How To Use A Body Pillow

A body pillow might not be your first choice of pillow, yet it’s a secret sleep weapon no one talks about enough.

One sleep study study found that 54% of people sleep on their sides (Skarpsno et al., 2017). However, if you’re not adopting a healthy side sleeping position, you can end up with neck pain, backaches, and an unhealthy posture. But that’s where a body pillow comes in.

In this article, we’ll explain how to use a body pillow, why you should consider one, and some tips and tricks to help you achieve world-class sleep. Let’s jump in.

Why Sleep With A Body Pillow

Body pillows are long pillows that you hug while you sleep. They’re not just uniquely shaped bed accessories, though. They provide plenty of health benefits to users. 

Most body pillows flow down your body and have ergonomic ‘bumps’ and curves. These lead to more body support while sleeping on your side, giving you a healthier sleep posture and less pressure on your neck and back. Most sleepers cradle or hug the pillow and, while doing so, adopt a straight back and neck position without twists or strains.

Body pillows are also usually filled with specialised materials (such as memory foam), further promoting healthier sleep and better comfort. Memory foam’s benefits are particularly notable, as this material is also durable, easy to care for, and hypoallergenic.

Other benefits of a body pillow include snoring relief, less tossing and turning, and better blood flow overnight. Improving your blood flow or circulation overnight is critical, as less blood flow can lead to pins and needles, numbness, and restless leg syndrome (Texas Vein & Wellness Institute, 2024).

Overall, body pillows relieve the strain on your neck and back, help you sleep in a healthy posture, and provide extra comfort. No more waking up feeling sore here!

The Groove Body Pillow was designed to provide these benefits — and more. With supportive memory foam filling, adjustable firmness, and a curved ergonomic shape, it supports all sleepers.

How To Use A Body Pillow

You need to know how to sleep with a body pillow to feel its full effect. Here’s a quick overview to ensure you get the most out of your new accessory.

• Place the pillow lengthwise on your bed — Don’t place it horizontally like a normal pillow!
• Sleep on your side with the pillow between your legs — Cuddle it with your top leg stacked over the pillow. This keeps your hips straight and avoids a twisted pelvis.
• Put your arms over or around the pillow — Forget tucking your hands down or sleeping with them by your side. Cuddle the pillow or rest them on top so they’re not at an awkward angle.

Sleeping with a body pillow is very intuitive. Don’t overthink the process and follow what feels comfortable for the best outcome.

You can also learn more about how to sleep on memory foam from our previous guide.

Different Body Pillow Sleeping Positions

There are plenty of body pillow sleeping positions to experiment with. While these handy accessories are marketed towards side sleepers, back and stomach sleepers can also cosy up with them.

See below for a quick rundown of how the Groove Body Pillow supports each.

Body Pillows For Side Sleepers

Side sleepers can use the Groove Body Pillow to support their neck, spine, and hips. Simply use the steps above to maximise your comfort. It also aligns your sleep posture from head to toe, thanks to its full-length size.

Body Pillows For Back Sleepers

Back sleepers aren’t left out of the Groove Body Pillow fun. You can also sleep on your back with the full-length pillow to reduce lower back pain.

Body Pillows For Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers can utilise the Groove Body Pillow to reduce neck and lower back pain. Perfect for those who don’t want to train themselves into a new position but want to reduce uncomfortable complaints.

Tips and Tricks for Using a Groove Body Pillow

Making the most of a body pillow comes with experimentation. We’ve gathered some expert tips to help you get deep sleep faster.

• Keep trying different positions — We all have different bodies and sleeping styles. So, if your first position doesn’t feel right, don’t throw the pillow away. Adjust it until you find a comfortable position that alleviates strain and aches.
• Combine a body pillow with a memory foam pillow — If you don’t want to lay your head on the body pillow, you can use a memory foam pillow to increase support for your head and neck.
• Ensure your spine is aligned — A key part of reducing back pain is keeping your spine in a neutral position. Cradling the body pillow will ensure this, but make a conscious effort to avoid a twisted back.
• Regularly clean your pillow — Keeping your memory foam pillow clean will lengthen its lifespan, reduce acne and chances of sickness, and lead to fewer allergies.

Final Words

A Groove Body Pillow can turn restless nights into sound sleep. However, you need to make sure you’re using the pillow as instructed to unlock these benefits. With this article by your side, you’ll be sleeping without counting sheep in no time!

Learn more about the Groove Body Pillow and begin your journey to better sleep here.

Or check out our Trustpilot reviews to see what our customers think.

References

• Skarpsno, E.S., Mork, P.J., Nilsen, T.I.L. and Holtermann, A. (2017). Sleep positions and nocturnal body movements based on free-living accelerometer recordings: association with demographics, lifestyle, and insomnia symptoms. Nature and Science of Sleep, Volume 9, pp.267–275. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/nss.s145777.

Texas Vein & Wellness Institute (2024). Best Sleeping Positions for Circulation. [online] Texas Vein & Wellness Institute. Available at: https://txvwi.com/best-sleeping-positions-for-circulation [Accessed 8 Jun. 2024].