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Best Knee Pillows of 2024
Expert-Tested Leg Support for Better Sleep
Many sleepers turn to knee pillows to increase comfort while lying down. Knee pillows are small pillows specifically made to fit between or beneath the knees. Side sleepers often use knee pillows between their knees, while back sleepers commonly put them beneath the knees.
Using a knee pillow promotes spinal alignment in side sleepers. Without a knee pillow, the upper knee rests on the lower knee. This arrangement can misalign the back, put pressure on the hips, and create pain.
Using a knee pillow between the legs while sleeping on your side or beneath the knees while sleeping on your back can reduce knee pain. Many knee pillows are ergonomically designed to fit between the legs, which helps promote proper hip and spinal alignment.
The Best Knee Pillows
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Best Overall
The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow
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Best Pressure Relief
Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow
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Best for Side Sleepers
Coop Sleep Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow
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Best for Back Pain
Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow
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Most Versatile
Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow
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Best for Spinal Alignment
Sleep Number Knee Pillow
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Best for Hip Pain
Noble Lower Body Pillow
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In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on The Company Store pillows
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The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow has a longer and softer design than some of the other picks on our list. It’s great at filling the space between your legs, and the plush feel is perfect for keeping pressure relief at bay.
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Pros
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A moldable design
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Entire pillow is machine-washable
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Specifically developed for back and side sleepers
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Cons
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Some sleepers may prefer a smaller knee pillow
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Customers must pay a small shipping fee for returns
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Price
$53
Fill
Polyester
Firmness
Medium Soft
Engineered with side and back sleepers in mind, The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow helps reduce tension in the lower back and pelvic region. Depending on your sleep style, the pillow is intended to fit either between or below your legs in order to promote good posture during sleep.
The Knee and Leg Posture Pillow consists of polyester fiberfill with a breathable cotton-blend cover. The medium feel is soft enough to cushion the knees and ankles while still being supportive enough to help align the spine. The pillow is more pliable than certain memory foam designs and can be shaped according to each sleeper’s needs.
Both the polyester fill and cotton shell reduce heat buildup, which helps sleepers stay cool at night. The longer design also makes the pillow suitable for taller individuals. The pillow and removable cotton shell are both machine-washable for convenient cleaning. A matching cotton pillow protector can also be purchased separately.
The Company Store offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. for orders $50 and over. The Knee and Leg Posture Pillow comes with a 90-night sleep trial, which gives purchasers the chance to test compatibility. The pillow may be returned for a full refund at any point during the 90-day period.
Best Pressure Relief
Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Cushion Lab pillows
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The Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow has a compact design that fits perfectly between your knees. It’s also available in two sizes to accommodate different heights, which really optimizes your comfort.
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Pros
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Excellent contouring around the knees
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Available in two size options
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Sleeps cool
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Cons
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Foam design may trap some heat
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Pillow insert is not machine-washable
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Price
$45
Fill
Solid foam
Firmness
Firm
The Side Sleeper Knee Pillow is another top pick that excels at precise contouring and pain relief due to its firm feel and dense composition. The Hyperfoam memory foam core resists shape loss and indentations to provide long-lasting support, even if you frequently need to use the pillow. A cover made from rayon and polyester also allows the pillow to sleep fairly cool.
Cushion Lab offers two sizes for this pillow. The small size is geared toward people who stand 5 feet 8 inches or shorter, while the large size is better suited to taller people or sleepers of any height who prefer extra leg support. The cover can be removed and laundered in any household machine. You’ll also receive a storage bag with your purchase at no extra cost.
All Cushion Lab customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping with their order. Returns are accepted within 30 days of the original order, and you may also exchange the pillow during this timeframe.
Best for Side Sleepers
Coop Sleep Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Coop Sleep Goods pillows
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One of the best parts of the Coop Sleep Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow is the adjustable design, which allows you to fine-tune the thickness and firmness by removing or adding a foam insert. Since most knee pillows are not adjustable, this model is ideal for sleepers who need their pillow to feel just-right.
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Pros
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Adjustable thickness and firmness
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100-night sleep trial
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Below-average price point
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Cons
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Hot sleepers may prefer a more breathable pillow
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Insert is not machine-washable
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Price
$26
Fill
Solid memory foam
Firmness
Firm
The Coop Sleep Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow is ergonomically designed to fit between the knees. As a result, it works well for side sleepers. This pillow is made of memory foam with a cover made from Lulltra fabric, which is a blend of polyester and viscose rayon derived from bamboo. Its cover features a hidden zipper that allows you to adjust the pillow’s firmness and thickness.
Inside the pillow are three parts: two pieces of rounded, contoured memory foam and a flat memory foam insert. Sleepers may choose to remove the insert, which decreases both the firmness and thickness of the pillow. The adjustability of the pillow makes it a versatile knee pillow choice. This is one of the only adjustable knee pillows available on the market. Most knee pillows come in only one thickness and firmness.
People with allergies can rest assured that the pillow is completely hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. In fact, it’s one of the few knee pillows that has CertiPUR-US certification.
The pillow’s cover is washable, but only by hand. Coop Sleep Goods does not recommend putting it into a washing machine or using bleach or fabric softener on it. The cover should be air dried rather than machine dried. The foam interior portions of the pillow are not washable.
Coop Sleep Goods offers a 100-night sleep trial, which is more than average for a knee pillow. The pillow also comes with a five-year limited warranty.
Best for Back Pain
Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow
Shop Back Support System pillows with 20% off sitewide + free shipping. Use code SF20
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The Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow is a thoughtfully designed pillow that caters to sleepers with lower back pain. With a larger footprint than some competing models, this pillow eases pressure off your back by keeping your legs in a neutral position.
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Pros
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Multiple foam, cover, and size options
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Leg strap keeps pillow in place
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Machine-washable cover
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Cons
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Above-average price-point for a knee pillow
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Customers must pay a 20% restocking fee for returned pillows
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Price
$85
Fill
Polyfoam
Firmness
Firm
The Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow helps alleviate pain for side sleepers with an ergonomic design. The pillow is made from high-density memory foam and polyfoam for better shape retention. It is engineered to provide relief from sciatica, back pain, hip pain, and varicose veins. The pillow’s comfort strap helps keep the pillow in place to promote proper alignment.
The Knee-T Leg Pillow has a streamlined design that is less bulky than other knee pillows. It comes in three sizes: standard, long, and pro. The standard size is designed for sleepers shorter than 5 feet, 8 inches, and under 160 pounds, while the long and pro sizes are intended for taller and heavier sleepers.
Sleepers can choose between regular polyfoam and a proprietary Be Cool foam, which is designed to regulate temperature. Shoppers also have their choice of a bamboo-derived or sherpa cover. Both cover materials are machine-washable.
While the Knee-T Leg Pillow has a higher price-point than some of its competitors, it may be worth considering for those with back and hip pain. Back Support Systems offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, though a 20% restocking fee applies to returned items.
Most Versatile
Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow
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The Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow has a nifty peanut-shaped design that wedges perfectly between your legs but can also be used to support your neck or lower back. The portable design makes it very travel-friendly.
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Pros
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Core composed of dense and durable TEMPUR memory foam
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Unique peanut shape can serve as a cushion for the neck, lower back, or knees
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Compact and travel-friendly design
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Cons
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Returns are not permitted
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Foam insert is prone to heat retention
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Price
$49
Fill
Solid memory foam
Firmness
Firm
The versatile All-Purpose Pillow from Tempur-Pedic features a peanut-shaped design that’s effective at alleviating pressure in different areas of the body. The pillow contains TEMPUR memory foam, a proprietary material with a dense composition that cushions and conforms without sinking. Whether you need a neck roll, cushion for your lower back, or a pillow that fits snugly between your knees, this compact pillow has got you covered.
A removable velour cover with a smooth hand-feel encases the foam. This cover can be removed and machine-washed for easy care. A built-in carrying strap – coupled with the compact size – makes the pillow ideal for use during flights or road trips. At less than a pound, the pillow should easily fit into your carry-on without adding excess weight.
The All-Purpose Pillow carries an affordable price-point, especially considering its expected longevity, and shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Tempur-Pedic does not allow returns, but each owner receives a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects for up to 5 years after the purchase date.
Best for Spinal Alignment
Sleep Number Knee Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sleep Number pillows
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The Sleep Number Knee Pillow has a foam design that conforms to your knees for excellent pressure relief but is still firm enough to provide support. It’s a perfect balance to keep your spine in a nice, neutral position.
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Pros
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Memory foam cushions and supports
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Microfiber cover feels soft
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Ergonomic shape promotes alignment
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Cons
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Sleep Number does not accept pillow returns
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Hot sleepers may experience heat buildup due to the all-foam insert
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Price
$25
Fill
Memory foam
Firmness
Firm
A pillow that’s designed to help with alignment can be particularly beneficial for side sleepers. The Sleep Number Knee Pillow is engineered with both support and pressure relief in mind. Shoppers looking for an affordable knee pillow will likely appreciate Sleep Number’s model, which has a below-average sticker price.
The pillow rests between side sleepers’ knees, creating a comfortable buffer that adds space between each leg. When your knees are positioned like this, it can be easier for your back, hips, and legs to properly align. The pillow’s solid memory foam fill offers substantial support as well as pressure relief. Your knees sink slightly into the foam, which closely contours to your joints and helps alleviate discomfort.
A soft and velvety microfiber cover wraps the pillow. Sleepers can remove the cover to machine wash and dry when necessary. For best results, the foam should only be spot cleaned. This pillow is available in grey and in one standard size. Sleep Number has designed its Knee Pillow to be hypoallergenic.
Though Sleep Number does not accept returns on this pillow, shoppers have a 30-day window to make exchanges, and those in the contiguous U.S. enjoy free UPS ground shipping. The Knee Pillow is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Best for Hip Pain
Noble Lower Body Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Noble pillows
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The Noble Lower Body Pillow is a highly customizable model that can be adjusted and reconfigured to produce different firmness levels. If you’re willing to pay more for a pillow that optimizes comfort, this is a solid pick.
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Pros
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Four firmness options and three sizes
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All materials are GOTS- and GOLS-certified organic
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Adjustable fill
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Cons
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Expensive sticker price
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Bigger size may not appeal to sleepers who prefer a compact pillow
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Price Range
$234 – $264
Fill
Memory foam, latex, or wool
Firmness
Soft, Medium, Firm, Extra Firm
The Noble Lower Body Pillow is a high-end pillow that caters to sleepers who are willing to splurge on thoughtfully crafted, quality bedding. Available in a range of sizes and fills, the pillow is suitable for a wide range of body types and sleep preferences.
While some orthopedic pillows feature unique shapes or cutout designs, this pillow has a simple triangular shape that integrates nicely onto your bed. Side sleepers can place the pillow between their legs while back sleepers can place it under the legs. The pillow is designed with nine different sections that can be rearranged to customize support where you need it most.
You can choose between four different firmness levels, and you can adjust the amount of fill to achieve the perfect feel. The soft model is filled with memory foam and the medium model contains latex. The firm model contains a blend of wool and latex and the extra firm model is filled entirely with wool. All pillows are encased in a cover made of 100% cotton. If eco-conscious bedding is a priority for you, the wool and cotton are GOTS-certified and the latex is GOLS-certified to ensure organic sourcing.
The pillow is sold in a petite, regular, or tall size, so you can pick the dimensions that will suit your body best. All pillows come with a pillowcase composed of GOTS-certified organic cotton in a silky sateen weave. You’ll also receive a bag of extra fill if you’d like to add more fill to the pillow.
Noble ships free in the U.S. You may return the pillow within 30 days for a full refund, minus return shipping fees. The pillow is also backed by a 5-year warranty.
What is a Knee Pillow?
Knee pillows exist to increase a person’s comfort while sleeping. They do so by promoting spinal alignment, relieving pressure, and helping keep the body in a comfortable position.
There are many people who benefit from, or could benefit from, using a knee pillow while sleeping. For example, side sleepers and pregnant women often opt for knee pillows.
Some people use regular bed pillows beneath or between their knees. While this might provide comfort, a specifically designed knee pillow is likely to provide more comfort with less bulk. Knee pillows are much smaller than standard bed pillows and are often ergonomically designed to fit between a person’s legs.
Generally, side sleepers use knee pillows by placing them between their legs. Back sleepers, on the other hand, tend to sleep with knee pillows beneath their knees. Stomach sleepers are not likely to use or need to use knee pillows.
Without a knee pillow, a side sleeper might find their spine fall out of alignment and they may experience hip, knee, or lower back pain as a result. A knee pillow can restore that alignment, relieving joint pressure and pain.
How to Choose a Knee Pillow
Although knee pillows from different brands might look similar at a glance, they do vary in terms of materials, construction, and features. Some people find more comfort in certain knee pillows than others because of these differences.
When purchasing a knee pillow, it’s important to keep your needs and characteristics in mind. Your sleep position preference, body weight, and budget impact which pillow is best for you.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Knee Pillow
There are multiple factors to consider when shopping for a knee pillow. Knowing exactly what to look for can save time and help you purchase the best knee pillow for you.
Unfortunately, some sleep product companies use fluffy, difficult-to-decipher wording when describing their sleep products, including knee pillows. With flowery writing, they can make their knee pillows sound wonderful without sharing much concrete information about them.
We encourage you to look past vague advertising claims and examine specific features of knee pillows instead. The best pillow for you will depend on your body and personal preferences.
In this section, we delve into the various factors that are important when it comes to knee pillow shopping. With a deeper understanding of shape, support, firmness level, and more, you will be prepared to evaluate the many knee pillow options on the market.
Shape
Many knee pillows are contoured so the pillow easily fits between a person’s legs. The best knee pillow for side sleepers is designed to sit between the thighs or fit along the length of a person’s calves. There are also knee pillows shaped like cylinders and wedges, which work well for back sleepers who put a pillow beneath their knees.
Support
In knee pillows, the amount of support provided is closely tied to the pillow’s thickness and firmness level. Generally, thicker, firmer pillows provide more support. Larger, heavier people likely need the most support, while lightweight individuals can use thinner, softer pillows and receive adequate support.
Firmness Level
Unlike mattresses, knee pillows don’t usually come with a firmness rating. Instead, companies usually describe their knee pillow’s firmness in words, which can be subjective. Trying out a knee pillow is the best way to determine if its firmness is adequate for you. Reading customer reviews from knee pillow owners of a similar build to you can also help.
Pressure Relief
Knee pillows provide pressure relief indirectly by promoting spinal alignment. When the spine is not properly aligned, pressure develops in the spine and hips. Knee pillows can also directly relieve pressure in the knees. The thickness and firmness of the knee pillow impacts how well it relieves pressure.
Price
The prices of knee pillows range greatly, with the least expensive costing less around five dollars and the most expensive costing over $100. That said, most knee pillows fall in the $20 to $60 range. Prices come from the product’s materials and construction, as well as from the brand’s reputation.
Quality Materials
Most knee pillows are made of memory foam and have some type of fabric cover. High-density memory foam is generally higher quality than low-density memory foam. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers share details about the memory foam they use. Reading customer reviews may be more useful for determining product quality.
Size/Weight
The size and weight of a knee pillow is relevant to people who travel or sleep outside the home. Some knee pillows are small, while others are nearly as large as traditional pillows. Knee pillow weights also vary. Manufacturers generally list their knee pillows’ measurements and weight online.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation refers to how warm a pillow becomes in response to body heat. A knee pillow that regulates temperature well stays relatively cool. Most knee pillows are filled with memory foam, which tends to trap heat. Often, covers are made with cooling, breathable fabrics to counteract this tendency.
Who Should Use a Knee Pillow?
Side sleepers and pregnant women are most likely to benefit from using a knee pillow. ack sleepers and people with back or hip pain can also benefit from using a knee pillow.
- Side Sleepers: Knee pillows promote spinal alignment in side sleepers, relieving pressure from their hips and lower back. Without a knee pillow, side sleepers often find their spine coming out of alignment. Their uppermost leg puts weight on their lower leg. As a result, their hips shift and experience more stress. Using a knee pillow can reduce hip and back pain in side sleepers.
- Pregnant Women: Pregnant women often experience leg cramps and back pain. Using a body pillow or small knee pillow may help by promoting proper spinal alignment.
- Those with Back or Hip Pain: People with back or hip pain might experience relief by adding a knee pillow to their sleep routine. Sometimes pain is caused or exacerbated by improper spinal alignment overnight. Using a pillow to increase support and pressure relief can help.
- Back Sleepers: Back sleepers tend to benefit most from a knee pillow placed beneath rather than between the knees. Placing a pillow beneath the knees of a back sleeper promotes the spine’s natural curve. It also reduces pressure put on the lower back.
Who should avoid knee pillows:
- Sleepers Who Move Frequently: Some people toss and turn too frequently to keep a knee pillow in place overnight. They may try a knee pillow with a velcro strap, but that might not be enough to keep the pillow in place all night.
- Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers generally don’t need knee pillows because their sleep position doesn’t affect spinal alignment in the same way. Instead, they might want to put a pillow beneath the hips.
What Types of Knee Pillows Are Available?
The most common knee pillow type is shaped like an hourglass, and all of our recommendations feature variations on this shape. Still, there are knee pillows of other shapes available, so you should be aware of them.
- Hourglass: The hourglass knee pillow is thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges. It fits well between a person’s thighs and is designed to stay in place. Hourglass knee pillows work best for side sleepers wanting to keep their knees separated.
- Body Pillow: A body pillow is usually the width of a bed pillow, but double the length. Body pillows work well for side sleepers and pregnant women. In addition to putting space between the knees, they give people something to hug.
- Half Moon: The half-moon shaped pillow looks like a cylinder with one flat edge. It’s commonly put beneath the knees by back sleepers, but can also be put between the legs by side sleepers.
- Cylinder: A cylindrical knee pillow is similar to the half moon pillow, but it’s completely round instead of having one flat side. This pillow is most commonly used by back sleepers beneath the knees.
- Wedge: Most wedge knee pillows look triangular from the side, but there are also rounded versions. Generally, these pillows are used by back sleepers beneath their knees. Some are designed to elevate the legs.
- Heart: The heart-shaped knee pillow is the smallest on the market and usually the least expensive. It fits between the knees and thighs of side sleepers and often includes a strap to hold it in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pillows
Yes, but it might not be as comfortable as a designated knee pillow. A regular pillow is often too thin, too thick, or too long to fit properly beneath or between the knees. Knee pillows, however, are specifically designed to fit between or beneath the knees. As a result, they tend to work better at providing comfort.
Most knee pillows cost between $20 and $60. That said, there are knee pillows that sell for as little as five dollars and for as much as over $100. The price of a knee pillow depends on its size, the materials it contains, and the brand that manufactures it.
Most knee pillows come with a removable, washable cover. Some knee pillow covers may be washed in a washing machine, while others should be washed by hand. Knee pillow owners should carefully read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions prior to washing their knee pillow. Incorrectly washing or drying a knee pillow could damage it and void the warranty.
Many online and in-person stores that sell mattresses, bedding, or traditional pillows also sell knee pillows. We suggest visiting the sites of the knee pillow companies we’ve shared on this page or doing a simple search for knee pillows to find more options. When buying a knee pillow online, check to see if the company offers free shipping and free returns.
Knee pillows can last anywhere from one year to several years. Read customer reviews to get an idea of how long people have owned knee pillows made by particular brands. Sometimes knee pillows are thrown away for hygiene reasons. Washable, hypoallergenic knee pillows can stay hygenic longer.
Some, but not all, knee pillows are adjustable. Be sure to carefully read the packaging or manufacturer’s website to determine if a knee pillow is adjustable. Adjustable knee pillows generally unzip and have removable portions. Changing the contents of a knee pillow also adjusts its thickness and firmness.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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