Bed Pillow Sizes: Know the Pillow Size Right for You
Sleeping can be considered part of the natural evolutionary means of refreshing our bodies and mind, thus allowing us to stay healthy and sharp. From research, better sleep has been associated with memory improvement, managing distress, elevated attentiveness, as well as better body weight management. To achieve this, it is important to choose the right pillow size to prevent unnecessary strain on the body. There are different bed pillow sizes out there in the market and it is important to consider your preferences both in look and feel when choosing a pillow
Bed pillows are designed to effectively provide support to users, thus eliminating the possibility of any pressure building up on your neck and more importantly, on your spine by keeping these parts of the body in alignment. Due to this support, pillow users experience a higher quality of sleep.
Remember when on the market for pillows, it is important to be aware of various factors that make pillows appropriate for your use. With a wide range of bed pillow sizes in the market, understanding the pillow dimension factor is important in helping you choose the best pillows for your specific needs. Check out some of the most popular below
Standard Pillow Size
The Standard pillows are sized to be 20″ x 26″ (or 51 x 66 cm). This pillow size fits in a standard pillowcase and is best used on a twin bed. However, in queen beds, a pair of such pillows is needed to provide the right kind of support while using them on Queen-sized beds. Three are needed when the bed is a King-sized bed. The pillow provides ample support to the head and neck and is usually recommended for side sleepers
The Queen Pillow Size
The Queen Pillow Size – This kind of pillow measures 20″ x 30″ (or 51 x 76 cm). However, since they are sometimes rare, there are no dedicated pillowcase sizes. Instead, they are fitted in the standard pillowcase size, attaining a tight fit for a bulkier and fuller fit. Their use is pretty much the same as is the case with standard pillows, except that they provide some more firmness and are great for someone who tosses and turns because of the additional headroom
The King Pillow Size
These pillows measure 20″ x 36″ (or 51 x 92 cm). They fit in a king-sized pillowcase. These particular pillows are perfect for people in need of any extra body support, which the standard and queen pillows are not particularly adept at providing. The pillows are best used in pairs in King-sized/ California-sized beds and it is also suitable for back sleepers, however, stomach sleepers will rather find this type of pillow uncomfortable
European Pillow Size
The European pillow measures 26″ x 26″ (or 66 x 66 cm). They are typically used as decorative and reading pillows, especially in European countries like Holland and Germany. So if you decide to read a book or bring the laptop to bed, this pillow is best suited for that purpose.
The Body Pillow Size
This particular pillow measures 20″ x 54″. It fits into a specially sized body pillowcase which is designed to take up the shape and curvature of the pillow. The pillows themselves have a curvature that is similar to that of the body. The pillow is particularly perfect for side sleepers, individuals with back pains, and expectant mothers owing to the high-quality support they render.
Factors that influence the size of the pillow you purchase
The height of the pillow
While choosing pillow size, it is important to consider the height of the pillow. Not all pillows bear a standard height and this varies from one pillow manufacturer or pillow model to the next. However, the height of the pillow is important as it influences the kind, quality, and extent of head and neck support. As such, while searching for pillows to purchase, ensure that your prospective pillow has enough clearance to support your head and neck and not be too high to strain your head and neck.
Use of the pillow
Another consideration to keep in mind is the various uses of the pillow. If you intend to purchase a pillow that you will use and bed time-reading aid, you should go for the compact-sized standard pillows.
Support Needs
Finally, and importantly, consider the amount of support that you need. If you need extensive support, for the head, neck, and body, go the larger-sized pillows. On the other hand, if you only need support to the head and neck, you can opt for the standard and queen pillows.
Beyond the pillow size, it is important to acquaint yourself with other pillow issues that play a crucial role in giving you a good night’s sleep characterized by proper resting. Among such things to also have in mind while searching for your pillow is the pillow filling.
While the size of the pillow is the most important aspect to have in mind, you should note that the filling of the pillow should properly match your sleeping style. Therefore, based on your sleeping position (whether you are a side sleeper, a stomach sleeper, and or back sleeper), you should choose from foam, memory foam, poly-cluster, synthetic material, or natural material the kind of fill that yields the best support and comfort while negating any pressure building up on your spine, neck, or any other part. In the end, the combination of the perfect size and the perfect filling will yield the best sleeping experience.
