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Body Pillows

Best Body Pillow UK (2023)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 11 Min.

Looking for a comfy cuddle companion to snuggle up to during the night? ๐Ÿงธ

Or perhaps you need some additional support for your back and joints?

A body pillow may not seem like much, but this squishy, cylindrical sleep accessory can transform how you sleep. ๐Ÿคฏ

So, what are the best body pillows in the UK?

Find out below. ๐Ÿ‘‡

kally sleep body pillow

Our top body pillow UK recommendations

Sleep Hero Favourite

Kally Sleep Body Pillow

The Kally Body Pillow offers full-body support and comfort.

The Kally Body pillow is designed by Harley Street practitioners for pressure-relieving and supported sleep.ย 

The Kally Body pillow provides orthopaedic support for the entire body.ย 

kally body pillow

The pillow is fully machine-washable at 40ยฐC and should be left to dry on a flat surface.ย 

The Kally Body pillow includes:

  • A free pillowcase in a choice of colours and materials.
  • Soft hollowfibre filling for adjustable support.
  • The perfect shape for side sleepers who like to hug their pillow.ย 

The Kally Body pillow is also popular among pregnant women who experienceย back pain while sleeping.ย 

The pillow has soft pressure-relieving support, and you can shape it to suit your individual sleeping style.ย 

The Kally Body pillow also includes a 14-night sleep trial, so you can thoroughly test it and get your money back if unsatisfied.ย 

30% OFF KALLY BODY PILLOW + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEP5"ยฃ 42.98

ย  Kally Body Pillow
Composition: Polycotton cover, hollowfibre filling
Firmness level: Medium-soft
Washing instructions: Wash pillow atย 40ยฐC & cover atย 30ยฐC.ย 
Trial period: 14 days
Guarantee: 2 years
What we love: The 14-day trial means you can thoroughly test this pillow before deciding if it's the right choice for you.ย 
What could be improved: The pillow may need to be plumped regularly to keep its shape.ย 
Fully Washable

The Fine Bedding Company Back Support V-Shape Pillow

The Fine Bedding Company Back Support V-Shape pillow provides firm cushioning support for those who like to sit up in bed.

This pillow rests behind the back for those who need additional relief and support when sitting up.ย 

The Fine Bedding Companyย Back Support V-Shape pillow is a great sleep accessory for those who need some additional support for the back.ย 

It has a firm microfibre filling to allow for optimal support and a 100% cotton cover for good breathability.

The unique V shape is ideal for sitting up in bed, but you may also find the pillow comfortable in other positions.

fine bedding company v pillow

The pillow is fullyย machine-washable at 60ยฐC and tumble-dry friendly.ย 

This is great for anyone concerned about allergies or hygiene. ๐Ÿคง

The Fine Bedding Company Back Support V-Shape pillow comes with standard delivery,ย but next-day delivery options are available.

Unfortunately, the pillow does not include a trial or guarantee but can be returned for free within 14 days.

15% OFF FINE BEDDING V PILLOW W/ "SLEEP15"

ย  Fine Bedding Company Back Support V-Shape Pillow
Composition: Microfibre filling, 100% sustainably sourced cotton cover
Firmness level: Firm
Washing instructions: Machine-washable at 60โ„ƒ.
Trial period: /
Guarantee: /
What we love: We love the eco-friendly materials used in the cover.
What could be improved: A trial & guarantee would add some extra peace of mind.ย 
Great For Pregnancy

Ethical Bedding Knot-A-Pillow

The Knot-A-Pillow is crafted from 100% recycled bottles, saving over 70 plastics from landfills and oceans with each pillow.

The Knot-A-Pillow gets softer and cosier with each wash.

For those who are particular about comfort, the Knot-A-Pillow might just be your next favourite thing.

Tie it in knots, have a cuddle, or use it for lumbar support during pregnancy or post-surgery recovery.

It's not only versatile in its use but also supports your body in just the right places.

And yes, its fleece exterior is ridiculously cosy.ย 

knot a pillow

Now, let's talk sustainability.

Each of these pillows saves over 70 plastic bottles from heading to landfills or our oceans, and the fleece is crafted from 100% recycled bottles (rPET).ย ๐ŸŒ

Even the fill is 100% recycled PET and is BPA-free.

The cover can be kept clean with a gentle and cold machine wash.ย 

As for the insert, a spot clean or dry cleaning when necessary will do the trick.ย 

The Knot-A-Pillow by Ethical Bedding is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making it a win-win for all. ๐Ÿƒ

BUY KNOT A PILLOWยฃ 59

ย  Ethical Bedding Knot-A-Pillow
Composition: 100% recycled bottles (rPET) for the outer shell and 100% recycled PET for the filling.
Firmness level: Soft
Washing instructions: Cold machine-wash cover only.
Trial period: /
Guarantee: /
What we love: Great for pregnancy and recovery, excellent sustainability, super soft feel.
What could be improved: It would be great to have a trial and guarantee on this pillow.

ย 

Budget-Friendly

Silentnight Body Support Pillow

The Silentnight Body Support pillow provides supportive comfort for both sitting and sleeping.

The Silentnight Body Support pillow includes a 2-year-guarantee.

Silentnight is one of the UK's most trusted bed brands.ย 

silentnight body support pillow

The Body Support pillow is designed for all types of sleepers who can adjust the pillow to their liking.ย 

This Silentnight Body Support pillow includes:

  • A protective microfibre pillowcase
  • Medium-soft hollowfibre filling for cushioning support
  • A rectangular shape for full-body support

The pillow can be propped behind the back or placed between the knees, depending on how you sleep.ย 

The Silentnightย Body Support pillow is fully machine-washable at 60ยฐC.ย 

The body pillow can be delivered within 3 - 5 days to your room of choice.ย 

BUY SILENTNIGHT BODY PILLOWยฃ 27

ย 

Silentnight Body Support Pillow

Composition: Microfibre pillowcase, hollowfibre filling
Firmness level: Medium-soft
Washing instructions: Fully machine-washable at 60ยฐC.ย 
Trial period: /
Guarantee: 2 years
What we love: We love that this budget-friendly pillow is fully machine-washable.
What could be improved: The synthetic materials aren't the most breathable for warmer sleepers.ย 

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

What is a body pillow?

A body pillow is a long cushion that provides additional support during sleep.

Man sitting up with body pillow
A body pillow can provide support during sleep or downtime.

You can cuddle the pillow, tuck it behind your back, or prop it between your knees. ๐Ÿค—

Typically, a body pillow is made from hollowfibre filling, giving it a soft and squishy feel that can be adjusted to your needs.

But, there are all kinds of body pillows available.

Types of body pillows

The type of body pillow you need depends on your individual sleeping preferences.

All body pillows provide support, but the support needed by each individual can be in different areas of the body.

Weโ€™ll go through each type of body pillow below and see how they can help. ๐Ÿ‘‡

Full-length body pillow

A full-length body pillow is long and narrow, typically around the same size as an average person.๐Ÿง

The Kally body pillow is a full body pillow UK brand - in fact, it was the first product launched by Kally Sleep.

This body pillow can be used for back or side sleeping support.

30% OFF KALLY BODY PILLOW + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEP5"ยฃ 42.98

woman sleeping with full length body pillow
A full body pillow can support the entire body.

Full body pillows can come in rectangular or cylindrical shapes and can be used straight or curved around the body. ๐ŸŒ€

They are a great body pillow for side sleepers who like to cuddle during sleep.

V-shaped body pillow

A V-shaped body pillow is - as you can imagine - shaped like a V. โœŒ๏ธ

The Fine Bedding Company Back Support V-Shape pillow is one of our favourite pillows for support when sitting up.

15% OFF FINE BEDDING V PILLOW W/ "SLEEP15"

Woman sleeping with V pillow
A V pillow has a more structured shape to target specific areas.

They can help elevate the body when sitting up.

You can also tuck them between the knees to take pressure off the joints during sleep.

V-shaped body pillows are an excellent option for new mothers who can use the pillow for nursing and alleviating back pain. ๐Ÿฅฐ

U-shaped body pillow

A U-shaped body pillow is typically longer than a full body pillow and shaped like a U.

The Kally U-Shaped body pillow is highly versatile for full-body support.

27% OFF KALLY U-SHAPED PILLOW + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEP5"ยฃ 58.97

Pregnant woman sleeping with U-shaped body pillow
A U-shaped body pillow can support the back and bump in pregnancy.

They curve around the back and front of the body to provide additional support for the shoulders, head, and spine. ๐Ÿค—

U-shaped body pillows are popular for pregnant women who need additional support on the bump and back during sleep.

As stomach sleeping is one of the worst sleeping positions for your health, a U-shaped pillow can encourage stomach sleepers to stay on their side during the night. ๐Ÿ˜ด

The Kally U-Shaped Pregnancy pillow is one of our favourites for new mothers needing support.

How to choose a body pillow

Itโ€™s tempting to order a body pillow immediately, especially when dealing with an uncomfortable sleep.

But itโ€™s also important to ensure you choose the right body pillow for you.

Consider the below to figure out what body pillow you need. ๐Ÿ‘‡

What size do I need?

This largely depends on how the body pillow will be used.

If youโ€™re looking for full body support, youโ€™ll want to go for a pillow around the same size as you.

A full-length or long body pillow typically measures between 150 x 50 cm (59" x 19.6").

V-pillows will be somewhat smaller and measure around 70 x 60cm (28" x 24").

You should check the size of your body pillow on the manufacturer website before purchasing.

However, if you just need something to tuck between your knees, you may opt for a smaller option. ๐Ÿ“

What shape do I need?

As previously mentioned, there are various body pillow shapes to choose from. ๐Ÿค”

types of body pillows
The shape of your body pillow depends on its function.

Consider how you intend on sleeping with your body pillow and what shape will work best for this.

If youโ€™re not sure if youโ€™ll be side sleeping, back sleeping, or plan to try different sleeping styles, then a full body pillow that can be adjusted in different shapes may work best.

Alternatively, a U-shaped body pillow is usually the best choice if youโ€™re looking for pregnancy support.

27% OFF KALLY U-SHAPED PILLOW + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEP5"ยฃ 58.97

What are the materials?

This is important because the materials can determine the pillowโ€™s firmness, temperature, and quality. ๐Ÿ‘€

Consider the following criteria:

  • Are the materials high-quality - will they keep their shape?
  • Are the materials hypoallergenic and safe for my health?
  • Are the materials warm or cool? (memory foam is not the best cooling option for hot sleepers)
  • Is it a firm pillow or a soft body pillow?
  • Is the pillow washable, or does it include a washable cover?

Consider your needs and whether the materials in the pillow are equal to your expectations. โš–๏ธ

Does the body pillow come with a guarantee or trial?

Some pillows include a guarantee or sleep trial to give you some additional reassurance. ๐Ÿ˜…

A sleep trial is great for those who arenโ€™t 100% certain they will get on with the pillow, as they can test it out first.

Most sleep trials include a money-back guarantee.๐Ÿ’ฐ

reading with a body pillow
A body pillow with a sleep trial and warranty can give you extra peace of mind.

Additionally, if your body pillow includes a guarantee, you can feel reassured if there are any issues with the product over time.

The Kally Body pillow includes a 14-day sleep trial.

30% OFF KALLY BODY PILLOW + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEP5"ยฃ 42.98

How much does it cost?

Just because itโ€™s called a body pillow doesnโ€™t mean it should cost an arm and a leg!

Prices for body pillows can vary depending on the quality of the product. ๐Ÿงต

people celebrating with savings
You should invest in a quality product while getting the best deal you can.

A body pillow typically costs between ยฃ30 - ยฃ80.

You should consider what budget you have before you buy a body pillow.

Some brands may offer additional finance options on body pillows so you can spread the cost. ๐Ÿ’ณ

Many body pillows include discounts throughout the year.

We'll go into more detail on pricing and discount codes further down.

How to use a body pillow

Body pillows are versatile because they can be used in several ways.

body pillow sleeping styles
You can sleep with a body pillow in multiple ways.

A body pillow is one of the most adjustable types of pillows available.

You can use a body pillow for sleeping and relaxing, making it even better value for money.

Try this:

  • Hug your arms around the body pillow when sleeping on your side
  • Place it against your back for spinal support
  • Tuck it between the knees to alleviate the joints
  • Tuck it under your knees when sleeping on your back
  • Prop it behind your back when sitting up
  • Curve it around the head and shoulders for extra elevation
  • Use it as a nursing pillow to rest your arms and support the spine

A body pillow could be the answer if you need extra comfort when you relax or full-body support during sleep.

Are body pillows good for pregnancy?

Many women who have insomnia during pregnancy have found a body pillow to be the perfect sleep remedy.

Pregnant women experiencing pain in their back and joints need some extra support to relieve these aches.

A body pillow for pregnancy can be used to lift the legs and improve circulation or support the back for better spinal alignment.

Nursing child and mother with body pillow
A body pillow can aid with nursing a baby.

Additionally, body pillows can help support the back and baby when bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. ๐Ÿผ

How to sleep with a body pillow whilst pregnant

Pregnant women should avoid sleeping on their back during pregnancy as this can be harmful to the foetus.

Instead, try sleeping on your side with a body pillow that can be tucked between the legs whilst supporting a growing bump. ๐Ÿคฐ

Pregnant woman sleeping with body pillow
A body pillow is popular for pregnant women who need more support.

U-shaped body pillows are popular for pregnancy as they curve around the body and simultaneously support the back and bump. ๐Ÿ˜

The Kally Sleep U-shaped Pregnancy pillow is suitable for every trimester and can provide additional support for pregnancy.

It also comes with a 14-day sleep trial, so you can test it out and see if youโ€™re keen!

Can a body pillow help with back pain?

A body pillow can be a welcome relief for many who experience back pain. ๐Ÿ˜ž

You can use the body pillow when sitting in bed, on the sofa, or even sleeping at night.

Two men with neck and back pain
A body pillow can alleviate pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.

A body pillow can be propped behind the back to support the spine.

Those with a herniated disc, sciatica, pregnancy cramps, or other back-related injuries may find a body pillow helpful.

However, theyโ€™re not going to be able to cure serious injuries or conditions. ๐Ÿค•

A body pillow may be able to alleviate symptoms, but you should always seek medical advice for any severe pain. ๐Ÿฉบ

Some people have also used massage guns to try to alleviate tension and back pain. However, these should not be used for pregnancy.

Can a body pillow help with hip pain?

A body pillow may also be a helpful sleep remedy for those suffering from hip pain.

Many people use body pillows to elevate the lower body or relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders.

If you have arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other hip-related injuries, you should consider trying a body pillow.

To alleviate pressure, you can prop the body pillow underneath the hips or between the knees.

body pillow between the knees
A body pillow can alleviate pressure on the hips and knees.

This helps soften the space between the knees and takes some pressure off the legs. ๐Ÿฅฐ

Alternatively, consider investing in a memory foam mattress.

A Tempur mattress is one of the most advanced memory foam mattresses available.

A Tempur mattress is designed to mould around the hips and other pressure points for a weightless feeling of sleep whilst keeping your spine aligned.

Are body pillows washable?

Did you know the average pillow contains around 350,000 live bacteria? ๐Ÿฆ 

This bacteria is in close contact with your face every night, but you could also be breathing it in, particularly if you sleep on your side or front.

Luckily, most body pillows are 100% washable. ๐Ÿงผ

How do I wash a body pillow?

Like any other bedding, you can pop your body pillow in the washing machine.

Woman washing bedding
Many body pillows can be washed or include washable covers.

Some body pillows arenโ€™t washable but include a washable removable cover.

You can often buy body pillow covers separately at retailers such as Amazon and Dunelm.

You should check the care instructions on your pillow and body pillow cover before putting it into the washing machine or tumble dryer.

Check out the best body pillows that are fully machine-washable. ๐Ÿ‘‡

How much does a body pillow cost?

Of course, you want to know if a body pillow is within your budget before investing.

Typically, body pillows cost between ยฃ30 - ยฃ80.

V-pillows tend to be the cheapest options, whilst U-shaped pillows are more expensive. ๐Ÿ’ฐ

It's important to remember that the more you spend on a pillow, the better quality it will be.

Body pillow discount codes

If you find that a body pillow is out of your budget, don't give up!

There are plenty of online body pillow discount codes and seasonal deals to make them more affordable.

Our discounts page keeps track of all mattress and pillow offers, so you don't have to.

piggybank on mattress discounts
Body pillow UK discounts are available throughout the year.

Alternatively, sign up for our newsletter for exclusive discounts. ๐Ÿท๏ธ

We'll also highlight any current discounts throughout this article.

What are the drawbacks of body pillows?

But are there any downsides to buying a body pillow?

A body pillow can be an excellent choice for many, but theyโ€™re not for everyone.

Remember, a body pillow can be up to 6 feet long and will take up a lot of room in the bed. ๐Ÿ˜ฅ

Therefore, you might want to avoid using a body pillow if your sleep is already a bit cramped.

Also, keep in mind that a body pillow will not work miracles. โœจ

If you suffer from severe pain during sleep due to injury or other health-related issues, you may find a body pillow only helps with some of this pain.

If youโ€™re unsure, invest in a body pillow that comes with a trial, so you can test it out before making a purchase you might regret later. โŒ›

The Kally Body pillow includes a 14-day sleep trial.

Should you buy a body pillow?

We think body pillows are a great choice for many, particularly if you canโ€™t get comfortable at night.

A body pillow adapts around the body to alleviate pressure, encourages better spinal support, and prevents you from fidgeting in different positions.

If you have plenty of room in the bed and fancy cuddling up to something that isnโ€™t your partner, you should invest in a body pillow.

Hereโ€™s a reminder of our favourite body pillows:

Frequently asked questions

  • What is an anime body pillow?


    An anime body pillow, also known as a dakimakura, is a popular type of pillow in Japan.

    They are similar to Western body pillows, except they usually have a full-sized anime character on the pillow cover.

  • Is sleeping with a body pillow good for you?


    Sleeping with a body pillow can provide a better nightโ€™s sleep for those who canโ€™t get comfortable during the night.

    A body pillow can provide pain relief on the shoulders and hips and elevate the body, so the spine is in a more neutral position.

  • Can a body pillow help with sciatica?


    Body pillows have been known to help with symptoms of sciatica.

    Sciatica refers to the sciatic nerve (from your lower back to feet) becoming compressed or irritated.

    Sciatica causes lower back, bottom, legs, and feet pain.

    The NHS recommends using a cushion between your knees when you sleep on your side, and back sleepers should place the pillow under the knees.

    Therefore, a body pillow can be used in these areas to help ease the pain.

    However, you should always seek medical advice if symptoms arenโ€™t improving.

  • Can a body pillow help with snoring?


    A body pillow may help with symptoms of snoring.

    Generally, sleeping on your back is the worst sleeping position for snoring, whilst side sleeping is the best.

    If you find it difficult to sleep on your side, you could use a body pillow to provideย extra support.

    Instead of the โ€œtennis ballโ€ technique where you tape a tennis ball to your back to keep you on your side, you can prop a body pillow behind your back.

    This is likely going to be much more comfortable.

    Additionally, a body pillow helps you stay elevated, which can also reduce snoring.

    We also have an article on the best anti-snore pillows for you to try.ย 

  • Where can I buy a body pillow?


    Body pillows are available at various retailers, both online and in-store.ย 

    This includes:

    • Argos body pillow
    • Amazon body pillow
    • Body pillow Costco
    • Body pillow Dunelm
    • Body pillow IKEA

    Our Kally Sleep Body pillow review provides an in-depth look at one of our favourite body pillows.

  • What materials are body pillows made from?


    Most body pillows are made with hollowfibre filling, but some memory foam body pillows are available.ย 

    Memory foam moulds around the bodyโ€™s shape and alleviates pressure from the joints.ย 

    However, memory foam can often feel firmer and more supportive than hollowfibre.

    This could be a good choice if youโ€™re looking for a solid body pillow option.ย 

    A body pillow typically includes shredded memory foam, so it still has that squishy, adjustable characteristic of a regular body pillow. โœ”๏ธ

  • References

Holly

Holly

Senior Content Writer

After years of working in a leading UK bed store, I'm passionate about helping others find their perfect mattress. I love to write about sleep almost as much as I love to nap!

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