We all know what it is to look forward to a good night’s sleep. Every aspect of the process of going to bed is important – the room, the bedding, the lighting, the temperature. Now there is something you can add to your bedding to aid your search for a comfortable night and deep sleep – the body pillow. These long pillows have been designed to fit the contours of your body as you hug them close so that they offer excellent support as you sleep. Let’s look at their benefits.
What is a Body Pillow?
A body pillow is an elongated pillow designed to fit alongside your body. You can wrap your arms or legs around it and in doing so provide additional support for your spine and back muscles. They encourage a more healthy posture during sleep and improve the quality of your rest. Body pillows are rectangular, while a bolster is cylindrical.
What Are the Benefits of a Body Pillow?

- Physical. It is easy for us to twist our spine or neck while we sleep and a body pillow prevents that by supporting your back.
- Emotional. The very act of embracing or just holding something persuades our body to release oxytocin, the hugging hormone, which reduces stress and enhances our feeling of well-being.
- Comfort. Most of us have a primitive instinct for holding onto something while we sleep and a body pillow is a significant aid to comfort in this respect.
- Pregnancy support. Expectant mothers can find it very difficult to get comfortable in bed and a body pillow offers extra support, making turning onto one side or the other a simpler process.
FAQs
Why You Should Consider a Body Pillow
Body pillows, also known as maternity pillows, have multiple uses. You might find a body pillow helpful for:
- Providing support and comfort during pregnancy as your body undergoes changes
- Alleviating symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) by raising your torso
- Relieving chronic aches and pains
- Offering support yet gentleness post-surgery
- Serving as firm back support when you’re sitting up reading or using your laptop
- Providing portable extra support when traveling
- Reducing insomnia aggravated by physical discomfort
The Overall Size of the Pillow

Many body pillows can also serve as lengthy head pillows for Queen or Full-size mattresses. If you desire a longer pillow, check that the manufacturer indicates the total length in inches or centimeters. For pregnant individuals or those with hip problems, a body pillow of at least 50” is typically recommended.
The Shape of the Body Pillow
Choose a shape that suits your preference and needs. Most body pillows come in one of the following shapes:
- Long rectangle (usually foldable and highly flexible)
- Violin or hourglass shape (conforms to the body’s natural curves)
- C-shape (wraps around the body)
Cleaning Method
Ideally, the outer shell or cover should be machine-washable for utmost convenience. While some covers can be hand-washed gently, a few require dry cleaning. Nonetheless, most customers find machine-washable covers exceedingly convenient.
In Conclusion
A restful night’s sleep can significantly improve your health, mindset, and sleep habits. Think about getting a full body pillow or maternity pillow (even if you’re not expecting!) to enhance your comfort if you’re experiencing sleep disturbances. Using the factors we’ve highlighted, you can locate the finest body pillows for a wonderful night’s slumber.