Sleeping with the right knee pillow can help ease back and hip pain. See which of our carefully vetted picks is best for your sleep style.

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.

As always, the knee pillows featured here had to pass Healthline’s vetting process. In addition, our writer tested most of the products to offer her firsthand experience.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $40
  • $$ = $40 to $45
  • $$$ = over $80

Best overall

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 26 by 13 inches (in)

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% 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 one thing I would change about this pillow’s design is its size; it might work better for more sleepers if it were a little longer.

I’d also change its price point. As much as it deserves its high placement on our list, $80 for a knee pillow is still costly.

Pros

  • designed for both side and back sleepers
  • offers ergonomic support
  • soft, cradling feel
  • stays put nicely (no slipping)

Cons

  • expensive
  • custom-fitted pillowcase is sold separately
  • size might not suit all

Best travel-friendly knee pillow for hip pain

  • Price: $
  • Size: 16 by 9.5 in

This knee pillow by Sleep Number is an incredibly soft and lightweight option that may help ease hip pain. 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.

Pros

  • lightweight
  • not too dense
  • supportive
  • travel-friendly
  • uses CertiPUR-US certified foams
  • cover is velvety soft and machine-washable
  • 100-night trial

Cons

  • removable cover comes with a somewhat jingly zipper

Best dense knee pillow for lower back pain

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 9.5 by 8.5 in

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 5 feet 8 in or below. The company recommends a large if you’re 5 ft 8 in or taller with a preference for more leg support. As someone shorter than 5 feet 8 in, I found the medium to be the perfect size for me.

This pillow comes with a 1-year warranty.

Pros

  • dense (for extra support)
  • designed for easing back pressure and pain
  • cover is breathable, hypoallergenic, and machine washable
  • highly contoured wedge design
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • may feel too thick or dense for some sleepers

Best adjustable knee pillow for side sleepers

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 12 by 7 in

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. It also comes with a generous 5-year warranty.

Pros

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

Cons

  • cover is hand-wash only

Best budget knee pillow for leg pain

  • Price: $
  • Size: 10 by 6 in

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

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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Best body pillow for pregnancy

Screenshot
  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 55 by 33 in

Body pillows are a great option for side sleepers who want the thickest, sturdiest option for the whole body — not just the knees. This makes body pillows an excellent option for pregnancy.

This body pillow, available on Amazon, offers side sleepers a comfortable way to get proper alignment and pressure relief through a U-shaped design that wraps around the whole body.

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.

You can also arrange it for comfortable reading in bed or for supportive recovery after surgery. If you purchase through Amazon, the pillow is slightly less expensive but only available in one color. The company website offers a slew of colors and patterns.

Keep in mind that this is a large pillow, and 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 for comfort.

While the pillow is spot clean only, the removable case it comes with is machine-washable.

Pros

  • highly rated
  • multiple uses (pregnancy, side sleepers, reading, surgery recovery)
  • machine washable cover

Cons

  • not space-saving
  • expensive due to large size
  • 30-day returns
  • 90-day limited warranty through company website only

Best multiuse for back pain

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 20.4 by 7.8 in

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.

The brand promises a lifetime warranty, but checking on how that policy applies to purchasing it through Amazon is probably best.

Pros

  • unique shape works for different sleepers and pain types
  • highly rated
  • lifetime warranty from brand

Cons

  • unclear how lifetime warranty applies to Amazon buyers

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.

Here are the important factors we considered during our vetting process:

  • Ratings and reputation: To help make your choice a little easier, our list contains only pillows from brands with high ratings and trusted reputations. This includes transparent return policies and legitimate ways to contact the company if you have issues.
  • Materials and shape: Why not just grab a standard pillow for knee support? Good question. Pillows intended for your head and neck are generally not sturdy enough, nor are they the right shape to properly support your knees. Our list includes a variety of materials and different shapes depending on your pain or sleep style.
  • Support and alignment: Spinal alignment is important for reducing back pain. The pillows on our list are made using supportive, contouring materials, so they will align your back nicely and won’t flatten out like standard pillows often do.

These pillows 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.

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.