The best donut pillows for pregnancy reduce the discomfort of back pain, nerve pain, or dreadful hemorrhoids. As the baby and your belly grow, they may compress some of the nerves that course through the pelvis. This can cause lower back pain, or sciatica, the sensation of a “shooting pain” down the backs of the legs. In addition, 40 percent of women experience hemorrhoids during their pregnancy or postpartum. Regular bed pillows provide minimal relief of these conditions because of their rectangular shape. Donut pillows, however, can improve posture, and reduce pressure on the spine, nerves and pelvis. Essentially, they help expectant moms to sit more comfortably. Here are the top donut pillows that can make your last trimester of pregnancy more pleasant.
Best Pregnancy Donut Pillows
The Anbocare Orthopedic Donut Pillow and the Donut Hemorrhoid Pillow are memory foam types. The DMI Donut Seat Cushion All-Day Comfort Pillow and the Donut Tailbone Pillow/Hemorrhoid Cushion have other types of filling which conforms less to the shape of your body.
Anbocare Orthopedic Donut Seat Cushion
The Orthopedic Donut Seat Cushion is a unique option with both memory foam and a gel for ultimate comfort. It’s perfect for pregnant mamas dealing with sciatica, hemorrhoids, and tailbone pain. It can even be helpful postpartum.
The thick memory foam inside this pillow is covered by a cooling layer of gel with a massaging surface. This makes sitting more comfortable and effortless. The breathable cotton cover also helps to keep you cool.
A key feature of this pillow is the indentation on the shorter part of the oval. This gives support without putting added pressure on uncomfortable areas.
Another great advantage is that it includes a zippered removable cover, a non-slip base, and a carry handle. It also measures a generous 16.3 x 13.2 x 3 inches.
No matter which pain issue you have, this pillow can be used throughout your whole pregnancy and postpartum weeks. Take your new pillow and all of the comfort it brings to work, in the car, on the airplane, and elsewhere.
Donut Tailbone Pillow
The Donut Tailbone Pillow/Hemorrhoid Cushion has an indented donut hole for extra sitting comfort. It comes with a black cover, and an ergonomic design. Take this pillow to work for many comfortable hours of sitting.
Because this pillow has a u-shaped indentation on each side, it’s perfect for providing pain relief in sensitive areas. You may actually enjoy sitting again! The pillow’s unique design is also ideal for coccyx pain, taking pressure off of the tailbone.
In addition, this pillow can improve your sitting posture which reduces back pain and any associated problems. From pregnancy to childbirth, this pillow can keep you comfortable. It’s also ultra-lightweight for easy packing for travel.
Its medium level of firmness gives you comfort and support up to 240 pounds. The exact measurements are 14 x 17.5 x 2.5 inches for an easy fit anywhere you sit.
Enjoy a quicker recovery time while using this pillow. Its premium materials prevent it from flattening over time. It evenly distributes weight, and includes a non-slip base. Unzip the cover to take it off, and machine wash.
Donut Pillow Hemorrhoid Cushion
With the Donut Pillow Hemorrhoid Cushion, you get a rounder pillow that reduces pain over the duration of your pregnancy. This pillow includes front and back “cutouts” to relieve pressure on your tender spots, in addition to the central hole.
This pillow measures 16.5 x 13.5 x 2.9, and is covered by an ultra-soft, velvety cover. It only comes in a black color, however. In my opinion, this pillow has the best foam in the world: memory foam. It easily redistributes weight, is heat-responsive, and reshapes for your body. This pillow is lightweight, too!
In addition, this amazing cushion is ideal for a variety of other orthopedic problems. With this product, there is no struggle to find a comfortable sitting position throughout the nine months of your pregnancy.
Like other options on this list, the cover can be removed for machine washing.
DMI Donut Seat Cushion All-Day Comfort Pillow
The DMI Donut Seat Cushion All-Day Comfort Pillow doesn’t look like a typical donut pillow thanks to its dark blue cover. It foam interior is designed to take the pressure off of your tailbone, and to support your back. This pillow does not use memory foam, but its oval shape naturally contours to your body.
The pillow is durable enough to provide comfort and support with extensive use. Its discrete design keeps you comfy without “announcing to the whole world” that you are sitting on an orthopedic pillow.
The cover is removable, and a machine washable, polyester/cotton blend. It’s also treated to protect the material, and to limit friction while using. Let this pillow take the pressure off of your back and bottom while on the road or in the office.
Best Postpartum Cushions
All of these pillows are perfect for the many pains that develop after the birth of your baby. The Milliard Foam Donut Cushion Orthopedic Ring Pillow is the largest option, measuring 29 x 15 inches ,while the Donut Pillow Seat Cushion is the smallest at 17.3 x 13.5 x 3.1 inches.
Milliard Foam Donut Cushion Orthopedic Ring Pillow
Sit more comfortably with the Milliard Foam Donut Cushion Orthopedic Ring Pillow. The orthopedic ring measures 20 x 15 inches, and has an oval shape. The pillow is also covered with a 3D mesh fabric for breathability and airflow.
Place this pillow on your couch, office chair, or any other sitting location to enjoy better posture and stability. Most importantly, it provides relief by eliminating pressure on areas that are still sensitive while recovering from childbirth.
Use this pillow during your entire pregnancy and postpartum. It’s made of a foam that is perfect to reduce the pain of hemorrhoids, sciatic nerves, and the tailbone. If you need to sit for long periods, this is the pillow for you. It’s very effective for coccyx injuries too.
In addition, the zippered 100% polyester cover is removable and washable. The supportive foam has a density of 3.5, but is lightweight for easy travel. However, this is not a memory foam pillow.
Kieba Hemorrhoid Treatment Donut Pillow
The Kieba Hemorrhoid Treatment Donut Pillow gives moms maximum comfort while reducing pain. Say goodbye to pain in your pelvis, lower back, perineum, and other areas. This is a great pillow for keeping you comfortable during your postpartum recovery.
As with all quality donut pillows, it’s made with a dense premium foam that won’t flatten when using it for months on end. The ergonomic design promotes good posture so that your weight is evenly distributed, providing ultimate sitting comfort. Also, the front and back cutouts prevent pressure on your tender parts.
This pillow is easy to clean as the velour cover removes for machine washing. It also has a non-slip underside to keep the cushion from sliding. The pillow measures a comfortable 17.8 x 13.8 x 2.8 inches, and it’s black color blends into any setting.
Donut Pillow Seat Cushion
Would you prefer a gray chair cushion? The Donut Pillow Seat Cushion is not only gray, but has memory foam and an orthopedic design. According to its manufacturer, this pillow is both chiropractor and doctor recommended for optimal comfort and successful pain reduction. It’s also lightweight, firm, and supportive.
This pillow is particularly helpful during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It measures 17.3 x 13.5 x 3.1, making it the perfect oval size. Its soft velour cover comes off for easy washing, and the durable memory foam doesn’t flatten over time.
The front and the back portions provide extra built-in divots to distribute weight, and reduce pain in pressure points. This pillow is perfect for use at the office or home. You can even take it to the hospital to use right after the birth of your baby.
Best Portable Pregnancy Donut Pillows
The Aylio Donut Luxury Memory Foam Cushion Seat has an innovative, memory foam design. The Carex Inflatable Donut Cushion is an inflatable pillow that can be customized to your comfort level and needs.
Aylio Donut Luxury Memory Foam Seat Cushion
If you are looking for a unique style of donut pillow, try the Aylio Donut Luxury Seat Cushion Memory Foam Pillow. It has the usual donut hole, but with a rectangular shape that slopes down for added comfort.
The leg cutouts and posterior section have a natural “dip” to maximize comfort. Everything about this pillow speaks of thoughtful inventiveness. It can truly improve your life by reducing pain and discomfort.
The pillow is filled with a high-density memory foam, and the underside has faux leather to keep it in place. The gray mesh cover has a carrying handle. Take the pillow anywhere as it can blend with any chair.
The zippered cover slips off for easy washing. This pillow measures a generous size of 14.5 x 18.5 x 2.5 inches. However, it’s the ergonomic design that you will love, along with the luxurious feel and unique cutout shape.
Carex Inflatable Donut Cushion
Use the Carex Inflatable Donut Cushion as an inflatable rubber ring that you can take on-the-go with ease. Not everyone likes foam or wants a cover that retains heat. This pillow provides another viable and affordable option. It’s also customizable, allowing you to add as much air as you would like.
Its rubber material grips surfaces well to prevent sliding, and the bright color is easy to spot if you have a tendency to lose items. Use this pillow to help with hemorrhoids, tailbone pain, or sciatica as well as many other pregnancy-related and postpartum problems.
Lastly, the rubber material will last a long time. This is a heavy-gauge cushion that conforms to your body well for added relief. The pillow measures 3 x 15 x 15 inches which is perfect for those looking for a smaller-sized cushion.
Comparing the Best Donut Pillows for Pregnancy
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Aylio Donut Luxury Memory Foam Seat Cushion | 8.1 | 8.8 | 79.99 |
| Donut Tailbone Pillow | 9.9 | 8.8 | 39.95 |
| Anbocare Orthopedic Donut Seat Cushion | 9.7 | 8.6 | 33.95 |
| Donut Pillow Seat Cushion | 3.9 | 8.0 | 29.99 |
| Donut Pillow Hemorrhoid Cushion | 9.8 | 8.8 | 29.97 |
| Kieba Hemorrhoid Treatment Donut Pillow | 9.9 | 8.8 | 29.85 |
| DMI Donut Seat Cushion All-Day Comfort Pillow | 9.7 | 8.4 | 14.99 |
| Carex Inflatable Donut Cushion | 9.6 | 8.4 | 5.99 |
| Milliard Foam Donut Cushion Orthopedic Ring Pillow | 9.4 | 8.8 | - |
Buying Criteria
The best donut pillows for pregnancy have specific features that improve your comfort while pregnant or after delivery. Here is what to look for in a high-quality pillow.
Material
Thanks to technology, we can now all enjoy durable, high-density foam or memory foam. The best pillows retain their shape, and do not become flat over time. Most importantly, the inner material should reduce pressure on the body. Find a pillow with foam that you can squish, but immediately rebounds back to its original shape. Such donut pillows will provide the most support.
Rubber, inflatable pillows can also support weight, contour to your body, and last a very long time. Unlike other donut pillows, they are adjustable to your exact needs.
Cover
The material should be of high-quality, and soft to sit on. More importantly, the cover should be removable for machine washing. A handle is also a wonderful feature to make transporting the pillow easier.
Shape
Donut pillows come in a few different shapes, including the classic round donut, a slightly oval-shaped one, and a rectangular pillow with a round cutout. All three types work equally well, but every mom has different preferences. The only way to know which is right for you is to try out all three pillow shapes.
Do try an option with cutouts or contours if your pain is specific to the tailbone for added comfort and support while sitting.
FAQs – Pregnancy Donut Pillows
Why am I getting back pain with my pregnancy?
Your baby belly, while absolutely beautiful, is throwing your spine out of alignment as well as your equilibrium. A hormone called relaxin increases pelvic ligament laxity during the third trimester. This shifts the weight of the baby onto areas that can result in back discomfort or sciatica. In addition, your own body weight shifts to the front of your body (because your breasts probably grew too) which puts more strain onto your back. The right pillow (and the right maternity bras) can help to readjust this pregnancy weight load, and reduce discomfort.
What else can I do to reduce back pain during pregnancy?
A few additional ways to reduce back pain during pregnancy are with exercises to strengthen your back muscles. Heat pads and massage may help as well. Avoid sleeping on your back with a pregnancy pillow. High heels also change your center of gravity, and exacerbate balance problems and back pain.
Last, of all, you can wear a support belt, or seek care from your chiropractor.
How do I use the pillow?
Here is the best way to sit on a donut pillow. Push it against the back of your chair or sofa, positioned in the middle of the spot where you plan to sit. Your tailbone should center directly over the donut hole with your tush seated on the cushion itself for the most comfort. Leaning a bit forward relieves more pressure off of your tailbone.
How do I pick the best pillow?
When choosing the best pillow, there are many factors to consider. You must decide if you prefer a cushion made with memory foam, a non conforming pillow, or an inflatable pillow. Do you need relief more for your back or your bottom? What size pillow would be best for your body size and shape? And, of course, consider what is most affordable. Look at all of the donut pillow options, and check the reviews to determine which style of pillow works best for your individual needs.
