Pillows come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Unfortunately, it can be hard to know what pillow size is best for you and your bedroom setup.
And, believe it or not, size matters when it comes to pillows! Picking the right size pillow for your bedding set up can mean a good night’s sleep.
Depending on your bed size and personal preference, there are plenty of different sizes of pillows that can meet your needs. All pillow sizes are covered in this guide, from small decorative pillows to large king pillows.
Finding the right size pillow and pillow type can help you sleep better at night, no matter your sleeping position, so it’s essential to know the sizes available and which ones will fit your bed. This comprehensive buying guide will help you find the right pillow size for your needs.
Why Pillow Sizes Matter
When you’re shopping for pillows, you already know that the prices vary drastically — your decision should depend on what you require from a pillow.
And, you’re probably wondering what pillow sizes have to do with anything. But rest assured, if you are sleeping on the wrong size pillow, it can affect how positively or negatively you’re sleeping.
Finding the right bed pillow size is essential.
Pillow sizes matter because they can affect your sleep quality and health. Unfortunately, you might not be aware of this until your neck and upper back ache in the morning.
Getting the wrong pillow size for your bed can be a big no-no. As a result, your mood might also drop. If you experience a change in attitude, this should be your red flag that there’s something wrong with your pillow, and you need to change it.
Pillow sizes matter. In fact, pillow size plays a significant role in realigning your spine as you sleep. Well-aligned spines are necessary to avoid neck pain or headaches caused by sleeping. Using the wrong sized pillow leaves some space between your neck and the pillow, leaving you with a twisted spine that’s unable to function correctly during sleep.
Top Five Pillow Sizes – What You Need To Know
Sleeping pillows are the essential accessory to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re in need of a new pillow, the sheer number of options and sizes can be overwhelming. Most people have one or two pillows on their beds, but it’s not uncommon for some people to use multiple sizes and types of pillows to reach their desired level of comfort.
When shopping for pillows, it’s essential to consider what size pillow is best for you. After all, you want to make sure you get the correct pillow size that’s right for your bed. For example, if you have a twin bed, you don’t want to use a king-size pillow as it will simply be too big to provide comfort. Likewise, using a small pillow on a king-size bed will look silly and not offer the level of comfort or support you need.
While there is no universal pillow size, there are some standard sizes on the market. Explore the different shapes, sizes, and styles to find one that suits your needs.
To find out which is the best pillow size for your needs, you must first determine what type of sleeper you are (back sleeper, side sleeper, stomach sleeper) and then consider your mattress size.
If you are replacing an old pillow, lay it down and measure from one edge to the other. Understanding its size will give you a good idea of which style would be the perfect replacement.
When purchasing your new pillow, think about the material it’s made of before buying it.
Pillows are mainly made with feathers, down, memory foam, latex or cotton, and polyester fillings. Some artificial materials such as latex foam and synthetic fibers are hypoallergenic and may be more comfortable for people who suffer from allergies. Most pillows are covered in cotton, but some may include silk or satin covers for a more lavish look.
With the right pillow, you will be comfortable, supported, and well rested in the end.
Standard Pillows
The standard pillow size is the most popular pillow size for adults. This pillow size is the most commonly used pillow for all sleeping positions, as it supports head and neck alignment in most people.
The standard size pillow measures 20 by 26 inches. These pillows are great for a twin bed if you don’t mind them overlapping a bit.
Standard pillow sizes are the most commonly used pillow no matter what your preferred sleeping position. In addition, they’re an inexpensive option and easy to transport if you want to take your pillow with you on a road trip or plane ride. As you can see, standard pillows have a lot to love!
They are usually made with cotton and filled with down feathers or synthetic materials. Since they are cheaper than other pillow types, they’re often used in hotels.
Whether your standard pillow is a feather pillow or not, it’s still a great choice.
The standard pillow size is the most common pillow size found in hotels and is often referred to as a “rectangular sleeping pillow.” It’s also the best pillow size for kids, teens, and petite adults. Plus, it’s a favorite for guest rooms and dorm rooms.
Two standard-size pillows will fit a twin-size bed perfectly!
Standard Pillows We Love
Super Standard Pillows
Are you looking for a comfortable pillow that’s not too big? One that fits easily on a twin or full-size mattress or doesn’t take up too much space when stacked on a queen? Then the super standard pillow size is for you.
The super standard size is a pillow that’s 20 by 28 inches, in contrast to the standard pillow, which is 20 by 26 inches.
The super standard pillow is less common than the standard and queen-sized pillows. If you prefer sleeping with only one pillow, or you want two pillows across your bed, this size would be perfect for you!
The super standard pillow is the best choice for your guest or kids’ rooms. It’s a good option for RVs and travel beds, as well. It offers more length than the standard pillow but isn’t as wide as the queen pillow.
If you’re not sure whether the super standard pillow will work for you, take a look at the size of your mattress. If you have a twin or full/full XL mattress, you can use a super standard.
The super standard is two inches longer than the standard pillow. And, it’s a little bit shorter than queen pillows (two inches, to be exact)! In other words, super standard pillows are the perfect in-between. So, if you’re looking for a pillow that isn’t too big and not too small, the super standard pillow is just right.
Super Standard Pillows We Love
Queen Pillows
Queen pillow sizes are more expansive than a standard, which gives your shoulders the extra support they need. And, as the name suggests, they work well on queen beds.
Queen pillows measure 20 inches wide by 30 inches long. The queen pillow size is an excellent choice for those who like a little more room to stretch out. They’re also an ideal choice if you are tall.
The queen size pillow is the most popular choice for sleepers because it provides excellent head and neck support while fitting comfortably on a queen-sized bed.
A queen-size mattress is 60 inches wide, so a queen pillow will sit nicely on that sized bed with room to spare. In fact, two side-by-side queen pillows fit perfectly on a queen mattress. These are an excellent option for those who like to sleep with more than one pillow at a time.
If you have a full bed, two side-by-side queen pillows will fit, although they may look a tad too full. But, one queen pillow placed in the center of a twin bed is perfect for a single sleeper.
Queen Pillows We Love
King Pillows
King pillows provide ample space for sleepers to spread out and get comfortable. They are optimal on king beds, but some people enjoy them on queen beds.
If you have a king bed, you’ll want to use this size pillow. You can also use two of these pillows stacked on top of each other for even more support and loft.
King pillows are 20 by 36 inches, making them 6 inches longer than a queen-size pillow. Two king pillows side by side on a king mattress are the same width as two standard pillows side by side on a full-sized bed, just longer.
King pillows are considered the largest of the standard pillow sizes. This extra size makes them ideal for people who tend to sleep with their arms and legs spread out or for couples who both need their pillow but share a king-size bed.
They’re also great for people who like sleeping on their stomachs because the extra room makes it easier to breathe and prevents them from tossing and turning all night long. King pillows can also provide a more comfortable surface area for those who prefer sleeping on their backs since they don’t require as much neck support as smaller sizes do.
King Pillows We Love
Body Pillows and Pregnancy Body Pillows
Body pillows are long enough to provide support from head to toe, making them great for side sleepers and pregnant women who need more space than smaller-sized pillows offer. Generally, body pillows measure 20 by 54 inches.
Body pillows are long enough to support your knees and legs in addition to your head and neck, so their dimensions vary significantly from other types of pillows. If you need more room for your legs and feet, a king or body pillow may suit your sleeping style and comfort needs better than a standard pillow. Of course, you can also use multiple standard pillows to achieve the same effect, but it’s essential that they stay in place and don’t fall off the bed at night!
A body pillow is great for those who want extra comfort and support at night. In addition, many pregnant women use them so they have something to lie on that will help support their belly as well.
Overall, the length, width, and thickness of body pillows vary. This diversity is because the overall size of a body pillow depends on the size of the sleeper. For example, a longer pillow will offer more support for taller sleepers. A wider pillow is perfect for those who want to cuddle up with their pillow but are usually prone to rolling off the bed due to their larger frames.
You can use body pillows for several different purposes.
They can help with snoring by relieving pressure from the back and chest. Reducing stress from your back and chest can allow better airflow and decrease symptoms associated with snoring. Body pillows can also help with neck pain or lower back pain by relieving pressure from these areas, which allows you to sleep in a more comfortable position.
Additionally, a body pillow (like a wedge pillow) can be great for expectant mothers. They provide extra support at all stages of pregnancy, allowing you to sleep more comfortably as your belly grows while also helping to keep your neck and spine aligned adequately through any tossing and turning at night. Overall, they’re an excellent way to minimize discomfort during pregnancy by alleviating pressure points and keeping your body in line as it changes throughout the entire process.
Body Pillows and Pregnancy Body Pillows We Love
Other Types of Pillows
Whether you’re looking for a pillow for your bed or a throw pillow to spruce up a room, there are many different options you can choose from on the market today. And when it comes to pillow sizes, there are a variety of other pillows that aren’t included in the list above.
For travel pillows, you have a few options. The most common is the neck pillow, which wraps around your neck for support. Neck pillows come in different styles and price points, so consider what kind of travel you’ll be doing before buying one. For long trips, it’s also important that your pillow is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Memory foam pillows are also a good option for long-distance travel because they adjust to the shape of your head and neck while offering optimal support and comfort.
Travel pillows tend to be about 12 by 16 inches and are easy to transport from place to place but still provide enough support for your head when needed.
Throw pillows are purely decorative — they don’t support your body while you sleep. Their primary purpose is to add visual interest to a room. As far as size goes, throw pillows can vary from small (12 by 12 inches) to large (26 by 26 inches). Throw pillows are typically square but can also be rectangular or round. Generally, a throw pillow will add extra comfort while making a room look more inviting at the same time!
Whether it is a boudoir pillow, smaller pillow, or foam pillow, the options are endless.
What Are The Common Sizes of Pillow Cases?
There are generally two sizes available in pillowcases or pillow covers — standard pillowcase and king size.
The standard size measures 20 by 26 inches, while the king size is 20 by 36 inches. There are also products specially designed for queen beds and cribs, but these are not as commonly available as the standard and king-sized ones.
When buying pillowcases, you need to know the dimensions of your pillows so that you can purchase something that fits perfectly. This necessity for a good-fitting pillow case is especially true if you use high-quality pillows that cost a lot of money; you want to make sure that the pillowcase you buy fits them perfectly to look good and last longer. There’s nothing worse than seeing an expensive pillow sagging in a pillowcase that’s too big for it! Whether it’s a kid’s pillow or a pillow for stomach sleepers, finding the right pillow cover is essential.
You can find pillowcases made using all sorts of materials. The most common choice would be cotton because it is breathable and soft. The weave of cotton also makes it quite durable and easy to wash. Cotton knits are ideal for people living in colder weather conditions as they have a more snug fit. Polyester, spandex, and silk are other options if you have something specific in mind in terms of feel or appearance.
A tip on choosing pillowcases: if you want a soft and conforming feel from your pillows, opt for a larger case, even if it means buying one that’s bigger than the dimensions of your pillows. On the other hand, smaller cases fit tightly onto the pillow, adding volume and firmness to your old pillows that have started to wear out and sag.
As you can see, finding the perfect pillow isn’t as easy as 1-2-3! But, it is a valid search worthy of your time and effort.
