A knee pillow is a pillow designed to fit between your legs and promote proper spinal alignment, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The Knee-T leg pillow has a streamlined design that is less bulky than other knee pillows. A body pillow or small knee pillow can help by promoting proper spinal alignment. Use this base for sleeping | Sleep better for a better link to get the latest discounts on PineTales pillows. The Coop Home Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow is ergonomically designed to fit between the knees.The Sharper Image Cooling Foam Leg Pillow features a layer of gel in each layer.

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Best Knee Pillows
Updated July 13, 2022
Written by
Daniel Noyed, Certified Sleep Coach
Methodology
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate, data-
After recent tests, we’ve added the PineTales Knee Pillow as our best pressure relief pick. The
Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow remains our best overall pick.
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Many sleepers turn to knee pillows to increase comfort while lying down. Knee pillows are small pillows
specifically made to fit between or beneath the knees. Side sleepers often use knee pillows between
their knees, while back sleepers commonly put them beneath the knees.
Using a knee pillow promotes spinal alignment in side sleepers. Without a knee pillow, the upper knee
rests on the lower knee. This arrangement can misalign the back, put pressure on the hips, and create
pain.
Using a knee pillow between the legs while sleeping on your side or beneath the knees while sleeping
on your back can reduce knee pain. Many knee pillows are ergonomically designed to fit between the
legs, which helps promote proper hip and spinal alignment.
The Best Knee Pillows
Product Details
Best Overall - The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow
Best Value - Sleep Number Knee Pillow
Most Comfortable - Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow
Best for Side Sleepers - Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow
Most Versatile - Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow
Best Pressure Relief - PineTales Knee Pillow
Best for Back Pain - Coop Home Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow
Best Cooling - Sharper Image Cooling Foam Leg Pillow
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2. Best Overall
Price: $53
Fill: Polyester Firmness: Medium Soft
Who it's best for: Highlights:
Engineered with side and back sleepers in mind, The Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow helps
reduce tension in the lower back and pelvic region. Depending on your sleep style, the pillow is
intended to fit either between or below your legs in order to promote good posture during sleep.
The Knee and Leg Posture Pillow consists of polyester fiberfill with a breathable cotton-blend cover.
The medium feel is soft enough to cushion the knees and ankles while still being supportive enough to
help align the spine. The pillow is more pliable than certain memory foam designs and can be shaped
according to each sleeper’s needs.
Both the polyester fill and cotton shell reduce heat buildup, which helps sleepers stay cool at night.
The longer design also makes the pillow suitable for taller individuals. The pillow and removable cotton
shell are both machine-washable for convenient cleaning. A matching cotton pillow protector can
also be purchased separately.
The Company Store offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. for orders $50 and over. The Knee
and Leg Posture Pillow comes with a 90-night sleep trial, which gives purchasers the chance to test
compatibility. The pillow may be returned for a full refund at any point during the 90-day period.
The Company Store Knee and
Leg Posture Pillow
People suffering from chronic aches
and pains
Those who sleep hot
Side sleepers in need of extra
cushioning on the knees and ankles
A moldable design
Entire pillow is machine-washable
Specifically developed for back and
side sleepers
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on The
Company Store pillows
SHOP NOW

3. Best Value
Price: $25
Fill: Memory foam Firmness: Firm
Who it's best for: Highlights:
A pillow that’s designed to help with alignment can be particularly beneficial for side sleepers. The
Sleep Number Knee Pillow is engineered with both support and pressure relief in mind. Shoppers looking
for an affordable knee pillow will likely appreciate Sleep Number’s model, which has a below-average
sticker price.
The pillow rests between side sleepers’ knees, creating a comfortable buffer that adds space
between each leg. When your knees are positioned like this, it can be easier for your back, hips, and
legs to properly align. The pillow’s solid memory foam fill offers substantial support as well as pressure
relief. Your knees sink slightly into the foam, which closely contours to your joints and helps alleviate
discomfort.
A soft and velvety microfiber cover wraps the pillow. Sleepers can remove the cover to machine wash
and dry when necessary. For best results, the foam should only be spot cleaned. This pillow is available
in grey and in one standard size. Sleep Number has designed its Knee Pillow to be hypoallergenic.
Though Sleep Number does not accept returns on this pillow, shoppers have a 30-day window to
make exchanges, and those in the contiguous U.S. enjoy free UPS ground shipping. The Knee Pillow is
backed by a 1-year warranty.
Sleep Number Knee Pillow
Side sleepers
Shoppers who want a knee pillow
designed for high support
Value seekers
Memory foam cushions and supports
Microfiber cover feels soft
Ergonomic shape promotes alignment
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sleep
Number pillows
SHOP NOW

4. Most Comfortable
Price: $85
Fill: Polyfoam Firmness: Firm
Who it's best for: Highlights:
The Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow helps alleviate pain for side sleepers with an ergonomic
design. The pillow is made from high-density memory foam and polyfoam for better shape retention.
It is engineered to provide relief from sciatica, back pain, hip pain, and varicose veins. The pillow’s
comfort strap helps keep the pillow in place to promote proper alignment.
The Knee-T Leg Pillow has a streamlined design that is less bulky than other knee pillows. It comes in
three sizes: standard, long, and pro. The standard size is designed for sleepers shorter than 5 feet, 8
inches, and under 160 pounds, while the long and pro sizes are intended for taller and heavier sleepers.
Sleepers can choose between regular polyfoam and a proprietary Be Cool foam, which is designed to
regulate temperature. Shoppers also have their choice of a bamboo-derived or sherpa cover. Both
cover materials are machine-washable.
While the Knee-T Leg Pillow has a higher price-point than some of its competitors, it may be worth
considering for those with back and hip pain. Back Support Systems offers a 30-day money-back
guarantee, though a 20% restocking fee applies to returned items.
Back Support Systems Knee-T
Leg Pillow
Side sleepers
Sleepers suffering from sciatica, back
pain, or hip pain
Shoppers who want a thinner knee
pillow
Multiple foam, cover, and size options
Leg strap keeps pillow in place
Machine-washable cover
Shop Back Support System pillows with 20% off sitewide + free shipping.
Use code SF20
SHOP NOW

5. Best for Side Sleepers
Price: $45 - Knee
Fill: Solid foam Firmness: Firm
Who it's best for: Highlights:
The Side Sleeper Knee Pillow is another top pick that excels at precise contouring and pain relief due to
its firm feel and dense composition. The Hyperfoam memory foam core resists shape loss and
indentations to provide long-lasting support, even if you frequently need to use the pillow. A cover
made from rayon and polyester also allows the pillow to sleep fairly cool.
Cushion Lab offers two sizes for this pillow. The small size is geared toward people who stand 5 feet 8
inches or shorter, while the large size is better suited to taller people or sleepers of any height who
prefer extra leg support. The cover can be removed and laundered in any household machine. You’ll
also receive a storage bag with your purchase at no extra cost.
All Cushion Lab customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping with their order.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of the original order, and you may also exchange the pillow
during this timeframe.
Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee
Pillow
Side sleepers
People with pain and pressure points
due to poor alignment
Hot sleepers
Excellent contouring around the knees
Available in two size options
Sleeps cool
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on
Cushion Lab pillows
SHOP NOW

6. Most Versatile
Price: $49 - Travel
Fill: Solid memory foam Firmness: Firm
Who it's best for: Highlights:
The versatile All-Purpose Pillow from Tempur-Pedic features a peanut-shaped design that’s effective
at alleviating pressure in different areas of the body. The pillow contains TEMPUR memory foam, a
proprietary material with a dense composition that cushions and conforms without sinking. Whether
you need a neck roll, cushion for your lower back, or a pillow that fits snugly between your knees, this
compact pillow has got you covered.
A removable velour cover with a smooth hand-feel encases the foam. This cover can be removed
and machine-washed for easy care. A built-in carrying strap – coupled with the compact size –
makes the pillow ideal for use during flights or road trips. At less than a pound, the pillow should easily
fit into your carry-on without adding excess weight.
The All-Purpose Pillow carries an affordable price-point, especially considering its expected longevity,
and shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Tempur-Pedic does not allow returns, but each
owner receives a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects for up to 5 years after the
purchase date.
Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow
Frequent fliers
People who feel soreness or stiffness
in areas along the spine
Value seekers
Core composed of dense and durable
TEMPUR memory foam
Unique peanut shape can serve as a
cushion for the neck, lower back, or
knees
Compact and travel-friendly design
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on
Tempur-Pedic pillows
See Discount Price

7. Best Pressure Relief
Price: $49.99 - Standard
Fill: 100% millet hulls Firmness: Firm
Who it's best for: Highlights:
The PineTales Knee Pillow features a millet hull core. This material molds to your leg and knee to help
relieve pressure, while the firmer feel ensures support to help you maintain healthy sleep posture. The
pillow is suitable for use between the knees or under the knees to reduce pressure buildup in the knees,
hips, and lower back.
Millet hulls are also naturally breathable, so you should notice very little heat buildup or sweating
between the knees. The pillow features an inner zipper cover holding the hulls, which can be added or
removed to achieve your desired loft. A fabric outer cover is easily removable and machine-washable
for easy care. The pillow is one of the lightest knee pillows we’ve tested, weighing just 1.1 pounds. This
size makes it a great choice for travel.
The Knee Pillow comes in one size that measures 10 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches thick. PineTales
allows you to return pillows in good condition within 30 days of delivery if you are unsatisfied.
PineTales Knee Pillow
Sleepers with sharp pressure points
Hot sleepers
Frequent travelers
Firm feel supports the leg to help
maintain healthy sleep posture
Naturally breathable millet hull fill
Adapts to the knee to offer excellent
pressure relief
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on
PineTales pillows
See Discount Price

8. Best for Back Pain
Price: $26.00
Fill: Solid memory foam Firmness: Firm
Who it's best for: Highlights:
The Coop Home Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow is ergonomically designed to fit between the knees. As
a result, it works well for side sleepers. This pillow is made of memory foam with a cover made from
Lulltra fabric, which is a blend of polyester and viscose rayon derived from bamboo. Its cover features
a hidden zipper that allows you to adjust the pillow’s firmness and thickness.
Inside the pillow are three parts: two pieces of rounded, contoured memory foam and a flat memory
foam insert. Sleepers may choose to remove the insert, which decreases both the firmness and
thickness of the pillow. The adjustability of the pillow makes it a versatile knee pillow choice. This is one
of the only adjustable knee pillows available on the market. Most knee pillows come in only one
thickness and firmness.
People with allergies can rest assured that the Coop Home Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow is
completely hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. In fact, it’s one of the few knee pillows that has
CertiPUR-US certification.
The pillow’s cover is washable, but only by hand. Coop Home Goods does not recommend putting it
into a washing machine or using bleach or fabric softener on it. The cover should be air dried rather
than machine dried. The foam interior portions of the pillow are not washable.
Coop Home Goods offers a 100-night sleep trial, which is more than average for a knee pillow. The
pillow also comes with a five-year limited warranty.
Coop Home Goods Orthopedic
Knee Pillow
Side sleepers
Sleepers wanting adjustable firmness
People with allergies
Value-minded shoppers
Adjustable thickness and firmness
100-night sleep trial
Below-average price point
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Coop
Home Goods pillows
SHOP NOW

9. Best Cooling
Price: $60 - Knee
Fill: Solid memory foam Firmness: Firm
Who it's best for: Highlights:
The Cooling Foam Leg Pillow from Sharper Image features a gel coating on each side. The gel is
designed to dissipate heat and prevent excessive warmth – a common issue with solid memory foam
pillows. A cover made of breathable velour also promotes airflow to enjoy the pressure-relieving
benefits of memory foam without overheating.
The pillow’s firm feel helps ensure optimal spinal alignment and good stability for the pelvis and hips.
The ergonomic shape also allows the pillow to fit comfortably between your knees while lying on
either side. Thanks to the foam’s dense composition, the pillow should hold up well over time and resist
the shape loss that often occurs with low- or medium-density foams.
The Cooling Foam Leg Pillow is affordably priced and Sharper Image offers reasonable shipping rates
for U.S. customers. You’ll also receive a 1-year warranty against structural defects with your purchase.
Returns are allowed for unopened and unused pillows.
What is a Knee Pillow?
Knee pillows exist to increase a person’s comfort while sleeping. They do so
by promoting spinal alignment, relieving pressure, and helping keep the
body in a comfortable position.
There are many people who benefit from, or could benefit from, using a
knee pillow while sleeping. For example, side sleepers and pregnant women
Sharper Image Cooling Foam Leg
Pillow
Side sleepers
People who normally find memory
foam pillows too warm
Shoppers with limited budgets
Dense foam and ergonomic shape
can alleviate lower back pain
Cooling gel coating on each side helps
reduce heat retention
Cover is made of soft, machine-
washable polyester velour
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on
Sharper Image pillows
See Discount Price
Related Reading

10. often opt for knee pillows.
Some people use regular bed pillows beneath or between their knees.
While this might provide comfort, a specifically designed knee pillow is likely
to provide more comfort with less bulk. Knee pillows are much smaller than
standard bed pillows and are often ergonomically designed to fit between
a person’s legs.
Generally, side sleepers use knee pillows by placing them between their
legs. Back sleepers, on the other hand, tend to sleep with knee pillows
beneath their knees. Stomach sleepers are not likely to use or need to use
knee pillows.
Without a knee pillow, a side sleeper might find their spine fall out of
alignment and they may experience hip, knee, or lower back pain as a
result. A knee pillow can restore that alignment, relieving joint pressure and
pain.
How to Choose a Knee Pillow
Although knee pillows from different brands might look similar at a glance, they do vary in terms of
materials, construction, and features. Some people find more comfort in certain knee pillows than
others because of these differences.
When purchasing a knee pillow, it’s important to keep your needs and characteristics in mind. Your
sleep position preference, body weight, and budget impact which pillow is best for you.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Knee Pillow
There are multiple factors to consider when shopping for a knee pillow. Knowing exactly what to look
for can save time and help you purchase the best knee pillow for you.
Unfortunately, some sleep product companies use fluffy, difficult-to-decipher wording when
describing their sleep products, including knee pillows. With flowery writing, they can make their knee
pillows sound wonderful without sharing much concrete information about them.
We encourage you to look past vague advertising claims and examine specific features of knee
pillows instead. The best pillow for you will depend on your body and personal preferences.
In this section, we delve into the various factors that are important when it comes to knee pillow
shopping. With a deeper understanding of shape, support, firmness level, and more, you will be
prepared to evaluate the many knee pillow options on the market.
Shape
Many knee pillows are contoured so the pillow easily fits between a person’s legs. The best knee pillow
for side sleepers is designed to sit between the thighs or fit along the length of a person’s calves.
There are also knee pillows shaped like cylinders and wedges, which work well for back sleepers who
put a pillow beneath their knees.
Support
In knee pillows, the amount of support provided is closely tied to the pillow’s thickness and firmness
level. Generally, thicker, firmer pillows provide more support. Larger, heavier people likely need the most
support, while lightweight individuals can use thinner, softer pillows and receive adequate support.
Firmness Level
Unlike mattresses, knee pillows don’t usually come with a firmness rating. Instead, companies usually
describe their knee pillow’s firmness in words, which can be subjective. Trying out a knee pillow is the
best way to determine if its firmness is adequate for you. Reading customer reviews from knee pillow
owners of a similar build to you can also help.
Pressure Relief
Knee pillows provide pressure relief indirectly by promoting spinal alignment. When the spine is not
properly aligned, pressure develops in the spine and hips. Knee pillows can also directly relieve
pressure in the knees. The thickness and firmness of the knee pillow impacts how well it relieves
pressure.
Price
The prices of knee pillows range greatly, with the least expensive costing less around five dollars and
Best Cooling Pillow
Best Firm Pillows
Best Soft Pillows

11. the most expensive costing over $100. That said, most knee pillows fall in the $20 to $60 range. Prices
come from the product’s materials and construction, as well as from the brand’s reputation.
Quality Materials
Most knee pillows are made of memory foam and have some type of fabric cover. High-density
memory foam is generally higher quality than low-density memory foam. Unfortunately, not all
manufacturers share details about the memory foam they use. Reading customer reviews may be
more useful for determining product quality.
Size/Weight
The size and weight of a knee pillow is relevant to people who travel or sleep outside the home. Some
knee pillows are small, while others are nearly as large as traditional pillows. Knee pillow weights also
vary. Manufacturers generally list their knee pillows’ measurements and weight online.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation refers to how warm a pillow becomes in response to body heat. A knee pillow
that regulates temperature well stays relatively cool. Most knee pillows are filled with memory foam,
which tends to trap heat. Often, covers are made with cooling, breathable fabrics to counteract this
tendency.
Who Should Use a Knee Pillow?
Side sleepers and pregnant women are most likely to benefit from using a knee pillow. ack sleepers
and people with back or hip pain can also benefit from using a knee pillow.
Who should avoid knee pillows:
What Types of Knee Pillows Are Available?
The most common knee pillow type is shaped like an hourglass, and all of our recommendations
feature variations on this shape. Still, there are knee pillows of other shapes available, so you should
be aware of them.
Side Sleepers: Knee pillows promote spinal alignment in side sleepers, relieving pressure from their
hips and lower back. Without a knee pillow, side sleepers often find their spine coming out of
alignment. Their uppermost leg puts weight on their lower leg. As a result, their hips shift and
experience more stress. Using a knee pillow can reduce hip and back pain in side sleepers.
Pregnant Women: Pregnant women often experience leg cramps and back pain. Using a body
pillow or small knee pillow may help by promoting proper spinal alignment.
Those with Back or Hip Pain: People with back or hip pain might experience relief by adding a knee
pillow to their sleep routine. Sometimes pain is caused or exacerbated by improper spinal alignment
overnight. Using a pillow to increase support and pressure relief can help.
Back Sleepers: Back sleepers tend to benefit most from a knee pillow placed beneath rather than
between the knees. Placing a pillow beneath the knees of a back sleeper promotes the spine’s
natural curve. It also reduces pressure put on the lower back.
Sleepers Who Move Frequently: Some people toss and turn too frequently to keep a knee pillow in
place overnight. They may try a knee pillow with a velcro strap, but that might not be enough to
keep the pillow in place all night.
Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers generally don’t need knee pillows because their sleep
position doesn’t affect spinal alignment in the same way. Instead, they might want to put a pillow
beneath the hips.
Hourglass: The hourglass knee pillow is thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges. It fits well
between a person’s thighs and is designed to stay in place. Hourglass knee pillows work best for side
sleepers wanting to keep their knees separated.
Body Pillow: A body pillow is usually the width of a bed pillow, but double the length. Body pillows
work well for side sleepers and pregnant women. In addition to putting space between the knees,
they give people something to hug.
Half Moon: The half-moon shaped pillow looks like a cylinder with one flat edge. It’s commonly put
beneath the knees by back sleepers, but can also be put between the legs by side sleepers.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Knee
Pillows
Can I use a regular pillow as a knee pillow?
Yes, but it might not be as comfortable as a designated knee pillow. A regular pillow is often too thin,
too thick, or too long to fit properly beneath or between the knees. Knee pillows, however, are
specifically designed to fit between or beneath the knees. As a result, they tend to work better at
providing comfort.
How much do knee pillows cost?
Most knee pillows cost between $20 and $60. That said, there are knee pillows that sell for as little as
five dollars and for as much as over $100. The price of a knee pillow depends on its size, the materials it
contains, and the brand that manufactures it.
How do I clean a knee pillow?
Most knee pillows come with a removable, washable cover. Some knee pillow covers may be washed
in a washing machine, while others should be washed by hand. Knee pillow owners should carefully
read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions prior to washing their knee pillow. Incorrectly washing or
drying a knee pillow could damage it and void the warranty.
Where can I buy a knee pillow?
Many online and in-person stores that sell mattresses, bedding, or traditional pillows also sell knee
pillows. We suggest visiting the sites of the knee pillow companies we’ve shared on this page or doing
a simple search for knee pillows to find more options. When buying a knee pillow online, check to see if
the company offers free shipping and free returns.
How long do knee pillows last?
Knee pillows can last anywhere from one year to several years. Read customer reviews to get an idea
of how long people have owned knee pillows made by particular brands. Sometimes knee pillows are
thrown away for hygiene reasons. Washable, hypoallergenic knee pillows can stay hygenic longer.
Are knee pillows adjustable?
Some, but not all, knee pillows are adjustable. Be sure to carefully read the packaging or
manufacturer’s website to determine if a knee pillow is adjustable. Adjustable knee pillows generally
unzip and have removable portions. Changing the contents of a knee pillow also adjusts its thickness
and firmness.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the
market. Send an email to AskAnExpert@sleepfoundation.org or call us at (877) 672-8966
with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Cylinder: A cylindrical knee pillow is similar to the half moon pillow, but it’s completely round instead
of having one flat side. This pillow is most commonly used by back sleepers beneath the knees.
Wedge: Most wedge knee pillows look triangular from the side, but there are also rounded versions.
Generally, these pillows are used by back sleepers beneath their knees. Some are designed to
elevate the legs.
Heart: The heart-shaped knee pillow is the smallest on the market and usually the least expensive. It
fits between the knees and thighs of side sleepers and often includes a strap to hold it in place.
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