Relvay makes a pregnancy pillow. We also tell you below when you should not buy one.
The short answer
The Boppy Side Sleeper is a good buy if you want light bump and back support in very little bed space, on a tight budget. It is a weak buy if you need knee, head or full belly support from the same pillow.
- Good fit: small beds, travel, early to mid pregnancy.
- Weak fit: tall bodies, big late bumps, huggers.
- Check first: the return terms before you open it.
Which Boppy pillow is the Side Sleeper?
The Side Sleeper is Boppy's smallest pregnancy pillow: two small pillows held together by a stretch panel, inside a jersey slipcover. It is not the Full Body Side Sleeper, not the Total Body pillow and not a feeding pillow.
That matters because reviews online mix them up. A comment about a long body pillow, or about a nursing pillow, tells you nothing about this one. Before you read any review, check that it shows two small connected pillows that sit on either side of your middle.
| Boppy Side Sleeper | What we found |
|---|---|
| Layout | Two small pillows joined by a stretch panel. One sits at your bump, one at your back. |
| Size | About 24 x 14 x 7 in, 1.74 lb (Mattress Clarity) |
| Fill | 100% polyester (Boppy) |
| Slipcover | 95% cotton, 5% spandex jersey knit (Boppy) |
| Care | Slipcover and pillow both machine washable on delicate, tumble dry low (Boppy) |
| Price seen | $35.00 on boppy.com, Oct 8, 2026 |
| Returns | Unopened, unused pillows within 30 days, per Mattress Clarity. Check before you buy. |
What does the Boppy Side Sleeper do well?
It gives you something under your bump and something behind your back while taking almost no room. It is light, cheap, washable and easy to pack.
11:40 p.m.
Ivy was 24 weeks, sleeping in a full bed with Marcus, who sprawls. A friend had lent her a giant U pillow, and for three nights Marcus slept on the couch. The fourth night she gave it back. What she actually needed was small: something to stop her bump from pulling her forward, and something to lean her back into. She did not need a pillow fort. She needed two small pillows that stayed together.
That is exactly the job the Side Sleeper is built for. Boppy says the stretch panel keeps the two pillows in place as your bump grows. Mattress Clarity's tester found the panel kept the pieces lined up through the night, and liked how little bed space it takes.
"It doesn't take much bed space which is ideal"Customer review of a compact pregnancy pillow (not a Boppy review)
It also has life after pregnancy. Boppy suggests using it postpartum to hug your sides, and reviewers mention using it as lumbar support when sitting up.
Where does the Boppy Side Sleeper run out?
It does not support your knees, your head or a large late bump at the same time. Everything outside your middle needs another pillow.
KneesThere is no knee piece. Mattress Clarity suggests stacking it between your knees on some nights, but then your bump and back go without.
BellyMattress Clarity lists limited full-belly support as a con. A bump that hangs wide or low may spill past it.
HeightThe same review flags it as a weaker fit for taller people. Two small pillows cover a small area.
"the half pillow by itself is a little too small to be effective on my 9 month bellow"Amazon review of a different compact pregnancy pillow
That quote is not about the Boppy, but it describes the risk with any small pillow late in pregnancy: what fit at 24 weeks may feel small at 36. It also will not help much if you sleep on your stomach or want something big to hug.
A small pillow is not a smaller version of a big one. It is a different job.
What should you check before buying the Side Sleeper?
Check five things: your bed, your bump stage, your knees, your height and the return terms. If two or more go the wrong way, look at a different layout.
- Bed: a full or queen you share? The small footprint is the main reason to buy it.
- Bump stage: buying in the third trimester? Picture a bigger bump on a small pillow.
- Knees: do your hips ache unless something sits between your knees? Budget for a second pillow.
- Height: are you tall? The coverage is short.
- Hugging: do you love holding a long pillow? This is not that.
- Returns: if returns are only for unopened pillows, you cannot sleep on it first. Read the current terms where you buy, including at stores like Target.
For a full list of what to check on any pillow, see our pregnancy pillow buying checklist. If you are weighing it against another small pillow, we compare Butterfly vs. Boppy Side Sleeper separately.
Hip or back pain that keeps you awake is worth raising with your midwife, OB-GYN or a pelvic health physical therapist. A pillow is a comfort aid, not a treatment.
Is the Boppy Side Sleeper worth it?
For $35, yes, if your job is small: bump and back support in a shared or small bed, maybe on trips. It is not worth it if you are hoping it replaces every pillow in your bed.
Ivy kept her own head pillow, put a regular pillow between her knees, and used a small two-piece setup at her middle. Marcus got his side of the bed back. On Sunday morning he was still asleep beside her, one arm across her shoulder, and she did not have to climb over anything to get up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Boppy Side Sleeper and the Boppy Full Body Side Sleeper?
The Side Sleeper is two small connected pillows for your bump and back. The Full Body Side Sleeper is a separate, longer model. Check the exact product name and photo before reading reviews or ordering.
Can you put the Boppy Side Sleeper between your knees?
You can stack it there, and Mattress Clarity's tester did on some nights. But then it is not at your bump and back. Most people who need knee support use a separate pillow.
Is the Boppy Side Sleeper washable?
Yes. Boppy says both the slipcover and the pillow can go in the machine on a delicate cycle at 30°C/85°F and tumble dry low. Follow the label on the one you receive.
Is the Boppy Side Sleeper good for a small bed?
Yes, that is its strongest point. It sits at your middle and takes far less room than a U or C pillow, so it suits full and queen beds you share.
Can you return the Boppy Side Sleeper after using it?
Mattress Clarity reports Boppy takes back unopened, unused pillows within 30 days, and not ones bought from other stores. Check the current terms where you buy before you open it.
If the Side Sleeper is close, but not quite
Relvay does not make the Boppy Side Sleeper, and if it fits your job, it costs less than half of ours. The Relvay 3-Piece is a different two-wedge set for people who like the small footprint but want two crescent wedges joined by a flat strap, with the distance between them set to their bump.
Two wedges for bump and back, joined by a flat strap, about as wide as your torso. Keep a regular pillow between your knees. $79.99, 90-day returns.
Probably not for you if
- The Boppy Side Sleeper already works for you.
- You want one pillow for head, bump, back and knees.
- Your budget stops at $35.
Worth a look if
- You want a small setup for a shared full or queen bed.
- You want a 90-day return window to sleep on it first.
- You are fine keeping your own head pillow and a pillow between your knees.
Ivy's story is a composite based on real reviews and public posts from pregnant side sleepers. Names and details are changed.
