Bed Pillow Size Guide and Comparison

June 07, 2022

Can your pillow dimensions affect your sleep? The answer is yes. Pillows play a crucial part in providing us with healthier sleep, but they are not as highlighted as the mattress. Little did we know, the pillows that we use also hold high importance.

Pillows create a warm bedroom ambiance and also provide you with the right support that you need for your sleep. The right pillow supports the alignment of your head and neck when you lie down. It should also be spacious enough to accommodate your needs based on your sleeping position.

There are different types of pillows on the market. While there are a few different sizes offered, it's crucial to understand what pillow sizes are available and how they can improve or affect your sleep quality.

Read on to our pillow size guide to discover more.

Pillow Size Measurements

Bed Pillow Sizes

Whether you buy on a bedding store or browse online for different types of pillows, you will encounter different size options. One of the most popular pillow sizes is the standard pillow, but there are a few more pillow dimensions to choose from to ensure a restful sleep. Let's take a look at the different types of pillows available:

Standard Pillow (20 x 26 in)

Standard pillows feature a modest size that many sleepers prefer. These pillows are ideal for people who sleep on smaller beds and don't move around that much. The compact size of a standard pillow benefits back, stomach, and side sleepers by providing the right fit to support the head and neck without strain. A combination sleeper, on the other hand, may find this pillow size less adequate for tossing and turning.

A standard pillow size can fit a single mattress perfectly.

Super Standard Pillow (20 x 28 in)

Super standard pillows have the same width as standard pillows but are slightly lengthier to accommodate bigger movements. They are slightly shorter than a queen size pillow to still fit smaller beds.

Queen Size Pillow (20 x 30 in)

A queen pillow size is 4 inches longer than a standard pillow. This extra dimension is adequate for combination sleepers. Two queen size pillows combined can fit snugly on a queen bed.

King Size Pillow (20 x 36 in)

A standard king size pillow is significantly longer than a standard queen size pillow, so if you are an active sleeper who needs more space to move around, a king size pillow is ideal. A king pillow can snugly fit a single bed. Two king pillows are needed for bigger beds like the king mattress.

With their long sizes, king sized pillows can also be used to provide additional lumbar support for sitting. This way, you can enjoy reading your book or watching your favourite movie without straining your back.

Body Size Pillow (20 x 54 in)

A body size pillow is perfect for side sleepers as they relieve the pressure exerted on the hips while sleeping by giving enough surface to lift the legs during snooze . Being 54 inches long, this long pillow is twice as long as a standard size pillow, fitting a queen size bed or a king bed. Because of its size, this pillow is long enough to keep your head, body curves, and knees for a comfortable night's rest.

Body pillows are recommended for those who have spacious mattresses that can allow them to sprawl and hug for extra comfort. They are also ideal for pregnant women as they can be used to create the safest sleeping position for them.

Specialty Pillows

Aside from the standard pillow sizes that bedding companies offer, there are also specialty pillows that support specific sleeping needs.

Orthopedic Pillow

Also called contour pillows, orthopedic pillows are designed to support the body's position during sleep. These pillows are usually made of memory foam, featuring a contour that follows the natural shape of the head and neck, which helps in relieving pressure and alleviating pain.

Because of their special shape, orthopedic pillows can prevent snoring and ease the symptoms of sleep apnea. When used on other parts of the body, this specialty pillow can help decrease the soreness and pressure on the joints. Orthopedic pillows are ideal for back sleepers. They also come in many sizes.

Wedge Pillow

A wedge pillow presents an inclined configuration to give the head a 30 to 45-degree angle during sleep. Like an orthopedic pillow, a wedge pillow is ideal for reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea. It can also aid in alleviating sinus congestion.

Travel Pillow

Travel pillows, also called neck pillows, come in a round, u-shaped design that is wrapped at the back of the neck to provide you with enough support during travel. Travel pillows have a compact size, so they can fit into travel bags and suitcases.

Pregnancy Pillow

Back and stomach sleeping are not recommended for pregnant women, while side sleeping is always professionally recommended as the safest position for both the parent and the child.

Lying on your left side improves circulation while giving the baby a great avenue for receiving blood nutrients. A supportive pregnancy pillow can help you maintain a safe and comfortable sleeping position. It also presents the proper contour to accommodate the body's changes during pregnancy.

Pregnancy pillows come in various shapes and sizes, so it's important to assess your needs before choosing one.

Lumbar Pillow

There are different types of lumbar pillows that support the right position of the lower back and spine.

Bolster Pillow

Like other special pillows, bolsters also have a unique shape and size. These cylindrical pillows offer additional support for some body parts during sleep. You may use a bolster pillow under your calves or behind your back to alleviate pressure, or it can be hugged while sleeping.

Bolster pillows are also decorative pillows that provide psychological benefits to the user.

Decorative Pillows

Throw Pillow

Throw pillows are rectangular cushioned pieces that are initially used for decorative purposes. Because of their compact size, they can be layered to make the room look warmer. If you have a bigger room and a smaller sleeping pillow, adding a throw pillow can help fill the extra space. However, for the same reason, throw pillows are not conducive to sleeping.

Euro Pillow

The shape of euro pillows is similar to that of a sleeping pillow. The primary distinction between the two will be their size and purpose.

Standard Pillowcase Size Chart

What type of pillowcase do you need for your specific pillow size? Take a look at this table to find out.

Standard Size Pillowcase

Many pillowcases are labelled "standard pillowcases," which are appropriate for standard, super-standard pillows. Can a queen pillow fit in a standard pillowcase? Yes. A standard pillowcase typically measures 20 in x 26 in and can fit even the larger queen size pillow snugly.

Queen Size Pillowcase

If you want a loose fit for your standard or queen pillow, a queen size pillowcase is an ideal choice.

King Size Pillowcase

Being significantly longer than queen pillows, king size pillows need the bigger king pillowcases to fit perfectly in your bed without giving you a lumpy feeling when you lie down.

Body Size Pillowcase

Longer body pillows are specialised pieces that require a specialised body pillowcase to cater to their extra length.

Throw Pillowcase

Throw pillows have specific decorative cases that fit their special sizes. These pillow shams come in different designs and textures to provide the room a unique feel.

How to Choose the Best Pillow

Aside from the bed pillow sizes, there are a few more factors to consider when shopping for a new pillow.

Pillow Fill

When it comes to pillow fills, there are numerous options. Some of the high-end options are down pillows and feather pillows, which are known for their loft and cloudy feel. These are usually sourced from duck or goose fibres.

Many latex and memory foam pillows are loved by many pillow shoppers. The pillow fill types are more affordable and guaranteed to be ethically sourced than a down pillow. Memory foam is a versatile material that offers contour comfort that is ideal for pressure relief. Memory foam pillows come in two types: solid memory foam pillows and shredded memory foam. A solid memory foam pillow means having a single whole material for your fill. A shredded memory foam pillow features smaller memory foam materials that you can add or remove from the pillow cover to create your own loft.

Latex pillows, on the other hand, offer a bouncy feel rather than contouring comfort. This bouncy property makes the latex pillow more breathable and supportive for changing positions.

Pillow Loft and Sleep Position

Pillow loft refers to the height or thickness of the pillow. When choosing the right pillow loft, it's paramount to consider your sleeping position and comfort preferences. Pillow loftiness comes in three different ranges:

• Low Loft Pillow (less than 3 inches in height)

• Mid Loft Pillow (within 3-6 inches in height)

• High Loft Pillow (more than 6 inches in height)

Low-lying pillows are ideal for stomach sleepers to prevent neck and spine pressure from building up when they lift their heads during sleep.

Mid loft pillows are great for back sleepers as they offer the right support while preventing your neck from straining due to too much pillow height. Combination sleepers can also benefit from a medium loft pillow.

High loft pillows are beneficial for side sleepers to keep their shoulders, head and neck aligned during snooze. These high loft pillows can support the contour of the neck when sleeping on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pillow Size Matter?

Pillow sizes definitely matter when choosing the right pillow to sleep on. The size of your pillow will determine how spacious your sleep surface will be. Standard pillows are generally suitable for many sleep positions, while queen pillows offer more surface to sleep on for combination sleepers. If you're looking for larger sleep solutions, king pillows can be a huge advantage. A body pillow is big enough to support, as its name suggests, the whole body. Other special pillows are not necessarily required for every household but can be very beneficial in many cases.

What is the Best Pillow Size?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pillow sizes. One pillow size may be the perfect one for you, while others might benefit more from other pillow sizes. When choosing the right pillow size, make sure to consider your sleep position, your bed size, and your comfort preference. Aside from the size, how lofty your pillow is also matters.

How Many Pillows Do You Need on Your Bed?

Most beds have at least two sleep pillows. Larger pillows, like a queen sized pillow and king pillow, are suitable for larger bed sizes. Ultimately, one queen size pillow can fit snugly on a super single bed, while two queen pillows fit a queen sized bed. Two king size pillows are suitable for a king sized bed.

Body pillows take up significant space in your bed, so consider your available area before deciding how many you should buy. Decorative varieties like a throw pillow or euro pillow can be used sparingly depending on your bed's size.

How Big Should My Pillowcase Be?

Every pillow size comes with a corresponding pillowcase size. However, you can play with your pillowcase size to provide the loftiness that you want to achieve. A standard pillowcase can cater to standard pillows, super standard varieties, and queen size pillows. Measuring 20 x 26 in, standard pillowcases can give queen size pillows a loftier feel. If you're looking for extra length, opt for a direct queen size pillowcase. Bigger types like king size pillows and body pillows require the same labelled pillowcase sizes.

Pillowcase vs. Pillow Sham: What's the Difference?

A pillowcase is a clean and breathable fabric that protects your pillow, while pillow shams create a more decorative look for your pillows. Many pillowcases have open ends, while pillow shams have zippers or back openings.

Can You Sleep on a Throw Pillow?

Throw pillows serve as great assets to the bed's decorative feel. They can also be used as support for different body parts during rest. However, they are not suitable for sleeping. This is primarily because their shapes and small configurations don't provide adequate support for the head and neck.

Does Your Mattress Type Affect Your Pillow Choice?

You might know that mattress materials and firmness levels affect how they provide you with comfort during sleep. But did you know that your mattress type can also affect the pillow you should buy? The general rule when choosing a pillow type is that firmer mattresses call for loftier pillows.

Summary

The size of your pillow is confirmed to affect your sleep comfort. Ultimately, pillow sizes determine whether you have adequate surface to sleep on or not.

A standard pillow can cater to many sleep positions, however, it may not be spacious enough to support combination sleepers. On the other hand, queen and king size pillows are spacious enough for those who often toss and turn. the large body pillow is a long pillow type that can support even your body and legs during sleep.

It's vital to take your style and sleeping situation when looking for a pillow. Bigger pillows are great for restless sleepers and more spacious rooms, while small pillows are good for small or shared spaces.

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