Have you ever had lower back pain? If so, then don’t fret – it’s more common than you think. In fact, in 2020 a straggering 619 million people worldwide suffered from the condition. By 2050, that number is expected to reach 843 million as per the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Those with knee pain may alter their movement patterns, resulting in lower back pain. For this reason, many people have turned to using an under knee pillow to alleviate lower back pain.
Under knee pillows are designed to provide support to the lower back by elevating the knees while sleeping. They have proven to be effective as they are specifically meant to align the back, hips and knees. While a traditional pillow may be a more affordable option, they are generally too thin or less ergonomically suitable.
To help narrow down the best under knee pillow for lower back pain, we have identified several options that can provide you with top-notch support and comfort. Whether you are a side sleeper or a back sleeper, in this article you can surely find the one that works best for your needs and preferences.
What is an Under Knee Pillow for Back Pain?
Knee pillows are specialty pillows designed to fit between or beneath the knees. Its goal is to enhance comfort and improve sleep posture. Poor posture can lead to a variety of problems such as improper spinal alignment, back pain, limited mobility, reduced flexibility and breathing problems. Individuals may also use knee pillows to relieve pressure buildup in the lumbar region, knees and legs.
Best Under Knee Pillow for Lower Back Pain
For those who suffer from lower back pain, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be a challenge. One solution is to use an under knee pillow, which helps to align the spine and reduce pressure on the lower back.
Whether you’re a side or back sleeper, we will review the best under knee pillows for lower back pain to help you make an informed decision. Pregnant women may also opt for this type of pillow to maintain a healthy sleep posture.
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee and Leg Pillow for Sleeping
- Bolster Pillow For Legs, Knees, Lower Back - Ergonomically designed bolster pillow effectively supports legs, knees, lower back, ankles and more and provides comfort and effective pain relief where you need it.
- Multi-functional Half Moon Positioner Pillow - Perfect for back and side sleepers to provide lower back pain, hip pain, leg pain and joint pain relief at night. Great to use as a knee pillow, leg pillow, lumbar pillow, foot pillow, neck roll pillow, wedge pillow, between ankles, between legs, under knees, lower back support and pregnancy body pillow.
- High-Density Memory Foam - ComfiLife semi roll pillow provides long lasting comfort for hours. It won't go flat over time and provides optimal support and spinal alignment
If you’re looking for a comfortable and effective solution to alleviate lower back pain, hip pain, leg pain and joint pain at night, the ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee and Leg Pillow for Sleeping is a great option.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Supports legs, knees, lower back, ankles and more. Ideal for back and side sleepers. Can be used as a knee pillow, leg pillow, lumbar pillow, foot pillow, neck roll pillow, wedge pillow, between ankles, between legs, under knees, lower back support and pregnancy body pillow. Provides long-lasting comfort for hours. Does not go flat over time. User rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. | May be too firm for some users. The pillow cover is not waterproof. The size of the pillow may not be suitable for those who prefer larger pillows. |
The ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee and Leg Pillow for Sleeping is a versatile and comfortable pillow that can provide relief from various types of pain. The pillow’s ergonomic design effectively supports different parts of the body, making it an excellent option for those who suffer from back pain, hip pain, leg pain and joint pain.
The pillow’s high-density memory foam provides long-lasting comfort and support, ensuring that it won’t go flat over time. The pillow’s breathable and easy-to-clean cover provides ultimate comfort and prevents the pillow from overheating, which is ideal for sleepers who sweat at night. Some users find it too firm or too small in shape, while others find it easy to adjust and move around during the night.
AllSett Health Large Half Moon Bolster Pillow
- ULTIMATE BODY COMFORT & SUPPORT- Sleep through the night with the best comfort & support your body needs. This half-moon bolster provides elevation for your head, feet, lower back, knees, hips, and legs. Place the half-moon pillow where comfort is desired to help relieve pain.
- MULTI-POSITION SLEEPER BOLSTER- Help put sleepless nights behind you- Measuring 22.1" x 8.7" x 5.1, our bolster pillow is created with a unique design to accommodate all kinds of sleepers: back or side sleepers. Also, relieving back and stomach pain knee.
- ORTHOPEDIC DESIGN- The comfortable half cylinder leg pillow supports knee, neck, back, leg, ankle, and hip joints to help proper spine and hip alignment, and to improve posture when lying down or sleeping.
The AllSett Health Large Half Moon Bolster Pillow is a versatile pillow worth considering. If you’re tired waking up with body pains, this may be the solution to all of your problems as it provides you with comfort and support to key areas.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Improves posture and spine alignment when sleeping or lying down. Supports different parts of the body such as the head, feet, lower back, knees, hips and legs. Comes with a removable and machine-washable bamboo cover. User rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. | May be too firm or hard for some users. The pillow’s size may not be suitable for taller or larger individuals. The pillow’s shape may take some time getting used to. |
The AllSett Health Large Half Moon Bolster Pillow has a unique shape and firm memory foam construction that provides targeted support for different parts of the body, helping you sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed. Its orthopedic design can improve your posture and alignment for long-term benefits.
Whether you’re a back or side sleeper, the pillow’s multi-position sleeper bolster can accommodate your needs and help you sleep more soundly. Some users may find the pillow too firm or hard, especially if they prefer a softer or more plush pillow. The size may also be a concern for taller or larger individuals. Additionally, the pillow’s shape may take some time getting used to as it requires experimenting with different positions.
5 STARS UNITED Knee Pillow for Back Sleeping
- Note: Before use, it is necessary to air the pillow out for 48 hours, a sharp drop in temperature can make the pad firm
- Effective Positional Body Support - This therapeutic product is designed in a semi-circular shape, and can serve to maintain different parts of the body. Placing a pillow under your knees can offload the spine; placing it behind the back provides lumbar support. It also improves blood flow and reduces varicose veins by placing it under the ankles to elevate them. The half-moon pad is similar to a wedge, cylinder or round shape cushion
- High Quality - It measures at 20.4” long, 7.8” wide and 4.3” tall. Manufactured from high-quality materials with a two-layer design. The top layer is a premium quality memory foam with a light lemon aroma, which provides comfortable use of the pad due to the repetition of the shape of your body, the base layer is a highly resilient foam, which serves as a stiffener for fixing your adopted pose. Comes with a washable and breathable anti-pilling cover, non-temperature sensitive
Waking up with lower back pain may seem like it’s the end of the world, however we may have the perfect option to end your misery. The 5 STARS UNITED Knee Pillow for Back Sleeping has become a great investment for individuals looking for relief from lower back pain.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Supports the knees, hips and ankles to alleviate leg and back pain. Enhances spinal alignment and boosts blood flow. Relieves lower back pain, muscle fatigue, sciatica discomfort and leg tightness. Comes with an anti-pill cover that is breathable and easily washable. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and CertiPUR certified. User rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. | May be too firm for some users. The cover is not waterproof and may need to be replaced over time. Thin users may find it difficult to mold the pillow to their body shape. |
This knee pillow is designed to provide tailored support and universal comfort for side and back sleepers, pregnant women, the elderly and those experiencing post-surgery or injury pain. It is versatile and can be used in four main positions for better sleep: place bolster under the knees, between the knees, under the ankles, or along the upper leg.
The 5 STARS UNITED Knee Pillow for Back Sleeping serves as a neck pillow, pregnancy body pillow, wedge or foot pillow. The soft, breathable and anti-pill cover is easily washable for hygiene, although the cover is not waterproof. To ensure you are getting a safe and sustainable product, this pillow is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and CertiPUR certified. While some users may find this pillow too firm or not ideal for their body shape, others consider it a great investment.
Forias Half Moon Bolster Pillow
- 【High Quality Material】-- Forias half moon pillow adopts CertiPUR-US certified pure memory foam and breathable air layer pillowcase. Designed with hidden zipper, the pillowcase of this leg elevation pillow is removable for machine washing. Measured at 20.5"L X 7.9"W X 4.3"H.
- 【Multi-position Support】-- The half moon bolster pillow for legs is specially designed to accommodate all sleepers.The unique semi-roll leg pillow provides adequate support to legs, knee, back, ankle, neck and hip joints to keep proper spine and hip alignment.It also improves blood circulation and reduces varicose veins by placing it under the ankles to elevate them.
- 【Whole Body Pain Relief】-- Use our bolster pillow in various ways to reduce discomfort, such as sciatica, restless leg syndrome, joint pain, knee elevation, leg swelling, improve spinal alignment, or after surgery recovery! Use as an under knee pillow, half moon neck pillow, leg pillow for lower back pain, and lower back pillow for sleeping!
Seeking for a simple yet effective way to relieve lower back pain and improve sleep quality? The Forias Half Moon Bolster Pillow is worth considering as its comfortable and supportive pillow is designed to alleviate key areas in your body.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Made with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam and a breathable air layer pillowcase. Can be used in multiple positions to support legs, knees, back, neck and hip joints. Provides pain relief for various conditions including sciatica, restless leg syndrome and joint pain. User rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. | May initially have a slight odor due to the freshly manufactured memory foam and vacuum packaging. Not as firm as some users may prefer. Some users may find it too small for their legs. |
The Forias Half Moon Bolster Pillow is made with high-quality materials, making it comfortable and breathable. It can be used in multiple positions to support various parts of the body including the legs, knees, back, neck and hip joints. This can help to improve spinal alignment and reduce discomfort from conditions such as sciatica, restless leg syndrome and joint pain.
While the pillow may have a slight smell upon initial use due to the memory foam and packaging, this should dissipate after airing it out for a few hours. Additionally, some users may find the pillow to be less firm than they prefer. The size of the pillow may also be too small for some users to use comfortably under their legs.
HOMBYS Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
- 【Extra Long & Wide Size】This really helps hip and leg pain. Unlike other pillows that only support your knee,HOMBYS knee pillow is long enough to provide support of the entire lower leg from knee to ankle. The divot/seam down the middle makes it easier to keep your leg in place and to switch sides without struggling to rearrange the pillow.
- 【Relaxing the Body for Sound Sleep 】This one is great as you can put it under your knees when on your back and then very easily shift it to between your knees when you roll over to your side. It's much easier and more versatile than the wedges that are made only for under your knees or between your knees.
- 【Great for side or back sleepers】It has helped your back stay aligned and knees elevated as well as to not get sore without one.This will separate your legs and let your foot rest on top to keep them from getting tangled up. This pillow is also the right thickness; not too thick that it gets in the way, but just thick enough that it provides enough cushioning and separates the knees when lying on your side.
The HOMBYS Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers has become a top option for those suffering from lower back pain and want to improve their sleeping posture.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
The extra-long and wide size provides support for the entire lower leg from knee to ankle. Made with 100% cotton shell and 100% down alternative microfiber filling, making it soft and breathable. Machine washable for easy maintenance. User rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. | May be too bulky for some users. May not provide enough support for those with severe lower back pain. The pillowcase is not included and may be difficult to find due to the pillow’s unique size. |
This HOMBYS knee pillow is a versatile option for both side and back sleepers. Its extra-long and wide size provides support for the entire lower leg, making it a great option for those with hip and leg pain. The soft and breathable cotton shell and down alternative microfiber filling make it comfortable to use, and the pillow is machine washable for easy maintenance.
However, some users may find the pillow too bulky, and it may not provide enough support for those with severe lower back pain. Additionally, the pillowcase is not included and may be difficult to find due to the pillow’s unique size.
What to Consider When Buying an Under Knee Pillow
When it comes to choosing the best under knee pillow for lower back pain, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
- Material: A good quality pillow should be made of high-density foam or memory foam to provide the right amount of support and comfort. It should also be breathable and hypoallergenic to prevent any allergic reactions.
- Size and Thickness: The right sized pillow and thickness can impact the extent to which the pillow can support your legs and knees. An overly thick pillow can cause poor spinal alignment or place a strain on the lower back.
- Shape: When choosing an under knee pillow, consider the shape that is most compatible with your sleep position. The shape of the pillow should also be contoured to fit the natural curve of your legs and knees. Most under knee pillows can be placed between the legs for side sleepers, while back sleepers may gravitate towards a cylindrical or wedged pillow.
- Firmness: A reliable pillow should be firm enough to provide support to the lower back, but not too firm as it may cause discomfort. A pillow that is too soft may not provide enough support and may flatten out over time. Take note of how well the under knee pillow retains its shape when weight is applied over time.
- Temperature Regulation: Most under knee pillows are filled with foam, which traps heat. Some people who sweat easily prefer a pillow made with latex, buckwheat or polyester. These materials are considered cool and breathable. Additionally, hot sleepers may also look for covers made with a breathable material for maximum comfort.
- Price: It is important to find a pillow that is reasonably priced, but still made of good quality. Most knee pillows range from $20 to $100, although higher-end pillows may cost as much as $200 or more depending on the quality of the materials. You may also consider the warranty and return policy of the product.
Types of Under Knee Pillow
There are several types of under knee pillows for lower back pain available on the market. When considering each model, it’s critical to consider your sleep position and personal preferences. Below are some of the most common types to choose from:
- Hourglass: This type of pillow outlines the natural contour of the legs and is designed to comfortably fit between the knees. This may be ideal for side sleepers.
- Wedge: This type of pillow has a triangular shape and provides a gentle incline to elevate the legs. Back sleepers often place the wedge pillow under the crook of the knees.
- Half Moon: These half-cylinder pillows have a flat bottom and allow you to securely place the pillow under your knees, legs or ankles. Back and side sleepers usually opt for this type of pillow.
- Bolster Roll: These pillows are similar to half moon pillows, but are fully cylindrical. They are often used by back sleepers as they place the pillow underneath the knees. Side sleepers place them between the knees.
- Leg-Length: This type of pillow is longer in shape and is meant to support the legs of back sleepers or separate the knees and legs of side sleepers. Some leg-length pillows include contouring for more comfort and straps for a more secure fit.
- Body Pillows: Some sleepers prefer a full-length body pillow for elevation and optimate support of key body parts including the knees, neck, stomach, back or hips. Pregnant women, side sleepers, or combination sleepers may find this pillow ideal.
How to Use an Under Knee Pillow
The best way to use an under knee pillow for lower back pain generally depends on your sleep position. Therefore, we will explore some of the main benefits of a knee pillow for different types of sleepers.
| Type of Sleeper: | Description |
Side Sleeper | Side sleepers can use a knee pillow to prevent poor spinal alignment. By elevating the leg, it can help align with the hips, pelvis and spine. Side sleepers benefit from most types of under knee pillows. |
Back Sleeper | People who sleep on their backs can position an under knee pillow for proper spinal alignment in the lower back while also reducing pressure on the lumbar region. They can especially benefit from wedge, half moon and bolster pillows. |
Stomach Sleeper | Sleeping on your stomach can strain the neck and spine. Under knee pillows are not recommended for stomach sleepers as they may intensify the strain. Instead, stomach sleepers may opt for a pillow beneath their pelvic area to help with spinal alignment during sleep. |
Combination Sleeper | People who constantly switch sleeping positions can benefit from an under knee pillow that can be placed under or between the knees. To keep the pillow in place during nighttime movement, combination sleepers may consider knee pillows with straps. |
Pregnant Women | Pregnant women are more susceptible to back aches, pelvic pain and leg cramps, making it difficult to sleep comfortably. Placing an under knee pillow between the knees can ease pressure off the lower back and improve spinal alignment. Placing it beneath the stomach can also be a comfortable sleeping position. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does using an under knee pillow while sleeping benefit those with lower back issues?
Using an under knee pillow while sleeping can benefit those with lower back issues by helping to maintain proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure on the lower back. By placing a pillow between the knees, the hips are stabilized and the spine is supported, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the lower back.
Can an under knee pillow improve sleep quality for back sleepers with pain?
Yes, an under knee pillow can improve sleep quality for back sleepers with pain. By elevating the knees slightly, an under knee pillow can help reduce pressure on the lower back and promote better spinal alignment. This can lead to a more restful and comfortable sleep, resulting in improved sleep quality.
What are the top recommended under knee pillows for individuals suffering from arthritis?
For individuals suffering from arthritis, under knee pillows made of memory foam or gel-infused materials are recommended as they provide customized support and cushioning. Some popular under knee pillows for arthritis sufferers include the ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow, the Cushy Form Knee Pillow and the Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow.
How do bolster pillows compare to traditional under knee pillows for under knee support?
Bolster pillows and traditional under knee pillows both provide knee support, but they differ in shape and size. Bolster pillows are longer and narrower than traditional knee pillows, and are designed to support the entire leg rather than just the knees. While bolster pillows can be effective for some individuals, traditional knee pillows are generally more versatile and better suited for those with specific lower back issues.
Are orthopedic knee pillows more effective for reducing lower back pain than regular pillows?
Yes, orthopedic knee pillows are generally more effective for reducing lower back pain than regular pillows. Orthopedic knee pillows are specifically designed to provide customized support and cushioning to alleviate pressure on the lower back and promote proper spinal alignment. Regular pillows may not provide adequate support or may shift during the night, which can exacerbate lower back pain.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-05-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
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