5 Best Pillows with an Arm Hole – Helpful for Couples and Single Users As Well!

From pillows to sleep or cuddle on as a couple to nap pillows you can use in your office or on a trip, we selected the best options available online.
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Medical Advisory Team
Medical Advisory Team
Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: September 04, 2023
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Regular pillows are designed for individual use, but the downside is, for couples who want to sleep cuddled up, this can mean sharing a pillow. And for the partner who would be extending their arm under the other’s head, this can quickly cause a feeling of numbness.

A pillow with arm hole eliminates this discomfort, featuring an innovative design which offers sleepers more sleep ergonomics. An arm can be extended under a tunnel specially created under the pillow. Hence, both can have an enjoyable night of sleep while staying cuddled up. Here, we review the 5 best pillows with arm hole out there. They all are stuffed with memory foam but have different shapes and designs but the HOMCA Memory Foam Pillow for Couples stood out to be the best and got our Editor’s Choice nomination.

Quick Summary

  • "The pillow, ideal for back and side sleepers, is made with a high-density memory foam that adjusts to the shape of your head perfectly. Double-pillow adjustable design. Removable rayon and polyester cover."
  • "This is a cervical pillow that is specially designed for people with neck pain and can be used as an office rest pillow. Machine washable polyester cover. Eye mask and earplugs included."
  • Best Travel Pillow: WOWSEA Soft Nap Donut Pillow
    "The soft nap pillow is filled with bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam filling and features a soft velvet cover that is easy to clean. Hollow design. Washable cover."
  • "This pillow is designed for providing relief to the arms, legs, knees, hips, joints and the back, whichever way you choose to use it. Machine washable cover. Travel bag included."
  • Best for Left or Right Arm: EMOSEONY Couples Pillow
    "This is a memory foam pillow with a cotton cover that conforms to the body and recovers its position when not in use and works wonders with couples. Right and left arm options. Two outer pillowcases included."

Top 5 Pillows with Arm Hole Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4499 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
Features
  • Filling material: memory foam
  • Cover material: rayon and polyester
  • Dimensions: 28 x 19 x 4.72 in

Extra features: double-pillow adjustable design; removable and washable cover

An outstanding pillow with an arm hole is the Homca memory foam pillow. It’s a model designed especially for couples, as it has a large shape that makes it suitable for use by two people at the same time. Its “L” design with a lower arch allows you to place your arm under the pillow, so you can sleep cuddled with your partner without cramping or leaving your arm numb after a few hours.

By having a strong structure, the arch of the cube cuddle pillow will not deform, and you will not feel the weight of the other person on your arm. The pillow is ideal for back and side sleepers. It is made with a high-density memory foam, which is anatomically molded to the shape of your head, although it does not sag. It keeps your cervical area in a healthy position, relieving pressure points, so both will have a deeper rest.

    Why are we impressed?
  • In addition, this pillow comes with a double cover, one interior made of highly breathable micro-perforated polyester while the other is rayon, which gives it extra softness and silkiness. Its memory foam filling not only raises the comfort level of the pillow, but also keeps you in a comfortable and relaxing position for sleeping on your side. In addition, it is the perfect option for couples.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • It's too hard for stomach sleepers. It would also be great if the product comes with a pillow case.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2555 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.4
2
Features
  • Filling material: memory foam
  • Cover material: polyester
  • Dimensions: 13.78 x 11.81 x 5.12 in

Extra features: can be used as an office rest pillow; removable and machine washable pillowcase; eye mask and earplugs included

The ALEVMOOM pillow for couples is not just designed for people who need to sleep while cuddling up. It’s a cervical pillow that is specially designed for people with neck pain. The memory foam pillow is covered with polyester material, a fabric that is antimicrobial. This also allows it to keep the exterior clean for a long time. It is a multifunctional pillow that can serve as an iPad rest, as a leg rest, and it also comes with an eye mask and ear plugs.

It has a higher arched design which means you can sleep without the weight of the sleeper getting to your arm through the pillow. The curved shape effectively adapts to human cervical vertebrae, which can provide your cervical vertebrae with flexible and comfortable support.

    What makes it stand out?
  • The unique hollow design at the bottom of the pillow prevents numbness in the arms while sleeping. The pillow is breathable and absorbs moisture, which can warm you in winter and cool you in summer. In addition, the memory foam can exert even pressure on the head. Made of high-quality polyester, it touches comfortably and is easy to wash. Also, it is odor free and will not absorb smells.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The high arch design, even though this means comfort in the arm, is not so comfortable for the neck.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8743 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.1
3
Best Travel Pillow

WOWSEA Soft Nap Donut Pillow

Features
  • Filling material: bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam
  • Cover material: velvet
  • Dimensions: 13.38 x 9.44 x 4.72 in

Extra features: hollow design; can be used as an office rest or travel pillow; washable cover

The WOWSEA Donut Pillow is a different model of all the ones we’ve seen previously. The soft nap is covered in a velvety material that is easy to spot clean or wash in the washing machine. Then, the filling material is made of memory foam that is infused with charcoal derived from bamboo wood. This gives it a lot of antibacterial properties.

Another special thing about this pillow is that it has a hollow design. This inner core ensures comfortable sleep. This pillow works best as a travel pillow for a quick soft nap. It can also be used in the office.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We liked that you can remove the cover to wash it in a machine. You can use the pillow for a sleeping position where you have to be face down, use it to support your neck, or your tummy. Also, it has an ergonomic shape that makes it easy to use.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • It's firm and squishy for some, but a few users wished it was larger. Also, it cannot support a lot of weight. It flattens down quickly under too much weight.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8875 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
8.9
4
Features
  • Filling material: memory foam
  • Cover material: not specified
  • Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 6 in

Extra features: can be used plenty of ways; machine washable cover

The Thera-Works Pillow is designed for providing relief to the arms, legs, knees, hips, joints and the back, whichever way you choose to use it. It’s a wedge pillow with space underneath for the sleeper’s arm. Made of memory foam, the filling has a soft and plushy feel.

The pillow can be used in more than two ways. It’s a one size fit all pillow for sleeping on, for use while working, gaming, traveling, or for relaxing. It’s a good pillow for alleviating back and neck pains.

    Why are we impressed?
  • The wedge support pillow has a small bolster that ensures you can bring the pillow with you anywhere. The pillow also helps relieve pain. It is firm enough. The pillow is also made of high-quality and durable materials.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • It's too firm. Some say it is too hard and not squishy at all. A few other users said it is tiny and not supportive enough as they expected.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4141 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.7
5
Best for Left or Right Arm

EMOSEONY Couples Pillow

Features
  • Filling material: memory foam
  • Cover material: cotton
  • Dimensions: 25.6 x 19.3 x 4.7 in

Extra features: removable and machine washable cover; right and left arm options; two outer pillowcases included

Manufactured by EMOSEONY, this is a memory foam pillow that conforms to the body and recovers its position when not in use. The cover is made of cotton material while the pillow is filled with memory foam. You can remove the filling to wash the cover in the machine. The pillow measures a dimension of 25.6 x 19.3 x 4.7 inches, and it is only available in one size.

When you put the arm through the lower part, the viscoelastic material, which is designed to be hard, prevents the head from resting on the arm. So you can sleep with your arm stretched out, without taking on any weight. The pillow, therefore, will not wake up with an arm asleep or sore. And it is also perfectly ideal for a single person.

    Why are we impressed?
  • We liked that you can select left arm or right arm option. So, you don't have to change your sleep position to use the pillow. In addition, there is an option that provides two extra pillowcases. It is a perfect sleep solution that can solve common problems of gastric reflux and numb arm, at the time of rest. And yes, it can even save a marriage...
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Many would appreciate it more if it is available in many size options. It's not thick enough. Some also complain that it's too hard and could be softer.

Things to Consider

Sharing a bed is not easy. Especially if your partner usually sleeps with their head resting on your arm, or either of you needs to sleep with one arm outstretched. Luckily, we have found the solution with pillows that are designed with arm holes. In this section, we’ll see how they are used, their benefit, how to choose one and how to maintain these types of pillows.

Benefits of Having a Pillow with a Hole for an Arm

5 Best Pillows with an Arm Hole – Helpful for Couples and Single Users As Well!

If you sleep as a couple, surely on more than one occasion you have woken up with your arm asleep or in pain because the head of your better half has rested on top of it. In some cases, you may feel numbness in the arm. This happens even if you sleep alone. Many people need to sleep with their arm outstretched, resting their pillow and head on top of it.

Finally, there are people who, if they do not sleep in this specific position, suffer from reflux in the stomach, which causes heartburn. For all these situations, this pillow with a hole to put the arm solves this problem. And the products are now in great demand.

The special cushion made of foam has a curved shape that is retained thanks to the use of plastic ribs. The pillow supports the head (and that of our partner), while you can slide your arm under the bulge and put it down. This pillow is designed to make sleeping even more comfortable for couples. The pillow should also be useful for singles because the head is slightly elevated on the pillow.

How Can You Use It?

Using this pillow is as easy as lying on your bed and adjusting the pillow on your arm. Just lie on your bed, place the pillow on your arm with the hollow side cupping your extended arm. As a couple, your partner can have his or her head rested on the pillow while you can extend your other arm on her, wrapped in a warm cuddly embrace.

You can use such pillows for sleeping on, for use while working, gaming, traveling, or for relaxing. It’s a good pillow for alleviating back and neck pains.

Features to Consider Before You Buy a Pillow

To know how to choose the most suitable pillow for your needs, you owe it to yourself to consider several factors and to see in detail the characteristics of the product most likely to suit you.

Shape

5 Best Pillows with an Arm Hole – Helpful for Couples and Single Users As Well!

You have to think about what the shape of your pillow does to your body. When the shape gives your neck enough support, it’s all about the alignment of the spine. So choose the shape according to the position you are used to taking to sleep. Unlike regular types of pillows, this type of pillow is designed in many shapes.

The most common ones are the L-shaped pillows like the EMOSEONY Couples Pillow. A hole is then designed underneath these pillows. But the experience of users is that there are still feeling of numbness and pain on the extended arm as the hole is not often enough. The arched pillows are the best for those looking to avoid arm pains. The arm will be extended without the weight of the head resting on it. But the arched pillows are not often comfortable on the neck.

 

Size

There is no standard dimension for this type of pillow. Pillows of this size are wide and are suitable for people of all heights. From 4 to 5 inches of height for L-shaped pillows to 5 to 7 inches for arched pillows. However, be careful with the height. While some people like pillows about 6 inches high, others like them less. Those who don’t want them to be flat can prefer to opt for pillows that are about 4–5 inches high as the EMOSEONY Couples Pillow. So think about your comfort by choosing one or the other size.

A good-sized pillow fits easily under your neck and provides good support. It allows you to properly align the neck and spine. An unnatural position due to the pillow is a sign that this product is not suitable for you.

Filling Material

5 Best Pillows with an Arm Hole – Helpful for Couples and Single Users As Well!

Foam is usually used as the filling material. Memory foam Trusted Source Memory Foam Pillows: What You Need to Know A good pillow can make or break your night’s sleep. Discover the pros and cons of memory foam pillows, which can help support your neck and improve sleep quality. www.webmd.com is the most preferred here. EMOSEONY Couples Pillow to the Thera-Works Handy Sleep Bolster Pillow on our list, memory foam is the chosen filling material. Indeed, memory foam must be at the same time firm but very soft in order to be able to properly fit the muscles of the neck and the head of the user. Ideally, the memory foam pillow should put the sleeper in a position that helps align their head and spine.

For this, it must contain the optimum amount of viscoelastic to be able to adapt perfectly to the morphology of its user. So prefer 100% viscoelastic/memory foams. To ensure perfect ergonomics for premium comfort, your pillow should be slightly hollow in the middle.

Be sure to have known label certifications on the pillow to be sure you are not dealing with a pillow that does not meet current standards for chemicals that can be harmful to health. Certifications like CertiPur US or Oeko-Tex are the best.

Good quality foam is resistant to time. It will not sag after a few uses. If you take good care of your pillow, you will easily use it for ten years or so. That said, you don’t have to. As soon as you get bored of it, you can get rid of it.

Also, take the time to make sure that your foam does not have a hard time regaining its initial shape quickly, especially if you are the type to travel very often and take your companion with you. To recognize that the foam of your memory foam pillow is of superior quality, two details can help you. First, make sure the pores of the foam are very small. Then gently stroke your pillow and see if its texture is very soft silky with a semblance of moisture.

Cover Material

The cover of your pillow should be made of a soft and breathable material. Some of the best materials are cotton, polyester, and bamboo rayon Trusted Source Bamboo Fabric: What is Bamboo Fabric? Sustainability, Pros and Cons How do they make bamboo fabric from this natural material? How sustainable is bamboo fabric and its pros and cons. www.trvst.world or viscose. These provide softness and excellent air circulation. Synthetic materials are not recommended because they are the cause of profuse perspiration, in particular, because the air does not pass well and therefore the heat cannot be evacuated. It is quite an unpleasant feeling, and it is far from hygienic.

Also, consider choosing a cover capable of effectively resisting the proliferation of bacteria and mites. Usually, no chemicals are used. This is why most of the time, these covers are hypoallergenic, that is to say, they can be used by people with fragile health or very sensitive skin. It will also need to be machine washable for easier maintenance.

The viscose cover is well known for its very soft and silky texture. It allows excellent air circulation during the night and avoids waking up because of too much perspiration. The cotton cover is also ideal for good air circulation and in addition very easy to clean because it dries very quickly.

Price

The price of these pillows can vary widely. It is not, however, a reliable indicator of the quality of your material. There are many high-performance pillows available at good prices, from $30 to $50. So take the time to compare the different products offered by reading the reviews to get an idea of the quality of each of them. Be aware that reviews can be very mixed, each with their own preferences. However, the best pillow will have the most positive reviews. You can even wait for promotional offers by buying yourself a good quality product at greatly reduced prices.

Warranty

Most pillow brands offer an interesting warranty because as we know, no matter how good a pillow is, the feeling can vary enormously from one individual to another. So as not to end up with an unusable product without the possibility of being reimbursed, always remember to check which guarantee is offered. The best brands offer several years of warranty. This is a very wise way to protect your investment.

Extra Features

Extra features to watch out for include the removability and washability of the cover. The pillow should also be offered in both left and right options like the EMOSEONY Couples Pillow.

FAQ

What sleeping position is best for a pillow with arm hole?

The best sleeping positions for pillows with arm hole is the side and back. Although they are also ideal for neck and shoulder pain, the pillows are not often recommended for stomach sleeping because of their hardness and high loft.

Should I sleep with an arm under a pillow?

Sleeping with your arm under a regular pillow can lead to neck and shoulder pain. That’s why you should sleep with an arm under a couple’s pillow like the ALEVMOOM Neck Cervical Pillow.

How do I clean a pillow?

Most memory foam pillows are not washable. It is therefore good to inquire in advance before making the decision to wash your pillow, otherwise you risk permanently damaging your product. So if the synthetic pillows are easy to wash, those in feathers, require a little more attention so that they do not clump together. On the other hand, those made of viscoelastic foam cannot be washed by hand or by machine because they can permanently lose their original shape and the properties that go with it. However, the pillowcases are usually washable. You only need to change the case and wash in the machine.

Our verdict

Our Editor’s Choice is the HOMCA Memory Foam Pillow. The pillow is ideal for back and side sleepers. It is made with a high-density memory foam which is anatomically molded to the shape of your head.

The ALEVMOOM pillow for couples is our Best Office Rest Pillow. With a 9.4 rating, it is not just designed for people who need to sleep while cuddling up. It’s a cervical pillow that is specially designed for people with neck pain.

And we found the WOWSEA Soft Nap Donut Pillow to be perfect for travelers as it is filled with bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam filling and features a soft velvet cover that is easy to clean, making it also one of the best pillows with an arm hole.

References

1.
Memory Foam Pillows: What You Need to Know
A good pillow can make or break your night’s sleep. Discover the pros and cons of memory foam pillows, which can help support your neck and improve sleep quality.
2.
Bamboo Fabric: What is Bamboo Fabric? Sustainability, Pros and Cons
How do they make bamboo fabric from this natural material? How sustainable is bamboo fabric and its pros and cons.
9,6
Total Score
HOMCA Memory Foam Pillow for Couples - Editor's Choice
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