🔄 Last updated: November 9, 2026
When you sleep on your side, your top leg tends to slide forward and drop toward the mattress. That pulls your hip down and twists your lower back. Your knees also press together, bone on bone.
A knee pillow fixes that with one simple job. It holds your knees apart at about hip width, so your top leg stays level with your hip. Many side sleepers with lower back, hip or knee discomfort find it makes a clear difference.
The best knee pillow for side sleepers is firm enough not to flatten, shaped to stay put, and sized to your legs. Below are 6 knee and leg pillows we compared on Amazon, including one built for back sleepers, plus tips on where to place it.
How we picked: we shortlisted the most-reviewed knee and leg pillows on Amazon and cross-checked them against knee pillow lists from major sleep review sites. We checked each live listing for size, shape, foam type, care, ratings and review count (October 2026) and read what verified buyers say. Ratings and prices change, so check the listing before you buy.
A quick note: a knee pillow is a comfort aid, not a treatment. If you have sciatica, a recent surgery or ongoing hip or back pain, follow your doctor’s or physical therapist’s advice on sleep positions.
⚡ QUICK PICKS
🏆 Best Overall: Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Pillow (#1)
🔗 Best With a Strap: Everlasting Comfort Knee Pillow (#2)
🩺 Best Compact: 5 STARS UNITED Knee Pillow (#3)
💰 Best Budget: ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow (#4)
❄️ Best Cooling: Contour Legacy Cool (#5)
🛌 Best for Back Sleepers: ComfiLife Half Moon Bolster (#6)
Best Knee Pillows: Comparison Table
| Pillow | Shape | Strap | Best For | Amazon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contour Legacy | Hourglass, legs + knees | No | Best overall | 4.3 (43,900+) |
| Everlasting Comfort | H-shape, dual concave | Yes, removable | Restless sleepers | 4.3 (24,200+) |
| 5 STARS UNITED | Contoured wedge | No | Compact, multi-use | 4.4 (14,000+) |
| ComfiLife Orthopedic | Contoured leg | No | Budget | 4.2 (30,500+) |
| Contour Legacy Cool | Hourglass, gel foam | No | Hot sleepers | 4.2 (2,500+) |
| ComfiLife Half Moon | Half-moon bolster | No | Under the knees, back sleeping | 4.4 (6,200+) |
The 6 Best Knee Pillows, Reviewed
1. Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow: Best Overall
Contour says it invented the hourglass knee pillow shape in the early 1990s, the design many others now copy. Unlike small wedges that only sit between the knees, the Contour Legacy is tall enough to support your thighs and knees together. That keeps your top leg level with your hip.
It is made of ventilated memory foam with a soft feel, about 10″ x 9.5″. The cover is a polyester and lyocell blend. It has more than 43,900 Amazon ratings and a 4.3-star average, the most of any knee pillow we found.
Reviewers say it keeps the hip from dipping toward the mattress and takes pressure off the lower back. One reviewer used it after knee replacement surgery. Another started side sleeping because of a CPAP machine and now cannot sleep without it.
What reviewers complain about: one said the shape could be better. It has no strap, so very active sleepers may lose it during the night.
✅ Pros
• Supports legs and knees, not just knees
• Ventilated foam
• Huge review base
❌ Cons
• No strap
• Soft feel may compress for heavier legs
Not the right fit if: you toss and turn a lot. The strapped Everlasting Comfort (#2) stays put better.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
2. Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Knee Pillow: Best With a Strap
The most common knee pillow complaint is waking up with it on the floor. The Everlasting Comfort comes with a removable strap that goes around one leg, so the pillow moves with you when you roll over.
It has an H-shape with a curve on each side for each knee, made of high-density memory foam. The cover is machine washable on gentle and can go in the dryer on low. The foam cannot be washed.
It is rated 4.3 stars across more than 24,000 ratings. One side sleeper said their morning lower back pain stopped and that the strap kept the pillow in place. Others say it stops their knees pressing together.
What reviewers complain about: one reviewer with bad knees gave it 3.5 stars and wanted improvements. Another found it so soft they used it as a neck pillow instead.
✅ Pros
• Strap keeps it in place
• H-shape cradles both knees
• Washable, dryer-safe cover
❌ Cons
• Some find the strap fussy
• Foam core not washable
Not the right fit if: you hate anything attached to your leg. Pick #1 instead.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
3. 5 STARS UNITED Knee Pillow: Best Compact
The 5 STARS UNITED pillow is 9.8″ x 7.8″ x 6″, a compact contoured wedge of memory foam. The listing says it is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. It is also one of the highest-rated knee pillows on Amazon, at 4.4 stars across more than 14,000 ratings.
The brand lists four ways to use it: between the knees, under the lower or upper leg, between the calves, or under the knees for back sleeping. The cover is machine washable in cold water but should be air dried. Note: the listing says the blue band shown in the main photo is not included. There is no strap.
A side sleeper with lower back fusion said it stays in place well. Another said it gave them their sleep back after years of struggling.
What reviewers complain about: with no strap, it can end up on the floor if you move a lot. One reviewer found it too soft to throw a leg over.
✅ Pros
• High rating, ACA endorsement per listing
• Compact and multi-use
• Washable cover
❌ Cons
• No strap included
• Too soft for some
Not the right fit if: you are tall or have long thighs. A taller hourglass like #1 supports more of the leg.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
4. ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee and Leg Pillow: Best Budget
At about $25, the ComfiLife is one of the cheapest well-reviewed knee pillows, with more than 30,000 ratings and a 4.2-star average. It is a contoured block of high-density polyurethane foam, 9.8″ x 7.9″ x 6.3″, with a breathable zippered cover that is machine washable.
ComfiLife is honest in its listing that a knee pillow may not work for every condition, and that it can take a few days to adjust. Reviewers report quick relief from hip and lower back discomfort. One said the pain went away the first night.
What reviewers complain about: a 6-foot reviewer found it a little small. Another, recovering from knee surgery, found it too firm.
✅ Pros
• Low price, big review base
• Firm foam that does not flatten
• Washable cover
❌ Cons
• Small for tall people
• Firm for sore knees
Not the right fit if: you are recovering from knee surgery and need something softer.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
5. Contour Legacy Cool Leg & Knee Pillow: Best Cooling
Foam trapped between your legs can get warm. The Cool version of the Contour Legacy uses gel memory foam in the same hourglass shape, about 10″ x 9.5″. It is rated medium, a little firmer than the soft original.
It has a 4.2-star average across 2,500+ ratings. One reviewer called the cooling version a game changer. Another said it feels cool at first and warms up during the night, but not enough to wake them. Several mention it stays in place without a strap.
What reviewers complain about: one found it too small and thin, compressing a lot under the leg.
✅ Pros
• Gel foam feels cooler
• Medium firmness
• Stays in place for most buyers
❌ Cons
• Costs more than the original
• Cooling fades during the night
Not the right fit if: you have large legs and need a thick pillow.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
6. ComfiLife Half Moon Bolster Pillow: Best for Back Sleepers
Back sleepers can benefit from knee support too. A small pillow under the knees bends them slightly, which lets your lower back relax against the mattress. The ComfiLife half moon bolster is made for exactly that.
It is 17″ x 8″ x 4″, made of medium-firm memory foam, with a washable cover. ComfiLife is clear that it is a compact, low bolster for both knees together, not a full-length leg wedge. You can also use it between the knees on your side, under your ankles, or behind your lower back.
It is rated 4.4 stars across more than 6,200 ratings. Reviewers with lower back pain say it lets them sleep on their back without waking in pain.
What reviewers complain about: one reviewer struggled to get the cover off at first. Another did not find it comfortable under the knees.
✅ Pros
• Built for under-knee support
• Many other uses
• Washable cover
❌ Cons
• Low, not a full leg wedge
• Tight cover zipper
Not the right fit if: you need to raise your legs high, for swelling for example. Look at a leg elevation wedge in our best wedge pillow guide.
Buy it on Amazon today with FREE returns
How to Use a Knee Pillow the Right Way
- Side sleepers: put it between your knees, not your ankles. Your top knee should sit level with your hip. If your top knee is higher than your hip, the pillow is too thick.
- Bring your knees up slightly. A gentle bend at the hips and knees is more comfortable than straight legs.
- Back sleepers: put a low bolster under both knees. It flattens the arch in your lower back.
- Pair it with the right head pillow. A knee pillow fixes the lower body. Your neck still needs the right height. See our best pillow for side sleepers guide.
Knee Pillow Size: Why It Matters
Most knee pillows are around 6″ thick. That suits average hips. If you have wide hips, you may need more height to keep your top leg level. If you are petite, a thick pillow can push your top leg too high. Taller hourglass shapes like the Contour Legacy also support more of the thigh, which helps longer legs.
Knee Pillow vs Regular Pillow vs Body Pillow
- Regular bed pillow: works in a pinch, but it is soft, flattens quickly and slides around.
- Knee pillow: firm, shaped and compact. It keeps a set gap all night.
- Body pillow: supports knees, belly and arms at once. A good choice in pregnancy. See our best pregnancy pillow guide.
FAQ: Knee Pillows
Is it good to sleep with a pillow between your knees?
For many side sleepers, yes. It keeps the hips, pelvis and lower spine in a straighter line and stops the knees from pressing together.
Can a knee pillow help with lower back pain?
It can ease back discomfort caused by a twisted sleep posture. It is not a treatment for injuries or conditions. If pain is severe or lasting, see a professional.
How thick should a knee pillow be?
Thick enough that your top knee is level with your hip. For most adults that is around 6″, more for wide hips and less for petite frames.
Should back sleepers use a knee pillow?
A low pillow under the knees can help back sleepers by reducing the arch in the lower back.
How do I keep my knee pillow from falling off the bed?
Choose one with a leg strap, like the Everlasting Comfort, or a taller hourglass shape that grips the thighs.
Can I use a knee pillow during pregnancy?
Yes, many pregnant side sleepers do. A full pregnancy pillow adds belly and back support too.
Bottom Line: Which Knee Pillow Should You Buy?
- Not sure where to start? Get the Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Pillow.
- Your pillow always ends up on the floor? Get the Everlasting Comfort with strap.
- Want a compact, top-rated pick? Get the 5 STARS UNITED Knee Pillow.
- On a budget? Get the ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow.
- Sleep hot? Get the Contour Legacy Cool.
- Back sleeper? Get the ComfiLife Half Moon Bolster.
A knee pillow may feel odd for a night or two. Try it briefly and stop using it if it makes you less comfortable.
Related reading: best body pillows · lumbar pillows for sleeping.
