Sizes of pillows for sleeping

The height of the pillow is a particularly sensitive criterion for comfortable sleep and proper support for the cervical spine. The height of orthopedic pillows is on average from 6 to 16 cm. But most people find pillows comfortable in height ranging from 10 to 14 cm.

A low pillow is worth buying for those who are used to sleeping on their backs and prefer soft mattresses. High pillows are better suited for people with a large complexion, with broad shoulders, as well as those who prefer to sleep on a hard mattress or like to sleep on their sides.

Pillows for children are selected depending on the age of the child. It is better for babies to buy thin flat pillows with a height of no more than 2 cm. Silk pillows, for example, will be an excellent choice for babies. Older children will benefit from orthopedic pillows with a height of 5 and not more than 10 cm - just measure the width of his shoulder.

Determining if your pillow is the right one is easy. If you don’t feel discomfort in the morning, you don’t have a headache, do not break your neck or pull your lower back, and you have slept well, it means that you have correctly selected an orthopedic pillow, and without special medical indications there is no need to change it.

Standard pillow sizes (table)

The dimensions of the pillows vary by manufacturer. Domestic manufacturers for a long time preferred square shapes and filled items with feather and feather. The standard since Soviet times is the size of bedding: 70x70. Modern factories are increasingly focusing on European standards, preferring rectangular shapes.

There are a large number of different sizes, but the following parameters are considered the most commonly used:

70x50 cm - for single and one and a half beds,
80x40 cm - for euro beds,
60x60 cm - family and double beds,
70x70 cm - double beds,
60x40 cm - for cots.

The choice of pillow size depends not only on the size of your bed. The weight, height and preferences of the one who will sleep on it should be taken into account.

How high should the pillow be?

To select the height (thickness) of the product, you need to take into account in what position the person most often sleeps:

On the back. For those who prefer to relax on their backs, a flat pillow is suitable. With a soft mattress, a small accessory for sleeping is also better combined.
On the side. If the sleeping person lies on its side most of the night, you should choose a product with a height of 16-18 cm to provide support for the neck and head in the correct position. Such a pillow is suitable for those who sleep on an orthopedic mattress. Ideally, the height should be equal to the length of the shoulder of its owner, plus a couple of centimeters for punching.
On the stomach. Those who like to sleep on their stomach will have a low pillow, 6 cm will be enough.

Children under 2 years old are recommended exclusively flat accessories for sleeping.

How to choose the optimal pillow size

The position of the spine and the blood supply to the human brain during rest depend on the correct selection of the size of sleep equipment. In order to choose the optimal sizes, pay attention to:

The width of your bed. Do not buy bedding large in a small bed. If it is “one and a half”, then a product of any width will comfortably fit on it. On a double bed two pillows should be laid freely. Leave a distance of at least 20 cm from the edge of the bed; otherwise, with an awkward movement, the pillow will fly to the floor.
The convenience of use. It is important that the sleeping person does not experience inconvenience from the fact that his pillow is too small or large.

Large people will fit large and tall products - this will reduce the load on the cervical vertebrae. Lush pillows will also make it easier for people with snoring and those who have respiratory problems. But if in the supine position your chin drops to the chest, then the pillow is too high, and this can lead to pain in the cervical region and, as a result, poor rest of the whole body. More correctly, if the back of the head is just a little above the body, then the pillow will take on the role of support and allow the spine to relax.

When you lie on your side, the angle between your neck and shoulder should be 90 degrees. Putting your hand under your cheek indicates that your pillow does not provide the necessary support for the head. So, you need to replace it with a more elastic or higher one.

Sometimes our habits of luxurious bedding can go against the recommendations of doctors. Therefore, if you have not yet decided which pillow to stop in order not to harm your health, seek the advice of a specialist.

Choose a bed accessory that will give you a feeling of tenderness and weightlessness while relaxing. And let your sleep be comfortable.

What affects the size of the pillow?

The dimensions of the pillow are the length, width and height of the product, which can vary with a weight load depending on the type of filler. If before these accessories were not given proper attention, they did not have variety and were considered ordinary bedding, today the opinion has changed dramatically. Scientific data and a number of studies have proved that size and shape matter, while the absence of a pillow is harmful to health: the spinal column is bent in the shoulder and cervical regions.

The size of the pillow affects:

quality, convenience and comfort of sleep,
the formation of the correct bend of the spine in the form of a straight line (in the supine position),
morning state of the user
improved respiratory function,
normal brain blood flow
human performance during the day,
regulation of metabolic processes of the body.

If the size is selected correctly, aching and spasmodic pain in the spine are reduced, blood circulation is normalized, insomnia and snoring disappear.

Sometimes it is possible to ease the pain associated with trauma to the upper spine, as well as cervical osteochondrosis.

The use of pillows has no contraindications, the main thing to consider: the size should be correct - not too large (barely fits across the bed) or small (not able to accommodate the head).

Standard sizes

A pillow is necessary in order to relieve the enormous load on the vulnerable parts of the spine, relaxing in the horizontal position of a person. This accessory can save the user from general fatigue, stiffness of the shoulder girdle, is the prevention of many diseases, is divided into standard and orthopedic models.

The former are classics, they only add convenience and are suitable for healthy people.

There are several varieties of pillows:

classic - under the head,
accessories under the back,
models on a chair.

Each line has its own product parameters, calculated in such a way as to create maximum benefits and comfort, eliminating the inconvenience associated with excess size. Products on the chair, the purpose of which is to reduce the shock load on the spine and unload the genitals, are often used together with accessories for the back.

The size range of pillows in our country is not very wide: it has variety due to the standards of trademarks of other countries, and today the indicators of children's models are equal, the sizes of models for adults are excellent.

If before the accessories were made in the shape of a square, today the assortment has a rich list of options, among which there are familiar (usual rectangular shapes, in the form of a roller, slide) and non-standard products (like a boomerang, ring, horseshoe, bone, soft toy, face emoji , butterfly, crescent and others).

Standard measurements of pillows are indicated in centimeters and have a double indicator: length and width. Some companies offer three parameters for the convenience of customers, adding a height level (relevant for orthopedic models).

The sizes of non-standard models are different and do not obey any standards. The range includes decorative sofa cushions, which are made in the production and analogues of "home cooking", created independently with their own hands. Their sizes can vary from 30 - 40 cm for small accessories and up to 60 - 80 cm for more voluminous ones.

The difference depends on the design: often the sofa is decorated with pillows of different sizes in order to create the desired effect, emphasizing the idea of design. For example, items with parameters 30x30, 40x40, 45x45 and 50x50 cm may be included in the kit.

Sometimes, if the design allows, models-rollers with parameters of 30x60 cm are added to the total mass.

Differences in different countries

The standard sizes of pillows in different countries are different. Typically, the length of the product varies from 40 to 80 cm, the width can be 30 - 70 cm. Most brands adhere to these indicators (40x40, 50x60, 60x60, 65x65 cm), although there are individual models whose parameters are fundamentally different from the accepted norms. These include products for pregnant women with indicators of length more than one meter.

The modern dimensions of Russian manufacturers remain true to square shapes: the sizes of standard pillows of our companies are 60x60, 70x70 cm. In addition, recently the figure 50x70 cm has been added to them. Today, large sizes are becoming a thing of the past, giving way to analogues without too much useless space.

Import standards are more elongated and resemble rectangles in shape. They are performed in three sizes: 75x50, 85x50, 50x100. The latest models allow one or two to sit on the same pillow, they also find their buyer.

The developed European standard includes three parameters, which are the generally accepted norm and are already familiar by the name "euro": these are pillows of 65x65, 40x80, 50x75 cm in size.

Often, trademarks for the convenience of buying a particular model enter the size range of pillows in a special table, thereby offering buyers a visual aids for choice.

Sizes of orthopedic models

If, when buying classic models, the size is selected at will, in orthopedic counterparts, an irresponsible choice can cause nightmares. These products are bought strictly in accordance with the observance of body complexion parameters and the recommendations of medical specialists, otherwise the morning and the whole day will be spent on restoring vitality and getting rid of the feeling of general crush.

The sizes of the models depend on the destination: the models for the head and chair are different. The difference is not so great, but it determines the mobility of the pillow and the degree of its convenience.

Unlike classical analogues, the parameters of orthopedic models are less.

They are not created for the body: only the head and neck should be located on the product area. The main models are small: 40x50 for women and 40x60 for the stronger sex. For large-sized men, trademarks offer options with a size of 50x70 cm. This is enough to make the location of the head and neck comfortable, eliminating the discomfort with the extra space of the product.

The choice implies an individual approach: the form is very diverse, not every species can fit. For example, a product in the form of a ring may not seem as comfortable as a slide with different rollers for the head and neck.

Height matters

The height of any pillow is one of the key criteria for a comfortable sleep. It should be sufficient so that the user does not want to put a fist under his head. On average, the performance of manufactured models is 6-16 cm in thickness.

Do not think that the more the better:

optimal height of pillows for women is 8 - 10 cm,
the level for men reaches 12-16 cm,
the ruler for children is more demanding and varies from 1 to 9 cm (models are much lower).

If the possible range of numbers does not mean anything, you can focus on the width of the shoulders: to make the product fit the user in height, it is enough to measure the width of the shoulder - this is the right parameter. The maximum permissible deviations from the measurement are 1 - 2 cm (for example, if the shoulder length is 12 cm, then you can buy a product with a height of 11 - 13 cm).

Both the low and high pillows exclude a straight line of the spinal column, which leads to pain and a feeling of fatigue associated with high muscle tension.

Selection Tips

Choosing a pillow is an individual lesson, because what is suitable for one user can provoke headaches in another. The choice of models is extensive, it is difficult to figure it out: each manufacturer convinces that it is his models that are the best. Do not believe everything: even widely advertised pillows are not as universal as they seem.

The basis of the choice you can take your favorite pose in a dream:

on the back - you need a model of medium stiffness of small height,
on the side - it’s better to pay attention to the medium-hard high model,
on the stomach - a low soft pillow is preferable.

The pillow should not be larger than the width of the mattress. In addition, during the purchase process, it is important to conduct a “fitting” in order to understand the degree of convenience. A distinctive feature of orthopedic models is addiction to a special form.

You can take into account the features of sleep, because everyone sleeps in different ways:

a sagging neck indicates that the pillow is too low,
if the hand is constantly reaching under the pillow, its height is insufficient,
the constant search for a comfortable position indicates the excessive height of the accessory.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to several nuances:

if the mattress is soft, the desired pillow effect will be reduced to zero,
a constant lying position on the stomach provokes the appearance of muscle cramps,
the classical model does not provide the necessary support for the neck and head,
the ergonomic version prevents posture changes during sleep, forcing the user to take a minimum of “correct” positions for the cervical spine,
a stiff pillow is needed exclusively for diseases of the musculoskeletal system,
the angle between the shoulder and neck in the supine position should be 90 degrees,
the filler should not be coarse or “floating” to the sides under load.

When choosing, you can start from build: the more weight, the higher the pillow should be. If accessories are selected for a double bed, you can find more or less the same height options that will look harmoniously together. However, if the weight difference is large, do not be equal to a partner with a lot of weight: he will be able to sleep, while a woman will have to suffer all night on an uncomfortable pillow.

Do not forget about the type of filler:

down-feather models have an acceptable cost, take the desired shape, but they are not suitable for everyone, accumulating dust inside - an environment for the appearance of dust mites that provoke allergies,
woolen products are distinguished by excellent breathability, do not cake, retain heat for a long time, but are difficult to care for and not suitable for allergy sufferers,
bamboo accessories are environmentally friendly, dry quickly, hypoallergenic, but absorb moisture in the room, worsening the structure of the fiber,
buckwheat husk variants are peculiar, they are considered a good method of dealing with headaches and insomnia, but they are not suitable for everyone, they are quite tough, noisy in operation, they have a short service life,
synthetic fiber products (holofiber, synthetic winterizer, ecofiber, latex, comfort, memory foam) are dust-resistant, do not accumulate static electricity, have different price ranges, but are not always easy to maintain.

In choosing a decorative model, it is worth starting from a more or less standard size: it is easier to buy a case of the right size.

If you have certain sewing skills, you can do it yourself, and pick up the original texture in a similar style with one of the design elements.

Features of children's options

The line of children's pillow models is diverse. However, not everything that is in stores may be suitable for a particular child. If the classic options are recognized as the norm, the opinions of doctors about orthopedic analogues are contradictory. Experts believe that up to 7 years old a normal model is enough for a child.

When choosing anatomical pillows with a preventive effect, it is worth taking into account age:

a height of 1 - 2 cm is enough for a baby,
a 3-year-old baby will go on a pillow 3-4 cm high,
toddlers and preschool children are shown products 4 - 7 cm,
primary school students have enough volume of 7 - 9 cm.

The height of the cushion does not depend on the width of the child’s shoulder. The length and width parameters of the pillows are from 20x35 to 35x50, 40x50 cm. Dimensions may vary slightly depending on the shape (ring, half ring, butterfly, etc.). The main thing to take care of when buying a bedding for a child is a small height and excellent elasticity, but not rigidity.

This is especially true if the child is constantly throwing an ordinary pillow out of bed.

You will learn more about pillow sizes in the next video.

On the picture:

Favorite color. Decide what matters to you: fall asleep quickly or wake up easily. Depending on this, choose the color of pillowcases and other bedding. Neutral and dark shades euthanize, while bright, saturated colors give an additional charge of vivacity in the morning. It is not necessary to choose pillowcases of the same color - arrange a rainbow in your own bed.

Shaped Pillows

To answer the question “how to choose a pillow”, first you need to understand what pillows are. You need to navigate here not only for your own taste, but also for the sizes of pillowcases in your favorite bedding set. The length of the pillow (or pillows, if two are sleeping on the bed) should not be more than the width of the mattress. Good pillows in height should not exceed the width of the human shoulder (about 14-15 cm).

From a low pillow should be abandoned to those who snore in a dream. High pillows are also recommended for full, broad shoulders and people with high blood pressure.

What are the pillows?

Pillow classification: decorative, bedding - ordinary and orthopedic

The choice of the head of the bed requires close attention. The condition of the spine depends on how correctly the person’s head is located in a dream. Before buying a particular option, you should deal with existing types of products.

Pastel sleeping pillow.
Orthopedic.
Children’s.
For pregnant women.
Sedentary.
Marching.
Decorative.

In addition to this classification, there are others. Different sizes of products are selected depending on the destination, as well as the place of use. The nature and composition of the internal filler of the night support for the head also has its own nuances. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range, starting from artificial materials, and ending with natural animals and vegetable fillers.

Dimensions

Standard modern pillows with sizes

There are standard sizes for sleeping products. For example, in our country, pillows 70x70 centimeters have been preserved since Soviet times. Foreign standards are slightly different from ours - a rectangular shape of 50x70 cm. Such strict regulation of sizes is due to medical indicators, as well as the convenience of making bedding (pillowcases).

In addition to these sizes, there are others. For example, square pillows 50x50, 60x60, as well as 40x40 centimeters. The value also depends on the material of the filler.

Pillows can have different lengths and heights - depending on the purpose

For children, the size is 60x40 centimeters. This figure applies to matured children whose age exceeds 4-5 years. For smaller ones, specialized products are produced that ensure the correct position of the head during sleep.

Orthopedic pillows for newborns "Butterfly"

It differs from ordinary in the presence of a bias from two edges to the center. This fixes the head. The sizes of such pillows vary depending on the manufacturer. In the store you can find made in the form of different forms of butterflies, animals and others.

Products for pregnant women are available in various layouts. Most often found in widths of 30-35 centimeters, the length varies from 170 to 340 centimeters. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the woman.

Comfortable and functional maternity bagel

In addition, there are individual sizes of bedding, which depend on the brand of the manufacturer. Can be found:

Pillow Size Chart

Orthopedic accessories are produced according to the individual characteristics of the person to whom they are intended.

The most common forms of orthopedic pillows

Basically, the product has a rigid filler, which allows you to keep the shape unchanged under frequent loads. It is also worth noting that the form, in turn, also depends on medical indicators. For example, on the one hand, irregularities allow you to sleep on your back or stomach, on the other hand, on your side.

A pillow useful for sleep and health should support the head so that the neck does not tighten, that is, not too high and not too low

Bed linen is not limited to the dimensions of the length and width of the head of the bed. Also an equally important indicator is the thickness. On average, for an average person, this value should be in the range of 14-16 centimeters. There are other indicators that fluctuate in a smaller and larger direction. For example, for broad-shouldered people, a thick lining under the head is required to remove the load from the cervical spine. For the thin, on the contrary: the thickness is selected less to fulfill the same conditions for maintaining the natural curves of the back.

The pillow should not be higher than the shoulder of the sleeping

Natural

This group includes fillers of plant and animal origin. As packing are used:

fluff and feather
wool,
horsehair,
buckwheat husk
bamboo,
cotton,
silk,
herbs
seaweed,
latex.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat husk, characterized by a massage effect, is most often placed in small pillows

Buckwheat husk is used for medicinal purposes. Such a product will retain its shape for a long time. The provided massage effect has a beneficial effect on the blood circulation of the head and brain. The disadvantages of this material are the impossibility of washing, as well as the noise arising when turning on its side in a dream. But the merits clearly outweigh the cons. Buckwheat filling does not accumulate dust deposits, absorbs moisture well, has a pleasant aroma. The contents let air through. This is very important, since the excess moisture accumulated in it is partially removed while you are away. Buckwheat is hypoallergenic, hygienic. A well-known bed tick will not be able to settle in such a filling. The service life is about two years.

The sizes of linen with buckwheat are most often made small. This is necessary in order to add husks as little as possible, while maintaining the necessary density. The husk has considerable weight, so here the dimensions are: 40x40, 40x50.

Bamboo

Bamboo fiber is a hygroscopic, wear-resistant material, characterized by an antibacterial effect, used as a filler for pillows of any size

Bamboo fiber is gaining popularity among modern manufacturers, as well as buyers. This is not surprising, because the pillow is made using special technologies that exclude the use of chemicals and additives, it is environmentally friendly. Undoubted advantages are:

absorbent properties
air throughput
soft surface and ductility
antibacterial properties
lack of allergens in the fibers,
long service life (up to 7 years),
the possibility of delicate washing in the machine or manually,
ability to keep warm and cool.

Bamboo filling must be whipped frequently to prevent churning. Due to the fact that bamboo fiber is light, the dimensions are selected relatively small. 40x40 or 50x50 is enough. Thus, it will be possible to maintain the required elasticity.

Latex

Latex is most often found in orthopedic pillows having a rectangular shape and small size and provides the most comfortable position for the head and neck of a sleeping person

Such a filler has ideal orthopedic properties. It is able to hold elastic forms up to 8 years. Very often one can hear from people that latex is synthetics. This is fundamentally false statement. Latex is obtained from the juice of a plant, which subsequently undergoes a special heat treatment, foams and pours into a specific form. Extraordinary lightness, elasticity especially valuable latex characteristics.

Caring for the product does not require much effort. It can be washed in an automatic washing machine. Latex does not absorb odors, as well as moisture. The obvious disadvantage is the high price.

Other materials

Algae, cotton and herbs are used less frequently as bedding than latex or bamboo. This is due to the short service life (1-2 years). The main characteristics here are the same as other natural materials:

low allergenicity
breathability
environmental friendliness
affordable price.

Seaweed is also characterized by a high content of minerals, such as iodine, zinc, manganese and others. This has a beneficial effect on the health of the human body as a whole.

Seaweed pillows have a healing effect on the skin of the head of a sleeping person, do not attract dirt and dust

Products from plant herbs are used less often, and mainly as an additional element of a berth. Pleasant aroma calms nerves, promotes sound sleep.

Silk products are popular due to their unique structure. Pleasant, thin threads that form the basis of this material are able to cool your head on hot summer nights, as well as warm on long winter evenings. Service life is from 10 to 15 years. The only negative is the need for dry cleaning, as well as the price.

An amazing property of silk is the ability to adapt to the temperature of the human body

Animal Fillers

The well-known stuffing of feathers made of fluff and feather 70x70 was previously considered the best option. Undoubtedly, the advantages of such products are present. High air permeability, softness, heat retention - these are the characteristics of fluff and feather. But there are a number of disadvantages:

excessive softness
the ability to reproduce a bed tick,
difficulty in care
strong adhesion to odors,
the possibility of falling out a pen.

Classic feather pillow filler

Modern manufacturers have begun to process the feather-based feather base for protection against ticks. But now people are inclined to acquire modern products, such as bamboo and latex, so the down-feather base is fading into the background.

You can often find pillows stuffed with sheep's wool on the shelves. They are very useful (shown) to people who have problems with the cervical spine. With osteochondrosis, rheumatism, doctors specifically prescribe such a basis. The disadvantages include a high degree of allergenicity, the inability to wash, the reproduction of moths and ticks, as well as a number of medical contraindications.

Pillows with wool filling have a specific smell, they need special care

Synthetic base

Synthetics is increasingly popular. This type of material is characterized by the absence of allergic reactions, a high degree of orthopedics, as well as the possibility of washing. The most common materials are:

Hollofiber.
Comforel
Gel.
Synthetic winterizer.
Styrofoam.
Foam material.

Holofiber products are recommended for newborns. Such a framework meets all international quality standards. Ease of care, durability, lightness, hygiene are the main characteristics of this filler.

Hollofiber balls - a modern and popular filler widely used in the textile and furniture industries

Hollofiber and comfort also have sufficient elasticity, which is especially important for young children. The service life is 5 years.

Komfortel - a new generation of modern synthetic filler used for filling bedding

The synthetic winterizer is the precursor of comfort. The disadvantage here is the low degree of elasticity, and as a result - a shorter service life (up to two years).

Filler synthetic winterizer - convenient, easy and does not cause allergies

Expanded polystyrene is ideal as a pillow pack for pregnant women. This design can also be found in products marked "antistress".

Pillows with polystyrene balls are approximately 90% full, thanks to which it can be adjusted to suit yourself - by moving the balls inside the pillow, you can adjust the height

The helium base of the head of the sleeper is an innovation. Such filler is especially good in the hot summer period (they have a cooling effect). Massage functions of the neck vertebrae are also performed here. The disadvantage of this option is the high price.

Gel pillows are a combination of the most innovative developments in the field of healthy and comfortable sleep

Polyurethane foam is used for orthopedic purposes. It is distinguished by a good degree of support for the spine, as well as the ability to remember the anatomical bends of the body. Since this substance does not absorb moisture and odors, you do not need to wash it. Just wash with warm water.

A memory foam orthopedic pillow is made from synthetic foam that responds to weight and heat.

Decorative pillows

Using decorative pillows you can bring new notes to the room

In addition to functional applications, soft pillows are used as decorative decorations for the interior of the room. Various shapes, sizes, colors allow you to decorate any style of interior. Pillowcases embroidered with all kinds of patterns will decorate the old Russian design. Colored decoration allows you to organically fit bed textiles into the design of the living room, bedroom and even the kitchen.

Sofa cushions, traditionally placed around its perimeter, in addition to its aesthetic function, are used instead of the back for extra convenience during relaxation

Orthopedic pillow

During sleep, an orthopedic pillow supports the spine and head in an anatomically correct position, relieves stress from the neck, and does not disturb blood flow in the soft tissues.

Various forms of orthopedic pillows are offered: two rolls of different heights, one roll, a rectangular pillow with a recess under the back of the head in the middle or a pillow of a classic shape, but with the correct multilayer "filling" (like a mattress).

If you suffer from insomnia, an orthopedic pillow is unlikely to help you: you have to get used to it yourself for some time. Therefore, do not try to buy an orthopedic pillow without medical indications - choose the usual good pillow for sleeping.

Pillow filler

The price of the pillow depends not only on its shape (although orthopedic ones are traditionally more expensive), but on the filler.

As for the bamboo filler and buckwheat husk, these fillers are considered environmentally friendly, not causing allergic reactions. Such pillows perfectly pass air and have an orthopedic effect, adjusting their shape to the person’s head. This means that during sleep you will not sweat and you will feel comfortable.