Buying guide for best bath pillows
A soothing bath is a great way to unwind after a long day. But add a cushy bath pillow and — voilà! — your tub is transformed into your own personal spa that you’ll never want to leave. By supporting your head, neck, and back, a bath pillow allows you to relax for long periods without the discomfort of resting against a tub’s hard surface.
But before you can start relaxing, there are a few things to consider. Some basic, inexpensive bath pillows are inflatable. However, they offer less comfort and functionality than cushioned pillows, which are typically made of memory foam, polyester, or other soft materials. There are pillows to support the head and neck or, for total luxury, those that cushion the whole body. Most bath pillows attach to the tub with suction cups, but if they are low quality, your pillow won’t stay put for long.
Key considerations
Cushion style and material
Inflatable pillows are the least expensive option but provide little in the way of support and comfort. If positioned improperly, the sharp edges of the cushion can dig into your skin. However, they cost a fraction of the price of pillows with actual cushioning. Some may be filled with warm water for a more soothing experience.
Gel or bead pillows are usually a step up from inflatable pillows, as they can shift and mold to support your shoulders, neck, and head.
Foam pillows are often the most expensive, but they also provide the most support. Some pillows may use memory foam, which adapts to your unique shape, while others offer a more basic foam that can compress and decompress easily. Foam pillows tend to be more expensive, but they are the most popular choice for a reason.
Cover material
Fabric covers are soft to the touch but are more difficult to clean. If you opt for a fabric covering, consider a pillow with a removable cover that can be put in the wash easily.
Vinyl and PVC covers are less soft than fabric but still fairly comfortable. Their smooth surface makes them easy to wipe clean to prevent mildew buildup.
Size and shape
Head-and-shoulder pillows are the smallest option and are easy to store due to their compact size. Some models are shaped like a traditional pillow, while others are curved inward to better support your neck.
Full-body pillows are a more comfortable choice, provided your tub can accommodate them. The amount of padding can vary from the head to the rest of the pillow. As with head-and-shoulder pillows, consider a pillow that offers good neck support. Some full-body pillows may offer back support as well.
Suction cups
Since bath pillows attach to your tub with suction cups, take note of the number and quality of the suction cups. Thinner and smaller suction cups are more likely to develop cracks that could ruin the suction. Larger suction cups are generally better, preferably made of thick rubber.
Most bath pillows have anywhere from four to eight suction cups. The more suction cups, the more likely your pillow will stay in place. If you have a heavier pillow, particularly if it is filled with gel or water, excellent suction cups are crucial.
Did you know?
Most bath pillows are flexible and can accommodate to tubs of different shapes and angles.
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Features
Texture
Take note of the texture of bath pillows. While PVC and vinyl pillows are typically smooth, fabric pillows may have a texture to add comfort. Many fabric pillows are covered in polyester mesh or similar materials that provide a pleasant feel. Others may have a lined or ribbed pattern. While this isn’t as important as cushion placement, it can make a difference.
Hanging hook
A pillow with a hanging hook is easy to store, and hanging up the pillow allows it to dry thoroughly. This is also a simple way to keep your pillow somewhere that is easy to access.
Cleaning methods and mildew resistance
Many pillows use materials that are mold-, bacteria-, and mildew-resistant. This is particularly important with fabric-covered pillows, which are more likely to trap moisture. A pillow with no protection against mildew and germs not only looks gross, but it can also cause your skin to break out.
Vinyl and PVC pillows are fairly easy to wipe down to clean, but fabric pillows can be more difficult. Look for pillows with removable covers that can be cleaned in the wash after each use.
Colors and patterns
Though most bath pillows are white, there are a few with different colors and patterns. If you are hoping to match the decor of your bathroom, you may want to look into a pillow with complimentary colors.
Bath pillow prices
Inexpensive: Bath pillows from $4 to $15 are usually inflatable or made of inexpensive foam. While they may support your head, they are generally too small to support your shoulders or neck. The suction cups may be of lower quality.
Mid-range: For $15 to $25, you’ll find bath pillows that may be inflatable or filled with foam, gel, or beads. While some larger models are available in this range, few are full-body pillows. Most mid-range bath pillows have some mildew and bacteria protection.
Expensive: The best bath pillows fall in the $25 to $60 range. These may be made from high-quality fabric and memory foam. They are also likely to be full-body or at least provide moderate back support. Most pillows in this range have high-quality suction cups that easily keep the pillow in place and are resistant to mildew and bacteria.
Tips
If you opt for a larger bath pillow, compare its length and width to your bathtub to ensure it fits comfortably.
Dry your bath pillow thoroughly after every use, and consider cleaning it after every use if mildew is an issue in your bathroom.
Most bath pillows can be cleaned with soap and water, but always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Don’t forget to clean the suction cups from time to time to keep them from slipping or losing suction.
Other products we considered
One excellent full-body bath pillow is the Soothing Company Full-Body Bath Pillow, which has a fabric cover and measures 50 inches in length. Customers love this pillow for its extremely soft feel and how thick the cushion is along the entire length of the pillow. The hook is a bit small to reliably support the pillow, but the suction cups are of good quality.
Another good option for a full-length pillow is the ComfySure Full-Body Spa Mattress Pillow. At 48 inches long, this is a decent-sized pillow with good support, but where it really shines is with the extra-strong suction cups that won’t slip around while you bathe.
FAQ
Q. Can you leave a bath pillow in your tub?
A. You can, but the pillow is more likely to build up mildew and bacteria this way, because moisture may become trapped between the pillow and the tub.
Q. Can bath pillows be used to reduce symptoms of specific medical concerns?
A. Yes, particularly full-body bath pillows, which can help with issues like hemorrhoids or back pain.
Q. Do bath bombs stain bath pillows?
A. This depends on both the ingredients in the bath bomb and in the material of the bath pillow, but most pillows can withstand bath bombs without staining.
