There is no single pillow height that suits everyone. A suitable height depends on sleeping position, shoulder width, mattress firmness, how much the pillow compresses and personal preference.
Instead of choosing by a fixed centimetre measurement alone, compare whether your head and neck remain in a natural, comfortable position when you lie down.
What Affects the Pillow Height You Need?
- Sleeping position: Back, side and stomach sleeping create different spaces between the head, neck and mattress.
- Shoulder width: When side sleeping, broader shoulders generally create a larger space for the pillow to fill.
- Mattress firmness: A softer mattress lets the shoulders and body sink further, which can change the pillow height that feels suitable.
- Compressed pillow height: The listed dimensions are not the same as the height under your head. Softer fillings become thinner under pressure.
- Personal preference: Some people prefer a softer, enveloping feel, while others prefer more noticeable support.
Compare Pillow Height by Sleeping Position
Back sleeping
Start by comparing medium-height pillows. If your chin is pushed noticeably towards your chest, the pillow may be too high. If your head tilts too far backwards, you may prefer additional support.
Side sleeping
The pillow should fill the space between your head and the mattress without making the head tilt noticeably upwards or downwards. Shoulder width, mattress sink and compressed pillow thickness all affect the fit.
Stomach sleeping
Because the head is generally turned to one side, stomach sleepers can begin by comparing thinner, softer pillows so the head is not raised too high. If a sleeping position causes continuing discomfort, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
How to Check Whether the Height Feels Suitable
- Lie on your usual mattress in the sleeping position you use most often.
- Allow the pillow to take the full weight of your head, because its compressed height is closest to the real sleeping position.
- Check whether your head is being pushed noticeably forwards, backwards or to one side.
- Compare another height or adjust the filling until the position feels natural and comfortable.
A standing shoulder-to-neck measurement can be used as a comparison reference, but it cannot determine the correct pillow height on every mattress.
Compare Different Pillow Constructions
- Fixed contour pillows: Their shape and height are less adjustable, so compare whether the higher and lower sections suit your sleeping position.
- Adjustable-fill pillows: Some designs let you add or remove filling to refine the height gradually. View an adjustable fibre pillow.
- Natural latex pillows: Compare traditional and contoured shapes in the available heights. View the natural latex pillow collection.
Key Points Before Buying
Start with your main sleeping position, then consider shoulder width, mattress firmness and the pillow's compressed thickness together. No single centimetre measurement suits everybody, so trying the pillow or adjusting its filling is generally more informative than relying on its listed height alone.
Explore the BIG Living pillow collection to compare different shapes, materials and heights. You can also read the pillow guide to compare materials and constructions by sleeping position.
