Wedge-shaped pillows are convenient because they are small and easily portable. However, because they are small, you will still need to use a regular pillow for your head. Choose from a crescent-shaped or triangular-shaped wedge pillow, whichever is your preference. The different shapes do not provide different benefits.
The U-shaped pillow is typically the most expensive pregnancy pillow. It is also the biggest pregnancy pillow. So if you have a small bed, look into getting a smaller pillow.
The only drawback is that you will need to adjust the pillow throughout the night as you switch sides. This pillow shape is also recommended for plus-size women since its asymmetrical shape allows you to shape the pillow in a variety of ways. [2] X Research source
Flexible versions of the full-length pillow are available as well. The flexible ones bend and conform to your body, but they are generally more expensive.
Placing the pillow between your legs and arms will help relieve tension in your knee and ankle joints.
You can also place a wedge-shaped pillow behind your back to support your lower back.
If you are using a C, U, or J-shaped pillow, keep your spine aligned by placing your head and neck on the pillow as if you are using a regular pillow.
Pillows with this type of filling are typically more expensive, around $60 or more, depending on the size of the pillow. Just remember, whatever pillow you choose, make sure it can support your weight and will not lose its shape throughout your pregnancy; for example, if you are a plus-size woman, you may want to choose a memory foam pillow since these tend to hold their shape better.
This filling is typically found in cheaper pregnancy pillows. Pillows with Styrofoam ball filling are generally not machine washable, so make sure to choose one with a removable cover that you can wash.
Like Styrofoam pillows, pillows with microbead filling tend to be cheaper, around $40 or more, depending on the size of the pillow. Pillows with microbead filling may or may not be machine washable. If you choose one that is not, make sure it has a removable cover that you can wash.
Memory foam pillows tend to be more expensive, around $100 or more, depending on the size of the pillow. Additionally, memory foam pillows are typically machine washable. If you’re worried about becoming too warm at night, try a pillow with shredded memory foam. This has many of the same benefits, but more air can move through the pillow, cooling it down.
If the pillow you like does not have a removable cover, then make sure it is machine washable and can fit inside your washing machine.
For example, if you have a small or mid-sized bed, make sure to get a pillow that is not too big for your bed. The length of the pillow can also be affected by style; for example, U-shaped pillows tend to be longer than the other types of pillows.
