Do Body Pillows Help with Pain?

By Michael Barnes •  Updated: 06/25/22

Have you ever had one of those days where you’re unsure what to do? You don’t want to get out of bed, but you also don’t want to stay all day? A body pillow might be a good solution if this sounds like you. Body pillows can help reduce pain and provide comfort for your body. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether or not memory foam body pillows are suitable for pain and give tips on choosing body pillows that suit your needs. Stay tuned!

What is a Body Pillow?

A memory foam body pillow is an oversized cushion typically used by side-sleepers during the night for comfort and pain relief. They are made from different materials, including cotton, rayon, or polyester, and all of these fabrics are machine washable.

Some people use them to elevate their hips off the bed mattress, which can help improve back pain. There are many body pillows, each designed to provide support and comfort for a different area of the body. Some are cushy, and others are filled with beans or other materials that relieve pressure. 

In addition to their intended use, body pillows come in various shapes and sizes to fit most individuals. Some are designed to be small and compact, while others are large and fluffy. We’ll explain these shapes in more detail below.

Why Should You Use Body Pillows?

Besides using a body pillow to keep you comfortable and off the bed during the night, there are other benefits to using a body pillow that can improve your quality of life and sleep comfortably. 

Improve Your Posture and Prevent Body Pains 

Using a body pillow can improve your posture and alleviate minor aches and pains from sitting in the same position all day. In addition, by curving your back and spine in a more comfortable position, you will help take pressure off of your spine, allowing you to make fewer trips to the chiropractor in the future. 

Sleeping on your side also helps your spine stay aligned properly. If you sleep on your back, the curve in your spine can cause your hips to shift slightly forward and cause pain and discomfort in your hips, lower back, and knees.

For instance sunbeam pillow, the best heated body pillow supports the lower back and hips, helps with relief from muscle aches and tension, and offers soothing, cozy heat. A body pillow is super-soft, with a 200 thread count and a diamond-quilted 100% cotton cover.

Pregnancy and Pregnancy-related Conditions

Many women find that pregnancy causes aches and pains in different parts of their bodies that they may never have before. A body pillow can be a great way to alleviate some of the discomforts in your back and hips, supporting your spine and hips throughout pregnancy.

This is especially important if you’re experiencing sciatic sensations, as a body pillow can help relieve the pain along your spinal cord. Additionally, using a body pillow during pregnancy can help improve blood flow to your baby, helping them develop properly.

Recovery from Surgery

If you are recovering from surgery, a body pillow may help to provide pain relief and improve the way you sleep. Although you may be prescribed pain medication to help with this, sleeping on your back is always a good idea. 

Sleeping on your back is also essential as it will help keep your spine aligned. However, it is also important to not sleep on your stomach, as doing so can cause pressure on your newly-operated spine, causing added pain and discomfort.

How to Choose The Best Body Pillow For You?

There are a lot of body pillows on the market today that claim to provide the best full-body support and comfort. However, some things can be done to narrow down your search and pick the best body pillow for your needs.

Picking the Right Size Body Pillow

It is essential to pick a body pillow that is the right size. You want to ensure that it is large enough to accommodate your height and weight but not so large that it causes a lot of pressure or falls off you at night. On the other hand, if the pillow is too small, the pressure will be too great, causing it to collapse and fall from the bed.

If the pillow is too large, it might cause you to roll over in your sleep, causing you to wake up. The best way to find the right size is to pick it up and feel the material. You want it to feel firm but not too firm. You also want to check the pillow’s filling because some fillings are designed to expand and contour your body to ensure you stay comfortable and snuggly all night.

Picking The Right Shape of the Body Pillow

There are a variety of body pillows on the market. In addition, there are several different shapes to choose from. 

Here are the three main shapes:

Rectangular Body Pillow

These body pillows have the appearance of a stretched-out standard bed pillow. These long, narrow pillows can support a side sleeper’s back or provide a place to lay the arm and leg that aren’t under their body. This is one of the most frequent body pillows on the market. It’s also one of the most economical, making it a good choice for buyers looking for stress reduction and support on a budget.

U-Shaped Body Pillow

U-Shaped Pillows are ideal for sleepers who prefer the cradling experience of having a pillow on each side of their body. U-shaped pillows are one of the most popular for pregnant women due to their comfort and adaptability.

C-Shaped Body Pillow

These body pillows, like U-shaped pillows, give support around more of the sleeper’s body. The pad is typically placed beneath the sleeper’s head, in front of their body, and between their knees. This head, neck, and knee support may be especially beneficial for pregnant women and individuals suffering from aches and pains in their knees, hips, necks, and backs.

Price

Price is always a good indicator of quality. There are many body pillows on the market that are designed to be very cheap. Although they might be inexpensive, they might not be of good quality. You want to make sure you buy one that is supportive, comfortable, and low maintenance. 

You also want to make sure to invest in a body pillow that is made out of quality materials that won’t deteriorate easily. If you do end up needing to replace it in the future, you can typically find similar products at the same price point.

The Reputation of the Company and the Filling Used

Other factors to consider when choosing the best body pillows for you are the reputation of the company and the filling used. Memory foam is the most popular filling because it provides the most body-supporting properties. 

A body pillow with the highest quality memory foam will give you the best support possible. A good body pillow will also have a good reputation and has been made by a reputable company that has been in business for a long time, putting out high-quality products.

Conclusion

Picking a body pillow when you’re having back pain can be challenging. However, once you get one, you’ll never want to return to the days when you had to sleep on your stomach. 

These pillows can relieve pain and help improve posture as you sleep. They can also help you overcome the discomfort that pregnancy and surgery can cause. If you’re in the market for a new body pillow, there are some things you should keep in mind when selecting the best one.

Hopefully, this article has helped you make the best decision possible. What’s your experience with Body Pillows? Do you use body pillows? How do they help or hurt you? Please take a moment and tell us about it. We’d love to hear from you!

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