It is not uncommon for many people to pay great attention to their mattress, sleeping position, and bedroom temperature, but selecting a pillow may be one of the most overlooked and important factors when it comes to achieving quality sleep.
Your pillow plays a major role in maintaining proper alignment between your head, neck, and shoulders while sleeping.
A pillow that is not the right size or shape can lead to discomfort while you are sleeping, resulting in sleepless nights, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and the need to frequently change positions during the night.
Not sure which pillow size fits your sleep style? Scroll down to compare pillow sizes by sleep position, mattress type, and comfort needs.
What is the common confusion?
Pillow shopping usually seems easy enough. The sizes (standard, queen, and king) appear to be the only dimensions to worry about—but that's actually not true! There are several factors that come into play when picking a pillow: pillow size, pillow loft, pillow materials, mattress type, and how one sleeps all have an impact on pillow selection.
We’ll be discussing pillow dimensions, how pillow sizes affect comfort, factors affecting the buying of the correct pillow based on sleeping position, elements affecting the selection of a pillow's loft, how to match your pillow selections with your mattress selection, as well as some handy tips for making an informed decision.
Pillow Size Chart: Standard Pillow Dimensions Explained
| Pillow Size | Dimensions (in) | Best For | Common Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20 x 26 | Twin, Twin XL, and Full beds | Most common size, compact and versatile |
| Super Standard | 20 x 28 | Active sleepers | Extra width without taking up too much bed space |
| Queen | 20 x 30 | Queen beds | Balanced size for comfort and movement |
| King | 20 x 36 | King & Cal King beds | Maximum surface area, ideal for side sleepers |
| Body Pillow | 20 x 54 | Side sleepers, pregnancy | Full-body support and pressure relief |
Pillow sizes are usually standardized. However, different brands and materials used to fill the pillows can cause slightly different dimensions. The dimensions will help you determine which size pillow you will need to fit onto your bed appropriately and provide you with the correct amount of support that you require.
When it comes to pillows, size really does matter. From standard to king, each pillow size has its own unique dimensions and is better suited for certain mattress sizes and sleep styles.
While sticking to a standard pillow is simple, it may not always give you the support and comfort your sleep requires. Here’s a detailed look at each pillow size and how it fits different beds and sleepers:
Standard Pillow Size—20 x 26 in (51 x 66 cm)
Best for: Adults and children; twin, twin XL, and full mattresses
A standard pillow is the most common size you’ll find in most homes. It works perfectly on a twin or full-size mattress. On a full bed (53 inches wide), two standard pillows can cover the width nicely. For a twin bed, one standard pillow is ideal.
However, if you try to use standard pillows on a king-size bed, you’ll need three to cover the width, which may look crowded. While compact and versatile, standard pillows may lack the surface area or support needed for side sleepers or those who like to spread out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and easy to fit on twin or full beds | May be too small for side sleepers |
| Versatile for different sleeping positions | Not enough surface for king or California king beds |
| Fits standard pillowcases | Limited support for larger frames |
Super Standard Pillow Size—20 x 28 in (51 x 71 cm)
Best for: Adults and children; twin, twin XL, and full mattresses
The super standard pillow is the perfect “in-between” pillow—slightly longer than standard and slightly shorter than queen.
- Twin/Full beds: One super standard pillow works well if you like a slightly longer pillow.
- Queen beds: Two super standards fit nicely without feeling too cramped.
- King beds: You’d likely need three to cover the width, similar to standard pillows, which could feel crowded.
Super standard pillows are ideal if you want a slightly bigger pillow without going full queen size.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Slightly longer than standard for extra comfort | Still may feel small on larger beds |
| Fits nicely on queen beds | Limited shoulder support for broad frames |
| Works for one pillow on twin/full beds | Not ideal for king-size mattresses |
Queen Pillow Size – 20 x 30 in (51 x 76 cm)
Best for: Adults and children; twin, twin XL, full, or queen mattresses
As the name suggests, queen pillows are best suited for queen mattresses. With a width of 60 inches, two queen pillows fit perfectly, leaving just the right amount of space at the edges for comfort and aesthetic appeal.
If you want a fuller look on a twin or full bed, a single queen pillow can work, but it may overhang the mattress slightly. Queen pillows fit standard pillowcases, so you don’t need special covers unless you prefer a looser, plush appearance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for queen beds | Can overhang smaller beds |
| Balanced comfort and support | Slightly less compact than smaller pillows |
| Fits two pillows nicely on a queen mattress | May feel bulky for twin or full beds |
King Pillow Size—20 x 36 in (51 x 91 cm)
Best for: Adults; queen, king, or California king mattresses
King pillows are the largest standard bed pillows, designed for king or California king mattresses. Two king pillows completely cover the width of a king-size bed, providing maximum surface area and excellent shoulder support for side sleepers.
On smaller beds, king pillows can feel oversized and take up too much space, so they’re best reserved for larger beds or those who prefer extra room.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Maximum surface area | Too large for smaller beds |
| Excellent for side sleepers | May crowd sleeping space |
| Great for king/Cal King beds | Less versatile for other bed sizes |
Body Pillow Size—20 x 54 in (51 x 137 cm)
Best for: Pregnant people; those with back, hip, or knee pain
Body pillows are designed for full-body support, making them perfect for side sleepers or pregnancy support. They help align your spine and shoulders, reduce pressure points, and provide something to hug while sleeping.
They are too long for smaller beds but can be used creatively for additional support on queen or king mattresses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full-body support | Too long for small beds |
| Excellent for side sleepers & pregnancy | Takes up a lot of space |
| Helps with spinal alignment | Less versatile for everyday use |
Why Pillow Size Matters for Better Sleep
Your pillow size is not just for how your bed looks; it plays an important role in how you sleep. Like:
- Alignment of the head and neck.
- Lowering the pressure on the shoulders.
- Preventing neck bend or overextension.
- Supporting a natural sleeping posture.
If the pillow is too small, it will not provide full support to the head and will cause the neck to tilt down. Conversely, if a pillow is too high or large, it will elevate the head and create tension in the neck and upper back.
The best position for a pillow is neutral alignment of the head and spine; therefore, it should be able to support the head and provide a comfortable resting position in line with the spine.
Pillow Size Based on Sleeping Position
When selecting a pillow, it is vital to consider how you sleep. Different sleeping positions place varying amounts of stress on your neck, head, and shoulders.
Side Sleepers
While side sleeping, there is a larger gap between your shoulders and the mattress. Therefore, side sleepers typically require a larger pillow size and shape compared to back or stomach sleepers. Having a smaller/flat pillow could cause your head to fall into the gap, which may result in neck strain.
Side sleepers need:
- Wider pillow widths to help keep them from falling off their pillows during the night
- Enough loft (or space) to fill the gap between their shoulder(s) and head.
Recommended Pillow Sizes: Queen and King Size.
Ideal Loft: Medium to High Loft.
How This Works: Provides adequate support for keeping the spine in the neutral position during sleep.
Back Sleepers
A back sleeping position requires a pillow that adequately supports the natural curve of the neck without forcing the head to tilt forward excessively. Pillows that are too big or thick will cause the chin to touch the chest.
The advantages for back sleepers include:
- Supporting the head and neck evenly
- Providing an adequate amount of height for the pillow.
Recommended Pillow Sizes: Standard and Queen
Ideal Loft: Medium height
How This Works: The pillow supports proper alignment of the head while in a back sleeping position
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleeping puts the neck into a rotated position, which increases the strain on the neck. Using large or thick pillows can aggravate this angle.
Stomach sleepers should use:
- Smaller pillow with less height to it
- Soft compressible filling
Recommended Pillow Sizes: Standard
Ideal Loft: Low
How This Works: Reduces neck bending and tension on the neck.
Combination Sleepers
As people who change their sleeping positions during sleep, combination sleepers need pillows that can easily adjust to their needs.
Combination Sleepers Need:
- Mid-Sized Pillows
- Adjustable Loft
Recommended Pillow Sizes: Queen or Super Standard
Ideal Loft: Medium or adjustable
Matching Pillow Size With Mattress Size
Correctly sizing pillows for the mattress will help maintain a feeling of balance and comfort.
- Twin/Twin XL: One standard pillow
- Full: Two standard or queen pillows
- Queen: Two queen pillows
- King/California King: Two king pillows
While this is a general guideline, the most important thing to think about when selecting the pillow size is comfort. For example, larger pillows give excellent shoulder support and may be of greater benefit to side sleepers.
What Is Pillow Loft, and Is It As Important as Size?
Pillow loft is the distance between your neck and the pillow’s surface when you are sleeping. Different lofts provide varying levels of comfort depending on your sleeping position:
- A low-loft pillow is ideal for stomach sleepers and people with smaller body types
- A medium loft pillow is suitable for people who sleep on their backs and wrestle about in their sleep (a combination of being a back sleeper and staying on the go)
- A high-loft pillow fits well for side sleepers and those with larger frames (broad shoulders)
Additionally, the firmness of your mattress will impact your pillow loft needs. Softer mattresses allow you to sink into your mattress, while firmer mattresses may require a little more loft to compensate for their increased firmness when compared to the other mattress styles.
Pillow Materials and How They Affect Size and Support
The type of fill material inside a pillow significantly impacts how well it functions in everyday use.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows provide a consistent level of support and maintain their shape throughout the night. They are often found by side and back sleepers who want an extra firm level of support.
Latex
Latex pillows are inherently responsive to body heat, air-ventilated, and long-lasting. They are an excellent option for those looking for a balanced level of support without excessive sinking depth.
Down and Feather
Down and feather pillows are very soft and compressible, making them suitable for stomach sleepers or those who prefer a very soft feeling.
Polyfill
Polyfill pillows are very light and fairly inexpensive, but they do tend to flatten out much faster than other materials. The amount of fill used also has a bearing on how tall the pillow appears and how comfortable it is.
Tips for Buying the Right Pillow
- Consider the loft and pillow size together.
- Wider pillows are typically better for side sleepers.
- Pillows with adjustable fill allow for customized comfort
- Replace them every 18 to 24 months
- Test the comfort of the pillows in your preferred sleeping position.
Common Pillow-Buying Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistakes people make when selecting a pillow include
- Choosing the size based solely on how the pillow looks on the bed.
- Neglecting to consider polyfoam versus latex pillows and the proper combination of loft and firmness.
- Keeping pillows in use for too long (more than two years).
- Assuming there is one kind of pillow for all sleeping positions.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can significantly improve the comfort of your sleep.
Final Thoughts
Dimensions, loft, material, mattress size, and sleeping position must all be balanced when selecting a pillow size. When these elements come together, a pillow can significantly improve comfort and promote sound sleep. Every time you shop for a new pillow or assess your existing sleeping arrangement, use this guide as a guide.
