Stress Management The 13 Best Bath Pillows of 2022 Stay comfy while you soak By Elizabeth Yuko, PhD Elizabeth Yuko, PhD Elizabeth Yuko, PhD, is a bioethicist and journalist, as well as an adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, CNN, Teen Vogue, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 07, 2021 Learn more." data-inline-tooltip="true"> Reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by mental health professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. As far as getting clean goes, adults tend to opt for showers over baths. But baths still play an important function in the lives of some modern-day adults: They offer an escape from the rest of the world, an opportunity to truly relax—even if only for a few minutes. Giving ourselves the chance to de-stress can have a positive impact on our mental health. “During a busy, high-stress day, our bodies are often running on adrenaline,” Carla Manly, PhD, a clinical psychologist practicing in California, says. “Calming, mindful actions such as taking a bath bring the body’s parasympathetic nervous system on board; as we wind down, we feel calm and stress-free. As we relax in a bath, the levels of stress neurochemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol subside, and we experience an increase in soothing, feel-good neurochemicals such as serotonin.” In addition to the mental benefits, there are also ways that bathing may help improve your physical health. “There are many benefits of taking baths, like relaxing your muscles and joints, de-stressing from the day, and even improving digestion—as you relax your gut relaxes as well,” Navya Mysore, MD, a primary care physician at One Medical says. But depending on the size and shape of your bathtub, as well as your body, it can be difficult to find a position that’s actually comfortable. That’s where bath pillows come in. Here are the best bath pillows on the market for ultimate bathing comfort. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Everlasting Comfort Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: BINO Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: 100 Senses The Full Body Float Duo at 100senses.com Jump to Review Best for Straight-Back Tubs: Hylaea Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Full-Body: Coastacloud Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: IndulgeMe Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Couples: Gorilla Grip Spa Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Standard Tubs: AmazeFan Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Non-Slip: Idle Hippo Non-Slip Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: Ruvince Bath Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Mind Best Overall Everlasting Comfort Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros Powerful suction cups Ergonomic design with supportive headrest Good value Cons Cushion may flatten over time Bulky, especially in smaller tubs There’s a lot to love about the Everlasting Comfort Bathtub Bath Pillow, from its ability to fit into any shape or type of tub, to the built-in side storage pocket, to the drying hook. Not only is the pillow made from soft, breathable mesh, but it’s also fully adjustable, allowing users to find the perfect position. And in the event that something goes wrong with your bathtub pillow, it comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. Price at time of publication: $36 Material: 100 percent polyester cushion covered in breathable mesh | Type: Head, neck, and shoulder support | How it attaches: Large suction cups | Firmness: Soft Best Budget BINO Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros Easy to clean Quick-drying Excellent price point Cons Relatively small Suction cups don’t work well on textured bathtubs The BINO Non-Slip Cushioned Bath Pillow is also made from mesh-covered foam, making it both comfortable and easy to maintain. It is designed to support your neck and back and comes in two sizes (small and large) and five different colors. The bath pillow can attach to most smooth surfaces, thanks to its suction cups. Price at time of publication: $13 Material: PVC and polyester blend | Type: Neck and back support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Firm Best Splurge 100 Senses The Full Body Float Duo Source: 100 Senses View On 100senses.com Pros Comes with two pillows Allows for a deeper soak Customizable firmness Cons Expensive No suction cups The Full Body Float Duo consists of two bath pillows: one that conforms to the user’s head and neck, and another that is placed under the knees. The idea is to release the tension throughout your body and turn the tub into your own personal flotation tank. Another standout feature of this bath pillow set is that it’s inflatable. It’s perfect for travel, and it allows the user to make the pillows as firm as they’d like by adding or letting out some air. On the other hand, many people prefer a mesh and foam combination pillow over something plastic and inflatable. But given that the concept is achieving a feeling of weightlessness, you might not care what the pillow is made out of if it makes you feel weightless. Price at time of publication: $88 Material: Non-toxic TPU | Type: Whole-body relaxation | How it attaches: Doesn’t attach to tub; instead, one pillow is secured around the user’s neck, and the other goes under their knees | Firmness: Customizable Best for Straight-Back Tubs Hylaea Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros Stays in place very well Good value Machine-washable Cons Easily stained by bath bombs and salts If your bathtub has a straight back, you may have noticed that some bath pillows won’t stay put, due to the shape of the tub. But the Hylaea Bath Pillow is different: It consists of a headrest attached to a back cushion in a way that allows it to work in a straight tub. An attached hook makes it easy to hang up the pillow to dry, and the whole thing is machine washable (though you can also wash it by hand). Material: Mesh | Type: Head, neck, back, and shoulder support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Medium-soft Best Full-Body Coastacloud Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros Provides cushioning from head to tailbone Quick-drying Odor-resistant Cons Expensive Suction cups may not be as strong underwater The leaf-shaped Coastacloud Full-Body Spa Bath Pillow Mat attaches to the back and bottom of your bathtub in order to provide cushioning from your head and neck all the way down to your tailbone. The 3D breathable mesh allows air and water to pass through, cutting down on drying time and reducing the chances of mold or mildew growing. Price at time of publication: $55 Material: Air mesh | Type: Full-body | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Plush Aromatherapy Scents for Stress Relief Best for Travel IndulgeMe Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros Detachable, machine-washable cover Comes with travel case Quick-drying Cons Doesn’t offer much cushion coverage Some may find it to be too thick Almost all of the bath pillows designed for travel are inflatable, which absolutely makes sense when it comes to packing. But if you’d prefer a mesh and foam option and don’t mind it taking up a little more room in your suitcase when you travel, the IndulgeMe Super Soft Bath Pillow is a good choice. At 13 x 10 x 3 inches, the pillow is compact while still offering a decent amount of support for the neck and back. Price at time of publication: $33 Material: 100 percent polyester | Type: Neck and back support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Soft Best for Couples Gorilla Grip Spa Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros 100 percent waterproof Orthopedic design Does not budge in the tub Cons Pillow floats if suction cups become detached Whether you’re bathing solo or with another person, the Gorilla Grip Spa Bath Pillow is an all-around solid choice. Strong suction keeps this bath pillow in place, even in situations where two people are in the tub together, and is designed to fit in any tub. It’s worth noting that the external material of this bath pillow is nonporous and 100 percent waterproof: That makes it very easy to wipe clean, but it may feel too much like plastic for some people. Price at time of publication: $22 Material: Vinyl | Type: Neck and shoulder support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Medium-firm The 8 Best Pillow Sprays for Relaxation of 2022 Best for Standard Tubs AmazeFan Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Designed to fit in any bathtub, hot tub, or home spa Made from antibacterial polyester Ergonomic support Cons Discoloration may occur over time Suction cups may slide down in the tub If you’re looking for a bath pillow that fits in a variety of different tubs, the AmazeFan Bath Pillow will do the trick. In addition to being made out of breathable mesh polyester, the pillow also comes with an attached hook, allowing users to hang it up to dry when it’s not in use. The two-panel contoured design and 4-inch pillow-top cushion make it especially comfortable. Price at time of publication: $25 Material: Polyester | Type: Head, back, shoulder, and neck support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Medium-soft Best Non-Slip Idle Hippo Non-Slip Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros Machine-washable Designed to cradle the head and neck Quick-drying Cons May develop an odor quickly if not fully dried Exterior material may feel scratchy to some The Idle Hippo Non-Slip Bath Pillow firmly attaches to any smooth, flat surface and then stays put, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping or sliding. The 3D honeycomb-woven mesh material dries quickly and is resistant to discoloration. Plus, if you’ve found the design of other bath pillows uncomfortable, this pillow’s unique shape offers another contoured option. Price at time of publication: $30 Material: Air mesh | Type: Head and neck support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Medium-firm 11 Best Eye Pillows of 2022 Best Design Ruvince Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Pros Sculpted for back and shoulder support Machine-washable Comes with two natural loofah pads Cons Exterior material may feel scratchy to some Pillow isn’t wide enough for all body types A lot of bath pillows boast contoured design, but the Ruvince Ergonomic Luxury Bathtub Pillow goes one step further. In addition to the cushioned back that supports the neck, shoulders, and back, it also features a built-in pillow dedicated to the user’s head. The breathable mesh material is machine-washable and quick-drying, and the pillow comes with a built-in hook allowing the user to hang it up to dry. Price at time of publication: $24 Material: Polyester | Type: Head, neck, shoulder, and back support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Soft How to Relieve Stress With Bathtub Meditation Best for Neck Support Kowalczyk Freestanding Bath Pillow Wayfair View On Wayfair Pros Designed to relieve tension in neck Simple, effective design Cons Material absorbs water easily As its name suggests, the Kowalczyk Freestanding Bath Pillow does not come with suction cups or any other way to attach it to a bathtub. However, once you’re in the tub and have found the most comfortable placement for the pillow, your head should keep it in place. Because the pillow’s dense foam tends to absorb water, your best bet is to keep it behind your head (as designed) rather than submerging it in water. Price at time of publication: $23 Material: Polyurethane foam | Type: Neck support | How it attaches: Freestanding | Firmness: Firm Best Inflatable Aquasentials Inflatable Bath Pillow Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Soft, terrycloth cover Cute Art Deco shell shape Great value Cons Suction cups are not very strong Some may find it difficult to inflate One of the main reasons why some people prefer mesh and foam pillows to inflatable ones is that they’re not fans of the cool, smooth plastic that can make you feel like you’re lounging on a beach ball. But the exterior material of the Aquasentials Inflatable Terry Cloth Bath Pillow is a soft, waterproof terry cloth. It provides a comfortable exterior with all the benefits of an inflatable pillow. Price at time of publication: $10 Material: Terry cloth and plastic | Type: Back support | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Medium-soft Best for Kids iClosam Bath Pillows Amazon View On Amazon Pros Fun panda design Adults can use it, too Built-in hook for drying and storage Cons Cushion is on the thinner side Fits best in smaller bathtubs If you know a kiddo who isn’t a fan of bath time, the iClosam Panda Bath Pillow might help change that. First of all, when put into position, it looks like a smiling panda is already in the tub, ready for its bath. Then, when a child (or adult) rests their head on the pillow, the panda’s ears will still be visible, allowing them to pretend they’re a panda, too. And if a child is bath-resistant because they don’t think that sitting in a hard tub for any length of time is comfortable, the cushion on this pillow should provide some good support. Material: Mesh | Type: Child-sized pillow and cushion | How it attaches: Suction cups | Firmness: Medium-firm The 10 Best Bathtub Trays of 2021 Final Verdict When it comes to a bath pillow that has and does it all, it’s hard to go wrong with the Everlasting Comfort Bathtub Bath Pillow (view at Amazon). And if something does go wrong, the company will send you a replacement, free of charge. While mesh may be more difficult to keep mold- and mildew-free than some types of plastic, features like the built-in hook help mitigate that risk. Finally, this bath pillow isn’t only comfortable, but it's also adjustable to help it fit in many different tubs. What to Look For in a Bath Pillow Type There are several different types of bath pillows, and you should look for one based on the size and shape of your tub, as well as the part(s) of the body that need the most support and cushioning. For example, if your bathtub has an angular, straight back, you’ll need to find a bath pillow designed to make that shape more comfortable. Or if you always get out of the bath with a pain in your neck, you probably want to consider a bath pillow that supports the head and neck. Also, pay attention to how the bath pillow is going to stay in place. The shape and/or slope of some tubs may make it difficult for some bath pillows to remain in the spot where you need them to be, while in others, it’s not an issue at all. If bath pillow slippage is an issue, you may want to purchase one with suction cups on the back—the larger, the better. Comfort Ultimately, your decision to use a bath pillow is all about comfort so that your body and mind are able to fully relax. “When a bath is a soothing and restorative personal care ritual, the bathing process itself can be truly calming,” Manly says. “And, once you settle into the just-right bathwater, stress and anxiety tend to melt away in the safe, calming space you have created.” Keep in mind that part of being comfortable is being able to breathe easily and deeply, so make sure that a bath pillow also leaves you in a position to enable—and ideally, encourage—deep breathing. “Focusing on all the sensations of the body can allow individuals to engage in mindfulness and slow down their respiratory rate, which could dissipate stress and anxiety.” Leela R. Magavi, M.D, a psychiatrist and Regional Medical Director for Community Psychiatry + MindPath Care Centers, says. “Individuals can engage in diaphragmatic breathing while they bathe, as this could slow down some of the pathways implicated in anxiety.” Material Bath pillows are typically made of either a combination of foam and mesh—that provides a softer, more fabric-like feel—or smooth vinyl or PVC, which may be less comfortable but is easier to clean and better for preventing mildew. It is possible to have allergic reactions to both vinyl and PVC, so while those materials make caring for a bath pillow easier, avoid them if you have any prior knowledge of sensitivities. “When using any products, always check for allergies in advance to avoid any reactions,” Manly says. Another factor to consider is where you plan to use the bath pillow. If you want to use it while traveling, then getting something inflatable might make more sense. But if your bath pillow will be primarily for at-home use, you can opt for something made of foam or a bulkier material, since it won’t be going into a suitcase. Frequently Asked Questions How do you care for a bath pillow? Bath pillows are used in a room that happens to be the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you simply toss your bath pillow on the floor, in the tub, or in a cabinet after using it, there’s a good chance there will be some type of fungal growth.To prevent this, keep your bathroom as ventilated as possible with an exhaust fan, an open window, or both. Then, take the time to rinse off and dry your bath pillow. If that’s not doing the trick, spray your bath pillow with a solution of either water and white vinegar or water and one teaspoon of tea tree oil—both of which should help stop mold and mildew from forming and growing. How do you use a bath pillow? The purpose of using a bath pillow is to provide your head, neck, shoulders, legs, or other body parts with support, making it more physically comfortable to soak in a bathtub.If a strained neck is the reason why you can’t get comfortable during a bath, test out a few different bath pillow positions until you find the one that allows you to fully relax. Can you take a bath while pregnant? Generally speaking, taking baths while pregnant is safe—with a few caveats. Darren Salinger, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN in South Florida, says that people should be especially cautious when bathing in the first two months of pregnancy, particularly when it comes to the duration and temperature of the bath.First, baths should be limited to around 15 to 20 minutes for pregnant people, he explains. Second, the water shouldn’t be too hot. “There is discussion of increased body temperature before seven weeks causing neural tube defects, including defects of the brain, spine, and spinal cord,” Salinger notes, adding that saunas, steam baths, and full-body immersion in hot tubs are not recommended during pregnancy.But at the appropriate temperature and length, taking a bath can help soothe muscle aches and pains that are common during pregnancy, Mysore says. The key, she explains, is to make sure you’re not overheating your core temperature. “In a healthy pregnancy, your body temperature is a little higher than when you are not pregnant, and hovers around 99 degrees,” Mysore says. “Ideally, when taking a bath you want to make sure the water is between 98.6 to 100 degrees.” It may be helpful to purchase a thermometer, so you’re able to check the temperature of the water before taking a bath. If you feel like you are ever overheating, Mysore urges pregnant people to get out of the water, and possibly even take a cool shower to bring down their core temperature. Are baths good for you? When the body is in a relaxed state during a bath, the brain follows suit, Magavi explains. “All the sensory stimuli of a bath activate various parts of the brain and help slow down the amygdala, which is the fear center of the brain,” she notes. “Self-grooming and a nice, warm bath may help alleviate anxiety.” In addition to all the mental health benefits of taking baths, Salinger says that baths can help relieve pain in muscles and joints and reduce swelling in feet, hands, and fingers. “They are frequently used to alleviate discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and skin tags, especially when a good amount of salt is added,” he notes, adding that baths can also soften the skin. Why Trust Verywell Mind As a seasoned health writer and editor with a special focus on mental health and well-being, Elizabeth Yuko understands how powerful stress-relieving activities can be for many people—as well as the fact that they’re not one-size-fits-all. With decades of first-hand experience dealing with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, she’s always on the lookout for new (and research-backed) products, techniques, and services that can help people cope with stress and other mental health challenges. 1 Source Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Complete Home Spa. How To Clean Mildew From Bath Pillows. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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