What Is A Body Pillow?

Body pillows are extra long pillows designed to support sensitive areas of the body. People use body pillows to improve spinal alignment and for more pressure point relief.

Generally, these pillows are an excellent choice for side sleepers and pregnant women. However, a body pillow is still a good investment for all kinds of sleepers because they mold to your curves. In this article, we take a look at different types of body pillows available for purchase.

Types Of Body Pillows

A standard body pillow measures 20 inches by 54 inches and is available in different shapes and sizes. Body pillows provide support in sensitive areas like your shoulders, neck, and back.

Body pillows may be as long as 6 feet and weigh up to ten pounds. Your pillow size and weight are determined by its shape and fill type.

Shapes of Body Pillows

The most common body pillow shapes are rectangular or cylindrical. These body pillows are usually standard size, while U-shaped, J-shaped, C-shaped, and L-shaped pillows offer full body comfort.

Some pillows are larger than average and might take up a lot of space. The right body pillow will depend on your budget, mattress size, and intended use. It’s best to do extensive research to ensure the pillow meets your sleep needs and fits comfortably on your bed.

Rectangular

You can find rectangular body pillows in bedding stores or online. Their design is much like a traditional head pillow, only elongated. They are average-sized and don’t take up too much space, making them suitable for most adults.

Wrapping your arms around a rectangular pillow reduces tension on your shoulders. Sleepers can also place these narrow pillows between their knees to maintain the spine’s neutral alignment.

Cylindrical

Cylindrical pillows require less space than rectangular pillows, but they offer the same comfort. They are a narrow pillow and make an excellent option for sleepers who share a bed or have limited space. Some cylindrical pillows can be as long as 60 inches long, so they may offer full body support.

U-Shaped

U-shaped pillows offer full-body support, providing cushioning for your neck, shoulders, back. Essentially, they curve around the body like a horseshoe. They are a favorite among pregnant women because they prevent rolling into the back.

U-shaped pillows are usually larger than cylindrical or rectangular pillows, capable of enveloping much of the boy and serving as a head pillow. These body pillows are better suited for queen or king beds.

J-Shaped

J-shaped pillows are another type of full body pillow, but they are much smaller than a U-shaped pillow. They are also another excellent choice for pregnant women since they provide maximum pressure relief and keep your body aligned.

C-Shaped

C-shaped body pillows curl around the front of the body, opening around the back. They somewhat resemble a squashed U-shaped body pillow turned on its side, though the C typically curves inward while the legs of the U stick straight out.

Much like a U-shaped pillow or J-pillow, a C-shaped pillow can provide support for a pregnant individual’s growing belly. The curved ends of the C can also provide back support.

L-Shaped

L-shaped body pillows consist of a long rectangular pillow with a shorter segment on the end. The shape is similar to a J-shaped body pillow, without the slight curve. They are primarily a pillow for side sleeping, with the shorter leg of the L serving as a head pillow, while the longer body of the L can serve as a back rest for side sleeping or as a surface for hugging.

Fill Materials

While you’re browsing for a body pillow, you will probably notice the different fill materials available. The fill material inside the pillow determines its firmness, breathability, and price.

Natural materials like down feathers with a higher price tag, while the polyester blend is more budget-friendly options and hypoallergenic. The material inside can also determine how often you need to replace a pillow, as some pillow types are more durable than others.

Down

Down refers to the soft feathers beneath the underbelly of ducks or geese. This filing is the warmest and plushest fill type, perfect for soft pillows, but is also the most expensive. Purchasing down or feather pillows may not be the best for people prone to allergies. Sometimes dust particles cling to down and trigger an allergic reaction.

Down Alternatives And Polyester

Polyester blends are an alternative to natural fills. They are a better choice for allergy sufferers since they are manufactured with synthetic material. Additionally, they are a more affordable option if your budget is tight.

Memory Foam

Memory foam use body heat to soften your pillow and conform to your shape. These memory foam pillows have a dense structure that provides pressure relief for more zoned support. The downside of memory foam is it can cause sleepers to overheat at night.

Memory foam traps heat and moisture in your pillow and isn’t as breathable as other fill options. Hot sleepers should try shredded memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, or latex to stay cool.

Latex

Latex pillows are a soft, eco-friendly choice. Natural latex is made from rubber tree sap and goes through a low-waste and sustainable manufacturing process. This material is bouncy, and it might even last longer than memory foam. The structure of latex is firmer than memory foam and can last up to 15 years.

Who Should Sleep With A Body Pillow?

Body pillows help all types of sleepers achieve restorative sleep. Typically, side sleepers and pregnant women benefit from using body pillows since they provide cushioning to help you sleep more comfortably. Other individuals look to sleeping with body pillows for maximum pressure point relief.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers place a lot of pressure on their shoulders and hips, which may cause tension in these areas. Placing a body pillow between the knees keeps the pelvis aligned with your spine. Using a second pillow for side sleeping reduces the chances of lower back pain or muscle tension.

Wrapping your arms around a body pillow eases the pressure off of your shoulders by providing more cushioning. Body pillows curve to fit the shape of your body, providing appropriate support in sensitive regions of your body. Sleeping with a body pillow can eliminate a few risks of side sleeping, joint, and lower back pain.

It’s common for side sleepers to sleep on their right side or tightly curled up. Body pillows make it easier to transition to the left side and promote healthier sleep.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Pregnant Women

Many body pillows are created with moms-to-be in mind. During pregnancy, there is a higher concentration of weight in the midsection. Back sleeping is not recommended for pregnant women because it compresses major blood vessels and disrupts blood flow.

Side sleeping is encouraged after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy since this position eases pressure points and promotes better blood circulation. Body pillows for pregnancy help support the weight of a growing belly and alleviate pressure on the lower back.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Pregnancy

Back Pain Sufferers

Placing a body pillow between your legs maintains spinal alignment and potentially eases back pain. Back pain stems from many things such as aging, medical conditions, and poor sleeping positions. C- and U-Shaped body pillows offer extra support for your back to prevent pain.

However, for some a body pillow isn’t enough to fully ease and prevent back pain, and you may want to look into a specialty mattress and even an adjustable bed for back pain:

• Best Mattresses for Degenerative Disc Disease
• Best Mattresses for Herniated Disc
• Best Mattresses for Spondylolisthesis
• Best Mattresses for Sciatica
• Best Mattresses for Joint Pain
• Best Mattresses for Arthritis

If a mattress and an adjustable bed are too much to consider buying on a tight budget, a mattress topper for back pain can still make a significant difference when it comes to improving comfort.

Snorers And Sleep Apnea Patients

Side sleep is a healthy position because it lessens the symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea. Sleeping on your side or back might aggravate your breathing problems, making it harder to receive restorative rest. Pillows for sleep apnea may help you get used to sleeping on your side and prevent you from turning over onto your back.

There are other ways to try to keep yourself in the side sleeping position, such as a tennis ball sewn onto your pajamas. However, many find they are most comfortable with a body pillow that limits movement.

There are other pillows for snoring and sleep apnea to consider, such as wedge pillows. The design of a edge pillow elevates the upper body to keep the airways open, and can also relieve symptoms of other conditions such as acid reflux.

SEE ALSO: What You Need to Know About Sleeping on your Side

How to Use a Body Pillow

Using a body pillow is quite simple. Typically, you first lay the pillow out lengthwise on your sleeping surface. Then, you lie down on your side beside it or, if you have a U-shaped or C-shaped pillow, in between the pillow’s prongs. Wrapping your legs around the body pillow keeps it close and in place, and many sleepers hug the pillow so they don’t have to hang their arms limply at their sides or scrunched against the body.

The position should feel comfortable and almost weightless, as arranging yourself improperly can cause later aches and pains.

FAQS

Do body pillows help with anxiety?

Some researchers believe body pillows help with anxiety, particularly when you hug your pillow. According to the National Library of Medicine, studies show hugging reduces blood cortisol levels, providing relief from stress and anxiety.

When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol commonly referred to as a stress hormone. As your cortisol levels rise, it increases your blood pressure and heart rate, making it difficult for you to fall asleep. So, there is a possibility hugging your body pillow will decrease levels of cortisol, thus making you feel more relaxed.

However, you should not rely solely on a body pillow to help you relax at night. We suggest also looking at your bedtime routine to make sure it helps you unwind before bed and perhaps considering other accessories like a weighted blanket.

How do you wash a body pillow?

Body pillows are difficult to wash due to their size. Large body pillows may be too big for your washer and dryer, so it might be better to take them to a laundromat.

Another option is to hand wash your body pillows in a bathtub with warm water and a mild detergent. Memory foam and latex pillows should always be hand-washed because washing machines tend to damage these materials, although shredded foam fills are typically machine washable.

Before washing your body pillow, carefully read the instructions on the pillow’s tag. Using laundry care symbols, this tag will let you know what materials make up the product and filling and how you should wash your pillow.

It’s best to wash your pillow once every three or four months. We also suggest using a pillow cover to protect your pillow from sweat, debris, and other oils to reduce frequent washing. These pillowcases should be washed once a week with your sheets and other bedding.

What is the best body pillow for pregnant women?

The best pregnancy pillows are U-shaped or J-shaped. U-shaped pillows prevent pregnant women from rolling on their backs. J-shapes offer the same comfort, but they are smaller in size and fit on your bed easier.

Smaller C-shaped pillows can also wrap around the body to increase support and comfort. Ultimately, your personal preference will determine which item is the best for your sleep needs.

What material is best for a pillowcase?

Cotton pillowcases are considered the best choice by many because this material is soft and made from natural fibers. These pillowcases are usually affordable and do not contain harsh chemicals, making them a great option for allergy sufferers. There are also organic cotton options available to accommodate green-conscious shoppers.

However, there are other natural and airy fabrics to consider as well, such as eucalyptus, bamboo, linen, and even silk. Cotton is simply one of the easiest to find and is quite inexpensive, making it a popular choice.

If I am pregnant, when should I start sleeping on my side?

At around 20 weeks of pregnancy, the belly starts to expand, causing pain in the ligaments and other parts of the body due to the increase in weight. This is a good time to start side sleeping, which is easier with a body pillow. You can even try sleeping on your side during the early stages of your pregnancy to make the transition easier.

Conclusion

While you are browsing for a new body pillow, you’ll want to consider a couple of factors before you make a purchase. If you are a hotter sleeper, it’s best to avoid pillows with down or polyester fillings. These fill types retain a lot of heat and cause sleepers to wake up feeling sweaty, so it’s better to choose a cooling pillow with a breathable case.

You’ll also want to keep the length of the pillow in mind. Some pillows are longer than others, and your sleeping space might be a bit crowded if you purchase an extra-large one. Smaller pillows are a better choice for narrower mattresses because they provide comfort without falling off your bed.