Pillow height? Here's how to choose the ideal one.

The height of the ideal pillow depends on the physical characteristics of the person (build, shoulder width, height, weight) and the position in which they usually sleep.

The choice of the pillow we sleep with, its characteristics and height, is very important for a regenerating rest and to prevent neck tension and muscle stiffening from forming which lead to neck pain and other physical problems.

A pillow of the right height allows relaxation and is the basis of the correct alignment of the head, neck and spine. In fact, a pillow that is too high leads to bending the head upwards, while a pillow that is too low leads to bending the head downwards, in both cases assuming an unnatural position that does not allow for a regenerating rest and actually causes tension.

Those who sleep with their arm under the pillow often do so because they do not have a correct sleeping system: the shoulder area is probably too rigid, due to the mattress and/or the base, and/or the pillow is not high enough to guarantee a sufficient support.

Those who sleep on their side will have to choose a pillow of medium or high height, capable of filling the space created between the shoulder and the neck and thus guaranteeing correct alignment and relaxation.

Those who sleep supine or prone will have to choose a pillow of medium or low height, in order to avoid misalignment of the head with respect to the neck and cervical vertebrae.

Here is in detail how to choose the ideal height of the cushion.

ideal cushion height

Cushion heights

Based on height, we can divide the cushions normally found on sale into low, medium and high.

low pillows, with a height between 6 and 9 cm: they are suitable for children or those who sleep on their stomachs up or down.

medium/low pillows, with a height of 10-11 cm: they are suitable for those with a small build or for those who sleep on their back, stomach up

cushions with a height of 12-13 cm: these are the most common and widespread cushions. This is an ideal height for most adults

high pillows, with a height greater than 14 cm: they are suitable for those who have particularly broad shoulders or are looking for significant support, have any breathing or reflux problems and sleep mainly on their side or back.

The tub pillow and the double cervical wave pillow have one side with a higher height (13-14 cm) and the other side lower (8-10 cm). We can position these pillows on both sides according to our needs, guaranteeing correct rest and relaxation whatever our physical characteristics and sleeping position.

The ideal height of Memory Foam pillows, if made with quality, high density and resilience memory foam, is 12-13 cm for most adults for soap-shaped pillows.