5 Tips on Choosing the Best Bed Pillows

Have you ever looked at all the size options and wondered which one is right for you? There is a method to pillow sizing, and we’re here to demystify bed pillow sizes. Pillows vary in size and shape to accommodate personal preferences in look and feel. Different bed pillow sizes can offer more comfort by varying the fill. They vary to fit different beds and pillow cases. Choosing a pillow doesn’t have to be complicated. Just keep a few things in mind and you’ll always pick the right size. If you need the perfect bed pillows to match your sleeping habits and positioning, visit Icon Sleep.

1. Know your bed pillow sizes to create a comfy bed

Pillows come in a variety of sizes, mostly to match bed sizes. The Super Standard – also called Standard/Queen or Jumbo – gives retailers an option between small and medium so they can carry more pillow styles. Our Pillow Sizes Chart below shows the most common sizes for each type of pillow, but sizes can vary greatly so check the size if you need something specific.

2. Match your pillows to your bed size, or get creative

It might seem simple to buy a king pillow for a king bed, but you can use any size pillow on a king bed. A good rule of thumb is to match the pillow size to your bed size, but you can get creative. While there are fewer options for a Queen or Full bed, there are hundreds of pillow combinations, so don’t hold back if you find something else you like. Here are a few classics to get you started finding your own style:

3. Do you need to worry about bed pillow case sizes?

Standard and King bed pillow coverings are available. Standard size fits three pillow sizes: Standard, Super Standard, and Queen. Fortunately, sheet manufacturers accommodate all the different manufacturer’s variations when sizing their cases and will err on the larger side, so our worst case scenario is the pillow case will have more room than less.

Pro Tips:

  • Buy a larger pillow case if you want your pillow to fluff and conform, especially if you have a gusseted pillow, which is designed for loft.
  • Go smaller if you want your pillow to keep its volume and height or to refresh an older pillow.
  • For extra height and volume, tuck your pillow case’s ends in tightly.

4. Consider conformance for better comfort

Some sleepers, usually side and stomach sleepers, like to mold and squish their pillow several times a night so it keeps its loft and softness and conforms around their head. These sleepers find that a king- or queen-sized pillow has too much volume and prefer a Standard or Super Standard size.

Other sleepers like a pillow over their head to block light and noise. These sleepers need a light, conforming pillow and wouldn’t choose a king or queen size for this use. A softer pillow, such as one with all-down or down alternative fill (maybe one being retired), would work well.

5. Other size matters for the ultimate bedpillow experience

Standard Pillow Size: These sizes are best for sleeping and what we recommend first. A long pillow’s fill can migrate to the ends more easily, and they’re less squishable due to their volume. Some sleepers prefer a shorter pillow because of its compactness. These sizes save money, so those without a preference may choose the less expensive option.

Queen Pillow Size: The Queen pillow is good for someone who tosses and turns because it gives you room on each side of your head. A large pillow can feel luxurious and create a retreat-like feel in your bedroom.

King pillows were designed for the extra width of a King or California King bed, but they’re also great for a twin bed if your sleeper tosses and turns. They also make a good back support pillow for reading or working on a laptop in bed. A king pillow can work as a shorter body pillow.

Euro Pillow Size With so many sizes of Euro Square pillows, it’s easy to get the right look for your bed. They’re mostly used for décor and reading pillows (whether we are reading a book or like to bring the laptop to bed). Did you know the 26″ square is also used as a sleeping pillow in Germany and Holland? If you buy bedding while traveling, you may need a new-sized pillow.

Mixing Pillow Sizes For a designer look, use a couple of sizes on your bed: a larger size for your reading pillows (king, queen, or euro) and a smaller size that you may prefer to sleep on in front. This fills all your pillow needs and allows for fun color and pattern combinations in shams and bed pillow cases.

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