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Can’t decide which pillow to get? Join us as we pit these two common pillow sizes against each other to see which is best for YOUR needs. In this article, we tell you about their key differences, their individual pros and cons, and how to ultimately choose between a standard and king pillow.
What’s the difference between a King and standard pillow?
| Pillow Sizes | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| King | 20" x 36" |
| Standard | 20" x 26" |
As you’ve likely noticed in the table above, the main difference between a King and a standard pillow is their dimensions. Standard pillow dimensions are 20″ x 26″; while a King-size pillow measures 20″ x 36″ making it a full 10 inches longer.
Aside from standard and King pillows, there are two other common pillow sizes which are the Queen pillow and the Euro pillow. These pillows also have their own benefits and drawbacks but we’re only going to be focusing on King-size and standard pillows in this article.
What is a King-size pillow?
A King-size pillow measures 20″ x 36″ and it’s the biggest and costliest pillow size available today.
A king pillow is much larger than standard and queen-sized pillows. The only size that’s bigger than King-size pillows are body pillows, but these aren’t used at the head of the bed. With the right loft, a King pillow can give you comfort and support regardless of your sleeping position.
If you’re someone who moves around a lot when you sleep, the wide space on a King pillow will keep your head and neck supported throughout the night. And although it isn’t required, you can use two king pillows on a King or California King mattress for a snug fit and to make your bed more aesthetically-pleasing.
You could also use a King-size pillow on a smaller mattress such as a twin, but you’ll only be able to fit one pillow. Placing a King pillow on a twin mattress will almost cover the entire bed, leaving only one inch of the mattress on each side of the pillow.
What is a standard-size pillow?
Known as the smallest and most popular pillow size, a standard-size pillow is 20 inches wide and 26 inches long.
Standard pillows are the cheapest size and they are used by most people worldwide.
Standard pillows can fit in all standard bed sizes but they are best suited for twin and full mattresses. You can place only one standard pillow on a twin bed and you can place two on a full or double bed.
Although individuals of all sleeping styles can feel comfortable on a standard-size pillow, there are some sleepers who might be better off on a larger pillow.
This pillow size is not a great option if you’re somebody who tosses and turns at night. There’s always a chance that you might slip off the pillow and risk having no support for your head and neck. To avoid this, you should opt for a bigger pillow size that will provide support for your head no matter how much you move around in bed.
King vs. standard pillow
Both King-size pillows and standard pillows each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. This means that a King pillow is going to suit some people and not be ideal for others. The same goes with standard pillows.
So, what do you have to do to choose the right pillow size? You have to consider the pros and cons of each size and you’re going to see which one is better for yourself, your partner, or your kids.
King vs. standard pillow, which size will prevail? You be the judge. We listed the pros and cons of each size for you below.
King pillow pros
- Great for most sleeper types – The increased volume of King-size pillows provide excellent support for side sleepers. They’re also great pillows for back sleepers. King pillows will also give you additional surface area if you’re a combination sleeper who switches from one position to another during sleep.
- Fits most mattress sizes – While it’s best to use King pillows on a King or California King bed, you can also use them for twin and full mattresses. If you sleep alone and you want to have a pillow that’s wide and supportive, go for a King-size pillow.
- Can be used as a body pillow and as back support – The length of a King-size pillow makes it a suitable body pillow if you need one. On top of that, you can also use a King pillow as lower back support when you’re sitting up in bed reading or watching TV.
King pillow cons
- High price point – King-size pillows might be a bit expensive for some people. In this case, smaller budget-friendly pillows are going to be better options.
- Might be too high loft for stomach sleepers – King pillows tend to have more volume and higher loft compared to smaller pillow sizes. This could cause neck pain for stomach sleepers by putting their spine out of alignment.
- Will not fit in standard pillowcases – A standard pillowcase will be too short for a King pillow. You’re going to need specialized King pillowcases to pair with King-size pillows.
Standard pillow pros
- Suitable for all sleeper types – Standard pillows can accommodate most individuals regardless of their preferred sleeping position. It’s the most popular pillow size for a reason. From children to teenagers and single adults to couples, everyone has slept on a standard-size pillow at some point in their life.
- It also fits most mattress sizes – A standard pillow will fit well on a twin mattress and you can fit two pillows on a full or a Queen mattress. Although, it would be better to use a queen-size pillow for a queen mattress.
- Affordable – Standard pillows are the cheapest size you can get today. It offers a lot of value because it can accommodate all sleeper types and it fits most mattress sizes.
Standard pillow cons
- Not suitable for combination sleepers – If you tend to move around the bed at night, a standard-size pillow might be to small for you. There’s always a chance that you might roll off the pillow and leave your neck unsupported for the rest of the night. To avoid getting aches and pains when you wake up, choose a bigger pillow size.
- Not a good fit for larger mattresses – Since it’s the smallest pillow size, it’s going to take three standard pillows to cover the width of a King-size mattress. This is far from ideal and you might want to use two King pillows instead for a more balanced arrangement.
How to choose between a standard and King pillow
Now for the final piece of the puzzle, you should learn how to choose between a standard and a King-size pillow. Knowing what factors to consider is going to help you immensely in your decision. Think about these four key things: your mattress size, sleeping style, personal preference, and budget.
Let’s delve deeper on each of these factors below.
Mattress size
Our general recommendation is to get a standard-size pillow if you have a smaller mattress such as a twin or full. On the other hand, if you have a bigger mattress such as a King or California King, we suggest opting for a King-size pillow.
That being said, you might want to get a larger pillow for your twin or full mattress. That’s completely fine too. Choose what works best for your needs and mattress space.
Sleeping style
Are you a side sleeper? Or are you a back and stomach sleeper? We usually recommend high-loft pillows for side sleepers so their head will be supported and their spine will stay in alignment. Back and stomach sleepers, however, will do better on a low to medium loft pillow that ensures a neutral spinal alignment.
Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you combo sleepers. If you tend to move around and switch positions at night, we recommend King-size pillows for extra surface area.
Personal preference
Standard-size pillows are usually good enough to accommodate most individuals and they can fit in any mattress. However, a King mattress with three standard pillows doesn’t look that appealing. Whether it fits your bed’s appearance or it provides more surface area for your head and neck, choosing between a King or standard pillow should depend on your personal needs and preferences.
Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, a standard-size pillow is going to be your best bet. It’s affordable, widely available, and it’s good for all sleeper types.
But, if you want a royal and luxurious sleeping experience, a King-size pillow is a solid choice. It fits nicely on King and California King size beds and it provides a lot of value for its above average price.
FAQs
Yes, a King pillow is 10 inches longer than a standard pillow. But both sizes have the same width.
No, a King pillow won’t fit in a standard pillowcase. You’ll need a King pillowcase to fit a King pillow.
You can definitely use standard pillows on a King mattress, but there’s going to be wide gaps on both sides of the mattress. Some people might find that this diminishes the overall look of your bed.
Conclusion
What’s the verdict? Is it a standard-size pillow, or a King-size pillow? Whatever you choose, just make sure that it’s the pillow size that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.
If you decided on a standard pillow, check out our updated best pillows article for the absolute best models you can get today.
Next step: Read our Nest Bedding pillow review. Nest Bedding makes a variety of different pillows, available in both king and standard sizes. We tested out all of their top products and came up with a list of pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if they’re the right choice for you.
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