Key takeaways
- A pillow that is too high or too low leaves a gap or a bend between your shoulder, neck and mattress.
- Side, back and stomach sleepers need different heights, and mattress firmness changes the picture.
- With the Yourzzz pillow you order first, then remove filling at home until the height fits.
Why does pillow height matter?
Your pillow fills the space between your head and the mattress. If it is too high, your neck bends upward. If it is too low, your head drops toward the mattress. Either way, your neck is not well supported. You would not walk around in shoes a size too small, and a pillow works the same way: a store that sells one size rarely has yours.
How does your sleeping position change the height you need?
Side sleepers need the most height, because the pillow has to fill the space created by the shoulder. Back sleepers need less. Stomach sleepers need the least, since a high pillow pushes the head back. Our page on the best pillow for side sleepers goes deeper on this.
Your mattress matters too. On a soft mattress your shoulder sinks in, so you need less height. On a firm mattress your shoulder stays higher, so you need more. Your height and weight play a role as well.
Will the right height fix neck pain or stiffness?
Not always. A pillow that fits supports your neck, but we do not claim it removes the cause of pain. Stiffness can come from many things. If you have pain that lasts, numbness or tingling in your arms, or pain after an injury, see a healthcare provider. For things to check first, read waking up with neck pain. More background is in our sleep guide.
How is the Yourzzz pillow adjusted?
The Yourzzz pillow is filled with premium memory foam flakes and polyester fibers. Removing filling makes it lower and softer. The algorithm was developed by Dutch physiotherapist Thijs van der Hilst. Read more about how an adjustable pillow finds the right height.
- Order the pillow. It is $89, and if you buy 2 you get 10% off.
- Answer four questions. Once it has arrived, enter your height, weight, sleeping position and mattress firmness in the calculator.
- Remove the filling. Use a kitchen scale. Without one, 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. If you want the pillow higher, extra filling can be ordered separately. The pillow measures about 25 x 17 in and fits a standard US pillowcase (20 x 26 in). You have a 100-night trial to decide if it suits you.
Ready to try it?
Order your Yourzzz pillow and adjust it to your own height at home.
After delivery
Once your pillow has arrived, open the calculator. It tells you how much filling to remove from the pillow you received.