Knee Pain

7 Best Knee Pillows for Back and Side Sleepers in 2025

HealthEH Team
By HealthEH Team Oct 1, 2026 • 8 min read
7 Best Knee Pillows for Back and Side Sleepers in 2025

Choosing the right knee pillow can reduce back and hip discomfort. Below are our carefully reviewed recommendations to suit different sleep preferences.

– ADVERTISEMENT –

A quick look at the best knee pillows for back and side sleepers

  • Best overall knee pillow for back and side sleepers: The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow
  • Best travel-friendly knee pillow for hip pain: Sleep Number Knee Pillow
  • Best dense knee pillow for lower back pain: Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow
  • Best adjustable knee pillow for side sleepers: Coop Home Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow
  • Best budget knee pillow for leg pain: Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow
  • Best body pillow for pregnancy:Leachco Back ’N Belly Pregnancy Contoured Body Pillow
  • Best multiuse knee pillow for back pain: 5 Stars United Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow

We don’t usually pick our sleeping positions — they pick us. Each position has advantages and drawbacks.

Side sleepers know that while this position can be comfortable, it often leads to hip soreness. A knee pillow can provide fast relief.

Back sleepers can benefit too: placing a pillow beneath the knees instead of between them can offer notable pressure relief.

All knee pillows included here passed HealthEH’s vetting standards, and our writer personally tried most of these items to share firsthand impressions.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $40
  • $$ = $40 to $80
  • $$$ = over $80

HealthEH’s picks for the best knee pillows for back and side sleepers

Best overall

The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow

The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow
  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 26 by 13 inches (in)

Out of all the knee pillows I tried, this stood out. Its popularity likely explains frequent sellouts.

It works both between the knees for side sleepers and behind the knees for back sleepers. As a side sleeper, I found it stayed in place better than many memory foam knee pillows.

That stability may come from its polyester filling and its construction. The pillow is stitched down the center to form two chambers that provide ergonomic support. The brand states this design helps reduce tension in the knees, ankles, and lower legs.

The construction also helps it retain shape — it doesn’t compress like a standard pillow. It feels soft while still offering supportive, cradle-like comfort.

Another advantage is that it’s machine-washable. A 100% cotton pillow protector (with an envelope closure) is offered separately. I tried the protector and think it’s worth purchasing.

My main critiques are its length — it could suit more sleepers if it were slightly longer — and its cost. While it merits a top spot, $80 remains a high price for a knee pillow.

Pros

  • designed for both side and back sleepers
  • provides ergonomic support
  • soft yet cradling
  • stays in place well (no slipping)

Cons

  • pricey
  • custom cover sold separately
  • may not fit everyone due to length

Best travel-friendly knee pillow for hip pain

Sleep Number Knee Pillow

Sleep Number Knee Pillow
  • Price: $
  • Size: 16 by 9.5 in

Sleep Number’s knee pillow is a very soft, lightweight pick that may help relieve hip pain. It’s the lightest of those I tested, feeling airy while still supportive.

It’s a good fit for side sleepers who like memory foam but prefer a less bulky option. It’s compact enough to toss in a bag for travel.

The memory foam contains polyurethane, yet the pillow is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.

I especially liked the soft fabric. The cover is removable and machine-washable, and the dark gray hue fits well with most decors.

One small downside: the cover’s zipper can make a faint jingling noise during movement, which might disturb very light sleepers who toss and turn.

Sleep Number also offers a 100-night trial on pillows, so you can return or swap it if it doesn’t meet your needs.

Pros

  • ultra-lightweight
  • moderate density
  • supportive
  • easy to travel with
  • uses CertiPUR-US certified foams
  • soft, machine-washable cover
  • 100-night trial

Cons

  • zipper can produce a slight jingle

Best dense knee pillow for lower back pain

Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow

Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow
  • Price: $$
  • Size: 9.5 by 8.5 in

This CertiPUR-US certified high-density memory foam knee pillow is built for side sleepers who need firm support. Cushion Lab’s ergonomist crafted it to reduce pressure and cut down on the need to shift your legs overnight.

I appreciated the contoured shape, and although it’s on the firmer side, it softens a bit with continued use.

The cover is breathable, hypoallergenic, and made from recycled polyester. It’s also designed to keep you cool, which I liked.

There are two sizes: medium and large. Cushion Lab suggests medium for users 5 ft 8 in and under, and large for those taller or wanting extra leg support. At under 5 ft 8 in, I found the medium fit perfectly.

The pillow includes a 1-year warranty.

Pros

  • firm for added support
  • designed to relieve back pressure and pain
  • breathable, hypoallergenic, machine-washable cover
  • strongly contoured wedge shape
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • may be too firm or thick for some sleepers

Best adjustable knee pillow for side sleepers

Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow

Coop Home Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow
  • Price: $$
  • Size: 12 by 7 in

This memory foam pillow aimed at side sleepers has a standout feature: adjustability. You can change the firmness by unzipping the washable cover and removing an internal layer for a softer feel, or keeping it for more support.

I liked the contour and found it comfortable both with and without the extra layer.

The zipper is quiet, making it suitable for light sleepers. The cover has a soft quilted finish and is made from a polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon blend.

The pillow is CertiPUR-US certified, hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and backed by a 5-year warranty.

Pros

  • adjustable for personalized comfort and spinal alignment
  • uses 100% CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
  • hypoallergenic
  • 100-night trial
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • cover requires hand washing

Best budget knee pillow for leg pain

Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow

Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow
  • Price: $
  • Size: 10 by 6 in

I did not personally test this model, but the “As Seen on TV” option has more than 25,000 Amazon ratings with an average of 4.4 out of 5.

Reviewers commonly report that it stays in place overnight and has several uses. The hourglass shape is a popular design feature.

This pillow is described as breathable and cooling, and it includes a removable, washable cover.

Pros

  • can stack two together for full leg support
  • budget-friendly
  • cooling
  • machine-washable cover

Cons

  • 30-day return via Amazon (45 days via company site)
  • no warranty information listed

Best body pillow for pregnancy

Leachco Back ’N Belly Pregnancy Contoured Body Pillow

Leach body pillow
(Screenshot)
  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 55 by 33 in

Body pillows are ideal for side sleepers seeking full-body, sturdy support — especially helpful during pregnancy.

This Leachco body pillow on Amazon provides alignment and pressure relief with a U-shaped design that envelops the body.

Side sleepers can wrap their arms and legs around it to alleviate limb pressure. It’s also useful for comfortable reading in bed or for extra support during recovery after surgery.

Buying via Amazon can be slightly cheaper, though the color options are more limited than on the manufacturer’s site, which offers many patterns.

Note that this is a large pillow that may occupy a significant amount of bed space, and it’s one of the pricier options on this list. The pillow itself is spot-clean only, but the removable cover is machine-washable.

Pros

  • well-reviewed
  • versatile uses (pregnancy, side sleeping, reading, postoperative support)
  • machine-washable cover

Cons

  • takes up a lot of space
  • expensive given its size
  • 30-day returns
  • 90-day limited warranty only through company site

Best multiuse for back pain

5 Stars United Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow

5 Stars United Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow
  • Price: $$
  • Size: 20.4 by 7.8 in

The half-moon bolster shape makes this pillow versatile for back and side sleepers.

The manufacturer recommends using it under the knees for spinal support while on your back, or behind the lower back for lumbar support. Side sleepers can place it between the knees.

I haven’t tested it myself, but reviewers on Amazon praise it for comfort, support, and durability.

The brand advertises a lifetime warranty, though you’ll want to confirm how that applies if you buy through Amazon.

Pros

  • distinct shape suits different sleep styles and pain issues
  • well-rated by users
  • lifetime warranty from brand

Cons

  • unclear how lifetime warranty applies to Amazon purchases
– ADVERTISEMENT –

How we chose the best knee pillows

With so many knee pillow options, it can be overwhelming to narrow down choices. We evaluated a range of shapes, sizes, materials, and brands.

Key considerations in our vetting process included:

  • Ratings and reputation: We focused on brands with strong reviews and trustworthy policies, including clear return processes and reachable customer service.
  • Materials and shape: Standard head pillows aren’t usually suitable for knee support because they lack the proper firmness and form. We included a mix of materials and shapes tailored to different pain points and sleep preferences.
  • Support and alignment: Proper spinal alignment is crucial for easing back pain. Our selections use contouring, supportive materials that maintain shape and won’t flatten like ordinary pillows.

These picks also meet HealthEH’s standards for brand integrity and wellness-focused recommendations. You can learn more about our review process on our site.

The bottom line

Knee pillows come in various materials and price ranges for both side and back sleepers. Most deliver solid support and pressure relief, and many are comfortable to boot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main benefit of using a knee pillow? +

A knee pillow helps maintain spinal alignment by keeping hips and knees separated or supporting the knees when lying on your back, which can reduce pressure on the lower back and hips and ease pain.

Which knee pillow is best for side sleepers? +

Side sleepers often benefit from contoured or hourglass-shaped knee pillows that fit between the knees to prevent hip rotation and reduce strain on the pelvis and lower back.

Can knee pillows help with pregnancy discomfort? +

Yes. Larger body or contoured pregnancy pillows provide full-body support, helping align hips and relieve pressure on the pelvis and lower back during pregnancy.

How do I care for a knee pillow? +

Care depends on the model: many have removable, machine-washable covers; the pillow core may be spot-clean only. Check manufacturer instructions and wash covers regularly to keep it hygienic.

Are memory foam knee pillows safe for people with allergies? +

Many memory foam knee pillows use hypoallergenic covers and CertiPUR-US certified foam. If you have severe allergies, choose hypoallergenic and dust-mite-resistant materials and wash covers often.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or before making any changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.
– ADVERTISEMENT –