How to Layer Pregnancy Pillows With Regular Pillows for Maximum Comfort
When I was pregnant, I quickly learned that using a pregnancy pillow alone wasn’t always enough. Some nights I needed even more support, so I started layering my pregnancy pillow with my regular pillows. It completely changed how comfortable I felt, and I slept better as a result.
In this post, I’ll share how to layer pregnancy pillows with regular pillows for maximum comfort so you can wake up feeling more rested and less achy.
Table of Contents
Why Layering Pregnancy Pillows Works
Pregnancy pillows are great, but they don’t always address every pressure point. By adding regular pillows in the right places, you can customize your sleep setup and get full-body support.
➡️ My go-to pregnancy pillow for layering: PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon – it’s versatile and easy to combine with other pillows.
1. Add a Pillow Between Your Knees
Even if your pregnancy pillow already supports your legs, adding a firm regular pillow between your knees can align your hips and reduce lower back pain.
➡️ I used the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow to fine-tune my hip support.
2. Elevate Your Upper Body
If you’re dealing with heartburn or breathing issues, layer a few pillows under your upper back and shoulders. This slight incline makes side sleeping more comfortable.
➡️ Try pairing your pregnancy pillow with the Milliard Bed Wedge Pillow for a stable incline.
3. Place a Pillow Behind Your Back
If you use a C-shaped or J-shaped pregnancy pillow, you may still roll onto your back. Placing a regular pillow snugly behind you acts as a barrier and keeps you in the right position.
➡️ The Leachco Snoogle C-Shaped Pillow plus a standard pillow behind your back is a winning combo.
4. Use a Pillow Under Your Belly
As your bump grows, you might feel a pulling sensation on your belly when side sleeping. A small pillow under your bump can relieve pressure and improve alignment.
➡️ The Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is perfect for this hack.
5. Support Your Feet and Ankles
If you wake up with swollen feet, try placing a regular pillow under your feet to improve circulation. This works especially well with a U-shaped pregnancy pillow.
➡️ I loved using the Meiz U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow with a firm pillow under my ankles.
Extra Tips for Layering Pregnancy Pillows
- Fluff your regular pillows nightly to keep them supportive.
- Don’t over-layer; too many pillows can create awkward angles.
- Experiment with different setups until you find what feels best.
- Consider memory foam or adjustable pillows for firmer support.
➡️ Shop the best pregnancy pillows and accessories on Amazon here
My Final Thoughts
Layering your pregnancy pillow with regular pillows can make all the difference in your comfort.
Personally, I used a U-shaped pillow around my body, a wedge pillow under my belly, and a firm pillow behind my back. It gave me the perfect amount of support and kept me from waking up sore.
➡️ Click here to shop my favorite pregnancy pillows and layering accessories on Amazon
Trust me, once you find the right pillow combination, you’ll sleep so much better.
When I first tried layering my pregnancy pillow with regular pillows, I overdid it and ended up feeling like I was sleeping on a mountain. The key is to add pillows only where you truly need extra support, not everywhere at once.
One of the most helpful adjustments I made was to use a firm pillow behind my back along with my C-shaped pregnancy pillow. This kept me from rolling onto my back and made side sleeping much more comfortable.
If you’re using a U-shaped pregnancy pillow, try slipping a small pillow under the curve at your head. It adds extra height and helps align your neck better, especially if you have broad shoulders.
Another layering hack is to add a thin pillow between your thighs, not just your knees. This prevents your hips from twisting, which can reduce both hip and lower back pain.
I also discovered that elevating my ankles slightly with a small pillow improved circulation and reduced swelling in my feet. It’s a small change that made a big difference in how I felt the next morning.
If you’re dealing with heartburn, combine your pregnancy pillow with a wedge pillow under your upper body. This keeps you at a comfortable incline and makes side sleeping easier.
One mistake I made early on was using soft pillows under my belly. They would flatten out during the night, leaving me unsupported. Switching to a firm wedge pillow solved that problem immediately.
I also recommend using a regular pillow under your pregnancy pillow’s curves if the pillow feels too low. This works especially well with U-shaped pillows when you need more height at your head or feet.
Another layering option is to use your pregnancy pillow as a base layer and then place smaller pillows strategically on top. This lets you fine-tune the support for your back, belly, and hips.
If you share a bed, try layering your pillows closer to the edge so your partner still has space. Pregnancy pillows can take up a lot of room, and adjusting your setup makes a big difference for both of you.
I also discovered that using an adjustable memory foam pillow as part of my setup gave me more control. I could add or remove filling depending on how much lift I needed that night.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to rearrange your pillow setup as your pregnancy progresses. What worked at 20 weeks may not feel comfortable at 30 weeks, so keep experimenting until you find the perfect combination.