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Best V-Shaped Pillow 2022

Danny

Written by Danny

Last Updated: 29th January, 2022
Contents

V-shaped pillows are designed to provide comfort, support, and pressure relief to your neck, shoulders and back whilst you are sleeping or sitting upright. These pillows are versatile and can be used in various ways and for different reasons. For example, people with pain, pregnant or new mums, bed-readers, those with breathing problems, or simply those looking for some added comfort or support may find a v-shaped pillow a good choice.

Like most bedding products, there is quite a selection in stores and online. We've put together a few options and mentioned a few factors that will hopefully help you make the most informed decision when purchasing your v-shaped pillow.

(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs in Conclusion)

V-PILLOWTYPESIZEPRICE
Fogarty V-Shaped Orthopaedic Firm-Support PillowPolyester hollow fibre85 x 33cm£12
CnA Stores Orthopaedic V-Shaped PillowSynthetic84 x 34cm£8.49
John Lewis Synthetic Carefree Comfort Teflon V-Shaped Support PillowPolyester82 x 32cm£28
HASSTEX NEW MEDICAL Living Orthopaedic V Shaped Support Pillow Polyester hollowfibre74 x 34cm£15.99
Silentnight V Shape Support PillowHollowfibreNA£19
BEDWAY Luxury Bamboo V Shape PillowMemory foam76 x 47cm£29.99
Prices are referring to the smallest size. Information may be subject to change, please check with the brand/manufacturer before purchasing.

1. Fogarty V-Shaped Orthopaedic Firm-Support Pillow

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fogarty v-shaped orthopaedic pillow
(Image credit: Fogarty)
HIGHLIGHTSSUITABILITY
• Orthopaedic firm support
• 100% polyester hollow fibre filling
• Machine-washable
• Those on a budget
• Side sleepers
• Allergy sufferers

The Fogarty V-Shaped Orthopaedic Firm-Support Pillow offers firm support to the shoulders and back and has been designed and shaped to support a person whilst sitting up in bed or side sleeping. This pillow contains a blend of recycled fibre - the cover is 50% cotton, 50% polyester, and the filling is 100% polyester hollow fibre. The combination of cotton and polyester provides both softness and durability.

This Fogarty V-shaped pillow has non-allergenic properties and measures 85x33cm. It is machine-washable for easy care and can be tumble dried at a low heat setting. This affordable pillow has been rated very highly by customers - some commenting that it is soft yet also offers adequate firmness and support. Others mention good value for money and that it is very comfortable.

2. CnA Stores V-Shaped Pillow

cna v shape pillow
(Image credit: C Stores)
HIGHLIGHTSSUITABILITY
• Orthopaedic support
• Machine-washable
• Possibility of different colour covers
• People looking for a budget-friendly buy
• Hot sleepers
• Those who prefer to buy British

The CnA Stores V-shaped pillow is an orthopaedic pillow offering cushioning support to the head, neck, and back. This pillow has a non-allergenic synthetic filling and measures 84x34cm. In addition, the material is breathable, which means that it won't retain heat or moisture.

This v-shaped pillow is machine-washable at 40°C, making cleaning easy. At a slightly extra cost, customers can purchase this pillow with cotton cover available in various colours. The CnA Stores v-shaped pillow is made in the UK and has proved to be very popular with customers. Reviewers mention good cushioning and comfort, as well as being firm enough for support. Some people commented that they had bought several.

3. John Lewis Synthetic Carefree Comfort Teflon V-Shaped Support Pillow

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john lewis teflon v shaped support pillow
(Image credit: John Lewis)
HIGHLIGHTSSUITABILITY
• Teflon™ fabric protection
• 100% polyester hollow fibre filling
• 2-year guarantee
• Those seeking a supportive pillow
• Side or back sleepers
• People with a higher budget

The John Lewis Synthetic Carefree Comfort Teflon V-Shaped Support Pillow has been designed to provide the necessary comfort and support for those who sleep on their back and side. In addition, this pillow ensures that the spine stays perfectly aligned whilst sleeping, adequately supports the spine in a sitting position, and alleviates common forms of back or neck pain.

The cover material is 52% polyester and 48% cotton, and a pillowcase is included. The synthetic hollow fibre filling is 100% polyester and will recover its shape after use. In addition, this pillow has Teflon™ fabric protection that is highly effective in repelling dirt and stains, so your bedding will stay cleaner for longer. It is, however, possible to machine-wash this pillow at 40°C and tumble-dry on a low heat setting. The dimensions of this pillow are 82x 50x32cm.

Although a little on the pricier side, manufacturers offer a 2-year guarantee on this product. Customers overall seem very satisfied with their purchases, some people highlighting its efficacy for pregnancy, post-operative pain, and breathing problems.

4. HASSTEX NEW MEDICAL Living Orthopaedic V Shaped Support Pillow 

HASSTEX NEW MEDICAL Living Orthopaedic V Shaped Support Pillow 
(Image credit: HASSTEX)
HIGHLIGHTSSUITABILITY
• Hollow fibre filling
• Multi-use pillow
• Machine-washable
• People seeking a mid-range buy
• Individuals wanting orthopaedic support
• Those happy with the silver pillowcase

The HASSTEX NEW MEDICAL Living Orthopaedic V Shaped Support Pillow has been designed to provide full back and neck support and to relieve pressure on your neck, shoulders and back. This hollow fibre-filled v-shaped pillow is suitable to be used for various purposes, including breastfeeding, as a general maternity pillow, orthopaedic reasons, or just as an additional comfort to existing bedding.

It measures 74x34cm and comes with a silver linen pillowcase. This HASSTEX pillow is machine-washable at 40° C and can be tumble dried on low heat. It falls in the middle of the range price-wise, and customers seem overall very happy with their purchases. Some people describe it as supportive and comfortable for a reasonable price.

5. Silentnight V Shape Support Pillow

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silentnight v pillow
(Image credit: Silentnight)
HIGHLIGHTSSUITABILITY
• Hollow fibre filling
• Machine-washable
• 2-year guarantee
• Those who prefer a medium-soft feel
• Individuals seeking a multi-use pillow
• People who prefer to buy British

The Silentnight V Shape Pillow is designed to bring you both comfort as well as balanced support. The pillow shape ensures that your head, neck and shoulders are fully supported to relieve pressure, and it is made of hypoallergenic hollow fibre. In addition, there is a removable microfibre pillowcase with a wipe-clean, stain and water repellent finish.

This v-shaped pillow has a medium-soft feel and is machine-washable at 40°C. It can be used in multiple ways; it provides extra support while you sleep (side and back sleepers specifically), sitting upright, working, watching television or reading before bedtime. In addition, it can be used as a nursing pillow for feeding babies or support for expectant mums.

Silentnight is made in the UK, and a 2-year guarantee is offered on your purchase. Customers rate this pillow very highly and could be a good option if you're looking for luxurious comfort and support at a middle-of-the-range price.

6. BEDWAY Luxury Bamboo V Shape Pillow

bedway bamboo v shape pillow
(Image credit: BEDWAY)
HIGHLIGHTSSUITABILITY
• Memory foam inner core
• Organic bamboo fabric cover
• Multi-use pillow
• Those with a more flexible budget
• Allergy sufferers
• Individuals who prefer a medium-firm feel

The Bedway Luxury Bamboo V Shape Pillow is made from heavy-duty memory foam encased in an antibacterial organic bamboo fabric cover. This hypoallergenic medium-firm pillow offers orthopaedic comfort and support, as well as keeping your neck and spine in correct alignment.

The soft mesh knitted bamboo cover is removable and enhances airflow so that you can stay cool and comfortable by dissipating excess heat. In addition, bamboo is one of the more sustainable materials available. The Bedway v-shape pillow is a multi-use pillow and can be placed around your waist when feeding babies, used propped up behind you whilst reading, or for easing tension in sore back muscles or general support.

The memory foam inner core ensures that this pillow will keep you supported and keep its shape over time. It measures 76x47cm. This v-shaped pillow is more expensive than others; however, customers seem very happy with their purchases and comment that it is a good quality pillow and value for money.

V-Shaped Pillows Explained

A v-shaped pillow is essentially a pillow with two long arms forming the shape of a “v”. These pillows are designed to provide comfort and orthopaedic support. They do this by keeping the head and upper part of the body slightly elevated and minimising pressure on the head, neck, and shoulders.

What is a v-shaped pillow

V-Shaped Pillow Materials

The best type of pillow fill often comes down to individual needs and personal preferences. Certain materials have specific qualities that can offer you optimal comfort and necessary support, as well as other benefits. The following materials are two of the most common found as filling for v-shaped pillows:

  • Polyester hollow fibre: This material is commonly used in pillows and is made using fine, hollow strands of polyester. These hollow fibres trap air inside them, and this material is therefore known to be lofty, lightweight, soft and breathable. Additionally, hollow fibre tends to be cheaper than other materials, such as foam.
  • Memory foam: Memory foam pillows are made using polyurethane material and are often called "viscoelastic". They can compress and conform to the shape of your head, providing comfort and the necessary support to keep the head and neck correctly aligned. In addition, they evenly distribute weight, facilitating pressure point relief. Memory foam is known to trap heat, so it may therefore be a good idea to ensure that the pillow comes with a temperature regulating cover or that the memory foam itself is designed to promote airflow, especially if you are a hot sleeper. Hot sleepers could also try a cooling pillow.

Why Use A V-Shaped Pillow

These unique pillows are versatile and can be used in various ways, for different reasons, and in different places. People generally use a v-shaped pillow whilst lying down or sitting up. Listed below are some of the most common reasons why people choose to use a v-shaped pillow:

Why use a v-shaped pillow

Comfort And Support

Back and side sleepers, in particular, could find that v-shaped pillows provide them with the necessary comfort and support - whether that be in addition to their regular pillows or on their own. It's worth mentioning, however, that some brands offer pillows for side sleepers, specifically, which may also be worth checking out.

Elevation

This type of pillow is particularly good for elevation. It can, therefore, be beneficial for those who suffer from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - more on this below) as these people often find that lying down flat in bed makes them short of breath✓. It may be easier to sleep in a more upright position so they can breathe easier, similarly for those with a cough or cold.

Alleviate Pain

A v-shaped pillow can be used for different parts of the body and in different places. For example, pregnant women can use one between the knees for pressure relief when lying on their side (pregnancy pillows and knee pillows may also be good options). They can be used on a chair whilst sitting down to support the lower back and minimise back pain. People with neck pain can use a v-shaped pillow on top of a regular pillow to keep the head elevated and prevent turning onto the side. Should a v-shaped pillow not sufficiently help with pain, perhaps it's worth looking into pillows for neck pain or orthopaedic pillows, specifically.

​​Reading

V-shaped pillows are also great for reading - whether you use them in your bed or on the sofa. They can be propped against the headboard or used on top of a regular pillow providing extra support to the lower back.

Rolling in bed 

These pillows can prevent you from tossing and turning, thereby helping to protect the spine, minimise or reduce pain, and help stop rolling from being a problem for your partner. Individuals recovering post-surgery, or people with neck or shoulder pain, or even vertigo may find a v-shaped pillow particularly useful. It is worth mentioning that adult size v-shaped pillows have been shown✓ unsafe for use in infants due to the possibility of accidental suffocation.

COPD Explained

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the name for a group of lung conditions characterised by chronic inflammation that causes breathing difficulties. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of which make it difficult to breathe in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide optimally.

COPD explained

Bronchitis is the inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Emphysema affects the alveoli (tiny air sacs) at the end of the airways in the lungs, where oxygen gets taken up into the bloodstream. The alveoli become damaged, and air-filled spaces form, which then traps air. Both these conditions cause narrowing of the airways resulting in breathing problems. V-shaped pillows have the potential to reduce difficulty and enable easier breathing.

Interesting to mention that in some developed countries, COPD has now become more prevalent in women than men✓ however, studies show✓ that diagnosis is less likely than in men with the same degree of deterioration of the lungs. In general, women smoke less than men, and it is therefore suggested✓ that they may be more susceptible to developing COPD in response to cigarette smoke than men. 

Did you know?
COPD has a prevalence of 2.57% of the total population✓ in England.

Reading Before Bed

Whether we do it or not, reading before bed is a longstanding tradition. Of course, these days, it’s often more likely to find people scrolling through social media in bed before they go to sleep; however, reading a book has certain benefits that may make you swap your phone for a book before you go to sleep. V-shaped pillows can be used whilst reading to provide extra support for the lower back and cushioning for any pressure points.

Reading before bed

A study✓ done at the University of Sussex showed that reading a good book can help significantly reduce stress levels by 68% - more than certain other nighttime “rituals” such as drinking tea, listening to music, or going for a walk. It was shown that just 6 minutes of reading could help ease muscle tension, slow the heart rate, and significantly relax the mind and body, facilitating a deeper and more restful sleep. The reasoning behind this, according to the study author and “sleep scientist”, is that:

"a book is more than merely a distraction, but an active engaging of the imagination, one that causes you to enter an altered state of consciousness"

Dr David Lewis

In addition to contributing to better sleep, reading a book before bedtime could boost brain power, improve creativity, and reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease✓.

Restless Sleeping

All of us roll over in our sleep. This is because generally, when we lie on any part of our body for an extended amount of time, blood flow to that area is restricted. In turn, limited oxygen and nutrients reach the skin, which then causes nerve endings and pain sensors to signal your brain to change position/roll over. Rolling over restores the blood flow to that area again but can interrupt your or your partner's sleep. Using a v-shaped pillow has the potential to minimise restricted blood flow by reducing the pressure points on your neck and shoulders. This, in addition to the shape of the pillow itself, prevents rolling over, should aid in restful sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy a v-shaped pillow?

You will find that some bedding suppliers stock v-shaped pillows, and if you look online, sites like Amazon offer a large variety of choices.

How to use a v-shaped pillow?

This will entirely depend on your needs and preferences, and of course, why you bought the pillow. V-shaped pillows can be used as regular pillows, on top of regular pillows, propped up against a headboard or sofa, or between the knees.

What are v-shaped pillows used for?

V-shaped pillows can be used in several different ways for different reasons. Some people use them for slight elevation in bed, pressure relief, orthopaedic support, or added comfort.

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