Selecting the right size of pillow that matches your mattress size isn’t always an easy task. Deciding which size is best for your bedding can be daunting. You may often get confused about which one is the perfect fit for your bed.
If you want to improve your sleep quality, you need to have a pillow of the correct size. Else, it will not only rob you of your sleep but will also ruin the look of your bed.
Here is the ultimate to choosing the perfect pillow size. In this article, we enlisted the different pillow sizes and how they will impact your sleep.
We did all the research for you so that you will not have to do any. All you have to do now is read the article through the end and spend your time deciding on the perfect pillow. Enhance your sleep and get the required balance of comfort and support to your head and neck.
Let us get into the discussion.
Pillows are available in five different sizes. They are:
- Standard Size Pillow
- Super Standard Size Pillow
- Queen Size Pillow
- King Size Pillow
- Body Size Pillow
Each pillow suits the different needs of the users. Here is a table depicting the dimensions of each pillow type for quick analysis and comparison.
Table of Contents
Bed Pillow Sizes Chart
| Pillow Size | Measurements (Inches) | Measurements (CM) |
| Standard | 20 x 26 inches | 51 x 56 cm |
| Super Standard | 20 x 28 inches | 51 x 71 cm |
| Queen | 20 x 30 inches | 51 x 76 cm |
| King | 20 x 36 inches | 51 x 92 cm |
| Body | 20 x 54 inches | 51 x 137 cm |
Each pillow size has a set of benefits and drawbacks. Let me take you through each size in detail to help you find the most suitable fit.
1. Standard Size Pillow
Dimensions:Â 20 x 26 in | 51 x 56 cm
A standard pillow is usually 20 inches wide and 26 inches long.
Ideal For:
It is a compact size pillow that is best suitable for sleepers who do not change their sleeping positions through the night.
It is perfect for sleepers with the following sleeping positions:
- Side Sleepers
- Back Sleepers
- Stomach Sleepers
Not Suitable For:
A standard size pillow is not the best option for combination sleepers who toss and turn on the bed frequently. You may slide off the pillow and end up hurting your neck.
Bed:
A standard size pillow is the best fit for a twin bed. You may have to place two and three pillows if you are using a queen and king size bed respectively.
Pillow Covers:
Finding pillow covers for the standard size pillows is no big task. However, you will not any tag or label like the standard on the pillow covers. Most covers from the bedding manufacturing companies fit the standard size and queen size pillows.
Advantages:
It is suitable for almost all sleeping positions.
Disadvantages:
It looks small on a king size bed
2. Super Standard PillowÂ
Dimensions:Â 20 x 28 in | 51 x 71 cm
A super standard pillow is usually 20 inches wide and 28 inches long. It is two inches longer than the standard ones and two inches shorter than the queen size pillows.
Ideal For:
A super standard size pillow is best suitable for combination sleepers and provides great support and comfort to them.
Not Suitable For:
A super standard size pillow is not the best option for
Bed:
A super standard size pillow is the best fit for a single and also a twin-size bed. Two super standard pillows will sit perfectly well on a queen size bed. However, they seem to be too long for a mattress with full and full XL sizes. You can use one pillow for a twin or full-size mattress.
Pillow Covers:
These pillows comfortably fit into standard and also queen size pillow covers.
Advantages:
It is suitable for combination sleepers.
Disadvantages:
A pair of pillows look long on a full and full XL mattress.
3. Queen Size Pillow
Dimensions:Â 20 x 30 in | 51 x 76 cm
A queen size pillow is usually 20 inches wide and 30 inches long. It is a little longer than the standard ones and two inches longer than the super standard pillows
Ideal For:
This size pillow is best suitable for combination sleepers and also restless sleepers who change
their sleeping positions through the night.
Not Suitable For:
A queen size pillow is not the best option for stomach sleepers.
Bed:
They look perfect when placed side by side on a queen size bed. You will not have to worry about sliding through the edges and falling between the gap of your pillow. A single pillow fits perfectly across a twin bed. You can place two queen pillows comfortably with spaces in between on a king size bed.
Pillow Covers:
These pillows fit exactly into the super standard pillow covers. However, if you prefer to have a looser look, it is best advisable to go for a king size pillowcase.
Advantages:
It is best suitable for side sleepers who switch positions frequently during nights.
Disadvantages:
It looks large on full mattresses.
4. King Size Pillow
Dimensions:Â 20 x 36 in | 51 x 92 cm
A king size pillow is usually 20 inches wide and 36 inches long. It is almost six inches longer than the queen pillows.
Ideal For:
The king size pillow is best suitable for active sleepers.
Not Suitable For:
A king size pillow is not the best option for stomach sleepers.
Bed:
You can place two king pillows comfortably on a king size bed with no space in between. Two king size pillows will look perfect with no gap in between on a queen size mattress.
Pillow Covers:
These pillows do not fit into any other pillowcase. They need a king size pillow cover with dimensions about 20-21 inches in width and 36-41 inches in length.
Advantages:
You can use a king size pillow as a body pillow or as a back support pillow when sitting on the bed, as well.
Disadvantages:
It is not suitable for stomach sleepers and might cause them discomfort while sleeping.
5. Body Size Pillow
Dimensions:Â 20 x 54 in | 51 x 137 cm
A body size pillow is usually 20 inches wide and 54 inches long. It has the longest length of all sizes.
Ideal For:
The best size pillow is best suitable for side sleepers and pregnant women. Side sleepers can use them between their knees to relieve the pressure off the hips and improve spinal alignment. On the other hand, pregnant women can use them under their bodies or to their sides to support their tummy or prevent them from rolling back.
Not Suitable For:
A body size pillow is not for regular use.
Bed:
You can place one body size pillows comfortably on a queen or king size bed.
Pillow Covers:
These pillows do not fit into any other pillowcase. They will need specific size pillow covers to fit into them.
Advantages:
Pregnant women can use these pillows under their bodies or to their sides when they sleep. You can also use them as a decorative pillow.
Disadvantages:
You cannot use them regularly. These are not commonly available as other size pillows.
6. Other Types of Pillows
Apart from the aforementioned pillows, there are other types of pillows that are not for regular use. However, you can use them for other purposes and different occasions. Below are those:
Orthopaedic
As the name suggests, orthopaedic pillows are specially designed for improving spinal alignment and alleviating the pressure on the neck and head. It also helps in relaxing the back muscles relax. Doctors usually recommend these pillows depending upon your health condition.
Travel
This is yet another kind of pillow that is exclusively for traveling purposes. They usually come in the shape of a horseshoe and exactly fit your neck. They are perfect for plane or car journeys and give you great comfort. They measure about 12 x 16 inches and are very easy to carry in your check-in bags.
Wedge Pillow
A wedge pillow comes in a triangular shape with an inclination. The best part of using these pillows is that they help elevate your upper or lower body, further facilitating improved blood circulation. In addition, they help in reducing snoring and relieve the pressure on sensitive areas of the body. They even help in relieving your acidic reflux.
Euro
Euro pillows are typically large square-shaped pillows having the measurements of 26 x 26 inches. They help in giving additional support to the back, hip, and legs. You can also use them as decoration by placing them behind the standard size pillows.
Throw
Throw pillows are mellifluous luxurious pillows that are perfect for decorating your sofa, couch, or room. Although they come in various sizes, they are usually square-shaped. You can use them to bolster support other pillows or under your legs for elevation while sleeping.
Boudoir
Boudoir pillows are rectangular-shaped pillows that come in a similar size to a travel pillow. Measuring about 12 x 16 inches, these pillows are perfect for decorating, sofas, couches, beds, or chairs. You can use them to bolster support other pillows or cover up the extra gaps between the pillows on your bed.
How Many Pillows Does the Bed Need?
Since beds come in different sizes, the exact number of pillows it needs is entirely dependent on the size of the bed. Let us say you have a bed of queen size. How many pillows would that bed need? Place two queen size pillows and that will be a perfect fit. Below is a table that highlights the number of pillows you will need together with their sizes for each mattress of a standard size.
| Mattress | Mattress Width | Number of Pillows Needed and Their Sizes |
| Twin and Twin XL | 38 inches | 1 standard or super standard size pillow |
| Full (Double) | 54 inches | 2 standard, super standard, or queen size pillows |
| Queen | 60 inches | 2 queen or king size pillows |
| King | 76 inches | 2 king or 3 standard king size pillows |
| California king | 72 inches | 2 king or 3 standard king size pillows |
The number, as mentioned above in the table, may vary based on the individual’s preferences and choice. However, it will make sure there are no gaps between the pillows and guarantees support to the neck and head while sleeping.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Any pillow cover must be at least 1.5 inches longer than the pillow. If you use a case of the same size as the pillow, it might snug in. Hence, it should be longer and wider enough to give that looser look. The same goes for a pillow protector, too. However, thicker pillows may require larger pillowcases and protectors.
Pillowcase covers from most bedding manufacturing companies come in standard and king sizes. It is always advisable to choose pillowcases that are a little larger than the pillows for a more comfortable look and feel. Using a smaller pillowcase might make the pillow fit tightly into the cover while adding volume, firmness, and height to it. You may try this with old pills if you want to add life to them.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pillow is not always complicated and should not be either. You just have to keep a few things in mind, as mention in this article.
And, you are sure to find the most suitable fit of the right size for your sleep position and other preferences.Write to us in the comments section below if you find this article insightful. Please let us know if you have any questions or need more information on the same.
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We would be happy to help you.
Have a sound and comfortable sleep!!!
