Troubleshooting your
Bumpnest maternity pillow
Not sleeping as well as you hoped? Most issues are easy to fix with a small adjustment. Work through the relevant section below to find your solution.
First things first
Unboxing your Bumpnest
Your Bumpnest arrives vacuum rolled and compressed to keep it clean, compact, and fresh during delivery. Before troubleshooting anything else, make sure you have given it time to fully expand and settle.
Open the packaging and remove the vacuum seal
Carefully open the vacuum seal and allow the pillow to expand naturally. It may take a few hours to fully regain its shape after being compressed for shipping.
Fluff and massage the filling
Gently knead and shape each section to help the filling settle evenly. This ensures the pillow feels soft, full, and supportive from the first night.
Give it a light shake before first use
A good shake helps the filling reach full volume faster. Most pillows settle fully within 24 hours.
Common problems
What to do if something feels off
Work through the relevant section below. Most issues are resolved with a small adjustment to your configuration.
1
I am waking up with back pain
First, consider whether this is an existing issue or something new since using the pillow. If back pain is ongoing, the Bumpnest can be a useful part of your broader management alongside physio, stretching, or massage. If the pain is new, one of the following adjustments will usually resolve it within a night or two.
1.1
The wedges are too close together
Not enough space between the wedges can create too much pressure on your back, particularly after a few hours of sleep.
Adjust the velcro to allow more room between the pieces so your body can nestle in comfortably rather than being held too tightly.
1.2
Your back is not getting enough support
If you are not fully side-lying, the weight of your bump can pull your spine out of alignment and strain your lower back.
Add the support pillow behind your back for extra boost and to keep you firmly on your side throughout the night.
1.3
The back wedge feels too firm
Remove a small handful of filling from the back wedge to soften the feel. Start small and test each night until it feels right.
2
I cannot get rid of hip or pelvic pain
The Bumpnest helps with sleep-related hip and pelvic pain, but not all pain during pregnancy originates from sleep position. If pain is persistent or severe, speak with your midwife or physio.
2.1
Your top leg is falling toward your lower leg
When legs are not parallel, the pelvis rotates and creates pressure on the hip joint.
Place the long body pillow or a wedge pillow between your knees to keep your legs parallel and your pelvis in neutral alignment.
3
There is too much pressure on my bump or back
Feeling like the pillow is pushing into you rather than supporting you is a sign the setup needs loosening. This is common in the third trimester when pressure sensitivity is highest.
3.1
The wedges are too close together
Too much compression between the pieces after a few hours can create a pinching feeling rather than a cradling one.
Loosen the velcro for a wider, more relaxed fit between the wedges. You should feel supported, not squeezed.
3.2
The filling feels too firm
Pregnancy makes your body extra sensitive to pressure, and what felt comfortable at 20 weeks may feel too firm at 32 weeks.
Remove a small amount of filling from the wedge that is causing discomfort. Remove less than you think you need and test before removing more.
3.3
The pillow is positioned too high or too low
Precise placement matters. If the wedge is not sitting directly beneath the bump or against the lower back, it can push at an awkward angle.
Shift the pillow up or down in small increments until your bump and back feel cradled rather than pressed.
4
I am not getting enough support from my pillow
If the Bumpnest does not feel like it is doing enough, the setup likely needs tightening or supplementing. Try these adjustments before concluding the pillow is not right for you.
4.1
The wedges are too far apart
Too much space between the pieces means your bump and back are not being properly wedged and supported.
Tighten the velcro so the wedges sit snugly under your bump and against your back at the same time.
4.2
The filling feels too soft
Some people naturally prefer firmer support, particularly in the third trimester when bump weight increases significantly.
Add the support pillow to the area needing more firmness — tucked behind your back or positioned under the bump wedge for extra lift.
4.3
One section is sitting too high or too low
If either the bump or back wedge is not sitting at the right height for your body, you will not feel the full benefit of the support.
Adjust the height of each wedge independently until both your bump and your back feel fully held. Your sweet spot is where you stop noticing the pillow.
5
My pillow feels too firm and uncomfortable
The filling needs time to conform to your body shape and warmth, and the initial firm feel usually softens significantly after two to three nights of use.
5.1
The filling has not broken in yet
New filling is at its most compressed and firm. Heat and pressure from your body helps it settle into its natural shape over the first few nights.
Give the pillow a thorough knead before bed each night for the first week. Most people find it noticeably softer by nights three to five.
5.2
The pillow is still too firm after breaking in
Some people simply prefer a softer feel, and the Bumpnest is designed to be customised.
Gently remove some filling. Start with a small amount, test for a night, and remove a little more if needed. Keep removed filling in a bag in case you want to add it back.
FAQ
Still having trouble?
How long does the pillow take to fully expand after unboxing?
Most pillows reach their full shape within 2 to 4 hours of being removed from the vacuum packaging. If yours still feels flat after that, give each section a firm knead and leave it overnight before use.
Can I remove filling and put it back in later?
Yes. If you remove filling to soften the pillow, keep it in a small bag or container. You can add it back at any time if you later want more firmness, or if your support needs change later in pregnancy.
How do I know if I have the right configuration?
The right setup is the one where you stop noticing the pillow. You should feel supported and held in place without any pressure points or forced positions. If you are aware of the pillow pushing against you, something needs adjusting.