This article describes the various shapes and types of body pillows available and then shows you the most popular body pillows available at Amazon. If you're looking for body pillow pillowcases those are shown at the end of the article.

If you're looking for a body pillow, you'll soon see that they are also marketed as a pregnancy pillow or maternity pillow. It's not the label that they're given that sets them apart, but their shape and filling.

Quite frankly anyone with aches in addition to pregnant women will probably find a body pillow helpful if you have trouble sleeping because of aches and pains in your back, neck, shoulders, hips or knees. Or if heartburn or acid reflux keep you awake or if your nose is stuffed up because of a cold, it does help sometimes to elevate your head.

Rectangle Shape Body Pilow The first type of body pillow shape is just a long rectangle that resembles a smaller pillow. You just pull it up beside you and snuggle up against it. There's usually enough length to tuck some between your knees, to support your hips. This shape doesn't take up as much room as the others. It also might be good if you get warm when you sleep. Many of the fillers of body fillers can be quite warming.

Candy-Cane Body Pillow As the name implies these are shaped like a giant candy cane. In addtion to the rectangle that run along the side of your body, a top part as been included that add support for your head, neck and shoulders.

U-Shaped Body Pillow This takes support to another level because your body is completely surrounded with comforting support. On the downside, though it does take up a lot of room in your bed. And if you tend to get warm when your sleeping, you may need to combine the body pillow and a fan.

Hook-Shaped Body Pillow Along the same idea as a candy-cane body pillow, but there's a lot more support and padding on top.

I've research body pillows on Amazon and read the reviews. The body pillows show below were all very popular and had lots of comments from people to help you decide. All of the major brands of body pillows - Leachco, Comfort U, and Snoozer - are included. If you prefer to shop on Ebay I've inlcuded a preview of what's there as well. Click on any of the images and you'll go the Amazon or Ebay site, where you'll be able to see everything available.

I know you'll find just the right body pillow to help you sleep comfortably. Thank you for visting this site, Nelle

This Comfort U Body Pillow is filled with Fusion Fiberfill which mimics the feel of down. It is designed to cradle your body both front and back so that you can find the proper position to relieve joint and muscle aches as well as pregnancy discomfort. Fusion Fiberfill is a synthethc material made from a polyester polymer with extremely high heat resistance, so it can be washed and dryed and bounce back. It also dries much faster than most other fiberfills.

The U-shaped body pillow gives you a lot of choice in sleep position - on your back or side. As your body gets the proper support just where you need it, you'll be able to relax joints and muscles. Additional body pillow pillowcases are available.

If your looking for a body pillow or pregnancy pillow to help ward off the aches and cramps of pregnancy, the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow has been designed to do just that. And after the baby is born it is desgined to be used as a nursing pillow. This is a wonderful gift, if you have a friend or daughter who has just found out that she is pregnant.

The creative patented design supports your back and stomach and tucks between your legs. The unique contours are designed to help aleve the heartburn and lower back problems that often come with pregnancy.

It comes with a removable pillowcase.

This large U-shaped pregnancy pillow allows mothers-to-be to find a sleep positon that minimizes lower back pain and acid reflux. You can prop up you head, cradle your stomach or put part of the pillow between your knees. It is a large pillow so it will take up a lot of room in your bed. Although there's nothing to say that your partner won't enjoy snuggle with part of your pregnancy pillow as well.

The polyester fill gives firm support. The Leachco Back'N Belly Body Pillow comes with a removable pillowcase for easy cleaning.

Get firm but soft support with the Leachco All Nighter Body Pillow. It's shaped like a giant candy cane. with support all around your body. But it does give extra-fluffy support in the front where you want to be able to support your stomach and wrap your arm around. The top part of the pillow will help you avoid acid reflux and heart burn. And the back side of the pillow helps you sleep comfortably on your side. With all of this support your muscles don't stay tensed up and they try to hold you in position. Great if you're pregnant or if you deal with persistent neck and back issues.

The Beyond Down Gel Fiber Bed Pillow is filled with micro denier gel fiber which gives it the feel of 600 fil power of pure down. It is very soft and resilient. And can be cleaned in the washing machine. It is a long-rectangle shaped body pillow. So that it puts support where you need it and leaves room for you and your partner in the same bed.

The Snoozer Body Pillow and Maternity Pillow is 100% hypo-allergenic because it is filled with a synthetic down filler. It's large body pillow, measuring 64 inches x 14 inches. It has the standard candy cane design. The top of the pillow is designed to support your head, neck and shoulders. This elevation could help to minimize a stuff-up head if you have a cold. It can also help reduce heart-burn. The middle of the pillow supports your stomach and back if your pregnant. This can help anyone who suffers from muscle spasms. Your back can get comfortable and you can really relax those muscles. You can tuck the bottom section into your hips and knees to support those joints as well. That could well be needed after a tennis game or just a lot of gardening.

The shape of the Basic Comfort Body Support Billow is a slight variation from the candy-cane. You should think of it as more of a hook. It really gives a lot of upper body head and shoulder support with a long tail that conveniently fits between your legs to keep everything in place. After the baby is born, it will keep you comfortable while you feed the baby. And once the baby is sitting up, you can surround him or her with the comfort and safety of the pillow. Removable pillowcase makes it easy to keep clean.

The Sarah Peyton Memory Foam Body Pillow measures 36 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 7 inches thick. It is filled with memory foam which is hypo-allergenic and the design guards against bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites. The long length helps keep your spine comfortable throughout the night. If you put it between your knees it also help your hips find a comfortable position.