Pillow Sizes and Choosing the right pillow for you

Choosing the right pillow size is crucial for a comfortable and restful sleep. The variety of pillow sizes, ranging from standard to king sizes, ensures that individuals can find the perfect fit for their specific needs. 

For larger beds like king or queen mattresses, opting for king-sized pillows can provide ample support and coverage, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the bedding. Similarly, body pillows offer additional support and comfort, especially for side sleepers or those who prefer cuddling a pillow while sleeping. 

Stomach sleepers may find standard or softer pillows more suitable to prevent strain on the neck and spine. Memory foam pillows come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different preferences and sleeping positions. 

European pillows add a touch of elegance to bedding ensembles while offering extra comfort. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate pillow size ensures proper alignment and support, contributing to a rejuvenating night's sleep.

The Most Important Factor When Choosing the Correct Pillow is a Correct Sleeping Alignment.

When lying on your side or 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

User 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' 4" inches Less than 2.5"
135cm – 145cm 9cm -10cm high 4' 4"– 4' 7" inches Less than 3"
145cm – 155cm 10cm – 12cm high 4' 7" – 5' 1" 3"  – 4"
155cm – 165cm 11cm -12cm high 5' 1"– 5'4"  3.5"  – 4"
165cm – 175cm 11cm -13cm high 5' 4" – 5'7" 3.5"  – 4.5"
175cm – 185cm 12cm – 13cm high 5' 7" – 6' 4"  – 5"
185cm – 195cm 13cm -15cm high 6' – 6' 3" 4.5"  – 5.5"
195cm plus Above 15cm high Above 6' 3" Above 5"

Back Sleeper 

User 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' 4" Less than 2.5"
135cm – 145cm 7cm -10cm height 4' 4"– 4 ' 7" Less than 3"
145cm – 155cm 7cm -10cm height 4' 7"– 5' 1" 2" – 3.5"
155cm – 165cm 8cm -11cm height 5' 1"– 5' 4" 2.5" – 3.5"
165cm – 175cm 9cm – 12cm height 5' 4"– 5' 7" 2.5" – 4"
175cm – 185cm 10cm -12cm height 5' 7" – 6' 3" – 4.5"
185cm – 195cm 10cm – 13cm height 6' – 6' 3" 3.5" – 5"
195cm plus 10cm - 15cm Above 6' 3" Above 3.5"

 

The most important thing above all is to maintain correct sleeping alignment. When lying on your side or your back you want to maintain a straight back and spine without any pressure on the neck or muscles. Have a friend, partner or better yet your health professional have a look at your alignment with your pillow to make sure that the pillow provides the support that you need.

Positioning Your 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.

How to Test Head and Neck Support: A Quick Pillow Test 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?
  4. 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

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Pillow Sizes for Back Sleeping Position

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The Best Therapeutic Pillows in Australia

For over five decades, Therapeutic Pillows has proudly stood as Australia's premier manufacturer of therapeutic pillows, consistently delivering excellence in quality and innovation.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our range of products, which include the finest contoured adjustable pillows, specifically designed to provide optimal support and comfort. We cater to various needs, offering specialized pillows for kids, ensuring their comfort and well-being during sleep.

Moreover, our range extends to specialty pillows tailored to address specific health conditions, such as CNH (Chronic Neck Pain) or pregnancy pillows, crafted with utmost care and precision.

At Therapeutic Pillows, we adhere strictly to the highest Australian manufacturing standards, ensuring that each product meets stringent quality criteria. Our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction has solidified our reputation as the foremost choice for those seeking unparalleled comfort and support in their pillows.

Here is some helpful information when looking at buying a pillow and should give you a good start in the right direction.

Help me find a pillow ...

Questions & Answers

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.
European Pillow Size: European pillows typically measure 26 inches by 26 inches (66 cm by 66 cm).
Regular Pillow Size: Regular pillows commonly come in a standard size of 20 inches by 26 inches (51 cm by 66 cm).