Original U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow review

This competitively priced pregnancy support pillow is cheaper than pregnancy pillows including the Dreamgenii (£47.99) and Mum E Pillow (£48). And, unusually, it offers support for both sides of the body – both back and front – during sleep.

What’s in the box?

The U Shaped Pillow comes in a bag. A big bag. The bag takes up a large chunk of my hallway and is the first indication of the impressive dimensions of the pillow.

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Who would the product be most useful for?

Pregnant women who want firm, full-body support during sleep or rest.

It’s said to ease muscle pain and reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis so any woman suffering from those conditions could use the pillow while pregnant and long afterwards.

Is the product value for money?

Yes, especially if you plan to use it throughout your pregnancy, during nursing and beyond.

Has the product or the parent company won any awards?

Yes, the pillow has been awarded two golds (one each from bizzie baby and bymumii), as well as the consumer choice accolade in the best baby and toddler gear 2015 category from bymumii.

Does it aid sleep?

Yes! It definitely helped me get to sleep faster compared to using regular pillows, no pillows and even an alternative pregnancy pillow.

However, on warmer nights I found it made me too hot and uncomfortable so I ended up clambering out of the pillow’s embrace, pushing it off the floor and continuing my night’s rest with a scatter cushion between my knees.

And while on cooler nights I was able to sleep on the pillow until the morning, my husband found the pillow – which took up half of our bed – meant he couldn’t get near me to cuddle me so did not enjoy a good night’s sleep!

The inner fabric of the pillow is coated with the aroma of lavender, which is believed to improve sleep.

I must admit that I struggled to detect the scent of lavender through the pillow case but it’s inclusion in the design might make your night’s rest more fragrant.

Compare with the Original U-Shaped pillow with our 10 of the best pregnancy pillows

Is it comfortable?

Yes, very. Lying between its ‘legs’ is how I imagine it feels to be cuddled by a giant, soft-yet-firm cuddly toy. It’s like sinking into a comforting embrace – only better as you’re entire body is supported, including your legs.

The outer fabric lives up to its name ‘babysoft’ – it feels like velvet and is extremely soft and warm. The filling is supportive without feeling unyielding, which is just what my pregnancy-weary limbs need.

Does it give you the support you need?

Definitely. I used a more conventional L-shaped pillow (a Dreamgenii) during my first pregnancy which I found too soft and pliable to be properly supportive.

The Original U-Shaped pillow is firm enough to cradle the largest of baby bumps and cushion the heaviest frame, no matter how big your body grows.

Is it better than a normal pillow?

Because it’s a completely different shape to a regular pillow and is far bigger than a normal pillow, its miles better at supporting your body in several places that need to be propped up.

And whereas placing a regular pillow in front of you will only cushion just your bump, the unusual shape of this pillow means both the back and front of your whole body is cradled. This is particularly good if, like me, your prone to tossing and turning and switching sides while you sleep as you don’t need to move the pillow to get comfortable.

Additionally, the anti-allergenic, anti-asthmatic filling means that you won’t be tickled by feathers or bothered by sneezes while you snooze.

What do you think of the design?

It’s impressive. The makers state the pillow’s design is simple and ergonomic and I’d agree. The gentle curve of the pillow makes it especially appealing when you’re feeling weary and my three-year-old son couldn’t resist snuggling into it.

In fact, he was so taken by how comfortable and cosy the pillow was that he insisted on going to sleep in it when he had the chance! The simplicity of the design also means the cover is easy to take off and put back on, a welcome change from wrestling with L-shape pillowcases that are impossible to get on to their pillows.

You can also choose between an impressive range of seven colours, so it can blend in with your bedding.

Would you recommend this pillow?

Yes, especially during cooler months as during the summer it can make you too warm. It’s most suited to someone with a decent-sized bed who is happy to sleep at arm’s length from her partner and is especially good if you’re suffering from specific muscle or joint pain, such as SPD.

It’s also great value if you plan to use it after pregnancy, for nursing and/or to relieve aches and pains associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia.

How robust/durable did it seem?

Very. This pillow is constructed to last thanks to a machine-washable cover with strong seams and zipper. The pillow kept its shape throughout the last month of my pregnancy, when I was at my heaviest.

Can you use it to help with breastfeeding?

Yes, as the filling is hypoallergenic so unlikely to cause allergies in babies. Although I didn’t try feeding sitting inside the pillow (my husband banished it from our bedroom as soon as my waters broke, citing lack of space), I can imagine it would be very comfortable nestled in the crook of the pillow.

Can you use it after pregnancy?

Yes, and not just for nursing (although I wouldn’t use it to prop-up a baby for bottle-feeding as a small baby would sink too far into the cushion.

The pillow was originally invented to help relieve muscle and joint pain associated with fibromyalgia and can be used to help ease conditions such as arthritis and back and neck pain so could potentially be your new sleep aid for months or years.

Do you need extra accessories?

No, although a larger bed to accommodate the pillow, my husband and our toddler would be good.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the item?

That it doesn’t squish down for easy storage or come in a storage bag. Because it’s so firm, it doesn’t yield to pressure so you need to have space to store it.

MadeForMums verdict:

If you’re looking for full-body sleep support throughout pregnancy and possibly beyond, this pillow is great value.

Its simple shape belies its clever design – this pillow won’t just cradle your baby bump but also support your neck, shoulders and legs.

By cradling you on both sides (back and front), this pillow offers a soft-yet-firm hug that allows you to sleep in peace. Just make sure you have enough space in your bed to enjoy it in all its cuddly glory.

We've got more pregnancy pillows:

• By Carla Nougat Mum and Baby Support Pillow
• Dream Genii pregnancy support pillow
• Mothercare Sleep wedge cushion