A knee pillow can help make your sleeping position more comfortable by keeping your legs apart and supporting a more neutral position for your hips and lower back. The right shape depends on how you sleep: side sleepers usually want a compact pillow between their knees, while back sleepers may prefer a longer bolster under their knees. These five options include both styles, with differences in straps, foam, and washable covers.
Quick Comparison: Best Knee Pillow For Back Pain
| Product | Best for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Knee Pillow | Side sleepers who want a pillow that stays in place | Dual-concave shape, removable strap, washable cover |
| TranquilMoments Knee Pillow | Side sleepers who want a larger contoured cushion | Memory foam, breathable removable cover, 11.02 × 10.62 × 7.2 inches |
| 5 STARS UNITED Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers | Side sleepers who prefer a strap-free design | Contoured memory foam, washable cover, several suggested positions |
| 5 STARS UNITED Half Moon Bolster | Back sleepers who want support under their knees | Long half-moon shape, memory foam, removable cover |
| TULARIS Memory Foam Knee Pillow | Side sleepers who want an adjustable strap | Heart-shaped contour, adjustable strap with extension, washable cover |
Our Picks: Best Knee Pillow For Back Pain reviews
Everlasting Comfort: A Stable, Dual-Concave Pillow for Side Sleepers
The Everlasting Comfort pillow is shaped to sit between your legs when you sleep on your side. Its dual-concave design is intended to cradle both knees and legs, rather than acting as a simple flat spacer. The pillow is made from high-density memory foam, and its curved shape is designed to help limit leg movement and hip rotation.
A removable strap helps keep the pillow positioned as you move. You can take the strap off if you prefer not to wear it, and the cover is removable and machine washable. The product description also notes that the pillow can be used as a cushion while lounging or as support during recovery, but follow your clinician’s guidance if you are healing from an injury or surgery.
This is a strong choice if you sleep on your side and often find that a pillow shifts out of place. Its main trade-off is that the shaped design and strap may feel more substantial than a basic knee cushion. The listing does not provide dimensions, so check the product page if you need to confirm its size before buying.
Pros:
- Dual-concave design cradles both knees and legs.
- Removable strap helps keep it positioned during sleep.
- High-density memory foam is designed to retain its shape.
- Removable, machine-washable cover.
Cons:
- The shaped pillow may feel bulky if you prefer a small spacer.
- Product dimensions are not included in the supplied listing details.
Verdict: Choose the Everlasting Comfort pillow if you are a side sleeper who values a shaped cushion and the option to secure it with a strap.
TranquilMoments: A Larger Contoured Cushion with a Breathable Cover
The TranquilMoments pillow is a contoured memory-foam cushion for use between your legs. At 11.02 × 10.62 × 7.2 inches, it is larger than the 5 STARS UNITED side-sleeper pillow in this guide. That extra size may appeal if you want a more substantial cushion, though it could take up more room between your legs.
The foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified and the cover as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified. Its soft, breathable cover has a hidden zipper and can be removed for washing by hand or machine. The product title mentions a cooling cover, but the supplied details describe breathability rather than a specific cooling technology, so consider that distinction if temperature control is a priority.
This pillow may suit side sleepers, expectant parents, older adults, or people seeking extra support while resting. There is no strap listed, so it may be less convenient than the Everlasting Comfort or TULARIS models if you move around and want the pillow attached to your leg. The product information says to allow 24 hours for the foam to expand after unpacking.
Pros:
- Roomy, contoured shape fills the space between the legs.
- Memory foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified.
- Removable cover is washable by hand or machine.
- Cover is listed as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified.
Cons:
- No strap is listed to secure it in place.
- Its larger size may not suit people who want a compact pillow.
Verdict: Consider this option if you want a larger side-sleeper cushion and prefer a removable, washable cover over a built-in strap.
5 STARS UNITED Side-Sleeper Pillow: A Compact, Strap-Free Spacer
This contoured memory-foam pillow is made for side sleepers who want a cushion between their knees. Its listed dimensions are 9.8 × 7.8 × 6 inches, making it one of the smaller options in this roundup. The compact shape can be easier to position than a larger cushion, but may provide less coverage along the legs.
The cover is described as soft, breathable, and washable. The listing says the pillow is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and that its foam is CertiPUR certified and its materials are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified. It also makes an important point about the blue band shown in the main image: it is a visual element, not a strap included with the pillow.
One useful feature is its suggested range of positions: between the knees, between the calves, under the upper or lower leg, or beneath the knees for back sleeping. Without a strap, however, you will need to reposition it yourself if it shifts. Compared with the two strapped side-sleeper options here, this is the simpler choice for people who do not want anything attached to their leg.
Pros:
- Compact size is easy to position between the knees.
- Can be used in several positions for different sleep setups.
- Removable, washable cover.
- Listing states ACA endorsement and material certifications.
Cons:
- Does not include a strap to help prevent shifting.
- Its smaller size may not offer enough coverage for some sleepers.
Verdict: Pick this pillow if you want a compact, versatile spacer and are comfortable using it without a strap.
5 STARS UNITED Half Moon Bolster: Support for Back Sleeping
Unlike the other pillows in this guide, this half-moon bolster is designed mainly for back sleepers. At 20.4 × 7.8 × 4.8 inches, it runs along the legs and is intended to sit under the knees. The longer shape may feel more natural than a small knee spacer if you sleep on your back and want support across both legs.
The bolster uses memory foam and has a removable, washable cover. The product description says it can also be used between the knees or under the ankles, and lists light leg elevation and lounging support as other possible uses. Its cover is listed as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified.
This is the clearest match in the group for someone who sleeps on their back. It is not a direct substitute for a compact pillow between the knees when side sleeping, and its longer shape may be less convenient to move or store than the smaller options. The product listing also states that it is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
Pros:
- Long half-moon shape is designed for use under the knees.
- Better suited to back sleepers than the side-sleeper-focused options.
- Memory foam and removable, washable cover.
- Can also be positioned under the ankles or between the knees.
Cons:
- Its shape is less suited to placing between the knees while side sleeping.
- Longer than the compact options in this guide.
Verdict: Choose this bolster if you sleep on your back and want a longer pillow to place under your knees.
TULARIS: An Adjustable-Strap Pillow for Side Sleepers
The TULARIS pillow has a heart-shaped contour designed to fit between the knees of side sleepers. It measures 10 × 9.5 × 5 inches and uses high-density memory foam. The main practical feature is its adjustable strap with an extension, which is intended to help keep the pillow in place as you shift during the night.
Its cover is described as breathable, removable, and machine washable. The product information recommends allowing the foam to expand fully and notes that it may take several nights to get used to the pillow. That adjustment period is worth considering if you have not used a knee pillow before or are sensitive to changes in your sleeping position.
Compared with the Everlasting Comfort model, TULARIS gives you a specified size and an adjustable strap with an extension. The Everlasting Comfort pillow instead highlights a dual-concave shape that cradles both knees and legs. Neither is a universal fit: the best choice depends on the contour you find comfortable and whether you want a strap around your leg.
Pros:
- Adjustable strap with extension helps hold the pillow in position.
- High-density memory foam and a contoured shape.
- Breathable, removable, machine-washable cover.
- Listed dimensions make it easier to compare with other pillows.
Cons:
- May take several nights to get used to its shape and support.
- The strap may not suit people who prefer a pillow with no attachment.
Verdict: Consider TULARIS if you are a side sleeper who wants a compact pillow with a longer adjustable strap to help limit shifting.
How to Choose a Knee Pillow for Back Pain
Match the pillow to your sleeping position
If you sleep on your side, look for a contoured pillow meant to sit between your knees or legs. It should separate your legs without forcing them too far apart. If you sleep on your back, a longer bolster placed under your knees may be a better fit. The half-moon 5 STARS UNITED model is the only option in this roundup designed primarily for that position.
Consider the shape and size
A compact pillow is easier to position and may feel less bulky, while a larger cushion can fill more of the space between your legs. Check listed dimensions against your body size and preferred sleeping position. The TranquilMoments pillow is the largest side-sleeper option with dimensions provided here; the 5 STARS UNITED side-sleeper pillow is smaller. If a listing does not provide dimensions, check the product page before ordering.
Decide whether you want a strap
A strap can help keep a pillow attached to your leg when you move, but some people may prefer not to wear one. The Everlasting Comfort pillow has a removable strap, and the TULARIS model has an adjustable strap with an extension. The 5 STARS UNITED side-sleeper pillow does not include a strap, despite the blue band shown in its product image.
Look at the foam and cover details
Memory foam is used in all five options, but feel and support can still vary by shape and size. A removable, washable cover is useful for regular care; check the product’s instructions for how to wash it. The supplied details list certifications for some models, including CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, or both. Those details are specific to the products described and should not be assumed for every pillow.
Think about your comfort and adjustment needs
A knee pillow changes the way your legs rest, so it may take time to decide whether its shape and firmness suit you. Start by placing it as directed and adjust its position if it feels awkward. If the pillow causes new discomfort, stop using it and consider asking a health professional for advice, especially if you have a recent injury or are recovering from surgery.
Keep expectations realistic
A knee pillow is a positioning aid, not a treatment for the cause of back pain. It may make a sleeping position more comfortable for some people, but results depend on the individual and the source of discomfort. Persistent, severe, or worsening pain should be discussed with a qualified health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a knee pillow help with back pain?
A knee pillow may make sleep more comfortable by supporting the position of your legs and hips. It does not treat the underlying cause of back pain, and comfort varies from person to person. Seek medical advice for ongoing or worsening pain.
Should I put a knee pillow between my knees or under them?
Side sleepers generally place a knee pillow between their legs. Back sleepers may prefer a longer bolster under their knees. Choose a shape made for your usual sleeping position and adjust it so it feels supportive rather than restrictive.
Which option is best for side sleepers who move around?
The Everlasting Comfort and TULARIS pillows both include straps to help keep them in place. Everlasting Comfort has a removable strap, while TULARIS has an adjustable strap with an extension. A strap can help with positioning, but it may not suit everyone.
Which pillow is designed for back sleepers?
The 5 STARS UNITED Half Moon Bolster is the option in this list designed primarily to sit under the knees while you lie on your back. Its longer shape also allows use under the ankles or between the knees, according to the product description.
How do I clean a knee pillow?
Check the care instructions for your specific model. The products in this roundup have removable covers described as washable, but the listed washing method varies. The TranquilMoments cover can be washed by hand or machine; the other product details identify removable, washable covers.
How long does it take to get used to a knee pillow?
That depends on your comfort preferences and the pillow’s shape. The TULARIS listing notes that an adjustment period of several nights may be needed. If a pillow continues to feel uncomfortable, try a different position or shape rather than forcing yourself to use it.
Final Recommendation
For most side sleepers who want help keeping a pillow in place, the Everlasting Comfort model is a practical all-around choice because it combines a dual-concave shape with a removable strap. Choose the 5 STARS UNITED Half Moon Bolster if you sleep on your back and want support under your knees. If you prefer no strap, the compact 5 STARS UNITED side-sleeper pillow is a straightforward alternative. Pick based on your sleep position, preferred size, and comfort needs—not on a promise that any pillow will cure back pain.