When it comes to experiences that leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated all at once, you can’t go wrong with a good long soak in a warm tub. Unfortunately—and strange as it may seem—there are plenty of tubs out there that simply don’t make for a comfortable bath environment, meaning you need to examine options for bath pillows for tubs.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve the experience. In many cases, however, a bath pillow can be just the ticket for transforming a sub-par bathtub into a haven of well-being and restoration. Here, we’ll provide you with an in-depth look at some of the highest-rated bath pillows on the market.
What you should be on the lookout for is a pillow that’s large enough and soft enough to provide comfort, with machine-washable components and suction cups to keep it from slipping into the water during use. Since every person and every bathtub is different, it also helps if the pillow can be adjusted to suit your individual needs. Keep these things in mind when narrowing down your choices of bath pillows for straight back tubs like yours.
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Our Top Picks
Best Overall: “Homer’s Choice Bath Pillow with 6 Non-Slip Suction Cups”
“The pillow offers adequate support, stays in place during use, and is quick to dry.”
Best for a Spa: “Viventive Luxury Spa Bath Pillow”
“For those with upper back and neck issues, the Viventive is definitely worth a look. “
Best for Neck Support: “Banbee Innovations Luxury Plush Bath Spa Cushion Pillow”
“This pillow offers the standard spa-style measurements of 14 x 13 x 2 inches, with two contoured panels that suit most bathtub styles. “
Best Mold Resistant: “Bath Haven Quilted Air Bath Pillow”
“The attractive shape and comfortable design of the Bath Haven model make it a good fit for just about any style of bathtub.”
Best Budget: “Viventive Luxury Spa Bath Pillow”
“Unlike many of the products listed, the Gorilla Grip Original pillow features a waterproof, nonporous cover that can easily be surface-cleaned. “
What are The Best Bath Pillows for Straight Back Tubs?
Here are some of the best bath pillows for straight-back tubs:
1. Bath Haven Quilted Air Bath Pillow
This luxury bath pillow is contoured to cradle your neck and shoulders, so there’s none of the wigglings and adjusting that’s sometimes required when you’re dealing with a rectangular model. The “wave-pattern” stitching is designed to target pressure points and help relieve sore muscles. It measures a generous 17 x 17 inches across and is 2.5 inches thick. The breathable material dries quickly and is equipped with air-mesh technology, so it remains cool and comfortable during use.
The attractive shape and comfortable design of the Bath Haven model make it a good fit for just about any style of bathtub. The contours of the back collar even help to keep your hair dry during long soaks. If your aim is to soothe sore muscles without ruining your hairstyle, this could be the pillow for you.
Pros:
- Six suction cups
- Money-back guarantee
- Comfortable, efficient design
Cons:
- Material is not mold-resistant
2. Blue Coast Collection Rousset Bath Pillow
At 15.2 x 1.4 x 12.8 inches, the Rousset is compact enough to fit into smaller spaces, yet large enough to provide the comfort you’d expect from a bath pillow. With the exception of its six strong suction cups, the pillow is constructed entirely of soft, breathable materials—no plastic or rubber. This makes it more suitable for the washing machine as well, though if you dry it thoroughly after each use, you may not need to wash it often.
The contoured surface of the Rousset provides sufficient cushioning, but it isn’t as thick as some of the other models on our list. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a soft, stable place to rest your head without the intrusive feel of thicker padding. For more amazing products that will help you feel relaxed, check out our guide to the best body pillows for side sleepers.
Pros:
- Soft yet durable material
- Comes with exfoliating facial sponge
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Works best in tubs that feature a slanted back
3. Viventive Luxury Spa Bath Pillow
The Viventive pillow features a square back support section and an upper neck roll that’s attached to the lower component by a flexible hinge. It measures 14 x 13 inches—a generous size—and the neck roll is a whopping 4 inches thick. While there are those who would applaud the extra cushioning (the lower panel alone is 2 inches thick, also generous), it may be too much if your tub is on the smaller side, or if you simply prefer a thinner padding. The breathable mesh material is antibacterial and machine washable. It’s held in place by four suction cups instead of six, but they’re nonetheless strong and efficient.
For those with upper back and neck issues, the Viventive is definitely worth a look. The material is durable and easy to maintain, and the convenient design will adapt to most tubs, even those with straight sides.
Pros:
- Extra-thick
- Provides neck, shoulder, and back support
- Quick-drying, antibacterial mesh
- Adapts to tubs and Jacuzzis of any shape
Cons:
- Neck cushioning may be too thick for some
- Features only 4 suction cups
4. Homer’s Choice Luxury Bath Spa Pillow
This offering from Homer’s Choice features Air Mesh technology that allows for quick drying, in addition to providing protection from mold and mildew. The dimensions are 14 x 12.8 x 2 inches, with the upper headrest extending slightly beyond the contoured lower panel on either side. It’s portable and convenient enough to fit bathtubs of any shape and size, but note that its six suction cups won’t adhere to textured tiled surfaces.
The pillow offers adequate support, stays in place during use, and is quick to dry. Be aware that it needs to be washed by hand, and that the materials aren’t made to withstand the heat of the dryer. If you’re looking specifically for a product that’s machine-washable, this isn’t the choice for you. However, if you aren’t concerned about this, the Homer’s Choice Pillow is our overall best choice for bath pillows for straight back tubs.
Pros:
- Reasonable price point
- Soft, quick-drying material
- Mold and mildew resistant
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Suction cups cannot be mounted on textured tile
- Not machine-washable
5. Coastacloud Luxury Non-Slip Bath Pillow
The Coastacloud pillow features a unique butterfly design (the measurements are listed as 16.9 x 17.3 x 2.8 inches, but the dimensions aren’t uniform), with extra padding around the neck area. The 3-D Air Mesh fiber—coupled with a built-in plastic hanger—allows for quick and easy drying. The six suction cups adhere well to most surfaces, but if frequent adjustments are needed, they can sometimes detach from the back of the pillow, which is inconvenient.
This is a light, comfortable pillow that provides a good deal of support to the neck and the base of the skull. Due to its scalloped shape, it works better on bathtubs with sloping sides than on straight-backed models. For Jacuzzis, it may be the best choice of all.
Pros:
- Appealing, comfortable design
- Built-in hanger for easy drying
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Suction cups are of lower quality than the rest of the materials and detach easily
6. Hiverst Premium Bath Pillow
The updated 2019 model from Hiverest provides just the right amount of support in all the right places. Measuring a generous 17.7 inches square and 2.4 inches thick, it’s wider and thicker in the head, neck, and shoulder regions, tapering toward the lower back. 3-D Air Mesh technology ensures that the material won’t stick to your skin during your soak, and also inhibits the growth of unpleasant bacteria with its quick-drying efficiency. A removable hanger is included to make the drying process even easier.
This is one of the widest bath pillows you’ll find on the market, so if that’s a specification that ranks high on your hit parade, this could be the model for you. Additionally, it comes with a suction shelf that can be used to hold a glass of wine, cell phone, or tablet for viewing media.
Pros:
- Appealing, ergonomic design
- Can be adapted to suit any tub
- Machine-washable
- Bonus suction shelf included with purchase
Cons:
- None
7. Gorilla Grip Original Spa Pillow
Unlike many of the products listed, the Gorilla Grip Original pillow features a waterproof, nonporous cover that can easily be surface-cleaned. The two-panel design makes it easy to adjust for comfort, although the 4 inches of padding might be a bit too much if the bathtub is relatively small.
What sets this pillow apart from the competition is the strength of its suction cups, which adhere well to tile surfaces as well as porcelain and enamel. If you’ve had trouble with bath pillows that don’t get that good solid stick on the back of the tub, you might consider giving this one a try.
Pros:
- Seven strong suction cups that will stick to any surface
- Easy to clean
- Nonporous surface inhibits mold growth
Cons:
- Padding may be too thick for comfort in some tub designs
- Waterproof cover may stick to skin
8. Gorilla Grip Premium Spa Pillow
Gorilla Grip’s premium offering also features a two-panel design, but the top panel offers more pronounced neck support, while the lower one has more contouring. This model measures 15 x 13 x 4 inches, and adheres to most bathtub surfaces as well as its waterproof counterpart (see above).
As spa-style bath pillows go, this one is reasonably priced and has a lot of positive qualities. The only potential drawback is the four-inch padding, and that’s not a drawback at all if you prefer a thicker pillow and have a bathtub large enough to support it.
Pros:
- Six strong suction cups
- Plump, adjustable design
- Machine-washable
- Bath puff included with purchase
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Must be washed separately (meaning no clothing items in the washer at the same time)
- Padding may be too thick for comfort in some tub designs
9. X-Tra Comfort Bath Pillow
X-Tra Comfort offers a spa-style bath pillow at a budget price, with a non-porous cover that can easily be surface-cleaned. The top panel is rectangular and slightly broad, while the lower panel is shaped more like an oval to provide contouring for the shoulders and upper back.
If you prefer to spread out in the bath, be forewarned that the X-Tra comfort model is definitely on the smaller end of the spectrum. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy taking their bath pillows on the road.
Pros:
- Portable size
- Flexible two-panel design
- Low price point
- Seven suction cups
- Non-porous cover is easy to clean
Cons:
- Waterproof cover may stick to skin
- Small size
10. Banbee Innovations Luxury Plus Spa Bath Pillow
This pillow offers the standard spa-style measurements of 14 x 13 x 2 inches, with two contoured panels that suit most bathtub styles. The exception to that rule is integrated fiberglass bathtubs that have no discernible “lip” component on the outer edge; the panels require that outside ergonomic boost in order to properly adjust. If you have an old-fashioned porcelain tub or a Jacuzzi, though, the design works just as it was meant to.
Included in the purchase is a loofah scrub, which adds to the whole home-spa experience. The Air Mesh fabric is easy to clean and dries quickly.
Pros:
- 6 strong suction cups
- Comfortable, contoured design
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
- Exfoliating loofah included in purchase
Cons:
- Provides insufficient neck support with some bathtub designs
In Conclusion
While it’s important to look for a durable, comfortable bath pillows for straight back tubs that stay in place during use, personal preference also needs to be taken into account. Perhaps you’ve found that your current model is either too thick or too thin, or that the material wasn’t as easy to clean or as mildew-resistant as advertised. Or perhaps you’ve never used a bath pillow before, and are hoping to score the best one on your first try. With any luck, one or more of the pillows listed above will suit your individual needs. Be sure to also check out our guide to the best meditation pillow and cushions and pick your favorite.
See Also
- The 9 Best Head & Scalp Massagers
- 8 Best Heating Pads for Neck and Shoulder Pain
- The 11 Best Face Massage Tools, Jade Rollers & Gua Sha
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