15 Best Knee Pillows In 2024, As Per An Orthopedic Specialist
In This Article
While most people buy a good head or neck pillow for a comfortable sleep and to alleviate back pain and neck pain, they do not often consider a knee pillow, primarily because they are not aware of its benefits. A good knee pillow offers proper alignment to the hips and spine and helps improve blood circulation. It is also a good pick for pregnant women and those recovering from a knee injury.
Keep scrolling as we bring you a list of the best knee pillows that are ergonomically designed and expert-recommended to offer you support and comfort.
Top Picks
Benefits Of Using A Knee Pillow
A good knee pillow helps
- Keep your hips and spine in alignment, thus ensuring good blood circulation.
- Reduce back pain or straining of the spine.
- Accelerate leg injury and post-surgery recovery
- Provide good support during pregnancy.
Types Of Knee Pillows
The following are the two main types of knee pillows.
- Half-cylinder: As the name suggests, this pillow is shaped like a half-cylinder. It helps improve blood flow and is apt for those who change their sleeping positions frequently.
- Hourglass: This type of pillow is usually placed between the legs while sleeping. It is shaped like a wedge or a half-moon shape. This pillow is useful for people with lower back pain. In addition, you may consider this pillow shape if you are looking for ways to correct your posture while sleeping. Dr. Dave Candy, a physical therapist and certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, states, “I highly recommend using a knee pillow with a strap so that it doesn’t fall out of place as you move around in bed at night.”
15 Best Knee Pillows
1. Best Memory Foam:ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow
This high-density foam pillowfrom ComfiLife is crafted to provide maximum support and comfort when sleeping. Whether you want to get relief from back pain, hip pain, or even sciatica, you can trust this pillow. Made of 100% durable and high-density memory foam, this pillow also helps with proper alignment of your spine and improves blood circulation while you sleep. Its breathable zipper cover prevents it from becoming warm and also allows you to remove it for machine-wash. Thanks to this pillow, you can sleep tight without tossing and turning around with pain.
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Ergonomically contoured design
- Washable cover
- Suitable for pregnant ladies
Cons
- May require time to adjust to it
2. Best Comfort:Abco Tech Memory Foam Knee Pillow
Abco Tech memory foam knee pillow is designed to align the spine and leg muscles. This pillow is not restricted to medical purposes but can be used for support during pregnancy or on days you seek extra comfort. The quality-tested soft memory foam knee pillow helps alleviate knee and joint pain, post-injury pain, and back and sciatica pain. It features a curved ergonomic design with cooling gel technology. The shape prevents the pillow from sliding, and the cooling gel gives a soothing sensation throughout the night.
Pros
- Breathable, hypoallergenic fabric
- Durable design
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Cover is removable and washable
Cons
- Cooling effect may not last long
- May be only suitable for side sleeping
"This knee pillow is comfortable for me. It helps me alleviate lower back and hip pain. It provides soft support and stays in place during nightly tossing and turning."
3. Best Cooling Gel:Ebung Leg Elevation Pillow
The Ebung leg elevation pillow is designed for dynamic use. This elevation is comfortable and is made of soft memory foam and premium-grade polyurethane foam. Its contouring surface features a top layer of cooling gel that reduces inflammation and enhances comfort during sleep. This pillow is suitable for post-surgery resting periods and knee, back, or hip pain. The high-density foam ensures it does not collapse under the pressure of weight.
Pros
- Helps improve blood circulation
- Breathable, hypoallergenic fabric
- Versatile use
- Removable and washable cover
Cons
- May be bulky for some
- May not suit short people
"The pillow helps in spinal alignment and leg comfort and is a valuable help for those with back pain or leg soreness. It may require some patience to reshape after unpackaging. It's worth a try for the comfort it offers."
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow Best Memory Foam | Abco Tech Memory Foam Knee Pillow Best Comfort | Ebung Leg Elevation Pillow Best Cooling Gel | |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 9.8 x 7.9 x 6.3 inches | 8.2 x 6.7 x 5.9 inches | 13 x 11 x 7.2 inches |
Weight | 0.5 Pounds | 1.5 pounds | 2.84 pounds |
Material | Memory Foam | Memory Foam | Memory Foam |
Shape | Leg | Wedge | Leg |
Fill Material | Memory Foam | Memory Foam | Polyester,Foam,Memory Foam |
Color | White | White | White |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 9,031 | 767 | 3,284 |
Price | $21.95 | $14.99 | $42.99 |
4. Best Sleep Position Support:Contour Legacy Leg And Knee Foam Support Pillow
Contour Legacy leg and knee pillow has been designed for people who have back or joint pain. The orthopedic pillowhelps align your hips and spine and eliminates the pressure points that cause pain. It comes with ventilated air holes to provide good air circulation and prevent you from overheating, while its contoured shape and long length allow your knees to bend freely and help you sleep in a comfortable position. Further, the knee pillow comes with a zippered and machine-washable hypoallergenic cover.
Pros
- Good air circulation
- Smooth, rounded edges
- Universal fit
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- May not be suitable for heavy people
"This pillow has improved my hip and back pain greatly. It provides solid support to my body and aligns perfectly with it. Its smooth, round edges do not prick or scratch my skin. The pillow is breathable, and it feels cool. It reduces pressure on my joints and promotes better sleep."
5. Best Sleep Aid Leg:Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow
This breathable leg pillow by Everlasting Comfort has been crafted with safe materials to conform to major safety requirements. Its soft and dense memory foam helps create a support system for your legs and knees by adjusting to the shape of your lower body. Further, the tried-and-tested knee pillow is designed to look like an hourglass and has a dual-curved design to provide support to each leg and keep you comfortable at night. The pillow is a good sleep aid as it also comes with a complimentary set of earplugs made of foam for blocking noise while you sleep.
Pros
- Adjustable and removable strap
- Premium memory foam
- Customized fit
- Removable zippered cover
Cons
- May flatten quickly
6. Best Premium:Modvel Orthopedic Memory Foam Cushion
This orthopedic pillow from Modvel features a breathable velvet cover and is filled with 100% premium memory foam. This expert-recommended knee pillow is an ideal solution for aligning your spine, hips, and knees and eliminating muscle tension when sleeping. The hypoallergenic cover comes with a hidden zipper and is easily removable for washing, and the quality memory foam retains its shape even after extended use. So, whether you want a comfortable sleep, pregnancy or post-injury support, or pain relief, this knee cushion makes an ideal pick.
Pros
- Ergonomic curved design
- Hypoallergenic and free of additives
- Allergy-tested
- Machine-washable
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Foam may be slightly hard
"After spending many nights with a regular pillow between my knees, this knee pillow has been helpful for my lower back and hip issues. It stays in place through the night, and the removable cover is convenient for regular maintenance."
7. Best Organic Cotton:BeautifulLife Back Pain Relief Foam Pillow
While most knee pillows are suitable only for the legs, this pillow from Beautiful Life works like a charm to alleviate pain in your arms, neck, ankle, and hip, accelerate post-surgery recovery, and provide support during pregnancy. Regardless of whether you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, this sleep support pillowrecommended by doctors, physical therapists, and sports trainers can be your ideal sleep companion. The tried-and-tested knee pillow is made of organic cotton cover and filled with 100% visco-elastic memory foam. If you are looking for a top-quality knee pillow for hassle-free sleep time, this pillow has got you covered.
Pros
- Suitable for couch, bed, or chair
- Hypoallergenic memory foam
- Organic cotton cover
- Removable and machine-washable cover
Cons
- Foam may be slightly thin
"While this pillow is a bit firm, it's been great for my lower back and has eased my knee pain significantly. It also supports my feet. I also like the cover it comes with, as it makes it easier to clean and maintain. On the whole, I find it practical and functional."
8. Best Machine-Washable:Vaunn Medical Memory Foam Knee Pillow
Vaunn knee pillow is designed with the patented Cloud Air technology to eliminate heat and provide pressure relief to your knees, legs, and hips. It is made of CertiPUR-US-certified polyurethane foam and a breathable and machine-washable cover. While many pillows go flat over time, this pillow does not, thanks to the premium quality foam. Further, the pillow’s ergonomically contoured design facilitates proper spine alignment and improves blood circulation when sleeping.
Pros
- High-density memory foam pillow
- Soft-woven, hypoallergenic, and zippered cover
- Can be placed in multiple positions
- Relieves pressure on the lower back
Cons
- Pillow may be slightly small
"I found this knee pillow surprisingly versatile; I also like to use it for lumbar support when working at my desk. The dual-layer cover is a nice touch. Overall, it has been a worthy addition to the bedroom for more restful nights."
9. Best Quality Foam:Natumax Knee Pillow For Side Sleepers
This tried-and-tested knee pillow from Natumax comes with a strap to help keep it intact while you sleep and has been ergonomically designed to provide proper alignment to your hips, knees, and back and facilitate good blood circulation. The back and side sleeper pillow is made of breathable and machine-washable cover and filled with quality memory foam that does not flatten even after extended use. Further, its 9.4-inch width ensures it fits legs of all sizes, and the pillow’s ergonomic shape allows you to place it in multiple positions, thus making it an ideal pillow for pregnancy support, pain relief, and good sleep.
Pros
- Specially designed for side sleepers
- Relieves chronic pain
- Zippered cover
- Complimentary sleep mask and earplugs
Cons
- Zipper may scratch your legs
"As a side sleeper, this pillow brings me comfort and proper alignment, and the band ensures it stays in place all night. Although I would have preferred more firmness, it gets a thumbs up for the relief it has brought me."
10. Best Bamboo-Derived Viscose:Coop Home Goods Leg Support And Knee Pillow
Coop Home Goods brings you this ergonomically contoured leg posture-correcting pillow that helps support several pressure points in your body and alleviates pain in your back and hips while you sleep. Made of bamboo-derived viscose and blended with top-quality polyester, the adjustable knee pillow has cooling properties and is extremely breathable, thus ensuring you get a comfortable sleep each night. Further, it comes with a five-year warranty and is CentiPUR-US-certified.
Pros
- Patented Lulltra fabric
- Designed for pregnant women and side sleepers
- Firm and adjustable
- Removable cover and foam inserts
Cons
- Zipper may not be durable
"This bolster pillow stood out to me for its ability to relieve my neck and knee pain. I sleep on my side, so I like that it adds some extra support. Its flat side stays secure, although I have noticed that it can retain heat occasionally. Still, the customizable thickness is a nice touch."
11. Best Versatile Sleep Support:AllSett Health Half Moon Bolster Pillow
This pillow by AllSet Health is designed to support your head, feet, lower back, knees, hips, and legs. The quality-tested orthopedic pillow measures 22.1 x 8.7 x 5.1 inches and has a half-cylindrical design, which helps in proper alignment of the spine and hips and facilitates good blood circulation. It is also useful for improving posture when lying down or sleeping on your stomach, side, or back. Its gray bamboo cover is removable and machine-washable, and the spinal alignment pillow is filled with high-quality memory foam.
Pros
- Ultra-soft and breathable cover made of bamboo fabric
- Hypoallergenic and non-toxic memory foam
- Quality zipper
- Ideal for all sleeping positions
Cons
- Memory foam may take time to fluff up
"This pillow has been a comfortable find, whether nestled under my knees to ease back tension or propped behind my back for lumbar support. It has held up well so far and has helped reduce swelling in my leg. I found it practical for daily use."
12. Best Varicose Vein Reduction:Comforever Leg Pillow For Sleeping
Here’s a leg pillow by Comeforever that features a spacer between the legs, thus giving it an M-shape and offering more support to your legs. The leg pillow comes with an ergonomic contoured shape to support multiple sleep positions and improve blood flow in your legs. It also makes for an apt pillow that you could use to reduce varicose veins and accelerate post-surgery recovery. Its soft outer cover is made of quilted bamboo fabric, and the inner is filled with premium visco-elastic memory foam. Further, it adopts the Cloud Air technology, which keeps you cool when sleeping.
Pros
- Skin-friendly material
- Smooth round edges
- Durable zipper
- Dust-proof
Cons
- May not offer much elevation
"This pillow has a high-density memory foam filling that offers a cooling experience. The pillow is firm but offers cushiony support to my knees and ankles. I also place it below my thighs when I sleep sideways. The cover is easy to clean."
13. Best Lightweight:LDReamam Zero Degree Knee Pillow
This knee pillow by LDReamam helps elevate your heels to create an optimal zero-degree knee extension. The orthopedic pillow is suitable for people recovering from a knee replacement, knee dislocation, or hip dislocation and helps with faster recovery. This hip and knee pain relief pillow is made of lightweight and durable foam that ensures long-lasting comfort.
Pros
- Designed by doctors
- Optimal knee extension
- Suitable for use during travel
- Prevents external rotation of the foot
Cons
- May cause knee inflammation in some
"I liked how this knee pillow provided essential support throughout my post-surgery recovery. It ensured proper leg alignment, but I wish it came with a protective cover, as it would have made cleaning easier. However, its quality and size met my needs well."
14. Best Blood Circulation:CosyTech Knee Pillow For Sciatica
Here’s a knee pillow from CosyTech that helps align your spine and knees and provides optimal support to your body. The half-moon shaped pillow measures 20.5 x 8.3 x 4.1 inches and is pretty versatile as it can be used as a back-, knee-, lumbar-, neck-, and leg-support pillow. Further, the lumbar support knee pillow has an ergonomically contoured shape to help improve blood circulation, reduce insomnia, and alleviate pain due to pressure on the joints of your body.
Pros
- Breathable and hypoallergenic material
- Ergonomic design
- Advanced memory foam
- Suitable for machine wash
Cons
- Memory foam may not compress quickly
"I recently tried out this knee pillow, and I'm impressed. It did need some time to fluff up after I took it out of the box, but once ready, it offered the right balance of softness and firmness. I've even been using it as a makeshift neck roll while sitting up."
15. Best Velcro-Strap:foverhom Memory Foam Knee Pillow
Filled with 100% pure memory foam, this knee pillow from foverhom is designed to provide the perfect level of density and support your leg. It comes with a Velcro strap to let the pillow be in perfect alignment when you sleep. Designed for side sleepers, this pillow measures 10.6×7.87×6.2 inches and weighs 1.02 pounds. Further, this high-quality knee pillow is OEKO-TEX certified and made of memory foam.
Pros
- Luxurious comfort
- Provides ideal spacing for legs
- Adjustable strap and safe hidden zipper
- Weight responsive
Cons
- Memory foam may flatten after extended use
"This pillow is pretty cozy, and it keeps my spine aligned. The strap helps it stay in place, so it's a thoughtful feature for an active sleeper like me. It is a bit bulky, but I'm happy with its performance."
How To Choose The Right Knee Pillow?
Consider the following factors when choosing a knee pillow for a restful sleep.
- Sleeping position: While some people sleep on their stomachs, others sleep on their sides or backs. And most knee pillows are designed for specific types of sleepers. However, when choosing one, ensure it is compatible with all types of sleeping positions.
- Material and design: The primary purpose of a knee pillow is to offer proper alignment to the hips and spine and improve blood circulation. Choose a knee pillow with an ergonomically contoured design and one that is made of hypoallergenic and durable material. One that has an organic cotton or bamboo fabric cover and is filled with memory foam makes a good pick as it offers breathability.
- Easy maintenance: Choose a knee pillow that comes with a zipper and machine-washable cover for easy maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who should use a knee pillow?
Knee pillows come in various shapes and sizes and help align your spine and hips while also offering relief to your aching body, improving blood circulation, and providing pain management. While anyone can use a knee pillow for comfort and good sleep, it comes in handy for pregnant women, athletes, people with back pain, and those recovering from a knee dislocation or hip dislocation. However, it is best to consult your healthcare provider first and go with an expert-recommended one.
2. Can I use a regular pillow as a knee pillow?
While you could use a regular pillow as a knee pillow, it may not offer good alignment to your spine and hips. Further, some pillows may be too hard or too soft. For best results, always choose a knee pillow over a regular pillow to support your knees and back.
3. How should I clean a knee pillow?
Many knee pillows come with a removable cover that is washable by hand and in a washing machine. To wash a knee pillow, toss it into a washing machine after reading the washing instructions mentioned on the label.
4. How long do knee pillows last?
A knee pillow can last up to 18 months. Fold your pillow in half and check if the pillow returns to its original shape. If it doesn’t, you may buy a new one.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our team of experienced product writers, reviewers and researchers have a knack for creating content after understanding the needs and wants of readers. We leave no stone unturned in keeping the readers informed about the best products available across different categories. In this article, we have highlighted the features of the best knee pillows after comparing several products, and the reviewer’s experiences associated with them. We have specifically handpicked those that are versatile enough to meet the needs of various types of sleepers and ones that are easy to maintain.
The Bottom Line
Resting after a long day can be therapeutic, but taking rest has transcended beyond just sleeping on a bed using regular pillows. What if you can get a specialized pillow to help you sleep like a log? The best knee pillows are specially designed to ease back, leg, and knee pain after a long day. There is a knee pillow designed for everyone, and this list will help you choose one that suits you the best. Our top choices are the Ebung Leg Elevation Pillow, which has a top layer of cooling gel to reduce inflammation, the Vaunn Medical Memory Foam Knee Pillow because of its ergonomic design, and the Natumax Knee Pillow for its compact and portable design.
Infographic: Benefits Of Using A Knee Pillow
Besides selecting the appropriate knee pillow corresponding to your needs, it’s essential to understand its primary purpose to make the most of it. So, check out the following infographic to learn the advantages of using a knee pillow.
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Read full bio of Dr. Dave Candy