Best King Size Pillow

If you want a truly luxurious bedroom setup, you may want to upgrade to king size pillows. They’re 10 inches longer than standard pillows in order to better fit a king size bed’s extra width. If you already own a king size bed, choosing king size pillows can complement its overall look and feel. However, you can also use king size pillows even if you don’t have a bed to match, as they make any bed a bit more cozy and luxe. 

The team at Sleep Foundation tested hundreds of pillows to bring you our top picks. In our sleep lab, we examined each model’s durability, feel, and support. Our product testers also tried every pillow personally and reported on which models worked best for their sleep positions and habits. We’ve included this detailed information with each of our top picks so that you can choose the best king size pillow for your needs.

Product Details

Why It’s Best Overall

This pillow from Boll & Branch has the price, feel, and versatility to provide comfort and support for many different types of sleepers. It’s a classic pillow that’s well-engineered and super comfortable. 

Boll & Branch’s Down Alternative Pillow is a versatile option for those who want a plush, down-like pillow but prefer to avoid traditional down fill. Boll & Branch offers this pillow in three firmness options that are each geared toward different sleeper types. 

How It Performed

Since this pillow is available in three different feels, most of the sleepers on our product testing team found an option they liked. During testing, the medium model worked for the largest number of people, as its middle-of-the-road firmness and loft level appealed to sleepers across all weights and sleeper types. 

However, during testing stomach sleepers generally preferred the soft model’s lower loft level, while side sleepers liked the firm just as much as the medium. Sleepers above 230 pounds tended to favor firmer models than those below 230 pounds, as they can provide better neck support. 

What It’s Made Of

The Down Alternative Pillow has PrimaLoft synthetic microfibers that mimic traditional down’s plush, luxe feel. Our testers thought that this pillow’s fill excelled at conforming to individual head shapes, and that the three firmness options each provided the right feel for their intended users. 

This pillow does retain some heat, which is typical for models with synthetic fill. However, we found that the organic cotton shell provides enough breathability to keep the pillow from feeling too hot. 

Boll & Branch recommends washing this pillow once a season using cold water and your machine’s gentle cycle. You can tumble dry this pillow using low heat. 

Each purchase includes a 30-day trial and free shipping for shoppers who live in the U.S. 

The Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow delivers top-notch pressure relief and comfort without breaking the bank. This affordably priced pillow has a unique fill and cover design that allows you to craft your perfect loft level. 

How It Performed

The side and back sleepers on our team found this pillow most comfortable. Its default 7-inch loft level and medium feel are a bit too tall and firm for stomach sleepers, who typically prefer softer, shorter pillows. Testers described it as fairly easy to mold into your desired shape. 

They also noted that this pillow is an excellent option if you’re a hot sleeper. The cover fabric and fill materials provide significant temperature control, especially for a pillow with this much foam. 

What It’s Made Of

Inside the pillow there’s shredded gel-infused memory foam and latex fill that you can add or remove to create your perfect loft and firmness levels. During sleep trials, the fill adapted well to each sleeper’s unique head shape and cushioned the head and neck, which was especially helpful for sleepers prone to developing pressure point discomfort. 

The cover fabric is made from bamboo-derived material that’s cool to the touch and breathable. Our team noted that the cooling cover kept this pillow from feeling too hot and that it regulated temperature effectively throughout the entire night. 

On laundry day, wash only the cover. You can spot clean the insert when necessary. Brooklyn Bedding offers customers a 30-day sleep trial and free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Shipping is available to Alaska and Hawaii for an additional charge. 

Our product testing team gave the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow high marks in nearly every one of our testing categories. It has a higher price point than other king size pillows, but the cost may be worth it for discerning shoppers who want a truly luxurious option. 

How It Performed

This pillow has a medium soft firmness level that the side and back sleepers on our team appreciated most, though stomach sleepers under 230 pounds also rated it highly. It molds easily to fit your head shape and bounces back to its original dimensions extremely well. 

We found that this model also holds up very well during durability testing. The materials are high-quality and made with top-notch craftsmanship that helps extend the pillow’s overall lifespan. 

What It’s Made Of

As the name implies, this pillow has a silk fill. It’s a unique fiber made from 100 percent long-strand mulberry silk that feels incredibly soft and plush. Air flows easily through the fill, which helps keep the pillow from feeling too hot or stuffy. The shell material is viscose from bamboo fabric that’s also breathable enough to help combat heat retention. 

Cozy Earth has a 10-year warranty in place in case the fill shifts or breaks down, though we found it to be quite hard-wearing. However, you do need to take care when washing this pillow, as silk is fairly delicate. Spot or dry cleaning is best, though you can also put the pillow in your washing machine on the rinse only cycle. You can tumble dry on low or hang dry the pillow. 

In addition to the warranty, Cozy Earth also offers customers a 100-night sleep trial that allows you to see if you like the pillow. Free shipping is also available to shoppers in the U.S.

Sweet Zzz’s Plant-Based Pillow has a down alternative fill and two-chamber construction that worked especially well for the side sleepers on our testing team. This pillow is also an excellent choice for eco-conscious shoppers and anyone who prefers an alternative to down. 

How It Performed

Side sleepers in every weight group enjoyed this pillow while they tested it in our sleep lab, and it was particularly well-suited to those under 230 pounds. It also proved supportive enough for back sleepers in all weight ranges as well as stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. 

Overall, our testers gave the Plant-Based Pillow high scores in most of our testing categories, but it performed particularly well during temperature control tests. The combination of the down alternative fill and cotton shell prevents the pillow from feeling too warm. 

What It’s Made Of

Sweet Zzz uses an innovative fill that’s made from plant-based down alternative. The pillow is separated into two sections: an inner chamber with firmer fill and an outer chamber that has a softer feel. The resulting effect kept testers’ necks both supported and cushioned. 

Together, the two sections have a medium firmness level that molds easily and bounces back to its original form fairly quickly. The entire pillow is quite durable and holds up well to abrasion, consistent use, and regular washing. 

You have up to 50 nights to try this pillow and return it for a full refund. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. and Sweet Zzz backs the pillow with a 1-year warranty.

People who experience neck pain may prefer a pillow that provides both support and pressure relief. The Silk & Snow Pillow offers both and it also has a design that lets you customize the fill to get your perfect firmness and loft levels. 

How It Performed

We enjoyed how well this pillow molded to fit each of our testers’ head shapes. It conformed easily, which was particularly beneficial for the team members who experience pressure points. The shredded memory foam core absorbs and evenly disperses weight to decrease impact. 

Side and back sleepers across every weight group gave this pillow the highest possible rating, as its hybrid design provides significant support and a comfortable amount of cushioning. Stomach sleepers under 230 pounds also liked this model, though it was more comfortable once they removed some of the fill to decrease the loft and firmness levels. 

What It’s Made Of

This pillow has two chambers that each feature different fill materials. The inner chamber has shredded memory foam that provides structure and pressure relief, while the outer is made from down alternative microfiber that cushions the head and neck. The 100 percent cotton cover is soft and enhances airflow, though we did notice that the pillow retains some heat during the night. 

You can machine-wash the outer shell but shouldn’t put the pillow core in your washer or dryer. Silk & Snow is a Canadian company that offers free shipping to Canadian provinces and the contiguous U.S. There’s a trial window that lets you return your pillow between 30 and 100 days after delivery. A 3-year warranty protects against manufacturer defects. 

King Size Pillow Dimensions

Like the name implies, king size pillows are the largest pillow size available without scaling up to a body pillow. Measuring 20 inches by 36 inches, the width is what gives king pillows their increased size. For reference, a queen pillow measures 20 inches by 30 inches, and a standard pillow measures 20 inches by 26 inches. Euro size pillows have more height at 26 inches by 26 inches. 

In general, king size pillows are best for people with king or California king mattresses, back sleepers with broader shoulders, and people who simply prefer bigger pillows. 

Types of Pillows

There is no best king size pillow for everyone. Personal preferences, sleeping position, and other needs all play a role when determining which pillow is right for your needs. 

Because king size pillows are common and available in many varieties, choosing one can be overwhelming. To make the process a little easier, we’ll outline common pillow types and how to decide on the best one for your needs. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions.

Polyfoam

Polyfoam pillows consist of synthetic polyurethane foam, which is shredded and used as fill. A good polyfoam pillow provides solid neck and head support. These pillow types are typically available at budget-friendly prices and in many different densities. However, polyfoam tends to trap heat, so this type of pillow may not be ideal for hot sleepers. 

Sleepers should note that polyfoam is generally less durable than natural materials. When new, these pillows may also release a temporary chemical smell as part of a process called off-gassing. While off-gassing is generally considered harmless, the smell may be unpleasant to some.

Memory Foam

Memory foam pillows contour in response to pressure and heat. Like polyfoam, memory foam traps heat, but these pillow types are often infused with a cooling gel designed to offset this tendency. The foam can be shredded or used as a single layer, and the pillows come at a wide range of price-points. 

Like polyfoam, memory foam is less durable than natural fills and prone to off-gassing. While some sleepers appreciate its moldability, some dislike its slow reaction to pressure. 

Down

Down consists of fuzzy clusters found beneath the thick outer layer of feathers on ducks and geese. This material is a traditional pillow fill and is often appreciated for its exceptional fluffiness and moldability. Down is known for its warmth, but since down fills in pillows are often mixed with feathers and rarely packed tight, hot sleepers are typically able to sleep at a comfortable temperature with these pillow types.

Down provides less support than other materials, and some sleepers find that it triggers allergies. In general, these pillows work best for sleepers who don’t require extra support and enjoy softer pillows. 

Down Alternative 

Down alternative mimics the cushiony feel of down using synthetic or cotton fibers. While these pillow types are often less durable than down, they are hypoallergenic and regulate temperature better. Additionally, they often carry a lower price-point than down. 

Down alternative pillows are a popular option for sleepers who want the softness of a down pillow but have allergies. They’re also a great option for those who don’t want to use animal products or want a pillow option that is more budget-friendly than down. 

Latex

Latex is a natural, biodegradable material derived from the sap of rubber trees, though some bedding products are also made from synthetic latex. When shredded, latex offers a balance between the softness of down and the conforming properties of memory foam. It also features natural cooling properties. 

Latex pillows are a good option for cool sleepers and those who want a balance of support, responsiveness, and cushioning. However, latex pillows tend to be more expensive than other types of pillows. 

How to Choose a King Size Pillow

Once you’ve settled on buying a king size pillow, there are a number of important factors to consider before making a purchase, including your primary sleeping position and your personal needs and preferences. Keeping these things in mind will help you choose the best pillow for you.

Mattress Size

A king or California king mattress provides ample space for two king size pillows side by side, but other mattress sizes can accommodate them as well. Queen mattresses offer enough room for two pillows, while full size and twin mattresses can comfortably allow for a single king size pillow. 

Loft

Loft describes the height of the pillow with no pressure on it. This is separate from the width and length measurements.

Pillows can be purchased in high, medium, and low lofts. Pillows with high lofts are a good option for those who have a larger head or weigh over 230 pounds. However, sleepers should consider their preferred firmness level and primary sleeping position before determining which loft option is best for them.

Sleeping Position

King size pillows are popular with side sleepers because they provide room for the sleeper to turn from side to side. They also provide good support for back sleepers over 230 pounds and those who have wide shoulders. Stomach sleepers looking for a king size pillow should consider one with a low loft and softer firmness level.

Quality Materials

There is no single best material for king size pillows, and different sleepers prefer different fill materials. When it comes to natural materials, some manufacturers include the source and note whether the material is organic. Synthetic materials such as memory foam and polyfoam tend to have a wider range of quality, so it’s a good idea to research different models. 

Price

King size pillows are generally more expensive than other sizes because they require more fabric and fill. Prices also vary widely based on production methods, loft, firmness level, construction, and materials. 

Firmness Level

King size pillows are available in different firmness levels, which indicates how well a pillow maintains its shape under weight. Firmer pillows are more resistant to pressure and retain their loft better, while softer pillows allow the sleeper’s head to sink more. Sleepers who prioritize support, especially those who suffer from neck pain, should consider both firmness level and loft.

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief refers to a pillow’s ability to alleviate tension in the neck and reduce pressure points that can cause strain. To maximize pressure relief, sleepers should consider their sleeping position in relation to loft and firmness level.

Temperature Regulation

Breathable materials allow air to circulate and prevent sleepers from overheating. This feature is especially important for those who sleep hot. Cotton, latex, and down alternatives are naturally breathable and help regulate body temperature. Foams tend to trap heat, but many memory foam pillows are made with a cooling gel engineered to draw heat away from the sleeper.