Slumberdown V-Shaped Pillow review

While not called a pregnancy or maternity pillow, the V Shaped Pillow has been designed to provide extra support for the spine, back, head and neck.

With a hollowfibre polyester cotton filling, the V Shaped Pillow is machine washable at 40 degree and tumble dryer-friendly.

In my final trimester of my third pregnancy, I wonder why I have never invested in a pregnancy pillow before.

I’d forgotten how interrupted sleep becomes, with frequent trips to the loo, sore hips and a kicking baby.

I need all the help I can get, so when the competitively priced (£12) Slumberdown V shaped pillow arrived, I was already looking forward to getting into bed.

Is it comfortable?

Yes, it is! The pillow itself is comfortable, but the cover does feel and look a bit budget, and certainly isn’t as cosy as my own bed sheets.

A cursory Internet search proves fruitless for other pillowcases that would fit, so when I find the time I may sew my own cover.

Thankfully the nesting instinct is kicking in, which makes it more likely to happen!

Going to bed one evening I found my husband using it while he read in bed! It’s also very comfortable as a back support – the V shape really does make a difference to comfort – and knowing how difficult it is to sit up in bed after a c-section, I know this will be invaluable after the birth.

I’m hoping to use it for breastfeeding too, once baby arrives, but as it doesn’t have a carrier or case, and is quite big and cumbersome, it’ll be limited to use at home.

• 10 of the best pregnancy pillows
• 10 of the best baby monitors
• 16 of the best changing bags

Does it aid sleep?

It certainly helped me get to sleep. I have found that it supports my bump while keeping my knees slightly parted, which has been bliss for achy hips.

But I often found it discarded on the bedroom floor by morning. I can’t blame the pillow for my tossing and turning though!

Does it give you the support you need?

It provides great support. It is malleable and big enough to accommodate most sleeping positions.

And during the day I prop it behind my back while I sit up, and it even makes sitting on the sofa more comfortable.

Is it better than a normal pillow?

I love a natural pillow – feather or down, so from that perspective, no – you’re definitely aware that it is a synthetic pillow.

However, I’m not sure a feather pillow would keep its shape in the same way. The V shape is fab, and I love that you can stick the whole thing in the washing machine.

Would you recommend this pillow?

Yes, it’s a reasonable price and really does improve comfort when sleeping.

How robust/durable did it seem?

Reasonable. It will certainly last a pregnancy and six months of breast feeding.

What do you think of the design?

Some thought has gone into the shape of the pillow, but aesthetically the Slumberdown is a little disappointing.

The Slumberdown V Shaped Pillow arrived in a disposable plastic cover and although the pillow is a good size, the pillowcase feels cheap and flimsy.

It comes in an off-white, which isn’t especially attractive or practical, but at least it’s neutral.

Is the Slumberdown V Shaped pillow value for money?

I think so. It’s all about priorities – there are so many products to help pregnant and new mothers, but if you’re struggling to get comfortable and plan to breast feed, this is £12 well spent.

And when compared to other pregnancy pillows like the Dream Genii pregnancy support pillow (£48.99), Theraline Original Maternity and Nursing Pillow (Big V) (£44.95), By Carla My Essential pregnancy support pillow (£39.99) and the Summer Infant Body Support Pillow (£29.99) it’s brilliant value for money.

What’s in the box?

Slumberdown V shaped pillow

V shaped pillowcase x 2

Any extra accessories?

None needed

Available to buy at Tesco, Asda and other retailers.

We've got more pregnancy pillows:

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