What To Look For in a Leg Pillow and Our Top Picks

A woman's legs  on a pillow for relaxing and preventing varicose vein

What to Look For in a Leg Pillow and Our Top Picks

So you use a pillow for one side of your body– your head and neck. But have you ever thought of using a leg pillow for your feet, calves, or knees? Using a leg pillow at night can help reduce pain, swelling, and cramps, and it can also make sleep more comfortable while improving circulation, among other benefits. Different types of leg pillows, like knee pillows or leg elevation pillows, can be used according to your preferred sleeping position. In this article, you'll read all about leg pillows and browse through our top picks. 

What Is a Leg Pillow? 

A leg pillow is a type of specialty pillow specifically designed to be placed either between the knees or underneath the feet and calves. It works to relieve pressure and strain not only on your legs but also on your hips and entire body, which can even lead to decreased snoring and general pain. Some doctors will recommend a leg pillow for pain relief after surgery. Leg pillows are structured in all different kinds of shapes, but most will have some sort of curved center indent or be shaped similarly to a wedge. You'll find that leg pillows have the same feel as pillows used for your head and neck but they may be foamy. Different types of leg pillows target different issues and sleeping positions.

Orthopedic leg pillow

Leg Elevation Pillow

A leg elevation pillow is an ideal choice for those who sleep on their back. This pillow is shaped like a wedge and is usually made of foam. This works to reduce swelling and lower back pain by relieving pressure. It works to improve circulation by elevating your feet higher than your heart. You place the thinnest part of the pillow under your hips and then rest your legs on the rest of the wedge so that your feet are at the highest point, slightly above your chest. 

Knee Pillow

Knee pillows, also usually made of foam, are meant to sit between your legs as a side sleeper. They have a curved, hourglass, and indented shape to comfortably fit, and some even include a strap so they will not fall off at any point during the night, guaranteed. While leg elevation pillows place greater focus on elevating your feet for better circulation, knee pillows focus more on pain and pressure relief. If you are pregnant, a knee pillow will help relieve pain and pressure. It's also simply more comfortable to sleep with a knee up for many people!

Memory Foam Leg Pillows

A good leg pillow will be made of certain materials, usually memory foam. If you buy a smooth and silky pillow, while it may feel like a dream, it likely won't stay under or between your legs the whole night. This is why it's important to buy a firm or texture pillow. Memory foam is an especially good firm material and is the best option for leg pillows. Memory foam is a synthetic material made of a polymer called polyurethane. Chemicals are added to make this plastic material elastic and soft. It works by responding to pressure, in which it molds to the outline of the pressure and then rises back to its original shape once pressure is removed. So if you rest your legs in a certain position on the pillow, it'll create a mold based on your sleeping position that is much more comfortable than a regular pillow.

Best Leg Pillow: Our Top Picks

The following six-leg pillows were carefully evaluated and recommended by customers and retailers and are made of high-quality materials, including memory foam. You're guaranteed to find a leg pillow that fits you from the different types and shapes included in the list. 

Legacy Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow
$44.99 ($22.50 / Count)

by Contour 

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03/08/2024 06:28 am GMT

#1: Contour Legacy Leg and Knee Foam Support Pillow (As Seen on TV)

The Legacy leg and knee pillow by Contour is yet another Contour product that tops the charts. This product is a number 1 bestseller on Amazon in Leg Positioner Pillows and has over 25,000 ratings making it the best knee pillow. This pillow is designed to be used between the legs for side sleepers to relieve pain, and it's made of high-quality ventilated memory foam for airflow, so you don't get sweaty while using it. The orthopedic product was made to relieve pain related to the back, hip, leg, knee, and sciatic nerve. It also helps keep your position in place comfortably for spinal and pregnancy support. It's indented, and the curved heart shape is tested to fit comfortably on your knees and thighs and prevent knee-on-knee bone discomfort. 

A single Contour leg pillow sells at $24.99, but you can save with a 5% off coupon on Amazon. Don't miss a good deal of $39.99 for a pack of two pillows. The pillow is made of ventilated memory foam for airflow. It also features a removable cover for easy washing. If you purchase the two-pack of pillows for full leg support, you'll receive a free connector for both pillowcases as well. The pillow weighs 7 ounces. It features a special 1-year Contour Customer Care warranty that protects against any defects on the product for a year. You can find the Contour Legacy Leg Pillow at stores, including Kohl's, Walgreens, Target, Amazon, and the Contour official site. The dimensions of the package are 11.5 x 10.75 x 9 inches and shipping is free. This knee pillow is designed for side sleepers. 

Knee Pillow for Sleeping
$27.49

by Everlasting Comfort 

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03/07/2024 07:09 pm GMT

#2: Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow for Sleeping 

This certified Climate Pledge Friendly product featuring a strap to hold it in place is perfect for side sleepers to use in between their knees. It helps relieve knee-to-knee clash pain. The strap is also removable for those who prefer to sleep without one. Made of premium memory foam, this is the best pillow to relieve pressure in the lower body, including hips, back, and legs, and is recommended for pregnancy. The strap is adjustable to fit anyone and uses a curved hourglass shape to fit the contour of your knees, as well as a removable pillowcase. As a bonus, it also arrives with a set of two memory foam earplugs that you can use during sleep or for everyday use. 

The list price of the pillow sits at $39.95 but can be bought with a free deal at $22.09. The pillow itself is made of high-quality memory foam that does not sink or stop molding after long-term use. The pillowcase is machine washable and dryer safe and is made of polyester air layer fabric to keep it breathable. The set also features a removable strap and two pairs of blue memory foam earplugs in their own Everlasting case. The materials in the product have been tested to OEKO-TEX to earn a STANDARD 100 label meaning that all of the materials are certified harmless and non-toxic. While there doesn't appear to be a warranty written in the product description, returns on this product are free — as well as shipping with Amazon Prime. The item set weighs 0.9 pounds and the dimensions of the package are 10.5 x 6 x 8 inches. This knee pillow is designed for side sleepers. 

Incline Pillow for Leg Elevation
$27.49

by DMI 

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03/08/2024 06:24 am GMT

#3: DMI Wedge Leg Elevation Pillow

While the first two products were our top knee pillow picks, the DMI wedge pillow is the best leg elevation pillow, which is perfect for back sleepers. There are multiple elevation heights you can pick from, including 7 inches, 6 inches, and 10 inches. The benefits of this pillow include improved circulation and pressure relief, which in turn works for varicose vein syndrome, phlebitis, and restless leg syndrome. It also helps with pain after surgery in the lower body. The set includes a blue firm foam pillow with an extra-wide 20-inch base and removable case.

You can purchase this deluxe leg elevation pillow for $28.98 for the seven-inch option, $27.49 for the six-inch option, and $57.99 for the ten-inch option. You can find this pillow from many major retailers, including Lowe's, Amazon, Staples, Walmart, and Rite Aid. This set comes with a foam pillow and case. The pillow is made of a high-quality firm foam that is non-memory. The case is made of poly-cotton and comes on and off with a zipper. It can be machine washed and is dryer safe. This product is non-returnable but can be refunded if it arrives defected or damaged. The 7-inch pillow package is 24 x 20 x 8, the 6-inch pillow package is 6" x 20" x 24", and the 10-inch pillow package is 30.5 x 20 x 10. This leg elevation pillow is designed for back sleepers.

Leg Elevation Pillow with Memory Foam & Cooling Gel
$44.99

by Ebung

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03/08/2024 06:19 am GMT

#4: Ebung Leg Elevation Pillow With Memory Foam and Cooling Gel 

The Ebung leg elevation pillow is an Amazon's Choice product with over 17,000 ratings. It's made with quality memory foam. There are two options available: a standard memory foam leg elevation pillow and a memory foam leg elevation pillow with a cooling gel layer which may be the perfect option for those who get warm when they sleep or live in areas with a hotter climate. The pillow features a wedge-shaped incline and a removable cover. The high-quality memory foam does not wear down over time and arrives compressed, so you simply need to remove it from the package and allow it to slowly inflate before first use. 

Ebung created this pillow with many health benefits in mind, including post-surgery recovery, knee, and hip pain relief, swelling relief, and improved circulation. The ergonomic design has many uses– it functions as a leg elevation pillow, pregnancy pillow, or a pillow you can use to lean on while reading for your neck and head. 

The standard pillow is $43.99, while the cooling gel layer pillow is $45.99. If you purchase one or more pillows from Ebung directly, you can get 10% off the order. You'll mainly find the pillow available online from places like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart– and Yahoo even offers an exclusive coupon for it. The pillow is made of high-quality memory foam. One option includes a gel layer on top of the pillow with cooling properties, and both feature a removable dust-proof cover that is machine washable.  The product is eligible for free returns, replacements, or refunds within 30 days of purchase. Shipping is also free. The dimensions of the pillow are  24" (L) x 21" (W) x 8" (H). This leg elevation pillow is designed for back sleepers.

Orthopedic Knee Pillow and Leg Pillow
$21.95

by ComfiLife 

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03/07/2024 06:49 pm GMT

#5: ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow and Leg Pillow for Sleeping – 100% Memory Foam 

This lightweight, convenient, and affordable leg pillow by ComfiLife is one of the most versatile options on our list. This pillow focuses on sciatica, pregnancy, hip, knee, and joint pain relief, as well as easy recovery post-surgery. The standard pillow is small enough to be portable, but you can choose between a standard and large option as both are available for purchase. The large pillow is a long-leg elevation pillow so that back sleepers can also try out ComfiLife products. In addition to pain relief, the ComfiLife pillow is a rated 5-star product and is great for those who want to improve their overall posture. The zippered cover is breathable and easily removable for washing. The standard pillow is a square shape with a curved center that is placed between the bottom of the thighs and knees for side sleepers, while the large pillow is a curved rectangle shape that goes under the knees for back sleepers. 

The standard option sells at $21.95, and the large option sells at $27.95. Both the large and standard pillows are made of 100% pure memory foam and include a soft removable cover. The large option comes with one half-moon leg elevation pillow and the standard option comes with one square-shaped knee pillow. You can return, refund, or replace this product for free within 30 days of purchase. You'll find this product on eBay, Amazon, Walmart, or directly from the ComfiLife website, where you can explore their other products. The standard pillow is lightweight at just 0.5 pounds and 9.8 x 7.9 x 6.3 inches. The large pillow is 17.3 x 7.8 x 4 inches. The standard pillow is designed for knee sleepers, and the large pillow is designed for back sleepers. 

Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
$32.99

by Cushy Form 

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03/08/2024 06:13 am GMT

#6: Cushy Form Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers

The Cushy Form knee pillow, in both standard and large, is the perfect pillow for those always on the go. With an included travel case, this lightweight knee pillow can ensure restful sleep no matter how uncomfortable the mattress you might be using is. This wedge/bolster pillow eases hip, leg, knee, ankle, and hip pain and improves posture. The pillow is made of memory foam and provides extra width even though it's compact enough for on-the-go. This pillow is also the best pregnancy pillow — it's curved design works to relieve pressure during sleep while pregnant. If the Cushy Form knee pillow is the type you're looking for– the brand also sells several other leg pillows for different sleeping positions. 

The standard pillow sells at $18.82 and the large pillow is $31.28. If you bundle Cushy Form products, you can get a 5% off coupon. Both the standard and large pillows include one knee pillow, a removable zipper machine washable case, and a travel bag. The pillow is made of 100% visco-elastic memory foam, so it never wears down, and it is sensitive to both heat and pressure. It's available from major retailers like Sears and Amazon, as well as the Cushy Form website, with free shipping. The large pillow is 1.1 pounds and 10.5 x 8.5 x 6 inches, while the standard pillow is 0.9 pounds and 10 x 5.5 x 8 inches. This knee pillow is designed for side sleepers. 

Treat Yourself

A leg pillow may be the newest addition to your sleeping arrangement. These special pillows are just what they sound like — a pillow for your legs. There are two types: knee pillows are best for those who are side sleepers looking to relieve pain and pressure around the knees and hips, and also the best option for those who are pregnant. An elevated leg pillow is best for those who are back sleepers and want to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Before buying a pillow, consider what type of sleeper you are and what you want to improve. Check the company's shipping and return policies. And don't forget to check out whether or not you have a warranty or sleep trial available in case you decide it's not for you. The list we included contains the top six best-selling and affordable leg pillow options available from retailers both online and in-person, with an option for every type of sleeper. 

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