees wedge pillow, but again everyone is different.
I sleep on top of it sometimes
I don’t know why, but I love to lay on my stomach on top of the body pillow, with my feet dangling off the end of the bed. This is contrary to what a lot of people say and think about sleeping with back pain. The general consensus is that sleeping on your stomach is bad for back pain.
I think with a body pillow, I have enough support under my pelvis that this works for me. Maybe I am just an oddball (been called worse) but this is a very comfortable position for me. Okay, maybe that was more than you wanted to know, but there it is my little secret.
Conclusion: Body pillow for back pain
If you have trouble sleeping due to back pain, I urge you to give a body pillow a try. I have found my pillow to be very comfortable and it helps me sleep better. Make sure you buy a pillow that is big enough for you and will provide adequate comfort and support.
A lot of people are in my same situation and they just don’t know what will help, so I highly recommend a body pillow. You might just thank me for it.
Nice Blog Very Helpful, I always use a round maternity pillow for my little ones.
Thank you.