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Choosing the right pillow size that suits your needs is as important as sleeping on the right mattress. A good pillow will rid you of those odd aches and pains around your body, as well as provide your head and neck with adequate support throughout the night, ensuring a restful sleep. In addition to this, your cervical alignment is greatly dependent on the type of pillow you use, which affects your overall sleep quality.
When so much is dependent on your pillow, buying the right pillow size is crucial. It does not matter how expensive and luxurious your pillow is; if it is too thick, or too thin, it is bound to cause more problems than solve any.
Ensuring that you invest in an adequately sized pillow that offers absolute comfort and support, as well as fits perfectly on your bed, is paramount for a good night’s sleep.
Bed Pillow Sizes Chart
Bed pillows can vary in shape and size, depending on your personal preference. The loft and volume of filling also plays a role in providing you with the right kind of comfort. It might seem confusing at first, but this guide to pillow sizes will help you understand different pillow dimensions and the unique benefits of each size.
- Euro pillow – 25 inches by 25 inches
- Standard pillow – 20 inches by 26 inches
- Queen pillow – 20 inches by 30 inches
- King pillow – 20 inches by 36 inches
- Body pillow – 20 inches by 54 inches
Euro Pillow Dimensions
A euro pillow measures 25 inches by 25 inches. It is the perfect square pillow, which is often used as decorative bedding, or for back support when sitting upright against the headboard or couch. It is usually placed behind standard, queen, and king size pillows as a fancy piece of décor that exudes luxury and charm. Euro pillows often come covered in decorative pillowcases known as euro sham.
Whether you are watching the T.V. or reading a book in bed, euro pillows offer great support for your back and elevate the overall look of your bedroom. The extra fluffy euro pillows are a more popular option for decorative purposes, as well as back support. Be wary of fluffy euro pillows that come at a surprisingly low cost, as those might lose their loft and end up flat too soon.
Standard Pillow Dimensions
Standard size pillows measure 20 inches by 26 inches and are the perfect compact size pillow that accommodate most sleepers who do not change sleeping positions so often during the night.
For sleepers who tend to toss and turn in bed, the standard size pillow might not be the best option as their head may slide off the pillow, causing neck and shoulder aches. On the other hand, the standard pillow is an ideal choice for side, back, or stomach sleepers who stay put in their preferred position throughout the night.
A standard size pillow can easily fit across a twin bed, and a pair can be placed on a full and queen bed comfortably. However, if you own a king, or California king bed, you might need to purchase a set of three standard size pillows instead.
You may also come across a super standard size pillow that measures 20 inches by 28 inches. You enjoy an extra two inches in length of your super standard pillow, but the width remains the same. You can fit both standard, and super standard inside a standard pillowcase that measures 20-21 inches by 30-32 inches.
Queen Pillow Dimensions
Queen pillows measure 20 inches by 30 inches, however there may be changes or variations depending on different manufacturers. The biggest advantage of a queen pillow is that extra length that is incredibly beneficial for restless combination sleepers who toss and turn around all night long.
A queen size pillow can easily fit inside a standard pillowcase as it gives it that extra space for those spare inches in length. Again, depending on the brand and manufacturer, a queen size pillow may also fit inside a king pillowcase.
The extra few inches in length in a queen size pillow is excellent for a twin and a set of queen size pillows can be set atop a queen-sized bed. A pair can fit snugly on top of a queen bed, but in case you own a king or California king bed, you might need some decorative throw pillows to fill up that extra space between the queen size bed pillows.
King Pillow Dimensions
Larger than most sizes of pillows, a king pillow is 20 inches by 36 inches in dimensions. This can differ depending on the manufacturer and samples within the king size range. A king size pillow is extraordinarily beneficial for combination sleepers who move around in bed often during the night. It provides extra support and room to toss and turn in bed.
King size pillows are a great back support option for those who enjoy watching T.V. or sitting and reading in bed. The luxurious extra length of the pillow comes handy when you are sitting against it for hours and require proper lumbar support.
A single king size pillow is a terrific option for a twin, or full size bed. For a king or California king-sized bed, you can use a pair to fit comfortably on top, with ample space in between. If you own a queen-sized bed, you can fit two king pillows snugly on top without much room in between for decorative pillows.
You can fit your king size pillow in a king pillowcase which typically measures between 20-21, by 36-41 inches.
Body Pillow Dimensions
Body pillows come in all shapes, sizes, and loft depending on the needs and comfort levels of the sleeper. A typical body pillow measures 20 inches by 54 inches and it is a terrific option for side sleepers, providing adequate support and immeasurable comfort.
Body pillows offer countless benefits and have a wide range of use cases. Pregnant women can benefit from these special pillows as it allows them to rest their tummies in a secure curve while they sleep on their sides to keep from adding stress to their stomach or back. This side sleeping position reduces chances of back pain and discomfort, and enhances sleep quality for soon-to-be mums.
Body pillows are also a good investment for those with medical conditions that exacerbate pains in the back, knee, or shoulder areas. They are versatile and supportive for most sleepers as they can be customized or bought in different shapes and sizes.
A body pillow may not be as commonly available at retail shops, so many sleepers use king pillows as a substitute, but in case you find the perfect size and loft for your body pillow, you can purchase a custom pillowcase for it that matches its shape.
Why Does Pillow Size Matter?
Sleeping pillows can be expensive and investing in the right one is crucial for a good night’s sleep. If you do not get the perfect pillow size that compliments your bed size, body and sleeping preferences, you may find yourself restless, wasting money and time.
People often make their pillow type choices based on aesthetic reasons such as delicate or minimal design, puffy loft, bigger size, etc., but while these elements can be important, it is the size of the pillow that really matters.
If you toss and turn often when sleeping, purchasing a queen or king size pillow can make all the difference and provide you with the room you need to sleep in comfort. In fact, by spending your money on the wrong size of pillow, you may further intensify any pains or severe aches around your body.
A pillow that is too big and thick will force and push your head forward and this is damaging for the spine. On the other hand, if you are a side sleeper, your head is pushed upward, and it ignites pain and discomfort. In case your pillow is too small, it will throw your spine out of alignment instead of keeping it aligned and your neck is prone to discomfort.
The size of your pillow trumps all other elements. If you are unable to enjoy a comfortable slumber, it would not matter how pretty or luxurious your pillow is because you will be waking up sore. Understanding pillow science and finding a pillow that works best for your sleeping position, body, and posture is crucial to a restful sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pillow goes in 18*18 cover?
For 18*18 inches pillow cover, it is recommended to use pillows that are 2” larger overall than the finished pillow size. For an 18×18 pillow cover, you would most likely use a 20×20 pillow for a good, snug fit. This will make your pillow look plump and feel ultra-soft, and luxurious. A pillow too small for an 18×18 cover will look deflated and soggy.
Are standard and queen pillows the same size?
Queen size pillows are approximately four inches longer than a standard pillow with a measurement of 20 inches by 30 inches. This difference may vary depending on the brand and manufacturer.
On the other hand, standard pillows measure 20 inches by 26 inches and are four inches less in length than queen size pillows. However, despite this difference, you do not need to purchase separate or extra pillow cases for your queen or standard pillows. They both fit into the same size pillowcases. In the case of a king pillow, you might need to invest in separate pillow cases.
How much bigger should a pillowcase be than the pillow?
Ready-made pillowcase should ideally be ½ to an inch longer than the overall pillow length. It should be 2 ½ to 4 inches wider than the pillow width. Keep in mind that the measurements of the pillowcase are not restricted to only the length and width of the pillow, but also its thickness, or pillow height. Even if your pillowcase comes with the correct length and width, it may not be able to fit a thick pillow, and this might affect your sleep quality.
Even if your pillow fits snugly inside the case, you need to compress it and check if it provides the right support and comfort. A well-fitting cover is one that allows the pillow some breathing area, compress, and mold to your requirement. A pillowcase that is too small for your pillow may make it feel harder or the ends of the pillow may peek from the pillowcase side.
What’s the most common pillow size?
The most common pillow size is the standard pillow which measures 20 inches by 26 inches. These standard pillows are versatile, and their compactness makes them easy to travel with or fit on all bed sizes. They can be used for sleeping, or even for decorative purposes. There are other pillow types as well including bolster pillow also known as a neckroll pillow, contour pillow, boudoir Pillow etc.