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The Simba Body Pillow review: we put the cool-touch pregnancy pillow to the test
Every mum-to-be knows that keeping cool in bed can be a real struggle, especially during the third trimester. One of the few pregnancy pillows designed to keep you cool and comfy during pregnancy and beyond, we put the Simba Cooling Body Pillow to the test with a mum-to-be in her third trimester.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Apr 29, 2024
Price on writing: £109 | Buy now from Simba Sleep
Features Stratos® cool-touch tech which really does work
Not too big but still offers really good support, particularly for the hips
Comfortable
Pricey for a pregnancy pillow
Only one colour choice
Not the most attractive pregnancy pillow
Price on writing: £109 | Pillow Type: Full body, gentle C-shape | Suitable for infant support: Yes | Size: 120 x 35cm
Read next: See how The Simba compares to rival pillows with our guide to the best pregnancy pillows
Buy now from Simba SleepThey are not cheap, but Simba pillows are incredible, they even do a temperature controlled one - one side of the pillow is "normal" and holds heat, the reverse is cooling. Highly recommend them, from the basic ones to the top-end ones.
Related: Discover the best pregnancy tests and top-rated stretch mark cream according to Mumsnetters.
How we tested the Simba Cooling Body Pillow
Parent-tester Zoë tested out the Simba Cooling body pillow over a period of approximately two months from her 32nd week of pregnancy. During this time she took extensive testing notes assessing the pillow for its comfort, support level, practicality and value for money.
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First impressions of the Simba Cooling Body Pillow
'At first I thought the Simba looked quite small and a bit ugly,' Zoë said. 'But after I started using it, I realised it's actually a really good size and thickness and offers very good support.'
The pillow is very easy to use and doesn’t need any assembly which is great. It also comes in a storage bag which is useful.
Related: Pregnant and in need of a wardrobe overhaul? Our guides to the best maternity leggings, maternity pyjamas, clothes, jeans, bras and underwear have you covered!
How do you position the Simba body pillow?
Zoë found that positioning the pillow between her knees while lying on her side offered the best support
Does the Simba Cooling Body Pillow offer good support?
Buy now from Simba SleepI do really like the pillow. After first thinking it seemed very small it is actually a really good size and thickness, and offers good support. It has meant I haven’t had painful hips during my pregnancy which does happen when I don’t use it and happened in my previous pregnancy with a different pillow.
Does the Simba Cooling Pillow really help you cool down?
Perhaps the most important question - does the Stratos® cool-touch tech actually work? Yes, according to Zoë!
I loved the cool-touch tech as it really does help cool me down when I first get into bed and when I swap over sides. I am very hot at night during this point in pregnancy so it is great to have that.
'I have used larger pregnancy pillows before but I think the Simba is probably more comfortable and has the added bonus of the cool-touch tech.'
Related: Don't miss our guides to the best hypnobirthing books and birthing ball
Does the Simba pillow offer good value for money?
'If you have a big budget for a pregnancy pillow then I would recommend it,' says Zoë. 'But personally I think it is probably too expensive - although it is a great pillow, £109 is a lot for a maternity pillow. Especially as it's very boring to look at and not a pretty pillow. I would probably pay up to £75 for it.'
Can you use this pregnancy pillow for breastfeeding?
According to Simba, you can use the Body Cooling Pillow for infant feeding support, however this is not something we tested.
Overall verdict
After an uncertain first impression, Zoë really rated this pillow for its levels of hip support and its cooling technology. The only downsides reported were the pillow's look and its cost.
If you have a big budget and don't mind a grey, plainer pregnancy pillow, the Simba Cooling Body Pillow could be the best pregnancy pillow for you, particularly if you're pregnant over the warmer months and struggle to keep cool in bed.
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.
She regularly reviews a wide range of parenting and lifestyle products for Mumsnet, from breast pumps to kettles, board games and cribs.
About Mumsnet Reviews
All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing – this includes recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk boards. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.
All prices correct at time of publicationf