When you buy a new pillow, you need to decide on the right pillow height. This means considering both your sleeping position and the firmness of your mattress.
In this article, you'll learn how a pillow's height can affect your sleep and you'll get our best tips on how to select the perfect pillow for you.
Pillow heights: Low, medium, high, or extra high?
When it comes to selecting the right size for a pillow, what we're really talking about is height.
You can choose between different pillow heights:
A pillow's height depends on which filling and how much of this filling it contains. If you're a side sleeper, for example, it's essential that the pillow provides enough support. A low pillow or a very high pillow can cause you to sleep with a bent neck all night.
Why is the height of a pillow important for your sleep?
Your pillow's height is a crucial factor in the amount of support your body receives during the night. If you get the proper support, it's more likely that you will get a good night's sleep.
Spine and neck in a straight line
As a rule of thumb, your pillow's height should allow your spine and your neck to remain in a straight line. If that's not the case, we recommend that you replace your pillow with one that correctly supports your neck.
How do you select the right pillow height?
Your best point of departure when selecting the right pillow height is your sleeping position. The combination of your sleeping position and the height of your pillow is what determines whether your spine and neck remain in an ergonomically correct straight line while you sleep.
Let's take a closer look at the connection between sleeping position and pillow height:
How firm is your mattress?
Your sleeping position is the most important factor to consider when you select the height of your new pillow. But the firmness of your mattress also plays a role:
You prefer sleeping on your side on a firm mattress Your pillow should give enough support to fill the cavity that is created between your head and shoulder when you lie on your side. A firm mattress will generally increase the size of the space that needs to be filled. | |
You prefer sleeping on your side on a soft mattress When you lie on a soft mattress, your shoulder sinks into it. Thus, the space between your head and shoulder is smaller, so you don't necessarily need the support you would get from a high pillow. | |
You prefer sleeping on your back If you sleep on your back, you should choose a low pillow – regardless of how soft or firm your mattress is. As a rule of thumb, however, the softer the mattress is, the lower the pillow should be. If you sleep on your back on a very soft mattress, the pillow should barely have any height at all. |
What type of filling is in your pillow?
The filling in your pillow will help you achieve the same ergonomic benefits you get from choosing the right pillow height.
- Fibre filling: Fibre filling is a synthetically manufactured filling. It gives the pillow a more elastic and bouncy feeling compared to pillows with natural filling. Some pillows with fibre filling have an adjustable height.
- Natural filling: Natural filling is typically down or feather, but it could also be wool or silk. Natural filling is easy to move around within the pillow, making it easy to adjust the pillow height. This is a practical solution if you switch between sleeping on your back and side.
- Special filling: If you sleep on your side, you can consider a pillow with special filling. This could for example be memory foam, which is a relatively firm type of filling that creates remarkable comfort all the way from your shoulder to your neck. Some specialist pillows have an adjustable height because they are filled with separate layers that can be individually removed. This allows you to easily adjust the pillow until you find the height that best supports your preferred sleeping position.
Summary: Choose a pillow of the right size
When you buy a new pillow, you can choose between different heights, and the right one depends on your sleeping position, the firmness of your mattress and the filling in pillow.
Our assortment includes pillows of many materials, sizes, and price levels. If you're ever in doubt about which pillow best suits your needs, learn all there is to know about pillows in our ultimate guide: Which pillow should you choose? We also recommend visiting your local JYSK store for in-person guidance and the possibility of feeling and trying out a pillow before making a decision.
