Key takeaways
- A good pillow height fills the space between your head, neck and mattress without pushing your head out of line.
- Side sleepers usually need more loft than back sleepers, and stomach sleepers usually need the least.
- One fixed height rarely fits everyone, which is why an adjustable pillow makes sense.
Why does pillow height matter?
A pillow that is too high or too low leaves a gap, or a bend, between your shoulder, neck and mattress. The right loft fills that space with support. No single height has been shown to be right for everyone, so we describe fit, not a magic number.
How does your sleeping position change the height?
- Side sleepers: your shoulder creates a larger gap, so you usually need a higher pillow. See our guide for side sleepers.
- Back sleepers: a lower to medium loft usually keeps your head level. See our guide for back sleepers.
- Stomach sleepers: a low, soft pillow keeps your neck from bending back. See our guide for stomach sleepers.
Your mattress matters too. On a soft mattress your shoulder sinks in, so you often need less loft. On a firm mattress your shoulder stays higher, so you often need more. Your height and weight play a part as well.
How do you know if your pillow is the wrong height?
Common signs are a head that tilts up or down while you lie there, a pillow you keep folding or bunching, or an arm you tuck under it for extra height. A pillow only changes how your head and neck are supported. If you have pain that lasts, numbness, or discomfort after an injury, see a healthcare provider. Our sleep guide has more on sleep habits.
How is the Yourzzz pillow adjusted?
The Yourzzz pillow is filled with premium memory foam flakes and polyester fibers. You remove filling to make it lower and softer. You do this at home, after the pillow arrives.
- Order the pillow. It costs $89, and shipping is free.
- Use the calculator. Once the pillow has arrived, enter your height, weight, sleeping position and mattress firmness.
- Take out the filling. Use a kitchen scale to remove the recommended amount. Without a scale, a 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) glass holds about 50 g (1.8 oz) of filling.
- Keep the rest. Store the extra filling in the storage bag so you can adjust again later.
The inner cover has a firmer side and a softer side, so you can choose the feel you like. Our page on adjustable loft explains more about finding the right height. The adjustment method was developed by Dutch physiotherapist Thijs van der Hilst.
Want a pillow that fits your height?
You can try the Yourzzz pillow for 100 nights. If it is not right for you, you can return it. Return shipping is at your expense. Buy two pillows and get 10% off.
After delivery
Once your pillow has arrived, the calculator tells you how much filling to remove from the pillow you received.