10 Best Bath Pillows For a Relaxing Soak in the Tub

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Destressing with a long soak in the tub is a great way to end any day. With a flicker of candlelight, a dash of scented oils, and an armful of bubbles, you can treat yourself to an evening of well-earned self-care. However, feeling the hard edge of your bathtub at the back of your head is the last thing you want after all that work. Wash away that worry by finding the best bath pillow to add to your home spa routine!

What Is a Bath Pillow

Bath pillows come in many shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose – keeping you comfy during a good soak in your bathtub. These handy bathroom accessories stick to your tub via a series of suction cups. They cradle anything from just your neck to your whole body depending on the design.

Whether foam, mesh, or other materials, bath pillows are meant to sit in the water without ruining their cushioning. Cradling your neck is the main priority, with many bathtub pillows adding extra padding in that area. Full-body bath pillows also keep you from slipping down into the water as you relax. This saves you the hassle of constant repositioning when all you want to do is sit and enjoy your soak.

The Benefits of Bath Pillows

Bathtub spa pillows make long baths easier for everyone, especially those who suffer from pains in their necks and backs. The extra cushioning on the neck and shoulder area keeps you from staying in an awkward position for too long. Cushioning on the tailbone area reduces stress on the spine and can be found on full-body spa cushions. Some bath pillows even come with removable support sections that allow you to put up your knees or feet as needed.

Hot baths in general are known to reduce stress, relax muscles, and give relief to aching joints. Bath pillows add another layer of comfort to these benefits, allowing you to sink into the water while reducing the stress placed on your body.

Best Bath Pillows for Neck and Shoulders

If your main concern is for your neck and shoulders, then the smaller variants of spa pillows got you covered. These can be more easily adjusted than their full-body counterparts, and certain models sport padding that’s more shapely and ergonomic. We’ve compiled some of our favorites below, including their pros, cons, key features, and specifications.

1. [Coastacloud] Non-Slip Bath Neck Pillow

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This small and simple Non-Slip Bath Neck Pillow from Costacloud is a nice little addition to your home spa collection. It’s light and made of mesh, allowing it to dry fast. It can also be cleaned easily in any sink. This bath pillow is great for traveling as well, as it can fit in your suitcase without much fuss. Whether you’re enjoying your home tub or a hotel bath, you’ll now have a comfy place to rest your head with this purchase.

2. [Slyfoam] Essential Bath Pillow

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If you’re a fan of sparkly and colorful bath bombs or just want a sleeker design, then you might like the Essential Bath Pillow from Slyfoam. Its coloring protects it from the bright dyes of glittery bath bombs but also makes it look quite at home against darker tiles or tubs. The ergonomic neck support and padding are sure to keep you comfortable either way.

Read more: 10 Affordable Japanese Soaking Tubs for Your Bathroom

3. [Amazon Basics] Bathtub Neck and Back Pillow

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Amazon Basics’ Bathtub Neck and Back Pillow is the first on this list not to sport a mesh design. Instead, its thick foam cushioning is soft and has more give when you rest against it. The waterproof PVC exterior protects the insides from moisture and allows for an easy clean after a few uses. Furthermore, this pillow’s three-panel design means it’s also easier to manipulate than a single mass of mesh.

4. [HAVEN HOUZ] Bathtub Spa Pillow for Soaking

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The Bathtub Spa Pillow for Soaking from HAVEN HOUZ boasts a premium build, material, and package. Its plant-based Tencel fabric exterior is easier on sensitive skins than other meshes. In addition to the plush 4-inch thick bath pillow, you’ll receive a storage bag, a wash bag, and a loofa. These handy extras ensure you and your new bath pillow will be well taken care of.

5. [KANDOONA] Luxury Bathtub Pillow

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The extra ergonomic support on the Luxury Bathtub Pillow from KANDOONA is ideal for keeping a sensitive neck or set of shoulders comfortable. The extra padding cradles and protects your neck from the harder edges of the bathtub lip. Meanwhile, the raised shoulder sides hug and support the back. This bath pillow is unique in form and is all the better for it.

Best Full-Body Bath Pillows

What a full-body bath pillow lacks in compactness and portability makes up for its coverage. Neck and shoulder spa pillows are usually more padded and come in more varied sizes, but full-body bath pillows extend their plush protection much further. Cushioning for tailbones and legs can bring a good amount of extra relief, especially for those with sensitive backs. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones out there in our comprehensive list below.

Read more: Bath Ideas: 18 Statement Bathtubs For A Blissful Soak

6. [Bath Haven] Bath Pillow Full Body Mat

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The Bath Pillow Full Body Mat from Bath Haven is a good standard of comparison for all the other mats on this list. It has the essentials – a padded neck area, plush and breathable cushioning, and suction cups to keep it in place. For those who want a little extra padding, there’s a deluxe model of this design with an added 1.5 inches of thickness. Both the original and the deluxe models are highly praised by reviews, so the choice is yours.

7. [OMYSTYLE] Full Body Quick Drying Bath Pillow

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For those with limited time on your hands, the OMYSTYLE Full Body Quick Drying Bath Pillow is made with convenience in mind. This bath cushion is machine-washable and features 5D air mesh materials. This means that the pillow is able to drain out water quickly after each soak. With these features, you can enjoy more time in the water and less time cleaning up.

8. [AEROiVi] Full Body Bath Pillow with Lumbar Support

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Putting your feet up after a long day is one of those simple joys. Doing so in a hot and relaxing bath just elevates the experience. The Full Body Bath Pillow with Lumbar Support from AEROiVi has a movable pillow that goes from backrest to footrest with a quick slide. Having this flexible spa pillow in your tub lets you pick your perfect lounging position for optimum relaxation.

9. [Idle Hippo] Full Body Bath Mattress

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If you’re looking for a little more pizazz in your bath pillow, look no further than the Full Body Bath Mattress from Idle Hippo. Its unique leaf shape looks great in any tub, and it doesn’t sacrifice any of the full-body bath cushion essentials. With a lovely little travel bag and its premium design, this bath pillow is worth making room for, both in your bathroom and your hotel luggage.

Read more: What To Soak Hot Tub Filter In

10. [ProCore Products] Luxurious Full Body Spa Pillow

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Being hit with an aching back is a real downer, especially when you’re trying to relax. Thankfully, there’s ample padding on the seat of this Luxurious Full Body Spa Pillow from ProCore Products. This bath cushion is designed to provide support and relief for your tailbone. Your back is sure to thank you for this particular purchase.

How to Clean Your Bath Pillow

Upon purchasing a bath pillow, you have to remember to keep it clean. Leaving a wet cushion in a damp bathtub is an open invitation for things like bacteria and mold. While each product has its own specific care instructions, there are a few general rules of thumb when it comes to cleaning your new bath pillow.

First, make sure you don’t leave your bath pillow in the tub long after use. You don’t need to wash bath cushions after every use, but leaving them in a wet bathtub is a surefire way to increase the risk of mold infestation. Many bath pillows have hooks that you can use to hang them up, allowing them to drip dry.

Second, try to have your bathtub pillow washed once every couple of weeks, depending on usage. You can’t rely on the residual soap from your baths to completely clean your spa cushion. Detergents should work, but for tougher stains, look into either a gentle bleach wash or a natural vinegar and baking soda combo. Many bath pillows are also machine-washable, but read the instructions included with your pillow to make sure you have the right settings and cleaning agents.

Finally, your bathroom is perhaps the most important factor in all of this. Keeping a clean, dry bathroom will naturally discourage the growth of mildew and mold on your bath pillow. Sometimes though, you can’t avoid a humid bathroom. Extra humidity may be caused by how the room was built or the weather in your area. In these cases, dry and store your pillow in a different part of your house to keep it nice and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Bath Pillows For A Relaxing Soak In The Tub

• Read also: 8 Best Bath Tub Faucet Set for 2024

  How do you use a bath pillow?

Bath pillows are usually affixed to the side of a bathtub where you rest your head. This is done with suction cups to prevent them from moving while you bathe. Full body bath pillows have additional suction cups that attach to the bottom of the tub.

Check the instructions on your bath pillow to see if the suction cups work better on wet or dry surfaces and install accordingly. It may take a few tries to find the perfect placement for your bath pillow but look on the bright side. It gives you an excuse to take more long baths.

• What should I look for in a bath pillow?

Bath pillows can be made from many different materials. Try to find a material that suits you, whether it’s a softer foam, firmer mesh, or even plant-based Tencel. Also, it’s best to determine what kind of support you’re looking for from your pillow. Full body bath pillows cushion the back, neck, shoulders, and tailbone, extending to most of the legs. Shoulder & neck bath cushions cover only the neck and shoulders but are more padded in those areas. Some even sport more ergonomic designs. It’s all up to preference.

• Do bath pillows get moldy?

Bath pillows will get moldy if not washed, dried, and stored properly. Take care of your bath pillow by making sure they’re hung up to dry after every use, washed every few weeks, and stored in a room with low humidity.

• Can bath pillows get wet?

Yes, bath pillows are generally made to withstand getting wet during your baths. Some variations, like foam bath pillows, are created with a casing of waterproof material to protect the insides. Mesh bathtub pillows meanwhile can be soaked entirely without harm to the pillow’s structure or integrity.

• Read also: 12 Best Hot Tub Pillow For 2024

  What does a bath pillow do?

Bath pillows cushion your head, shoulders, and sometimes back and legs while you sit in your tub. They’re meant to soften the harder tub surface, making long baths more comfortable and relaxing. Bathtub cushions also serve to relieve shoulder, neck, and back pains while enjoying longer baths.

Conclusion

Whether you’re enjoying your baths in a traditional ceramic tub or a portable bathtub, a bath pillow is your ticket to a more comfortable soak. So relax, take a deep breath, and take the plunge on that self-care purchase.