7 Best Knee Pillows for 2022

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Sleeping positions are a part of life that we don’t usually choose ourselves — instead, sleeping positions pick us.

If you’re a side sleeper, you probably know there are pros and cons to this sleeping position. For example, nighttime hip pain is one major con. But a knee pillow can offer quick relief.

You may be surprised to learn that knee pillows help back sleepers get comfortable, too. Adding a pillow under your knees (instead of between them) can offer a quick boost of pressure relief.

Keep reading to learn more about knee pillows for side and back sleepers, and see our picks for the best options.

Why not just grab a standard pillow for knee support? Good question.

Pillows intended for your head and neck are generally not supportive enough, nor are they the right shape to properly support your knees. Plus, they don’t help with spinal alignment.

Having proper alignment while you sleep — aka good sleeping posture — is important for reducing back pain.

Most knee pillows are designed using supportive materials and are made to contour to your knees much better than an ordinary pillow. This means they won’t quickly flatten out like a standard pillow would.

If you’ve done any shopping for knee pillows, you know there are almost too many to choose from. You can spend days sorting through slews of different shapes, sizes, materials, and brands.

To help make your choice a little easier, this list contains only pillows with high ratings and trusted reputations.

The pillows on our list have also been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Sifting through product descriptions and customer reviews can be overwhelming. We’re here to make researching products easier.

In some cases, that means having our writers and editors test products to see how they perform in real life. In others, we rely on crowdsourcing reviewer feedback from retail sites.

For this review, our writer tested many of the products herself. Here’s what she kept in mind while testing:

Of all the knee pillows I tested, this one takes the cake. It apparently does the same for many, which may explain why it’s often sold out.

It can be used both between the knees for side sleeping or behind the knees for back sleeping. As a side sleeper, I kept it between my knees and found that it stayed put better than a memory foam knee pillow.

That may be thanks to its polyester fill, as well as its design. It’s sewn down the middle to create two separate chambers and offer ergonomic support. This support, according to the brand, helps ease joint tension in the knees, ankles, and lower legs.

This design also helps keep the pillow’s shape — it doesn’t flatten like a traditional pillow. It’s also soft but offers cradle-like support at the same time.

Another perk is that it’s machine washable. A 100 percent cotton pillow protector (with an envelope closure) is available but sold separately. I tested the pillow protector too, and think it’s worth the protection.

The only thing I would change about this pillow is its size; it might work better for more sleepers if it were a little longer.

This knee pillow by Sleep Number is an incredibly soft and lightweight option. Lighter than all the other pillows I tested, this one is airy but still supportive.

It’s a good choice for a side sleeper who likes memory foam but doesn’t want a thick, heavy option. It’s also small enough to toss in your bag if you want to take it with you when you travel.

This memory foam does contain polyurethane, but the pillow is hypoallergenic. This makes it a good choice for those with allergies.

My favorite thing about this pillow is how soft the fabric is. The cover is removable and machine-washable, and I appreciate the dark gray color. Some knee pillows are less pleasing to the eye, but this one can easily blend into most rooms.

The pillow cover closes with a small zipper that can make a little jingle noise when you move it. If you’re a light sleeper who tends to toss and turn, the sound may be disruptive.

It’s worth mentioning that Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial period for pillows. You can rest easy knowing you can return or exchange your pillow if it’s not working for you.

This CertiPUR-US certified high density memory foam knee pillow means business for side sleepers. Cushion Lab’s in-house ergonomist designed it for easing pressure and cutting back on the urge to reposition your legs as you sleep.

I like the contoured fit and noticed that, although it’s a denser option, it does loosen up nicely the longer you use it.

The cover is breathable, hypoallergenic, and made of recycled polyester. It’s also designed to keep you cool — another feature I appreciate.

There are two size options for this pillow: medium and large. Cushion Lab suggests ordering size medium if you’re shorter than 5 feet 8 inches or below. The company recommends a large if you’re 5 feet 8 inches or taller with a preference for more leg support. As someone shorter than 5 feet 8 inches, I found the medium to be the perfect size for me.

This pillow comes with a travel bag and a 1-year warranty.

There’s a lot to love about this memory foam pillow designed for side sleepers. The big draw is that you can customize it by deciding how much filling you want. Simply unzip the machine washable cover, and remove one of the inner layers to make it less dense. Or, keep the extra layer in place for a firmer feel.

I like the size and contour of this pillow and found that I enjoyed it both with and without the inner layer.

This pillow’s zipper is nice and quiet, so it’s not disruptive for light sleepers. The cover is soft, with a quilted design. It’s made from a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon.

This pillow is CertiPUR-US certified, hypoallergenic, and dust mite resistant.

I did not test this pillow, but the “As Seen on TV” option has over 25,000 ratings on Amazon, with a 4.4 out of 5 star average rating.

Happy reviewers mention that the pillow stays put during the night and has many uses. The hourglass shape seems to be a big hit, as well. This pick is said to be a breathable, cooling option. It has a removable, washable cover.

This pillow also comes with a 1-year warranty.

Body pillows are a great option for side sleepers who want the thickest, sturdiest option for the whole body — not just the knees. This body pillow by Casper offers side sleepers a comfortable way to get proper alignment and pressure relief.

The brand explains that, by wrapping their arms and legs around this pillow, side sleepers find relief from the pressure that’s often put on their limbs during sleep.

The company also mentions body pillows are a popular, comfortable pillow choice for pregnant people.

I tested this pillow and can confirm its “hugability.” However, keep in mind that this is a large pillow that’s a little bit heavy. It may take up a lot of room in your bed. This pick is also the most expensive pillow on this list. But it’s definitely designed to last and feels high quality.

While the pillow is spot clean only, the removable case it comes with is machine-washable. This pillow also comes with a 1-year limited warranty and a 30-night risk-free trial.

This bolster pillow is a half-moon shape, making it a good choice for both back and side sleepers.

According to the manufacturer, back sleepers can find spinal support by using the pillow under their knees. Putting it behind the back provides lumbar support.

Side sleepers can place it between their knees.

I have not tested this pillow, but Amazon reviewers are overall happy with this pick, calling it comfortable, supportive, and durable.

It’s a good idea to decide on the material and your budget first. Do you like a dense or softer pillow? What about memory foam versus polyester fill? How large or small should it be?

You’ll also want to consider if you’ll be traveling with your pillow and if the look of the pillow matters to you.

Be sure to read legitimate reviews before buying, and check out return policies.

Knee pillows are available for side and back sleepers in a range of materials and price points. These pillows usually offer strong support and pressure relief. Plus, some are pretty cozy.

Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.