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King size pillows are generously sized to give individuals ample room to sleep comfortably across a wider portion of the bed than a standard-size pillow allows. However, while king size pillows all have about the same measurements (usually 20 by 36 inches), they offer a variety of firmness options, fill materials, cooling properties, and support levels for different sleeping positions.
This wide array of product types and features to consider can make it a challenge to select the ideal king size pillow for your specific needs and preferences. This guide can help you identify which features are most important to narrow your options and explore some of the top products on the market as you search for the best king size pillows for your bedroom.
- BEST OVERALL: Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Utopia Bedding Gusseted Pillow (2-Pack) Premium
- BEST DOWN: puredown Natural Goose Down Feather White Pillow
- BEST MEMORY FOAM: Coop Home Goods – Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
- BEST BAMBOO: Zen Bamboo Pillows, Set of 2
- BEST COOLING: WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
- BEST FOR NECK PAIN: UTTU Sandwich Pillow King Size, Memory Foam
- BEST FOR SIDE-SLEEPERS: Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow
- BEST FOR BACK-SLEEPERS: Royal Therapy King Memory Foam Pillow
- BEST FOR STOMACH-SLEEPERS: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory
What to Consider When Choosing the Best King Size Pillows
As mentioned above, there are quite a few features to consider when choosing the best king size pillows. Continue reading to learn more about what to look for as you shop, including the fill material, cover material, loft and density, firmness rating, and temperature-regulating capabilities. You’ll also want to consider your preferred sleeping position and if the pillow will offer the necessary neck support and spinal alignment based on that position.
Fill Material
The material used to fill a pillow will have a significant impact on the overall feel and the support it provides. There are numerous fill types from which to choose:
- Down: Down pillows use the inner feathers from geese or ducks as filling. These feathers are very soft and lightweight. This means down pillows are not as firm as most other options, so they are a better choice for individuals looking for a softer pillow. Down is not recommended for individuals with allergies.
- Memory foam: Memory foam pillows are very supportive and can help keep the spine in alignment during sleep since they conform to the shape of the head, neck, and shoulders. However, memory foam can trap heat, causing individuals to become too warm when they sleep.
- Shredded memory foam: Shredded memory foam is an alternative to a standard memory foam pillow. These pillows feature tiny pieces—or shreds—of foam that offer the conforming properties of memory foam while allowing more air to circulate for a cooler night’s sleep. Many shredded memory foam pillows also allow individuals to add or remove foam to customize the loft and amount of support the pillow offers.
- Latex: Latex is contouring, like memory foam, but it doesn’t retain heat the same way. Latex is also more responsive than a standard memory foam pillow, so it may be a better choice for individuals who move around as they sleep.
- Synthetic: Synthetic filling offers a hypoallergenic alternative to down pillows. These pillows are typically made from polyester and are often firmer than some other pillow types.
- Cotton or wool: Pillows with cotton or wool filling will likely be rather firm since they don’t compress like the above-mentioned materials. Since these pillows typically feature organic cotton or natural wool, they may be a good option for individuals who suffer from allergies, as these materials aren’t susceptible to mold or dust mites.
Cover Material
In addition to considering the material for the filling, think about the material used to create the cover. Cotton and bamboo are two of the most common materials for pillow covers. Cotton is a very breathable material that can absorb sweat to keep your body cooler during the night. It is also soft and comfortable.
Bamboo pillows feature a unique cover referred to as casing. This cover is made by processing bamboo pulp into a woven material. The material still retains some of the viscous properties of the bamboo pulp, creating a plush cover.
Since bamboo is a natural fiber, it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than some other materials. Bamboo is also antimicrobial; it can help keep bacteria from forming on a pillow’s surface to promote healthier sleep.
Loft and Density
Loft indicates the thickness of a pillow. It greatly impacts the amount of support a pillow offers and plays a big role in determining if a specific pillow will be a good fit for an individual’s preferred sleep position. Pillows typically fall into one of three categories related to loft: low loft (less than 3 inches thick), medium loft (3 to 5 inches thick), and high loft (more than 5 inches thick).
Density is closely related to firmness. High-density pillows will prevent an individual’s head from sinking too deep into the pillow, whereas pillows with a lower density will have more give and allow the head to sink in more. Individuals who need a more supportive pillow to relieve neck pain or shoulder tension should look for a denser pillow, as it will help keep the spine aligned.
Firmness Rating
The firmness of a pillow can range from very firm to very soft. Some pillow manufacturers will measure firmness using a five-point scale of firm, medium-firm, medium, medium-soft, and soft.
- Firm: Firm pillows provide the least amount of give and the most support for the neck, back, and shoulders of side-sleepers. Most back- and stomach-sleepers will find that a firm pillow does not offer enough contouring for comfortable sleep.
- Medium-firm: Medium-firm pillows are still firm, but they offer more cushioning than purely firm pillows. They can be a good choice for back-sleepers and some side-sleepers who need the support of a firm pillow but still want some contouring to their head, neck, and shoulders.
- Medium: Medium pillows are popular among individuals who change sleep positions throughout the night. They can offer adequate support for most sleepers.
- Medium-soft: Medium-soft pillows can be ideal for stomach-sleepers and some back-sleepers. They are not as supportive as firmer pillows and may be too soft for many back-sleepers, especially heavier individuals.
- Soft: Soft pillows are generally too soft for most side- and back-sleepers. However, many stomach-sleepers find that soft pillows are ideal for scrunching under their head while they sleep.
Sleeping Position
As we’ve alluded to in previous sections, your sleeping position can greatly impact which king size pillow will be best for you. The best pillows for side-sleepers are typically firm or extra firm. These pillows create more of an even surface to keep the neck and spine in alignment.
Back-sleepers generally sleep more comfortably with a medium or medium-firm pillow. These pillows offer sufficient support to keep the spine aligned, while also contouring to the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders for all-night comfort.
Stomach-sleepers require the softest pillows. A pillow that is too firm will elevate a stomach-sleeper’s head and neck too much and misalign the spine during sleep. Softer pillows, on the other hand, allow the head to sink into the pillow at an angle that keeps the spine aligned.
Some people don’t have a fixed sleeping position and may switch between two or three different positions overnight. In most cases, a medium pillow will be the most adaptive and comfortable option for these individuals.
Support and Spinal Alignment
Choosing a pillow that offers the proper amount of support will help to keep you comfortable overnight and reduce aches and pains in the morning. As mentioned above, different sleep positions require different amounts of support.
Side-sleepers require the greatest amount of support, followed by back-sleepers. Stomach-sleepers don’t require as much support. Memory foam and latex are materials that offer more support, while down pillows provide less support.
Keeping the neck and spine aligned during sleep is important, especially for individuals who suffer from back or neck pain. Selecting a pillow that offers the right firmness level for your sleep position can position the head at a comfortable angle to ensure the spine stays in alignment and reduce morning pain and stiffness.
Temperature Regulation
Finally, consider the temperature-regulating capabilities of the pillow, especially if you tend to become warm when you sleep. Cooling pillows often feature gel, graphite, copper, or phase-change materials that pull heat away from an individual’s head to keep them cooler as they sleep.
Cooling pillows also typically include a moisture-wicking cover made from either bamboo, cotton, or wool. These materials wick away sweat from an individual and also dry quickly to prevent the pillowcase from becoming wet from that sweat. Temperature-regulating pillows also use more breathable materials that allow for maximum airflow for a comfortable sleep.
Our Top Picks
While all the top picks offer quality materials and take into consideration the above-mentioned factors, they feature different fill materials, options for a variety of sleeping preferences, and a selection of price points. Read on to discover some of the best king size pillows available today for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Best Overall
Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
This set of two king size pillows from Beckham Luxury Linens features a design that makes them suitable for all types of sleepers. An OEKO-Tex certified plush gel fiber allows both pillows to offer stress-relieving support, regardless of whether individuals sleep on their side, back, or stomach.
These down-alternative pillows offer a no-shift design to prevent the fill from bunching or shifting, helping them maintain their shape for all-night comfort. To keep individuals cool and comfortable as they sleep, this set of pillows also features cooling technology paired with a breathable cotton cover.
The filling and cover are chemical- and allergen-free, making these hypoallergenic pillows an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. They are also stain- and fade-resistant to keep them looking new for many years to come. When necessary, simply toss them in a washing machine for easy cleaning.
Best Bang For The Buck
Utopia Bedding Gusseted Pillow (2-Pack) Premium
These versatile king size pillows from Utopia Bedding offer comfort and support for side-, back-, and stomach-sleepers at a fraction of the price. Each pillow features 1,200 grams of poly fiber filling to offer sufficient support; just shape the pillow by folding or flattening it to achieve the optimal position for a restful night’s sleep.
These gusseted pillows are designed to be breathable, allowing for optimal airflow to keep individuals cool as they sleep. They feature a colored strip of fabric around all four sides. In addition to enhancing the design, the double-stitched piping provides extra stability and durability.
Choose from black, dark gray, navy, blue, and plain white. Place the pillows in the sun or in the dryer with tennis balls to fluff them upon delivery and as needed after use. The manufacturer recommends spot cleaning or hand-washing the pillows with a mild detergent.
Best Down
puredown Natural Goose Down Feather White Pillow
With their 100 percent goose down filling, these king size pillows from puredown are an environmentally friendly and recyclable choice. The pillows are filled with a blend of 85 percent goose feather and 15 percent goose down that is lightweight and odorless.
All puredown products, including these pillows, are disinfected and certified by Oxipower, Twice as Nice and follow the Responsible Down Standard. The pillows feature a 100 percent double-layered cotton cover and inner layers of polyester peach skin that work together to ensure that feathers don’t poke through the cover and cause discomfort.
They mold to the shape of an individual’s head, neck, and shoulders to help keep the spine aligned and promote a comfortable night’s sleep, with the goose down filling providing medium-soft support.
Best Memory Foam
Coop Home Goods – Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Eden shredded memory foam king size pillow offers an adjustable design. Individuals can add or remove filling from the pillow until it reaches an ideal firmness level based on the preferred sleep position. The gusseted design gives this pillow more structure to provide edge-to-edge support.
The gel-infused shredded memory foam and microfiber filling are CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified. This chemical-free filling not only supports the head, neck, and shoulders, but the gel-infused design keeps heat from becoming trapped in the pillow so individuals can stay cool as they sleep.
A soft and breathable cover envelops the pillow; individuals can choose to sleep directly on this environmentally friendly, bamboo-derived blend Lulltra fabric or add their own pillowcase. The purchase includes an additional half-pound of filling to achieve an even higher loft.
Best Bamboo
Zen Bamboo Pillows, Set of 2
Side, stomach, and back sleepers may all enjoy these king size Zen Bamboo pillows. This affordable set of two pillows features a soft jacquard bamboo cover that offers breathability and promotes airflow to keep individuals from overheating when they sleep. A 100 percent poly gel fiber filling provides comfort and support, offering a down-like feel while still being a good choice for allergy sufferers.
To prevent bunching or shifting, these bamboo pillows also feature a no-shift design. They allow individuals to sleep through the night without waking up to adjust the pillow. The pillows are also fade- and stain-resistant and machine washable.
Best Cooling
WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
The Weekender ventilated gel memory foam king size pillow is an excellent option for individuals who tend to become too hot when they sleep. The memory foam is infused with a temperature-regulating gel to keep it cool, and the pillow features a ventilated design with Pincore technology that allows for sufficient airflow for further cooling benefits.
The CertiPUR-US certified memory foam contours to the shoulder, head, and neck to offer support and pressure relief. A removable cover protects the pillow and makes it easy for individuals to wash it when needed.
Best For Neck Pain
UTTU Sandwich Pillow King Size, Memory Foam
Individuals looking for the best pillow for neck pain should consider the UTTU Sandwich king size pillow. This ergonomically designed pillow features a dynamic UTTU foam that contours to the curve of the head and neck to offer sufficient support to keep the spine in alignment. Proper spine alignment helps the muscles relax to alleviate neck pain. Unlike other foam types, the UTTU foam is able to retain a consistent firmness level in a variety of temperatures.
The pillow features a unique adjustable height design to allow back-, stomach-, and side-sleepers to customize the loft to the desired thickness. One side of the pillow is slightly taller than the other with a height of 4.7 inches, compared to 3.9 inches on the other side.
A middle layer is removable and will decrease the height of each side to 3.9 inches and 2.8 inches, respectively. A polyester/bamboo viscose blend cover encases the pillow to keep individuals cool overnight. The cover is removable and machine washable.
Best For Side-Sleepers
Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow
This king size pillow from Milemont features CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. The high-density foam offers optimal levels of support to help ensure the spine and neck stay in alignment, keeping individuals comfortable while they sleep and reducing back or neck pain the following day. The memory foam also features special air cell technology and a breathable inner cover to prevent individuals from overheating during sleep.
The pillow features two thicknesses to allow side-, stomach-, and back-sleepers to find their most comfortable and supported position. The taller end of the pillow is 4.7 inches in height, ideal for side-sleepers to find the right balance of comfort and support. The other end is slightly shorter at 4 inches tall to provide the right support and alignment for back-sleepers. Stomach-sleepers may find sleeping in the middle of the pillow is the optimal position to keep their spine aligned.
Best For Back-Sleepers
Royal Therapy King Memory Foam Pillow
The Royal Therapy king size pillow features a shredded memory foam filling that contours to the head and neck while filling in the gap between a back-sleeper’s neck and the mattress. This design keeps back-sleepers in an ideal position in which the neck and spine are aligned to promote supported and comfortable sleep. With the spine in proper alignment, many back-sleepers may also find that their airway is more open and breathing is easier.
The firmness of this pillow is adjustable. Simply remove or insert additional shredded memory foam to achieve the ideal firmness level. The memory foam is also very responsive, and once pressure is taken off the pillow, it will return to its original shape. The included bamboo-derived rayon cover is hypoallergenic, odor-free, and helps dissipate heat to prevent individuals from overheating.
Best For Stomach-Sleepers
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory
Stomach-sleepers will appreciate the adjustable design of the Snuggle-Pedic bamboo king size pillow. The pillow unzips so individuals can add or remove the GREENGUARD Gold certified shredded memory foam filling to adjust it to their ideal firmness level. Since many stomach-sleepers often prefer a softer pillow with less loft, simply remove enough of the shredded memory foam to achieve an optimal level of comfort.
This pillow also features Kool-Flow technology and a machine-washable bamboo cover. These features work together to keep individuals cool as they sleep by allowing for plenty of airflow. The adjustable design of this pillow also makes it a suitable choice for side- and back-sleepers.
FAQs About King Size Pillows
Selecting the best king size pillow is a big decision; your pillow is essential to your overall comfort while sleeping and even how you feel when you wake up. If you still have a few questions before making a final choice, check out some of the most frequently asked queries below.
Q. Can I get additional filling material to add to my pillows?
Depending on the design of your pillows, you may be able to add more filling. Some pillows have a zipper that allows easy access to add (or remove) filling. Many pillow manufacturers offer additional filling either with the pillow or as a separate purchase. You can also find shredded memory foam, polyester fiberfill, down feathers, or other filling materials for purchase online.
Q. How do I machine wash my pillow?
Before washing a pillow in a washing machine, check the manufacturer’s care directions as some pillows are not machine washable. If the pillow can safely go in the washing machine, use a gentle cycle with warm water. When drying a pillow, either let it air dry or use a low-heat setting on the dryer. Place a few dryer balls or tennis balls in with the pillow to fluff it up as it dries.
Q. What’s the best type of pillow for people who have allergies?
This option from Beckham Luxury Linens is a good choice for people who suffer with allergies, as these pillows are hypoallergenic, and the filling and cover are both chemical- and allergen-free.