We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Sleep Products 10 Best Knee Pillows for Pain-Free Sleep Put an end to back, knee, and hip pain with these expert-approved, supportive pillows. By Sherri Gordon Updated on March 22, 2024 Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Alli Waataja It’s widely known that back, leg, and hip pain can cause you to lose restorative sleep. Disrupted sleep sets you up for several problems, including impaired problem-solving skills, decreased attention to detail, and reduced productivity. It can even impact your mood. Fortunately, knee pillows can take the added pressure off your hips and lower back or stabilize the pelvis while sleeping, says Kevin Lees, DC, a chiropractor and director of chiropractic operations for The Joint Chiropractic. Not only does this reduce pain, but in some cases it may also promote sleep. To help you find the right pillow for your needs, we researched dozens of knee pillows and evaluated them for their cushioning, support, comfort, and breathability. Here are the top 10 knee pillows that made the cut. Our Top Picks Best Overall: The Company Store Knee and Leg Pillow at The Company Store ($55) Jump to Review Best Budget: Luna Orthopedic Knee Pillow at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best for Side Sleepers: Cushion Lab Extra Dense Orthopedic Knee Pillow at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best for Back Pain: Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow at Amazon ($80) Jump to Review Best for Hip Pain: Sleep Number Knee Pillow at Sleepnumber.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Leg Pain: Contour Leg and Knee Support Pillow at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Most Versatile: Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Support Pillow at Walmart ($40) Jump to Review Best for Pregnancy: Leachco Back 'N Belly Contoured Body Pillow at Amazon ($90) Jump to Review Best for Pressure Relief: Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow at Amazon ($33) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Coop Sleep Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected the Best Knee Pillows What to Look for in a Knee Pillow Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall The Company Store Knee and Leg Pillow The Company Store View On The Company Store $55 Pros Offers cradle-like support Accommodates both side and back sleepers Stays in place Cons Custom-fitted pillowcase sold separately Key Specs Fill material: Polyester | Firmness: Medium to soft | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It We fell in love with the Company Store Knee and Leg Posture Pillow because of its versatility and comfort. Not only can this pillow accommodate both side sleepers and back sleepers, but the unique crevice in the middle of the pillow also provides support for the knees and the legs, which takes pressure off of the hips and back. Measuring 26 inches long by 13 inches wide, this pillow can be used both between the knees for side sleeping or behind the knees for back sleeping. Additionally, it’s sewn down the middle creating two distinct areas in the pillow for nesting your knees and legs. Plus, it’s long enough to accommodate your entire leg, which helps relieve tension in the knees, lower legs, and ankles. Keep In Mind This pillow has a unique shape and works best with a custom-fitted pillowcase, which is sold separately. Best Budget Luna Orthopedic Knee Pillow Luna Blanket View On Amazon $25 View On Lunablanket.com Pros Breathable Hypoallergenic Snug fit Cons Lacks some durability Key Specs Fill material: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It For those who want a budget-friendly knee pillow that does not skimp on comfort, look no further than the Luna Orthopedic Knee Pillow. We like that this pillow’s responsive memory foam is dense and supportive while still feeling squishy and soft. The pillow’s contoured shape allows it to fit perfectly between knees to relieve pressure on your lower spine and provide low back support. Made of dense memory foam, this hourglass pillow withstands pressure from your body weight well and doesn’t lose its shape easily. Keep In Mind As is the case with most budget-friendly options, this knee pillow might not hold up as long as some of the more expensive options. Best for Side Sleepers Cushion Lab Extra Dense Orthopedic Knee Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $35 View On Thecushionlab.com $32 Pros Hypoallergenic Available in two sizes Breathable Cons Zipper isn't covered Key Specs Fill material: Gel-infused memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It When you’re a side sleeper, finding a pillow that keeps the pressure off your hip and lower back is key to a good night’s sleep and a productive morning. The Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow provides perfect leg stacking to maintain spine alignment and reduce back pain while you sleep. Plus, the hypoallergenic cover stays cool to the touch so you don’t get too hot while sleeping. We love that this supportive pillow comes in two sizes so you’re sure to get the right fit—something not many other knee pillows offer. The company recommends getting the medium pillow if you are under 5’8” and the large pillow if you are taller than that. Keep In Mind The only downside to this pillow is that there’s no fabric covering the zipper, so it could get caught on something or become irritating if you rub up against it. Best for Back Pain Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow Back Support Systems View On Amazon $80 Pros Available in three sizes Choose between three types of foam Two cover options Cons Some may not like the straps Key Specs Fill material: Polyfoam, memory foam, or be cool foam | Firmness: Firm | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It The Back Support Systems Knee-T Leg Pillow is designed to make back pain a thing of the past for side sleepers. It’s ergonomically designed to relieve everything from sciatica pain to lower back pressure and is also a good option for those with arthritis or a herniated disc (with approval from their doctor). We love that this pillow is designed to evenly support and hold your legs in a neutral position, which promotes proper alignment and improved circulation. There are three sizes, and you can also choose the type of foam and cover you want. This helps ensure you get a pillow that will fit your body type and preferences. Keep In Mind The straps on this pillow are designed to hold it in place and prevent too much movement, but they could be cumbersome for those who don’t like to feel strapped down or confined. Best for Hip Pain Sleep Number Knee Pillow Sleep Number View On Sleepnumber.com Pros Velvety soft and lightweight Travel-friendly Stays in place Cons Zipper rattles with movement Key Specs Fill material: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It When you have hip pain at night, you need a pillow that’s not intrusive in order to get a good night’s rest, and that’s what the Sleep Number Knee Pillow provides. With an hourglass shape that cradles your knees, this pillow promotes alignment, particularly of the hips, knees, and back. We also love the velvet-like microfiber cover and its lightweight feel. The pillow feels luxurious against the skin, and it doesn’t retain a lot of heat, so you can expect to stay at a neutral temperature while using it. Even better, the pillow stays in place and is small and lightweight enough for travel. Keep In Mind The zipper tends to rattle with movement, which could be disruptive when you’re just starting to doze off. Best for Leg Pain Contour Leg and Knee Support Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart View On Target $20 Pros Unique shape cradles thighs and knees Breathable Allows movement and flexibility Cons Only one size Key Specs Fill material: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It As one of the more uniquely designed knee pillows on our list, the Contour Legacy Leg and Knee Foam Support Pillow supports the thighs and knees for better support and alignment while you sleep. The pillow is designed with ventilated air holes in the memory foam, which promotes consistent air circulation and breathability throughout the night. We particularly appreciate the unique center incline of the pillow that contours to the natural curve of your thighs and cradles your pelvis while you sleep. The pillow also allows you the freedom and flexibility to change positions throughout the night, so it’s a great option if you move around a lot in your sleep. Keep In Mind This pillow only comes in one size, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially given its contoured shape. Fortunately, the company has a 45-day return policy. Most Versatile Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Support Pillow Amazon View On Walmart $40 View On Tempurpedic.com $49 Pros Comfortable and supportive Travel-friendly Doesn’t lose its shape Cons Contains latex Key Specs Fill material: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It If you’re looking for an all-in-one pillow that can be used in a variety of different scenarios, you can’t go wrong with the Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow. Aside from serving as a great knee pillow, it also can be used for lumbar support and even makes a great travel pillow. This peanut-shaped pillow features the same Tempur-Pedic material used in the company’s mattresses for pressure relief. The soft, protective cover can be removed and washed when it gets dirty, and we love that the pillow is durable and will never lose its shape. Keep In Mind The cover contains latex, so if you have a latex allergy or sensitive skin, it may not be right for you. Best for Pregnancy Leachco Back 'N Belly Contoured Body Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $90 View On Leachco.com View On Nordstrom $100 Pros Supports head, stomach, and knees U-shaped design fits contours of body Easy to change positions at night Cons Takes up a lot of space Key Specs Fill material: Polyester | Firmness: Soft | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It This wrap-around Leacho Back 'N Belly Pregnancy Pillow measures 55 inches long, giving you plenty of space to get comfortable—a feat that’s not easy when pregnant. The U-shaped design offers plenty of support for the neck, knees, and stomach, which makes it easy to switch sides without needing to reposition the pillow every time you move. We love that the pillow’s inner contours are designed to follow the natural curve and shape of your body, with just the right amount of support without being rigid or intrusive. This pillow is so soft and comfy, it can feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. Keep In Mind This pillow keeps you positioned on your side as is recommended during the later months of pregnancy, but it also takes up a lot of room. If you have limited bed space, you may want to consider whether this pillow will disrupt you or your partner’s sleep. Best for Pressure Relief Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $33 View On Walmart $28 Pros Body heat helps contour pillow Adjustable and removable strap Earplugs included Cons May be too bulky for some Key Specs Fill material: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It Side sleepers often experience a lot of pressure when one leg is pressed against the other, which can make it difficult to get adequate rest. The Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow contains memory foam that utilizes your body heat to contour the pillow for more personalized support. This reduces the pressure placed on your hips, knees, legs, and back. Fashioned in the traditional hourglass shape, we love that this pillow features an adjustable, removable strap to hold it in place. If the strap makes you feel too confined, it’s easy to remove. Either way, this pillow provides a soft, supportive foundation for your knees while you sleep. Plus, we like that there are included earplugs to further promote sleep. Keep In Mind This pillow is pretty solid and has an elevation that some people may not love. If you’re on the smaller size, you should make sure this pillow does not cause your body to be misaligned while you are sleeping. Best Adjustable Coop Sleep Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $40 View On Coopsleepgoods.com Pros Removable inserts Regulates body temperature 100-day trial period Cons May not be firm enough for some Key Specs Fill material: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium | Washable cover: Yes Why We Recommend It Not many knee pillows are adjustable, but the Coop Home Goods Orthopedic Knee Pillow is an exception to the rule. We love that you can remove the inserts in the pillow if it’s a bit too thick or dense for your comfort level. If you still can’t find a fit that is right for you after 100 days, you can return it with no questions asked. Made of memory foam and covered with a bamboo-blend fabric, we love the breathability of this pillow and its ability to keep you cool at night. It’s a reliable choice for people suffering from a range of issues, whether it’s back pain, hip pain, or sciatic nerve pain. Keep In Mind The pillow is on the softer side, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for more support. How We Selected the Best Knee Pillows When selecting the best knee pillows, we spoke with several physical therapists and chiropractors who provided insight into what makes a good knee pillow. They also told us how using a knee pillow should feel and how much support it should provide. We then spent hours reviewing the best and most effective products on the market to determine which pillows met these guidelines. After taking all of our options into consideration, we selected the 10 best knee pillows based on the following qualities: Cushioning: We looked for pillows that provide just the right amount of cushioning. Dr. Lees says a good knee pillow provides enough cushioning to be comfortable without impacting your circulation. A pillow that’s too soft may compact down or lump up and no longer be supportive, he says. Comfort: Select a pillow with an ergonomic design for maximum comfort, suggests Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT, a doctor of physical therapy. We looked for contoured pillows that fit naturally between your knees. Support: We selected pillows that provide enough support without being too stiff. You want a pillow that provides a good balance of firmness and cushioning. Breathability: The pillows on our list feature breathable materials that will keep you cool and sweat-free throughout the night, resulting in deeper sleep and reduced aches and pains the next day. What to Look for in a Knee Pillow When selecting a knee pillow, consider the following features: Size: Choose a pillow that’s a comfortable size. Avoid pillows that are too bulky or don’t fit your body type, Dr. Dobbertin says. A pillow that is too big or too small won’t promote optimal alignment.Materials: Opt for a durable pillow made with high-quality materials, which are typically easier to clean, more breathable, and longer lasting. Memory foam and polyester are two of the best options.Removable, Washable Cover: A knee pillow with a washable, removable cover is easier to clean and maintain. Our Experts When developing our list of best knee pillows, we consulted with the following physical therapists and chiropractors: Blessen Abraham, DC, a chiropractor at Brunswick Health & Physical Therapy Center in New Jersey Preston Brown, DPT, a geriatric physical therapist and owner of Prestige Therapy and Wellness Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT, a doctor of physical therapy and former PT clinic owner with Practitionr Kevin Lees, DC, a chiropractor and director of chiropractic operations for The Joint Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions What types of injuries are knee pillows best used for? Even though you place a knee pillow between your knees, it’s not usually your knees that benefit most from the extra support. Knee pillows work best for back pain, says Blessen Abraham, DC, a chiropractor at Brunswick Health and Physical Therapy Center in New Jersey. They can also reduce sciatic nerve pain as well as hip pain. This is because a knee pillow promotes proper spinal alignment, keeping your knees, hips, and back in a straight line. Is it safe to use a knee pillow every night? Generally, it’s safe to use a knee pillow every night as long as it improves your alignment and reduces pain, Dr. Lees says. If your pain worsens or new symptoms arise, stop using the pillow and talk to a healthcare provider. How often should you clean your knee pillow? If your pillow comes with cleaning instructions that include how often you should wash the removable cover, you should follow those instructions. If it doesn’t, you should plan to wash your cover as often as you would your regular pillowcases or sheets. Maintaining proper hygiene is important, says Preston Brown, DPT, a geriatric physical therapist and owner of Prestige Therapy and Wellness, since bacteria or germs can lead to skin irritation or other harmful conditions. Why Trust Verywell Health As someone who specializes in covering health and social issues, Sherri Gordon, CLC understands how important it is to find the right products to address your medical issues and concerns—and she is particularly passionate about those products that help promote good sleep hygiene. Throughout her career, Sherri has interviewed countless healthcare professionals, including those in the sleepcare industry, and was able to draw on that experience with these recommendations. With a combination of careful research and extensive knowledge, Sherri gives readers everything they need to make an informed decision. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Martinez R, Reddy N, Mulligan EP, Hynan LS, Wells J. Sleep quality and nocturnal pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(41):e17464. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017464 National Institutes of Health. Benefits of slumber. By Sherri Gordon Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit