Bed Pillows and Pillowcases: Fill, Loft and Firmness

Sleep position, loft and firmness

The right pillow keeps your head level with your spine. Side sleepers need a higher loft and firmer fill to bridge the gap between ear and shoulder. Back sleepers do best with medium loft, and stomach sleepers with a thin, soft pillow so the neck is not forced back. Listings give firmness as soft, medium, firm or extra firm, but loft in inches is more reliable, so look for it. Combination sleepers may prefer adjustable shredded foam, where you can remove fill to change the height.

Memory foam, fiber fill and cooling covers

Memory foam contours to the head and holds its shape, though solid foam can feel warm; shredded foam breathes better. Polyester fiberfill is soft, light and washable but flattens over time and needs fluffing. Cotton covers feel crisp and breathable, and cooling fabrics, such as nylon-spandex blends, feel cool to the touch at first. Pillowcases are cut to the pillow's size, so match standard, queen or king exactly.

Questions about Bed Pillows and Pillowcases: Fill, Loft and Firmness

What size pillowcase fits a standard, queen or king pillow?

Standard pillows are about 20 by 26 inches, queen 20 by 30 and king 20 by 36. A case is usually a few inches longer than the pillow, such as about 20 by 30 inches for a standard pillow, so it sits smoothly without bunching.

How do I know if my pillow is too high or too low?

Lie in your usual position and check that your neck stays in line with your spine. Waking with a stiff neck, or feeling your chin pushed to your chest or your head tilted back, suggests a different loft.

Can memory foam pillows be washed?

Usually not in a machine, because water and agitation damage the foam. Spot-clean the surface, air the pillow, and wash the removable cover if there is one. Shredded foam often comes with a washable cover.