The 4 Best Knee Pillows in 2026
If you find yourself waking up with joint pain, a knee pillow could help. We tested top options, and these four made the cut for the best knee pillows.
- The Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow is our pick for Best Overall Knee Pillow because of its adjustability, quality construction, and strong performance and value.
- The knee pillows in this roundup cost between $30–$113 before any discounts or promotions.
- Knee pillows often have contoured designs that gently support you in a side or back sleeping position and keep your knees, hips, and spine in a straight line.
- By reducing pressure on the hips, knees, and lower back, a knee pillow may help with joint pain caused by sleep positioning. But it won’t cure arthritis or chronic joint problems, so you should consult a qualified health care professional about your symptoms.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing pillows to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best pillows, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best pillow
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate pillows and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new pillows and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.
Finding the best knee pillow can make sleep more comfortable, especially if you wake up with a sore back hips, or knees. Often, knee pillows can help side sleepers by reducing pressure on those joints and improving spinal alignment. End result: You can get a better night’s rest.
“Knee pillows are designed to help keep your hips, knees, and spine in better alignment while you sleep, which can reduce unnecessary stress on your joints and surrounding muscles,” said Jonathan Shaw, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. Knee pillows help maintain a more neutral sleeping position and provide gentle support without forcing your legs into an unnatural position, Dr. Shaw explained.
Nearly 2 million Americans age 65 and older had total knee replacement surgery in 2023, according to the American Joint Replacement Registry.1 The number of surgeries continues to rise.
To find the best knee pillows, we asked older adults to test popular models at home and share how they felt after sleeping with them. Our top pick was the Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow for its combination of versatility and value. Read on to learn more about the benefits of a knee pillow for sleeping, and to see all our top picks for the best ones you can buy.
Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow
- Height can be adjusted for a personal feel
- CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam
- Quilted bamboo-blend cover
Helix Side Sleeper Knee Pillow
- Memory foam with breathable Tencel cover
- Adjustable leg strap prevents pillow movement
- Ergonomic shape supports hip and spinal alignment
Sleep Number Knee Pillow
- Contoured peanut shape
- CertiPUR-US certified hypoallergenic foam
- Removable, washable microfiber cover
Best knee pillows in 2026
- Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow: Best Knee Pillow Overall
- Helix Side Sleeper Knee Pillow: Best Luxury Knee Pillow
- Sleep Number Knee Pillow: Best Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow: Best Memory Foam Knee Pillow
Comparing the best knee pillows
| Comparison Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9.5 |
9.4 |
8.3 |
8.6 |
| Best For | Overall |
Luxury |
Side sleeping |
Memory foam |
| Fill Material | Foam |
Foam |
Foam |
Foam |
| Loft/Adjustability | 1”-inch removable insert |
Not adjustable |
Not adjustable |
Not adjustable |
| Trial Period (nights) | 100 |
30 |
100 |
None |
Top features of the best knee pillows
We looked for the following features when choosing the best knee pillows:
Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow: Best Knee Pillow Overall
The Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow earned the highest score in our testing. Its adjustable design, supportive memory foam, and great value stood out. It also has the longest warranty on our list. And the brand provides excellent customer service.
- Highest overall testing score (9.5/10)
- Adjustable loft with removable foam layer
- CertiPUR-US certified memory foam with a 5-year warranty
- Fill material: Foam
- Adjustability and loft: Adjustable, 1” removable insert
- Free trial period: 100 nights
- Shape: Contoured rectangle (12” x 7” x 8”)
Pros
- Adjustable height for a more customized fit
- Provides hip and spine alignment for side sleepers
- High-quality, CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
- Breathable cover stayed relatively cool during testing
Cons
- Not wide enough to support both legs while back sleeping
- May feel too tall for petite sleepers, even after adjustment
- Nowhere to store removable insert
- May have to pay for shipping ($6)
Helix Side Sleeper Knee Pillow: Best Luxury Knee Pillow
The Helix Side Sleeper Knee Pillow stands out for its premium materials, thoughtful design, and excellent support for side sleepers. The pillow has an ergonomic shape, dense foam core, and a secure leg strap. These features help keep your knees and hips aligned, making it our pick for the Best Luxury Knee Pillow.
- Peanut shape helps align knees, hip, and spine
- CertiPUR-US certified hypoallergenic foam
- Removable, washable microfiber cover
- Fill material: Foam
- Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable
- Free trial period: 100 nights
- Shape: Peanut (16" x 9.5 x 4.5")
Pros
- Helps keep hips and knees aligned during side sleeping
- Soft microfiber cover is machine-washable
- Made in the United States
- Least expensive knee pillow on this list
Cons
- Foam compresses more than some higher-density knee pillows
- Not wide enough to comfortably support both legs when back sleeping
- Microfiber cover sleeps warmer than cooling fabrics
- Loft is not adjustable
Sleep Number Knee Pillow: Best Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
The Sleep Number Knee Pillow is a memory foam knee pillow for sleeping on your side. It helps keep your hips, knees, and spine in better alignment in this position. It is also the least expensive pillow on our list.
- Peanut shape helps align knees, hip, and spine
- CertiPUR-US certified hypoallergenic foam
- Removable, washable microfiber cover
- Fill material: Foam
- Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable
- Free trial period: 100 nights
- Shape: Peanut (16" x 9.5 x 4.5")
Pros
- Helps keep hips and knees aligned during side sleeping
- Soft microfiber cover is machine-washable
- Made in the United States
- Least expensive knee pillow on this list
Cons
- Foam compresses more than some higher-density knee pillows
- Not wide enough to comfortably support both legs when back sleeping
- Microfiber cover sleeps warmer than cooling fabrics
- Loft is not adjustable
Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow: Best Memory Foam Knee Pillow
The Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow stood out as the best memory foam knee pillow. Its slow-moving memory foam gently cushions your legs while helping keep your hips and spine aligned. Its peanut shape also works well as a leg pillow for sleeping. And it can be used as a neck roll or lower back cushion, making it a versatile choice.
- Firm TEMPUR-Material provides steady support
- Versatile shape for knees, neck, back, or travel
- Removable, washable cover with carrying strap
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable
- Free trial period: None
- Shape: Peanut (13" x 5")
Pros
- High-quality memory foam offers durable support
- Versatile design works as a knee, neck, or lower back pillow
- Travel-friendly size and carrying strap
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Too small for some sleepers
- Company does not accept returns
- Loft is not adjustable
- Not designed with cooling materials
What makes a good knee pillow?
A good knee pillow for sleeping should keep its shape through the night and feel comfortable. The best knee pillow supports your knees without feeling too hard. It should also help keep your hips and spine in better alignment. Memory foam is a common material used for knee pillows.
Avoid a leg pillow for sleeping that flattens quickly or slides out of place. A too-soft pillow may not provide enough support, while one that is too firm may feel uncomfortable. Choosing the right size and shape for your sleep position can make a big difference.
You may also want to consider how easy a knee pillow is to care for. A removable, machine-washable cover can make the pillow easier to clean and maintain.
How to choose the best knee pillow for you?
When choosing a knee support pillow, think about how you sleep and what feels comfortable. Side sleepers often prefer a contoured orthopedic pillow that fits between the knees to help keep the hips and spine aligned. Our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers can help you find the sleeping setup that’s right for you. Back sleepers may prefer a pillow under their knees to reduce pressure on the lower back. Foam, memory foam, and latex all feel different, so the material can affect comfort and support.
“The pillow needs to be firm enough to hold its shape through the night, as a soft pillow that collapses may not provide much support,” said Daria Brooks Terrell, MD, executive director of the Center for Better Aging.
Look for a leg pillow that stays supportive without feeling stiff. And choose one with a removable, washable cover if you plan to use it every night. Some brands offer a trial period for their products so you can try it in your own bed.
Who should consider a knee pillow?
A knee pillow may help people who sleep on their side, have knee pain, or wake up with sore hips or a sore lower back pain. If you experience back pain while you sleep, our best mattresses for back pain can help you find a more comfortable sleeping setup.
“When patients describe knee pain that feels worse at night, I explain it’s very common for discomfort to become more noticeable when the joint stays in one position for a long period of time,” said Dr. Brooks Terrell. “A knee pillow can help by improving alignment and reducing pressure, especially for side sleepers.”
Knee pillows can be used no matter what position you sleep in. “For side sleepers, placing the pillow between the knees can help keep the top leg from pulling across the body or pressing into the painful knee,” said Dr. Brooks Terrell. “For back sleepers, a small pillow under the knees may help some people feel more supported, but the knee should not be forced into a very bent position all night.”
She noted sleeping on your stomach, curling your knees tightly toward your chest, or letting your legs fall unsupported into an awkward position can sometimes make pain worse by morning. “I usually caution patients to avoid positions that increase twisting or direct pressure,” she said. “Every case is different, so paying attention to which positions increase or relieve pain can give both the patient and the clinician helpful information.”
A knee pillow for sleeping is considered a positioning tool, not a treatment by itself. If knee pain wakes you up, gets worse, or comes with swelling, locking, instability, fever, or trouble putting weight on the leg, it is important to see a health care professional.
How much do the best knee pillows cost?
The knee pillows in this roundup cost between $30–$113 before any discounts or promotions. The cost depends on many factors, including the materials used and any certifications, the size, special features like cooling or adjustability, and the brand and its reputation and warranty.
It is uncommon for health insurance to cover the cost of knee pillows. Many plans consider these products convenience or comfort items, and not medically necessary. If you have a specific diagnosed injury or are recovering from a medical procedure, you may be able to pay for a knee pillow using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Check with your specific plan. And check the requirements, including whether you need your doctor to write a prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity.
| Comparison Features | Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Knee Pillow |
Helix Side Sleeper Knee Pillow |
Sleep Number Knee Pillow |
Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Pillow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $45 |
$113 |
$30 |
$49 |
| Shipping costs | Free for orders $75 and over, $6 flat fee for orders under $75 |
Free |
Free |
Free |
| Warranty | 5 years |
1 year |
1 year |
5 years |
| Return fees | None |
None |
$7 restocking fee |
Does not accept returns on pillows |
Frequently asked questions
Do doctors recommend knee pillows?
Some doctors may recommend a knee pillow for sleeping if it helps keep your hips, knees, and spine in a better position. An orthopedic knee pillow is not a treatment. But it may help some people sleep more comfortably.
Is it better to sleep with knees bent or straight?
There is no one best position for everyone. Most people are comfortable sleeping with their knees slightly bent. Adding a knee support pillow or pillow for under knees can help keep the legs in a more natural position.
How often should you get a new knee pillow?
Most knee pillows should be replaced every one to two years, depending on how often you use them. If your leg pillow loses its shape or no longer supports your knees well, it’s time for a new one.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
