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It doesn’t matter if you’re a doctor, a waitress, a stay-at-home mom, or anything in between. Having a relaxing spa experience can melt away weeks of hard work and stress. An essential part of that experience is taking a hot bath with your favorite bath bombs, salts, oils, candles, and even a heated towel thanks to your towel warmer.
Unfortunately, these elements are useless once you slip into the tub and can’t find a comfortable position. With their hard sides and sharp corners, tubs can sometimes be difficult to relax in. To remedy the situation, start with a luxurious bath pillow.
Some of the best bath pillows can offer a soft and cozy place to rest your head, neck, and shoulders. A tub’s hard material typically rubs or digs into these body parts, but with a bath pillow, they’ll sink into the pillow and allow the rest of your body to relax as well.
There are several different styles of tubs and a vast number of body types, so finding the perfect bath pillow can be challenging. This guide explores the considerations to keep in mind while shopping for the best bath pillow to suit your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Everlasting Comfort Bathtub Bath Pillow
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Idle Hippo Non Slip Bath Pillow, Luxury Spa Bathtub
- BEST GRIP: Gorilla Grip Original Spa Bath Pillow
- BEST ERGONOMIC: Bath Haven Luxurious Bath Pillow for Women & Men
- BEST FULL-BODY: BathHaven QuiltedAir BathBed Deluxe Luxury Bath
- BEST QUICK-DRY: HOKEKI Bath Pillows for Tub, Comfortable & Quick Dry
- BEST 4D TECHNOLOGY: AmazeFan Bath Pillow, with 4D Air Mesh Technology
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bath Pillow
Spending an evening soaking in a hot bathtub can ease muscle pain and soothe the mind. The best bath pillow can enhance this experience; features such as type, tub suitability, material, comfort, suction cups, and how the pillow is cleaned all affect the enjoyment of it. Consider these specifics while shopping to find the ideal pillow for you.
Type
There are several different types of bath pillows, and within those types, there are many designs and shapes. The main types are standard neck, neck and back, full body, and inflatable. Neck bath pillows are smaller and support only the neck. These are excellent options for smaller baths or to take along while traveling.
Neck and back pillows support the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Being larger, these pillows add much more comfort and support compared to neck pillows. Full-body bath pillows attach to the tub at the top and support everything from the head to the legs. These full-length pillows add a comfort layer that can take the spa-like experience to the next level.
Bath pillows use various methods to cushion the body from the tub. Some are filled with foam, and others are inflatable. Many users find inflatables to be less comfortable than foam-filled options, but they are lighter and ideal for travel.
Tub Suitability
You might want to consider the type of tub you have as you search for the perfect bath pillow. For example, a full-body pillow won’t likely fit into a shower-tub combination. Also, a jacuzzi tub might benefit from a neck and back pillow while the rest of the body benefits from the bubbles or jets. Freestanding tubs are deep and are made of hard materials that are uncomfortable on the bones and joints, and a full-body pillow might work best.
The type of bathtub in your home and the type of baths you desire significantly impact which bath pillow works best for you. Consider the shape, size, and depth of the bathtub and compare it to the pillow’s shape, size, and comfort level.
Material
The material of which a bath pillow is constructed affects not only the comfort of the pillow but also its durability and the time it takes to dry. Common materials used in bath pillows are mesh over foam and inflatable plastic.
While inflatable plastic is easy to break down and store or travel with, it isn’t as comfortable as other options and could easily pop. Mesh options come in a few varieties, such as 3D or 4D mesh. This is referring to the number of layers and thickness of the mesh that is covering the foam.
Both are designed to be breathable and allow the pillow to dry more quickly. Cushioned bath pillows are softer than inflatable but are more likely to still be wet 3 days after use, which could cause issues such as mold. They’re also not as durable or as long-lasting as mesh foam options.
Comfort
Features like material and type affect the comfort of a bath pillow. The feel of the material on the skin could be irritating if it isn’t soft. Mesh is softer than inflatable plastic and feels nicer on the skin. Comfort, of course, is very individual, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option.
Some people have neck and back pain and benefit from a foam option that supports just the neck and back while the rest of the body rests on the bathtub surface. Others might be more sensitive to the tub’s hard bottom and might benefit from a full-body pillow.
The best way to determine which type of pillow you will benefit from is to notice the areas of the body that are uncomfortable during your next bath. These areas could likely use some extra support, and you can find a pillow that offers that help.
Suction Cups
Rearranging and positioning a bath pillow while trying to relax can kill the mood. There are many bath pillows with subpar suction technology that leads to frustration during a time that’s supposed to be revitalizing and enjoyable. To ensure your spa experience isn’t ruined, look for products with extra-large suction cups. These hold tighter to the side of the tub and are less likely to slip during a bath.
Additionally, bath pillows need a sufficient number of suction cups. It’s not enough to have them only at the four corners. Ideally, there should be suction cups at each corner, the center, and on all surfaces that will be in contact with the tub, such as headrests and extra-wide shoulder supports.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Bath pillows can be hard to keep clean. Since they are used in the water, there is the risk that they will not dry out enough and allow mildew to grow. To avoid nasty situations like that, look for pillows with 3D or 4D mesh that allow for ample amounts of airflow and breathability. These dry quicker and reduce the risk of mold.
It’s also important to regularly clean the pillow. Bacteria, dirt, and other nasties can attach to the pillow during baths. To keep your pillow sanitary, choose a pillow that allows for easy access to corners and creases. Removable suction cups are ideal for keeping things clean. It’s also easier to relax knowing your pillow and your bathtub are clean.
Our Top Picks
After a long day at work or caring for the kids, it can be healthy not only for the body but also for the mind to take an hour or two to soak in a tub. Take relaxation to the next level with a comfortable and supportive bath pillow. With the criteria discussed above, you now have the knowledge and tools you need to choose the best bath pillow for you.
Best Overall
Everlasting Comfort Bathtub Bath Pillow
This bath pillow is an excellent addition to almost any bathing experience. It has a soft and breathable mesh covering and supportive foam that supports the bather’s neck, shoulders, and back. The mesh allows air to flow through, making it dry much quicker than other pillow options. There’s also a built-in hook to hang the pillow for even better drying. This reduces the risk of water buildup that can result in mildew.
Everlasting Comfort designed this pillow with a convenient storage pocket on the side to keep items such as foot scrubs or face masks handy. The powerful suction cups are nonslip and won’t need to be readjusted throughout a bath. Its flexible design means it can fit in almost any type of bathtub. There’s even a loofah included with this pillow so that you can relax and exfoliate in the tub.
Best Bang For The Buck
Idle Hippo Non Slip Bath Pillow, Luxury Spa Bathtub
This affordable pillow by Idle Hippo supports the bather’s head and neck and fits in all types of bathtubs. The shape and design cradle the head and neck to allow users to relax into the comfortable foam completely. This pillow features 3D mesh technology to allow air to circulate and flow through the pillow.
Increased airflow makes it more comfortable while using the pillow and helps it dry faster after use. The pillow is resistant to mildew, and the four strong suction cups ensure the pillow stays put. This bath pillow is machine washable, which makes it easy to keep clean and free of mildew.
Best Grip
Gorilla Grip Original Spa Bath Pillow
The Gorilla Grip brand is known for its firm-grip bathroom accessories. This bath pillow is sure to stick to any type of tub and won’t budge no matter how much users wiggle and shift. There are five suction cups on the main pillow and two on the headrest portion. It’s inflatable and can easily be deflated for storing or for traveling.
The four color options include white, spa blue, pink, and gray. It also comes in two sizes: 14.5 inches by 11 inches and 19.5 inches by 14.5 inches. The pillow’s material is 100 percent waterproof and can be quickly dried off with a towel after each use. The suction cups can also be easily removed for additional cleaning.
Best Ergonomic
Bath Haven Luxurious Bath Pillow for Women u0026 Men
This bath pillow by Bath Haven is designed with the best ergonomics to support the user’s head, neck, and shoulders while relaxing in the bath. Its unique and organic shape molds to the body and hugs it softly for the ultimate comfort for pressure points.
Its 3D mesh technology allows air to flow during use and promotes quick drying when hung on the built-in hook after use. There are six extra-strength suction cups on the back to secure the pillow to the side of almost any type of tub.
The bath pillow also comes with a washing bag for easy cleaning in the washing machine and a travel case so users can take the comfort of home with them.
Best Full-Body
BathHaven QuiltedAir BathBed Deluxe Luxury Bath
Bath Haven is at it again with this luxurious full-body bath pillow. While it might not fit into smaller tubs, this pillow supports the bather’s head, neck, shoulders, back, and even their legs and feet. There’s no more shifting and adjusting against the hard bottom of the tub with this pillow; it adds a complete layer of cushion for the ultimate spa experience at home.
This pillow boasts QuiltedAir 3D mech technology for comfort against the skin and is also quick drying. The built-in hook helps the pillow drip-dry after each use. The 13 extra strength suction cups keep the pillow in place so users can focus on relaxing instead of adjusting.
Best Quick-Dry
HOKEKI Bath Pillows for Tub, Comfortable u0026 Quick Dry
Suitable for soaking tubs, hot tubs, freestanding tubs, straight-back tubs, jacuzzis, and more, this bath pillow brings an excellent layer of support and comfort. Its 3D mesh fabric covering the cozy foam allows air and water to flow through, making it more comfortable against the skin. This also helps the pillow dry quickly, especially when hung on the built-in hook. Users can even throw it in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
Its ergonomic shape supports the bather’s head, neck, and shoulders and helps ease any aches and pains. The six upgraded suction cups attach the pillow securely to the side of a tub without it slipping or falling.
Best 4D Technology
AmazeFan Bath Pillow, with 4D Air Mesh Technology
While most individuals have heard of 3D mesh technology, this bath pillow by AmazeFan is crafted with an upgraded version called 4D mesh technology. This improvement allows for better water and air circulation, making the pillow breathable and quick-drying; it’s also softer against the skin.
The built-in hook can be used to hang the pillow for even faster drying times. The polyester fabric is antibacterial, too, meaning there’s less risk of mildew and other nasty fungi growing. The pillow supports the head and shoulder muscles so users can sink into it and enjoy their at-home spa day. The seven large suction cups will secure the pillow to the side of any tub type.
FAQs About Bath Pillows
To ensure that you reach optimal relaxation and spa experiences while in your own home, it’s essential to find the best bath pillow for you. If you still have some questions, here are the most commonly asked questions about bath pillows and their corresponding answers.
Q. Can bath pillows get wet?
Yes, bath pillows are designed to get wet and hold up over time, even with regular use.
Q. How often should a bath pillow be replaced?
As long as you keep your bath pillow clean and allow it to dry when not in use, it can last up to 3 or 4 years before needing to be replaced.
Q. How do I clean a mesh bath pillow?
A bath pillow should be rinsed off to wash away any dirt every time it has been used. If it is used regularly, it would be best to wash it with soap and water about twice per month.