Side sleepers can run into a number of issues that lead to a less comfortable sleep. Many people, myself included, have found that a leg pillow for side sleepers can provide comfort and improve their quality of sleep. For several months I slept with one leg propped up on a pillow to give me the support I was craving. Then I discovered the knee pillow.
Knees pillows are made to fit between the knees (for side sleepers) or beneath the knees (for back sleepers). When I made the switch to a knee pillow, it was a gamechanger for my sleep. A regular pillow does not give you the proper support in the right areas and most often is not the right size.
A knee pillow helps keep your spine aligned as you are sleeping. The pillow cushions your knees and reduces the pressure on your hips that may be causing you pain. Knee pillows can also relieve sciatica pain, upper back pain, or ease symptoms from restless leg syndrome.
There is a wide range of knee pillows on the market that target different health issues and sleeping habits. This guide will show you the best leg pillow for side sleepers in a range of five different categories.
Best Overall: ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow
The ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow is one of the best knee support pillows for side sleepers. Made from memory foam, your knees will get the precise amount of support that you need. The memory foam provides long-lasting support and will not go flat over time as other pillows tend to do.
The pillow’s ergonomic design helps to keep your legs, hips, and spine in the proper alignment to provide you with better sleep and avoid cramping or poor circulation. This sleep-aid, like all new pillows, can take a few nights for your body to adjust to the new position you will be sleeping in.
This pillow comes with a removable cover that can be machine washed regularly. The breathable cover material also helps to keep the pillow from becoming too warm during use.
Best For Pain Relief: Modvel Orthopedic Knee Pillow
For pain relief, the best around is the Modvel Orthopedic Knee Pillow. This leg pillow for side sleepers can help relieve lower back and hip pain that can cause you to toss and turn all night long. It can also help alleviate sciatic and joint pain.
This pillow is made from memory foam to give you the right amount of support all night long. By sleeping in your preferred side sleeping position, this pillow helps to align your body and reduce muscle tension in order to help you get better sleep that will leave you feeling energized upon awakening.
The pillow is hypoallergenic and very breathable. The cover can be removed and can go through the laundry to help keep your pillow clean and in the best condition.
Best Cooling Knee Pillow: Calming Comfort Cooling Knee Pillow
For side sleepers that get warm at night, the Calming Comfort Cooling Knee Pillow can provide support while keeping you cooler at night. This pillow’s design is also great if you would prefer to use the pillow between your knees, calves, or thighs throughout the night.
This pillow is made of memory foam infused with charcoal. The charcoal helps to eliminate odors and moisture while the memory foam gives you the support you need for a superior night’s sleep. A machine-washable mesh cover also helps to provide breathability as you sleep.
In addition, an outer layer of cooling gel technology is provided to help diffuse body heat and can even reduce inflammation while you are sleeping. Keeping cooler while you sleep can relax your body and provide more refreshing sleep.
With the combination of gel and memory foam, you get the best of both worlds. The cooling gel works to keep your skin more comfortable and the durable memory foam will align your hips, knees, and spine to enable you to sleep in the most supported position.
Best Knee Pillow For Tall People: Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow
The unique shape of the Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow makes it ideal for sleepers on the taller side. The semi-circle shape helps to maintain relief and comfort throughout the night for side sleepers.
Measuring at 20.4″ long, this pillow provides the most support for a tall individual. A two-layer design is utilized for this support pillow. A memory foam layer makes up the outer of the pillow. A light lemon scent can be found in the memory foam to help induce sleep. The inner layer is made of foam that is highly resilient. The foam serves to keep the pillow stiffer as time goes on, while the memory foam provides support while adhering to your body shape.
A hypoallergenic anti-pilling cover is provided with your pillow. It is breathable to keep the pillow cool throughout the night and is washable and not sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
In addition to the great use as a knee pillow, this semi-circle pillow also offers a variety of other support. At times, you may need to sleep on your back and it can be used under your back to help support your lumbar or under your knees to relieve pressure on the spine. If placed under your ankles, it can help reduce varicose veins and improve blood flow. Using the pillow as you are seated upright in a chair can prove quite comfortable as well.
Most Comfortable Knee Pillow: Everlasting Comfort Pure Memory Foam Knee Pillow
If you are looking for straight-up comfort, the Everlasting Comfort Pure Memory Foam Knee Pillow is the best option for you. The memory foam is designed to provide you with optimal comfortable support. The curved shape creates space between your knees in order to assist your body in staying in a comfortable side-sleeping position.
A removable, adjustable strap is provided with this pillow. This enables you to keep the pillow in the proper position throughout the night, even if you are rolling over in bed. The lack of shifting and re-adjusting will help you have undisturbed sleep as everything will remain in place.
A zippered, cover is included. The breathable, removable cover may be machine washed to maintain cleanliness.
Conclusion
All of the options listed above are great choices for any side sleeper looking to improve their sleep and support their body. By pinpointing your specific needs, the right leg pillow can help side sleepers get a better night’s rest while relieving pain and discomfort.
Main photo by Andrea Piacquadio