Best King Size Pillow
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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.
The Best King Size Pillow
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Best Overall
Saatva Latex Pillow
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Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow
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Best Luxury
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
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Best for Side Sleepers
Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
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Best for Neck Pain
Silk & Snow Pillow
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Softest
Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
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In-Depth Reviews
The Saatva Latex Pillow is a high-end pillow that gently cradles your head and neck while still feeling responsive and supportive. With two thickness options to choose from, you can pick a pillow that feels right for your sleep position and personal preferences.
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Pros
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Filled with shredded latex and microdenier fibers that balance cushioning and support
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Available in two lofts
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Cover and microdenier insert are machine-washable
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Cons
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Minimal cushioning for those who prefer the “hug” of memory foam
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Loft may be too thick for stomach sleepers
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Fill
Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative
Firmness
Medium Soft
Why It’s Best Overall
The Saatva Latex Pillow is a versatile model for sleepers who want a pillow that adapts to your body without sacrificing support. It’s also ideal for shoppers who prioritize pillows made with cooling materials.
How It Performed
The pillow excels at cushioning but is still firm enough to prevent your head from sinking too deep. You can choose between two loft options. The standard loft model is 4 to 5 inches thick while the high loft model is 6 to 7 inches thick. We recommend the taller model for side sleepers, since this group needs substantial loft to fill the space between the neck and bed surface. The thinner pillow is well suited for back sleepers, but it should also feel comfortable for side sleepers who prefer a lower loft. Some stomach sleepers enjoyed the low loft model, but most will likely find it too thick.
Regardless of the loft you choose, this pillow excels at temperature regulation. The materials are naturally breathable, so there is little risk of overheating as you might with a foam pillow.
What It’s Made of
The Saatva Latex Pillow has a dual chamber design. The inner chamber is composed of shredded latex that gives the pillow a supportive yet responsive feel. The outer chamber contains plush microdenier fibers that conform to your head and neck for pressure relief. The shredded design of the latex core allows air to flow through the pillow, which promotes breathability. The entire pillow is encased in a soft cotton cover.
The pillow is available in a standard/queen or king size. You can remove and machine wash the pillow cover and the microdenier pillow insert, but the latex core cannot be washed.
Saatva offers a 45-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow
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If you want a high-quality foam pillow at a great price, check out Brooklyn Bedding’s Premium Shredded Foam Pillow. We love that you can adjust the shredded memory foam and latex fill so easily, and we also appreciate how much cooler it sleeps than other foam pillows.
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Pros
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Shredded latex and memory foam fill relieves pressure point discomfort
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Loft and firmness levels are both adjustable
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Bamboo-derived cover fabric is cool to the touch
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Cons
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Some users may find the pillow to dense or firm
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May be too tall for stomach sleepers
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Price Range
$44 – $49
Fill
Blended foam materials, shredded
Firmness
Medium
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.
The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is worth the investment, especially if you’re a side or back sleeper. It’s way more durable than you’d expect a silk pillow to be and it doesn’t skip out on comfort either.
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Pros
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Long-strand mulberry silk fill has plush, medium soft feel
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Viscose from bamboo shell fabric is excellent at regulating temperature
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Pillow retains its shape well even after regular use
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Cons
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Potentially too soft for people who prefer supportive pillows
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Expensive pricing in all sizes
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Price Range
$254 – $297
Fill
Long-Strand Mulberry Silk
Firmness
Medium Soft
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.
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
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Pairing solid foam with a heat-dissipating phase change cover, the Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow alleviates pressure, supports the neck, maintains a full shape, and sleeps cool. Two profiles are available, and we recommend the thicker model for side sleepers who need extra cushioning between their head and shoulder.
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Pros
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Solid memory foam cushions the head and neck for a cradling, cloud-like surface
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Available in two lofts, including a mid-range option for back and stomach sleepers
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Phase change cover dissipates heat and feels cool at all times
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Cons
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May not be moldable enough for people who enjoy snuggling with a pillow
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High potential for strong initial off-gassing
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Price Range
$123 – $136
Fill
Solid memory foam
Firmness
Medium
If you’re primarily a side sleeper, chances are you need a thicker, firmer pillow that fills the space between your head and downward-facing shoulder — this helps ensure even alignment and minimal pressure along the spine. Helix’s GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is available in a 5.25-inch loft that’s very well suited for side sleeping. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, or a combination sleeper who uses both of these positions, you’ll probably prefer the lower-loft 4.75-inch pillow instead.
How It Performed
The thicker GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow was a hit among all of the side sleepers on our team, as well as some of our back sleepers. While 5.25 inches is considered high loft, this profile isn’t excessively high and shouldn’t cause too much neck strain when you lie on your back. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should opt for the low-loft design. Most stomach sleepers on our team found the 5.25-inch model too thick.
Temperature control was one area where the pillow excelled during our tests. The foam may absorb and trap some heat, which is to be expected, but the GlacioTex cover effectively releases heat on contact and always feels cool. Since solid foam makes up the core, fluffing the pillow is never needed to maintain a full shape. We also appreciated the foam’s adaptive, pressure-relieving qualities.
What It’s Made of
The pillow contains one piece of memory foam. This material contours closely and responds slowly to movement, resulting in a cloud-like surface for your head and neck. We’ve rated this pillow as medium, or a 5 on our 10-point firmness scale. A cover made of GlacioTex cooling fabric encases the foam. You may remove and machine-wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned, but the foam should only be dabbed with a wet cloth if stains occur.
The GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is reasonably priced compared to the competition, and Helix offers free ground shipping to shoppers in all 50 states. A generous sleep trial allows you to test out the pillow for up to 100 nights before deciding whether to return it for a refund or keep it. Should you decide on the latter, your purchase is also covered under a one-year warranty against material defects.
Silk & Snow’s Pillow is an excellent option if you’ve got neck pain or pressure point discomfort. You can adjust the memory foam fill to get the firmness level just right, which is great if you struggle to find a pillow with the right support.
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Pros
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Shredded memory foam core relieves pressure point discomfort
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Air-blown down alternative outer chamber cushions effectively
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Conforms gently to each user’s head shape
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Cons
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Too plush for some sleepers
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Supplemental fill not available for purchase
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Price Range
$75 – $85
Fill
Shredded memory foam and down alternative fibers
Firmness
Medium
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.
The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow has a unique design with two fill firmnesses. The side sleepers on our team thought it provided just the right balance of support and plushness.
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Pros
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Down alternative fiber is plant-based and comfortable
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Dual-chamber design offers strong support for side sleepers
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Cotton cover is cool and airy
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Cons
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Stomach sleepers may find the fill too lofty and lacking in support
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Frequent fluffing needed to evenly distribute the fill
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Price Range
$135 – $150
Fill
Plant-based down alternative fibers
Firmness
Medium
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.
Why You Should Trust Us
In the Sleep Foundation lab, we’ve tested hundreds of pillows over the years and know what to look for when it comes to performance, quality, and value. Our product testers have different sleeping positions, body weights, and preferences, which gives us a unique ability to provide reviews that reflect many viewpoints.
During sleep trials, we test each pillow against the same metrics so that we can give our readers the most accurate information possible. We review each model’s durability, temperature control, shape retention, support level, and comfort, among other factors. By performing these exhaustive tests, we gain an excellent sense of which pillows are worth the money and why.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are also other factors to keep in mind when shopping for a king size pillow, including its dimensions, which mattresses are a good fit, and what to expect in terms of cost.
What is the size of a king size pillow?
A king size pillow measures 20 inches by 36 inches. By comparison, a queen size pillow measures 20 inches by 30 inches, a standard pillow measures 20 inches by 26 inches, and the square-shaped Euro size measures 26 inches by 26 inches.
While king size pillow measurements are standard, they are available in different lofts.
Should you use king size pillows on a king size bed?
King size pillows can be used on any size bed. People with king or California king beds often prefer king size pillows since their width allows them to sit comfortably side by side across the mattress. However, two king size pillows can also fit on a queen mattress, although there won’t be much room in between. Solo sleepers can use a single king size pillow on full and twin size mattresses as well.
What pillows do hotels use?
There is no defined standard for hotel pillows. However, since hotels need to accommodate all sleeper types, they usually opt for a mid-level loft and density that won’t cause extreme discomfort to any sleeping position. Hotel pillow fills generally consist of down or down alternative fills.
What is the difference between a king size pillow and a standard pillow?
King size pillows measure an extra 10 inches across compared to standard pillows. Standard pillows measure 20 inches by 26 inches, while king size pillows measure 20 inches by 36 inches. Both sizes offer an array of loft and firmness options that determine how high above the mattress a sleeper’s head rests.
How much does a king size pillow cost?
King size pillows vary widely in price, with price-points ranging from $50 to over $1,000. Price depends on materials, production, loft, and firmness level. King size pillows generally cost more than smaller sizes because of the extra fabric and fill required to make them, but there are still many high-quality options available at relatively affordable price-points.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
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