Sleeping position is one aspect of our existence and experience over which we often have limited control — rather, sleeping positions choose us. Side sleeping has its advantages and disadvantages, and if you are a side sleeper then you are already aware of this sleeping position. The major con is the hip pain at night, but a knee pillow can give immediate comfort.
Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position which most adults use, and therefore enjoy the best knee pillows for side sleepers. You’ll be surprised to know that knee pillows also help side sleepers find a comfortable sleeping position. Add a knee pillow, place it under your knees and it will provide you with a quick solution to stress relief.
Body pillows aren’t an easy buy: They can be rather costly and are a little awkward to house throughout the day. While a compact knee pillow may seem somewhat ludicrous, it is just a little more manageable and more suitable if you are buying your first ergonomic pillows.
We’ve gone through our fair of pillows and have probably slept on essentially the most forms of pillow out there, apart from a knee pillow. We saw that many reviews were either too positive or too negative. If you want to read further about the best knee pillows for side sleepers continue reading this article and check our top choices.
A brief review of the best knee pillows for side sleepers
1
Best Overall Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow
PROS
- Great support and uniformity
- High scores from testers in regard to promoting spine alignment
- Able to adjust the height and firmness by removing the foam inserts
CONS
- It was rather tiring having to put the cover back on after washing it.
While wandering through the evaluation, the biggest worries of our testers were size and thickness, and that’s why this adjustable pillow left all the competitors behind. The rounded sides also protrude more than the other orthopedic designs, which only curve in a part way along the length, so it will accommodate different sizes.
Apart from that, it was denser than many of the pillows we reviewed, providing more of a stable base and not contouring to the shape of the body as soon as one lies their head down. In our test, I covered the foam well but the covering on the specific sectioned foam was a bit tricky; one should begin by placing the cover on the outer foam blocks rather than in between the foam blocks.
Many of the reviewers appreciated its support, it was effective in offering much needed support to their hips. One mentioned, “I actually suffer from hip bursitis and the pillow helped to position me right when sleeping.” One of them said, “As soon as I lay down I felt relieved on my lower back.”
Nonetheless, if you are a person who rotates in your sleep, every knee pillow has a small learning curve. You have to put in a lot of effort in order to maintain it in place underneath the covers.
RELATED: The Best Body Pillows
2
Best Value Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Cushy Form Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
PROS
- Available in two sizes
- Fits your body well
CONS
- Provides less firmness than other picks.
If you prefer a softer feel, this option is good for providing mild support and excellent for pressure relief. The standard size is perfect if you are of small stature since many knee cushions are typically large and can infringe on your space, the large size is convenient if you are sure that you will need more space.
The cover can be washed easily, however when it is placed back on the pillow, it may take a little longer to realign than the other normal covers. This was the softest of the tested styles but it did not stay compressed for long when subject to pressure testing.
I believe this option would work best if you are a little intrigued about knee pillows, butbut in generaly cautious about the knee pillows. In the earliest days of testing, ninety percent of our at-home testers reported two main complaints; While some found the knee pillow either very large and firm or very small and soft, however, the majority agreed that the soft pillow one was comfortable to use.
Essentially, all the testers noted it provided a good mix of comfort and support; it conformed to their body’s shape to the optimal extent. Our tester who sprained his knee earlier in the year was particularly thankful for this extra cushioning for knee safeguard and comfort.
RELATED: The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
3
Best Cooling Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Minupwell Cooling Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
PROS
- Slightly unremarkable design
- Original cosmetics, breathable and stiff fiberfill
- More coverage than any other standard size pillow
CONS
- Doesn’t form a mold in your body
If you are using a down or down-alternative pillow between your legs at night, but it is slightly softer than you would like, then this is the one I would suggest. It is longer than most of the standard bed pillows, thus providing sufficient coverage, and it is divided into two parts, each stuffed with a firm down-alternative fill to comfortably fit between the knees.
It is also suitable if you are a hot sleeper since other popular foam types are known to trap heat. You’ll have to spend extra cash to add a pillow cover, and although the pillow is machine washable, it’s easy to wash, but it won’t fit in some washing machines.
Generally, the best option is a front-loading machine or a top-loading machine that doesn’t include an agitator. Still, it seems to be easy to wash, and the texture of the fabric and the shape was good. Our testers pointed out that the fill was much firmer with Fiberfill but they liked the length that came with the fill as well the natural look of the fill.
Some argued that they couldn’t wrap the pillow to fit their body shape but others appreciated that it breathed well compared to other foam pillows. As a combination sleeper who finds herself rolling in her sleep (unwillingly), for that reason I was sleeping on my side the whole night when utilizing this, however, it took me some time to become used to it.
RELATED: The Best Cooling Pillows for Side Sleepers
4
Most Supportive Knee Pillow
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow
PROS
- A firm, consistent support
- 30,500+ Amazon reviews
- can buy a replacement cover separately
CONS
- According to reviews, the cover may run out quickly
This pick was recommended to me by the partner of a BH analyst and the person has been using it for the last four years or more. It’s the firmest style from all the models we tested and so it will suit dense support-seeking users rather than pressure relief. Also, it boasts over 30,500 Amazon reviews as well.
Another tester was delighted, he said, “the material used is slightly thick and quite firm and it merely lays between my legs and does not get squashed or compacted.” He also emphasized how due to the curved design it remains in its position at night unlike the bed pillow.
The only real issue was the durability of the cover even when it is washed often in the washing machine, over time he has had to go out to purchase another cover. Many other online reviewers had the same concern, but still, many people preferred this style over the others.
5
Best For Pressure Relief Knee Pillow
Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow
PROS
- The best tested ergonomic pillow brand
- It fits the shape of your body quite nicely without compromising on support
CONS
- Sizing can be hard
Other products to their credit include seat cushions and lumbar support pillows, Cushion Lab is one of the best when it comes to ergonomics! I was also amazed at the foam in this pillow which conforms to your body’s shape but doesn’t sink, thereby providing the compression required to relieve pressure yet provides support.
As for the other similar styles we tried in our comparison, it was possible to distinguish the difference in design. The piece pertaining to the larger size felt comfortable between the knees or thighs depending on the size of the person.
This was well illuminated by our testers who pointed out the extent to which this cushioned their knees. One said, “I like that it is designed in that shape because the contoured design gave me a nice cushion on my knees andfirmly positioned. Another one emphasised the supportive nature, that made it simple to keep the distance between her knees widened.
They make the product in two sizes only but it can be a bit random as to which size is perfect for you. Some of the online reviewers noticed that the recommendations of Cushion Lab are misleading (the Large version is most suitable for users higher than 5’8”). Some of the users with height below 5’8″ opted for Large size while others found the size to be wide for normal size. Fortunately, the brand provides a simple return policy which means that you can get your perfect fit.
6
Best Comfortable Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
PROS
- This knee support pillow is perfectly designed to ensure good distance between your knees and relieve any pain.
- The cover has a zipper – so you can easily wash it in cold or hot water.
- The knee support system has an adjustable and detachable hook and loop strap.
CONS
- It is fairly heavy.
The Everlasting Comfort orthopedic knee pillow is our best memory foam knee sleeping pillow for you if your existing knee support pillow keeps slipping off. This is a pillow that you place between your legs whenever you are sleeping only to discover that it has rolled onto the bed next to you. This Everlasting Comfort hourglass pillow is designed with a strap incorporated in its design to help in holding the pillow. You can uninstall it if you so wish, but it is there in the background for anyone who needs it.
You also don’t need to hold on to your knee pillow throughout the night because even if you rollover during the night and change your sleeping side, the pillow stays in position without any need of interference. Also, with this excellent hourglass knee pillow, another extra can also aid to guarantee you of a sound and refreshing sleep. With the two sets of memory foam earplugs included (4 individual pieces), you will not be woken at night by any noises.
If you have a partner that snores loudly or your room is situated near a noisy stretch of the road, the earplugs will keep you separate from the noise thus making you comfortable. You get a 100% higher density memory foam knee pillow that hugs the contours of your knees, wrapping them symmetrically for enhanced support and comfort.
The Everlasting Comfort knee pillow is meant to position and space your knees in a way that realigns your hips and legs, and straighten your spine for the purpose of relieving pain in the lower back (lumbar) area, the hips, thighs, and knees. It is also good in the treatment of sciatica which is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, arthritis, and bursitis. The majority of women notice that this piece of equipment will let them lie and sleep more comfortably while pregnant.
7
Best Memory Foam Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Abco Tech Memory Foam Knee Pillow with Cooling Gel
PROS
- 100% memory foam material is used for this knee support to fit the contours of your knee or leg.
- Prevents joint and muscle pain with its natural spine shape from your spine, hips and up to your ankles.
- Stretches and relaxes the back muscles, hamstrings and lower leg muscles so you feel more relaxed and rested.
CONS
- Not recommended for people with large thighs due to the shape of the niche.
The Abco Tech memory foam knee pillow is another hourglass knee pillow that will help to keep the spine and other lower joints in their proper positions: your lower back, hips, knees and ankles. It will help you wake up with no pain at all if you use it for knee pain. It is not only the knee support pillow, but it is also much more than that. It also enhances the restoring of the natural shape of the spine thus eradicating lower back or lumbar pain and in the hip area and knee pain as well.
It can also help to minimise or even eradicate ankle pain when used underneath lower legs many times. When you are on your side you place it between the knees or legs, while when on your back you can place it beneath a thigh or lower leg. Some back sleepers try two – one under each leg so that they fully support the back sleeping position and the natural curvature of the spine in particular.
You will be surprised at how effective this is as far as pain inhibition is concerned or total eradication of it. As it weakens tension within the muscles and nerves of your leg as well as eliminates pressure in your sciatic nerve, the Abco Tech memory foam knee pillow helps to alleviate pain from muscle tension, nerve issues and cramps. It can also cure varicose veins and increase the flow of blood in your legs, if you have a problem there.
It is also appropriate for use during pregnacies. The certified hypoallergenic breathable cotton cover is comfortable and cool to the touch, and can be taken off for washing (machine or by hand). If you don’t like it, or found that it has a fault you can get a replacement or a refund.
How to choose the best knee pillows for Side Sleepers
✔️ Material/fill: Almost all knee pillows currently available online are manufactured from solid memory foam with some using fiberfill.
- Memory foam is famous for its pressure relief and most knee pillows will be quite firm and supportive or very soft and comfy. If you desire a relatively firm surface, choose high density foam.
- Polyester fiberfill is usually of a fluffier nature, and being flexible it allows better air circulation as opposed to foam which tends to create a seal and produce heat build up.
✔️ Size, shape and firmness level: When choosing orthopedic knee pillows, you’re most likely to find products similar in appearance to this one: hourglass-shaped with contoured design and firm or soft to the touch. Using it is however dependent on how spread apart one’s knees or legs are which is the most vital feature.
Make sure to check if your body feels aligned with the pillow: If your legs tilt inwards look for an even thicker and firmer material for the rubber itself. If they protrude you will require a more sleek or comfortable one.
✔️ Care: While there are bed pillow sizes and cases, there are no set sizes and no cases for knee pillows, so you will have to depend on the case for a particular model. Choose a case that is easy to wash and if the pillow is washable too then the case should not be too complicated to wash so that it can fit in your business of washing.
FAQ
Why should you use a knee pillow for Side sleepers?
Specifically for patients who side-sleep due to hip pain caused by arthritis or bursitis, Dr. Shahriar Rafi advises that a pillow be placed between the knees or the legs to reduce pressure at sensitive points.
Therefore, if you are a side sleeper and experiencing pain in the knee or hip, it is advisable to try positioning any type of pillow between your knees, whether it’s an orthopedic knee pillow, body or normal pillow. However, Dr. Shariar Rafi warned that “There is no fixed correct strategy.” The main goal is to decide on the best pillow and how you want to sleep on it.”
With reference to consumer tester’s feedback that I received, I would so much agree with you. Here’s what I’d recommend: In case you are still in doubt try sleeping with a spare pillow (if available) between your legs or knees until you are ready to invest in a body pillow. If you like using that, please continue using it. If you want it to be slightly more supportive, then I would consider getting a body pillow or a knee pillow.
In case you decide to opt for a knee pillow, like buying a new mattress, it will also need some break in.It can be a great experience. If one shifts in their sleep they might even find the pillow on the floor when waking up for the first few mornings.
Are orthopedic knee pillows really effective?
Well, basically, orthopedic knee pillows look identical, but they could differ as to the firmness and size, so sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
Some of the reviewers, a couple of whom had hip bursitis, found that a knee pillow did assist with alignment. A few testers, however, stated that they used it alongside a normal pillow or a full size body pillow as some knee pillows appeared too firm to be aligned or not long enough for a particular person.
I’d suggest knee pillows to those who want support at the knee and don’t wish for material covering the whole of the leg. If you are fine with the kind of coverage offered by a normal pillow, but desire something firm, then go for the Minupwell Cooling Knee Pillow pick or even explore the body pillow section.
