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Do I Need a King Size Pillow?
The best king size pillows offer luxurious space to stretch out and change positions. Do you move around a lot in your sleep? Do you need a new pillow for your king size or California king size bed? Maybe you'd like to have more support for reading in bed. If so, you may want to consider searching for king size bed pillows. Reading lists of key features of top-rated king size pillows, such as those above, helps you quickly see what makes them special and get to know whether they are likely to suit your bedroom.
How Big is a King Size Pillow?
Although dimensions can vary depending on the brand, a king size pillow typically measures 20" by 36". The only larger size pillow is a body pillow, which is about 18 inches longer. You can easily fit two king size pillows side-by-side on a king or California king size bed.
What Should I Look for When Searching for the Best King Size Pillow?
Our team has researched many popular king size pillow brands. From loft and firmness to cooling technologies, we offer tips on things to look for in king size bed pillows.
Know Your Mattress Size
Before you buy a king size pillow, make sure that it is compatible with the size of your mattress. A king, California king, or queen size mattress is typically large enough for two king size pillows side-by-side. On a smaller bed, some people use a single king size pillow, or two pillows stacked against each other. Keep in mind that on a twin size mattress, a king size pillow leaves only about an inch of space on either side.
Loft and Firmness
It's important to look for king size bed pillows that have the right loft and firmness for your sleep style. Loft or height ranges from low to high, with the following typical thicknesses:
- High loft: 5” to 6" or more
- Medium loft: 3 to 5"
- Low loft: Less than 3"
The specific loft measurement can vary among king size pillow brands. The ideal pillow loft will keep the neck at a 30-degree angle.
Firmness is another important consideration when searching for king size pillows. Some pillows have a soft, plush feel that lets your head and neck sink deeply into the pillow. Firmer pillows let your head and neck rest on top of the pillow. We review top-rated king size pillows online that have a range of lofts and firmness levels, so you are more likely to find what suits you. Quickly compare lofts and firmness for these pillows using the useful comparison table above.
Consider Your Usual Sleep Position and Body Type
A king size pillow can work for any sleep style or body type, whether large or small frame. Because of its long length, a king size pillow can be an especially good choice for larger-framed people who like to stretch out.
The length of a king size pillow provides plenty of room for side sleepers to turn from side to side. Side sleepers often prefer high loft, firmer pillows that relieve pressure and support the neck at an optimal angle. A back and stomach sleeper can enjoy a roomy, spacious king size pillow, as long as it has the right firmness and loft to maintain proper alignment. A low loft, plush king size pillow usually works best for stomach sleepers. Back sleepers often find that a medium loft, plush pillow relieves pressure in the neck and keeps the spine properly aligned.
Cooling Technologies
Some pillow materials - especially traditional memory foam - tend to retain body heat, which can lead to waking up hot and sweaty. If you're a "hot sleeper," look for king size pillows made with cooling technologies. These cooling features can be as advanced as gel-infused memory foam or as simple as a breathable, moisture-wicking cotton cover. Down or down alternative pillows have air pockets that allow air circulation to carry heat away from the king size pillow. Some memory foams are perforated to enhance breathability.
Fill Volume/Fill Weight of the King Size Pillow
A properly filled king size pillow should maintain a uniform height across the pillow. As king size pillows are larger than standard, they need more filling to maintain their shape and support. Otherwise, a pillow doesn’t have enough fill, it can “pancake” or sink in the center, compressing under the weight of your head and shoulders while the edges remain higher. That can lead to poor alignment of the head, neck, and shoulders, creating discomfort that interferes with sleep.
To prevent this issue, some people prefer king size pillows with adjustable fill that you can add or remove to suit your sleep style and personal preference. That can be especially helpful for side sleepers who need a higher loft and, therefore, more fill volume for proper alignment.
The material of the pillow is also a factor. Memory foam offers firmer support and conforms to your shape, with denser foams requiring more volume to fill the larger size. Down pillows with a lighter fill weight may need higher volume to prevent flattening. Polyester pillows often need more weight to resist compression and keep their height over time.
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for King Size Bed Pillows
Searching for new king size pillows involves many other factors, from product safety to warranties. Below, we look at additional considerations to your search.
Third-Party Safety and Quality Certifications
Many of the best king size pillows are certified to meet third-party safety and quality standards. For example, CertiPUR-US® certification means that a memory foam pillow is certified free of certain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Similarly, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification ensures that textiles, such as fabric used in pillow covers, meet strict standards to help safeguard against harmful substances.
At-Home Trials and Manufacturer Warranties
Even the best king size pillows aren't right for everyone. Fortunately, many king size pillows come with sleep trials that typically give you 30 to 60 days to make a final purchase decision. With an at-home trial, you can literally sleep on it and take your time deciding if your new king size pillow is right for you. In the unlikely case you’re not fully satisfied, you may return it within the trial period for a refund, based on the related policy guidelines.
Another important thing to look for is a manufacturer’s warranty. Most companies offer a warranty with a new pillow, which usually covers manufacturer and material defects for 1 to 5 years. If your king size pillow has defects covered by the warranty, the company will usually repair or replace it, as per the relevant policy. Always read warranty terms before buying a new pillow.
What Types of King Size Pillows Can I Choose From?
There are many types of king size pillows on the market, including memory foam and down alternatives. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of king size bed pillows.
Memory Foam
Memory foam offers a balance of comfort and support for the head and neck. Available in solid block or shredded form, memory foam contours to the body's shape and cradles the head and neck. As it conforms to your shape, it relieves pressure and helps keep the spine properly aligned. Solid block memory foam is often firmer and more supportive than shredded foam. After unboxing, memory foam can emit a slight odor or "off-gassing" that generally dissipates within a short time in a well-ventilated space.
If you tend to sleep hot, keep in mind that traditional memory foam retains body heat as it conforms. Newer, more advanced foams often have cooling technologies to prevent you from waking up in a sweat. Examples include gel- or graphite-infused foams and breathable, perforated foams that permit air circulation. Shredded memory foam is another breathable material that lets airflow regulate temperature.
Down and Down Alternative
Down-filled king size pillows are made with the ultra-soft inner lining of feathers from ducks or geese. Due to the plush texture, down-filled pillows offer luxurious cushioning that lets you sink into the pillow. It can add to the luxurious feel of a spacious, king size pillow. Down is a breathable material that helps keep the pillow cool.
If down and feathers trigger sneezing and sniffling, consider a down alternative king size pillow. Made from materials such as microdenier fibers, down alternatives typically offer the plush feel of a down pillow without the allergens. It's also a popular choice among people who prefer not to buy products made with animal-derived materials.
Natural Latex
Natural latex is a highly renewable resource that is made from rubber tree sap. Latex foam is a naturally breathable, responsive material that offers support and cushioning in a king size pillow. It's an eco-friendly material that you may want to consider if you prefer to buy sustainably made products. It may, however, trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to latex.
How Do I Find the Best King Size Pillow?
We know how time-consuming and overwhelming it can be to open multiple websites to search for the best king size pillow. We strive to make the search easier for you. Our team has researched selected king size pillow brands, and we post all our reviews on this website. Here, you’ll find a one-stop website for reviews, recommendations, and comparison of top king size pillows. Higher up on this page, find a brand that interests you and click to read our reviews. Also, use our comparison table to quickly compare features of king size pillows.
Our reviews make it easier to find the right pillow for you online; you can shop online at any time, in the privacy of your home. Be sure to check for online-only discounts that some companies offer. You don’t have to deal with high-pressure sales or travel to multiple stores. After ordering your king size pillow, you only have to wait for it to arrive at your door.
Why Shop Online for Top-Rated King Size Pillows?
Looking online for king size pillows is convenient and can even save you money. Shop from home, at your leisure, whenever is a convenient time for you. There are no store hours to work your schedule around to shop; all you need is an internet connection. You also won’t feel pressured to make a hasty decision because a salesperson is looking over your shoulder in the store.
Regarding saving money, top-rated king size pillows online may sometimes be available for less than in-store when you buy directly from the manufacturer, who typically has fewer operating costs than a brick-and-mortar store. These brands also occasionally have online-only specials, helping you save more.
You’ll also find a large variety of top-rated king size pillows online, differing by size, materials, firmness, and more. That includes the ones we list and compare above. You may even find pillows online in designs or made of materials that you cannot find locally.
FAQ
What are the Exact Dimensions of a King Size Pillow?
A standard US king size pillow is 20” by 36”. Two of these pillows are designed to fit two side-by-side across a standard US king size or California king size mattress without overlapping or hanging over the edge.
Do King Size Pillows Require Special Pillowcases?
To best accommodate your pillow, use a king size pillowcase for your king size pillow. A proper fit ensures the pillow won’t bunch up or slip, helping you get a more comfortable sleep. Plus, the pillowcase protects the pillow from spills or stains.
What does ‘Conforming’ Mean for King Size Pillows?
This feature refers to how a pillow adapts and molds to your head, neck, and shoulders, depending on your preferred sleep position. That can affect sleep quality by providing custom support and greater comfort. By reducing pressure on these sensitive areas, conforming king size pillows may prevent or ease stiffness upon waking for some sleepers.
Best King Size Pillows
Check our king size pillow reviews and see how our recommendations have helped thousands of customers search for the best king size pillows. We post detailed king size pillow 2026 reviews and comparisons. Find our best king size pillow reviews 2026 above. Our top picks are:
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow
TEMPUR-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow
Bear Pillow
