The best pregnancy pillows for supported and comfortable sleep

Tested by hub editor Stephanie Spencer

If you're thinking a U shaped pillow will work best for you then I can personally recommend the CuddleCo 12ft deluxe pillow. This is large enough that you can comfortably sleep with your head in the centre of the pillow, one side supporting your back and the other with your knees tucked around it to help keep your spine aligned and reduce back pain.

I find it being at my back quite reassuring, both in helping me to stay comfortable on my side, and feeling like I'm not going to roll onto my back. It's soft enough for bump to rest on it without feeling squashed, although it can sometimes need a shake to redistribute the filling, particularly at the top where it 'folds' in half.

Now, while this is the one that I loved, I completely understand that it won't work for everyone, it is huge and my husband does feel a bit left out when I'm snuggled inside, but I'm sleeping a lot better and that is the main thing! The cover is washable, but if would be good if it came with a spare as 12ft pillowcases are not easy to come by.

The Kally Body Support Pillow is a highly comfortable and attractive pregnancy pillow designed to enhance sleep quality for expectant mothers. Ergonomically designed by osteopaths, its curved shape snugly fits around the body, supporting the bump and alleviating aches and pains, improving circulation, and preventing acid reflux and indigestion. Our mum tester, Leah, said, "My aches were a lot less, particularly in my arms and legs."

"Taking the pillow to bed each night, it soon became part of my routine to snuggle up to it, wrapping my right leg over and left leg under for that extra bit of comfort. As the pillow is quite long, I also occasionally rested my head on it, which helped keep my neck aligned with the rest of my body." Leah continued.

One of our favourite features is the anti-allergy-treated fibres that help to protect against bacteria and the breathable cotton outer layer, which keeps you perfectly cool - which is great for helping to prevent pregnancy night sweats. You can also easily use this prenatal pillow as a breastfeeding pillow once the baby arrives, too. It's on the firmer side, which some reviewers really enjoy, but others may not. It also needs a good shake every now and then to redistribute the filling.

Read our full Kally Body Support Pregnancy Pillow review

This bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow is one of the more expensive options on our list, but we believe it's worth the extra cash. Designed by health professionals, it is fully adjustable and provides five-point support throughout pregnancy to the most critical areas - the pelvis, lower back, knees, ankles, and abdomen.

Our Features and Reviews Editor, Emily, described this pillow as feeling like "you're sleeping on a cloud" as it moulds around the body for support where you need it most, making it easier to relax and get comfortable during pregnancy. She added, "The difference I have noticed since using the bbhugme pillow at night - especially as my pregnancy progresses - has been huge for me. It's so comfortable to snuggle into, and my body feels much less achy when I wake up, thanks to all the support I'm receiving."

We love that it enables sleep and rest from the first trimester. Our favourite features are the removable cover and handy travel-sized bag, but it does take up quite a bit of room in the bed.

Read our full bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow review

The Dreamgenii pregnancy pillow helps you to lie on your left side - one of the best positions for you and your baby, according to the NHS - while supporting your bump, back and knees for full-body support and restful sleep. If you naturally sleep on your back, getting comfortable in this new position can be difficult - we found this pillow helpful. Some reviewers suggested that it can take a bit of time to find the best position for you, so it's worth testing out a few different ways, and it's not as firm as some others on our list.

Our mum tester, Sophie, said, "I don't know how I would have gotten any sleep during my pregnancy without this pillow. My bump was huge and really needed some support, and it was great that I could wrap it between my legs for extra comfort. It's easy to wash the cover, and I used it while Eli was tiny to support him as he laid next to me on the bed during the day, too."

Read our full Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow review

This uniquely J-shaped pillow (designed by a team of respected health experts) seamlessly curves around your pregnant figure and growing bump, and thanks to its innovative KneeBlade™ design, it will help you settle into the correct sleeping position.

Taking the pressure off your hips, legs and ankles, the SnüzCurve Pregnancy Support Pillow also supports the upper body, keeps your spine neutral, relieves pressure on the bump and keeps you comfy. We found that this pillow helped relieve pregnancy pains and left us feeling refreshed and well-rested after sleep, although it won't stop you from rolling onto your back if that's your main concern.

Our tester dubbed this pregnancy pillow "a godsend", noting that "within a couple of nights, I noticed my back and knee pains started to disappear. The quality and length of my sleep improved also. It was really easy to unpack and get used to using, too. I have used it every night since I unboxed it and wash the cover every time I wash the bed sheets."

Read our full SnüzCurve Pregnancy Support Pillow review

If you've recently noticed you're feeling some aches and pains in your back, hips, knees, neck and head in the morning during pregnancy, then this pillow might be just what you're looking for. The Pharmedoc The CeeCee U-shaped pillow offers full body support is gentle on your skin, machine-washable and comfortable to lay on - with the added bonus that it can be used on your bed, sofa or floor. We love the shape of this pillow, as it feels like a huge hug. However, it does take up more than your side of the bed - but hey, you're technically two humans at the moment. If your other half has to be a little squished, then so be it.

Reviewers say this pillow is ultra-comfortable, and having the detachable cover makes keeping it fresh as easy as can be. Some taller mums-to-be did note that it wasn't quite long enough to support them as they'd hoped and that the stuffing may need redistributing every now and then.

The OCCObaby Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is designed to provide relief from third-trimester discomfort by improving circulation and reducing any swelling in the hands, legs, and feet – something many mums suffer with during pregnancy. Its innovative design includes micro-holes in the foam for air ventilation, ensuring a cooling and comfortable nap day and night. With soft memory foam on one side and firm foam on the other, you can customise each sleep to you and how your body is feeling. The pillow can be used to support under the belly, between the knees, or behind the back to alleviate any pressure while you sleep. 

The plush Velboa cover adds to the comfort, being both soft and durable, and it is machine washable for easy maintenance. The pillow is portable and comes with a travel bag, making it convenient for use at home, in the car, or at the office. One mum shared that "it helped me feel way more relaxed, supported, and comfortable. It has helped me avoid having such intense lower back pain." Mum testers also loved how cool the pillow kept them, commenting, "It also doesn't get hot or make my belly feel overheated; it breathes well and is very soft. It's good fabric."

If the look and feel are your top priority, DockATot's Cosset body pillow is designed to look good and feel good during pregnancy and beyond. Beautifully created, as with most DockATot products, the Cosset body pillow is also functional and made up using Suprelle Duo Fibres to offer a comfortable and supportive sleep throughout your pregnancy. We love that this isn't your standard pregnancy pillow but rather a gorgeous addition to your bedroom, although the tassels may be annoying when trying to sleep.

Our mum tester liked that "it can just be kept on the bedpost during pregnancy, sitting looking pretty, and I know it will aid lumbar support during night feeds when my baby is here."

Read our full DockATot Cosset body pillow review

If good value is important to you, or you don't want to shell out for something you'll only use for a short period of time, the sleepdove Big U might be the pregnancy pillow for you. A U-shaped pillow, it offers neck and back support for mums-to-be sleeping on their side. It is filled with soft, supportive, luxury, non-allergenic hollow fibres, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience. The pillow comes with a white, removable, zipped cover made of cotton for easy cleaning.

One pregnant mum tester who was struggling with pelvic pain during her pregnancy said, "I had my first good night's sleep since being pregnant" when using this pillow. The pillow can be used both on its front and back, making it easy to turn from left to right in bed, and although the size made it a bit challenging to fit into the cover, mums were overall impressed with this pillow.

The biggest selling point of the Simba Cooling Pillow is, you guessed it, its cooling properties, designed to keep pregnant people who are trying to sleep in those hot summer months cooler throughout the night, thanks to its Stratos® cool-touch tech. This material keeps the pillow cool to the touch and, due to its breathable nature, quickly wicks away any sweat to keep your skin cool and dry.

Our mum tester loved the cooling feature for stress-free sleep, especially during summer. Some taller reviewers stated that it wasn't quite long enough, and it doesn't provide back support, but it does retain its shape well, unlike other pillows on the market.

Want extra comfort? Don't forget to check out our best cooling pillowcases guide, too.

Read our full Simba Cooling Body Pillow review

If your baby likes to do the Cha Cha at night, try using this John Lewis Specialist Synthetic Carefree Comfort Teflon V-Shaped Support Pillow, which offers support for the belly and back. It's been lovingly made to help promote spine alignment for back and side sleepers, so you won't be kept up tossing and turning from pain in your neck or back. The best thing about it? We love that it comes with a pillowcase that's designed for repelling dirt and stains, which is ideal when the little one arrives as its shape supports sitting positions, cradling their head and neck, with hollowfibre filling that retains its shape. 

One mum tester who has suffered from severe lower back and hip issues for three years found remarkable relief with this pillow. "I've had four nights now with this pillow, and it's brilliant; I can get 4-5 hours without waking up in discomfort, and I'm already feeling the general benefit of getting more sleep after just four days," she commented. Some mums did suggest, however, that it can lose its shape over time and that the pillowcase is difficult to put on, but its low price is attractive.

This multi-purpose pillow is great for use during pregnancy and with your baby right up until the stroller stage. With adjustable straps to fit your waist, the Clevamama ClevaCushion Nursing Pillow and Baby Nest helps you get comfortable during your pregnancy when you need it most. You can use this while nursing or napping, placing it behind your back in a chair or the sofa.

The Clevafoam has an open cell structure, meaning it's breathable, doesn't retain heat and is surprisingly lightweight, so it is ideal for the warmer months. We found that this was a great investment as it can be used for pregnancy and beyond, although it isn't designed to be used for sleep support during pregnancy.

Read our full ClevaMama ClevaCushion 10 in 1 Nursing Pillow review