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The Guardian
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
The best pregnancy pillows for support and comfort, tested
It's a cruel twist that, just when you're trying to bank some rest before the arrival of a baby, your body and brain conspire to make falling – and staying – asleep more difficult. Hormonal changes, pelvic or back pain, stress and extra bathroom trips are among the delights that can make sleep elusive for pregnant women. As your baby bump grows, general discomfort is a given. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Pregnancy pillows aim to help relieve some of this discomfort by supporting key parts of the body, such as your growing baby bump, back and hips. Many are designed to encourage an optimal pregnancy sleeping position: the NHS recommends sleeping on your side after 28 weeks. That's due to research suggesting a link between falling asleep on your back and an increased risk of stillbirth – although note that the overall risk is still very low, and there's no need to worry if you wake up on your back. Just roll over and go back to sleep. Best pregnancy pillow overall:Bbhugme pregnancy pillow£159 at Bbhugme Best budget pregnancy pillow:Dreamgenii pregnancy, support and feeding pillow£48.99 at Ebebek Best pregnancy pillow for leg support:Snüz SnuzCurve pregnancy support pillow£84.95 at Snüz Best for temperature control:Simba extra support body pillow£109 at Simba Sleep My usual expertise is in technology, and I've tested all kinds of tech gadgets and AI tools in my decade or so as a tech journalist. But what really made me the perfect tester for prenatal pillows is that I was entering the third trimester of my own pregnancy as testing began – a stage I would describe as 'how is everything suddenly so uncomfortable?' Throw in a dash of persistent pregnancy insomnia, and I developed a deep personal interest in unearthing the best maternity pillows for a decent night's sleep. There are many pregnancy pillows on the market, most of which fall into a few main categories: C-shaped, U-shaped, wedge or I-shaped (which I more often found myself calling 'sausage'). I selected pillows that were popular with buyers, sparked discussion on pregnancy forums, offered unique features or simply dominated internet ads. I tested 11 in total. To test, I shamelessly cheated on my existing pillows by sleeping with each contender for at least two nights. I kept notes on firmness, support, comfort and how much bed space each pillow took up. I also noted their aesthetics, ranging from chic to orthopaedic, and their versatility. Some convert into nursing pillows after birth, which extends their usefulness and adds value. The best judge of a pregnancy pillow, of course, is a good night's sleep. I tracked mine using a smartwatch, focusing on total sleep time and time spent in deep sleep (though I took other factors into account too). £159 at Bbhugme£159 at John Lewis The Bbhugme is a flexible, microbead-filled cylinder that can be moved into an I or J shape the full length of the body, or a smaller C (useful for sitting) or U (for between the legs). It comes with a cotton jersey cover, secured at the end with plastic 'pebbles,' giving the overall impression of an oversized sausage – emphasised by the dusty pink colour of my test pillow. 'You look like you're riding a hotdog,' my husband said as I straddled it sloth-on-a-branch style. Why we love itThe revelation of the Bbhugme is the microbead filling, which gives flexibility in both its shape and firmness. It was easy to mould the pillow around me so that it supported my bump, went between my legs and kept me nestled in a comfortable side sleeping position. Despite its size, it's lightweight and pliable, making it easy to move when I shifted sides in the night. It even offered some comfort during a 1am bout of Braxton Hicks ('false labour') contractions. Its adjustability makes it a great all-rounder. I can see it being useful at all stages of pregnancy, as support needs shift, and after birth as a nursing bolster. The covers come in a range of muted tones, so the pillow can blend in with most bedroom decor. It's a shame that … at £159, the Bbhugme's comfort also comes at a hefty price – this is not a budget option. Suitable for: pregnancy and nursingShape: I-shapedSize: 140-145 x 20cmFilling material: microbeadsCover material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex jersey £48.99 at Ebebek£57.99 at Mamas & Papas The Dreamgenii pillow is a sort-of C-shape (G-shape, perhaps?) that curves under your bump and through your legs, as with most pillows, but also provides an attached back support, similar to a wedge. This means it offers support on both sides of your body without taking up the space of a full U-shaped pillow. Why we love itThe Dreamgenii's cotton jersey cover felt particularly soft against the skin and, although large, the pillow didn't feel too unwieldy in the bed. Its very particular shape is specifically designed for side sleeping, and it offered ample support for this, with the back wedge helping to prevent unintended rolling and keeping me in position. Despite its odd shape, the pillow does promise some versatility: after birth, Dreamgenii suggests using it for nursing too, by wrapping the leg support behind your back and using the back support to help cradle your baby. It's also reasonably priced. It's a shame that … you can't adjust the gap between the front and back pillows, which would be a nice way to support changing bump size. Because the pillow is specifically shaped for sleeping on one side, it's also cumbersome to shift position in the night. Suitable for: pregnancy Shape: C-shaped (ish)Size: 102 x 77cmFilling material: polyester hollow fibreCover material: 100% jersey cotton £84.95 at Snüz£84.95 at Amazon The innovation of this maternity pillow is its dual fillings: the upper part is a sausage-style pillow filled with polystyrene beads (à la the Bbhugme), while the lower section has a firmer foam filling. For what Snüz claims is the perfect pregnancy sleeping position, snuggle the upper part in your arms and under your bump, then place the foam part between your legs. Why we love itThe pillow's shape felt very supportive, and the mix of bead and foam fillings provided the best of both worlds. The beaded portion was comfy to cuddle and moulded nicely around my bump. Meanwhile, the lower portion did a particularly good job of keeping my legs separated and supporting me in a side-sleeping position. A bumper for the knees (Snüz calls a 'KneeBlade') helped hold it in place through the night. Keeping your legs separated can help relieve pressure from the pelvis, hips and back – so if you're experiencing pelvic girdle pain or similar discomfort, this could be a strong choice. It's a shame that … the SnuzCurve is designed to keep you in one position, so it may not be the best if you're a wriggler. It's only available with either a grey or white cover – the latter seems destined to show every mark. Suitable for: pregnancyShape: C-shaped Size: 135 x 30 x 25cmFilling material: polystyrene beads; polyurethane foamCover material: 92% cotton, 8% elastane £109 at Simba Sleep The unique selling point of this C-shaped pillow from mattress brand Simba is its cooling effect. The cotton cover contains the brand's Stratos 'cool-touch' technology, which aims to draw heat away from the body. The shape is a gentle curve designed to support bump, hips and knees when sleeping on your side. Why we love itThe Simba pillow absolutely delivered on its temperature-regulating promise – it stayed cool to the touch, even after a full night's sleep during a surprise spring heatwave. Given that pregnant women can be prone to hot flushes, night sweats and overall higher body temperatures, anything that can help combat overheating is a boon for night-time comfort. While fairly bulky and lacking any adjustable features, the pillow was comfortable, and the fairly firm, down-like filling offered good support, especially for the hips. It's a shame that … the cover fabric, while cooling, isn't the softest to snuggle up against, and the pillow lacks flexibility in shape and firmness. Suitable for: pregnancy and nursingShape: C-shaped Size: 120 x 35cmFilling material: combed recycled PET bottle fibresCover material: cotton with Stratos Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion £99 at John Lewis Best for: nursing Possibly the most stylish pillow in our test, the BellaMoon comes in various organic cotton cover designs featuring trendy muted prints. It's a C-shaped pillow: you position the long section along either your front or back, then place one curved end under your head and the other between your legs. Its secret power is two hidden zips that allow the curved ends to detach and then zip together, forming a smaller, half-doughnut shape to support breastfeeding or use as support for your baby. It didn't make the final cut because … while the BellaMoon pillow is described as medium firmness, I found it too firm, particularly under my head. This also made it unwieldy to reposition during the night and created a bulky barrier in the bed. Suitable for: pregnancy and nursing; shape: C-shaped; size: 140 x 50 x 20cm; filling material: 100% polyester; cover material: 100% organic cotton £39.99 at Babybub Best for: small spaces The Babybub is a wedge-shaped pillow that's really more like two wedges: one to support your back and one to support your bump. It also comes with a small cylindrical pillow that can be added to the front or back as needed. Its winged design makes the Babybub much smaller than a traditional pregnancy pillow – you might even call it compact. It took a bit of fiddling with the adjustable Velcro strap to get the wedges the perfect distance apart, but this means you can reposition them as your bump grows. It didn't make the final cut because … the bamboo and polyester blend cover is slightly scratchy to the touch, and the off-white colour gets grubby easily and looks a little 'orthopaedic aid'. I was also quite nonplussed by the additional mini-pillow, which I found inevitably ended up somewhere tangled in the duvet. Suitable for: pregnancy; shape: wedge; size: 36 x 46 x 10cm; filling material: polyester and microfibre balls; cover material: bamboo and polyester blend £135 at Scandiborn Best for: colour options Currently dominating my Instagram feed, the Cushy Puff is another microbead-filled sausage in the style of the Bbhugme. As such, it effectively adapts to support your body where you need it. The cotton-jersey pillowcase comes in bold colours and statement stripes and simply ties off at either end – letting you adjust it for firmness by tightening or loosening the knots. It didn't make the final cut because … the tying mechanism was a bit of a faff. My pillow also gave off a slight chemical odour when first unboxed – off-putting to someone with a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy. Suitable for: pregnancy and nursing; shape: I-shaped; size: 120-150 x 25cm; filling material: EPS (expanded polystyrene) microbeads; cover material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex jersey £33.40 at Amazon Best for: travel A novel wearable concept, the Babymoov Dream Belt fastens around your waist with an adjustable Velcro strap so it moves with you. The stretchy jersey front panel goes over your bump, while memory foam pads sit on the hips to provide bump support when sleeping on your side. I found the belt comfortable to wear, and it stayed in place well, offering support through plenty of tossing and turning. The most compact pillow tested, this would be a good option for travel – and it comes at a reasonable price. It didn't make the final cut because … the Dream Belt offers support only around your bump, so its usefulness is limited. You could pair with another pillow (or regular cushions) to add leg and back supports. Suitable for: pregnancy; shape: belt;size: available in two body sizes, XS/S and M/XL; filling material: polyurethane memory foam; cover material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane As you can tell from the variety above, pregnancy pillows come in different shapes. Which you choose is down to personal preference and the kind of support you're looking for. Common shapes include C, U, V and wedge pillows. C-shaped pillows support your front (or back), head and legs; U-shaped pillows envelop the body and so offer support on all sides; V-shaped pillows can be used in various ways, including one leg of the V supporting your bump and the other going through your legs (like a C-shaped pillow without the head support). When choosing a shape, also consider how much bed space it requires: U-shaped pillows are typically the largest. Wedge-shaped pillows are usually smaller, wedging under bump or back, but this also limits how much of your body they support. Some pillows, such as the I-shaped pillows with microbead fillings, offer much more flexibility for you to bend them into different shapes. This will depend on the shape of the pillow you choose, your support needs and your sleeping position. The NHS recommends sleeping on your side after 28 weeks of pregnancy, and many pillows are designed with this in mind. Longer pillows that go along the front of your body (I, C or U shapes) are usually intended to be cuddled: place one arm and one leg under the pillow, and one on top. At the end of the day, the point of the pillow is comfort, so anything that brings relief and helps you sleep is a plus. Of course, if you're having any issues with pain or pregnancy symptoms, or are unsure if a pillow is a good idea for you, you should seek medical advice. When choosing a pregnancy pillow, you'll want to consider the type of filling (eg microbeads, hollow fibre, memory foam) and the fabric of the cover. Most pillows have removable, washable covers. You may want to choose a pillow that can double as a nursing aid to get extra value out of the product after your baby arrives; some pillows offer specific mechanisms to reshape them for this purpose. Victoria Turk is a technology journalist whose work has brought her into contact with the latest gadgets and gizmos for the past decade. She is expecting her first baby this summer
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
'Simba's reflexology-inspired slippers feel like a foot massage'
Shopping writer Lauren Codling tried Simba Sleep's Rok Slippers - and they're her new WFH essential Home comforts are all about creating little moments of ease, and few things bring instant relaxation quite like a cosy pair of slippers. This is especially true on work-from-home days, when you want to feel snug but still supported. I'll admit, I'm usually a bed socks loyalist, but recently I've been looking for a pair of proper slippers - something that feels a bit more structured, but still ticks the comfort box. So when Simba - yes, the brand behind the award-winning Hybrid Mattress - announced it was launching slippers late last year, my interest was piqued. The Rok Slippers (£89) are its first-ever pair, and comfort is naturally front and centre. But Simba's gone one step further: the slippers feature nine gel-filled pressure points designed to gently massage the feet, mimicking a reflexology experience. I was genuinely excited when a pair landed on my desk to try. Reflexology? Slippers? Cosy meets clever? Count me in. My honest review of Simba Rok Slippers I've been consistently wearing these slippers for weeks, and so far, so good. Straight out of the box, I was surprised by how stylish they were - I'd genuinely consider wearing these moccasin-style shoes out and about while running errands. When I first put them on, the gel pressure points were noticeable - not hugely, but I could tell they're made with support in mind. I can especially tell the difference whenever I come back from my post-lunchtime walk - I often come back with slightly achy feet, but slipping into the Rok Slippers afterward feels like a reward. They immediately ease the tension in my feet and it doesn't hurt to walk around the flat in them. The gel pressure points come into their own here, gently supporting and soothing the area that feels most tired, like the arch and instep. Another thing I've appreciated is that they don't slip off my feet - even when I'm going up and down stairs or moving quickly around my flat. They have a non-slip rubber outsole, which has come in handy on our tiled kitchen floor (no skidding while rushing for coffee) and when I've had to dash downstairs for a delivery. My only real gripe is that they aren't overly warm. As it's currently sunny outside, this isn't a problem right now, but I suspect I'll be wearing socks with them once the temperature takes a dip again. If you prefer warmth over support and comfort, The White Company's faux fur booties are a much better alternative - and they're reduced to £15.60 from £26 - as are these faux fur-lined slippers from Next for £21. After two weeks of wear - working at my desk, popping to put the bins out, even standing at the stove while cooking - the Simba slippers have held up impressively well. The structure hasn't flattened or lost shape, and they feel durable and of good quality. Although I can't say they keep my feet as warm as my beloved bed socks, they genuinely ease that tired, achy foot feeling that's typical by the end of the day. It's pure instinct to put them on as soon as I hop out of bed or walk through the front door. Of course, they're pricier than your average slippers but for what you get (clever tech, comfort that lasts, and a brand with serious sleep credentials), they feel like a wise investment. And as I've not reached for my bed socks since they arrived, I'd say that says a lot.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Shoppers rush to gets hundreds off mattresses in bank holiday Simba Sleep sale
Many shoppers have reported that their sleep has 'dramatically improved' after purchasing a Simba mattress. As we move into the summer months, a whole new range of sales from popular retailers are starting up. However, many of these are only week-long events so shoppers need to be quick to snap up their much needed products for bargain prices. One incredible sale taking place this week is from Simba Sleep, who are renowned for their award winning mattresses. With many shoppers claiming that these mattresses have greatly improved their sleep, new customers only have until the end of the bank holiday weekend to chop hundreds of pounds off a new mattress. Simba has cut prices across their wide range of mattresses, meaning shoppers won't need to spend a fortune for a better night's sleep. With a 4.3 star rating on TrustPilot, the retailer has cut the prices off some of their budget products, as well as some of their more expensive items. One product in the Simba sale is the Hybrid Mattress, which usually retails for £649. However, shoppers can save over £120 as the retailer has slashed their most popular mattress down to £525.69. This mattress, which has been sold worldwide over half a million times, is said to align with your body to help relieve pressure and it comes with a zip cover that is easily washed, reports the Mirror. Featuring 1,900 springs, the product was designed to support different zones of the user's body. Along with a 25cm depth and "five layers of comfort", Simba states the mattress also allows "airflow, cushioning and heat dissipation", which is a perfect feature to have during the warm summer months when many people may have trouble sleeping due to the heat. For shoppers who are looking for a more luxurious mattress, Simba has also reduced the price of the Hybrid Luxe Mattress. Normally £1,199, shoppers can now buy it for £995.17 or £24.05 per month. Boasting 5,700 springs, this mattress features a depth of 31cm and nine layers within the mattress. Including a wool and bamboo layer, Simba has said the high-end product has "contouring designed to limit motion transfer", meaning users won't be tossed around at night when their partner moves in the bed. Outside of the Simba Sleep sale, Amazon has slashed the price of the Vesgantti 4FT6 Double Mattress from £264.99 down to £179.99. With a 4.5 star rating, shoppers can further reduce the price of this mattress by adding a £15 voucher - dropping the price tag down to £164.99. Instead of a sale, Emma Sleep is currently offering a range of freebies when you buy one of their popular mattresses. For example, the Hybrid Airgrid Mattress retails for £679, but shoppers will also be able to snap up free pillows, duvet and mattress protector that are usually worth £341 altogether. Despite these fantastic offers, many shoppers are rushing to buy one of the Simba Sleep mattresses while the sale is available. Many shoppers have left reviews on the Luxe Mattress, which boasts a 4.8 star rating from over 12,500 customers. One happy shopper said: "So happy with my purchase, mattress surpassed my expectations providing a great sleep." With another adding: "I was sceptical at first about spending money on a new mattress as I thought what benefit would it bring! Then I stumbled across the Simba mattress online, and something about the way it was presented and the words used made me take the plunge. "I have to say what a game changer this Hybrid mattress is. Comfortable, sturdy and right from the get-go, my sleep has dramatically improved." However, not every shopper left a positive review about the mattress, as one person wrote: "The mattress is already sagging from 3 to 4 days after sleeping on it" Another shopper shared having a negative experience with the mattress, adding: "I'm a side sleeper and I thought spending more money on a mattress would be better for my back. But the Simba mattress gives me back pain and I'm not getting a full night sleep." However, other five-star reviewers reported the opposite. One customer praised: "Simba mattress is firm which has helped ease back pain I was getting from my old mattress. It has also allowed me to gain a better quality nights sleep allowing me to feel refreshed when I wake up." A further shopper agreed, writing: "My back has never been so good . I wake up now feeling like I've had a great night sleep for the first time in years!" For shoppers who want to snap up a new mattress in the Simba Sleep sale, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Simba Sleep axes hundreds of pounds off biggest mattresses in bank holiday sale
Some Simba mattresses have been cut in price by more than £120. As summer rolls around, more and more big sales are kicking off online and around the UK. And this week, Simba has confirmed an incredible bank holiday weekend sale that - as its name suggests - will not be around forever. The mattress company, which has an incredible 4.3-star rating on TrustPilot, has cut the prices of mattresses all over its website. This includes some budget products, as well as its most expensive ones. Giving shoppers a choice, no matter their budget. The Hybrid Mattress is one found in the sale, cut from an original £649 down to £525.69 with a saving of more than £120. This body-aligning mattress is designed to help relieve pressure and comes with a zip cover, that can be easily washed. It is also Simba Sleep's most popular mattress, having sold more than half a million products worldwide. And it's easy to see why. There are some cheaper alternatives in other retail sales too. Argos' Silent Night mattress is currently priced at £270. And Emma is handing out free pillows in its rival sleep sale. Back to Simba, and its on-sale Hybird Mattress has 1,900 springs, which helps to support zones of the body. A 25cm depth, and 'five layers of comfort'. As Simba describes it as allowing 'airflow, cushioning and heat dissipation', a feature that could also come in handy during warmer summer weather. If you're looking for a more luxurious mattress, though, Simba has you covered there, as well. The Hybrid Luxe Mattress has also been temporarily cut in price. This high-end mattress has a staggering 5,700 springs, a 31cm depth and nine layers of mattress, including a wool and bamboo layer. The company adds that it has 'contouring designed to limit motion transfer' too. The Hybrid Luxe Mattress is a little more pricey at £995.17, but is still majorly discounted from £1,199. Reviews of this mattress have been fantastic, as one shopper wrote: "So happy with my purchase, mattress surpassed my expectations providing a great sleep." Another shopper agreed. They said: "I was sceptical at first about spending money on a new mattress as I thought what benefit would it bring! Then I stumbled across the Simba mattress online, and something about the way it was presented and the words used made me take the plunge. "I have to say what a game changer this Hybrid mattress is. Comfortable, sturdy and right from the get-go, my sleep has dramatically improved." Not all reviews about Simba have been positive, though. "The mattress is already sagging from 3 to 4 days after sleeping on it", said one shopper. Another shopper didn't like the mattress for their back, and said "I'm a side sleeper and I thought spending more money on a mattress would be better for my back. But the Simba mattress gives me back pain and I'm not getting a full night sleep." Buying a mattress can be unique to each person, as Over at rival Emma, the mattress company, which has over 50,000 reviews on TrustPilot, has cut prices. This includes the Hybrid Thermosync Mattress, which could come with some free extras, including pillows and protectors, at just £519. Their £218 Hybrid Original Mattress is also included in the offer, with a £80 free pillow on the docket.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mattress brand Simba beds down with new Canadian owner
A mattress-maker which raised tens of millions of pounds before being bailed out during the slump in technology company valuations is being sold to a Canadian peer. Sky News has learnt that Simba Sleep, which is chaired by Asda boss Allan Leighton, has struck a deal to be taken over by a trade buyer, thought to be the privately owned group Sleep Country. An agreement about the transaction is understood to have been reached in recent weeks. Money latest: Uber making big changes to how you pay Previously a listed company, Sleep Country is now owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings, and trades from hundreds of stores across Canada. ADVERTISEMENT One source said Simba's new owner would seek to grow its brand outside the UK. The deal - the value of which was unclear on Wednesday - comes after Simba raised huge sums of money to fund its international expansion, before being forced to slash its valuation. At one point, the company was promoted by the then Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale, and had outlined ambitious growth plans for its patented 'sleep technology'. In 2020, it raised $24m (£18m) in a deal with Cartesian Capital, a private investor. Read more from Sky News: China moves to ease tariff pain ahead of US trade war talks Plans to expand massive offshore windfarm under threat The deal with its new Canadian owner is said to comprise an up-front initial payment, with further payments to be made in the coming years depending upon the performance of the business. ADVERTISEMENT Last summer, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it had secured changes to Simba's online sales practices amid concerns that the company "may have misled customers about price reductions and put unfair pressure on them to make quick purchases". Simba Sleep declined to comment on the deal.
