Best Pregnancy Pillow Materials: Cotton, Bamboo, or Velour?
When I bought my first pregnancy pillow, I didn’t think much about the material. I just wanted to sleep better. But as I started using it every night, I realized that the fabric made a big difference in comfort, temperature control, and durability.
If you’re trying to decide between cotton, bamboo, or velour pregnancy pillow covers, this guide will help you pick the right one for your needs.
Table of Contents
Why Pillow Material Matters
The material on your pregnancy pillow determines how breathable, soft, and long-lasting it will be. It also affects how easy it is to clean and whether you’ll sleep cool or warm at night.
➡️ My go-to: PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow with 100% Cotton Cover on Amazon – it’s soft, breathable, and easy to wash.
Cotton Pregnancy Pillow Covers
Pros:
- Breathable and lightweight
- Soft to the touch
- Easy to machine wash
- Great for hot sleepers
Best for: Moms who get warm at night and want a natural, comfortable fabric.
➡️ Try the QUEEN ROSE Cotton Pregnancy Pillow Cover for an affordable and breathable option.
Bamboo Pregnancy Pillow Covers
Pros:
- Extremely breathable and moisture-wicking
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Softer and smoother than cotton
Best for: Moms who are hot sleepers, have sensitive skin, or want an eco-friendly choice.
➡️ I loved the Cozy Bump Bamboo Pregnancy Pillow Cover because it kept me cool all night.
Velour Pregnancy Pillow Covers
Pros:
- Super soft and plush
- Cozy and warm for colder months
- Durable and holds up well after many washes
Best for: Moms who like a luxurious, warm feel and don’t mind a heavier fabric.
➡️ The Meiz Velour Pregnancy Pillow Cover is perfect if you want a soft, cozy texture.
Which Material Is Best?
- Cotton: Best for breathability and everyday use.
- Bamboo: Best for cooling comfort and sensitive skin.
- Velour: Best for colder climates or moms who want extra plushness.
➡️ Shop the best pregnancy pillow covers in all materials on Amazon here
My Final Thoughts
When I was pregnant, I started with a cotton cover and later switched to bamboo, which worked better for my hot sleeping habits. But if you’re someone who loves a cozy, soft feel, velour might be your favorite.
Personally, I recommend having two covers—one bamboo or cotton for warm nights and one velour for colder months. That way, you’re comfortable all year.
➡️ Click here to shop my favorite cotton, bamboo, and velour pregnancy pillow covers on Amazon
Trust me, the right material makes a huge difference in how comfortable you feel with your pregnancy pillow.
When I first bought a pregnancy pillow, I chose cotton simply because it was the cheapest option. But as my pregnancy progressed, I realized how much the material affects temperature control and comfort.
Cotton is one of the easiest materials to care for. I loved that I could toss my cotton cover straight into the washing machine without worrying about shrinking or pilling. But on especially hot nights, I sometimes woke up sweaty because it wasn’t as cooling as bamboo.
Bamboo covers, on the other hand, felt silky smooth and stayed cool all night. I noticed I didn’t wake up nearly as warm or sticky when I switched to bamboo, which was a huge relief in my third trimester when I was already running hot.
One of the biggest benefits of bamboo is that it’s naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. If you have sensitive skin or deal with allergies, this can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.
Velour, while not as breathable, is incredibly soft and cozy. I loved switching to velour during the colder months because it felt like wrapping myself in a blanket. It’s heavier and warmer, so I didn’t need as many layers of bedding.
A mistake I made with my first velour cover was not air drying it. High heat in the dryer can cause it to lose some of its plushness. Now I dry my velour covers on a low-heat setting or lay them flat to keep them soft.
If you’re trying to decide which material to choose, think about your climate and sleep habits. Hot sleepers or those in warmer areas will do best with bamboo or cotton. If you live somewhere cooler, velour will keep you comfortable.
Another tip is to buy at least two covers. Pregnancy pillows get dirty quickly, and having a spare means you won’t have to go without while one is in the wash. I used a bamboo cover in the summer and swapped it out for velour in the winter.
I also noticed that bamboo covers tend to be more durable over time. My cotton covers faded faster after repeated washes, while my bamboo cover stayed smooth and strong for months.
One thing to keep in mind is that bamboo and velour can be slightly more expensive than cotton. But considering the extra comfort and durability, I felt they were worth the investment.
Velour covers also hold up better against pets and kids. My dog would sometimes climb on my pillow, and the thicker velour fabric didn’t snag as easily as cotton.
Finally, if you want the most versatility, go for a pillow that fits interchangeable covers. That way, you can switch between cotton, bamboo, and velour depending on the season and your needs.
I also recommend checking the thread count or weave of cotton covers. A higher thread count means a softer, smoother feel, while a jersey-knit cotton cover will feel stretchier and more breathable.
If you’re worried about maintenance, bamboo covers are the easiest to keep fresh because they resist odor buildup. I noticed I didn’t have to wash my bamboo cover as often as my cotton one, which was a huge time saver.
Velour covers are the most stylish option in my opinion. They come in a wide variety of colors and hold their rich texture after many washes, making them a great choice if you want your pregnancy pillow to blend in with your bedroom decor.
Finally, no matter what material you choose, make sure the cover has a durable zipper closure. It makes removing and washing the cover so much easier and protects the pillow filling from dust and spills.