Where should I place a body pillow when side sleeping?

Start with the upper section between your arms and the lower section between your knees. Move it higher or lower until your body feels relaxed.

Can I use a body pillow under my knees?

Yes. When resting on your back, place the pillow under your knees or lower legs if that feels comfortable. Use a position that suits your body rather than forcing a fixed setup.

How do I stop a body pillow from moving?

Choose bedding with enough room, place the pillow parallel to your body and use the curve or a fitted cover to keep it settled. Small position changes often help.

Can The Embrace be used for reading in bed?

Yes. Use it as a soft arm and body support while reading, then move it into your preferred sleep position when you are ready to rest.

Can a body pillow treat back or hip pain?

No. A body pillow is a comfort product, not a treatment. If you have ongoing pain, numbness or other symptoms, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

How to Use a Body Pillow: Positions, Setup and Comfort Tips

August 6, 2026

Long body pillow and contour pillow arranged side by side on a neutral bed

Short answer

Use a body pillow where your body naturally wants support: hug it under your arms, place the lower section between your knees or tuck it beneath your legs when resting on your back. The Embrace S-curve gives you several contact points, so adjust it until the position feels natural.

There is no single correct way to use a body pillow. The best position is the one that lets you relax without repeatedly pulling the pillow back into place. Start with the area you want to support, then make small adjustments.

Dreamery The Embrace Body Pillow has an S-curve and three support zones for the arms and shoulders, hips and knees. That shape gives you more than one useful setup.

Position 1: hug it while side sleeping

Place the upper part of the pillow in front of your chest and let your arms rest around it. Keep the lower part close to your knees. This creates one continuous surface from your upper body to your legs.

Position 2: support your knees

If your legs feel more comfortable with space between them, bring the lower curve between your knees. You can hug the upper section or leave it beside your torso. Move the pillow until your hips feel relaxed rather than twisted.

Position 3: use it under your legs

When you rest on your back, place the pillow beneath your lower legs or knees if the height feels comfortable. The Embrace is long, so you can adjust its position to suit your bed and body.

Position 4: create a reading support

Use the body pillow across your lap or beside your torso while you read. The high-loft fibre fill gives you a soft surface for your arms without needing to stack several small cushions.

How to make the setup feel right

Start with a flat mattress and your usual head pillow.
Place the body pillow where your arms or knees naturally reach.
Keep your shoulders relaxed rather than pulling the pillow up.
Move the pillow in small increments instead of rebuilding the whole bed.
Wash the removable cover when it needs a refresh and dry it completely.

Comfort is personal

Your preferred position may change with the season, mattress, bedding and the way you feel that night. A body pillow should give you options, not lock you into one posture. If you have ongoing pain, tingling or a sleep-related concern, ask a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

See The Embrace Body Pillow and compare the Journal guide Body Pillow vs Contour Pillow if you are deciding between a long pillow and a shaped head pillow.

Back to blog