Once you’ve found the best mattress for yourself, you need to find bed pillows to complement it. Pillows complete the look and feel of your bed, enhancing your sleep by providing the required balance of comfort and support to your head and neck. However, with so many options available, how do you decide which size is best for you? In this guide, we will discuss different sleeping pillow sizes and how they can affect your sleep.
Bed Pillow Sizes Chart
Bed pillow sizes are broadly categorized under standard, queen, king, and body pillows. However, there may be some sub-categories with minor differences in pillow dimensions. Here are the standard measurements:
- Standard: 20 inches by 26 inches (51 CM by 56 CM)
- Queen: 20 inches by 30 inches (51 CM by 76 CM)
- King: 20 inches by 36 inches (51 CM by 92 CM)
- Body: 20 inches by 54 inches (51 CM by 137 CM)
Standard Size Pillow Dimensions
A standard pillow measures 20 inches by 26 inches. It’s a compact size perfect for sleepers who don’t change sleeping positions through the night. If you are a combination sleeper who tosses and turns in bed while sleeping, you may slide off the pillow, causing neck aches. However, if you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, a standard size may be perfect for you.
One standard size pillow fits across a twin bed comfortably, while two can be placed across on a full and queen bed. However, to cover the width of a king or California king bed, you’ll need three standard pillows.
Caption: Standard Pillow Dimensions
Queen Size Pillow Dimensions
The standard size of a queen pillow is 20 inches by 30 inches, but there may be slight variations in dimensions depending on different brands. The extra length of a queen compared to a standard or super standard is beneficial for restless sleepers.
A queen size pillow fits snug in a standard pillowcase. Some bedding manufacturers may have other sizes, but a standard and king are popular pillowcase sizes.
A queen pillow can be placed across a twin, and two queen size pillows fit perfectly across a queen-size bed. You can place two queen pillows tightly across a full, while on a king or California king, they can be placed comfortably across the bed with extra space in between.
Caption: Queen Pillow Dimensions
King Size Pillow Dimensions
The standard size of a king pillow is 20 inches by 36 inches, however, it may differ depending on brands. These long pillows are a convenient option for active sleepers, who tend to toss and turn in bed.
You can also use king pillows for back support when you are using a mattress for sitting up in bed to read or binge-watch more comfortably. The extra length comes in handy for enhanced lumbar support.
You can comfortably place a king pillow across a twin or full, and two on a king or California king-sized bed. However, you can tightly fit two of them across a queen-sized bed, leaving no space between the pillows.
King size pillows work perfectly with king pillowcases, measuring 20-21 inches by 36-41 inches.
Caption: King Pillow Dimensions
Body Size Pillow Dimensions
A body pillow measures 20 inches by 54 inches, and it’s perfect for side sleepers. These pillows curve to fit the shape of your body, providing appropriate support when sleeping on your side.
Body pillows are also good for pregnant women, who can keep these long pillows under their bodies as they sleep on their sides to keep from rolling to their stomach or back. Side sleeping is considered the best sleeping position during pregnancy.
Body pillows may not be as commonly available as the other sized pillows, so sometimes sleepers use king size pillows as a substitute for body pillows. You’ll need specific body pillowcases for these pillow types.
Our Amerisleep Pillows
At Amerisleep, we offer a range of comfortable pillows designed to provide optimal support for your head and neck. Our Comfort Classic Pillows are made of Bio-Pur® material, offering responsive support. With a 6-inch loft, they are perfect for side and back sleepers. The cooling channels in our pillows make them an excellent option for hot sleepers.
If you prefer the option of a soft and firm pillow, our Dual Comfort Pillow is a great choice. Available in a 5-inch or 6-inch thick loft, it is suitable for side, back, and combination sleepers. Like the Comfort Classic, it contains a Bio-Pur® core for exceptional comfort.
For those who prefer a customizable pillow, our Flex Pillow is the perfect option. It contains hundreds of MicroFlex cushions instead of a solid piece of foam, allowing you to adjust your pillow as you please.
All our pillows have an extra breathable cover that wicks away moisture, providing a cool and comfortable sleeping experience.
Prices of our Amerisleep Pillows
Our Amerisleep pillows are available in two sizes: queen and king. They come with a risk-free 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Here are the prices:
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Comfort Classic:
- Queen: $90
- King: $115
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Dual Comfort 5":
- Queen: $130
- King: $150
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Dual Comfort 6":
- Queen: $150
- King: $170
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Flex Pillow:
- Queen: $75
- King: $100
Why Pillow Size Matters
Choosing the right size pillow is crucial for a comfortable sleep. The right pillow provides the perfect support for your head, cradling your neck or shoulders as you sleep. This support is essential for maintaining a healthy spinal alignment and preventing neck aches or upper back pain. Additionally, mixing and matching colorful and different-sized pillows can make your bed look vibrant and stylish.
How to Measure a Pillow
Not sure what size pillow you have? It's simple enough to measure at home and figure out your pillow's dimensions. Use a firm carpenter's measuring tape to take its measurements from the sides, not from the center or diagonally. Round up to the nearest whole number if the measurements aren't exact.
Different Types of Pillows
Different types of materials, such as down, polyester, or memory foam, may be used as stuffing inside your pillow. The type of fill determines the feel and firmness of the pillow. Here are some common types:
Down Pillow or Feather Pillow
These pillows are filled with feathers and down from ducks or geese. They feel soft and warm and are more expensive than others. The fill power, or the amount of fill, determines the firmness and loft of the pillow.
Polyester Pillow
Pillows filled with polyester are usually inexpensive and don't last as long as others. However, they are machine washable and usually hypoallergenic.
Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam pillows have the signature body-conforming properties of memory foam, providing excellent pressure relief. They can be made of a solid block of memory foam or with shredded pieces of memory foam. Shredded memory foam pillows can be adjusted to your needs, while solid memory foam pillows provide more uniform support.
Other Specialty Pillows
There are also other specialty pillows that cater to specialized needs:
Travel Pillow
These pillows are small and portable, perfect for plane or car travel. They typically measure 12 inches by 16 inches and are ideal for children.
Euro Pillow
Euro pillows are decorative square pillows measuring 26 inches by 26 inches. They are designed to be used with pillow shams and add visual appeal to your bed or sofa.
Wedge Pillow
Wedge pillows are triangular-shaped and used in place of a standard head pillow. They can elevate the upper body to alleviate snoring and acid reflux symptoms. They can also be used as knee pillows or reading pillows.
Orthopedic Pillow
Orthopedic pillows are designed according to orthopedic guidelines to provide enhanced contouring and support for specific needs, such as neck, back, or shoulder pain.
Pregnancy Pillows
Specialty-shaped body pillows provide extra support for pregnant individuals. They can be U-shaped or C-shaped to support the whole body.
Knee Pillows
Knee pillows are specifically shaped to slip between the legs of a side sleeper, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
Choosing the Right Pillow Loft
The thickness of a pillow, or its loft, is crucial for comfort. The right pillow loft depends on your preferred sleeping position:
- Side sleepers need a high-loft pillow (about 6 inches thick) to fill the gap between their head and the mattress.
- Back sleepers can use a mid-loft pillow for support and pressure relief.
- Stomach sleepers should use a low-loft pillow to maintain a healthy spine alignment.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect pillow size can be challenging, but considering your bed size and sleeping style can help in making the right choice. Smaller pillows with more fill power are long-lasting, while larger pillows are suitable for restless sleepers. At Amerisleep, we offer a variety of pillows designed to cater to different sleep needs. Explore our range and find the perfect pillow for a good night's sleep.
