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Google Reviews
Sleep Solutions
4.8
(1027 reviews)
Top Quality Store
What people are saying
5 | 87% | |
4 | 8% | |
3 | 2% | |
2 | 1% | |
1 | 2% |
L
Excellent product, excellent customer service and very fast delivery. I will say, however, that I find the headhand too hot at the moment. This can't really be helped. But if you tend to run hot or get hot flushes, consider this.
We couldn't believe how fast the electric blankets got here from Sydney. Just 3 days by Australia post to Toowoomba. The products have all the features we wanted as well.
M
They were very helpful when placing an NDIS order and fast.
K
Found the website easy to use and order what I needed Delivery was very quick Will be ordering again
A
Was very keen to try this but so hard to as hubby not like it. Tried with earplugs but the cable was annoying
A
Have been travelling with the pillow and highly recommend
W
I was unsure how this product would work but have been amazed at the change in my breathing/sleeping pattern. So thank you Sleep Solutions I am thrilled with this air purifier and the speed in which it was delivered to me.
J
Great service and quick delivery. Range of Mack's earplugs you can't get in stores here. The ultra soft ones are the winner.
A Guide to Body Pillows
Everything you need to know about choosing and using a body pillow for better sleep, pain relief, and pregnancy support.
What Is a Body Pillow?
A body pillow is a full-length pillow designed to support multiple areas of the body at once-including the head, neck, shoulders, back, hips, and knees. Unlike a standard pillow, it runs the length of your torso and legs, encouraging proper spinal alignment and reducing physical strain overnight.
Who Benefits Most from a Body Pillow?
Side sleepers often find that a body pillow eliminates morning stiffness in the hips and shoulders.2 People with chronic lower back pain1 report significant relief when maintaining neutral spinal alignment overnight. And for pregnant women, a body pillow can be transformative-helping manage discomfort and sleep positioning challenges that intensify with each trimester.
The Key Benefits of Using a Body Pillow
A body pillow is more than just a comfort accessory-it's a functional sleep tool that addresses some of the most common causes of poor sleep quality and morning discomfort.
Spinal Alignment
A body pillow placed between the knees keeps hips level, the pelvis aligned, and the spine in a neutral position-preventing the twisting that causes morning stiffness. The Mayo Clinic recommends this approach for reducing back strain during sleep.1
Pressure Relief
Side sleepers often wake with sore shoulders or aching hips from concentrated body weight. Hugging a body pillow distributes weight more evenly and cushions the knees, preventing them from pressing together and straining the joints.6
Back Pain Relief
By maintaining alignment while you sleep, a body pillow allows muscles along the spine to relax rather than tensing to compensate for poor positioning.3 For back sleepers, placing the pillow under the knees maintains the natural lumbar curve.
Less Tossing & Turning
The added physical support of a body pillow reduces the need to constantly readjust your position throughout the night. When your body feels stable and cushioned, you spend longer in deep, uninterrupted sleep cycles.2
Snoring Reduction
Sleeping on your back can cause soft throat tissues to collapse and obstruct the airway.5 A body pillow encourages side sleeping, keeping the airway open-a benefit that extends to any partner sharing the bed.4
Recovery & Rehabilitation
People recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions such as arthritis or sciatica, or dealing with injury can use a body pillow to support comfortable rest positions that would otherwise be difficult to maintain unaided.
How to Use a Body Pillow & Position It on Your Bed
Getting the most out of a body pillow depends on your preferred sleep position and the type of support you need. Here are the most effective ways to position your body pillow.
1 The Hug Position (Side Sleepers)
Lay the body pillow lengthwise along the front of your body. Rest your head on your regular pillow, then drape your top arm over the body pillow and tuck it between your knees so it runs from your chest down to your lower legs.
This "kickstand" position keeps the upper shoulder from collapsing forward, cushions the knees, and maintains a straight line from your head through your spine to your hips.6
2 Under the Knees (Back Sleepers)
Position the body pillow horizontally under both knees. This creates a gentle bend in your legs that takes pressure off the lumbar spine and allows your lower back muscles to relax into the mattress.1
Particularly helpful for people who wake with morning stiffness or tightness in the lower back.
3 Behind Your Back
Place the body pillow along your back while lying on your side. This provides a firm surface to lean into, preventing you from unconsciously rolling onto your back during the night.
Especially useful for people transitioning from back sleeping to side sleeping, or expectant mothers in later pregnancy who need to avoid sleeping supine.5
4 U-Shaped or C-Shaped Wrap
Position the curved end behind or above your head so the two arms extend down either side of your body. Lie on your preferred side, hug the front arm, and tuck the lower end between your knees.
This creates a cocooning effect that supports your body from every angle-the go-to configuration for pregnancy and anyone requiring all-round cushioning.
Tip: Bed Placement
A standard I-shaped body pillow takes up relatively little extra room and fits comfortably on one side of a Queen or King size bed without encroaching on a partner's space. Larger U-shaped or C-shaped pillows require more room and are generally best suited to Queen or King size beds. If bed space is a concern, consider a slimmer straight body pillow or a compact J-shaped design that provides full-length support without dominating the mattress.
Body Pillow Shapes Compared
Body pillows come in several distinct shapes, each offering different levels of support and coverage. Use this comparison to find the right style for your needs and bed size.
| Shape | Support Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| I-Shaped (Straight) | One-sided support - front or back | Side sleepers, general comfort, sharing a bed |
| C-Shaped | Wraparound - front or back + between knees | Pregnancy, back pain, side sleepers needing more coverage |
| U-Shaped | Full-body - both sides, head, and knees | Pregnancy, people who switch sides, maximum support |
| Wedge | Targeted single-area support | Belly support, propping up, compact travel option |
Tip: Matching shape to bed size
If you share a Queen size bed, an I-shaped or J-shaped pillow keeps things manageable. King and Super King beds can comfortably accommodate larger C-shaped or U-shaped pillows without your partner losing their space.
Scientific References
The information in this guide is informed by peer-reviewed research, government health authorities, and reputable medical organisations.
- Mayo Clinic - Sleeping positions that reduce back pain. mayoclinic.org
- Cary D, Jacques A, Briffa K. Examining relationships between sleep posture, waking spinal symptoms, and quality of sleep: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2021;16(11):e0260582. PubMed Central
- Saini S, et al. Relationship between sleep posture and low back pain: A systematic review. Musculoskeletal Care. 2025. Wiley Online Library
- Ravesloot MJL, van Maanen JP, de Vries N. The undervalued potential of positional therapy in position-dependent snoring and obstructive sleep apnea—a review of the literature. Sleep and Breathing. 2013;17(1):39–49. PubMed Central
- Johns Hopkins Medicine - Choosing the Best Sleep Position. hopkinsmedicine.org
- Sleep Foundation - Sleeping With a Pillow Between Your Knees. sleepfoundation.org
Find Your Perfect Body Pillow
Browse our complete range of body pillows and pregnancy pillows to find your ideal match. Not sure which style or shape is right for you? Our Australian-based sleep experts are here to help-contact us for personalised recommendations based on your sleep needs.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Sleep Solutions is a registered NDIS provider
Sleep Solutions is registered as a provider with the NDIS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a Body Pillow?
A body pillow, often known as a maternity pillow, is particularly helpful for side sleepers, expectant mothers needing extra support, and anyone dealing with body discomfort. The first step to using a long body pillow is quite straightforward:
- Select a suitable body pillow: Your personal comfort should guide your choice.
- Position the body pillow: The pillow should be in your bed along the length of your body.
- Situate it correctly: The aim is to lay in a manner that the pillow supports you where you need it most - the back, belly, or legs.
Body pillows offer multiple benefits, including helping to keep the spine, hips, and neck aligned, which can reduce strain and improve sleep quality. Whether you're sleeping, reading, or just relaxing, the long body pillow should enhance your comfort. To ensure that the body pillow continues to provide this support, it's essential to keep it clean and replace it when necessary.
What are Body Pillows used for?
Body pillows, large, long pillows often used for comfort and support during sleep, have various applications. Here's a breakdown of what they are commonly used for:
- Pregnancy support: Due to their size and shape, body pillows can provide support for the abdomen during pregnancy. They can also help to relieve pressure on the back and hips.
- Spinal alignment: When used correctly, a body pillow can aid in maintaining correct spinal alignment, reducing the likelihood of waking up with aches and pains.
- Pressure relief: By supporting key areas of the body, body pillows can help to relieve pressure points, making them beneficial for those with certain medical conditions.
- Comfort and support: Many people simply find body pillows more comfortable and supportive than traditional pillows, particularly for side sleepers.
Can Body Pillows help with back pain?
Body pillows can provide considerable relief for those struggling with back pain. They work by ensuring proper alignment of the spine, hips, and neck, which can help mitigate stress on the back. Here's how to use one:
- Side Sleepers: If you're a side sleeper, position a long body pillow between your knees and thighs. This can help keep your hips, pelvis, and spine aligned, reducing back pain.
- Back Sleepers: For those who sleep on their back, a body pillow under your knees can help maintain the natural curve of your spine, and reduce stress on your lower back.
- Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers can place a body pillow under the lower abdomen to prevent the lower back from sinking and straining during sleep.
While body pillows can be an effective tool for managing back pain, they're not a cure-all. If you're dealing with persistent back pain, it's important to seek advice from a healthcare professional. They might suggest exercises, lifestyle changes, or other treatments in addition to using a body pillow. It's crucial to remember that while a body pillow can help alleviate symptoms, managing back pain often involves addressing the root cause. But for many people, a body pillow is a valuable tool in their toolkit for managing and reducing back pain.
Do Body Pillows help with anxiety?
Body pillows can offer some assistance for individuals dealing with anxiety. They create a sense of comfort and security that can help to ease feelings of stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality. Here's how a body pillow might be beneficial:
- Comforting Presence: The large size of a body pillow can provide a comforting presence, simulating the feeling of hugging or being held, which can trigger the release of positive hormones that help to reduce anxiety.
- Improved Sleep: By providing support and comfort in various sleeping positions body pillows can help improve sleep quality which in turn leads to improved mood and reduced anxiety levels.
While a body pillow can be a beneficial tool in managing anxiety symptoms, particularly at night, it is only one part of a broader anxiety management strategy. If you're dealing with persistent or severe anxiety, it's important to seek professional help.