Pillow Sizes and Choosing the right pillow for you
The most important thing to remember when choosing the correct pillow is to maintain correct sleeping alignment. When lying on your side or on your back you want to maintain a straight back and spine without any pressure on your neck or muscles. Have a health professional check your alignment with your pillow to make sure it provides the support that you need.
Common Pillow Sizes
| Pillow size: | Metric Measurements (cm) | Imperial Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | (51 x 66 cm) | 20" x 26" |
| Queen | (51 x 76 cm) | 20" x 30" |
| King | (51 x 92 cm) | 20" x 36" |
| European square | (66 x 66 cm) | 26" x 26" |
Common Decorative Pillow Sizes
| Type: | Metric Measurements (cm) | Imperial Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Boudoir/Breakfast Pillow | (30 x 41 cm) | 12" x 16" |
| Typical Square Throw Pillow: | (46 x 46 cm) | 18" x 18" |
| Typical Neckroll Pillow: | (15 x 33 cm) | 6" x 13" |
See Also : Pillows
Choosing the right size pillow is a key ingredient in making sure you get the best possible night’s sleep. A poor pillow choice can lead to back, neck and shoulder problems and may leave you restless and tired for the day ahead.
Recommended Pillow Heights Based on Your Height
Side Sleeper
| Users Height Metric (cm): | Pillow Size Metric Measurements (cm) | User Height Imperial (inches) | Pillow Height Imperial (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 135cm | 7cm – 8cm high | Less than 4 feet 4 inches | Less than 2.5 inchess) |
| 135cm – 145cm | 9cm -10cm high | 4 feet 4 inches – four feet 7 inches | Less than 3 inches |
| 145cm – 155cm | 10cm – 12cm high | 4 feet 7 inches – 5 feet 1 inch | 3 inches – 4 inches |
| 155cm – 165cm | 11cm -12cm high | 5 feet 1 inch – 5 feet 4 inches | 3.5 inches – 4 inches |
| 165cm – 175cm | 11cm -13cm high | 5 feet 4 inches – 5 foot 7 inches | 3.5 inches – 4.5 inches |
| 175cm – 185cm | 12cm – 13cm high | 5 foot 7 inches – 6 foot | 4 inches – 5 inches |
| 185cm – 195cm | 13cm -15cm high | 6 foot – 6 foot 3 inches | 4.5 inches – 5.5 inches |
| 195cm plus | Above 15cm high | Above 6 foot 3 inches | Above 5 inches |
Back Sleeper
| Users Height Metric (cm): | Pillow Size Metric Measurements (cm) | User Height Imperial (inches) | Pillow Height Imperial (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 135cm | Below 8cm height | Less than 4 feet 4 inches | Less than 2.5 inches |
| 135cm – 145cm | 7cm -10cm height | 4 feet 4 inches – four feet 7 inches | Less than 3 inches |
| 145cm – 155cm | 7cm -10cm height | 4 feet 7 inches – 5 feet 1 inch | 2 inches – 3.5 inches |
| 155cm – 165cm | 8cm -11cm height | 5 feet 1 inch – 5 feet 4 inches | 2.5 inches – 3.5 inches |
| 165cm – 175cm | 9cm – 12cm height | 5 feet 4 inches – 5 foot 7 inches | 2.5 inches – 4 inches |
| 175cm – 185cm | 10cm -12cm height | 5 foot 7 inches – 6 foot | 3 inches – 4.5 inches |
| 185cm – 195cm | 10cm – 13cm height | 6 foot – 6 foot 3 inches | 3.5 inches – 5 inches |
| 195cm plus | 10cm - 15cm | Above 6 foot 3 inches | Above 3.5 inches |
The most important thing above all is to maintain correct sleeping alignment. When lying on your side or on your back you want to maintain a straight back and spine without any pressure on neck or muscles. Have a friend, partner or better yet your health professional have a look at your alignment with you pillow to make sure that the pillow provides the support that you need.
Position you sleep
The biggest factor in deciding the size and shape of the pillow you choose is the position in which you sleep. Generally, if on your side which is the most recommended the gap between your head and the mattress should be filled so that your neck, head and spine are all in alignment. Generally, a side sleeping pillow should be a firm to medium feel so that it gives you the support that you need.
If you’re a back sleeper you need a pillow that will just give a little bit of support under the back of the neck and ensures that the head does not tilt too far forward. A softer pillow should suffice. If sleeping on your stomach, then you really don't need much of a pillow at all low and soft is the best but you.
How often should I change my pillow?
We would suggest approximately every 2-5 years depending on the quality of the pillow. Also definitely use a pillow protector with your product. This will stop it from being affected by sweat, moisture and bacteria which are far and away the most common causes of pillow degradation.
With so many pillows out there it is difficult to choose the right one but here is a broad chart that we thought you might find helpful to choose the right pillow. We have based our testing on a medium firmness bed. If you have a softer bed then you can look at getting a slightly lower pillow than what has been described below as you will be sinking in a little bit further.
A quick pillow test for correct head and neck support
- Stand against or next to a wall in the same style you would lie on your mattress. Either side against the wall, back against the wall or tummy against the wall.
- Place your head against the wall and you will notice a gap between your head and the wall. This is the gap that your pillow is required to fill.
- Now place the pillow between the wall and your head and check the alignment of your spine. Is it straight or is it curved, and would you think you would be happy to spend the night in this position?
- The pillow that is the one for you will have you looking straight ahead with a straight neck. This will allow your spine, neck and head to be fully supported throughout the night.
Pillow Selector
Here is some helpful information when looking at buying a pillow and should give you a good start in the right direction.
Pillow Sizes for Side Sleeping Position
Pillow Sizes for Back Sleeping Position
How often should I change my pillow?
We suggest every 2-5 years depending on the quality of the pillow. We would also suggest using a pillow protector as this provides extra care and hygiene and assists in preventing sweat, moisture and bacteria making its way into the pillow which is the most common cause of pillow degradation. With so many pillows out there, it is difficult to choose the right one for you. Please look at our charts provided to find the correct, most comfortable one for you. We have based our testing on a medium firmness bed. If you have a softer bed, then look at getting a slightly lower pillow than described.
Here is some helpful information when looking at buying a pillow and should give you a good start in the right direction.