Do you love soaking in a relaxing bathtub only to be annoyed by the hard, comfortable straight back on your tub? Let’s face it – unless you have a good bath pillow, the hard back of the bathtub – especially the straight variety (compared to more ergonomic and comfortable rounded tub backs) can ruin the experience.
I know in my old tub, I’d light candles and get a good book out but after about 10-15 minutes of soaking, I finally had to cut the pleasure short and get out due to the uncomfortable back of the tub. Luckily I finally did some research and realized what a huge difference a comfy bath pillow can make!
There are a bunch of these on the market, everything from cheap to luxury quality pillows, the important thing is to find one that fits your tub style – and will stay put and in place (good suction). After trying several, our top pick is the Luxury Bath Pillow and Spa Cushion by Bath Haven but continue reading below for other good options.
What to Look For in a Good Bath Pillow
Extra-Strength Suction Cups
This is especially important if you have a straight back tub, gravity will pull the pill down and it’s much more likely to slip or completely fall off on these types of tubs. Cheap suction cups will pop off or eventually lose their effectiveness. The hassle of poor quality suction can put a real damper on your enjoyment and relaxation in the bathtub.
Size: Head pillow vs. full-length bath cushion
There are simple, compact bath pillows that just support your head, sectioned pillows that support your neck and shoulders, as well as pillow headrest and full-body, cushioned pads that provide cushioning along your whole back and tailbone and buttocks. Much of it is a question of personal preference: headrest or full-body comfort?
Anti-Mildew
Mold and mildew are major enemies in the bathroom and anything that maintains moisture and bacteria can be a breeding ground for smelly mildew or dangerous mold spores. Check to see if the materials are naturally breathable.
Machine Washable
Along with breathability, ideally, you’ll be able to toss the pillow in the washing machine and dryer to get it clean without a lot of hassle and hand washing.
Best Bath Pillows For Tubs
QuiltedAir Luxury Bath Pillow and Spa Cushion
This full-body cushion by Bath Haven is designed to give you full back support and comfort from your head to tailbone. The bath pillow and back cushion are designed to take the pressure off your entire backside, they are made of what the company refers to as “3D air mesh technology” rather than the thicker foam used on some competitor’s bath pillows. The cushion has a total of eleven quality suction cups to make sure that it stays secured to the bathtub and prevents it from slipping.
One of the main benefits of this cushion is that it is one single piece compared to buying a pillow and cushion separately.
The material used on this bath cushion is breathable, the quick-dry quilted material is mildew resistant by nature and can safely be machine washed and tumble dried. As a nice bonus, the cushion comes with a complimentary mesh laundry bag.
The cushion measures 16 inches wide by 50 inches long. The pad is slightly less than an inch thick, thick enough to provide plenty of comforts, and is thick enough that we could not feel the suction cups like we have seen with some thinner, cheaper pillows. Check price and read reviews on Amazon
Pros:
- Long enough to cushion from head to tail.
- One-piece design
- Machine washable
- Mildew resistant
- 11 suction cups
Cons:
- Not the luxury feel of thicker more expensive models
- Pillow is thinner than others
- Not a support pillow if that’s what you’re looking for
IndulgeMe Luxurious Bath Pillow
The pillow is designed with a contoured shape that supports your head, neck, and upper back. It’s designed to work all tub shapes so whether you have a round or straight back tub it should be compatible.
The bath pillow by Harrison House is made of antibacterial mesh material that lets air and water flow naturally through the material, making it quick to dry and much less likely to foster mildew, mold, or foul odors. The pillow is BPA-free and made of non-toxic fabric.
Although from the photos it may appear that the pillow is two separate pieces (the cylindrical head pillow section and the back pillow), it is actually one connected piece and cannot be separated. The small round roll of the pillow (on the top in the photo on the left) is about 3.5 inches thick. The larger pillow section that supports your back is just under 3 inches thick at the thickest spot but provides plenty of support and comfort. The 4 suction cups are all on the lower pillow section.
The pillow is mildew resistant, it can easily be hand washed and air dried although it can be also machine washed although it should be air-dried and ideally not put in a clothes dryer. Check Price and Read Reviews on Amazon.
Pros:
- Comfortable round pillow for neck/head
- Thick pillow for the upper back.
- 4 strong suction cups keep it in place
- Compatible with all tub shapes
Cons
- Several complaints about suction cups not sticking
- Takes quite a while to air dry
- Made in China
- Some complaint about suction cups not working, see note at bottom of this page
Viventive Luxury Spa Bath Pillow
The Viventive Luxury Spa Bath Pillow excels in offering luxury and comfort at the same time. This bathtub pillow is very soft, thanks to the four-inch inner filling that supports the neck and head, and another two-inch filling for the back and shoulders. It is contoured so that it follows the shape of the body, designed orthopedically. The pillow is shaped so that it cradles the neck, head, back, and shoulders for optimal relaxation.
An advantage of this pillow is that it sticks very well. Most bath pillows lose suction quickly. This one has four extra large and extra strong suction cups. There is also a hinge that can be adjusted to fit any spa, jacuzzi, or tub.
All you have to think about is resting and relaxing because this one requires minimal care and washing. It is mold and mildew resistant, thanks to the antibacterial mesh materials. It lets air flow seamlessly through, resulting in a quick clean and drying.
Pros:
- Strong suction cups
- Very soft and comfortable
- Contoured to follow your body’s natural shape
Cons:
- Strongly fragranced, may not be suitable to those sensitive to such scents
- Tends to grow red bacteria after long use
- Once the mesh is destroyed, it does not dry quickly
Viventive Luxurious Bath Pillow
This Viventive Bath Pillow is designed with a unique 3D mesh material with antibacterial properties, letting air drying happen automatically. Water flows through it without lingering in the pillow for too long, which is a common cause of mold and mildew.
The pillow comes with a hanging hook, which you can use to hang it after use, making sure it’s clean and dry for your next bath. The bath pillow is just big enough to provide padding to your entire back and head, measured at 14 x 13 x 4 inches. Enjoy a spa-like experience right in the comfort of your home.
It includes six extra strong, extra-large suction cups, which keep it safe in place. It can be attached to the tub quite easily, too, without having the pillow slip during use.
Pros:
- 6 strong suction cups
- Antibacterial 3D mesh
- Great size, fit for most body types
Cons:
- Some find the material quite scratchy
- While the thickness offers extra padding, it can be quite uncomfortable
- There is a tendency for it not to dry quickly and completely and can cause mildew growth
GORILLA GRIP Original Spa Bath Pillow
Gorilla Grip is known for its high-quality bath accessories, and this bath pillow is not an exemption. This comes with seven – yes, that’s right – seven suction cups. You avoid going through the annoyance of slipping left and right while relaxing in your tub.
Enjoy your soak in comfort. It’s super soft and smooth, and having a two-inch foam padding is just right to be comfortable without being too thick.
It is 14.5 x 11 inches in size, which is just right for most bathtubs and jacuzzis. You get a two-panel design that cradles the neck, head, shoulders, and back while you are reclining in water. Plus, it is easy to keep clean and in good condition, thanks to the waterproof surface and nonporous material.
The company grants a 10-year refund guarantee – no matter what your reason is for returning the item.
Pros:
- 10-year guarantee
- Seven strong suction cups
- Just the right amount of padding
Cons:
- The pillow tends to be ripped in certain areas after several months of use
- Once the lining is ripped, the foam padding gets saturated with water
- Customer service can be improved
Coastacloud Luxury Non-Slip Bath Pillow
The Coastacloud Luxury Non-Slip Bath Pillow features an optimal contour, which is great for resting your neck, head, back, and shoulders with zero strain. The size is enough to fit the entire back and head, giving full comfort and support while you are enjoying a soak in your tub. Now you can enjoy a spa-like experience right in the comfort of your own bathroom.
This pillow is made of nothing but high-quality and ultra-soft fibers. No rubber and plastic materials are present in the pillow. You won’t ever experience a foul, chemical-like odor. Its mesh material is very soft and features a technology that allows for natural and immediate air drying. Who wants plastic or vinyl pillows in the tub? Those are super uncomfortable and stiff.
The mesh layers let moisture and airflow through so no mold or mildew builds up, and it cleans and dries up quickly – ready for the next use. Say goodbye to bad smells and bacteria buildup.
The pillow comes with six strong suction cups, which keep the pillow in place. They are very easy to stick to the tub and are easy to remove as well once your bath is done.
Pros:
- No stiff vinyl or plastic
- Soft material and comfortable contour
- Nice size fits most tubs and jacuzzis
Cons:
- It can be hard to remove from the tub because of the super-strong suction
- Quite hard to clean, according to some user
- The size makes it hard to handle and dry
Final Note on Suction Cups
There have been several complaints written up about suction cups not holding up the pillow but we do think some of these problems could be prevented. First of all, the pillow is over 3 inches thick. If it is submerged it will absorb a large amount of water and will take a long time to dry.
One solution is to keep it above the waterline of the bath, although realistically you don’t want to be stressing about the thing getting wet. So, if it does get soaked, just remove it from the bathtub, squeeze excess water out and hang it to dry (it has a hook) in a well-ventilated area. If it is not dried completely between baths and left in the tub wet it will acquire some funky smell, just like a wet towel that is not properly dried will.
The complaints of suction cups not working- could be the quality of the suction cups provided although this is a common problem in bathtubs and often due to the surface of the tub. Any thin layer of mildew or soap film can prevent even high-quality suction cups from sticking.
The best thing to try before giving up on the product: Scrub the surface area of the tub where the suction cups will go with a good household cleaner designed to get rid of soap scum, like this one from Bucko. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Rinse the inside of the suction cup with water and shake off the excess water. Press the suction cup firmly in place.
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